Words by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Jody Beck.
On a verdant lot, surrounded by wide open fields of farmland with Mount Doug as a backdrop and ocean glimpses in the distance, this young couple built their 6100-square-foot dream home. Their goal was to create a family home with customized traditional detailing and high-end finishes. It was important to the couple to build a place for everything and everything in its place. Enter Harbour City Kitchens to customize this four bedroom, six bathroom home where the couple could establish order and organization while raising their kids, entertain on the weekends and relax as a family in their customized media room.
“We wanted a white kitchen that would feel classic and fresh and never date,” says the homeowner. Staying true to their timeless craftsmen aesthetic, the couple chose traditional cabinets for their kitchen in a solid raised panel with paint grade wood doors and an insert moulding for added detail. Harbour City Kitchens built plywood construction cabinets with maple dovetail drawers throughout the house, with the exception of the master closet that has walnut cabinet construction. Customized drawers in the kitchen include spice pull-outs, roll-out shelves and concealed garbage, recycling and compost units equipped with soft close hinges.
Thoughtfully curated architectural details define this kitchen with luxury countertops, neutral colour palette and understated adornments, such as the mullion-style glass accent doors that add a sense of country warmth. White quartz countertops paired with white quartz backsplash keep the kitchen aesthetically streamlined and are a nod to the home’s durable materials. The hardworking island seats four comfortably and includes ample workspace with an accompanying bar sink.
Benjamin Moore accent wall in ‘Silver Cloud’ brings a dash of colour in the monochromatic room. White oak engineered hardwood is rustic underfoot and ensures the floors are durable and will improve with age.
“Even before the house was framed, I had a vision for my powder room and bought an antique vanity with a marble top from Chemanius. I envisioned creating a powder room with wainscoting and wallpaper to really pop compared to the rest of the paint and drywall within the house. Unfortunately, the vanity’s marble top went missing and after getting the room framed and closer to completion, we decided it really didn’t suit the style of the house.
We searched wood part catalogs and agreed on a custom design that would emulate the antique vanity and become a standout piece. I had Colonial Countertops create a quartz countertop to mimic the marble on the antique vanity,” says the homeowner. Paired with damask wallpaper and wainscotting this powder room boasts an old world charm without straying too far from the home’s traditional leanings.
Elegance and function were given equal weight when planning this luxurious master ensuite. At the top of the couple’s wishlist was a bright an airy feel with dual-sink vanity, quality materials, ample storage space and tall cabinets for linens. Marble was installed for both the backsplash and flooring while the countertop and shower surround were adorned with quartz.
The spacious laundry room boasts plenty of sorting and folding room, a work sink and ample space for seasonal storage.
The owner adds that “for a timeless dressing room look, we chose walnut cabinet construction with walnut dovetail drawers.” The centre island in walnut and marble replaces the need for a dresser. Pullout laundry hampers keep the walk-in neat and tidy.
The couple wanted to build a media room with the dramatic atmosphere of a performance theatre and the comfort and sound of a movie theatre.” Walnut wood panel built-ins, with walnut trim keep the room cozy while soundproof fabric panels on the walls and ceiling dampen the media room’s acoustics.
