Article by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Tony Colangelo.
In a picturesque neighbourhood, just steps from a beautiful sandy bay, a family of three (with one on the way) teamed with Jenny Martin Design to transform a 1953 beach bungalow from dated and drab to modern and airy with a fresh midcentury mod makeover. After researching interior designers online, the homeowners were drawn to Martin’s work and felt like they were a great fit after their first meeting. In classic renovation fashion, what began as a kitchen transformation and paint project evolved into a full gut and reno on two levels. Together with Rob Sharples Construction, Jenny Martin and Samantha Ritchie created 3,026-square-feet of livability where midcentury inspiration meets a relaxed coastal vibe.
“Our inspiration for the design came from the clients themselves — a hip family with a keen eye for midcentury design combined with their natural surroundings and lively Cadboro Bay neighbourhood,” states Martin.
As always, budget played a key role and with young children, Martin wanted to keep things low maintenance, bright and fresh. A Mercer light fixture above the dining table delineates the area and mimics the clean lines of the room. The couple wanted to maintain their wood burning fireplace, so an insert was added for functionality and stylish minimalism. Porcelain tile in Germane Grey adorns the hearth. Dining set is original from owner’s childhood home.
The design brief was straightforward: “white, wood, and windows,” says the owner. With a penchant for uncluttered spaces where function beats form, the couple requested a Scandinavian style – simple, calm and clean, yet warm and inviting at the same time. The kitchen cabinetry is a mix of high gloss acrylic doors (Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace paint) accented with an engineered rift cut white oak veneer. Martin notes that “the intent was to create a 3-D effect by leaving open areas in the cabinets for stacking dishes.”
To keep the profile sleek, an induction cooktop, wall oven and microwave combo maintain a streamlined look. The double bowl farmhouse sink and waterfall butcher block island bring an inviting homey feel.
Tekla pendant lights in satin nickel keep the kitchen light and airy. For a boost to functionality, Martin included a technology charging station under the island, an additional pantry roll-out beside the refrigerator, a chalkboard and a sliding barn door pantry off the kitchen for additional storage.
Created from a slab of honed Calacatta tile, “the backsplash idea was to avoid grout lines and allow the natural veining to move through the piece uninterrupted in order to create a beautiful work of art.” Polished Pental Quartz was used for the countertops for a clean modern feel.
“Barn doors create divisions between spaces that require privacy and act as stand out pieces when open,” adds Martin. Pearl pendant light with white interwoven fiber strands replace the DIY bejeweled chandelier to preserve the midcentury mod look.
Downstairs enjoys an efficient use of space with three bedrooms, a rec room, laundry with mud room, additional storage and bathroom. Natural brushed oak flooring throughout embraces the home’s coastal location.
For a relaxed midcentury vibe, the owners chose a Modernica Bubble Lamp for the main floor master bedroom. Polished Quartz countertops in cascade white pair beautifully with the oak vanity.
“We wanted to create an open concept that would be homey, but that would also comfortably accommodate our extended family for gatherings. When friends and family visit they comment that the space feels like ‘us’ – that the style and finishes are what they would expect us to have picked. We couldn’t be happier with the design.”
