Article by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Joshua Lawrence with the exception of the “before” photo, taken by Jody Beck.
Relocating to Victoria after selling a dental practice in Toronto, this Ontario family found a spacious, late 1980’s, split-level house on a lush cul-de-sac in Broadmead. The size of the home was perfect but it was dark, dated, and desperate for an update. As an adaptation of the rancher style, split-level homes emerged as a shift in the perception of space in the post-war building boom of the mid-century. They were considered innovative, not only for their asymmetrical curb-side appeal, but for their use of space which maximized square-footage without requiring a larger lot.
Often preferred by larger families for their cluster of bedrooms on the top floor, spacious main floor including a great room, kitchen, and dining area, split-levels often boast the beloved “rumpus room” for media rooms and eventual teenager retreats. Nick Kay and his team from Goodison Construction completely gutted this structurally-sound house and paved the way for a family home blending both traditional and contemporary elements. “It was great to have Lorin Turner at Zebra Group design the renovation prior to starting the construction; the materials were all specified in advance making the process that much more efficient,” says Kay.
Indicative of the 1980’s, the original fireplace was big, drafty, and adorned with massive rocks. Kay happily chipped off the rock and installed a stylish gas insert fireplace. The surround was done in a quartz slab for a warm, contemporary look. With three fireplaces in the house, Kay wanted to create a focal point in the great room by enhancing the wall above the quartz with stained oak flooring. Resistant to moisture and humidity, wide-plank, engineered, oak hardwood on the floors provides stability particularly for our damp west coast winters. Most of the family’s furniture was repurposed from their original home in Toronto.
Increasingly popular for countertops, quartz is the most durable stone, is nearly scratch-resistant, and does not need to be continuously re-sealed. Built by Jason Good Custom Cabinetry, the white banquette is a welcoming feature adding extra seating space, storage, and style to this bright and airy kitchen.
Making their debut in New York City’s subterranean train stations in the early 1900s, white subway tile on the entire backsplash is practical and creates a bright, contemporary look. White cabinets paired with white subway tile reflect the natural light from the kitchen window and offers an inviting, spacious feel.
Sleek, polished nickel faucets add sparkle and shine to this warm and elegant bathroom. Heated floors and a luxurious soaker tub create a spa-like retreat at the end of the day. Dual vanities and ample cabinet storage add to the functionality of the bathroom.
The homeowner felt that the hallway in the basement was reminiscent of a long and dark hotel hallway. Instead of merely applying paint to brighten it, adding trim created a detailed feature wall. The result is an inviting hallway with warmth and character.
