Urban Retreat

Article by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Joshua Lawrence.

When Creative Spaciz founder and principal designer Tracey Lamoureux set out to design her own home, she wanted to create what she calls “a rural getaway in the heart of the city.” With clean, modern lines, multi-functional spaces and clever use of millwork for maximum storage, Lamoureux’s light-filled home embraces natural elements that blend with its surroundings for a true urban retreat.

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At the heart of this home’s appeal is the unexpected take on ordinary spaces, such as the hidden laundry area tucked behind the kitchen, allowing the space to double as a bar and buffet with sliding window access to the outdoor living space. Every square foot of the house is cleverly functional, including the home office and pantry, which are integrated into hallways filled with natural light from a north-facing circular window.

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Throughout the home, Lamoureux elevates natural materials like glass, stone and wood to works of art through meticulous installation. No matter where the eye rests, there is interest and surprise. Intricate flooring finishes waterfall down the staircase, and complex millwork, designed by business partner Carley Petillion, provides storage solutions in visually stunning finishes. The fireplace maintains a modern look through hidden firewood storage and a guillotine fire screen, while sleek glass panels framing the staircase complement tile work that extends from hearth to stairs. Together, these features create a gallery setting for Lamoureux’s collection of hand-carved masks.

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One of Lamoureux’s favourite rooms is the master bathroom, which seamlessly incorporates a dressing lounge and walk-in closet, a trend she says is catching on fast in Victoria. “Having these areas together in one room is a lifestyle improvement, since you no longer have to walk back and forth between different areas of the bedroom,” she says. This open design creates an elegant area that feels spacious despite its limited floor space.

As an industry professional, Lamoureux’s focus is to provide fresh perspectives that stand out from traditional home design. “Why hire a designer to create something predictable?” she says. “A home needs to be distinctive, and a design needs to be creative and unique — as unique as our clients are.”