Words by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Joshua Lawrence.
Moving into a new home can inspire its inhabitants to embrace an entirely new design aesthetic which is exactly what happened when this family sold their turn-of-the-century character home in James Bay and bought a 1980’s Saxe Point residence with panoramic ocean views. Trading drafty rooms and creaky floors for an airy coastal vibe, the couple turned to builder Tony Aindow of Goodison Construction and luxury interior designer Jenny Martin of Jenny Martin Design, who shares that it was their collective goal to create an enduring design that would serve as a restful retreat for their busy clients.
“The original kitchen was cramped with dated materials so we did a complete gut that included eliminating walls and an entire master bedroom to create a new open-plan kitchen,” says project manager, Lois-Leah Goodwin from Goodison Construction. “We are fortunate to work in a city where we get to design primary residences that feel like vacation homes, often centred around breathtaking ocean views,” says Martin, who supported the sun-drenched main floor with subtle muted finishes like Organic White Caesarstone countertops and Sea Pearl white walls by Benjamin Moore.
According to the designer, it’s important to strike a balance when working with repetition and contrast in a design. In this kitchen, the warm white oak accents play off the low lustre finish on the white cabinetry while drawing your eye to the display niche in the island.
“The white oak features add warmth while maximizing storage opportunities over the window,” says Martin, who highlights that the family fell in love with the idea of a custom-built banquette for more casual dining rather than seating at the island. Without stools, you can double the island’s storage capacity and shift your family’s routine from rushed meals to a more relaxed dining experience. Moroccan-inspired white metal pendants over the island add visual appeal.
“The home was truly a diamond in the rough,” says Martin, who emphasizes that their success with custom waterfront properties has been the work of her technical and creative team, in this case, Brendene Gans and Alia Marshall. Informed by the home’s oceanfront setting, the dwelling has gained a new lease on life as a laid back West Coast sanctuary for relaxed family life.
