Before the renovation, the home was a dark character house, the exterior had a light grey-green hue in glass-dash stucco on the upper portion. The family loves to entertain, explore the outdoors, and wanted to grow as a family in the property, and avoid a teardown. The basement needed a complete rebuild with new foundation and slab, but the aim was to retain as much of the home’s character as possible.
Reclaiming the Charm – Whole Character House Renovation with Lift and Addition
Location
East Vancouver
SCOPE
House lift and complete renovation
SQFT
was 3200 sq ft, now 3400 sq ft with 9ft ceilings in basement
DESIGN STYLES
Vancouver character home, cedar craftsman, blend of old and new design on finished project
Before and After
THE OBJECTIVE
The goal was to maintain the charm of the house and its neighborhood while integrating modern elements for a growing, active family with a social lifestyle.
HOW IT WAS ACHIEVED
To balance modernity with tradition, the renovation included:
Modern Elements: Feature walls, distinctive light fixtures, glass wine cabinet doors, decorative doors, and bold patterns.
Traditional Charm: The staircase design and wood– windows and casing styles were preserved throughout the house with upgraded models to meet today’s code requirements. The kitchen retained a traditional feel with matching flooring and wood-stained window framing with a modern open plan, perfect for entertaining.
Functional Spaces: Larger spaces were created to accommodate the family’s active lifestyle. The basement features a pet shower and a large equipment stand-in shower that can accommodate a whole bike, as well as a workshop for repairs. The outdoor entertaining space includes a sunken patio for a hot tub, a covered deck, and open decks that connect directly to the kitchen and dining spaces.
The kitchen features a serving counter that extends to the outdoor deck, with bar top seating that seamlessly integrates interior wood trim detailing with the exterior patio and bbq area using detailed metal screens for added privacy.
KEY FEATURES
- Hide a Gate: A hidden gate adds both safety and style.
- Wine Room: A dedicated wine room with modern glass doors and displays.
- Basement Access: The basement has direct outdoor access, making it ideal for hosting guests.
- Kitchen Amenities: Includes a prep sink, glass rinser, instant hot water, and a wireless charging station integrated into the island end’s surface.
- Lighting: A staggered lighting fixture leads upstairs, serving as a focal point. The dining light, inspired by the silhouette of the West Coast mountains, includes crystals that illuminate, made from metal. The upper hallway features a metal plate that allows the light to flood out.
- Flexible Rec Space: The basement rec space can function as a gym or studio, with a bathroom/mudroom attached for easy access from the yard, hot tub, workshop, or gym.
- Powder Room: Dark walls and a black painted back door and plumbing fixtures create a dramatic effect, while wallpaper on the ceiling adds texture.
- Office: French doors in a standout blue open wide with Vu fold, allowing the space to be either private or open for ambiance. Lighting for art display.
- Basement Suite: Designed for guests, the suite includes a workspace, bedroom, and bathroom, perfect for extended stays.
- Master Suite: The master suite, located at the rear of the house to minimize noise, features block-out curtains for restful sleep. The closet has a swing door that allows one spouse to get ready without disturbing the other, with a magnetized, recessed door stop for a sleek look.
- Master Bath: The neutral master bath has calming darker colors and a makeup magnifying mirror attached to the wall.