Ascending Craft
This Mount Royal renovation embraces authenticity with stylistic integrity.
Ever so elegant, this extraordinary update exhibits how traditionalism can capture today’s lifestyle with fluidity and grace. Featuring innovative amenities and exemplary craftsmanship within a deluxe design, this residence exhibits the collaborative talents of a winning team.
Excited by the prospect of discovery, the homeowners were poised and prepared with a creative team who shared a vision. Desiring to downsize, they liked Mount Royal and while the ‘70s-styled home held possibilities, what caught their attention was privacy and a treed, corner lot. “What I was first attracted to was the front walk up to the house. I saw the potential as it reminded me of an Italian Chateau with all that brick,” muses the homeowner.
Behind many a successful renovation can be found a hardworking realtor with a finely honed wish list. “Working for family is a little more delicate, but it also has the advantage of truly knowing what they really want,” says Tania Grassi, an associate with Charles Real Estate. I saw the house and knew instantly. It was the right area and the right lot and I showed it to my mother the same day.”
Understanding that the scale and detail required of the renovation was going to present a challenge, Tania explains, “The feel was lovely, even originally. That said there was little compromise on finishes or features. The master craftsman
ship was carried through on all levels, which of course strengthens value.” Born and raised in Calgary, Tania is well acquainted with all aspects of the real estate market, serving new homebuyers to luxury seekers within her breadth of expertise. “They waited years to find the right home, and ultimately, we did.”
Keenly assessing the virtues of the structure, the owner expressed love at first sight of the curved staircase. “I knew I could work with such good bones and wanted to recreate a chateau feel with wrought iron embellishments,” recalls the homeowner. The preservation of the ironwork, crown mouldings, fireplace, and exterior brick was also a priority and Smith Bros. Floors refurbished the staircase with a light, well-crafted touch. All seals, locks, and hardware were also replaced to bring all operable windows to their original glory.
Maxime Chin of MC Designs & Interiors and builder Jules Evers of Matchless YYC often teamed together on several successful projects in Eau Claire, which is where they met Tania Grassi who was impressed by the calibre of renovations that the team routinely delivered.
“I do a lot of renovations in Eau Claire, transforming outdated suites to make them appear larger and more modern” shares Jules Evers of Matchless YYC where client satisfaction is clearly a top priority. “That includes the unit that recently resold for the highest dollar value per square-foot in the entire building,”
“The home had a classic feel with high quality materials throughout and we wanted to preserve what was timeless,” admits Maxime, adding that the owners wanted to capture updated traditional styling. “Unchecked, Traditionalism can lean towards cluttered and dated interiors. Our new approach introduced a brighter palette and contemporary laser-cut elements in the millwork, and antiqued mirror inlays found throughout the décor.”
Implementing this process, Creative Innovations supplied the extensive millwork, including the laser cut panel details on the mirrors and cabinetry and custom furniture pieces. “We are a custom millwork shop with over 25 years of experiences where everything we supply is original,” states Kelly Coghill of Creative Innovations. “We have the largest laser in the city that can accommodate up to 6,000 pounds—from drink coasters to a large stone monument.”
Fully renovated from top-to-bottom, the 5,000 square foot, two-storey layout with full attic was reworked to enhance an open floor plan that also included a new generous walk-in closet and freshly appointed master ensuite. The couple, now empty nesters, was ready to entertain. With cooking a passion, the kitchen was designed as a uniquely functional and inviting space where
A handsomely crafted walnut island contrasts beautifully with custom Shaker-style cabinetry in Chantilly Lace that is anchored on site-finished walnut hardwoods in a custom stain. Metal box drawers host BLUM soft close hardware and appliances are paneled for continuity of finish and flow. Polished nickel faucets and pulls add sparkle and shine amidst porcelain backsplash tile that surrounds a stainless steel hood fan with aged brass banding above complementary quartzite countertops. Custom mullions adorn both upper-cabinet and antiqued mirror wall features, which separate the main kitchen from the pasta kitchen with its own gliding wall entry.
family and friends could learn to make gnocchi. “My pasta room was a big ask, but being Italian it was also very important,” grins the homeowner.
“As a LEED Green Associate, my familiarity with energy efficient codes and building practices proved incredibly valuable in a large-scale renovation of an older home,” states Maxime who started her career as a mechanical engineer. She then began working with builders and branched out into the custom luxury home market. “Because of my engineering background, planning the layout and fluidity of the space is critical in the design process. I then add the design layers, such as surfaces, millwork, and textiles, which come naturally with a well conceived space.”
For over a decade, Matchless YYC has been earning a reputation as the builder of choice for unparalleled attention to detail and workmanship. “Maxime and I helped the client clarify the big picture,” says Jules Evers of a traditional design peppered with modern elements. “The exterior was classic in design with a dated interior and the idea was to brighten living spaces and carry some of those classic features inside.”
Following the original crown moulding, they re-created what should have been done back in the ‘70s. “Proper lighting helps interiors feel open and airy and also taller, and that’s where we