MINIMALIST MAKEOVER
Stylish simplicity in Centretown reno
Centretown is filled with an eclectic mix of older and modern highrises, heritage homes and triplexes. Many of the older homes feature closed-off layouts, small square footage and traditional details. They’re often advertised as a renovator’s dream or a space with a lot of potential. Unfortunately, while these homes have their charms, homeowners can inherit a mountain of problems if they’re not careful.
One couple facing an outdated space is a pair of mathematicians living on O’Connor Street in downtown Ottawa. The home’s previous owners had added a two-storey addition in the 1980s to increase the square footage but it had created several awkward spaces without any right angles. The entire house was also crooked.
The home, as it was, lacked cohesion and functionality. There were design elements such as a large wood-burning fireplace, awkwardly-placed windows and poor colour schemes that did not fit the home’s style or scale. Many of the rooms were dark and uncomfortable and the layout didn’t flow.
The homeowners were looking to transform the house into a space they admired. They wanted a design that favoured minimalism and incorporated multi-purpose elements such as built-ins and half-walls that would add storage without interfering with sightlines. They hired Amsted Design Build to create their minimalist abode.
Amsted started by stripping the home and levelling the ceilings, floors and doors. The homeowners wanted their main access point to be at the rear entrance. After replacing an existing window with a french door and adding a half-wall to divide the space from the playroom, a new mud room was born. Adorned with custom white-panel closets, it embraced the simplicity and function that the homeowners wanted.
The existing kitchen didn’t suit the house or the homeowners’ style. While it had a lot of cupboard and counter space, it didn’t use the space efficiently.
The style was redesigned to be contemporary with a nod to minimalism; there is no piece of furniture or storage that goes unused. The new cabinetry is simple and bright, floating shelves draw the eye and match the birch floors and the simple subway tiles are paired with dark grout to add a touch of personality.
Upstairs, the master bedroom has been relocated with its walkin closet repurposed into a laundry room and ensuite. Amsted took advantage of the high ceilings for built-in closets to replace the walkin closet and added a mini-office to the space.
The homeowners’ consistent use of white, black and red carries throughout the home, with funky light fixtures and warm birch floors and accents catching your attention along the way. The red doors invite you to explore each nook and cranny.
“From start to finish, our experience renovating our house with Amsted was a positive one. We particularly appreciated Amsted’s willingness to accommodate our budget and restricted timeline, the timely completion of our project and their very thorough deficiencies/followup service. Every single Amsted employee we have dealt with has been professional, personable and extremely competent,” said the homeowners. They add, “We’ve had many compliments on the work done in our house and recommend Amsted to our friends and neighbours.”