Sliding barn-style closet door adds a rustic touch

A cousin tiled the gas fireplace, using tile left over from another job. Most pieces in the condo have a story, something the couple loves.

A large solid-wood desk found online was the first teaching desk used by the principal of Lochside Elementary School. “He was heartbroken to give it up, so we’re happy to give it a second life,” Mike said.

Ashley grew up riding horses and loving barns and all things to do with them.

The couple were stymied as to what to use for a sliding door for their walk-in closet, until they saw an ad for sliding barn doors. Langford craftsman Colby Boldt made a sliding door out of pine that reflects the couple’s esthetic perfectly. “It’s a real signature piece. We love it,” Ashley said.

As for animals being allowed in the condo, the couple have put that to good use. They now have a Husky puppy named Hilo, after the Hawaiian town where they were engaged last fall.

“Hilo matches the base colour pallet of grey and white, so her shedding Husky fur is less noticeable,” said Ashley with a laugh. “And she hasn’t chewed up anything, so my parents are happy. They were a little skeptical of a dog living in the new condo.”

All Hilo’s accessories match the rustic/urban décor that the couple loves. Her bed and toybox are stained-and-distressed crates.

Ashley’s appreciation of all things previously loved extends to her wedding dress, which she found secondhand, just like all the furniture in the condo.

They hope to buy a house in about five years if things go well, and will take what they’ve learned from redoing the condo with them.

“We learned a lot,” Ashley said. “We’d definitely be open now to doing a renovation. And we’ve learned that it doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars to furnish a home. I think that is a lesson we will always live by.”

She has already picked up a dining-room set for their future house.

As for Ashley’s parents, they’re thrilled. “If you can get into the market and your kids can pay the mortgage, it keeps the investment within the family,” Cheryl said. “If you’re willing to do a renovation to stay on budget, then you can get a ‘new’ condo without the new price.”

The work was positive for all, Ashley said. “My parents were looking for an investment property and we were looking for a home, and we’ve got that.”

The condo’s small balcony is just right for a table and a spot for puppy Hilo to watch the world go by.

The kitchen was done in a day by Ikan Kitchen Installations. The condo has a calm white and grey colour scheme throughout.

The headboard and sliding door reflect Ashley’s love of all things rustic. She has been riding horses and hanging out at barns since she was a child.

Below: A combination chalkboard and bulletin board is one of Ashley’s DIY projects.

One of the attractions of the condo building was that it allows pets, such as Ashley and Mike’s new husky puppy, Hilo.