RUSTIC RENAISSANCE

A lover of all things vintage creates a roomy kitchen with farmhouse flair.

A lover of all things vintage designs a roomy kitchen with French farmhouse flair

Collecting vintage pieces is a passion for homeowner Christine Murphy. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Mississauga, Ont., abode she purchased 20 years ago is a designated heritage home. Built circa 1860, it had a feature commonly found in older houses: a disjointed layout reined in most of the house, including the kitchen. Seeking a functional spacious cooking and eating area for themselves and their two children, Christine and her husband, Steve, decided to relocate the kitchen to an area at the rear of the home.

Originally built as stables, the unheated zone needed some serious work, but also offered a blank slate for Christine to showcase her style. Keeping the home’s 19th-century provenance in mind, she used reclaimed wood flooring, added retro-look appliances and displayed cherished vintage and global finds. “We love the extra space this renovation has provided us,” says Christine. “And I’m so happy to have my collectibles in view.” Comfortable and casual, character-filled yet calm, the new kitchen proves that chic doesn’t have to be sleek. Here’s how she did it.

FOR SOURCES, SEE OUR WORKBOOK Chantilly Lace OC-65 WALL PAINT, Benjamin Moore; COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASH SLABS, Caesarstone Canada; REFRIGERATOR, RANGE, Tasco Appliances; SINK, Taps Bath Centre; RUNNER, marble BOWL, TEA TOWELS (throughout), Elte; SOAP, Belle de Provence.