DELICIOUS DESIGN

With textural touches and layers of coziness and warmth, this light and bright family home in Surrey, B.C., serves up sophisticated style.

With textural touches and layers of warmth, this bright home serves up sophisticated style

Sometimes you discover a winning recipe but need to tweak it to make it your own. Such was the case when Amber and Matthew Stowe purchased their ’80s-built 2,900-square-foot home in Surrey, B.C. They were drawn to its Colonialstyle exterior, quiet neighbourhood and big backyard. Although the space was dark and dated, Matthew, a well-known chef, especially relished the chance to put his own stamp on the large eat-in kitchen.

As soon as they moved in, the couple gave the kitchen an extensive facelift, complete with a full suite of professional-grade appliances, new cabinetry, quartz countertops and a bright and kid-friendly eat-in area for themselves and their two boys, Gavin, 7, and Benjamin, 4. Once that space was fresh and functional, “it made every other room in the house feel even older,” says Amber. “The family room was 50 shades of beige, and the brown and beige theme ran

throughout the house.” Poor lighting contributed to the dark decor.

Rather than tackle the rest of the house in a piecemeal fashion, the couple hired designer Stephanie Giesbrecht of Stephanie Jean Design to overhaul it in one go. They had admired her bright, clean and classic style from afar and wanted the same look for their home. “The goal was for the whole house to be light and airy yet warm,” says Stephanie.

The biggest impact came when new wideplank light French oak flooring was laid throughout. For furnishings, the emphasis was placed on durable finishes that would stand up to the two boys and the family’s dog. Stephanie also introduced plenty of coziness to the monochromatic scheme with texture and pattern. All of this came together to create a welcoming and stylish home where family and friends gather to share special meals. It was a winning recipe indeed.

* * * * Homeowner Matthew Stowe, a winner of Top Chef Canada, loves entertaining at home in his newly appointed kitchen. White cabinetry, quartz countertops and simple white subway tiles keep the emphasis on the amazing food and company.

COUNTERTOPS, Caesarstone Canada; STOOLS, Serena & Lily.

OPPOSITE A distressed dresser brings warmth to the home’s otherwise bright white entryway. DESIGN, Stephanie Jean Design, stephaniejeandesign. com; Classic Grey OC-23 WALL PAINT (throughout), Simply White OC-117 TRIM PAINT (throughout), Benjamin Moore; FLOORING (throughout), Pravada Floors; DRESSER, Wisteria; LIGHT FIXTURE, TABLE LAMP, Visual Comfort & Co.; MIRROR, CB2; Muted Peonies ARTWORK, Dana Mooney; gold WREATH on stand, The Cross Decor & Design. ABOVE The fireplace in the living room was rebuilt with a classic white mantel and marble mosaic tile. COFFEE TABLE, Wisteria; custom DRAPERY, Stephanie Jean Design; RUG, RugsUSA. com; MIRROR, Serena & Lily.

* ABOVE The cream-toned * braided rug adds texture * and coziness in the family * room, where soft neutrals reign. Large potted plants bring in fresh colour. Custom SOFA, COFFEE TABLE, RUG & TOSS CUSHIONS, Stephanie Jean Design.

* RIGHT Sunlight bounces * around the family room, * which is now a bright and * welcoming space thanks to a lick of paint, new flooring and light finishes. Custom ARMCHAIRS & TOSS CUSHIONS, Stephanie Jean Design; STOOL, HomeSense; FLOOR LAMP, Visual Comfort & Co.