LABOUR OF LOVE

Perched on a hill in picturesque Paris, Ont., an 1883 house gets a redo for the ages.

Perched on a hill in picturesque Paris, Ont., an 1883 house gets a redo for the ages.

“We loved it the first time we laid eyes on it,” says Jen Dault, of the house she and husband Tom Dault transformed with old-fashioned elbow grease and a newfashioned take on going vintage. “We already had a passion for antiques, but we were living in a new-build, which wasn’t the best canvas for our pieces,” says Tom. When they saw the century-plus house, they knew they’d found home. Their collection of characterful pieces and efforts to preserve the original architecture imbued the place with history, mystery and moody style. This required persistence (walls were painted four times before the right grey was found), ingenuity (Tom painstakingly rewired antique light fixtures) and patience – which, they admit, was sometimes lacking. “I was so eager to get the kitchen done, I tried to take down the upper cabinets myself,” says Jen, laughing. “Well, I’m a small girl, so when the microwave cabinet fell off the wall, I couldn’t move it and ended up holding it in my arms for an hour until Tom got home!” In the end, it was worth it. “We wanted a home that was in tune with who we are,” says Tom. We like the sound – and look – of that!

Small Town Welcome

Scarlet the wonder-dog loves curling up on the secondhand wicker furniture on the front porch. We bet she takes the sofa and leaves the chairs for homeowners Jen and Tom Dault. An antique rocker suits the yesteryear feel of the wraparound veranda, as does the dresser, which doubles as storage. Evenings are warmed by cozy throws and the soft glow of lantern light. Flour sacks for the curtain and pillow covers add a country feel.

DRESSER, Objekts. WREATH, Home Depot. LANTERNS, Southwork’s Antiques. THROW, Bowles Hilltop Antiques. WHEAT

SHEAF, Tattered and Torn.