Who doesn’t love a great before and after renovation story? In this one, after sending their kids off to university, our clients were more than ready to revamp their Port Coquitlam home to better fit their change in lifestyle.
The newfound freedom on the home front meant they could tailor their living space to suit their needs – not the kids’ – incorporating sophisticated finishes and little luxuries. Besides an improved work-from-home space, they sought a spa-like ensuite bathroom and a brighter, contemporary open concept living space for entertaining.
Patchwork to Neutral Palette
Our first goal: create a cohesive-looking colour scheme for continuity and flow. Multiple paint colours and flooring types in each room made the home feel choppy and confined. Our clients were also keen to swap out the dark wood floors for a lighter look.
We achieve a harmonious look by installing luxury vinyl plank in Dover, a light to medium grey, throughout the home (except bathrooms) and painting all other surfaces white. The walls are coated in Benjamin Moore Silver Satin, a warm white with a grey undertone, while ceilings, trim and baseboards are Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. Accent colours include soft earth tones and small hits of black.
From end to end, the colour scheme is a calming neutral palette which instantly brightens the home. In addition, it sets the tone for the rest of the interior update.
Cramped to Expansive Kitchen
The original U-shaped kitchen felt cramped and enclosed with ceiling-hung cabinets interfering with sightlines to the adjacent family room. The dining area was tucked into a space flanked by two doorways into the kitchen. Our goal was clear: make the kitchen modern, bright and open, and more gracious for entertaining.
To gain a spacious open-concept kitchen, we removed one of the dining area walls which held the living room fireplace on the other side (shown above the “Patchwork to Neutral Palette”). Taking down this wall would completely open up the living space. The fireplace wouldn’t be a big loss—it was awkwardly placed and there was a second fireplace in the family room. However, the hot water vent would need relocating. Our team rerouted it, making room for the vent in the pantry wall.
Without this wall and doorway, the kitchen and dining areas immediately become expansive, accommodating a large dining island and a walk-in pantry (the door is visible on the right above). The layout is a more efficient L-shape with added counter space and storage.
Now a crisp white, the kitchen features bright surfaces, modern fixtures, and a sophisticated dining environment. Designated spots for recycling, herbs & spices, cookware, and beverages, establish more functionality while keeping the space organized.
The finishes include:
- Silestone Eternal Statuario (quartz) polished 3cm countertops
- Subway Lab Peak Ice White Gloss glazed ceramic tile 3×6
- 1” Shaker profile cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
- Kitchen island cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore Asphalt
- Concrete gray undermount sink
- Matte black faucet and pulls
It’s hard to believe how small the previous kitchen was prior to this renovation! There’s now plenty of room for entertaining at the island and the homeowners are able to easily converse with guests in the adjoining family and living rooms.
Modernized Fireplace
In removing the U-shaped kitchen countertop, one end of the kitchen openly connects with the adjacent family room. The NOVERO team rebuilt the original fireplace to become the room’s focal point, opting for a sleek contemporary look that’s still cozy.
Keeping it cohesive with the modern decor style, our interior designer chose an asymmetrical design in warm tones. A stained oak mantel and oversized 16×48 earthy matte tiles frame the minimalist Marquis Skyline gas fireplace.
Organic Modern Bathroom
The ensuite bathroom had served its time in a confusion of colours and a tiny corner shower. While the double vanity was spacious, its mottled brown laminate countertop was undoubtedly dated. The homeowners wanted a serene spa-like retreat that boasted both a freestanding tub and a sizable shower.
Their dream bathroom was realized through an organic palette, warm textures, a walk-in shower, and elegant fixtures. We optimize the existing floorplan with a freestanding tub, making room for the luxurious shower featuring a Brizzo shower kit, bench, and linear drain.
The custom-built oak vanity and matching medicine cabinets provide extra storage. Metaline 12×24 matte porcelain tiles flow from the floor up the shower wall for a continuous and more restful look. Now complete with serene beige, tan, and white, this bathroom feels spacious and provides a daily retreat.
Striking Staircase
The main staircase leads you from the front door to the main floor. The old oak styling and plush carpet were ready to be retired.
After replacing the flooring throughout the home – including the stairs – we modernize the staircase with a new black balustrade. The streamlined metal spindles and flat handrail contrast elegantly with the grey floors, making a striking statement in the home’s entry. This moment now perfectly sets the scene for the upstairs of the updated home.
View the Oxford Heights Revamp in our project gallery to see more photos from this renovation.