Old world meets new world

for your consideration for publication

This main floor renovation is a heartfelt tribute to heritage, adventure, and the joy of togetherness. With Austrian roots on one side and farm-country traditions on the other, this young family of four sought to reimagine their home as a place where the past and present could seamlessly coexist. The result is a space that celebrates Old World charm while embracing the vibrancy of modern life – a perfect backdrop for their shared love of travel, mountain adventures, entertaining, and cooking.

The kitchen is at their home's center, a connection hub. Designed with hosting in mind, the oversized white oak dining table seats 12, inviting family and friends to gather for meals and memories. Surrounding this centrepiece is a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality: an expansive kitchen island that serves as a hub for casual breakfasts, homework sessions, or late-night snacks, and a coffee and wine bar positioned by a sunlit window, ideal for enjoying tranquil mornings or celebratory evenings.

The showstopper, however, is the kitchen range wall. A thoughtful combination of walnut cabinetry, louvered doors and an oversized Venetian plaster range hood sitting atop a cararra marble slab backsplash with ledge detail. Together the materials add a touch of understated luxury, blending warmth with sophistication. This palette flows into the white oak floors, grounding the home in natural beauty and creating a sense of cohesion that ties the space together.

The living area, anchored by a limestone wood-burning fireplace, is the soul of the home. Surrounded by custom shelves filled with vintage travel finds, cherished heirlooms, and beloved books, this room tells the story of the family’s adventures and values. The warmth of the fire, combined with thoughtfully arranged seating, creates a welcoming space for conversation, play, or quiet reflection.

Arched doorways, a nod to European architecture, lead to functional yet elegant spaces like the mudroom and laundry area designed to streamline daily life while maintaining the home’s timeless aesthetic. The soft curves of the arches infuse a sense of Old World grace into the home’s modern open layout.

Flooded with natural light, the space brims with warmth and personality. It’s a home that invites you to stay a little longer, to linger over a meal, to pull up a chair and play a board game. Every element, from the timeless materials to the thoughtful layout, reflects the homeowners love of the outdoors, travel, and vintage treasures. This is more than a home – it’s a gathering place, a refuge, and a reflection of a family that values tradition, adventure, and, above all, connection.

the project