Making an Entrance

The existing house was bold and unique, but years of weathering had taken their toll—and finding the front door was nearly impossible. Hidden around the side, uncovered, and interrupted by a parking space, the entrance offered little sense of arrival. Rather than simply updating the exterior, this renovation reimagined the home's approach. White stucco and panelling replace the weathered façade, while a red brick addition announces the new kitchen at the front of the house. A bold red steel canopy draws visitors directly to the entrance, with new landscaping, paving, and a tall planted garden reinforcing the path. Together with a green roof that softens the addition, the result is a home that feels welcoming, confident, and unmistakably easy to arrive at.

A series of carefully considered interventions transformed how the main floor functions without dramatically changing its layout. A modest addition made room for a larger kitchen that has become the heart of the home, with warm wood cabinetry, richly textured leathered quartzite, and a terracotta banquette tucked into the corner for everyday meals and long conversations. A generous island offers another place to gather, while a spacious new entry with built-in storage, cupboards, and cubbies replaces what was once a cramped arrival. The addition of a moody powder room completes the renovation, proving that thoughtful planning—not simply more square footage—can dramatically improve the way a home is lived in.