Heritage Classic: Victorian Redbrick Reimagined
Designed by Sarah Richardson & Natalie Hodgins
Photography by Valerie Wilcox
Exterior
This grand redbrick Victorian is a study in the two Rs: renovation and reincarnation. While the home boasted some glorious architectural details, like original fireplaces and staircases, it had gone through less-than-glorious renovations in the 1970s and '80s. By the time the current homeowners purchased the home, it was important to get the feeling just right by maintaining the character and infusing each space with a lighter, more streamlined direction. Many of the pieces in this home have lived a past life, so it's all about celebrating what you've got and reinterpreting it for a new beginning.
Entry & Powder Room
Make An Entrance!
Take your traditional interior and kick it up a notch by painting mouldings and millwork in a sophisticated shade of navy, charcoal or almost-black to create high contrast and eye-catching definition for an all over tailored look.
Home Office
Adventurous Design Idea:
When the inspiration brief is adventure! The backdrop for this home office and lounge is a group of exceptional African images shot up close and personal by my talented aunt and photographer, Kathy Richardson on her exotic adventures in Africa.
Dining Room
Master the Mix!
Collectable treasures, vintage furniture, contemporary wallpaper and bold fabric create a mix that feels fresh, new and now. The homeowner's travel photos are hung proudly above the sideboards to punctuate this regal yet well-loved and lived-in dining room!
Kitchen
The Design Mandate:
A chic space with hardy materials and style for miles! This traditional-meets-today kitchen blends craftsmanship with collected treasures and moody modern hues. It's also got an eight foot island, a breakfast nook, and French doors to the yard!
Breakfast Nook
Timeless Design Equation:
Vintage Persian rug + timeless Eero Saarinen table + dynamite RBW Studio light fixture (designed by my brother!) = just the right mix for weekend or anytime hangs in the kitchen.
Tip: If you're wondering whether or not to paint your window trim dark (*hint hint*), this article may just be the sign you're looking for! We happen to think it's a really good idea.
At-Home Work Zone:
Want a work zone in the comfort of your own home that doesn't scream "office" but instead blends in with its environment? Who says you can't take it with you? Good cabinetry can be moved an repurposed to suit your new digs. Once a custom home office in a previous house, this was refitted and reimagined as a kitchen work zone. Get work done and make delicious use of what you've got while you're at it!
Like the idea but don't have "extra cabinets"? You can make a great home office using in-stock components from a big box store and customizing them butcher block counters for a warm work surface.
Living Room
This or That!
Same sofa, different style statements - on opposite sides of the same living room! One is topped with contemporary art (artist: Ron Bolt) and the other is nestled into a bay window dressed with Roman shades in a painterly brushstroke print. Where are you sitting?
Style Mix:
This living room features a diverse collection of art and furnishings within a historic red brick Victorian. Proof positive that mixing styles by introducing only the items you love, can lead to totally cohesive results!
Tip: Build the palette for an entire room from the ground up. Start with a great rug and extract all the colours to achieve a unique awesome design.
Character on Display:
Treasures abound, this handsome inky-blue corner is a comfy-cozy spot for fireside reading. Collected pieces bring all the character!
Tip: Say yes to grasscloth-backed built-ins filled with books and souvenirs that add warmth and personality!
Principal Bedroom & Ensuite
Guest Bathroom
Laundry Room
Wash, dry, fold, repeat!
Tongue-and-groove paneling, a rug, and even a chandelier give this laundry room a decorated feeling that goes with the rest of the house. If space and budget allow, why not make every room awesome?
Exterior Sources: Benjamin Moore: exterior paint, Forest Green HC-187, front door paint, Ravishing Red 2008-10, porch floor, Chelsea Gray HC-168
Entryway Sources: Elte: stair running | RBW: sconces
Breakfast Nook Sources: Kravet: Roman blind fabric | Design Within Reach: table, chairs | RBW: chandelier | Saltillo: floor tile
Living Room Sources: Sarah Richardson Design: custom sofa, ottoman and upholstered chair | Memo: large pillow accent fabric | Design Within Reach: wood-framed chair, coffee table, stool | Kravet: sofa fabric, accent fabrics, upholstered chair fabric | Royal Antique Rug Gallery: rug | Ciot: fireplace marble | DiNuovo Granite & Marble Inc.: fireplace fabrication
Dining Room Sources: Sarah Richardson Design: custom dining chairs | Kathy Richardson: photography artwork | Schumacher: dining chair fabric | Kravet: drapery fabric, Christopher Farr wallpaper | Patina Antiques: dining table, console table | Bungalow 5: sideboard | Residential Lighting Studio: chandelier
Kitchen Sources: Sarah Richardson Design: counter stools | Saltillo: floor tile, backsplash | Upper Canada Specialty Hardware: cabinetry hardware | Residential Lighting Studio: pendant lights | Tasco Appliances: appliances | Vent-A-Hood: vent hood | Kravet: Roman blind fabric, Lee Jofa counter stool fabric | Taps Bath: sink, faucet
Laundry Room Sources: Tasco Appliances: washer, dryer | Taps Bath: Blanco sink, Rubinet faucet | Restoration Hardware: cabinet hardware | Saltillo: floor tile, backsplash
