Decrepit Boarded-up Home Brought to Life in Kitchener
April 19, 2017
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JASON HARTOG
A DIY-loving family moved in to this 1909 home and gave it a makeover.
A version of this article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of OUR HOMES Region of Waterloo , p.20. Find local businesses in our Waterloo directory.
This 1909 Kitchener home was so decrepit and outdated it had been boarded up four years ago. A DIY-loving family moved in to bring it back to life.
Colours graduate from dark in the front hall to medium and light as you move deeper into the house. The owners selected Farrow & Ball paint from The Timeless Materials Co. and Benjamin Moore paint from Heer’s Paint and Décor.
The owners also created a distinct focal point with the living room fireplace using Farrow & Ball wallpaper from The Timeless Materials Co.
Wood accessories, décor and furniture are consistent accents throughout the home, adding lots of texture. Barnboard, pine display shelves, corbeils and picture frames all have a place.
Every square inch of the home is maximized. Labelled storage keeps everything in its place. The owners found the home’s original front door in the basement with eight layers of paint on it. Stripped and refinished, it’s now a sliding door that divides the foyer from the dining space. The glass was replaced with chalkboard for the family to display quotes or organize the family’s busy schedules and to-dos. Since the front of the fridge isn’t magnetic, the art-loving family has a special gallery space in the corner of the dining room for their children’s art. Both kids’ bedrooms have lines for hanging their masterpieces. At the end of the year, the parents take photos of each piece and then clear them off to make room for new art.
Upstairs, the owners turned a secondary bedroom into a master en suite with a laundry room space. Westmount Craftsmen took care of their shower renovation. There were gaping holes above each bedroom door that Kara’s Stained Glass fitted with beautiful bevelled transoms.
Outside was amped up as well with finds from Artefacts Salvage & Design, including reclaimed architectural pieces, and reclaimed Douglas fir for their outdoor tabletop.
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Photo 1 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
In the home's foyer, the owners refinished the stairs themselves. Simple benches and a narrow table keep important items handy.
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Photo 2 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
This sliding door was the home’s original front door. The owners refinished it and it now divides the foyer from the dining area. The owners switch up the chalkboard messages on occasion.
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Photo 3 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
A pocket door divides the foyer from the main living area. It’s flanked by a home bar the family created themselves with reclaimed furniture pieces.
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Photo 4 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
On the other side of the sliding door in the dining room, the door can be used either to close the dining room from the front of the house, or slid over to hide a the storage closet – the inside of which is also full of beautiful, practical touches.
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Photo 5 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
A corner of the dining room has been designated as a display area for kids’ artwork.
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Photo 6 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
Painted wood furniture and a pretty chandelier top off the rustic look in this dining space. It stays organized – like the rest of the house – with careful planning and lots of labelled baskets and containers.
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Photo 7 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
In the living room, the fireplace mantel makes a statement with pretty wallpaper and tin inset around the gas insert.
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Photo 8 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
The family spends a lot of time in the comfortable main living space. The bookshelf is backed in the same wallpaper as the fireplace mantel. A towel bar in the corner becomes a handy, uncluttered place to hang handsome blankets when not in use.
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Photo 9 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
The owner’s hockey memorabilia finds a home in a special corner beside the mantel.
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Photo 10 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
White cabinetry, a stamped tin backsplash and new chandelier give an instant facelift in this kitchen. It feels fresh and new, although it will eventually be replaced by a larger, newer space.
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Photo 11 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
Kara’s Stained Glass created these beautiful custom transoms to top off each bedroom door.
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Photo 12 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
Some of the owner’s favourite art is displayed in a wall in the master bedroom. A stunning floral duvet cover has a neutral feel in grey and white.
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Photo 13 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
After reconfiguring some of the rooms upstairs, the owners were able to accommodate the master en suite they wanted, including both a tub and shower.
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Photo 14 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
The upstairs laundry room, off the master en suite, is fresh, clean and convenient. DIY touches, like this cute wall in the laundry room for lonely socks, give this home lots of personality.
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Photo 15 of 17
Photography by Jason Hartog
Although not large, keeping things simple in black and white makes this spare room feel light and airy.
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