Vintage Farmhouse Revival

STORY JANET WHITE BARDWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY SPARK STUDIO INC.

As seen in the Wellington County Spring 2026 issue.

When residential designer Amparo Findlay initially connected with Kimberley and Jason Davidson through a community Facebook post, she knew their renovation project would be as much about restoring peace as rebuilding a home.

The couple’s heritage residence in the West Galt neighbourhood of Cambridge had suffered catastrophic flooding while they were away on vacation. By the time the damage was discovered, both the ground and second floors were compromised, leaving little choice but to fully gut the main level. Amparo, owner of Amparo Findlay Interiors, knew she could help guide the home’s recovery.

What followed was a rebuild, not just of walls and floors, but of the rhythm of daily life itself. Rather than simply restoring what was lost, the couple chose to see the disruption as an opportunity to rethink how the home functioned. During the planning phase, the limitations of the original kitchen quickly came into focus.

“They decided to address the very small kitchen that was typical of heritage homes of this era,” says Amparo. The solution expanded the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry, better supporting their love of entertaining. Behind the scenes, BELFOR expertly managed the property restoration and renovation, while Cambridge Mechanical Inc. ensured reliable heating and cooling throughout the home.

Kimberley and Jason approached the renovation with perspective, choosing optimism in the midst of disruption. Their longstanding appreciation for vintage décor and meaningful objects, shaped by years spent antiquing and collecting, became a guiding influence throughout the project.

Preserving the original spirit of the home remained central to every design decision. The style that emerged is best described as vintage farmhouse. With much of the main floor damaged by the flood, Amparo drew inspiration from the few architectural elements that survived. An archway with columns, partial walls and a salvaged plaster ceiling rosette helped inform the new layout and reinforced the home’s formal character.

With the new layout established, attention turned to the kitchen. Amanda Campbell, owner and lead designer of Rosewood Custom Cabinetry Inc., stepped in to manage the design, build and installation of custom cabinetry. She says that from the outset, the goal was to create a kitchen that felt deeply rooted in the home’s Victorian character while supporting modern living.

“Every design decision was made with that intention in mind, from the soft sage green cabinetry and decorative door profile, to the traditional toe-kick moulding and distressed antique-finish hardware.”

Material choices were intentional and expressive. Wood, a signature element in Amparo’s work, plays a central role throughout the design. “In this renovation, I really wanted to introduce wood to complement the design and provide balance to the painted finish of the kitchen cabinets,” she says.

Natural wood ceiling beams add warmth overhead, while a vintage wooden door with an arched glass insert, sourced by Kimberley, creates a distinctive entry to the butler’s pantry. The walk-in pantry was a must-have for the homeowners and became one of the most personal spaces in the home.

“We designed it to feel like an extension of the kitchen rather than an afterthought,” says Amanda, “even incorporating a custom-built shelf specifically for her extensive sprinkles collection, a small but joyful detail that reflects how personal this space truly is.”

Throughout the kitchen, thoughtful, time-honoured elements are layered with custom detail, including a brass plate rail sourced from England, pot fillers, schoolhouse-style lighting and glass-front cabinetry designed to display the couple’s collection of antiques.

Unexpected yet practical elements were also integrated. A built-in dog feeding station blends seamlessly into the cabinetry, supporting how the family actually lives in the space. Custom storage solutions and inserts ensure that everything has a proper home, allowing the kitchen to function beautifully without feeling overdesigned.

GE Cafe Appliances and Kingston Brass fixtures reinforce the balance between performance and period-appropriate detailing, while Rosewood supplied both the kitchen and bathroom counters for continuity throughout.

Beyond the kitchen, carefully selected elements continue the home’s collected feel. An antique bathroom vanity from Southworks Antiques adds character, while specialty doors, timbers, building supplies and hardwood from The Timeless Material Co. connect the renovation back to its architectural roots.

Colour and pattern complete the interior, with the kitchen painted Benjamin Moore White Dove and the living room and front hallway finished in Benjamin Moore Wickham Grey. In the kitchen and bathrooms, Charles Voysey wallpaper introduces subtle pattern and heritage charm.

“The transformation was truly remarkable,” says Amparo. “The reconfiguration of the existing spaces allowed for so many wonderful possibilities.” Storage, work surfaces, appliances and display areas are thoughtfully placed, allowing the kitchen to function as both a workspace and a gathering place.

“Although the finishes and details are vintage-inspired, the space is a sanctuary for modern living.” What began as an unexpected disaster has resulted in a home that reflects calm, balance and creativity. Through careful planning, open communication and respect for the home’s history, this Cambridge residence has been transformed into a welcoming place to gather and enjoy for years to come.

For Kimberley, the renovation reshaped the couple’s relationship with their home. “It’s more than just a house – it’s a sanctuary that grows and evolves with us.” OH