I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a beautiful marriage of old and new. Kingston Lafferty Design really nailed this epic project. Bolton Coach House is an historic Coach House building. Kingston Lafferty Design was commissioned to reimagine the interior architecture of the existing building, incorporating a new contemporary extension and exterior terraces and garden. The new design combines and juxtaposes the old and new buildings as one interesting and exciting multi-level, unique space. The existing coach house is brimming with character, charm and original detail so we opted to maximise this with the design. We deliberately created interesting spaces, nooks and crannies, contrasting the old building with a juxtaposing minimal and streamlined extension design.

Photos: Barbara Corsico

Since discovering the work of Dublin & London based architecture and design firm Kingston Lafferty Design about 5 years ago, I have been captivated by each and every one of their projects. Unusual colours used in unusual ways, adding modern to period spaces, and simply being unique in everything they do. This renovation of a large period house in Malahide, Ireland is as gorgeous as I have come to expect from this firm.

I had to share another project by Michelle Dirkse because I am in awe once again. Drama, pattern and colour are back but in this case it’s a bit more modern/hollywood regency. With almost no updates since the original apartment grade finishes from 1960, this condominium was in need of a major overhaul along with new furniture and decor. While existing wall locations and the original periwinkle bathtub remained, everything else was updated during the remodel. After removing the asbestos popcorn ceiling, the concrete ceiling was revealed which told the story of the numbered concrete forms. Light oak floors and a custom protruding window trim contrast with the black cerused cabinets and doors as well as the wallpaper. The kitchen counter was extended into the small dining space to create more storage and workspace. Many furniture pieces were designed from scratch by our team and produced by local craftspeople. Fabric, wallpaper and the living room rug are from the Michelle Dirkse collection that is made in collaboration with local artists. Artists were also commissioned for the custom bedroom table lamps and art throughout. Light fixtures were sourced from vintage vendors. The remodel and decor result is an unexpected mix of finishes and fixtures in a functional space.

Photos: Haris Kenjar

Dream home alert!!! I am absolutely head over heels in love with this project by Seattle-based designer Michelle Dirkse. Victorian chic is what I would call this. “We want it to look like a haunted mansion.” Our clients’ request was one that we had never heard before and we were excited to explore it. The historic landmark home needed major work on the second floor. We completely re-developed the floorplan for the existing 6 bedroom 2 bath layout. By relocating walls with the help of a structural engineer and converting one of the bedrooms into an appropriately sized master bathroom, the new floorplan served the clients’ as they needed. With no plans to have others live in the home with them, we were able to convert 2 rooms into a large art studio with a lounge area. Another room was converted to a den, one to a dressing room and the last to the master bathroom. (The bathroom – OMGGGG!!!)

Photos: Aaron Leitz

It has been several years since we featured the work of Toronto-based designer Anne Hepfer (here and here). Her signature style of layering palettes of colour and contrast and luxurious finishes is still very much apparent. Such gorgeous spaces.