Transforming a house into a home that flows seamlessly is an art, and Victoria's interior architectural designer, Alexis Solomon, has mastered this craft. In this captivating story, we delve into how she helped a modern family find harmony, functionality, and beauty in their Saanich residence.
The challenge was clear: a busy young couple with children, one of whom has a disability, needed a home that was not just visually appealing but also highly functional, especially with the mother serving as a full-time caregiver.
"The client appreciated a beautiful home, but she lacked the know-how to achieve it," Alexis explains. Despite living in their two-storey home for over a decade, the feeling of being truly settled eluded them.
Alexis took on the task of redesigning their Broadmead home in phases, focusing on maximizing storage, brightening the space, and ensuring easy movement throughout.
"The home had ample square footage, but the room sizes, layout, and flow just weren't working for them," she says.
A major issue was the kitchen, which had oddly angled cabinets, lacked natural light, and had an unused room attached to it. For a family that cherished cooking and the connection it brought, this setup was far from ideal.
"We had to get creative," Alexis shares. Most of the wall dividing the unused room from the kitchen was removed, but plumbing stacks necessitated a portion to remain, which was then repurposed with a floating shelf.
"It created a nice separation for the mom when cooking while still allowing extra lighting to flow in," she adds.
What was once an odd nook now serves as a dining area with a walk-in pantry, separated by French doors.
Bringing in more natural light was a challenge. Alexis upgraded all the kitchen windows, making them larger and taller, and extended the countertop to the windowsills. The beige walls, which absorbed light, were painted a bright white, and a shiplap ceiling added a soft visual appeal.
A carefully planned lighting system was implemented, considering natural light sources and layering it with ambient, wall, decorative, and under-cabinet lighting.
Throughout the home, a delicate balance of calm and energy was achieved through intentional use of pattern and color. A neutral color palette was layered with golds, blacks, greys, charcoals, and whites, with custom-stained wood retaining the millwork. Brushed brass or antique gold handles added an elegant touch.
Patterns were strategically placed on the tile floors in the entry, kitchen, and nook to add personality.
"The clients wanted something unique and fun but timeless and dramatic," Alexis notes.
The key to balancing patterns, she explains, is knowing where to place them to create movement without overwhelming the space.
One of Alexis' favorite pattern placements is in the shower, where a "peekaboo" effect is created. One shower features a geometric wall with soft greys and taupes, and a built-in bench for functionality. Another shower boasts large marble-like porcelain tiles in creamy white with warm veining, creating a luxurious backdrop. The third bathroom is more dramatic, with a heavily veined stone in the shower, deep grey walls, and brass hardware, giving it a rich, atmospheric feel.
The overall result is a sophisticated, calm, and highly functional home.
"The client told me, 'I finally love my house.' That's the kind of feedback that keeps me going," Alexis shares.
For anyone seeking peace in their home, Alexis advises thinking about where they feel most comfortable and calm. It's a personal question, but it guides the design process.
"It's not just about colors and tones; it's about the finishes and reflective values too. What works for one person might be too harsh for another," she says.
Decluttering and displaying only what you love or need is powerful. Functional storage space is essential, and sometimes seeking professional help to decide what to keep and let go of can be beneficial.
"The goal is to make choices that lighten your load, not add to it. When your home supports your life, even in small ways, true ease follows," Alexis concludes.
So, are you ready to transform your house into a haven of calm and functionality? The power is in your hands to create a home that truly reflects your personality and brings you peace.
