Nod to Nautical | Open Concept Living for a Multigenerational Family

NKBA DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD - 2021 Small Traditional Kitchen - Finalist

When these homeowners reached out, they weren’t looking for a cosmetic update. Having lived in their family home for many years, raised their children, and established deep roots in the neighbourhood, their goal was to reimagine the home to better support modern, multigenerational living—without leaving the place they loved.

The original layout was typical of many older homes: small, compartmentalized, and no longer suited to the way the family used the space. Our focus was on thoughtful planning and structural-level decisions that would improve flow, function, and long-term livability. We opened the kitchen to the family room, creating a more connected living environment, and incorporated a casual eating area that allowed us to significantly increase storage and counter space.

An underused den was eliminated in favour of a larger, more functional laundry and mudroom—spaces that have an outsized impact on daily life in a busy household. The powder room was updated, and the family room fireplace and millwork were redesigned to add architectural presence, storage, and cohesion across the main living areas.

This renovation was about more than aesthetics. It was a strategic update to a well-loved home—one that supports how the family lives today while adding lasting value for years to come.