Designer revamps Dundas home for calming atmosphere

Laurie Sprague, a designer from St. Catharines, recently updated a house in Dundas that sits on a beautiful, wooded lot. The home, built in 1954, needed a lot of work. Sprague wanted to create a calm space that connects with nature. She focused on earthy colors and natural stones for the redesign. The house, a Swiss-inspired side-split style, had some interesting features, like a wood-burning fireplace and Indian-carved doors. However, it felt cramped, especially the entryway. The homeowners wanted a cozy and inviting atmosphere as they planned to retire there with their dog. Throughout the year-long renovation, Sprague worked with BMR Group Construction. They had to fix the home's foundation first, which added some time and costs to the project. They opened up the entryway by removing walls and redesigned the staircase to make it a more inviting feature in the home. The floors were updated to white oak, while the unique terrazzo floors in the foyer were preserved. The kitchen now features maroon and ivory cabinets, with a mix of hand-painted porcelain and marble for the countertops. The living room divides into two areas: one for relaxing and another for reading. Other parts of the home reflect the focus on texture. The dining area has a stone accent wall, and the wellness room is designed for yoga. The main bedroom includes upscale features like grasscloth walls, while the ensuite has an oak ceiling and a tub that offers a view of nature. Overall, the renovation aimed to blend indoor living with the calming aspects of the outdoors.