A classic Notre-Dame-de-Grâce home made for modern family living
Some homes have a way of finding the right people.
For our clients, that moment came with a house that held both history and heart, and the promise of becoming a place their young family could truly grow into.
This home already carried a meaningful connection: one of Ariella’s closest friends grew up here. When it unexpectedly came onto the market, the stars aligned. Ariella’s husband, who was also their realtor, immediately recognized its potential for the clients. What followed became a true husband-and-wife tag team: he navigated the fast-paced real estate process while Ariella provided design insight to help them envision the true potential of what the home could become.
After a whirlwind of bidding wars and plenty of anticipation, our clients secured the house. The feeling was immediate, they had found the right place.
What came next was a full-home renovation completed in two quick coordinated phases, all with the goal of improving function, opening the main living spaces, and preserving the charm that makes Notre-Dame-de-Grâce homes so special.
Before
Before
Before
During
During
During
Designing a Functional Main Floor While Honouring Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Charm
The home’s original character, the wood moldings, the millwork, the warmth that older homes naturally hold, became the foundation of our design direction.
While we wanted to introduce modern function, nothing in this project was about erasing the past. Instead, every detail aimed to elevate and complement what already made the home beautiful.
One of the biggest transformations was opening the kitchen to the dining room.
This structural change brought more natural light into the main floor and created an easy, connected flow between spaces. Because an extension that was originally planned for the kitchen wasn’t possible, we reimagined the dining room wall with full-height custom cabinetry. This allowed us to incorporate:
A new coat closet (after converting the original location into the powder room)
A generous amount of pantry and overflow storage
A cohesive design element that ties the kitchen and dining room together
Since removing the wall required adjustments in the basement ceiling, it became the ideal moment to refine the lower-level layout as well, ensuring that all systems aligned cleanly before finishes were installed.
A Warm, Layered Kitchen Designed for Real Living
The kitchen was designed to feel timeless and calm, grounded in natural textures and soft tones:
Taj Mahal quartz adds quiet movement and warmth.
A white oak reeded island introduces depth and craftsmanship beloved in classic NDG homes.
Brass hardware brings brightness without overpowering the palette.
Reeded glass cabinets in both the kitchen and dining room add elegance while keeping the design light and airy, and the texture subtly echoes the reeded detailing on the island for a cohesive, layered look.
We refreshed the original wood flooring throughout by sanding and staining, allowing the heritage charm to remain while giving the home a refreshed and restored finish.
A Powder Room with Presence
One of the most impactful features on the main floor is the new powder room; a small footprint made unforgettable through elevated materials.
We layered the space with lime plaster walls, a sculptural marble floating sink, and refined fixtures for a look that feels serene and sophisticated. Its placement required careful coordination with the plumbing for the new ensuite above, allowing both spaces to share a common stack; a thoughtful detail that kept the design and flow of the home beautifully efficient.
Creating a Principal Suite That Supports Daily Life
Upstairs, we reconfigured the layout to better suit the family’s needs. A spare bedroom beside the principal bedroom was transformed into a dedicated walk-in closet and full ensuite bathroom, which is a significant upgrade to comfort and function.
A Home That Feels Like Theirs
This project is a blend of thoughtful planning, respect for original character, and an understanding of how a modern family truly lives. With the series of meaningful changes we made, the home now offers:
A more functional and connected main floor
Significantly improved storage
A warm, timeless material palette
An elevated principal suite
Updated family spaces built for everyday comfort
A design direction rooted in the charm of its Notre-Dame-de-Grâce origins
It’s a home that honours the past while embracing the present, and one that will evolve beautifully with this family for years to come.
