« Antique Almonte » is a top top-to-bottom sensitive restoration of a turn-of-the-century countryside red brick beauty. This home belongs to one of the hardest-working, fiercest-loving clients I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. We met in a sideways kind of way. I was doing a job that really was not my job (staging) that began serendipitously because my photographer needed a few apartments to “spruce up” for a shoot. The apartments belonged to a storied and successful developer. The shoot went so well Marc Fowler was called back, and in turn, I was asked back to stage. Over the years, towns, developments and apartments, I started asking for (suggesting.. not pushing) a few changes here and there that would serve the lines and volumes of the apartments better. I started working with the daughter of this developer and was admiring of her strong work ethic, which is rare in her generation and most certainly in her socio-economic strata. We often worked alone and for long hours, completing entire apartment set-ups from scratch in a matter of days. She asked if I could help with her home once she felt she had the stamina to start the renovation. She still had no idea that this was my jam. This client needed a home with heart and happiness. Colours were brought in to soothe and surprise. She needed a chef’s kitchen that would complement her newly earned Cordon Bleu culinary degree. Millwork was organized alongside Laurysen Kitchens. I met and admired many of her father’s best tradespeople and brought in only one of my finishers: Alicia from Linen and Lining. Antiquing was “de rigueur” and a first for me with a client. From paper, to tiles, hardware to lighting, leaving and loving the crooked floors and original buckling lathe and plaster walls.. this house became a home. Nearing completion now, a few more touches, a little elbow grease and this modest farmhouse will shine proudly on for another century.
