Renovations2018 Full_Digital_Mag | Page 76

Countryside classic A couple married 20 years craved a country- inclined update for their bungalow-style property. Text Zakiya Kassam Photography Stephanie Buchman A FTER 15 YEARS OF COUNTRYSIDE LIVING, BRAD AND LORI, THE OWNERS OF A TREE-SHROUDED ACREAGE, reckoned they were well overdue for a home renovation. With over 3,000 square feet, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a lower level walk-out to work with, the project promised to be a sizeable one. The couple enlisted the expertise of award winning Toronto designer, Rebecca Hay, of Rebecca Hay Design Inc., to help them realize their home reno goals. Suffice to say, she was up for the task. "When the homeowners approached my company they knew that their home needed an update and wanted something fresh," says Rebecca. "They wanted improved functionality in the front entrance, as well as all new furnishings to bring their 1970's style basement into the current decade." Beyond updating the home, the couple hoped that, post- reno, the property would better reflect their personalities and pay homage to Brad's childhood. "As Brad grew up on a farm we wanted to include elements of the farm and a bit of a rustic feel," says Lori, "but we had no idea how to do it without looking too country."