November 2, 2024

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Early 20th-century Dunbar-Southlands home lovingly revived

Interior designer Victoria McKenney makes a 111-year-old home new again

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Who better to refurbish an early 20th-century residence in Vancouver’s Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood than an interior designer with a talent for transforming long-forgotten homes and furniture?

In 2020, Victoria McKenney, founding owner and principal designer at Enviable Designs, and her husband had grown tired of their “narrow and long” Kitsilano duplex. When she set eyes on the real estate listing for the 4,000 square-foot residence in the neighbourhood she’d lived in as a child, she knew it was the one. “It spoke to me, even though it was a bit of a disaster,” she says.

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The exterior was so obstructed by overgrown trees and shrubs that it was barely visible from the street. Inside, it was dirty and filled with cobwebs. “It was almost like a creepy haunted house, and it looked like no one had lived there for three years,” McKenney recalls.

But she was able to see past those things to the residence’s redeeming qualities. Most of its authentic architectural details, finishings and character were still intact, including the wall and ceiling panelling, original farmhouse windows, interior doors and hardware.

The solarium features windows on three walls and tons of natural light.
The solarium features windows on three walls and tons of natural light. Photo by Provoke Studios

Almost immediately after taking possession in October 2020, McKenney set off on a three-month-long renovation that would bring the home back to life with fresh paint, lighting, furnishings and window treatments while honouring its history.

The three-level residence is set on a 66-foot wide and 100-foot-deep lot, and McKenney chose to maintain the original layout. Featuring a high-pitched roof and cedar shakes on the exterior, as well as high ceilings and spacious rooms common to its era, the house boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, a main floor solarium, a formal dining room, a formal living room, a powder room, a kitchen and a basement.

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McKenney’s first course of action, and the one that would make the biggest impact, was giving the previously dark brown exterior a coat of custom creamy taupe paint, updating the exterior trims with white paint, and cleaning up the yard. “Just those things alone created such a huge transformation — people walked by and said, ‘we had no idea this house was here,’ even though it has been there for a hundred years,” she explains.

Inside, the rooms were painted a crazy mismatch of colours — from pink to orange to ochre yellow. To bring a sense of cohesiveness, McKenney used Farrow & Ball’s Pointing on the walls in almost every interior space, including the foyer and the kitchen cabinets. This immediately brightened up the entire home and created a beautiful contrast with the original red oak flooring, which the designer chose to keep and refinish.

McKenney's Boston Terrier, Radish in one of the four bedrooms, furnished with a Namesake bed and bedside tables.
McKenney’s Boston Terrier, Radish in one of the four bedrooms, furnished with a Namesake bed and bedside tables. Photo by Provoke Studios
Heron print wallpaper adds a sense of fun and whimsy in the powder room.
Heron print wallpaper adds a sense of fun and whimsy in the powder room. Photo by Provoke Studios

Incredibly, very little was removed from the original home during the renovation, making this project extremely eco-friendly. “We kept as much of the house as we could. Hardly anything went to the landfill,” says the designer.

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McKenney did opt to replace the existing industrial track lighting and old ceiling fixtures, instead illuminating the spaces with wall sconces on the fireplace, table lamps, floor lamps and statement lighting such as a chandelier she and her husband brought back from Florence. A few high-tech features like Nest thermostats were installed, but no air conditioning, yet. “The drapes keep the heat out in the summer,” she says.

When it came time to furnish the spaces, McKenney’s vision was to create “a classic farmhouse and transitional design esthetic with a bit of European flavour.” She drew inspiration from the trade shows she often attends in Europe, including Maison & Objet in Paris, opting for an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary luxe elements.

As a nod to the home’s history, McKenney selected traditional print fabrics she’d collected over the years from Lee Jofa and some from other European fabric houses. She adorned windows in the solarium with swooped Roman shades, drapes that puddle on the floor in the dining room, and layered beds with floral-patterned duvets, pillows, and bedspreads.

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Geometric details and floor-to-ceiling drapes create a sense of grandeur in the dining room which features a whitewashed wood with marble inlay table from Namesake.
Geometric details and floor-to-ceiling drapes create a sense of grandeur in the dining room which features a whitewashed wood with marble inlay table from Namesake. Photo by Provoke Studios
McKenney kept all of the home's original red oak flooring and incorporated custom pieces along with refurbished antique furniture.
McKenney kept all of the home’s original red oak flooring and incorporated custom pieces along with refurbished antique furniture. Photo by Provoke Studios

Many of the furniture items — including two sofas and swivel chairs in the living room and the tete-a-tete chaise in the solarium — are custom-made pieces from McKenney’s own product line, Namesake, which she launched in Spring 2023. She and her husband made some of the items right in the residence’s woodworking room. “The last owner did a lot of woodworking, and we’ve made tables, benches and birdcages,” she says.

When it’s time to relax, the designer retreats to the home’s solarium, which is flooded with natural light. “I like to sit in there in the afternoon in the sun,” she explains. “It’s a really peaceful home.”

McKenney says she loves living in such a well-built home with so much history and character. She appreciates the scale of the rooms, the height of the ceilings and how all the rooms are connected. “This is a place where families have been raised. It feels warm and loved and comfortable,” she says.

The big cedar trees on the property are remnants of an old cedar farm. “We believe the house was made with cedars grown here,” she explains. “The craftsmanship is so authentic. It will last another 200 years.”

Contractor: Eyco Building Group

Hardwood refinishing: Fancy Floors

Carpet: Colin Campbell & Sons

Painting & Wallpaper: Deverill Painting & Decorating

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Design on Stillwater Constructing in Billings to be accomplished in early 2024

BILLINGS — The Stillwater Building in downtown Billings, for the most section, at this time sits empty 11 months after the city put in $13 million to purchase the home. That will before long transform as the city programs to relocate town departments there in early 2024.

Immediately after about two years of negotiating to invest in the building, the metropolis is making progress in updating the previous federal courthouse.

It could be tricky to photo ideal now, but the just about 60-12 months-outdated Stillwater Constructing on 26th Avenue will soon be 1 of the busiest buildings in all of downtown.

“Right now, what we’ve received form of programmed is city attorney’s business over to my remaining in excess of in this space in this article. Then we obtained code enforcement and parking type of more than on this facet,” reported the assistant metropolis administrator Kevin Iffland.

STILLWATER WEB.JPG

Alina Hauter/MTN Information

Occur early 2024, the making will be property to city corridor, the law enforcement office and the municipal court. But 1st, the creating desires a key facelift, which include updates to pipes, elevators, and the boiler.

“One of it is heading to be a little little bit of asbestos abatement in regions that have not been abated,” Iffland reported.

The artwork wall on the next flooring will have to be moved and abated but will keep on being in the developing. Iffland said that will ideally come about by the end of this year with development on the creating beginning in 2023. He stated development will choose about 12 to 14 months.

For now, the city is at this time keeping the building as it nevertheless has tenants.

“The Yellowstone County workplaces are in here,” mentioned Iffland.

County commissioners will transfer their operations to the Miller Creating in downtown Billings in 2025. This will make it possible for the Stillwater Constructing to house all town departments below one roof.

STILLWATER WEB 2.JPG

Alina Hauter/MTN Information

“Typical structure of what a floor seems to be like minus the fifth ground. The fifth floor is exactly where the federal courtroom is actually situated so in an spot in which it does have taller ceilings,” Iffland claimed.

Those people taller ceilings mean the fifth flooring will be utilized as council chamber house when the next flooring will property additional city departments and municipal court. That’s not all.

“We’re hoping to have a espresso store or a sandwich shop or something like that in the creating,” mentioned Iffland.

The town will also be leasing out a big chunk of the constructing to other tenants and is also hoping to get the Stillwater Making on the National Sign-up of Historic Areas to offset the price with a historic tax credit rating.

The developing was recognised for a long time as the James F. Battin Federal Courthouse in advance of the federal govt moved to a diverse creating downtown.

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Wayfair Way Day 2022: 16 early access doorbusters on furniture, home goods to shop right now

Wayfair’s epic two-day sale, Way Day, starts Wednesday, April 27, but eager shoppers can get their hands on select early-access doorbusters right now before the main sale gets underway.

With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner, shoppers can save up to 70% on outdoor furniture and other limited time doorbusters right now. Wayfair calls these “better-than-Black-Friday” deals, so if you’re in the market for patio furniture, cookware and other home goods, now is the time to buy. Here are 16 items to check out if you want to beat the rush.

» What to know before Way Day 2022: Deals to shop ahead of the sale

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Sleep 12″ Medium Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

The green tea cooling gel memory foam mattress encompasses all the refreshing comfort of Wayfair’s #1 selling green tea mattress with the added temperature control of their specially formulated gel memory foam. Packed with green tea and natural charcoal. $141-$274 (65% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Mistana Hillsby Oriental Area Rug

This Oriental area rug features subtle designs inspired by Persian patterns that’s just right for rolling out on your floors. It’s power-loomed from stain-resistant polypropylene, so it stands up to spills and splashes. Starts at $13 (76% off). Multiple sizes available.

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Lorraine TV Stand for TVs up to 70″

This TV stand has a charming, rustic aesthetic and is built from engineered wood. Each of the two cabinets open to store media players, games, books, and other equipment, while the three open shelves give you a place to display favorite decorative objects. $174 (39% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Andover Mills Mirabal Microfiber Sheet Set

Make a big impact with a small change by swapping out your bedding! Available in a curated selection of sophisticated solid hues, this super-soft double-brushed microfiber sheet set includes one deep pocket flat sheet, one fully elasticized fitted sheet, and four pillowcases. Starts at $12 (90% off). Multiple sizes available.

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Three Posts Courtemanche Microfiber Traditional Duvet Cover Set

Curl up under this highly rated duvet cover set, sized to fit with minimal overhang, giving your bed a new aesthetic. Includes one duvet cover and two shams. $17 (83% off).

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

This unique kitchen workhorse is actually a premium full-size toaster oven with a built-in air fryer. That means it not only bakes, broils, and toasts, it also lets you air fry right inside the oven. $145 (66% off).

Wayfair Way Day 2022: 16 early access doorbusters on furniture, home goods to shop right now

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Holliston Wicker/Rattan 3-Person Seating Group with Cushions

Entertain on your patio or porch with this 3-piece sectional seating group. It includes two slipper chairs and one corner section, all featuring a steel frame that’s been wrapped in PE resin wicker with a rich brown water-resistant finish. $250 (77% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Andover Mills Annabelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set

Add an elegant touch to all your dinner parties with this sophisticated stoneware set. Stoneware is known to be the thicker, heavier material choice that yields more resilient dinnerware. Stoneware is semi-vitreous and is fired at higher temperatures for strength and durability. It is also non-porous and will not absorb liquids. This stoneware set is dishwasher safe which makes them easy to maintain. $23 (80% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Mercury Row Cloer Tufted Upholstered Low Profile Standard Bed

Sleek linen-like fabric is soft to the touch, highlighting shade-matched buttons in the center of each stitch-bordered square. Plush foam cushioning amplifies the textured appearance across the headboard, and shade-matched hinged side rails and a low footboard complete the look. Starts at $100 (59% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Hartington Plastic Adirondack Chair

Bring the relaxed style of a wooded resort right to your backyard or rooftop space. It’s made in the USA from weather-, water-, UV-, and fade-resistant plastic. $121 (45% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Langley Street Adelia Area Rug

The vibrant and eclectic designs in this collection will set your space apart with a splash of color and contemporary style. Starting at $16 (71% off). Multiple sizes available.

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Bissell JetScrub Max Pet Carpet Deep Cleaner

Get a $50 gift card when this vacuum ships! Designed by pet owners with busy lives who are familiar with the sometimes gross messes pets can leave on the carpet, the JetScrub Pet half the weight of a traditional upright carpet cleaner, so it’s easy to grab right when stains strike. $170 (43% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Megamaster 3-Burner Free Standing Liquid Propane 30000 BTU Gas Grill

The perfect fit for your lifestyle and balcony. With over four hundred (400) square inches of cooking space, you have a reason to invite the next-door neighbors over. $230 (16% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Odessa Ceramic Pot Planter

This pot planter has a chic bohemian charm that makes it a must-have addition to your home. $32 (78% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Hampton Forge Skandia Karlstad Ash - 4 Piece Cutlery Set

A modern twist on a classic, this 4 piece cutlery set will appease all of your tastes with its geometric, laser etched patterned blade and genuine olive wood handles. $30 (49% off)

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Wayfair Way Day early access doorbusters

Tramontina Gourmet Ceramica Deluxe 10 Piece Non Stick Cookware Set

Made of heavy-gauge aluminum and features a smooth finish, PFOA-free ceramic interior and exterior (red finish), and a PFOA-free ceramic interior and porcelain enamel exterior (black finish), which provide simple healthy cooking, effortless cleaning, and outstanding durability. $177 (56% off)

Don’t see anything you like? Don’t worry. Way Day hasn’t even begun yet. These are just tasters. Expect hundreds of incredible deals on everything you need for your home and living spaces when Way Day begins in earnest on Wednesday, April 27.