Cove House: A 1979 Home Reimagined for Modern Family Life

March 6, 2026

Some homes do not need a bigger footprint. They need a smarter plan.

Cove House belongs to a fun, young family who already loved where they lived. The mature trees, the pool, the proximity to the lake, and the established neighbourhood made the location hard to beat. What was not working was the layout. Built in 1979, this split level home had good bones but reflected a time when family life looked very different.

Instead of moving, they chose to redesign their lifestyle through renovation.

A Kitchen Built Around Real Life

The kitchen was the natural starting point. In this home, it is not just a pass-through space. It is where hours are spent cooking and baking from scratch, where people gather, and where daily life unfolds.

The original layout did not support that. Storage was limited, counter space was tight, and the room felt disconnected from the rest of the main floor. Early in the process, a walk-in pantry was on the wish list. Once we studied the plan more closely, it became clear that enclosing more space would mean sacrificing openness, natural light, and the beautiful large window.

Instead, we designed a full pantry wall. That one decision unlocked everything. It provided generous, organized storage without closing the room in, and provided visual balance in this multi-use space.

Key kitchen upgrades included:

A full-height pantry and appliance wall for major storage
A large island with abundant prep space
A long dining area for gathering
A beautiful range focal wall, complete with airy glass shelves and ceiling height quartz backsplash
A built-in breakfast nook, also done in the same blackened navy as the rest of the kitchen cabinetry for a seamless look.

By keeping the space open and connected, the kitchen became what it always should have been, the true heart of the home.

Bringing Structure and Presence to the Living Room

The fireplace wall in the living room had awkward geometry, a dated brass fireplace, and very little functional storage.

We introduced a full feature wall to give the room architectural presence and visual balance. It transformed the space from a collection of furniture into a designed environment.

The living room transformation focused on:

A linear zero-clearance fireplace
Clean panel detailing for architectural interest
Open shelving for styling and personality
Closed cabinetry for hidden storage

The result is a space that feels intentional, functions beautifully, and looks seriously handsome.

The Upstairs Transformation That Changed Everything

The most impactful change happened upstairs. The home did have a bedroom with an ensuite, but it did not offer the sense of retreat or functionality expected in a modern primary suite. A single vanity and a bifold closet simply were not going to deliver the experience this couple deserved.

We reworked three areas, the son’s bedroom, the guest room, and the existing bathroom. By regrouping these rooms, we carved out a true primary suite experience complete with a four-piece ensuite and a walk-in closet.

This reconfiguration allowed for:

A dedicated primary suite zone
A four-piece primary ensuite
A new walk-in closet
A more logical kids’ bathroom within the former primary suite

The new primary bath is calm and refined, designed to feel like a daily retreat rather than just a functional bathroom.

A Better Fit for the Whole Family

The old primary bedroom became the son’s new room, updated with fresh paint, new flooring, and trim. He also gained his own ensuite, giving him independence and function in a space that feels as cool as he is.

This was not just about upgrading the parents’ experience. It was about re-balancing the entire upstairs so each room better reflected the family’s needs.

As part of this shift:

The old primary bedroom became the son’s room
His space was refreshed with new finishes
He gained his own ensuite
The overall bedroom layout now makes more sense

Everyone in the home gained purpose and function.

Small Spaces Still Matter

The downstairs powder room received a simple refresh that made a meaningful difference. Clean lines and updated finishes brought it in line with the rest of the home.

The powder room update included:

Updated vanity and finishes
A cleaner, more modern aesthetic
Better cohesion with the main floor design

Even the smallest rooms contribute to how a home feels as a whole.

The Work You Do Not Always See

Not all transformations are dramatic before-and-after moments. This project included significant behind-the-scenes upgrades that improved comfort, safety, and long-term performance.

Those improvements included:

Full asbestos remediation
Integrated wall and floor vents
New flooring, trim, and hardware throughout
Entry reconfiguration for improved storage
Laundry room updates

These are the elements that make a home feel solid, functional, and cohesive, even if they are not the first things you notice.

The Big Takeaway

Cove House shows just how much can change when a home is reimagined around the way a family truly lives. Through thoughtful reconfiguration, architectural detailing, and purposeful storage, this 1979 house has been completely transformed. It still enjoys the benefits of its large lot, quiet established cul-de-sac, and backyard pool – but now the home itself functions beautifully and feels fully brought into modern life.

It’s proof that you can keep the lot, the neighbourhood, and the character you love, and still create a home that feels entirely new.

Begin Your Journey Today

If you’re planning a renovation and could use expert guidance, explore our Interior Design Consulting Services — or, if you’re looking to partner with a design-build team you can trust, simply fill out our Contact Form or book a Free Discovery Call below to get started.

As always, thank you so much for being here, please share this with a friend who is about to renovate.

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