When Alison and Jeremy bought their rustic farmhouse in Prince Edward County, they were attracted to the old-school charm and idyllic small-town feel. But it didn’t take long for the couple to realize that their weekend getaway was a lot more upkeep and work than they thought. With a laundry list of upgrades and renovations on hand, they called in Dan Vickery and the Love It Or List It Vacation Homes team for help. Here’s how the crew transformed this retro vacation home into an upgraded (but equally charming), new getaway.
Green With Envy
Fresh paint, new floors and a few well-placed pops of colour transform this main living space into a modern oasis with farmhouse inspiration. The dark greys add depth to the large room, while the lime green furniture brightens up the space with modern appeal.
Exposed Living
Dan made the area feel as open and airy as possible with lots of natural finishes like exposed brick and stained wood. Lots of potted plants add to that vibe, while neutral art featuring outdoorsy elements and wildlife completes the look.
A Cozy Layout
Despite the room’s grandeur, Dan created a cozy sitting area around this refurbished fireplace by crafting a U-shape with the couches and oversized armchair. A funky area rug brings it all together while a variety of blankets and throw pillows add a little comfort and design.
Musical Influences
Even Jeremy got his own little corner in this redesign, one that speaks to his love of music. A simple armchair with a green throw pillow ties the area into the rest of the room, while some simple posters, a show-stopping guitar and a lamp make the nook feel complete.
Upgraded Lighting
Above, pot lights allow for more equal distribution of light without compromising the open concept look. Meanwhile a central ceiling fan allows air to circulate throughout the space during the warmer summer months, especially as all of that sunlight spills in through the large windows.
Spacious Dining
Over by the large windows Dan crafted out a dining space thanks to this sturdy and natural table, which is offset by some modern and kid-friendly chairs. Meanwhile a large, curving bench with plenty of cubbies underneath adds automatic seating and storage options.
A Simple Setting
Why have one central centrepiece when you can extend the look with several vases? Dan added real appeal to this particular setting by putting a few flowers into clear vases and placing them along the runner, adding more greenery to the space and helping to tie the living and dining room areas together.
A Jewel of a Kitchen
A simple redesign adds lots of appeal to this country kitchen. New cupboards and simple countertops that curve around give the room lots of prep and storage space, while a simple brick tiled backsplash makes the room gleam. A centre island brings the green back into the room and adds even more flow to the overall design, while new stainless steel appliances add immediate functionality.
Modern Fixtures
The darker colour of the light fixtures above adds a more rustic touch to the space and help to add depth to the overall look. Meanwhile Dan made sure to put back some of the home’s original charm via the crown moulding, making this a charming little space that’s true to its roots.
Bonus Seating
From this angle the breakfast bar is on showcase, with the modular stools tying into the darker hue of the fixtures above. Meanwhile upgraded floors in a lighter colour help open up the space and reflect some of the natural light, as does the softer blue paint colour on the walls.
A Reimagined Master
Before, Alison and Jeremy weren’t sure how to finish this large space and make it work with the oversized windows. Dan’s answer? Separate the room into two areas with a show-stopping headboard that’s inspired by all of those natural elements of the home. Then, antique window frames placed smartly against the windows add even more design appeal while working with the home’s natural charm, too.
Simple Finishes
The soft plaid finish of this bedspread pairs perfectly off the dark stains of the natural wood, giving the room a soft but slightly masculine feel that works with the rustic tones. A small serving tray and a night table add functionality and complete the look.
A Seating Area
On the other side of the headboard Dan crafted this little seating nook that’s romantic and serene. Some throw pillows in that same brilliant green shade from the main floor help achieve an overall theme, while a black dresser adds a slightly modern touch to bring it all together.
A Cozy Creation
Adding to the overall charm is this upgraded fireplace with even more dark finishes, which are further enhanced by the artwork above. Extra storage shelves on either side add bonus functionality, while a chest and mirror combo on the other side complete the look.
A Brand New Ensuite
Last but not least, exposed brick showcases the natural beauty of the home while heated black hex tiling adds warmth and modernity to the space. A beautiful glass shower and a claw tub in that brilliant black hue tie in all of those modern elements and give homeowners the best of both design worlds. Sure, in the end these homeowners in particular decided they wanted to move on to a more modern vacation home, but it’s only a matter of time before new vacationers fall in love with all of this property’s charming upgrades and classic finishes.
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