It takes special people to shelter and care for injured animals. And it takes extra special people to care for those animals in their own homes. Meet Stefanie and Justin, a loving couple and parents who opened the doors of their home for animals in need. However, now that their rescue centre has grown and they’ve finally built up structures to continue their work outdoors, they were able to see what a toll their charity had taken on their home. Chewed up floors and gnawed walls were just the start of the home renovations this family was facing. Luckily, the Family Home Overhaul team heard of their plight, and sent in designer Samantha Pynn and contractors Kate Campbell and Dave Coleman. Together the trio transformed this home into a functional, safe haven for humans and animals alike.
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Touches of Warm Wood
To really play off the original farmhouse charm that this house, the team incorporated warm touches of wood throughout the open-concept kitchen design. The large table, trim, open shelves, and a custom hood warm the space that is grounded by monochromatic white cabinetry and charcoal hex tiling below. Then, pot lights, under-cabinetry lighting, and a candelabra-inspired chandelier give the space lots of ambient options to keep this kitchen bright and light well into the night.
Related: How to Brighten Your Home When it’s Getting Dark Outside
Modern Farmhouse Living
A quick and easy way to add modernity and character to any space is with a touch of wallpaper. In keeping with the homeowner’s personalities every single pattern the team chose for this renovation incorporated some kind of an animal design, including this black-and-white deer pattern featured behind the open-shelving in the living room. Then, more natural wood elements, an updated fireplace, and an antler-inspired chandelier bring the room together in a cozy and modern way.
Related: Sebastian Clovis and Tiffany Pratt Transform a Problem-Filled Home for Syrian Refugees
A Warm New Entrance
The team wanted to modernize the home’s entryway without sacrificing any of the farmhouse charm. So they left some of the beautiful wood finishes while updating the paint, fixtures and flow. Now this is a large space that works for visitors and volunteers alike, with a sleek farmhouse-inspired bench for taking on and off shoes. Add in those semi-flush lantern lights above, and this impactful space really sets a mood.
Related: 25 Eye-Catching Entryways That Make the Ultimate First Impression
An Official Volunteer Station
With so many volunteers coming in and out of the house, it only made sense to designate an official space for them to get what they need before returning outdoors. Creating that kind of separation from the rest of the family home turned out to be a great design opportunity too. A pot filler becomes a water bowl filler when relocated below; whimsical bird wallpaper is fun to look at while washing up or bathing animals; and easy-to-access open shelving adds function and design. It’s almost hard to imagine that this space used to be a part of the bathroom, which has now been modified into a smaller space in the back.
Related: Brian McCourt and Tommy Smythe Renovate a Mom’s Leaky Disaster Into a Home Sanctuary
A Bright New Washroom
That bold hex tiling continues into the washroom, giving even more flow to the overall space. Then more wood accents (including this storage-filled vanity and wood-trimmed mirrors) play off the trim, creating a natural flow. Earthy greens and grey neutrals pull it all together, highlighting more of that coveted, modern farmhouse appeal.
Related: 9 Major Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Your Bathroom
Organized Chaos
Mud rooms are any family’s saving grace-especially families that happen to spend lots of time outdoors with all the animals they rescue. But that doesn’t mean mud rooms can’t be designer-friendly. This space has it all-pretty grey hues, a gorgeous hex tiling, and animal hooks for that extra bit of personality. Add in lots of storage options and a bench to sit on, and this space is the perfect catch-all for Stefanie, Justin, and their busy crew.
Related: Scott McGillivray and Sarah Keenleyside Reno a Family Home That is a Safe Haven for Children in Need
Rustic Accommodations
The team kept that farmhouse feeling alive in the primary bedroom with a four-post bed that combines modern finishes with classic cuts. A tufted bench at the foot of the bed and two oversized armchairs transform this space from somewhere to sleep into an actual retreat, where parents can escape for tranquility. Last but not least, more wood trim and small accents (like the night tables) tie the space in with the rest of the home, creating overall flow and purpose.
Starry Nights
In the second bedroom the team made sure to give the couple’s son a space of his very own, one that’s perfect for a growing boy. There’s lots of room to play, accent colours that feel bright and modern, and a loft bed with shelving steps to help store all the things. Now what kid wouldn’t want to escape to this amazing little space?
Related: Sebastian Clovis and Samamtha Pynn Give a Deserving Football Coach’s Family Their Dream Home
Pretty in Pink Bedroom
In the third bedroom, Samantha Pynn wanted to create an extra special space for the couple’s daughter, who was scared of how high her previous bed was. So the team selected this smart bed from Wayfair, which grows with the little girl as she does. Add in whimsical elements like the lantern lights, a dress-up station, and a few modern pink textiles and finishes, and everyone in the family officially has a space that’s been created just for them.
Related: How to Decorate a Room With Pink
A Brand New Exterior
What would a Family Home Overhaul be without some top-notch upgrades to the exterior as well? The team came together to deliver Stefanie and Justin a brand new roof, a front door, steps leading up to the veranda, and a bit of simple landscaping that ties it all together. Now this farmhouse is as officially warm and inviting on the outside as it is on the inside, making it the perfect family home for two people with big hearts, small kids, and a ton of rescued animals.
Watch full length episodes of Family Home Overhaul now online!
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