A home renovation does not always require demolishing walls to achieve a dramatic transformation. Designer Michelle Berwick of Newmarket proved this with a recent project that turned a builder-basic house into a bespoke masterpiece, all while leaving the existing floor plan intact.
An Apothecary-Inspired Kitchen
The centerpiece of the renovation is the kitchen, which now features an apothecary-inspired design. Custom cabinetry with putty-toned finishes, skinny shaker doors, and an abundance of drawers create a functional and stylish space. Hardware from Handle This! in Newmarket adds brass knobs and cup-shaped handles, while a hand-trawled plaster hood serves as a focal point. Oak details, including an island and a pantry with a breathable gold-mesh drawer for tubers, bring warmth and texture. A rippled-glass coffee garage and quartz countertops complete the look.
"The kitchen didn't function well before," Berwick notes. "It was all doors and very few uppers. Now, it is set around the plaster hood, which is a showpiece."
Custom Millwork Throughout
Wheelers Studio crafted all custom millwork for the home. In the great room, a timber-clad ceiling replaces plain white drywall, adding warmth. Built-in cabinetry for books and pottery stretches across a wall, upgrading a once-plain surface. A stone-finish fireplace acts as a focal point, and new oak floors replace dark, dated ones. The dining room features vertical oak cabinets recessed into the wall, with top portions concealing electrical and internet components. Taupe and cream checked wallpaper from York Wallcoverings adds charm.
"We used every bit of wall space we could," says Berwick. "All of those elements make it feel grand, special, warm and cosy."
Subtle Yet Significant Changes
The 2,500-square-foot home, originally built by a developer after razing the previous structure, belonged to long-time clients with three young boys. Over time, the dark floors, shiny espresso cabinets, and brown granite countertops felt dated. Berwick's redesign focused on functionality and timeless style, with a neutral cream scheme accented by brass hardware and oak details. A staircase refresh included painting treads and posts and adding black pickets.
"Sometimes adding custom cabinetry and reconfiguring a room is more than enough to make a space sing and make it functional," Berwick explains. The result is a home that feels entirely new without moving a single wall.
