A Muskoka retreat in the Niagara region

In the picturesque town of Ridgeway, Ontario, just moments from the serene shores of Lake Erie, stands a transformed two-storey residence that seamlessly blends old and new, traditional and modern, indoor and outdoor.  This thoughtfully designed addition and interior renovation is our project "Dusted Olive", a successful collaboration between INVISION Design Solutions, Jordan Station Design Co., and Steve Built Inc. Join the design team for a tour of the completed project, and hear about the journey that brought us to these beautiful end results.

Old & New

The key to a successful addition project is to seamlessly integrate the old and the new, so that it looks like the addition has always been there. The homeowners, captivated by the property's expansive double-wide lot and its proximity to the lake, envisioned a space that would connect them to their outdoor space, and provide a space that would be more conducive to entertaining. To realize this vision , we meticulously planned an addition that introduced a formal dining room alongside a spacious three-season enclosed patio or "Muskoka room". In order to marry the aesthetic of the new structure with the existing, we chose, rather than trying to match existing finishes, to introduce complementary finishes - a paneled finish design that flows with the warm neutral tones of the existing brick and siding. The positioning of this addition was thoughtfully planned to maintain the light and views from the existing windows, to work with the existing structure and roof line, and to maximize the functionality of the property.

Inside, with the addition of a new dining room, there was space gained in the kitchen. While the original wood kitchen cabinetry was preserved, a new, larger island in a complementary colour was incorporated to enhance functionality, and new countertops and backsplash installed to tie it all together.  Additionally, the previous island cabinets found new purpose as a coffee station adjacent to the dining room, showcasing a thoughtful reuse of materials.​ The new hardwood flooring in the addition was matched to the existing, and a light, fresh wall colour was applied throughout the main floor for a seamless transition from old to new.

Traditional & Modern

Our clients' home was well-built and in good condition, but in a more traditional style than our client's tastes. We used several strategies to maintain as much of the existing as possible, while blending the traditional bones of the home with an infusion of modern detailing and furnishings. The main floor underwent a refresh, bringing together the existing character wood flooring and trim with a clean, fresh neutral tone on the walls. We married the traditional wood cabinetry with a charcoal island and softly patterned quartz countertop and subtle backsplash tile. The entire main floor was furnished with casual, clean-lined furniture, featuring an eclectic mix of old and new: A hand-made modern dining table was paired with existing traditionally styled dining chairs; a vintage, mid-century modern buffet was refinished in a punchy avocado green; Locally-made modern shelving units houses a unique collection of the clients' mementos and custom art-pieces.

Indoor & Outdoor

A driving factor in this addition was our clients' desire to maximize their connection to the beautiful property surrounding the house. To realize this vision, we strategically planned the addition to maximize natural light and panoramic views of the lush property.  The integration of indoor and semi-outdoor spaces was achieved through paneled designs that harmonized with the home's existing finishes and expansive windows that invited the outdoors in. The enclosed patio, equipped with large screens for balmy days and a gas fireplace for cooler evenings, ensures comfort across seasons.​

Collaborative Execution

The success of the "Dusted Olive" project was bolstered by the expertise of Stevebuilt, who managed the construction, and Jordan Station Design Co who collaborated on the design.  The transformation was artfully captured by Four32 Media, whose photography highlights the home's harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.​