Words Janice Henshaw
Photos Sarah Hartley Photography
After purchasing a 2006 home in downtown Sidney, Designer Danielle Nostedt began a four-month renovation to transform the space. Although parts of the house functioned well, the living room was next to the entry, while the kitchen and sitting room were down at the end of a long hallway. The rooms felt small and closed off. Reconfiguring the floor plan required removing a wall, as well as extensive wiring, plumbing and finishing. Danielle’s expertise in interior design and project management was put to the test!
The house, though modest at 1,469 square feet, feels spacious thanks to its nine-foot-high ceilings. Danielle enlarged the kitchen and what is now the living room – creating a large, open area perfect for entertaining. The kitchen was gutted, but luckily, it had a high-end Miele stove and dishwasher that were retained. Danielle opted for new Shaker cabinets without uppers on the main wall to allow more light to flow through and improve functionality. The white-and-gray marbled quartz countertop doubles as a backsplash, carefully cut to fit around the windows and beneath the new hood vent for effortless cleaning. Standard outlets were replaced with pop-up outlets on the countertop to preserve the seamless veining of the quartz. Two wall-mounted milk-glass and brass globe lights provide soft lighting. Vanilla Taupe-stained oak shelves between the fridge and pantry have strip lighting beneath them.
A dramatic, darker-toned, 12-foot island uses the same beautiful quartz and includes a sink, microwave and dishwasher. The extended countertop provides ample legroom for modern bar stools. A vintage Turkish rug between the island and cabinets adds visual interest and comfort underfoot while cooking. Storage is maximized with lower drawers and pull-outs. The pantry cabinet’s pull-out shelves reflect Danielle’s husband’s love of order. I’m not sure if the cans were arranged alphabetically, but perhaps … .
The perimeter of the kitchen is painted in “Collingwood” by Benjamin Moore; the island is “Fawn Brindle” by Sherwin-Williams. This restful contrast is accented by chrome knobs that give it a European touch. Engineered hardwood floors with in-floor heating add a cozy touch of luxury.
The warm wood tone and soft shape of the dining room table complement the Josef Hoffman-designed cane chairs that have a darker wood tone accent. Larger chairs at each end of the table add scale and balance. Next to a bright bay window is the breakfast nook, which features a cozy, tonal banquette, a linen globe light and a vintage wooden cabinet to the side. Dimmable wafer lights allow each space to shift from bright to soothing.
In the living room, Danielle introduced elements of tactile natural materials and muted elegance. She kept the old fireplace insert but removed the pink tile surround and replaced it with a new matte-honed marble mosaic tile. Their adorable rescue dog from Mexico enjoys the comfort of a soft, natural jute-and-wool rug. Attractive built-in oak-veneer bookcases on both sides of the fireplace are stained to match the kitchen shelving. They are tastefully filled with vintage pieces and travel mementos that add personality to the room.
Both bathrooms look charming and modern, painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Natural Cream,” including baseboards and doors. The ensuite bathroom features an oak vanity with a cream quartz countertop, and the floor is a porcelain tile in a checkerboard pattern of gray and taupe heritage tones. The hallway bathroom vanity is constructed from solid eucalyptus wood with a honed natural black marble countertop, and the floor is set with gray-and-white checkerboard marble tiles. Round shapes of vanities, tables, chairs and lighting throughout the home soften the look and balance the sharp edges of modern design.
Danielle updated the entry with a more natural-looking jute light fixture, juxtaposing it with a concrete console table. A misshapen mirror and a handmade wooden stool add to its unique, welcoming feel. The primary bedroom, now moved away from the kitchen, exudes comfort and elegance thanks to privacy curtains, a built-in Shaker-style closet and linen bedding. A warm coverlet from Portugal was, as Danielle jokes, a heavy lift through airports! The second bedroom is furnished with wood bookcases and a large worktable; the bookcases are free-standing to allow for a future room conversion. Walls are painted in “Sea Glass” (Benjamin Moore), a striking aqua colour that changes with the light.
The renovation wasn’t without its challenges: living through construction was tough, especially without a kitchen, says Danielle; they had many outdoor “picnics.” Still, with a clear plan shaped by years of design and finance experience, Danielle navigated every hurdle with creativity and resilience. Their home reflects her vision: a harmonious blend of function, beauty and comfort. Now that the renovation is complete, Danielle is inspired and eager to help others design their spaces; info@daniellenostedtdesign.com.
