Designer Stephanie Martin melds classic with contemporary for comfort and warmth in this Calgary home.

When designer Stephanie Martin first saw this home, she knew it was a space to reinvent. “I was surprised by how dark and tight the interior felt, given its 3,000 square feet, but I immediately saw potential,” she says. The 2012-built residence, home to a couple and their young son, definitely had keeper features, such as charming coffered ceilings and hardwood floors. But the original layout – small rooms, plus a main-floor bedroom that was the only access to the backyard – had to go. “The owners and I envisioned a light-filled, open-concept take on the home’s traditional aesthetic,” says Stephanie. Infusing the classic space with contemporary flair was imperative, and Stephanie’s plan to make it happen included bold lighting, custom cabinetry and dashes of colour. “It still feels traditional but with a fresh, unexpected twist of whimsy,” she says. “It exudes a sense of comfort that instantly feels like home.”

Opening up the main floor allowed designer Stephanie Martin to create an elegant layout where new elements form a pleasing contrast to original ones. The existing dark hardwood floor was sanded and stained to a warm mid-tone with a matte finish. In the dining area, a paned window marks the spot with character while still maintaining the airy vibe. The ceiling’s patterned wallpaper feels playful. “It’s reminiscent of an antique tin ceiling and I love that nod to tradition,” says Stephanie.

A contemporary chandelier presides over the homeowners’ dining table. “The light is stunning, and it’s wrapped in delicate fabric that adds softness to the space,” says Stephanie. She complemented the long and sturdy dining table with a mix of chairs for an eclectic effect. The house faces a park, and the living room’s view to its leafy expanse is softly framed by pale drapes. Stephanie says, “They have an understated elegance, and the monochromatic fabric has a soft texture that adds depth without being overpowering.”

The kitchen is at the back of the house, where the bedroom and an ensuite once were, and Stephanie had a window installed above the sink to bring more natural light into the bright space. She opted for a multitone palette that includes custom- stained white oak cabinetry and a cheeky pop of green. “The olive feels so fresh and perfect for a young family,” she says. Backless stools can neatly be tucked beneath the island; their wood finish softens with a rustic touch. 

The kitchen cabinets were custom-designed to intentionally have a lot of variance,” says Stephanie. Creamy pantry units have pyramid-panel fronts to add dimension. They flank a breakfast/coffee bar with glass-fronted white oak cabinets that boast snazzy black metal trim. “It’s reminiscent of the paned window in the dining room to tie the spaces together.” That detail is echoed in the black of the pendant lights. Brass touches throughout pep up the elegance, and hidden custom drawer organizers, waste stations and spice pullouts help keep counters clutter-free. 

Both homeowners use the office, so it had to be extra special. “We wanted it to be functional, of course, but also homey,” says one owner. “Stephanie came through with beautiful soft furnishings that have a relaxing lounge effect.” The designer also added white oak ceiling beams, an oversized pendant light and a pill-shaped wood desk, but the eye-catcher is the faux-leather stitched wallpaper that lines the room. Stephanie says, “The office is visible from the main hallway and entry, so it was important it stood out aesthetically and felt equally as special as the other spaces.”

Stephanie wanted the formal living room to feel more elegant. The hallway leading to it is loosened up by a sculptural brass ceiling light. “The shape and colour immediately introduce the playful and unexpected elements found throughout the rest of the home,” says Stephanie.

Light and dark tones bring dynamism to the living room. A bench/ottoman keeps the sight- line to the adjacent dining area unobstructed while offering extra seating and closed storage. Colour is introduced with collections that include artwork and coffee-table books that the owners have purchased over time.

While long enough for a king-size bed, the primary bedroom isn’t very wide, so Stephanie relied on colour and pattern to bolster the space. “I introduced a new tone – blue – and mixed it with the creamy tones that were used throughout the home. Together they feel soft, serene and opulent,” she says. Velvet drapes are a luxurious touch, while the original built-in dresser was retained for much-needed storage, but repainted a neutral cream colour.

The soft sophistication of a velvet bed with slim brass legs and a focal wall with feminine wallpaper is tempered by an oversized raw-steel pendant light. “It has contrasting boldness, as well as an old-world feel,” says Stephanie.

tephanie reconfigured the primary bathroom – reducing four points of entry to two and eliminating an oversized built-in whirlpool tub – to create a large functional room complete with a two-person walk-in shower, two separate vanities, a tub and plenty of storage. She custom-designed the solid white oak doors to look and feel like reclaimed vintage finds. “These are a bit of a signature of mine,” she says. “I love how they add old-world charm to a new space.”

The shower’s built-in bench is perfect for enjoying the steam feature and taking in the bold mix of materials, from the traditional marble floor to the contemporary paned glass. “Because the shower is large, it was important to outfit it in a way that felt interesting and layered,” says Stephanie. “The mix of tiles feels special, even on the ceiling, and the lower portion is like wainscotting.” Panelling adds dimension to the wall behind the tub, which sits beneath an existing sky- light; brass sconces above the sink offset the monochromatic scheme with warmth. 

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