We’re off to the Cowichan Valley today to peek in the home of John Lore – president of Live Edge Design.

I’ve mentioned this company before because I like the look of reclaimed and can get pretty excited when I find it locally. Live Edge Design has a noteworthy talent for design and a focus on quality workmanship. I’m cheering this Vancouver Island company on for chasing their dream of stylish sustainability.

Let’s take a peek…

I love this mid-century inspired reclaimed bed frame. The perfectly mitered corners on the side-table are a beautiful contrast to the textured edge of the headboard.

A well-made solid wood highboy is always a good investment. This piece works hard providing ample storage. The sophisticated button-like knobs gives this practical piece a very grown-up look.

• Thanks John, for sharing your home with us!

• Want to see more? Live Edge Design has an incredible portfolio on their website.

• For other HOME TOURS featured on ComoxValleyDwellings.com, click HERE.

 If you know of a local home we should tour on this website, please let us know!

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-b

Since moving to the Island, I have been very impressed with the many custom homes that are built in this area.  I love that home owners have taken a leap of faith, and chosen to build or buy a home that is unique, and reflects their individual style.  This home was originally designed and constructed by a carpenter about 20 years ago.  The design concept was based on the technical ideas of a tradesman, and took many years to complete, but the end result is a beautiful, carefully crafted space.

Last year this home went through an extensive renovation that took roughly nine months to complete. What started out as a small seed of an idea, turned into a true labour of love for the home owners.  The bones of the structure have remained untouched to honour the original design, but the kitchen  required much more storage, so a new Island and eating bar was constructed.

The floor plan is open concept leaving little wall space. This great niche with open shelving was added to create a perfect spot for displaying the owners collectibles.  The main colour of the home is beautiful soft cream, with burnt orange as the feature colour for the main living space .  The cedar beams were left in chocolate brown, providing a sharp contrast to the cream and orange and creating a rich, warm pallet.  These fantastic throw pillows from Duduza in down town Comox, compliment the wall colour, tie in the dark structural beams, and provide a soft accent to the super comfy sofa!

This bathroom features ”his and hers” double sinks, and the mirrors have been cleverly trimmed out with decorative mouldings for a more formal presentation…a great DIY project for rooms in need!

Before the renovation, all the interior perimeter walls of the house had dark cedar panelling, and the remaining walls were painted a dark sage green.  This was actually quite popular for the period of the home, but the look was dark and dated.  To freshen things up, bead board was installed on the perimeter walls and painted out in a crisp white, and the adjacent walls were painted a tranquil blue.  The result is a beautiful combination which adds character and brightness to the master bedroom.  Bead board is an excellent material to use in  renovations, as it is easy to install, and can completely transform the look of a space.  Check out the gallery photos for all of the many applications that bead board was used in this home…it’s versatility is endless!!!

~k

Special Thank-you to Duduza in Comox, for allowing us to feature the their wonderful products in this home!

From Duduza: Sofa & Chair Throw Pillows~Bathroom Accessories & Product~Floral Shower Curtain~Bamboo Towels~Master bedroom Bedding

Do you know of a home we should feature? Would you like us to feature your home? If so, please contact us. We’ll bring in a professional photographer, help you stage your home, and even show you how local products can be used.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending a lovely afternoon with the owner of Blueberry Cottage, Maureen Crowder, who gave me a tour of her quaint home on 3rd street in downtown Courtenay.  This adorable heritage cottage won my heart with it’s charming  collection of treasures from the past that took me back to a place in time where simple living was at its best.  Maureen has done a wonderful job decorating the home with carefully chosen vintage pieces that reflect the period in which the home was built.

When I first walked through the door, I was reminded of my great grandmothers home where as a young girl I would spend a lot of time relaxing on the week-ends.   I have so many fond memories of listening to polka music on the radio, playing dominoes in the evenings, and snacking on her fantastic baking for breakfast!   I love how this cottage has re-captured the essence of  simplicity and lightheartedness which I believe is very important to seek in everyday life.

For several years this home has been available to lucky visitors to the Valley as a fabulous holiday rental, and recently it has also been used by out-of-town expectant mothers who desire a home birth.  Many babies have had their first welcome to the world in this 3 bedroom humble abode, in fact the first family to reside in this cozy cottage was a family of 11, in which all the children were born at home…my how times have changed!

Thank you so much Maureen for sharing this lovely dwellings with us.
~ k

For the Entire Tour please visit our Photo Gallery:

GET THE LOOK:

Kari and Bethany recommend checking out the following local businesses to achieve a look similar to Blueberry Cottage:

Abeylane Antiques – Courtenay, BC
Red Living – Courtenay, BC
Demexx – Coombs, BC
A Step Above – Comox, BC (Quality Foods)
Buschlen Furniture – Courtenay, BC

Today’s Home Tour was Photographed by:

Are you ready to be inspired?

After you read Kari’s comments, make sure to check out the full photo gallery for this home tour. There is so much to peek at for this tour – and believe me, you won’t want to miss a thing!

My personal favourite? I LOVE the home office. It has given me some serious inspriation for our own soon-to-be home office.

Thanks so much L for sharing your home with us!

~ b

{I’m so giddy writing the post for this amazing downtown Courtenay home!!!  It is so inspiring to feature a home that is a true labour of love.  With a natural passion for Interior Design the home owners have taken a once run down diamond in the rough and meticulously restored it with love and creativity,  producing a home that is polished and picture perfect! L. and husband, congratulations on doing an amazing job on your home. } 

{Light & Lustrous Living room}  This home was styled with a  mid-century modern tone that includes classic architectural furniture pieces and artwork displayed in a modern setting.  (Please be sure to see the photos of the fantastic Arc Lamp in our gallery…it’s a beauty!)  I love the use of both reflective and transparent materials combined with the opaque pieces such as the white chair, to give a spacious and airy feeling to the room.  The oriental rug adds softness and defines the sitting area, plus adds the perfect hit of colour to the monochromatic pallet. }

{Classic Meets Contemporary Kitchen}  The kitchen is a gorgeous example of how black and white finishes paired with sparkling stainless steel can create an everlasting elegant space.  By choosing all neutrals for the finishes allows for the space to stay current for many years.  These are not necessarily trendy colours, so they will stand the test of time, and work perfect for investment spaces like kitchens.

{Funky Floor} This tiled floor is durable, and gives the illusion of expansion to the narrow space.  I love how the home owner  added an accent rug in a completely different pattern, but the same tones, to create interest and a lovely layered effect.

{Captivating Cabinets} By not using upper cabinets, the home owner has created a space that feels open, and takes best advantage of the windows.  On the adjacent wall there is a floor to ceiling pantry that maximizes every inch of wall space, for storing everyday essentials.  This galley-style layout is perfect for narrow kitchens that are square foot challenged.  Since there is a formal dining room off the kitchen, a casual eating bar was created which gives a perfect spot to perch and enjoy a cup of coffee or light lunch.

{Optimum Office}  Having a great space for a home office has become essential in home design since this is now considered the hub of the home… the information super station!!!  This room highlights what is necessary for an ideal home office.  The home owner has created a dual workstation that is organized where two people can manoeuvre comfortably, and  there is a defined space for each user.  The office is also used as a spare room for hosting guests by incorporating a sofa bed that is perfect for lounging, or used as sleeping quarters for company.  This is a great example of how to maximize space in smaller homes!

~k

Visiting the photo gallery for this home tour is a MUST today… more photos here!
Today’s photography was by Crystal Clear Photography

Here in the Comox Valley we have some lovely historical architecture. I’m not sure about you, but one of my favorite things to do is drive around and gaze at some of the classic old timers. Old orchard area in Courtenay, or downtown Cumberland are two of my favorite spots for this.

In Comox sits one beautiful historical gem of a home. You’ve probably seen it: The Filberg Lodge located at the Filbeg Park.

This home was supposed to be the guest house for the Filberg family. Construction started in 1929 and by 1935 the family loved it so much that they decided to make it their own.

Kari’s here to give us a few historical design lessons circa 1929.

Enjoy!

My Family and I love going to the Filberg Lodge – it’s one of our favorite places to stroll around on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  During the summer we enjoy listening to the performers in the park while lapping up oodles of ice cream at the Tea House lunch counter.  I feel so privileged that my family has the opportunity to enjoy this amazing property that captures the essence of life in the 1920’s.

Let’s explore this home – art deco style…

This beautiful bedroom overlooks the ocean and has a stunning view of Goose Spit.  I’m sure many hours of contemplation were spent lying on this lovely upholstered bed.  Fabrics like Rayon were one of the first man-made fibers introduced in the 20’s, and began replacing cotton as a sought after new and “modern” material.  It promised better durability and a silk-like properties adding elegance to  simple damasks.  For additional warmth in the bedrooms upstairs, modest wood and mosaic tiled fireplaces were constructed to provide necessary heat and the tiles added hit of colour to each room.

These were practical times and with the focus being on the war, military influences started appearing in various architectural details and home decor.   The en-suite bathroom just off the master suite displays mosaic tiles laid in a geometric chevron pattern.  Institutional materials like high polished chrome made their way into decorating details representing the introduction of The Machine Age.  Popular colours like teal, pink and black became mainstream pallets, and were inspired by nature.

Through this gorgeous hand-planed wood door, the kitchen displays a stunning reminder of the intricate tile inlay used during this time which creates an overall marvelous mosaic floor.  The kitchen layout is functional, and differs from today’s kitchens by incorporating important features like a separate entrance for daily deliveries of food and household supplies.  A private staircase off the back of the kitchen leads to the maids quarters at the top of the stairs…man, my house doesn’t have this feature…bummer!

What an awesome day we had at Filberg Lodge, Bethany and I had a great time trying to re-capture the spirit of this 1920’s classic beauty…if only we had a time machine!

Ever heard of Bathtub Gin? This last photo is our way of playing on the rumour :)

The remainder of the photos are HERE

Special Thanks to Courtenay Costume Rentals and The Filberg Lodge for helping us out with today’s feature.

Today Kari is taking us to a lovely 40’s Craftsman Home in the heart of Courtenay. Like Kari, I adore homes from this era – and the Comox Valley is filled with them. These homes shine when given some special attention to bring them back into their former glory. Talented home owners, such as the owners of this home, deserve every bit of joy they receive from living in such a soulful home. Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us D & S!

Enjoy!

Hello Everyone, thanks for joining me!

The spirit of this Craftsman Cutie really captivated me, as well as the small details that give it a unique and cozy feeling.  Since the home is older, it exudes a certain kind of personality that is authentic and inspiring.  The home owner told me they found a meter stick in one of the walls during a renovation project which leads me to believe that every nook and cranny has a story to tell…if only these four walls could talk!

Living room:

{Super Suede Sofa} – The home owners have a young son, and for those of us that have small children, we know how important it is to have resilient fabrics for our furniture.  They’ve selected a great sturdy sofa with a soft suede finish that offers snuggling comfort and peace of mind durability, but doesn’t sacrifice style.  Tab Imports supplied us with some additional throw pillows, which helped to accent the neutral coloured sofa, and continue the red theme through the rest of the house.

~Designer’s Tip:~ ” There are many great upholstery fabrics available for families with young children, so keep the little ones in mind when selecting soft coverings for your furniture…you’ll be thanking yourself down the road!”

{Craftsman Coffee Table} – The design of this table lends itself to craftsman style, and mimics the existing architectural details throughout the home.   Accessorizing the table top can be tricky with little hands within grabbing reach; so these items were selected again from Tab Imports, with the kiddo in mind.  The wooden bowls are durable and can be filled with items that are kid friendly, and the whimsical birds can be quickly whisked away in the wicker tray if necessary.

Kitchen:

This couple and I share a love for older houses.  Before my husband and I moved to Comox we restored a beautiful 98 year old period home in the core of bustling downtown.  We were drawn to the home because of its quirky personality and architectural details that can be difficult to recapture in a newer home.  One of those rewarding details was the massive window behind the sink, like the one in this kitchen.  I used to peer out the window and mindlessly daydream while doing the dishes…I wonder if they do the same thing?

{Stunning Sunny Sink} – I LOVE a white sink in the kitchen, especially one surrounded by brick laid subway tile backsplash, beautiful wood countertops, and simple white shaker cabinets.  Also, how fantastic to have a deep window sill above the sink to perfectly perch freshly picked bouquets, and creating a stunning focal point for the room.

{Irresistible Island} – How handy and adorable is this portable island!  Having an island on wheels is a great solution for flexible storage, and provides an opportunity to re-purpose the unit in other areas of the kitchen when needed (use as a buffet at a dinner party).  The additional work surface is also an added bonus, and I love the vintage artwork and practical towel hooks.  The bead board panels and stainless steel top blend perfectly with the rest of the kitchen decor, and kudos to the home owners on choosing this fantastic red colour that really makes the accessories pop!

{Cute Cozy Corner} – This little corner showcases some of the fantastic original trims and mouldings that the home owner has decided to salvage.  The colourful artwork is captivating, and draws attention to this space.  This distinctive spot provides a perfect opportunity to display their charming kitchen collection.

For the rest of the home tour, please visit our { Photo Gallery }
Today’s Photos were brought to you by:

Sarah Kerr Photography

We want to say thanks again to Tab Imports, in Downtown Courtenay for allowing us to use their fantastic accessories for this photo tour! If you’d like to get achieve this look in your own home, we suggest you pop in and speak with one of their knowledgeable staff members.

We’re an online magazine for Interior Design and Renovations in the Comox Valley.

We, Kari Fisher and Bethany Pearce, would like to personally welcome you. We are beyond thrilled that this day has finally come. We have been getting major goose bumps over the last several months – we cannot express enough how happy we are to be here.

We’re not going to spend too much time distracting you from the very first feature, but we want you to know that you can find details about what we’re doing, who we are, and how to get involved by exploring the links at the top of this page.

Today is Tuesday, and that means it’s INTERIOR DESIGN HOME TOUR time! We love home tours, whether they be online, in person, or printed in a magazine. One of the greatest sources of inspiration for Interior Design and Renovations can be other people’s homes – real homes.

Our very first tour is actually Kari’s home. And it’s gorgeous!

Here’s Kari to give us the tour…

Enjoy.

~b

Greetings and Welcome to my house!  Photographing my home was a surreal and gratifying experience, and it is my pleasure to share it with you.

Living Room:

My husband Nolan and I consider ourselves expert DIY’ers and we got to work right away on transforming our space within days of moving to the Comox Valley. With a keen eye for hidden potential and a whack-load of creativity, this cozy beach inspired living room emerged.

{ Sweet Simple Sofa } – We purchased this sofa at a local second hand store, stripped it down, retro-fitted bead-board into the side panels, and then carefully painted the whole frame with a durable white paint.  The soft teal chenille upholstery for the back cushions was purchased from one of our favourite shops, “Buschlen Furniture”, in Courtenay’s trendy “Tin-Town” village.

{ Green Gem Cupboard } – Is Vintage Sears.  Nolan started by stripping the existing finish then applied lovely key lime green paint, installed new hardware, and replaced raised panel doors with fluted glass.

{ Farm Found Frames } – You may be able to find something like this at our local “Restore” on 10th street in Courtenay.  These pieces were painted a uniform flat black. For added distressed details, a reveal of the original wood frame was left around the individual panes.

I chose to use graphic black and white accents to add visual interest by adding contrast against the calming beach tones.  I also find that they are excellent neutrals that can be re-used when you decide to re-decorate…which I’ve been known to do frequently!!! The mixed collection of pillows in this room, most from Tab Imports, varies in texture and size to create a charming layered effect.

~Designer’s Tip – “When choosing accessories for your room, don’t be scared to invest in good neutral pieces, they are easy to re-purpose in any space.”~

Kitchen:

This photo is one of our favourites. What better way to capture a kitchen, than with movement? After all, a kitchen is rarely a still place!

{ TiskTask Table } – This classic enamel topped Baker’s table, complete with drawer, was a popular piece around the 40’s.  It lived in a rustic family cabin in Saskatchewan for many years before it came to live with me, and it is my favourite kitchen accessory.  I left the piece original, adoring the look of weathered antiques paired with classic white cabinets and modern stainless steel appliances…very eclectic!  Currently, the space under the table works well to store large canning equipment and provides convenient accessibility.

P.S. I love Canning – Beans, cherries, peaches, pears, blueberries, jams & syrups. We’re all about self-sufficiency, and having family of 5 we will eat it all… my daughter could polish off the peaches in days if she had her way!!!!  Where else can we purchase home created goodies? …. Comox Valley Farmer’s Market maybe? Leave a comment if you know where!

Dining room:

My dining room is modest, yet it can easily transform from an everyday eating hub, to an elegant dining area on special occasions.

{ Lovely Lined Linens } – I highly recommend popping into “Otter’s Kitchen Cove” on Comox Ave if you’re looking for long-lasting linens.  We stopped in recently and fell in love with table cloths by “Danica”.  Treated with Scotch-Guard, they are resistant to stains and have a starched feel that allows a seamless drape without access wrinkling or sagging.

{ Delightful Dining Ware } – If you’re a fan of Quality Foods in Comox, you probably know about the gem of a store located upstairs appropriately named “A Step Above”. Bethany and I saw a lovely display featuring black/white dining ware that would compliment any home, and make excellent investment pieces. If you don’t see it right away, ask a staff member. The displays are always changing, offering awesome selections.

~k

For the rest of the home tour, please visit our { Photo Gallery }
Today’s Photos were brought to you by:

Sarah Kerr Photography

Crystal Clear Photography

We want to thank our first sponsor, Tab Imports , in Downtown Courtenay for assisting us with our very first photo tour! If you’d like to get achieve this look in your own home, we suggest you pop in and speak with one of their knowledgeable staff members.

Thank-you so much for visiting us on our very first day. We welcome your feedback or questions.

pssst. What can you do here but not in a print magazine? Comment! We’d love to hear what you thought of this home tour. Other readers will appreciate your comments too – let’s get the conversation going :)

- see you tomorrow!