A bright kitchen reno

Calling to mind endless seaside views and warm breezes off the shore, Sherry and Richard Ellison's renovated kitchen design feels like a light-filled retreat that captures the spirit of laidback living. What's surprising is its location. Not, in fact, a romantic coastal cottage, but instead a rejuvenated century home surrounded by land in the small town of Alliston, Ontario.

"When we first moved in, there was a tub and shower in here, and the walls were all wonky," says Sherry of the kitchen that came with the house eight years ago. "We had to do something fast!" A quick refresh was in order, followed by renovations of other rooms (including converting four tiny bedrooms to three plus a bathroom) while the couple thought about what they really wanted in the kitchen.

To a pair who practically live on their sailboat during the summer, and often spend vacations on the Mediterranean and along the U.S. coast, the desired look was a reflection of that preferred lifestyle. "Most of the house is done in a Cape Cod style that's really airy and fresh," says Sherry, who owns Details, a home decor shop in town. "I love the kind of space that looks like an ocean breeze has just blown through," she adds. The couple envisioned a dream kitchen, with walls and ceiling of beadboard, unadorned windows, wood floors and lots of natural light streaming into the room through the day.


Renovated cottage kitchen The renovation was a labour of love and, with the exception of the beautiful granite countertop that was professionally installed, the pair did all the work themselves once Richard, a contractor, had enough downtime to devote to the project. In several short weeks, the Ellisons removed cabinets, took up tiles, relocated plumbing, levelled the floor, ordered appliances and had a rich hardwood floor laid, as well as new cupboards installed. Sherry and Richard decided against modern stainless-steel appliances and opted instead for white to create a clean, seamless look. Watery sea shades add to the pretty, relaxed feel of the space.