The property’s brothers pull an oxymoron: modern traditional design

In the season 6 episode “Vintage Meets Modern”, Drew and Jonathan meet owners Ashley and Red, parents of three who are familiar with their 1962 home in Calgary, Alta., needs updating. Still, Ashley loves classic styles and is an avid antique collector.

The Scott Brothers have $ 150,000 to help update (and clean up) some of Ashley’s antiques, expand their small kitchen, and modernize the overall living space without making it feel too much modern.

“There is a way to make it traditional so that it isn’t dark and heavy and dated,” says Jonathan. “It can be beautiful.”

Read on to find out how Drew and Jonathan prove you can teach an old decorating style new tricks, and get plenty of tips you might be inspired to apply in your home as well.

Create a balance between whites and wood tones

When Drew and Jonathan first see Ashley and Red’s living room, they are shocked at how crowded the space is. The room is filled with furniture, musical instruments and antiques. In addition, there is a cumbersome fireplace which makes the already cluttered room appear to be overflowing.

The Scott brothers decided to replace the dark, heavy fireplace with a simpler one with white subway tiles going all the way to the ceiling. Still, Jonathan and Drew know Ashley loves the classic look of wood tones, so they build wood shelves on either side. The white fireplace adds an element of light to the signature wall, while the shelving adds plenty of storage for those antiques Ashley can’t get away from.

“Their house was so dark and cluttered. Instruments everywhere, ”says Drew. “Now they’re going to have an organization in the house. That would reassure me. “

When the fireplace is finished, Jonathan is proud to show off the functionality.

“You still have a traditional element for your fireplace, but you have something so gorgeous to look at,” he says.

Renovate dark wood floors for a fresher look

Ashley and Red’s home still has the original hardwood floors, and while they like having hardwood, they aren’t thrilled with the dark color. Drew and Jonathan decide to rehabilitate the floors for $ 3,500, sanding them down to reveal the much lighter wood underneath.

“Ashley and Red really love their original hardwood floors, and they want to keep them, which I’m all for,” says Jonathan. “Anytime we can salvage or reuse something, that’s a plus in my book.”

When floors are sanded and sealed, they look almost new. Knots in the wood add character and the light wood brightens up the whole house.

Wallpaper can be contemporary or classic

Wallpaper is a great addition to almost any home improvement. Not only is it relatively inexpensive and quick to install, it’s also available in a variety of colors and styles – homeowners can almost certainly find a pattern that will match their needs.

When it comes to adding wallpaper to Ashley and Red’s home, Drew and Jonathan choose a simple floral pattern with golden tones, which will complement Ashley’s most treasured antiques: a piano and a harp. .

“You have a lot of older pieces and you have different wood tones,” says Jonathan. “If you had to put something too modern, it wouldn’t work. “

Wood cabinets can still look contemporary

Ashley tells the brothers that she hates dark kitchen cabinets, but she still wants wood tones in the space.

“In the kitchen, absolutely, they want to look good and white with wood tones,” Drew told Jonathan at their design meeting. “They don’t want to have a kitchen without wood tones.”

Jonathan installs two-tone cabinets with white tops, warm wood undersides. They also add open shelves to make the space bigger. With the elements built into the living room, the refurbished wood floors and cabinetry, Jonathan knows this home has a lot of different wood tones, but they seem to work together.

“We have the right balance of wood tones throughout the house,” says Jonathan. “You never want to overpower it. You want to have just enough of it to be warm and inviting.

Install imperfect tiles for a natural look

To finish this kitchen, Jonathan wants to install a white backsplash, which will keep the space bright. To make this feature even more special, he decides to incorporate different patterns. Matching tiles are only $ 1,200, but they give the kitchen a fun and unique look that Ashley and Red love.

“We randomized the textured pattern on the tile just to be a new take on a traditional look,” says Jonathan.

In the end, this kitchen is the perfect balance between warm colors and a feeling of freshness.