Kelowna’s Upper Mission hosts this warmly attractive home in the gated Iron Horse community
Eye-popping curb appeal says, “Welcome,” to a dwelling specifically designed as a comfortably functional family home. Natural Pangaea Cambrian stone echoes the earth tones of cedar shakes and sky coloured shingles. Together they provide a textural dimension that highlights the multi-faceted roof and wall lines. Designer Mika Rempel of Chirp Studio wanted some elements of traditional detailing while maintaining a fresh, modern feel. “Everything that went into the house was considered for practicality as well as beauty,” says Mika. “If it’s not practical, then what’s the point?”
Searching for a way to give this home its own unique identity, Mika settled on the grey maple cabinetry as the starting point for the overall colour scheme. The cabinets, by SuCasa Cabinets, are not stained but finished with an oxidization process that turns the wood grey, like driftwood. Honed black granite counters by Canyon Soapstone compliment the natural feel. Random width solid maple floors by Koeda Hardwood Floors, are distressed and finished with eco-friendly European hardwax oil in a kid-and-pet-friendly medium brown, the best colour for hiding spills and dust. The layout of this four-bedroom home with 2,300 sq. ft. of living space on the main and upper levels plus a full walk-out basement is also tailored to family needs. All four bedrooms are located on the upper floor where the master suite, while close to children’s rooms, is a private enclave with walk-in closet and spacious en suite. Family time is concentrated in the open concept living-dining-great room on the main level that spans the entire back of the house and opens onto a roomy deck overlooking the yard. A quiet den is tucked into space off the expansive foyer where clerestorey windows high in the open stairwell flood the area with light. Details like lots of storage and select hardware make all the difference to a home that comes together on a very reasonable budget. ~Laurie Carter
Photo by Chris Malins
