A Mid-Century Home

After blending families in 2018, Andre and Simone purchased their first home: a 1963 raised ranch in a suburban GTA university/college town. With three bedrooms and 1.5 baths, the home provided just the right amount of space for the couple, Simone's five year-old daughter, and Andre's seven year-old son. The home fit the young family's budget and its convenient proximity to Toronto made it a commuter's dream. Simone relies on rail transportation to get to downtown Toronto where she works as a development officer for a modern art museum. Andre works as a guidance counselor and basketball coach for a local high school.

The family stays busy with weeknight functions that include music lessons, sporting events, and Simone's work functions at the museum. Despite their busy schedules, family dinners are an important aspect of their day. Andre and Simone prepare freshly-cooked meals at least four times per week. On weekends, the family enjoys visits from their extended family and will frequently host a barbecue, birthday party, or Sunday brunch. The couple originally purchased the dwelling as their “starter home” with the intention of seeking a modern home after the children were in high school. However, they have come to appreciate the locale's security and sense of community the neighborhood provides. They are ready to make this house their forever home with a few improvements.

The ranch features hallmarks of mid-century architecture, including an asymmetrical facade, low-pitched roof, and a floor-to-ceiling window aside the home's split-level entryway. Previous owners updated the exterior and interior, masking the home's vintage characteristics. Most of the rooms feature a dusty, blue paint scheme and golden, pecan hardwood floors. The neutral palette has made decorating the home simple, as the couple easily integrated modern furnishings amidst the current scheme.

Despite the home's upkeep and past upgrades, the family's kitchen is in desperate need of a renovation. The kitchen is small and does not utilize the available space. Counter space is limited, which makes it difficult for the couple to prepare meals together. Current cooking appliances include a wall oven and a microwave mounted over the electric cooktop. There is a small dining table in the corner of the kitchen that barely fits the family of four. The neutral color palette of the home continues into the kitchen. Previous owners updated the cabinets, floor, and backsplash.

The family gathers in the kitchen for breakfast every morning and for quick, casual meals throughout the week. They would appreciate a kitchen island to help increase their workspace, but would also like to have versatility for seating four around the island. The couple would like to move the microwave to install a hood over the cooking range. They are also interested in additional space-saving features such as a dish drawer. Most of the renovations date back to the 90's and do not mimic Andre and Simone's style preference.

When it comes to style, Andre and Simone feel ready to take more risks. Having lived in their home for five years, they have personal design ideas for the kitchen. They would like to embrace the home's history and restore back to statement colors reminiscent of the 1960s. Simone would also like to incorporate elements inspired by modern art in the kitchen.

Additional Property Information

+ The wall between the dining room and kitchen is load bearing and cannot be removed.

+ Room entrances may be moved or altered, except for the entry between the kitchen and dining room.

+ All windows can be moved or altered.

+ If you have a question that is not directly answered here, you are expected to utilize creative freedom with your design to solve the issue.

+ Please utilize newest available standards in your submissions. An abbreviated version of the 4th Edition NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines is available for reference.

Entries will be judged on visual appeal, creativity, the elements and principles of design, the NKBA's 4th Edition Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Guidelines and NKBA Graphics and Presentation Standards. These topics can be found in the Kitchen & Bath Design Presentation and Kitchen & Bath Design Principles volumes of the NKBA Professional Resource Library or Knowledge Base. Students should refer to these resources when designing their projects.

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