Cottage Club Renovation
Cottage Vibes: A Relaxed Retreat Redefined
MEET THE CLIENTS:
Marvin and Rhonda were eager to say good-bye to the city and embrace a tranquil lifestyle in their cottage located within a short distance of Calgary. Martin’s upcoming retirement propelled them to bid farewell to the city buzz, while Rhonda, still part-timing, looked forward to the prospect of a downsized home that could still accommodate both lively family gatherings and peaceful moments alone. Their cottage, however, lacked the comfort and amenities they sought for full-time living. The main floor felt cramped, storage was scarce, and the kitchen’s orange laminate counters screamed outdated. Upstairs, the storage struggle continued, and a catwalk to the primary bedroom left little in the way of space to add any.
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT:
Room Service Interiors stepped in to craft a cottage suitable for full-time occupation. A complete renovation of the main floor including removal of the small main floor bedroom to add much needed main floor living space, a full kitchen and bath redesign, a second-floor extension, and a bedroom and half-bath refresh were our mandate. We meticulously crafted design concepts for each space and created dimensioned construction and wall elevations along with 3D renderings for a vivid preview of the planned project. Post-approval, we curated finishes and fixtures, collaborating closely with the general contractor as we project managed the design elements for a seamless execution. The finishing touch? Room Service Interiors supplemented Rhonda and Marvin’s existing furnishings with complementary furniture, custom drapery, luxurious bedding, art and décor to ensure this pretty cottage reached it’s full potential.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
Kitchen
We bid farewell to the island and welcomed a peninsula with a curved breakfast bar for additional seating.
Our custom kitchen design included taller wall cabinets, a lemans corner & spice pullouts, as well as a toe-kick drawer for linens to ensure efficiency for daily living.
Smart planning and the selection of space-efficient premium appliances have strategically maximized the layout, offering both spaciousness and luxury. The integration of a Fulgor Milano refrigerator column, Falmec ventilation insert, Sharp microwave drawer, Fisher & Paykel dish drawer, and a Cavavin beverage fridge ensure that this small kitchen performs as well as any.
Cabinetry in Benjamin Moore’s Kennebunkport green paired with a picket-shaped white tile backsplash set against charcoal grout, achieves a bright, stylish cottage ambiance.
Main Floor Bath
We removed 2 of the 3 doors located within this small space, knocking out the wall dividing a separate shower area and closing off a second door leading to the home’s entrance, thus increasing useable wall and floor space.
We then redesigned for a light and bright ambiance, boasting a spacious shower and increased linen storage.
Within the entrance, our newly enclosed wall made way for floor to ceiling built-in cabinetry for a much-needed pantry and additional storage
The existing shower pan and plumbing were removed. While general plumbing locations were kept in place, removing the dividing wall made way for both a generous custom tile shower and a sizeable linen cabinet perfect for everyday use.
We added handmade ceramic tiles in a classic white subway on the shower walls with an inset of the same style sage green tile layed in a herringbone pattern to stay in sync with our fresh cottage feel.
A clean Arctic Snow Vicostone quartz countertop with integrated backsplash was selected for durability and easy maintenance.
Cabinetry in Benjamin Moore’s Kennebunkport green continued the fresh cottage look, while a Cloud White linen cabinet and walls in Winds Breath created a warm, cohesive palette.
Living Space
After examination by a structural engineer, a new beam was placed in order to allow removal of the existing main floor bedroom wall. This allowed us to reallocate what once was a small bedroom to a living room large enough to host family gatherings with a separate dining space large enough to seat eight guests.
With the wall removed, we were able to take advantage of the square footage by adding custom bookshelves and cabinetry (plus an x-box and tv for Marvin) as well as ample room for a sectional and chair.
Upstairs Loft
We transformed the catwalk into a cozy sitting and dressing area, by extending the loft out by 48” adding a crucial 36 feet of square footage.
We relocated the primary suite door to the opposite side to make way for the new loft floor plan
The additional space allowed us to install built-in wardrobes along one wall, utilizing the remainder of the loft as a private sitting room for the couple to enjoy morning coffee with a view of the mountains.
“Thinking about design is hard, but not thinking about it can be disastrous.” – Ralph Caplan