Build Stratford Blog

We Love Your House - Douglas St. Stratford

12/4/2015

In 1924, the owner of Rankin Ice Cream Parlour, Gordon Rankin, commissioned an architect from Toronto, stonemasons from Scotland and limestone from Indiana for his Tudor Revival house. This home is rare example of the Jacobean style in Stratford with steeply pitched roof and small paned windows. The symmetrical double gables are also very distinctive. We especially love the beautiful patina of the copper awnings and the stonework detail around the entry door.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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Small kitchen renovation is good in Stratford

12/1/2015

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Kitchen before: windows removed to create more space.

Kitchen after: window above sink replaces sliding doors.

Kitchen before: refrigerator moved to opposite side.

Kitchen after: sink below new window.

A small kitchen needing an update challenged our interior designers to find creative ways to maximize this floor plan. The 11' x 11' room is now a gorgeous and efficient space thanks to a full pantry wall with pullouts and drawers, and smart cabinet accessories in the prep area. The focal point of the room, a full wall, buffet style pantry, creates ample storage for dishes, bakeware, linens and dry goods.

Our client's wish was to create plenty of storage and to have a clear counter space for food preparation. By utilizing an appliance garage and a knife block insert, we were able to clear the counters. The full length pullout pantry gives an excess of food storage. A pullout spice rack perfectly fits a narrow space beside the sink cabinet. A lower corner cabinet utilizes a Le Mans pullout for cooking pots.

The large window frames the lush gardener's garden and brings in plenty of light. White painted cabinets, chrome hardware and quartz countertops reflect the light and lend a nice contrast to light grey subway tile and a slate-look porcelain floor.

And here is what our clients had to say about the experience:

"Build provided a thoughtful design and complete transformation of our kitchen. We had some basic ideas in mind, with respect to appliance and window placement. The designer took these ideas into account and beautifully maximized the functionality of the small space (11'x11') . She kept a tradional feel in the design to compliment the age of the house which was built in the 1920's.

The trades people who completed the renovation were skilled, courteous and had excellent attention to detail.
We were kept well informed at all stages of the process. We are extremely happy with the results and would highly recommend Build."

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build in Stratford, Ontario.
Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

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Rory McDonnell

I am a licensed carpenter,
an experienced general contractor, and a qualified architectural designer. My expertise is in building, restoring, and renovating new custom homes and heritage homes with respect for their inherent details.

I want to share with you my impressions of the good, the bad and the ugly in the construction and renovation industry.

We Love Your House - Douglas St. Stratford

Small kitchen renovation is good in Stratford

Rory McDonnell

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