It’s Makeover Monday and today we head to Calgary, AB for a sneak peek of a 1958 2 story house that was done by Christina at Aldana Design.  Get ready  … this one before shot might say it all!

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Seems we’ve left Calgary and gone to the Alps!  We were certainly not surprised to hear Cristina’s reaction to seeing the house was similar to our virtual tour: original was an understatement!  Eager to get to work, there were just so many things she could do …

Entry_before

Entry Before

including saying goodbye to house buzzer phones, popcorn ceilings and that perfect shade of grandma blue carpet!  The original oak wood floors were just sanded down and white washed and a coat of neutral paint, among other things, brought this home into 2013.  We also love how she created a practical entry way by adding a full wall on the right side of the stairs … perfect nook to hang your coats and stow odds and sods, or add an entry table with mirror above.

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Foyer After

With clients who really wanted a large and open kitchen and a cozy, yet cheerful and bright master bathroom, Christina had her work cut out for her indeed.  Check out the kitchen before!

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Kitchen Before

We’re loving the retro-banquette but think it’s even cooler that Christina kept a little history of the house, granted gave it a modern update.  Word is the Pindler fabric for the new booth was the first item selected for the space and the rest was built out from there.  Pattern dictates everything!!

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The Banquette

Christina’s favorite piece in the space is the white Murray Feiss chandelier she added over the booth.

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Peyton Saltspray 6 Chandelier – White

It took four months to bring the 50’s into this century, only further held up by the floods of 2013 that wreaked havoc on downtown Calgary.  A little hard to complain that your project is held up when you entire trades crew is helping bail out and save people in flooded communities.

We always ask about stumbling blocks come reno time; anyone who’s involved in building knows the getting from then to now always comes with surprises, and this project was no different.  See that island above?  Once they started demolition in the kitchen an old chimney surfaced, going right up in the centre of the proposed island!   Back in the 50s they used a furnace technology that attached to a chimney for the air intake.  It was made of grey cinder blocks and went from the basement up to the roof.  They knocked it down and as a result had to upgrade the furnace, but took 2 entire days to get the darn thing down.

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Ensuite Bath Before

The bath reno was just as intense; taking down this dizzying wallpaper would have been enough of a chore for us!

Thanks to help from brands Kohler and Delta on the plumbing, Fisher Paykal appliances, Ikea cabinetry, CDL Carpet and Flooring and Benjamin Moore on the paint (Sugar Cookie OC93 was the main with Wedgewood Gray HC146 for accent areas). Striking a gorgeous balance of modern with farm house flair, we can’t wait to see what she’s up to this summer!

Christina’s career began in the financial investment industry. It turned out making people money wasn’t nearly as fun as making inspired spaces for people to live in.  Now, she “stocks” a wealth of knowledge for interior decoration, and “bonds” with clients and trades alike to create a space that reflects both functionality and personality—whether that space is rustic, modern, glamorous or just a (fabulous) place to hang your hat.