When Ryan and Katie first looked at this home, it was like a set on That ’70s Show. Nasty shag carpet, wood paneling, weird blocked off rooms. It had it all…and this couple didn’t want any of it. But after enlisting the help of local designer, Krista of KMSalter Design, they were able to have their dream home. Together, they transformed this house into the perfect “West Coast” home, located in a small neighborhood in Southern Ontario.

Being thousands of miles from the West Coast didn’t stop their design aspirations; surfing and skating are deep in Ryan’s blood. Growing up he pretty much lived at the skate shop, and in his twenties he lived in Japan and was immersed in the surf culture there. And these influences are evident through the home in the art. But though the art is Ryan style heavy, there is a nice balance in the home as a whole that truly defines the couple.

Our Style: West Coast Modern Beach

Inspiration: Growing up I spent a great deal of time hanging around a skate shop and it always felt like a second home; I feel that those influences contributed to the design of the home. I think another factor that shaped the design of the home is in my mid-twenties I lived in Japan for a year and was befriended by a group of Japanese surfers. I was able to experience a completely different culture than what I was a custom to in Canada. The time I spent with those guys on the beach and just hanging really reflect my inspiration in the home.

Favorite Element: I feel that the house is so open, airy and bright, which gives you a feel of calmness and joy.

Biggest Challenge: I think the biggest challenge was being able to incorporate my wife. I was fortunate my wife let me make most of the art choices. The problem was due to my art choices, there is a masculine tone in some areas of the home rather than a neutral one.

What Friends Say: Our friends and family really seem to enjoy the house. It’s been a great place to entertain.

Biggest Embarrassment: Nothing too embarrassing, although it took some time to get the window treatments up and we felt a bit exposed.

Proudest DIY: In all honesty I am not a do it yourselfer. If we didn’t have our design team nothing would have gotten done.

Biggest Indulgence: I think the kitchen was probably the biggest indulgence. We did everything we wanted. We moved a window and a door, splurged on a massive butcher block island, and bought higher end appliances. It’s our favourite area in the house to spend time in.

Best Advice: If you struggle with renos and design make sure you do your homework and hire a good team to work with. My wife and I considered the team like family. They invested their time, passion and energy to make something beautiful for us and we are forever grateful for that.

Trims, Doors, Baseboards, Ceilings: Benjamin Moore – Cloud White CC-40
Front foyer/Great Room/Kitchen: Benjamin Moore – Silver Satin OC-26
Main Bath: Benjamin Moore – Classic Gray OC 23
Master Bedroom: Benjamin Moore – Edgecomb Gray HC-173
Bedrooms 1 & 2: Benjamin Moore – Silver Satin OC-26
Basement Main Hall/Den/Laundry: Benjamin Moore – Silver Satin OC-26
TV Rec Room (Basement): Benjamin Moore – Natural Cream OC-14

ENTRY
Painting – Original By Haleigh Fox
Bench – HomeSense
Rug – Elte Market

LIVING ROOM
Sofa, Coffee Table, – Elte Mrkt
Rug – Alexanians
Chairs – West Elm
Side Tables – Eq3
Lamp –HomeSense
Toss Pillows – Urban Barn
Drapery – Custom Made
Tile – Eden Tile
Artwork- Stanley Zinser Satichi art
Artwork over fireplace – Sam Fenwick Print

DINING ROOM
Dining Table, Chairs – Elte Mrkt
Light – West Elm
Artwork – Original by Haleigh Fox

KITCHEN
Lights – Sescolite
Stools – Pottery Barn
Drapery – Custom
Appliances – Kitchenaid chef line

MASTER BEDROOM
Bed, dresser – EQ3
Dresser- CB2
Chair, Side tables – Wayfair
Mirror- West Elm
Pillows – Home sense
Art work- Jeff Divine
Print over the bed – Pete’s Fresh Fish Prints
Table lamp- Ikea

MAIN BATHROOM
Vanity – Ikea
Tiles – Eden Tile
Lights – Home Lighting

BASEMENT
Sofa, Coffee Table, Rug, Chair – Elte Mrkt
Millwork- Hamilton Holmes
Side Tables – HomeSense
Toss Pillows – HomeSense
Blinds – Lowes
Flooring – Alexanians
Art – Vans Triple Crown Surf posters, O’neil World cup surfing Skulls – Jack of the Dust
Wall art – Santa Cruz skateboards– Lunch bag series

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