A Piece of Paris

Ottawa, Ontario

This renovation revitalized a fire-damaged, turn-of-the-century house into a timeless and sophisticated residence. The gracefully composed façade, featuring round arch windows and wrought-iron balustrades, hints at the Parisian-inspired spaces inside. The clients wanted the dark interior transformed into a bright, elegant and comfortable space, suited to house their collection of art and antiques.

The home exudes a calm elegance; subtle paint colours and white oak flooring create a tranquil atmosphere, while trims and plaster mouldings are used to highlight and define openings. French doors link the traditionally defined spaces and frame carefully composed views from room to room.

A dilapidated addition at the rear of the home was removed and replaced while increasing the floor area. This made it possible to add bedrooms that overlook the quiet park and pond, adjacent to the property.

The new kitchen features a bay window and sitting area which also has views to the park. The formal dining room is linked to the kitchen through two doorways allowing a symmetrical composition, and opens up to the back terrace through a wall of French doors and windows. The re-built terrace leads down to a stone patio and lush yard.

“After a long sojourn in Paris, we wanted a calm, comfortable, elegant space that would remind us of France, but also support aging in place. We turned to Christopher Simmonds Architect as we had seen a renovation nearby that was wonderfully integral to the original house.  Chris and Clarice were able to translate our ideas and desires with great sensitivity, and created an elegant exterior and a wonderfully comfortable interior.  Not only is the house a pleasure to live in, but it foresees aging in place with wheelchair access incorporated into the landscaping and an elevator, among other design features.

Chris and Clarice were an absolute pleasure to work with and we are just delighted with the outcome.”

– Susan and Drew

Awards:

• Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association 2017: Best Renovation (in its size category)
• Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association 2017: Best Custom Kitchen – Traditional (in its size category)

Completion: 2017
Photography: Adrien Williams

Before: