A Builder-Basic Home on Vancouver Island Gets An Oceanside Update

In eight-plus months, Alana Dick of Ivory Design Co. transformed this oceanfront, builder-basic house on Vancouver Island with dated style into a boho, beachy retreat brimming with charm.

Learn how she created a whimsical dining room and gave the living room an oceanside update. Plus, check out the kitchen redo — and learn how much it all cost.

Kitchen Redo

Major Moves:

• Replaced the old kitchen with one that has a better layout
• Squared off the peninsula and removed the upper bank of cabinets to create a focal wall with a curvy plaster vent hood
• Added a new tower cabinet next to the integrated fridge for storage
• Added sconces and open shelves to the focal wall
• Removed window mouldings and replaced them with marble tile for a cleaner, low-profile look
• Installed new quartz counters, plumbing fixtures, appliances, a marble mosaic backsplash, hardware and accessories
• Installed new hardwood floors

Related: 10+ designers take us inside their own kitchens

What They Spent:

Key costs (approximate) included the:

• Cabinets, $27,000
• Appliances, $14,000
• Counters, $11,000
• Mosaic tile and marble window liners, $4,500
• Plumbing fixtures, $2,000
• Vent hood plastering, $1,400
• Hardware, $1,000
• Functional shelving and counter accessories, $1,000
• Stools, $830 each
• Flush-mount light fixtures, $400 each
• Sconce on open shelving wall, $300
• Sconces on range wall, $164 each

Biggest Change: The soft curves of the plaster vent hood and wicker lighting add softness and texture.

Read More: The most common kitchen design questions — answered

The kitchen, before.

Whimsical Dining Room

Major Moves:

• Added new floors, mouldings and tongue-and-groove cladding on the ceiling
• Installed drapes to soften the windows and create cosiness
• Swapped out the fan over the dining table with two handblown bubble glass pendants
• Added new furniture and accessories

What They Spent:

Key costs (approximate) included the:

• Dining table, $2,400
• Ready-made drapes and hardware, $1,800
• Accessories and art, $1,500
• Pendants, $1,100 each
• Velvet end chairs, $630 each
• Wood dining chairs, $330 each.

Element With the Most Impact: The whimsical glass pendants add much needed presence without blocking the view to the outdoors.

Related: These hardworking dining rooms do it all

The dining room, before.

Coastal Checkup

Major Moves:

• Replaced the linear raised firebox with a ground level version and mounted the TV above
• Added a new fireplace surround with handmade Moroccan mosaic tile in soft blue and white crackle
• Added a floor-length mirror on the right of the fireplace to reflect the sunlight and the view
• Decorated with soft drapes and new furniture

What They Spent:

Key costs (approximate) included the:

• Firebox, $11,000
• Fireplace tile, $3,468
• Coffee table, $3,200
• Swivel chairs, $2,800 each
• Art, throw pillows and accessories, $2,500
• Ready-made drapes and hardware, $1,800
• jJute rug, $1,200
• Mirror, $849
• Fireplace plastering, $700
• Patterned rug, $550
• Ottomans, $250 each

Element That Made the Most Difference: New furniture, decorating accents and drapes. Decorating was as important as construction.

Read More: 10+ quick fixes that will breathe new life into your rooms

The living room, before.