Decorating & Design
See How A Designer Tackled Her Own Family Home Renovation
Published on May 10, 2021
Anyone who has undertaken a reno will tell you that careful planning and good timing go a long way. But in June 2019, designer Nyla Free and her husband, Cory, had no way of knowing that a global pandemic was on the horizon when they temporarily moved into the basement of their Calgary home so contractors could upgrade their main living spaces and bedrooms. When the project was finally finished 10 months later, government stay-at-home orders were just coming into effect. With Nyla working from home, 19-year-old daughter Ava taking a gap year and 14-year-old daughter Mya doing schoolwork at the kitchen island, it turned out to be the ultimate test of the new family space.
Nyla had been eager to update her family’s home for what seemed like forever. “I always said, ‘When the dishwasher goes, we’re renovating,’ ” she says. The couple had bought their house in 2006 and thought they’d be there for a year or two, tops. Then life happened: Mya was born, Nyla’s business grew and, before they knew it, they’d been living in their stopgap house for almost 15 years. They liked the neighborhood in Southwest Calgary, just down the street from Fish Creek Provincial Park, and the house offered great light, enough space and years of family memories. “But, it was never a reflection of us,” says Nyla, citing the home’s dated kitchen and bathrooms, dark wood flooring and a mental list of improvements she’d been keeping over the years. The top-to-bottom refit injected a much-needed dose of personality into every corner of the space.
The makeover didn’t require much structural change; Nyla didn’t add to the footprint of the 2,450-square-foot house and kept the existing layout. But, her signature aesthetic — warm white walls, relaxed seating and a mix of nostalgic and modern furniture — is now unmistakable throughout. “It’s a very comfortable space to be in,” she says.
After years of feeling like the house never quite reflected their style, Nyla and Cory are finally happy here, and are planning to stay put for the long haul. “We took the approach that we’re going to have our grandchildren here,” says Nyla. “We made decisions looking into the future, like the big dining room table that we can fill with family and friends.” Or the pantry that’s perfect for weekend baking marathons. Or the living room that’s become the new family hangout and de facto home office. After all, life happens.
Scroll down to see the impressive results!
A vintage mirror makes a striking first impression in the entryway.
The stairs are a focal point and were updated with an enlarged landing and new treads, handrails and spindles.
The designer says the biggest challenge throughout the renovation was making choices that excited her professionally but also worked for her family. “I learned just how humbling the process is,” says Nyla, pictured here with (from left) Ava, Mya, Lola (the Frenchie) and Cory. “To be on the other side of what I do with my team every day — from a marriage and family perspective to the relationships with trades and even within my own team — we all grew through this process.”
Nyla chose two glass chandeliers to emphasize the length of the dining room. A striking photograph by Jane Ibbotson adds drama to the space.
Nyla framed a yellow Hermès scarf as an eye-catching piece of art.
The fireplace was moved from an awkward corner to the center of the living room’s focal wall; a new insert and concrete surround are modern updates.
Fresh hydrangeas echo the floral motifs used throughout the house.
The kitchen island was reoriented to face the living room instead of the windows, making it a great place to hang out.
For better flow, Nyla added a doorway between the kitchen and the new pantry, and closed the original opening by the stairs.
One of the biggest changes they made was to take the home office and turn it into a large pantry that’s like a second kitchen, complete with double wall ovens. “Nobody ever wanted to be in there,” says Nyla of the 10- by 10-foot room. “It’s ironic that we removed our home office when many are adding or revamping workspaces because of the pandemic. But we love cooking, baking and entertaining, so this made sense for us.”
It provides lots of storage, counter space and amenities, including a built-in beverage fridge, and fridge and freezer drawers.
The breakfast area’s cheerful custom-made yellow sofa was inspired by a banquette Nyla once admired in a hotel restaurant.
The ceiling fixture in the principal bedroom is oversized but airy, filling the space without overpowering.
The couple optimized their walk-in closet with budget-friendly Ikea shelving but splurged on an ensuite coffee bar — a special request from Cory.
In a once underused room just off the principal bedroom, Nyla created a bright sitting area with a pullout sofa and television.
The principal ensuite’s ceramic wall tile offers a splash of geometric pattern.
The chandelier above the tub once hung in Nyla’s grandparents’ dining room. Nyla made the art when she was a teenager.
Phil Crozier
House & Home April 2021
Nyla Free