Before & After
A Builder-Basic Home on Vancouver Island Gets An Oceanside Update
Published on June 27, 2025
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
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.
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.
Sonja Spaetzel (Alana’s portrait)/Mary McNeill Knowles (dining room, living room, kitchen)
House & Home
Alana Dick, Ivory Design Co.