Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/119920
Reclaimed elegance In the warm and inviting living room, not only did Darryl build the bookcases filled with whimsical and family treasures, he also constructed the coffee table out of three antique CN Rail file boxes. "That piece has been so popular on my website despite it being one of the projects in our home that has been the easiest," Jodi adds. At the epicentre of the home, which the young couple shares with their eight-year-old daughter, Emily, and five-year-old son, Ben, is the kitchen. The husband-and-wife team loves to entertain, and when they do, there is plenty of room for everyone to sit around the teak kitchen table or at the kitchen island. To create a truly custom island, Darryl simply added some mouldings and trim to an Ikea find. One of couple's favourite pieces is the hood fan above the range. Darryl took an old, metal fireplace cover, painted it antique white and voila. "The room is airy and not too serious," says Jodi of the kitchen. "The white on the walls is a blank canvas for just about any pop of colour that I want to introduce. My daughter is very artistic so I thought it would be neat to have a simple art gallery feel. "We can then change out the art on the wall at any given time and the colours always work." Despite a strong interest in decor, Jodi believes that the beauty of a room should stand on its own when stripped of art and furniture. "I feel that because we have two small kids in our home doesn't mean that we have to sacrifice style," she says. "Proper function and storage are key to keeping the space enjoyable and practical without being overwhelmed by your stuff. "I believe in spending your money (investment) in the hard surfaces of your home, which then leaves you freedom to change out some of the smaller more cost effective items." n April 2013 BC HOME & garden | 21 p18-23_Bueckert home.indd 21 13-03-14 11:27 AM