Client Story: Cathy

Cathy is a lifelong athlete and avid outrigger canoe racer. After recovering from an unexpected surgery, she reached out to the team at Windsor Wolves to help her create a sanctuary that balances style, functionality, and safety for ageing in place. I was excited to get the call from Stuart to work on this design, given the inspiration! I also love the ocean, and I was sure Cathy and I would come up with a great design. Together, we set out to create a space that reflects her vibrant personality and deep connection to British Columbia’s coastal beauty, and a home she would love coming back to every day.

Drawing inspiration from serene ocean hues and natural textures, I collaborated with Cathy to craft a harmonious palette of greys, greens, and natural tones. These elements bring the outdoors in and turn her home into a tranquil retreat. Each design choice was carefully selected to celebrate her love of nature while respecting her vision and balancing elegance with practicality.The kitchen became the heart of Cathy’s home with thoughtful upgrades. Cathy and I decided to enlarge the pass-through window, allowing light to flow freely and creating a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. I suggested Benjamin Moore’s “Carolina Gull” for the cabinetry—a calming green-grey hue that ties beautifully to the coastal theme—and Cathy loved it. We paired it with Caesarstone’s “Moorland Fog” countertops, chosen for their soft tones that echo the rugged beauty of British Columbia’s coastline. Cathy appreciated my suggestion of hand-glazed porcelain tiles for the backsplash, which add a touch of timeless charm, a little hint of cottage living.

For the main bathroom, Cathy wanted a space that combined safety with a sense of luxury. We replaced the step-up bath with a walk-in shower featuring a built-in bench, ensuring it would remain accessible for years to come. Cathy wanted to stay neutral with the bathroom scheme, so I suggested layers of grey tones, from charcoal to mist, giving visual interest while staying monochrome. The terrazzo-inspired porcelain tiles installed from floor to ceiling mimic raw stone but with a modern twist. The cabinetry was painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Asphalt,” a bold, sophisticated choice Cathy and I agreed would ground the space beautifully.

The powder room was an opportunity to introduce boldness and personality, and Cathy loves deep earthy greens. After going through several options, we went with Benjamin Moore’s “Herb Garden”, which seems to be a trending colour with me! It’s a vibrant shade that captures the lush energy of British Columbia’s forests perfectly. We paired it with crisp white in the vanity, the trim, and the light fixture, for a striking contrast, then tied the space into the overall home design with the repeated use of “Moorland Fog” countertops.

Throughout the rest of Cathy’s home, we introduced cohesive updates such as fresh paint, upgraded LED lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Cathy and I agreed on Beaulieu Flooring’s Interlagos Turbo series for its driftwood-inspired tones, perfectly complementing the coastal aesthetic while being practical for her active lifestyle. The flooring is also a great choice for future safety, ensuring compatibility with mobility aids should she ever need them.

By the end of our collaboration, Cathy’s home beautifully reflects her adventurous spirit and prepares her for the next chapter of her life. Every element, from the colours to the materials, embodies her love for the ocean and British Columbia’s natural beauty. It is a space that not only feels like home but also offers the functionality and comfort Cathy needs for years to come.

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