Set amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Escarpment in Niagara’s renowned wine country, this whole-home remodel was designed for a semi-retired couple and their two sweet dogs, who moved from the busy city to embrace a lifestyle defined by relaxed, elevated living. “This move was intended to be their forever home,” says interior designer Laurie Sprague.
The couple envisioned a home richly layered with texture and warmth, expressed through a style Laurie calls Organic Transitional. “It’s meant for relaxed retirement living in wine country,” she says. They set out on a thoughtfully phased 15-month project, with the construction phase taking approximately 9 months.
The custom kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring leathered Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and generous seating. The island is centered on a softly curved hood cover, customized in plaster to evoke the look of stone. There is thoughtful storage throughout, including a recycling center, wine rack, and deep drawers. “Putting the sink in the island was the natural choice for this space allowing the homeowners to interact with guests while in the kitchen, providing a fabulous view of the great room,” Laurie explains.
Through an arched entryway is the walk-in pantry, which was a top request of the clients. “The pantry walls are adorned with beautiful Farrow & Ball wallpaper and a limestone backsplash tile,” Laurie tells us. “This room is well equipped for all the messy prep with a secondary sink, tons of storage and ample counter space.”
There is also a dining nook tucked nearby, anchored by a bespoke banquette. “Much thought and attention was put into the design of the banquette area with comfort and ease in mind,” the designer shares. “We used performance fabrics that make spills easy to clean, and the table was custom made just for our clients, with a gorgeous dark stain and curved edges.”
In the adjacent living room, the original fireplace was reimagined into a sculptural focal point that anchors the open-concept space. “With its softly organic form, the design balances visual impact with everyday function, a thoughtful solution given that this was the only viable location for the television,” the designer explains. “A bespoke plaster mantel introduces depth and texture, while the surrounding upper walls were hand finished in a custom limewash to create a seamless, tonal envelope that feels both intentional and quietly dramatic.” Custom furnishings by Sprague Interiors, along with custom window treatments, complete the room and invite relaxed gatherings.
The primary suite is a richly layered retreat, where color and texture work together to create a spa-like experience. In the bedroom, limewashed walls and warm, mid-tone hardwood floors establish a calming foundation. Built-in closets are painted to match the walls for a seamless look. The bathroom features a generous soaker tub, double vanity, heated floors, and expansive shower. “Marble countertops and shower details introduce natural veining and subtle movement, their organic tones serving as the foundation for the color palette throughout the room,” says Laurie. The result is a space that feels indulgent yet grounded.
The guest bathroom was reduced in size to make way for a new laundry room but feels luxe rather than limited. “Tone on tone tile pattern, and light-colored marble surfaces create a calm, cohesive backdrop, while a rich dark wood vanity adds depth and warmth,” Laurie explains. And though the laundry room is also compact, it is highly thoughtfully designed. “Limited square footage presented a creative challenge, but the result proves that function need not come at the expense of beauty,” Laurie recalls. “Layers of patterned wallpaper, custom cabinetry, natural stone, and organic textures add depth and visual interest, transforming the utilitarian into the intentional. A stackable washer and dryer allowed for the inclusion of some counter space and concealed storage. The flooring is a textural, cobble stone style tile that adds to the charm of the space.”
It’s a home that celebrates everyday rituals, elevated by thoughtful design and natural materials. See more in the slideshow.
