This project is a 1930s Tudor-style home located in Westdale, a coveted enclave of Hamilton, Ontario. The neighborhood is anchored by McMaster University, one of Canada’s most established universities, and the surrounding area reflects that history through a mix of single-family homes and older properties that have been converted into student rentals over time.
“When our clients purchased the house, much of its original character had been lost after years of use as a rental,” says interior designer Simone Smith. “What we love most about Westdale is the strength of its architectural fabric. Many homes in the neighborhood still retain a clear sense of arrival, proportion, and craftsmanship—qualities that are increasingly rare in newer developments. That context made restoring and reinterpreting this home’s original intent especially meaningful.”
Simone runs the popular design-build firm, Simone & Phil, alongside her partner, Philip McDonald. Their first project, renovating a 100-year-old home, showcased the couple’s passion for preserving historical details, earning recognition—and clients—within the local community.
That’s how they connected with homeowners Hillary and Ben, young parents of two who had a vision rooted in creating a home that could truly support daily life, particularly given the realities of Canadian winters, busy school schedules, and constant movement in and out of the house. “Storage, durability, and thoughtful circulation were non-negotiables,” Simone explains.
The focus was to improve circulation, storage, and daily function without compromising the character of the original Tudor home. Structurally, the couple’s goals were clear: rework the main floor to improve flow, renovate the second-floor bathroom for their growing family, and build a 20-foot-by-6-foot mudroom addition to properly contain coats, boots, backpacks, and sports gear. A tucked-away powder room was high on their list and is discreetly positioned at the end of the mudroom, allowing it to function effortlessly for both everyday use and entertaining.
But one room was of utmost importance. “The kitchen was the heart of the project and their top priority,” Simone recalls. “Hillary asked early on whether the existing kitchen felt too small for the scale of the home—and she was right to question it. They envisioned a modern English kitchen that felt architectural and timeless rather than trend-driven. To reinforce the home’s Tudor Revival roots, we introduced a Colonial-style window configuration with a traditional six-over-six grille pattern—a historically appropriate detail that quietly anchors the renovation in its original context.”
The designer admits that a key challenge was resisting the trend toward fully open-plan living. “Instead, we preserved key walls to maintain structure, intimacy, and architectural integrity,” she shares. “The clients were most surprised by how closely the final result matched the original vision. Once furnished, the home felt complete, lived-in, and ready for long-term family life.”
Take a tour in the slideshow.
