The Tide House
Year: 2026
Location: Calgary
The Tide House is a complete renovation of the main and upper floors of a Calgary home, thoughtfully reimagined to honour its mid-century roots while adapting it for modern family living. The project takes its name from the meeting of two influences: the relaxed familiarity of an East Coast cottage and the timeless clarity of mid-century design. This balance became the foundation for the home—preserving its original character while creating spaces that feel warm, layered, and lived in.
The Details
The existing home had a strong sense of history, but its finishes, layout, and functionality no longer supported the way the family lived. Our approach was not to erase what existed, but to refine and reintroduce character through thoughtful interventions—reworking the kitchen, improving storage, reshaping key spaces, and layering in details that felt authentic to both the home’s era and the clients’ lifestyle.
Materiality became central to the transformation. Soft blue cabinetry anchors the kitchen as a confident focal point, bringing an unexpected depth of colour rarely seen in Calgary homes. Laminated walnut, curved tile details, fresh wallpaper, paneled walls, and carefully curated lighting selections work together to create a home that feels distinctly mid-century while maintaining the relaxed ease of a cottage retreat.
Architectural details were approached with equal intention. The custom oak spindle staircase establishes the home's language from the moment you enter, while preserved elements—including original metal closet doors, existing cabinet hardware, and the addition of Lucite handles with brass detailing—allow old and new to coexist naturally. Each decision was made to celebrate the character already present within the home.
The result is a home that feels undeniably cohesive, yet every room has its own distinct personality and story to tell. Connected through a shared architectural language and carefully layered materials, The Tide House is where the timeless character of mid-century design meets the relaxed ease of cottage living—a home that feels authentic to its past, yet unmistakably made for the way this family lives today.
