Todd Lewys / Free Press
A huge, sun-filled loft greets you the moment you get to the top of the second-floor stairs.
The Astoria II tweaks the layout from the original model, making it more user-friendly with key spaces repositioned for functionality and privacy.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The creatively designed kitchen is a functional work of art.
Photos by Todd Lewys / Free Press
The great room in Hearth Homes’ Sage Creek two-storey dwelling is a subtly stunning space.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The 2,223-sq.-ft., two-storey Astoria II design offers a great blend of creativity and functionality from the ground up.
It can take a deft touch to balance creativity and practicality when it comes to home design.
That’s why it’s so important for a home builder to think critically about how to infuse a residence with creative design touches without impeding livability.
That’s exactly the approach the design team at Hearth Homes took with their Astoria II model, focusing first on the dwelling’s livability then implementing creative design touches in a logical yet imaginative way, says Hearth’s design and marketing co-ordinator, Ryan Miller.
“People really liked the previous (Astoria) model,” he says. “But we had some ideas on what we wanted to do to make it better. The first thing we did was tweak the layout to make it more user-friendly.”
In this instance, key spaces were repositioned to improve not only functionality but privacy as well.
“One of the first things we did was put the flex space in a different spot,” Miller says. “Previously, it was at the front of the home. With this model, we placed it between the great room and kitchen. We then added a pocket door that could be used to access both it and the bathroom next to it. That way, if in-laws or guests use it, they’ll have their own private area.”
The next change came to the area behind the kitchen, which was made more efficient.
“Everything works off the mudroom,” says Miller. “It’s at the centre with a series of four lockers kids will love. A butler’s pantry was placed on one side of the locker area, while a laundry room was placed on the other side. And, of course, there’s a door that connects to the garage. This type of functional space is what people want.”
He says even the foyer wasn’t immune to a slight tweak.
“I know it’s a small thing, but it was sunken just a bit. While doing that added style, it also added functionality. Having it sunken down from the main floor makes it easier to keep dirt contained.”
Once the improvements to the floor plan were dealt with, it was time to consider the design of the main living area.
One goal was at the top of the design team’s mind, says Miller.
“We wanted to make a striking first impression, and I think the area does that with its quiet elegance and softly contrasting textures,” he says.
Indeed, it does. A soft, calm colour palette — Hearth’s signature — immediately beckons you to step inside while simultaneously creating a warm, relaxing feel.
Meanwhile, a large picture window on the great room’s rear wall combines with an eight-foot sliding patio door behind the great room to let in tons of natural light.
“The back of the home is south facing, so you get a lot of light,” Miller says. “Extra-wide laminate vinyl-plank flooring is the perfect shade — warm, not too dark — so the naturally bright feeling is preserved. Everything comes together to create a calm, refined mood.”
Space and flow are never lacking in the 2,223-sq.-ft. abode. The same goes for style, which is judiciously placed, understated — and highly creative.
“For example, the tops of the display shelving on either side of the fireplace — which is framed beautifully by a gorgeous brick surround — are rounded instead of square,” Miller says. “The slide-in range in the kitchen is also set off perfectly by an enclosure with a rounded top and storage compartments on either side, and a wonderful, textured tile backsplash behind it.”
A large, pillared island anchors the kitchen, while light-taupe and maple cabinets add to the serene feel. A spacious dining area finishes the space off perfectly.
Head upstairs, and there’s more practical creativity to behold.
It starts off with a huge, sunny and versatile loft and then transitions smoothly to a private wing that holds an elegant four-piece bath and two large kids’ bedrooms with big windows.
The primary bedroom was placed in its own secluded spot to promote privacy.
“One thing to note about it is that it isn’t carpeted like the kids’ bedrooms — it has the same LVP flooring as downstairs, which gives it a more elevated feel,” Miller says. “Profiled baseboards add a touch of class, while a huge window lets in tons of natural light. There are also a big walk-in closet and deluxe ensuite with a walk-in shower, soaker tub and maple vanity with dual sinks.”
Miller says the Astoria II is all about understated luxury.
“Every detail in it was properly considered. The result is a warm, inviting and livable home.”
lewys@mymts.net
Builder: Hearth Homes
Address: 114 Butterfly Way, Sage Creek
Style: two-storey
Size: 2,223 sq. ft.
Model: the Astoria II
Bedrooms: four plus loft
Bathrooms: three
Price: $1,008,000
Contact: Linda Frenz-Cove, Sales Manager, 204-228-0447
