Imagine walking into your home and instantly feeling the weight of the day lift off your shoulders. That's the power of a well-designed space, and it's exactly what Victoria-based interior architectural designer Alexis Solomon aimed to achieve for a busy Saanich family. But here's where it gets interesting: their home, while spacious, lacked the functionality and flow needed for a modern family, especially one with a child with a disability and a full-time caregiver mom. And this is the part most people miss: creating a beautiful, functional home isn't just about aesthetics; it's about crafting a sanctuary that supports your unique lifestyle.
Alexis, the creative force behind MINT Freshly Inspired Design, took on the challenge of transforming this 3,000-square-foot Broadmead home into a haven of calm and efficiency. The family had lived there for over a decade, yet the feeling of being truly settled eluded them. They craved maximized storage, a brighter atmosphere, and seamless movement throughout the space. But the real challenge? The kitchen – a dark, awkwardly laid-out space with oddly angled cabinets, scattered light switches, and an underutilized breakfast room. For a family that cherished cooking and connection, it was a recipe for frustration.
Here’s where creativity met functionality: Alexis removed most of the wall separating the kitchen from the unused room, repurposing the remaining portion (due to plumbing constraints) with a floating shelf. This not only flooded the space with natural light but also provided a subtle divide for the mom while cooking. The once-neglected nook now boasts a dining area and a walk-in pantry, elegantly separated by French doors. To amplify the light, Alexis enlarged the kitchen windows, painted the beige walls a crisp white, and added a shiplap ceiling with a high-sheen finish for a touch of sophistication. A layered lighting plan – combining natural, ambient, wall, decorative, and under-cabinet lighting – ties the space together seamlessly.
But here's the controversial part: while many designers might shy away from patterns for fear of dating a space, Alexis strategically incorporated them to inject personality without overwhelming the design. From geometric tiles in the entry and kitchen to a 'peekaboo' effect in the showers, each pattern serves a purpose, creating movement and visual interest. One shower features soft greys and taupes with a built-in bench, while another showcases creamy white porcelain tiles with warm veining. The third bathroom takes a bold turn with heavily veined stone, deep grey walls, and brass hardware for a dramatic, moody vibe.
Throughout the home, a neutral palette of golds, blacks, greys, charcoals, whites, and custom-stained wood is layered with brushed brass and antique gold accents, striking a perfect balance between timelessness and drama. And this is the part most people miss: the key to a calming home lies not just in color choices but in the finishes and reflective values of materials. What feels serene to one person might feel harsh to another, making personalization essential.
So, what’s the secret to finding calm in your own home? Alexis encourages her clients to reflect on where they feel most at peace and then translates those feelings into design. Decluttering plays a massive role, as does functional storage. Sometimes, calling in a professional to help curate what stays and what goes can be a game-changer. The ultimate goal? Making choices that lighten your load, not add to it. When your home truly supports your life, even in small ways, a profound sense of ease settles in.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In your own home, what small changes could you make today to create a space that feels more like a sanctuary and less like a source of stress? Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear how you’re crafting your own haven of calm!
