It's The Most Wonderful Time Of Year

Story Kathleen Duncan | Photography Sandy MacKay

A ceremonial cornerstone featuring six handprints of diminishing sizes adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise sophisticated facade of this contemporary custom home in Barrie’s Tollendal neighbourhood. 

The detail also demonstrates the priority Steve Kenyon and his wife Kathryn placed on family life as they worked with Rinaldi Developments to construct the perfect sanctuary for life with four young children.

“We wanted a home that could adapt to our growing family,” recalls Steve, a residential designer who runs Kenyon Design from an office over the garage. Specializing in custom homes and renovations that provide energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, he selects projects carefully to maximize Daddy time. “When I began the design, we had two kids, but knew we wanted more. Now it does what we want it to for our whole squad.”

Rinaldi executed the open floor plan of the two-storey building to go beyond typical sightlines.

“I wanted the first and second floors connected as well,” Steve explains, pointing to skylights and an open stairwell system by Barrie Trim & Mouldings Inc., Stairhaus and Accurate Glass Products. “We can get the kids’ attention from down here when they’re in their rooms.”

With both Steve and Kathryn native to Barrie, their network of loved ones is large and they entertain often. When the youngsters are sleeping, strategically placed pocket doors are employed to have the opposite effect.

The couple took more than two years in the design phase to ensure the floor plan would work for everyone at all times of the day. The aesthetic evolved along the way. Although Steve has a personal preference for a modern style, Kathryn wanted to avoid a cold or sterile environment. “I want people to feel comfortable sitting down,” she says.

At the centre of the 3,700 sq. ft. house – and of family life – is the 10-seat dining room table. Conveniently adjacent to the kitchen, the eating area is lined with blond boards from Grand Floors Ltd. and flanked by two floor-to-ceiling Napoleon fireplaces clad in Ontario limestone by JMC Stoneworks Ltd.

“Everything radiates from here,” says Steve, who knows the design decision goes against the current trend of hiding or removing the dining room altogether. For this family, however, coming together at mealtime is a daily ritual.

The see-through twin fireplaces, which warm the foyer to the front, and great room to the back, occasionally serve as end markers for a running track popular with the younger set during playtime.

“What I would have wanted before kids would have been very different,” reflects Kathryn with a laugh. “I told Steve we need a loop – the kids need to run around.”

Every aspect of the house was designed with the children in mind – from the extra-tall ceilings in the playroom to the Empire Pools landscaping in the backyard.

“With the pool, we don’t need a waterfront property,” she adds. “I want this to be the place where the kids bring their friends back to.”

Designing a home with children also meant an extensive mud/laundry room with plenty of built-in storage by Simcoe Custom Furniture & Cabinetry for grab-and-go sports gear. Countertops throughout the house were supplied by Northern Granite Works, while Custom Plumbing and Kent Daigneault Electrical did their part.

Simcoe County Custom Furniture & Cabinetry also crafted the kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, master closet and bunkbeds. “There’s more custom cabinetry in our laundry room than there is in our kitchen,” Steve quips.

“I love that room,” answers Kathryn. “I like everything to have a place to be, and to be accessible to the kids so they can get it and put it away and learn how to be independent.”

The couple shares a particular fondness for the north-facing great room, where an expansive sectional invites the family of six to play games or watch television. With no window coverings to mask the bounty of nature beyond, the minimalist, yet cosy, space is reminiscent of a castle lodge or oversize treehouse. Towering limestone stacks stand beside lofty wooden windows (from Marvin Windows Canada) that reach to a dramatic trey ceiling with wooden inlay.

“I enjoy the proportion of it and the quality of light,” says Steve.

At Christmastime, this room plays host to a 14-foot tree that requires kid-approval before being cut down and brought home. “Every year, the decorations get a little higher,” says Kathryn, describing the children (now aged five to 11) reaching up to hang ornaments.

Last year, their home was featured in the Barrie May Court Club’s Homes For The Holidays event and Bradford Greenhouses brought the greenery and décor. The couple had toured other homes during past events and were happy to support the charitable work of the oldest service club in Canada.

“Last year we raised $56,000,” says volunteer tour convener Bev Jackson, noting the money goes to scholarships and local charities. “I think they do so many good things in the community; I’m just really proud to be part of it.”

The $35 tickets are available at Barrie’s May Court Shop at 54 Maple Ave. and include five inspiring homes, a tea room at the Heights of Horseshoe, and gift shopping at the Unique Boutique.

“All year long, our May Court members are busy elves,” Jackson adds. “I am always amazed at the talent of people who are crafters.” 

The 2019 event, coming up Nov. 16 and 17, will be the club’s 28th annual home tour.

“It did look spectacular,” Kathryn recalls of her professionally decorated holiday home. “The kids loved the sparkly pillows and stuffed unicorns.”  OH