The Home That Family Built
Story Denise Willson | Photography Kelly Horkoff
Kathy and Adrian Koornneef have been married more than 33 years. Thirty-one of those years were spent on the farm only a glance away from the three-and-a-half-acre property the couple purchased in 2017 to build the latest incarnation of their family home.
“We raised three boys on that farm and we lived and worked there,” Kathy says. “Our boys and their families – including our seven grandkids – love the outdoors, love the area and we built this house with every one of them in mind.”
What does a nest befitting such a large family look like? It looks like home, of course – a farmhouse with a modern twist and a zap of personality. It looks like a place for everyone to gather.
The 7,300 sq. ft. black-and-white-themed bungalow was custom built with Adrian taking the lead as general contractor and Kathy in charge of interior design. It was a full-time job for the better part of two years. “We wanted it to look like a traditional farmhouse with a modern spin, yet nothing so precious that the kids couldn’t be kids,” Kathy says.
Most of their ideas came from model homes in Florida. “When we would visit our Florida home, we would tour model homes to get ideas,” Kathy says. “The showhomes there are spectacular, and the relaxed Florida aesthetic was what we wanted to create here.”
While all three of the Koornneef boys work in the family’s wholesale produce business, also a stone’s throw away from the new abode, there was no shortage of extended family and friends to help with the build. Mike, Kathy’s brother from H Electric Inc., did the electrical. Kathy’s cousin, Nathan, and his crew at Cherney’s Plumbing and Heating were in charge of plumbing and HVAC.
“It was important to involve family and friends, and take advantage of the talented trades within the Niagara region,” Adrian says.
St.Catharines Building Supplies and Burnstein Brick supplied everything from the exterior stone and brick to the rough-hewn pine on the interior walls. The exterior board and batten, in addition to the eaves and soffits, were installed by Inch By Inch. Bayshore Masonry did all the exterior stone and brick work, including the outdoor fireplaces and interior brick feature walls, which, the homeowners adore.
“I love the covered deck,” Adrian says. “We worked closely with DeFilippis Design to design the house with outdoor living spaces in mind. The position of the sun was important. On summer days, the grandkids can be found playing in the pool.”
Aqua-Blue Pools, Spas & Baths built the pool, and Nature’s Own Landscape & Design created the outdoor living areas enjoyed by all three generations of Koornneefs.
The metal roof – one of Adrian’s favourite features – was installed by Rikor Roofing. “I love how the roof gives the house a unique look,” he says. “And the longer life of a metal roof gives me confidence it’ll be here for years to come.”
The exterior doors and floor-to-ceiling windows are from Louwes Windows & Siding, made custom to suit the 10- and 12-foot ceilings of the bungalow.
Monticello Carpentry was responsible for one of Kathy’s must-haves: the baton-wood walls. “They add texture and dimension,” she says.
The open-concept kitchen, living and dining area is now the hub of the home. The kitchen cabinets, done by Cabinet Works Plus Ltd., are white with a hint of soft grey, Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist. Traditional white subway tiles from EFES Tile offer a simple yet easy-to-clean backsplash, and the massive six-seat island is topped with quartz supplied by Hamilton Granite. Cheryl from Marlene Smith’s Decorating & Gifts worked magic with Benjamin Moore paint colours. “I knew the look I wanted,” Kathy says. “I saw it in my mind. I even saw the grandkids running around and our family treasures incorporated into the design, making the house personal, making it ours.”
The process wasn’t always easy. The couple spent countless hours stressing over every detail. They have sage advice to offer those considering a custom build: “Don’t leave things to chance,” Adrian says. “Plan, plan, plan. Timelines are never accurate, so have patience. Learn to trust the experts. They have good advice and know what they’re doing. Have an Option A, B or C and be OK with any of them.”
“And, lastly, be prepared to work.” Kathy adds with a laugh. “Don’t forget the wine and whisky – musts.” OH
