A Dated Traditional Home Gets An Edgy Makeover

In this must-see makeover, designers Karen Williams and Joelle Craig of WilliamsCraig Design share how they renovated a traditional home with pops of color, texture and vintage pieces. See how they paid homage to the stunning architectural features, like painting the wooden staircase a dramatic charcoal gray in the entryway. The homeowners are avid collectors of art, records and antiques, so Karen and Joelle created plenty of beautiful built-ins for those treasured pieces to shine. You'll love the kitchen's copper accents, the family room's high vaulted ceiling and the principal bathroom's intricate stained glass window. Plus, discover how mixing different styles brings soul to any space.
Designer: www.williamscraigdesign.com/
Presented by Chubb
www.chubb.com/ca-en/
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[@vanssmusic]

I usually love remodels shown on this channel but omg those grey painted stairs make me wanna cry lol

[@tmc1373]

Why would ever get rid of all of those beautiful classical features?? This home had beautiful millwork from times before and that should ALWAYS be preserved. This was an absolutely gorgeous home BEFORE it was "modernized". You should NEVER destroy such details!

[@otreborfashionscene5986]

The original natural brown wood was gorgeous, they painted dark gray, that was a trend long gone. The natural wood is TIMELESS.

[@ninanani9133]

I loved the original wood color of the stair, genuine and full of character. This grey paint really destroyed it. I can picture a video in 20 years from now where the designer explains how they restored the original color of the staircase that was hiding under this dull grey color that was so in fashion in 2019.

[@mehxxx]

Exactly! The show Rehab Addict does this all the time lol

[@KidCity1985]

I totally agree

[@shanpadarath2931]

I guess I was not the only one! Those beautiful grains are now hidden in sombre greys... sigh

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

nina nani Right. It’ll be praised as a brilliant design insight...restoring the original varnished wood.

[@sdmsdm7926]

LOL! That’s exactly right! U can always change varnish but that ugly basement floor gray?!

[@mehxxx]

I liked the orginal wood and stain for the stairs. When wood is painted over, especially to that grey color, it looks so blocky and dingy. At least the original wood had a natural character to it and the color had dimensions that the flat grey just does not.

[@mybestideas1]

And in a year when gray is going to be horrible, they will be stuck with that atrocity.

[@jlyn18]

The original wood looked way better!

[@bellabana]

lehnxx I usually love natural wood too but it looked dark & heavy, the grey lightened & modernized the whole area. Plus the clients wanted a more casual feel, combining modern & old, the original wood wouldn’t have achieved that feel, it’s what suits the clients needs afterall!

[@EmRePhoto]

While I understand people wanting to preserve wood, I think the gray is perfect for the space. It’s a good mix of new and old. The original wood was super red and that wouldn’t work for this design.

[@Manzlight]

Almost a sin to paint it. That's like taking a museum peace and painting it pink because you like it that way. Tragic!

[@christineboone2850]

I really love the powder room, except I think you have to have a mirror in a powder room so people can check whether they have spinach in their teeth or not.

[@kathybauman6708]

You're funny! So true...I notice they had a leaning mirror on the table stand with the vintage brushes & such, cute touch but me after glass of wine I would drop the mirror giving myself 7 yrs of bad luck!!! Hanging cool conversation piece mirror over the sink is preferable.

[@BigBird104]

Spinach, poppy seeds, an entire chicken wing...this is my life.

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Freshen up has an entirely different meaning in that dark place with skull designs in the wallpaper and an Edwardian woman staring back at me when I go to pat down a stray hair on my head or check my lipstick.

[@ladybug7273]

seriously? really? That powder room is creepy....

[@blacklight310]

@@seriouslyreally5413 lmao

[@loveanyways]

That bathroom looks depressingly creepy! 4:52

[@siphokazileratomalinga2969]

Thought I was the only one. Wouldn't want to be in there should the lights go off during a storm or something ☹️

[@mistermilkman]

That "conversation piece" of a non mirror n the bathroom is something out of a horror movie.

[@anthonyd9844]

A beautiful horror movie!

[@mistermilkman]

@@anthonyd9844 LOL.

[@Drayton627]

Especially with the skull motifs. It feels like a ritual room designed by a couple of witches.

[@mistermilkman]

@@Drayton627 😂🤣

[@missysanz9078]

yes, not too fond of that picture myself

[@summertime8879]

Minus, the stairway being painted - they did an Awesome job. The home is Beautiful, very balanced decorating.

[@rockshot100]

It wouldn't have been bad to just take that dark varnish off of it. I know that is great wood underneath. That grey is going to look passe in a few years, too trendy.

[@summertime8879]

rockshot100 AGREED 💯

[@fortimeless3299]

The Grey Color Used Is Magic.Transformation Job Is There 👍

[@MTMF.london]

I think the grey suits the stairs very well - it is punchy without being too loud.

[@mireille1594]

I would have painted the stairs the same color as the living room bookcases and probably with a runner.

[@UntaintedIndigoChild]

I really like the Turkish light fixture and mirror over the fire place.

[@karenross3457]

Paint over natural wood suggests a cheap makeover that one does to get a home on the market. It is ironic that they added natural wood shelves "to bring that wood piece back" into the kitchen when they slapped gray paint all over the existing beautiful staircase.

[@JohnTaylor-hn5zn]

I agree,the stair case a beautiful Art piece

[@21prufrock]

I love that this isn't one style but a combination of beautiful items that work together. I am so encouraged that you can mix metals!!

[@tiffanyfantang]

Glad that I’m not the only one that prefers the original hardwood design. The place completely lost its classic vibe after the renovation yet not modern either.

[@Alan-vm8ur]

It looked better before. The house had some class now it looks just like any other house.

[@rmonson5002]

Exactly. Dated and forced. Can't stand it.

[@billyjobobb]

Funny how they say the house had such great features, and then always proceed to rip all of those features out to create something that in 10 years will be dated and tired.

[@rmonson5002]

So tired. Already screams two years ago with that horrific tile in the entry and painting the staircase. It looks dated already. Hot mess mishmash of styles. And don't even get me started on the kitchen. So not period appropriate and not functional at all!

[@Ursaminor31]

Indeed

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

I feel sorry for what they did to teh master bedroom and taking out the old wood burner. I agree with otehrs, it doesn't feel like a 2019 interior. It feels more mid-teenties. I don't mind the hallway and staircase. At lest the grey shows off the lines of the wood and carved motifs in the sunlight.

[@mewesty6280]

I was so sad to see them take out those features! And the ‘pops’ of color look awful! I’m sorry!

[@siphokazileratomalinga2969]

Those features are probably what the homeowners loved when they bought the house 😡😭😭

[@johnnolan5579]

I love edgy and whimsical from time to time, but sometimes it can be a bit much. This is just...odd, especially (but not exclusively) the day of the dead wallpaper and bizarre mirror choice in the powder room.

[@Mei-jx3mp]

This is literally an "art" interior design, I always like natural and casual designs but this one really draws my mind.

[@TheSingingGardener]

The fact that not one but TWO “designers” thought ripping out all the amazing mil work and painting over the beautiful staircase is a crime! What they did with the corbels is exactly what they should’ve done with the stairs. Bringing it back to the original wood grain. That would’ve really made an impact to the home. Also, who the hell thought plastering a skull wallpaper all over the powder room then pairing it with the creepiest picture of a random woman was a good idea? … I feel like this home was butchered. Sorry!

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

I love this interior and design style. Classy, luxurious yet contemporary without being cliché.

[@ChocolateJewels]

Love the flooring on the ground floor. Nice window seat. Love the balcony off the master.

[@flowhaus6031]

Love the herringbone floors in the entry and SO GLAD to see how much of the original home they were able to save! The wallpaper in the powder room is amazing! Also what great use of space in the kitchen with the full wall of deep storage, the yellow pop is a wonderful surprise! So love seeing a space that is a mix of of styles and has so much soul!!

[@rmonson5002]

"Able to save"? They CHOSE to ruin the original character. The house wan't on fire, they deliberately ripped out or painted over original details. I think it's a hot mess and a crying shame.

[@lynettevidal309]

Thank you for designing the children's rooms to look like children's rooms!

[@a.r.8954]

Everything is great except the grey staircase---what the froof happened there lol The skull wallpaper is amazinggg. Also love Kitty Han Solo print and I need that Death Star pouffe.

[@mariannerady1137]

really stunning! I really like to see the before and after photos of the spaces.

[@sidicniy874]

I still don't get it when people enter a huge mansion or castle see the timeless decoration and features they appreciates it and want to spend time to look and admire it, but when they enter a house with similar look they want o change it, is like is only the top weathy people that decerve to appreciate the past and the features uniqueness but the average or the poor don't deserve that privilege, desighners continue to prove that time and time again. Nobody will enter any of the queen palaces or the white house and say they need to remove all the unique features and designs.

[@freetreebees]

Why did they paint the stairs wood ?! And the floor too !! Now it looks cheap and sooo ordinary

[@yushikuang7877]

The second floor porche is so welcoming....looove it.

[@idalolo1]

A big “no” on the painted stair millwork! Also, the powder room is ghastly! So much potential, missed!

[@mistermilkman]

When trying 2 b different goes wrong. The bathroom colors were on point, but that wallpaper pattern & portrait were out of a horror movie. Cabinets n the kitchen would've been more grand. They ruined the staircase TRAGICALLY. I love the navy couch, but it had nothing 2 do with anything n the space.

[@PigOutOfThePoke]

How to turn timeless pieces into IKEA ones.

[@vmurt]

Yup - exactly.

[@ninaguano1414]

I really love this home it has soul in it. ❤️

[@sunsun8799]

I so remember visiting there house and home before and after Reno. Lovely home.2019

[@bellabana]

I actually liked that they painted the staircase as it was too dark & heavy, the lighter grey colour immediately lightened & modernized the area, giving it a welcoming & airy feel unlike the previous enclosed darkness!

[@mehxxx]

@Ride the Wave for a week. Then, it's just grey, boring, and dingy.

[@Rebelliousrefinement]

Ride the Wave lmao! 😂I followed along with the grey trend for a year or so. Over it definitely.

[@aussiestallion69]

The video editors always manipulate the before photos by dulling down the color, contrast and brightness, then show the after professionally lit with better editing. It’s a cheat.

[@williamkimmer6221]

I like the eclectic look 👍

[@BernalAzul]

I love the general taste of it! I wouldn’t go for that particular dinningroom set or boy’s room, but the rest is so elegant, classy, welcoming!

[@michellepereira2328]

What a beautiful job. I love the pops of color and showcasing that stained glass window gave that room a really special vibe.

[@kimberleymansfield1099]

Oh my, that Turkish Chandilier (spl?) The one thing that sticks out and doesnt seem to work is the white paint surrounding the fireplace, it detracts from the beautiful bookcases. It may work well if it were painted the same color as the shelves for a dramatic and seamless feature wall. Some really clever ideas...love the yellow painted interiors of cupboards!

[@rixtunz3625]

There is a special place in H-E double tooth picks for designers that paint 100+ year old woodwork. It involves a sisyphean task of removing all the paint with dental tools.

[@tlee4218]

Well done. Agree is not show room or one style. Feels light and strong. The color back of shelves and cupboards is clever. Like a smile energy.

[@MediaTribeUSAAus]

I love the whimsy and joy you’re bringing through texture and color. It’s fun and comfy and totally unique in all the best ways. Great!

[@Smd3580]

Really liked the master ensuite. The whole house looks so bright and liveable now.

[@deshantdevkota2563]

introduced,extension,flow,(name-of-colors-but-cooler),different,create,pattern. But I loved it didnt felt extra and i think thats the spirit here

[@marcgoodman4561]

House + Home ... ''So first we ordered 50 gallons of white paint'' ....

[@mistermilkman]

ROFL...good 1.

[@peadar-o]

“This is our dream home. It’s so quaint. Now... Let’s gut it, paint it black & white and use a lot of shiny metal and metallics...”

[@MJ-cc4uf]

@@peadar-o - It's really important that we keep the details of the home, so we're going to rip out the fireplace mantel, rip out the mill work and make it open living design.

[@CarlosOliveira-jq8vy]

The kitchen is spectacular..

[@roohisayed89]

The picture in the powder room, certainly a conversation starter!

[@0_________________]

with the wallpaper it gives me the creeps.

[@davidpollard3522]

If someone needs to check their hair and lipstick, they gonna have to check it ghetto style and lift the toilet seat lid and pray the toilet is shimmering clean so the can bend down and check their reflection in the toilet water

[@rockshot100]

I could see a hand carved Mexican, colorful, happy looking mirror there. I like the wallpaper, but that print is a definite Mexican reference, for some reason, they used it, but it is fun. That lady kills it. A "morbid" powder room?

[@fransirahome]

Eclectic interior design.

[@melissac.5948]

Normally, I don’t mind painting over classic millwork at all. In this case, though expensive, re-staining it might have been a better choice. Perhaps getting rid of the reddish cast of the stain would have helped. A nice brownish-charcoal-black wood tone would have been effective. Satin finish. A pale taupe stair runner would have lightened things up and prevented unattractive scuffing on the treads. That grey paint on the treads? Asking for trouble. Pale taupe spindles would lighten up the stairway. Perhaps the walls would be better in a pale taupe than in white. Just breaking up some of that darkness would have been enough to really freshen up the space.

[@lastime77]

I LOVE this make over as well. So elegant, lived in, yet not stereotypical nice and clean decor. It has personality. It's also very well balanced with different colors that work off of each other.

[@preciousowusu7743]

Love the copper.

[@Lacehairwigs]

One of the best designs

[@varindadargan7157]

So amazingggggg!!!!

[@Meglagoof]

Gorgeous

[@RWCU2B]

Tragic. I don't completely blame the designers, though. The house was a poor choice for that sort of renovation, and the family should have looked elsewhere for something more suitable to their needs and desires.

[@ballet07]

Magnificent!

[@angelebabin4313]

Beautiful

[@kimberlyjordan2470]

😲. Incredible.

[@patriceparker4353]

beautiful.

[@kakuella]

It's rare for me to be "I got not much to complain " moment and that main floor definitely that rare moment! That main floor has a beautiful balance between past and current. I haven't seen work like this in a really long time and I absolutely enjoyed the final look. Great work ladies!

[@AgentAO7]

These designers are not restoration experts and I’m sure that wasn’t the design intent in this project. I appreciate some of the upgrades done but overall, it was like a plastic surgery gone bad! Especially the injustice that was done to that beautiful staircase! I may be one of the few, but the Before photos looked much better. They could have opted for a more transitional design if the owners didn’t want it to be too traditional. But instead, they turned this into a modern experiment that’s totally devoid of it’s original character. I can definitely tell that the final outcome of the project was dictated by so many different contradicting opinions between the client and these designers.

[@carlvlaeminck2171]

What a beautiful home, outside and inside. I love the cozyness, the combination of vintage and new. My favourites are the floor in the foyer, the gorgeous mantlepiece, the kitchen and the staircase. Very very well done ladies.

[@ricphoenix4578]

I thought they did an excellent job as well. I am not too sure about painting that spectacular dark wood stair case which was described as "a heavy dark wood"...but now its still heavy and gray. I like the third floor and the living room the most and how they made the home so much brighter...its like you can breathe.

[@NicoleB-ev9vc]

This is going to look so dated 10 years from now and the 140 year old architectural elements they tore out can never be replaced. What a shame.

[@rmonson5002]

It is a shame and depressing. I wish I hadn't even watched this train wreck.

[@chloebelle4923]

@4:44 -- are there *little children* in the home? That bathroom is the stuff of nightmares. --- The second bathroom is GORGEOUS and I know you all did a ton of work -- so, great job! :-)

[@Scully331]

Gorgeous home! Well designed, no catalog looks! And the painting of the papaya fruit, wow.

[@lynnharrell9598]

Anne N, I didn’t see it. After reading your comment, I watched again looking for it, but still didn’t see it. 😞

[@Scully331]

@@lynnharrell9598 It is at the very beginning of the video.

[@lynnharrell9598]

Anne N, thanks, I saw it, but it was just a flash. Lol. I guess I didn’t pay attention until they started talking. Thanks for responding.

[@isabelleer7501]

Took a timeless home and dated it to 2019??? Why??? Very little of this will age well

[@mistermilkman]

They made this home 2 fit their liking.

[@02btov]

@@mistermilkman and ruined it.

[@mistermilkman]

@@02btov I agree.

[@Aoudhubillahi]

Well I do not volunteer my soul for the soul that the designer said it needs. That being said it was very impressive what you guys did on the first level. I didn't finish the rest of vid. I did walk away thinking they are really knowing what they are doing in Canada in home remodeling and renovations. You guys have really been impressive in Canada as a general whole. I am originally from Chicago very known for Architecture, Remodeling and Renovations.

[@awake8806]

Beautiful and soulful home!!! I love the mixture of old and new.

[@nate4553]

Does anyone know where I could find the world map wallpaper they used in the nursery? Tried searching “map of the world kids wallpaper” but I can’t seem to find that exact one.

[@bizzybee852]

The all white bathroom was the perfect place for the stained glass window. It just modernized the stained glass, lightened it up, and made it really shine and look beautiful without looking so dark and weighty, really great job.

[@tonydefour6001]

it should be called the horror house. my God , a cemetery looks better to me . lol

[@rockshot100]

Beautiful job throughout. Not crazy about the random lady in the bathroom. The topmost floor is great, but the red, white, and blue, does bother me a little. Maybe a poppy or an little orange tint to the red wall? Or half toned sofa? This is a "money is no object" project. There was no reason not to refinish the floors, except the herringbone is nicer. Love that fixture above the dining table but I know they cost thousands.

[@Daisy.368]

I love this. One of my favorite so far. It inspires me to remodel my home.

[@chelseaclark-martin6357]

I love it! So interesting! Great job! The only thing I would change is the size of the copper pendants above the island. Something a little chunkier would give it the proportions it needs. Lovely work!! Cheers 🥂

[@katt6894]

Chelsea Clark-Martin I agree. A couple of vintage chandeliers would have looked nice as well.

[@chelseaclark-martin6357]

Kathy Traylor Yes, something bigger would fill the space more and speak to the tall dark mill work in the living room.

[@Person-mh6xq]

Chelsea Clark-Martin agreed. They look under-scaled. Also, while I love mixing metals I felt the copper, brass, and stainless was just too much.

[@PtolemyXVII]

I usually like house and home remodels but I can't say one good thing about this atrocity: from the horrible grey painted staircase to the black shelf in the living room to the black panel wall in the master to the grotesque skull wallpaper in the hall bathroom without a mirror but a creepy anachronistic painting, and out of place the copper kitchen lights...this space looks like a permanent Halloween set with an identity crisis...! 😱

[@hermie.atienza]

Arrgh! You guys are the best! Really love to see your designs. Bravo 👏

[@kaydesign]

One of the best episodes on this channel! Very stylish! Compliments!

[@tynation9103]

Some parts of the house is very pretty but a little disappointed to see the son's room white. Maybe it's just me, but a kid's room being white doesn't seem lively.

[@mawasorangutan]

Or maybe that's what the homeowner want....most of the time interior designer have to accommodate what the homeowner envisions

[@ladyvee7110]

How do you not have a mirror in a bathroom?

[@aussiestallion69]

ladyvee7110 when you let weirdo designers talk you into something ‘edgy’.

[@Holly_Ho]

Painted staircase, no mirror, cheap stove hood, plumbing on the front of soaker tub. 📱 I’d like to report a crime

[@jenns.5791]

I absolutely love this reno. LOVE it!! it's such a perfect mix of trad + mod.

[@seviregis7441]

There were some very nice design elements selected here, and no doubt, what the client/homeowner desired. Personally, I would have stripped the stair newel, balusters, and stairrail, then re-stained them with a neutral and/or gray stain, Matt finish, keeping the natural wood grain and carvings. The picture in the powder room was a bold try, but it didn't work for me over the sink. The skull wallpaper adds an effect I suppose suits that client. But I liked the colors just not the pattern. I would change the dining area table and chairs, it is too modern and insubstantial for the spot. Id have a rectangular rustic farm table aligned with the island, and 8 chairs, the pair of head chairs different from the other 6. And at the front living room window, id have another one of those leather chairs and have a small tea table between them at the front window. Hassock moved over. Otherwise, it's definitely a serene traditional with a modern edge. Good job.

[@mimosatarabeshi4553]

The charcoal paint on the stairs looked a bit off.

[@rneustel388]

I’m speechless with this renovation! The design would make me so happy-I’d spend all my time in one of the velvet chairs in the living room.

[@leonewest2239]

If they has lighten the stairwell the same shade as the fireplace mantel it would have been a beautiful focal integrating focal point .

[@mariamoreno7224]

The stairs look more blue it would look better black and still the charme of the home.

[@knowtrace2368]

Amazing and beautiful! I love all the touches and ways they've updated the home, and love the blending of mid-Century and antique - very skillful! This is definitely one of my favourites

[@Citruscider34]

The mill work of the house is really nice. Not so much the light fixtures and the painted stairs. I feel like the theme isn’t consistent throughout.

[@ec8927]

Awesome! I love the redesign!

[@KamalikaMukherjee81]

Unpopular opinion: I adore the transformation. Yes, the original wood colour was gorgeous and yes, a powder room needs a mirror (there was one, though not over the basin but on the tray), but at the same time, I found the transformation amazing. It's a matter of personal choice, I guess. The designers must have done everything with the consent of the house-owner. So, they must also love it. Loved that golden skull wallpaper (so quirky) and the splash of red in the wall on the third floor, the open shelves in the kitchen to the wall to wall storage that will ensure they'll never run out of space. It's odd since I love wood in its natural colour but I love the tone of black and grey so maybe that's why I'm drawn to it. The only thing I didn't like was the Parisian mirror. Too ornate for my taste.

[@niovistampouli119]

The before was just hedious!! gorgeous transformation 😍😍😍

[@freebird8993]

The landscaping at the front Do it use more facelift

[@scottbrown7071]

Amazing work! I like these designers and their work - more of this, please!

[@tiarrab.8267]

❤️❤️❤️

[@lauraroberts6533]

Love this!!Love the deer pillow and the couch!

[@valerieking5265]

I LOVE the color of the front door and the staircase!!! The floating shelves in the kitchen are a great idea!! The stained glass window in the bathroom took my breath away!!! The end result on the 3rd floor room is outstanding, love the vaulted ceiling and the built in bookshelves with the pop of color!! Refreshing.

[@EmRePhoto]

Beautiful. I love it!

[@AnnMarieKing]

Really comfy, well designed home.

[@maxinef6654]

Ugh 😩 that blue paint on the staircase tho.

[@aussiestallion69]

Maxine F it’s grey, better color balance your monitor or get an eye check done.

[@tandlreeve]

I like the kitchen and the living room. I think the unusual choice of the combination of the olive and the pink in the plush velvet cushions and upholstery references back to the Victorian era while keeping it fun and contemporary. The kitchen looks nice and is effortlessly connected with the joinery in the lounge area. Having said that the downstairs bathroom is really disappointing...

[@nadiaali5022]

the whole house is very beautiful but the powder room simply creepy and scary

[@rockshot100]

The old picture of some random lady does that. Paper is like "dia de los muertos", so some kind of fun almost tacky handmade Mexican mirror would have worked better.

[@kathybauman6708]

My opinion as well, always hang a mirror above powder room sink. That woman's picture is haunting, I would be creeped out especially at night. Some of their art work is gloomy & dark so perhaps that's their motive of consistency. The red glass hanging chandelier is the most wow factor to me.

[@jackieclark817]

This is what perfection looks like. ❤️