Driegen Designs

Functional Interiors That Tell Your Story

This home, built in the early 1900s, had so much character, but my clients are big fans of mid-century modern style. Our challenge was to blend the two in a way that felt cohesive and true to the space. The result is this stunning home where original pocket doors and woodwork shine alongside a kitchen that subtly nods to mid-century modern aesthetic with its colour palette and walnut finishes.

I was so lucky to work with clients who love lighting and recognize how important it is to take your time and make these decisions early on in the process. We chose mid-century modern lighting throughout, and pairing it with the original ceiling medallions created such a fun and unexpected combination of the two sensibilities.

Another major focus was the upstairs bathroom. As I mentioned earlier, we expanded its footprint to accommodate both a shower and a freestanding tub. I’m so thankful these clients weren’t afraid to go bold because the tile in this bathroom is one of my absolute favourites. The colour and texture bring so much personality to the space, and everything fits perfectly. (Plus, the ledge isn’t just practical for toiletries—it’s also the perfect spot to prop up an iPad for bath-time entertainment!)

This project was such a joy from start to finish. Collaborating with these clients was an absolute pleasure, and I think the results reflect that.

What we achieved together

When my clients approached me, they had a plan for renovations, a fairly tight timeline, and one big question: could we pull it off? My answer was yes—with the caveat that they’d need to be ready to work hard, make decisions quickly, and stay on top of communication. And honestly? We crushed it.

We started by tackling some structural changes. We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, then shifted the entry into the back addition from the kitchen to the dining room. These changes let us expand the kitchen’s footprint significantly.

Upstairs, we reconfigured the bathroom, extending its footprint to make room for both a freestanding tub and a shower. On the other side of the wall, we carved out space for a walk-in closet that’s separate from the bedrooms—an absolute must for a couple working shift schedules.