The Family Home Overhaul Teams Helps Remove Barriers for Family Devastated by an Accident

Brian and Claire met on cruise ship, married, and had two kids. But then one Christmas season Brian fell off a ladder while doing the decorative outdoor lights, losing the use of his legs from the waist down. It was a devastating accident, but one that this couple turned into something positive. Together they now raise as much money and awareness for spinal cord injuries as possible. From marathons and golf tournaments, to many community events in between, their work is more than inspiring. Unfortunately, they still had plenty of challenges-especially at home. While they had moved to a more accessible house following the accident, the layout didn’t allow Brian to cook or worse, go upstairs to help bathe and tuck in his kids, who are 2 and 7. Enter Cheryl Hickey and the Family Home Overhaul team. Hickey, along with designer Mia Parres and contractors Dave Kenney and Joey Fletcher, delivered this family the gorgeous and accessible renovation that they not only deserved, but so desperately needed.

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Coastal Vibes

In order to truly give Brian the accessible space that would work for him and his family, the team opened up the main floor and strategically placed every single piece of furniture so that the dad can easily maneuver around the home. (Check out the custom table that he can now easily tuck his chair under for meals with family and friends.) It’s also a space filled with coastal vibes, including light planks on the floor, airy lights, and pops of blue throughout. Not only is the redesign completely functional, but it’s pretty and calming, too.

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Custom Finishes

In the kitchen the team wanted to make sure Brian could get back to doing something he previously loved: cooking. So they designed a space that would be fully accessible. From the height of the sink and appliances, to the design of the cabinets above they covered all their bases. The end result is a bright space that carries that coastal feel with whites, greens and wood finishes – not to mention a large window that the team repositioned in order to let lots of extra light in.

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Penny for Your Tiles

The pretty, green penny tiles are modern and bright, and give the otherwise white kitchen loads of personality. After comparing a handful of samples Mia paired the tile with a green grout in order to give the finish a uniform look. The result is stunning. Meanwhile, since this space is all about function, the faucet is magnetic – the nozzle pops off and rotates, so that it transforms into a pot filler, too.

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Hidden Final Touches

Part of the brilliance behind this design is that you can’t see everything that’s happening at first glance. Look a little closer and there are elements that make this space more accessible. The open area under the sink, for example. Or in the cupboards above, there are shelving units installed that fold down and make things easier to reach. Most importantly, Brian is able to turn his chair around 360 degrees no matter where he is, so now he can cook and watch the kids at the same time-and that’s something this family man has definitely missed being able to do.

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Hints of Blue

Adding even more coastal feels to the space are the pretty hints of blue that Mia incorporated throughout. The wallpaper feature wall and a gorgeous accent chair are relaxing pops of colour next to the wood and grey finishes throughout the main floor. Now, the space is a relaxing area where the entire family can hang out and be comfortable in, making it the ideal setting for many years of happy memories to come.

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Taking Accessibility to Another Level

In the front hall, the team installed a lift so that Brian can finally get to the second floor of his home and no longer miss out on all of the family memories that are created there. Once he’s up the stairs the contractors made sure that there’s a large enough landing space so that Brian can still move around with ease. Of course the entire design is still in line with the rest of the house thanks to the blue hues and simple finishes, bringing a whole new meaning to the term “functional design.”

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A Reconfigured Bathroom

Upstairs the team eliminated the outdated emerald that was in the bathroom before and retiled the space with clean, white brick tiles. Then, some green hues and wood accents bring that coastal theme back into the space. By widening the door and eliminating a clunky vanity, the washroom becomes fully accessible for Brian.

An updated girl's bedroom with two-tone paint

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Playing With Paint

Not only did the team widen the doors to both kids rooms upstairs, but they gave the children their own updated spaces as well. A two-toned wall makes this a fun and pretty space for the couple’s seven-year-old daughter, who also scored her own little hideaway thanks to this converted storage nook. And of course, the entire area is still designed so that Brian can zip in and out, something he hasn’t been able to do for a long time.

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Room to Grow

In the third bedroom the team transformed a two-year-old’s space into a room that can easily change as he grows. For now, simple blues and greys leave the area neutral but polished, and items like the oversized rocking chair and drawers are sturdy and built to last. Again, the layout is designed to be accessible for the whole family, which is the most important part of this reno.

Wheelchair accessible ramp outside the home

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All-Out Accessibility

Outside the team constructed this ramp, which was the last piece in making sure this home is truly accessible for Brian and his family. “My heart is just overflowing with gratitude,” Brian said upon seeing all of the final touches in a house he barely recognized after this bright and airy Overhaul. “I can get back to doing the things that I love to do.” That’s a feel-good reno.

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