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While the setting of this century-old BC farmhouse ticked all the blissful boxes – think 150 acres of rolling hills and blueberry patches – its interior was lacklustre to say the least. Designer Ben Leavitt, creative director for Vancouver’s Plaidfox, remedied that with a fine balance of salvaged materials, historic inspiration and just the right amount of contemporary touches. The result? A pastoral family home anyone would want to live in.
Home Tours
This Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the Country
May 10, 2019
While the setting of this century-old BC farmhouse ticked all the blissful boxes – think 150 acres of rolling hills and blueberry patches – its interior was lacklustre to say the least. Designer Ben Leavitt, creative director for Vancouver’s Plaidfox, remedied that with a fine balance of salvaged materials, historic inspiration and just the right amount of contemporary touches. The result? A pastoral family home anyone would want to live in.
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Prints Charming
1/15Prints Charming
1/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
Ben closed in the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/historic-langley-farmhouse-will-make-you-want-to-move-to-the-country-1926114/#">Langley farmhouse</a>'s back deck to create this handsome and well organized mudroom. It’s a powerhouse of prints from the encaustic <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/10-unusual-tile-and-grout-combos-we-love-in-kitchens-and-bathrooms-1902268/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">floor tiles</a> to the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/bold-print-wallpaper-ideas-1923882/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bold print wallpaper</a>, which features antique ads for farming equipment. Plaidfox worked with Surrey, BC's Homestar Building to create the space. The white custom cabinetry is bright and welcoming and provides ample storage, as well as a place to put on shoes. The ram’s head is a family heirloom and the boots are antique. “I didn’t want shiny and new accessories,” says Ben. “Patina is what makes a home feel comfortable.” <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/how-a-toronto-couple-created-a-cozy-farmhouse-escape-just-outside-of-collingwood-1926560/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How a Toronto Couple Created a Cozy Farmhouse Escape Just Outside of Collingwood</a>Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryPrints Charming
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Ben closed in the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/historic-langley-farmhouse-will-make-you-want-to-move-to-the-country-1926114/#">Langley farmhouse</a>'s back deck to create this handsome and well organized mudroom. It’s a powerhouse of prints from the encaustic <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/10-unusual-tile-and-grout-combos-we-love-in-kitchens-and-bathrooms-1902268/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">floor tiles</a> to the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/bold-print-wallpaper-ideas-1923882/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bold print wallpaper</a>, which features antique ads for farming equipment. Plaidfox worked with Surrey, BC's Homestar Building to create the space. The white custom cabinetry is bright and welcoming and provides ample storage, as well as a place to put on shoes. The ram’s head is a family heirloom and the boots are antique. “I didn’t want shiny and new accessories,” says Ben. “Patina is what makes a home feel comfortable.” <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/how-a-toronto-couple-created-a-cozy-farmhouse-escape-just-outside-of-collingwood-1926560/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How a Toronto Couple Created a Cozy Farmhouse Escape Just Outside of Collingwood</a>Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Best Seats in the House
2/15Best Seats in the House
2/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
The open-plan <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-dreamy-breakfast-nooks-that-will-brighten-your-morning-1895242/">breakfast nook</a> continues the pattern on pattern effect and Ben wouldn’t have it any other way. “I believe every room needs, at minimum, four complementary patterns to add texture and movement,” he says. We love the unexpected addition of traditional wingback chairs in a breakfast nook and how they layer in a comfortable, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/this-1840s-farmhouse-will-make-you-dream-of-moving-to-the-country-1909651/">farmhouse country vibe</a>. They've also become the family's fave perch for reading in what they now call the "coffee lounge." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/how-a-19th-century-prince-edward-county-estate-embraced-sultry-1970s-design-1926243/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How a 19th-Century Prince Edward County Estate Embraced Sultry 1970s Design</a>Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryBest Seats in the House
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -The open-plan <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-dreamy-breakfast-nooks-that-will-brighten-your-morning-1895242/">breakfast nook</a> continues the pattern on pattern effect and Ben wouldn’t have it any other way. “I believe every room needs, at minimum, four complementary patterns to add texture and movement,” he says. We love the unexpected addition of traditional wingback chairs in a breakfast nook and how they layer in a comfortable, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/this-1840s-farmhouse-will-make-you-dream-of-moving-to-the-country-1909651/">farmhouse country vibe</a>. They've also become the family's fave perch for reading in what they now call the "coffee lounge." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/how-a-19th-century-prince-edward-county-estate-embraced-sultry-1970s-design-1926243/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How a 19th-Century Prince Edward County Estate Embraced Sultry 1970s Design</a>Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Corner Lot
3/15Corner Lot
3/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
The space-saving corner banquette is dressed in a tan leather seat cushion that complements the showstopper pendant light from Ralph Lauren. Its equestrian flair (note the bridle details) is perfect for the country and references the family’s love for horses. The round table tempers the angles of the corner, while the hide rug layers in softness, texture and, of course, more pattern.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryCorner Lot
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -The space-saving corner banquette is dressed in a tan leather seat cushion that complements the showstopper pendant light from Ralph Lauren. Its equestrian flair (note the bridle details) is perfect for the country and references the family’s love for horses. The round table tempers the angles of the corner, while the hide rug layers in softness, texture and, of course, more pattern.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Green Energy
4/15Green Energy
4/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
We love how Ben didn’t opt for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-white-kitchens-1909607/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">white kitchen</a> here. The muted green cabinetry has a true vintage feel, which makes it easy to imagine that the cupboards are farmhouse original. Their old-fashioned charm is amplified by the home’s antique hardwood floors, which were carefully restored and stained.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryGreen Energy
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -We love how Ben didn’t opt for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-white-kitchens-1909607/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">white kitchen</a> here. The muted green cabinetry has a true vintage feel, which makes it easy to imagine that the cupboards are farmhouse original. Their old-fashioned charm is amplified by the home’s antique hardwood floors, which were carefully restored and stained.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
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Brick by Brick
5/15Brick by Brick
5/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
There’s a great dynamic at play in this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-ideas-1921092/">farmhouse kitchen</a> where historical materials like old bricks are completely in sync with stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry. The countertops, which have live-edge detailing, are a great idea to copy for a cottage. The salvaged wood that frames the range hood (and the wall-mounted horns) factor in just the right amount of rusticity.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryBrick by Brick
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -There’s a great dynamic at play in this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-ideas-1921092/">farmhouse kitchen</a> where historical materials like old bricks are completely in sync with stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry. The countertops, which have live-edge detailing, are a great idea to copy for a cottage. The salvaged wood that frames the range hood (and the wall-mounted horns) factor in just the right amount of rusticity.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
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Wine Not?
6/15Wine Not?
6/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
A country setting needn’t negate little luxury’s like an integrated wine fridge. This bespoke beauty works so well thanks to the exposed brick and shiny copper utensils (which scream country kitchen!), as well as the black hardware. “Black hardware is and always should be the go-to when doing a classic country-style home,” says Ben. "Other finishes will come and go, but black has staying power.”Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryWine Not?
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -A country setting needn’t negate little luxury’s like an integrated wine fridge. This bespoke beauty works so well thanks to the exposed brick and shiny copper utensils (which scream country kitchen!), as well as the black hardware. “Black hardware is and always should be the go-to when doing a classic country-style home,” says Ben. "Other finishes will come and go, but black has staying power.”Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
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Farm Fresh
7/15Farm Fresh
7/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
A view like the one out of these windows would almost make doing dishes a pleasure. The choice of an apron sink is perfect for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/this-scandinavian-inspired-farmhouse-redefines-ontario-cottage-life-1919239/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">farmhouse</a> and we like how, thanks to privacy, the windows remain unadorned. The Edison bulb sconces inject a bit of up-to-the-minute industrial flair that’s echoed in the mesh-fronted upper cabinets.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryFarm Fresh
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -A view like the one out of these windows would almost make doing dishes a pleasure. The choice of an apron sink is perfect for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/this-scandinavian-inspired-farmhouse-redefines-ontario-cottage-life-1919239/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">farmhouse</a> and we like how, thanks to privacy, the windows remain unadorned. The Edison bulb sconces inject a bit of up-to-the-minute industrial flair that’s echoed in the mesh-fronted upper cabinets.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
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History Lesson
8/15History Lesson
8/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
Ben wanted the living room to have a “mature,” almost historical feel. Bright white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/22-ways-joanna-gaines-is-reinventing-shiplap-for-2017-1053097/">shiplap ceilings</a>, salvaged wood walls, dark-stained original floors and a brick <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/fireplace-mantel-decor-ideas-1921954/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fireplace</a>-surround achieve that with aplomb. Combined, they also impart a bit of grandness to this warm space. The windows are dressed with heavy plaid drapery that keeps the overall mood cozy. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/former-textile-factory-quintessential-toronto-loft-1926921/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">This Airy Home in a Former Textile Factory is the Quintessential Toronto Loft</a>Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryHistory Lesson
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Ben wanted the living room to have a “mature,” almost historical feel. Bright white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/22-ways-joanna-gaines-is-reinventing-shiplap-for-2017-1053097/">shiplap ceilings</a>, salvaged wood walls, dark-stained original floors and a brick <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/fireplace-mantel-decor-ideas-1921954/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fireplace</a>-surround achieve that with aplomb. Combined, they also impart a bit of grandness to this warm space. The windows are dressed with heavy plaid drapery that keeps the overall mood cozy. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/former-textile-factory-quintessential-toronto-loft-1926921/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">This Airy Home in a Former Textile Factory is the Quintessential Toronto Loft</a>Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Old Meets New
9/15Old Meets New
9/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
The living room speaks to the owners’ desire for timeless, not trendy. The simple shape of the exposed light bulb pendant and the trunk re-purposed as a coffee table look as though they’ve always been there and will look just as relevant in years to come. The leather sofas are from Restoration Hardware and have a casual durability suited to a farmhouse. Ben worked in antiques, like the “M” from an old sign, to play up the property’s sense of history. The chairs and rug add in lively pattern.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryOld Meets New
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -The living room speaks to the owners’ desire for timeless, not trendy. The simple shape of the exposed light bulb pendant and the trunk re-purposed as a coffee table look as though they’ve always been there and will look just as relevant in years to come. The leather sofas are from Restoration Hardware and have a casual durability suited to a farmhouse. Ben worked in antiques, like the “M” from an old sign, to play up the property’s sense of history. The chairs and rug add in lively pattern.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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In the Mix
10/15In the Mix
10/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
Forget matchy-matchy! “We felt the dining room would have seemed staged and basic if we had surrounded the table with the same chair,” says Ben. Instead, it is charged with contrast thanks to an 8-foot long bench, upholstered wingbacks and cane-back chairs. The custom-made white-oak table has glass inserts to show off the base: an antique cast-iron printing press. The banded drapes add a bit of formal drama.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryIn the Mix
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Forget matchy-matchy! “We felt the dining room would have seemed staged and basic if we had surrounded the table with the same chair,” says Ben. Instead, it is charged with contrast thanks to an 8-foot long bench, upholstered wingbacks and cane-back chairs. The custom-made white-oak table has glass inserts to show off the base: an antique cast-iron printing press. The banded drapes add a bit of formal drama.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
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Room to Grow
11/15Room to Grow
11/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
Baby Axl’s room features a focal wall with provenance: the wooden planks were originally part of the property’s barn, then converted to use in the stables and finally left to ruin. The owners salvaged which ones they could for their <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/12-foolproof-ways-to-keep-a-kids-space-spick-and-span-1902419/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kid's space</a>. Here the wood feels classic rather than juvenile, so Axl won't outgrow it. Youthful whimsy is present though in the fun initial and sign. The plush carpet is soft for baby and warm on cold Langley days. The interesting sconce is from Visual Comfort and the crib is from Restoration Hardware.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryRoom to Grow
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -Baby Axl’s room features a focal wall with provenance: the wooden planks were originally part of the property’s barn, then converted to use in the stables and finally left to ruin. The owners salvaged which ones they could for their <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/12-foolproof-ways-to-keep-a-kids-space-spick-and-span-1902419/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kid's space</a>. Here the wood feels classic rather than juvenile, so Axl won't outgrow it. Youthful whimsy is present though in the fun initial and sign. The plush carpet is soft for baby and warm on cold Langley days. The interesting sconce is from Visual Comfort and the crib is from Restoration Hardware.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com/
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Master Class
12/15Master Class
12/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
Rustic, cozy and elegant, this is a downright <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver/photos/23-tips-to-creating-a-dreamy-master-bedroom-1052943/#">dreamy master bedroom</a>. A rough-hewn wood-plank wall is artfully contrasted by the more modern bedside lamps, which fend off any hunting lodge look. That lightness is continued in the handmade oak headboard and side tables which were painted white. The drapes feel a bit luxurious and were custom-made using Robert Allan fabric. The blue coverlet is a fresh foil to all the earthy tones.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryMaster Class
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -Rustic, cozy and elegant, this is a downright <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vancouver/photos/23-tips-to-creating-a-dreamy-master-bedroom-1052943/#">dreamy master bedroom</a>. A rough-hewn wood-plank wall is artfully contrasted by the more modern bedside lamps, which fend off any hunting lodge look. That lightness is continued in the handmade oak headboard and side tables which were painted white. The drapes feel a bit luxurious and were custom-made using Robert Allan fabric. The blue coverlet is a fresh foil to all the earthy tones.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Comfy Cozy
13/15Comfy Cozy
13/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
How dreamy is a bedroom fireplace? This linear style gas model is framed with salvaged bricks – with too much patina to be painted – and we love how the designer embellished them with a wooden “mantel.” It breaks up the space and provides a nifty display area (here dressed with flowering branches from the property). The chandelier works in a bit of contemporary sparkle (lovin' the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/8-glinty-lighting-trends-you-should-know-about-1052706/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">glinty lighting trend</a>) and, as in the baby’s room, carpeting ensures warmth and softness, an indulgence in any country house.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryComfy Cozy
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -How dreamy is a bedroom fireplace? This linear style gas model is framed with salvaged bricks – with too much patina to be painted – and we love how the designer embellished them with a wooden “mantel.” It breaks up the space and provides a nifty display area (here dressed with flowering branches from the property). The chandelier works in a bit of contemporary sparkle (lovin' the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/8-glinty-lighting-trends-you-should-know-about-1052706/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">glinty lighting trend</a>) and, as in the baby’s room, carpeting ensures warmth and softness, an indulgence in any country house.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Bath With a View
14/15Bath With a View
14/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
An addition to the original house, the master ensuite bathroom still retains pastoral charm thanks to the shiplap-clad ceiling and the rustic-look whitewashed floors, which are actually porcelain tiles – a nifty idea to steal for any bathroom. There’s a bit of elegance at play here too in the crystal orb chandelier and the architectural note of the tapered vessel tub. The upholstered chair shakes things up a bit and adds even more visual interest to the space.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryBath With a View
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -An addition to the original house, the master ensuite bathroom still retains pastoral charm thanks to the shiplap-clad ceiling and the rustic-look whitewashed floors, which are actually porcelain tiles – a nifty idea to steal for any bathroom. There’s a bit of elegance at play here too in the crystal orb chandelier and the architectural note of the tapered vessel tub. The upholstered chair shakes things up a bit and adds even more visual interest to the space.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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Blue Notes
15/15Blue Notes
15/15Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
The bathroom vanity is testament to the power of colour. Imagine the cabinets in beige or white – they would look fine, but certainly wouldn’t have the same fresh impact. Like all well-designed homes, there is continuity throughout the space apparent here in the black hardware and the mirror which incorporates <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/ways-to-incorporate-wood-in-bathroom-1920101/">wood in the bathroom</a>. This cohesion, along with the mix of modern elements and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/vintage-appeal-to-basic-bathroom-1908358/">vintage appeal</a>, creates a very layered look suited to the history of this gorgeous century-old farmhouse.Home ToursThis Historic Langley Farmhouse Will Make You Want to Move to the CountryBlue Notes
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -The bathroom vanity is testament to the power of colour. Imagine the cabinets in beige or white – they would look fine, but certainly wouldn’t have the same fresh impact. Like all well-designed homes, there is continuity throughout the space apparent here in the black hardware and the mirror which incorporates <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/ways-to-incorporate-wood-in-bathroom-1920101/">wood in the bathroom</a>. This cohesion, along with the mix of modern elements and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/vintage-appeal-to-basic-bathroom-1908358/">vintage appeal</a>, creates a very layered look suited to the history of this gorgeous century-old farmhouse.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay PhotographySource: janisnicolay.com
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