Historic Charm Mixes Modern Comfort in This Fixer to Fabulous Family Home

First impressions set the tone for a home, so Dave and Jenny Marrs wanted made sure to create an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/best-entryway-design-ideas-1920668/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eye-catching entryway</a> that was bright and fresh — but still paid homage to the family's history. They swapped the front door with a refurbished vintage piece that resembled the home's original door, while adding light with arched windowpanes. In the front hall, a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/sarah-baeumler/photos/sarah-baeumlers-gallery-wall-tips-1929387/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gallery</a> of framed historical news clippings and photos makes a stylish statement, while offering a nod to the past each time you walk by. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/foolproof-guide-hanging-pictures-1940485/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Picture Perfect: A Foolproof Guide to Hanging Your Pictures Perfectly, Every Time</a>

Sometimes, small changes can make a huge difference in the feel of a space. Throughout most of the house, Doug's grandfather had lowered the ceiling height about 50 years ago. By using part of the couple's $150,000 renovation budget to restore the ceilings back to their 10-foot height, the Marrs used vertical space to transform the feel of the home. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/these-stylish-ceiling-ideas-will-inspire-you-to-reach-new-design-heights-1904542/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">These Stylish Ceiling Ideas Will Inspire You to Reach New Design Heights</a>

Because they home school their kids, the family's living room needed to be multi-functional. To help, Dave created a stunning (and super-practical) built-in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shelving unit</a> — complete with fold-out desks and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/kids-homework-stations-1906698/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">study areas</a> that can be packed away and hidden when school time is over. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shopping/photos/cute-eco-friendly-back-to-school-finds-kids-and-adults-1930638/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Smart Back-to-School Finds for an Organized Homeschool Classroom</a>

Part of the problem with the home's old-fashioned design was that it felt tighter and more cramped than its 1,320-square-feet of space. To enhance the flow between the living room and kitchen, Dave and Jenny opened up the dividing wall. During this process, Dave uncovered a unique historical feature (and a design bonus): old grooved exterior siding, which they painted white to match, adding a touch of texture and history to the new galley kitchen. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-ideas-1921092/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas for Your Next Reno</a>

In the kitchen, the Marrs created a modern take on traditional farmhouse style. The previous kitchen was tight and lacked counter space, so Dave and Jenny opened up the plan, rearranged the layout and installed new cabinets in a crisp white hue. For an extra ode to the past, they also added a refinished vintage hutch as a contrasting (and one-of-a-kind) cabinet. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/standout-kitchen-sinks-1943651/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Standout Kitchen Sinks That Will Make You Want to Rethink Your Counters</a>

<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/bathroom-wallpaper-ideas-inspire-bright-bold-1943083/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wallpaper in the bathroom is always a bright idea</a> — but Jenny took things to the next level with floral wallpaper on the ceiling in the guest/kids' bathroom. As a special nod to the past, Jenny had a local artist custom design the print as a modern take on the home's previous wallpaper patterns. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/fun-kids-bathroom-design-ideas-1905117/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Kids’ Bathroom Design Ideas That Make a Big Splash</a>

The master bedroom had already been remodelled, but it needed a fresh finish and a few personal touches to showcase its character. Bringing life to an old project, the Marrs found and installed a door that Doug had previously made — repurposing it as a custom sliding barn door to connect the bedroom with the master bathroom. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/steal-worthy-bedroom-decorating-ideas-1924403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Steal-Worthy Bedroom Decorating Ideas</a>

When it came to decor, the Marrs worked with and enhanced many of the treasures that were already there. For example, Doug had handmade a beautiful, unique wooden bed for the couple — so the Marrs made his handiwork the star of the light-and-bright master bedroom. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/15-bedroom-decor-ideas-to-make-your-space-cozy-for-autumn-and-winter-1942550/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Bedroom Decor Ideas to Make Your Space Cozy for Autumn and Winter</a>

Evening baths are central to Brittany's self-care routine, so the Marrs made the master bathroom a true <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/bathroom-ideas-that-will-leave-you-in-a-state-of-total-bliss-1941925/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spa-like</a> oasis with a stunning free-standing tub for her to soak in. They completed the transformation with luxe forest-green bathroom storage, elegant new flooring and a bigger window to let in more natural light. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/most-popular-bathrooms-design-ideas-on-pinterest-1930620/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Our 10 Most Popular Bathroom Design Ideas on Pinterest</a>

The family loved spending time together outdoors, but bugs and mosquitoes took away from the backyard's charm — and the time they could comfortably spend outside. The solution? The Marrs created an incredible screened-in porch to house beautiful <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/outdoor-dining-space-ideas-1940037/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">outdoor dining</a> and living areas.