A traditional home takes on new energy through the thoughtful eye of Isabel Clune Design, who reimagined the interiors with a mix of classic tailoring and restrained maximalism. Set in St. Catharines, Ontario, the project layers color, archways, and moments of the unexpected to bring personality and rhythm to everyday spaces. Jules Lee documented the incredible change through a series of light-filled photographs.
From Isabel Clune Design… The project began with a generous traditional home in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of Niagara, Canada, that wasn’t living up to its potential. The rooms felt underutilized and the layout fragmented. We approached the renovation with a clear architectural mindset, rethinking the ground-floor plan to improve sight lines, circulation, and the way the family would live and entertain in the space. This involved relocating plumbing and kitchen appliances to better open and orient the kitchen, and reshaping service spaces like the mudroom and powder room to make them both more functional and visually engaging.
A key part of the design inspiration came from the client’s personality and preferences. Green, the homeowner’s favorite color, was woven throughout the palette and detailing to create a cohesive thread from room to room. I also introduced a series of repeating archways, a signature touch in ICD projects, which help knit the spaces together and bring rhythm and visual delight to the circulation paths.
Beyond the practical and aesthetic choices, the renovation is about balance. It respects the home’s traditional roots while introducing thoughtful architectural details and a sense of ease. The result feels intentional and lived-in, with upgraded spaces that are both beautiful and tailored to everyday life. From the custom breakfast banquette and coffee station in the kitchen to the expanded and better organized mudroom, the renovation transforms what was once a conventional house into a more expressive, functional, and personalised family home.
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Isabel Clune Design · Photography: Jules Lee
