From Nationalpost · · 1m
A home worth waiting for
Toronto designer Joan MacAlpine's family bought a fixer-upper home in Etobicoke in 2020, delayed renovations by pandemic, and transformed it with personal touches.
In brief
Toronto designer Joan MacAlpine's family bought a fixer-upper home in Etobicoke in 2020, delayed renovations by pandemic, and transformed it with personal touches. Joan MacAlpine's family turned a pandemic-delayed home renovation into a personalized space with family photos and natural light. Originally reported by…
Front hall design
Toronto designer Joan MacAlpine created a warm front hall with gallery wall of family photos.
“i was adamant that the front entry should be a friendly, warm welcome to our home, not just a place to hang up your coat and drop your keys”
Home purchase in 2020
Joan MacAlpine's family bought a fixer-upper home in Etobicoke with good schools and quiet streets in 2020.
Initial renovation plans
Joan planned six months to get drawings and permits sorted with help from a friend who is an architect.
Pandemic delay
The pandemic caused a six-month renovation to stretch to three to four years, leading to temporary living in the home.
Personalized space
Joan and her family infused the home with their personalities through family photos and natural light.
Long-term benefits
The delay helped them learn how light changes, family needs shift, and they used the space effectively.
The takeaway
Joan MacAlpine's family turned a pandemic-delayed home renovation into a personalized space with family photos and natural light.
