By Richard Wengle, Richard Wengle Architect Inc.
One of the most common concerns raised when meeting clients is that they don’t want their house to look dated in a few years. Rather, they would prefer that guests not be able to identify the period when it was built. From a design perspective, this can be a tall order…everything dates itself eventually. All one has to do is stroll through the neighbourhood and observe that many or most of the original homes are unique and quite distinct from those found in other pockets not too far away. Many are from developments that reflected a stylistic approach from the time when they were built. Of course, there are many styles within the city, but from an architectural point of view, it’s very easy to determine their lineage. This is not to say that other elements within the design world do not experience similar circumstances. Timelines permeate through all facets of design — fashion, for one, easily exemplifies this concept.
The real concern with most clients is that they don’t want their homes to feel outdated or ‘of the moment’ and suddenly appear tired after just a few years. Most people who consider building a new home are continuously exposed to the latest and greatest trends, and thus are often influenced by a need to go with the flow. It’s evident in some of the most beautiful examples of contemporary architecture in that they all seem to look the same after a while and grow tired very easily. Taste and fads change. The solution comes through designing in a clean and simple fashion, removing superfluous detail that can weigh down a design over the years. A minimal palette and simplicity in form will go a long way to stand the test of time, but simple takes a lot of work.
So what is a homeowner to do when they want to enjoy the benefits of contemporary design while trying to fit into an established neighbourhood? Or preserve their investment so that it provides enjoyment in the present, while still being of interest to a future buyer? What are the rules?
The good news is that there are no rules. We have designed many projects that work well to blend in within their immediate streetscape, yet as the home transitions to the rear, it takes on a completely different personality. The old school of thought required the style in the front of the dwelling to influence the character at the rear, but over the years, this has started to change. The use of generous amounts of glazing that is uninformed by the front façade helps to provide a better connection to the beautifully landscaped, spa-like oasis that awaits its owners out back. Similarly, the front yards are often landscaped substantially to evoke a sense of enclosure from the street, softening the impact of a new dwelling. Gone are the days of random gardens with multiple hues of bright colour. Formal, multi-tiered layers of manicured hedges and pleached trees tend to dominate the streets these days. All of this serves to distract the eye and work beneficially when placing a new, contemporary styled house within an older streetscape.
When renovating or adding onto an existing home, it is not always wise for the designer to match what is already there. Often, it is more desirable to distinguish the new from the old whether by use of a material change, or by paring down the details while complementing the original character of the building. The old and the new can comfortably coexist in harmony despite their differences, often using a thin line of glazing that simultaneously separates and connects the two structures together. Europeans have been doing this for years, but it is only in the last decade that one can see more examples of this clean approach here in North America.
It is inevitable that one day your home will be listed on the market to sell, so it is wise to think about resale value. It is always important to consider what a future owner may prefer, even if it doesn’t match your exact requirements. Fortunately, most families have similar needs and desires these days. Large kitchens with pantries, generous family rooms, and dining rooms that can handle large family gatherings are especially popular. Specifically, bedroom count,
large closets and mud rooms with lots of storage seem to be the common denominator in terms of the most popular requests. It is always better to consider providing these elements, even if they do not necessarily match your current needs. Simply put, your house will be more attractive to a larger pool of future buyers.
Many houses today are designed to flow from room to room with consistent palettes of colour and material, never really achieving a true sense of individuality. Blending styles takes a considerable amount of skill and thought but encourages rooms to be unique and “themed” differently. This is the essence of and true meaning of “transitional.” New and old elements working together, harmoniously creating individual, stylized spaces that continue to evolve as your tastes change.
Remember the old, gold coloured door hardware that not too long ago everyone changed to nickel and chrome tones? Well, it’s back…again. There is no need to start over, just begin to add tones of both. The act of mixing style and materials is truly an art, and allows for prolonged enjoyment without having to make major changes over the years. Simple paneling creates warmth and character — a nod to the past, yet juxtaposed with antiques and contemporary art, creates an interesting and enriched space. Changing a few small items can have incredible impact without ever having to undergo major and costly renovations. A new colour scheme or an exciting piece of art or furniture that breaks away from your existing style can have a dramatic effect…a real punch of style.
Think of your home as a canvas that continues to evolve, one that is never static. You will be amazed at how current and relevant your house will continue to feel over the years to come.
Richard Wengle is the Principal of Richard Wengle Architect Inc. He has designed some of Toronto’s most beautiful homes.
