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Areas of Hamilton

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Hamilton is a big place, home to over 740,000 people! You’ll often hear people refer to the city just split between “on the mountain” and “downtown” but it’s actually divided up into many more amazing neighbourhoods all with their own names and identity. With an influx of new people flocking to Hamilton, many of these neighbourhoods are changing and blossoming with new growth and culture. People often ask me “what are the best areas in Hamilton?”. That’s such a tricky question as this city has so much to offer and is changing fast! Hamilton is a big city with a small-town atmosphere and each unique neighbourhood lends a hand in creating this environment. Nature lovers love exploring the fantastic trails, picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, the bay, and Cootes paradise. Many people want to buy a home with easy access to the Bruce trail that winds itself through the Kirkendall, Durand, Ancaster, Westdale, and Dundas areas. If commuting to the Niagara area and the GTA are a priority, then having convenient access to the highways located in and around the city make the West Hamilton and Stoney Creek areas desirable. With so many restaurants, festivals, concerts, an entertainment scene that can’t be beaten and of course the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Bulldogs, Forge FC, Hamilton Honey Badgers and Toronto Rock all playing here in the city there is something for everyone downtown. The Gibson, Stipley, St. Clair, Crown Point, Delta, Central, Corktown, Beasley, and Landsdale neighbourhoods all lend way to easy access to the downtown. If large historic homes are your pleasure, the Durand, Kirkendall, St. Clair, and Westdale areas will get you to that happy place. With a new waterfront revitalization project well underway, the North End is growing in popularity with it’s easy access to the Lake and beautiful views. Hamilton has so many amazing areas to explore and discover. Click the link for more information the varied areas of Hamilton.

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Before and After powder room

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Here’s a little before and after of a main floor powder room in a historic house in the Durand area of Hamilton. Although I do actually love the wallpaper, it was pealing badly and needed to be removed. This whole project came in less then $250! By keeping the flooring and all the bathroom fixtures, so much money was saved while still achieving a whole new look. The trim around the door and window was swapped out for trim that matched the rest of the home. New handles on the vanity and a new mirror really dress up the space. Keeping the palate light with a highlight wall in dark bold blue makes the space feel larger and still gives some interest to the small space. Adding my favourite oversized school house light fixture not only adds a ton more light to the space but fits with the vintage style of the home. A new window and artwork has been added since this picture and the homeowners are overjoyed with how this tiny space was able to be transformed under budget and in only 2 days.

Classic Beauty

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When a wall had to be removed to open this beautiful space, the discussion of what to do about repairing the floors and still keep the inlay was started. We knew that the goal of this classic St. Clair area home in Hamilton was to keep the character that was left, most had been removed during past owners renovations, and add details that would have been used during the time of construction- 1920’s. My amazing husband was able to salvage some matching flooring from other places in the home that would have been otherwise covered up and use it to fill in any space in the wood floor in order to be able to keep these spectacular floors. His inlay work would make the original trades men of the 1920’s proud! Finding matching heat grates to use, antique mirrors, repairing original glass built-ins, penny tiles and stone counters that are of the time period really puts the icing on the cake!

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Keeping the Character

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When taking on a whole house restoration, it’s important to look at incorporating elements that make the house a home. Keeping as much of the original character is an important aspect of what makes a home so special and unique. If there is gum wood trim- keep it! If there is original wood floors- keep it! If the original doors are restorable- keep them! If these elements aren’t in a condition that is restorable search out elements that are the era of the home and incorporate them into your design. All the following pictures are from a whole house restoration we completed in the St. Clair area of Hamilton.

Original linen closet restored and brass handles brought back to life.
Larger closet built to accommodate storage size of a modern family, Gum wood doors fitted and trimmed to match the rest of the home.
Pocket doors, plate rail, chauffeured ceiling, and floors- All repaired and restored back to their original glory.
Stained glass doors and windows repaired and fitted, a nice juxtaposition against the new modern lights.
Incorporating new countertops and a modern faucet and light fixtures work against the character filled backdrop. The repetition of wood throughout the house carries the eye.

Inside Out

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Yes please! Love shopping for vintage hardware!

When we start a project house that has been stripped of all it’s character, I always start by shopping for vintage hardware, grates, lights, trim, doors, and whatever else I can find to bring back the spirit of a house!