In five years Brandy and Aaron’s home has seen some growth, with the addition of their son, Max, Brandy’s guide dog, and caregiver…this once (almost) perfectly sized home now seems to be more like an obstacle course! Tragically, Brandy was left a quadriplegic at the age of 20 after a serious car accident. Since then she has been in her motorized wheelchair and lately getting around comfortably is proving to be an ongoing issue leaving Brandy feeling as though she is a barrier in her own home. So, the time is now! The five-year itch has officially set in and change is needed!
In order to make these two fall in love with their home all over again, I need to get busy and create an open concept layout, expand the kitchen, refresh the living room and enlarge their cramped ensuite! However, my job seems fairly easy in comparison to Todd’s…finding a rancher that is wheelchair friendly might prove to be quite the challenge! While Todd goes on the hunt for that perfect home, I quickly get down to business!!
In order to create the open concept kitchen and living space that Brandy and Aaron desire, we have to tear out pantries, walls, and cabinetry to allow for ample space, and that’s EXACTLY what we did! I must say, the kitchen is a DREAM!! There is so much room now that Brandy doesn’t have to worry about feeling like she is in the way, multiple people can fit in this new space easily!
We added a STUNNING farmhouse sink (something Brandy has always loved), lots of custom cabinetry and a pantry bar! Plus, we installed the biggest island YET! Seriously…we’ve never done an island this big before…sitting at a whopping 12 FEET this island is sure to give everyone lots of elbow room with a dedicated spot for Brandy! She can finally sit comfortably under the counter space and enjoy an intimate meal with her friends and family. This was a big success in our eyes!!
In addition to the kitchen expansion we also revamped their living area…and how could you not just fall in LOVE this beautiful feature wall?!?! This beauty was installed by the amazing team at The Eco Floor Store and is made entirely from reclaimed wood off of a 100-year-old barn!! The (oh so cozy) sectional, chair and ottoman were provided by Van Gogh Designs …I can confirm that they are as comfy as they look!
We also updated their fireplace and added a zero clearance insert which fit perfectly into the pre-existing space which really helped to freshen up the area and tie everything together. Why would you ever want to leave this room?! Unless of course, it was to grab some snacks…
So far so good! I was able to redo their kitchen, dining area and living room…however, unfortunately we were unable to complete their ensuite as we ran into a HUGE asbestos problem early in the renovations…the asbestos was everywhere…in the mud…AND the drywall…which meant everything had to go and buget had to then be allocated to replacing all of that drywall! Gulp!!
However, it certainly was a blessing in disguise…because even though we were unable to complete their ensuite… Heilman Renovations (with the help of Aaron) were able to built a custom wheelchair ramp at the front door for Brandy!! This was the first time she has EVER entered the front entrance of her house!! Cue the tears!!!!
This reveal was really one of a kind and holds such a special place in my heart as every single detail in this renovation was designed speciaically for this incredbile family…BUT…while I absolutely loved it… was it everything they could ever ask for in a home?? Drum roll please….Todd ACTUALLY pulled it off!! They listed!!! To be fair (even though I LOVED the redesign) Todd found them a spacious, gorgeous home with a spectacular back yard…with A POOL!! Kudos to Todd, and I’m so happy that Brandy and Aaron have found their new home!!
A huge thank you goes out to the talented Janis Nicolay for the gorgeous photos! Make sure to visit HGTV Canada for more on this Love It Or List It Vancouver episode and to see more photos of the reveal click here! Also, be sure to follow Love it or List It Vancouver on Facebook so you don’t miss a thing!
This is two in a row now for Todd…I need my LOVE IT fans to really cheer me on next week!!! Until then…
xo
Jilly
Where can I find cabinet pulls like the ones they have in the kitchen? Thanks!
By far my favourite episode of the entire series. The reno was thoughtful and stunning and the new property was a perfect fit. Great job team! And can we talk about Brandy’s style!!! What an inspiration.
Thank you so much Margaret!!!!! OMG Brandy has the BEST style, she is so amazing!! XO
Couldn’t agree more!!
Wow! What a beautiful space! So textural and serene. Just stunning!
Thanks for the kind words on our feature wall Jilly. We love working with you guys! Can’t wait for another opportunity.. Cheers, Jared (The Eco Floor Store.)
It was SUCH a pleasure working with you as well Jared, the feature wall was absolutely STUNNING!!!!!
Beautiful episode. Brandy has an incredible personality and style and you Jillian, have proven once more that your creative mind and your heartfelt dedication to the clients have no limits!
Liliana
Awwwww thank you!!! XOXO
Hi Jillian ! We would like to renovate our apartment renew it, we like your work
We need your help, could you let us know please how is work please.
Thanks,Maria xoxo
[email protected]
Lovely! Where is the light fixture from in the living area?
Where is this house located? Is it for sale?
I am Terry, the father of Brandy, what an amazing transformation! With so many barriers Brandy has to face on a daily basis, her home is finally a place of total obstacle free comfort.
I can not thank Jillian enough for giving Brand her freedom within the home as well as the outside ramp! When we saw the reveal and Brans’s reaction there was not a dry eye in the house.
From a fathers perspective!!
Amazing job! Love this renovation. Where are the kitchen pendant lights from?
Beautiful job! Could you tell us what the name of the fabric is for the Van Gogh sectional, and what the style of the sofa is called?
I can’t even say how amazing this episode was. Brandy, you are such an amazing gal, with such a beautiful spirit. So seriously inspirational and I love your style! I have watched many many episodes but this one had me in tears! So beautiful! Enjoy your new home, that backyard was unbelievable!
Just saw the rerun of this episode.. Moved originally and now again.. Love every bit of the renovation. It would be great if you would list the retailers or where we could find many of the amazing home décor items.
Love this reno. Fireplace is beautiful Where can we buy the tall candle holders in front of the fireplace?