City Homes
May 25, 2023
A Contemporary Envelope Meets Warm, Earthy Decorating In A Newly Built House By Aly Velji
While growing up in Yellowknife, Sophia Dobrowolski lived in a large open-plan house, thanks to her modernist architect father, Gino Pin. Her home with her husband, Peter Dobrowolski, was a little different. In 2010, they bought a two-bedroom condo in downtown Edmonton where they lived for more than a decade. But now, with three small children, the family was ready to move.
“It was important to us to be near the river valley,” says Sophia of their three-year search for something bigger. “Peter bikes or runs to work and we only have one vehicle, so we also wanted to stay close to downtown.” When a tiny house in the Glenora neighborhood came up in 2019, they jumped. It was near the city core and sat on a private, pie-shaped lot flanked by two lanes; here, they could build a home from the ground up. “My father always said, ‘You build a house on what a lot offers, not what you want the house to be,’” says Sophia. The couple turned to Gino, Sophia’s 87-year-old, now retired father to design the house. To realize his vision, they hired Calgary’s Alloy Homes for the build. When the envelope was nearly complete, Alykhan Velji Designs stepped in to tackle the interiors.
Scroll down for a look inside the newly built home in Edmonton!
Big windows, natural light and a large, welcoming entry were key. “We wanted space to entertain, and we needed a sanctuary for family time, too,” says Sophia. “We designed the home to honor Gino’s conceptual sketches,” says Christopher Lemke of Alloy Homes. The spacious entry is airy and welcoming with antique elements, terracotta and wood that create a lived-in vibe.
The kitchen’s flat-panel cabinets nod to the house’s modern lines while a plaster vent hood, farmhouse sink and brass lighting bring old world charm. A pantry tucked behind the vent hood wall means any mess stays out of sight. “The kids make their breakfast back there and there’s a second dishwasher, so all the clutter is hidden,” she adds.
The large picture windows and leggy banquette seating create a perfect spot for gathering in the kitchen. “It’s so bright in here that we rarely have to turn the lights on,” says Sophia.
The designers leaned on an earthy, neutral palette, white oak, textural finishes and warm grey tones to achieve a mix of new and old.
“Unexpected moments throughout help create layers that look curated over time,” says Aly Velji (pictured right) with designer Alison Connor. Organic, rustic and textural elements abound: a mid-century-inspired fireplace is clad in the same limestone as the exterior, nubby drapes sheath the back wall, and organic browns, matte blacks and brass finishes ground the space.
The armchair, side table and built-in styled with modern vessels create an elegant vignette in the living room.
Navy shiplap surrounding the floating quartz sink is dramatic in the powder room.
In the principal bedroom, white oak panelling adds warmth and texture; rounded sconces offset the linear element.
The design of the house came with some ground rules. “You can’t question the size of my closet!” exclaimed Sophia at the time.
The principal bathrom is serene and spa-like.
A wooden stool adds a sculptural, organic element.
Wallpaper in a subtle pattern against a textural rug pulls in sophisticated grey tones for a neutral space the children can grow into.
The Jack and Jill bathroom joining the kids’ rooms features a graphic backsplash pattern and terracotta-inspired ceramic tile floor.
The nursery gets playful with pink drapes and floral wallpaper.
The laundry room is sleek and practical, with a pop of navy in the stacked tile.
The owners worked with TruWood Artisans to build this live-edge desk in their office space.
Sophia and Peter like to lounge in the bedroom to enjoy their morning coffee.
Finally, the mudroom is a stylish prep station. “With three kids in the family, it had to be practical but also beautiful,” says Katie. The family now plans to stay — until the end of time.
Michelle Johnson
Alykhan Velji Designs