Glasgow Residence: Brightening a Dark Modern Home
Sep 4
4 min read
The architecture firm Reigo & Bauer recently redesigned this multilevel house in Kitchener. The best part? They didn't gut the place or make any huge changes, but only thoughtful updates to make it work better for the family's lifestyle, and they added these amazing hand-finished touches to every floor
Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography
The renovation follows a bigger trend in home design, where formal, closed-off rooms are being replaced by open, flowing layouts. Now, every detail, from the new staircase to the hidden wine room, was chosen to make the home feel comfortable.
The transformation is clear from the first step inside. The entry stands out without feeling too grand. A white, curved, welded-steel staircase rises through the tall hallway to the upper floor, with a solid bronze handrail running smoothly along it. This new staircase replaced a smaller side stair that made the entry feel plain and unfinished.
Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography
Past the entry, the sunken living room was a challenge. The rough stone columns, original to the house and framing views of the forest, had to stay. Instead of hiding them, the designers used a soft, neutral colour palette and added curved sofas and a bubbled glass light by Giopato & Coombes. Now, the columns stand out as sculptural features in the room.
Just a few steps up, the vibe shifts into a dark, super-cozy sitting area that flows right into the kitchen. Right in between them, there’s an amazing three-sided glass fireplace built into a plaster pillar—it actually matches the custom range hood across the room! The kitchen itself is really clean and minimalist, featuring sleek, off-white cabinets and a little breakfast nook next to the island. Since it's all open-concept, you get a great flow of warmth and straight-through sightlines throughout the space.
Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography
They really nailed the finishes on the first floor. There are brand-new wide-plank oak floors almost everywhere, and they add a perfect warmth that keeps the bold design from feeling too intense. Plus, the wood looks so good against the stone walls in the hallway and by the fireplace. It adds a lot of texture and perfectly balances out the bright colours.
The same Italian limestone is brought back in on the living room floor and the steps leading in, which is a really clever way to tie the whole space together. The Studio kept the main palette super calm, but added these great little pops of colour—like a fun chair and cool accessories—so it has plenty of personality without feeling overwhelming.
Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography
Right over here, there's this steel staircase that takes a sharp turn downstairs. They softened it up with caramel-coloured carpet on the steps, a sleek bronze handrail, and beautiful Foscarini wall sconces that cast a warm glow. It’s basically a cozier, more intimate version of the main staircase upstairs, giving you a totally different vibe when you head down.
A central hallway with floor-to-ceiling glass on one side links the rooms and lets sunlight reach both the exercise room and a moody, sunken wine cellar. In the cellar, bottles are stored in a custom oil-rubbed-steel rack, with a limestone podium in the center and a hidden door at the back for extra cold storage. Thirty-six-inch glass panels separate the staircase, cellar, and gym, so you can see between spaces without closing them off. Nearby, bold wallpaper adds a surprising touch to a bathroom door.
Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography Glasgow Residence. Photography by Doublespace Photography
Over the hallway, lounge and games room step down toward the garden, separated by an open shelving unit that keeps the spaces connected. Grey-stained oak battens cover the walls, a detail used throughout this level to add texture and depth. A large bar, finished in a lighter shade of the same wood, brings the rooms together into a cozy, softly lit space that is perfect for relaxing evenings.
The Kitchener home shows what is possible to create when restraint and craftsmanship are balanced. Reigo & Bauer did not just make a dramatic change; through specific choices, they transformed a dark, closed-off home into a bright, welcoming, and lived-in space.
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Credits & Technical Sheet
Project Name: Glasgow
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Area: 5050 sf (470 m2)
Architecture & Interiors: Reigo & Bauer
Design Team: Merike Bauer, Stephen Bauer, Victoria Dragoni
Construction: Country Lane Builders
Millwork Fabrication: Renca + Heilimo Inc, Bulthaup GmbH & Co, Homestead Woodworks
Metal Fabrication: FlatOut Industries
Natural Stone: Grassi Pietre
