Bringing a Hemingway Masterpiece of Design Back to Life

St. Albert Interior Designer revives her dream home

WORDS BY KAREN MEURER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA

Originally Alana Gannon Schilf of Inspired Home Interiors was a nurse, working at Edmonton's U of A Hospital. She had an interest in interior design so by day she would nurse, and by night she attended the Residential Interior Design program. That was over 20 years ago, and since then Schilf has been helping her clients bring their dream homes to life.

About 6 years ago Schilf and her husband thought they would build a home in St. Albert where she grew up, but when they started looking she found out that a home originally designed by renowned architect Peter Hemingway was for sale. Schilf jumped at the chance to own this classic home.

Built in 1959, the home had fallen into disrepair and needed some reviving. In keeping with its mid century modern feel, Schilf kept the features that gave the home character like the original solid wood front double entry doors, tricolour flagstone foyer floor, and the beautiful open beam ceiling in the main living room. One interesting feature is that the L shaped bungalow does not have a basement. It is believed that this house, one of several he built along the same street, was designed for a member of Hemingway’s family who was in a wheelchair. With only one level, everything is intelligently incorporated into the design of the house. Tucked in behind the original brick hearth fireplace is the furnace and hot water tank “closet” covered by beautiful double doors. Open the doors to what looks like a pantry in the kitchen and you’ll find a hidden away stacked washer and dryer set. Another “cupboard” transforms into the linen closet. Schilf knocked out a wall that separated the kitchen from the family room to open up and brighten the space. She installed quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. Garden doors lead off the family room to the outdoor patio, creating more living space and another windowed door leads out from the middle of the wall in the living room to an outdoor formal dining area. Beautiful engineered hardwood floors were installed throughout the main living areas leading

Original artwork by Canadian Artist Patricia Larson Original numbered and framed print by SoCal artist “Shag” Orange table lamps by Robert Abbey White lacquer cabinets by Tema Home Perez Furniture sectional, Global Views white leather chairs and gold table lamp purchased through Inspired Home Interiors Vintage end table purchased in Palm Springs Natuzzi coffee table purchased at Leather Elite (now Reside Furnishings)

Original artwork by Canadian Artist Patricia Larson Original numbered and framed print by SoCal artist “Shag” Orange table lamps by Robert Abbey White lacquer cabinets by Tema Home Perez Furniture sectional, Global Views white leather chairs and gold table lamp purchased through Inspired Home Interiors Vintage end table purchased in Palm Springs Natuzzi coffee table purchased at Leather Elite (now Reside Furnishings)

down the hall to the bedrooms. Schilf’s mid-century modern contemporary taste in furniture infuses the home with a sleek yet comfortable, lived in look. A curved sectional and two armchairs form an inviting conversational area in the living room and the wide seat couch in the family room makes for cosey TV watching while keeping with the aesthetic of the home. The walls are brightened with contemporary art — a favourite would be the green rectangular XO art piece in the living room. Schilf doesn’t regret leaving nursing for interior design. She thinks her caring and intuitive skills transfer over well in helping people to create their most beautiful living spaces. She loves it. She doesn’t think they’ll build a new home now — Schilf, her husband, and their sweet dog Karl are staying put. www.inspiredhomes.ca

Vintage acrylic and glass bar cart purchased at Swish Vintage in Palm Springs Nuevo Furniture gold and marble side table purchased through Inspired Home Interiors

Perez Furniture bed and Global Views white flower mirror purchased through Inspired Home Interiors

Knoll Saarinen Executive Chairs purchased through Inspired Home Interiors Knoll Saarinen marble dining table purchased through Inspired Home Interiors Mooi Random light purchased through Inform in Vancouver VIntage credenza and Sonneman table lamp purchased in Palm Springs

Vintage credenza purchased in Palm Springs at Hedge Vintage vase and glass bowl purchased in Palm Springs Prayer beads from The Cross in Yaletown, Vancouver Photograph: Poolside Gossip by Slim Aarons purchased in Barcelona, Spain Renwil mirror purchased through Inspired Home Interiors