Chiara Plastina renovates her grandparents’ beloved home preserving family memories while updating for modern living A heartfelt blend of legacy love and contemporary design .
A Dream Fulfilled Buying the House with Deep Roots
In September 2022 Chiara Plastina made her lifelong dream a reality when she purchased the home her grandparents Sara and Alvaro Giorgi had owned for 38 years in Vaughan Ontario Canada The home had been a backdrop for countless memories family dinners holiday gatherings and childhood milestones and Chiara grew up cherishing every corner of it .
Family Legacy From Italy to Canada
Sara and Alvaro immigrated to Canada from Italy in 1967 initially settling in Kitchener Waterloo In 1987 they purchased the Vaughan house with a $10000 down payment on a $250000 property Despite financial challenges they poured love and labor into the home treating it as their greatest blessing Over nearly four decades they created a warm haven that served as the heart of the family .
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Passing the Torch How Chiara Took Ownership
By 2016 her grandparents were contemplating downsizing but apartments or townhomes didnt feel right In 2020 Chiaras father invited them to live in his home opening the door for Chiara to take over the family property When the timing finally aligned she and her husband Jason who is a contractor secured the house and began planning a thoughtful renovation .
Blending Old and New Thoughtful Renovation Strategy
Chiara approached the renovation with a clear philosophy preserve the homes sentimental value while enhancing comfort and style for modern living .
The original layout kitchen living room and powder room remained largely intact but structural changes brought fresh flow and openness The couple removed three load bearing walls on the main floor to create an open concept space and expanded the kitchen by repositioning windows .
Upstairs they split one bedroom to add a laundry room and walk in closet and converted the former laundry space into a mudroom Throughout the house original details like the staircase were preserved for their warmth and character Finishes and materials were chosen to bridge the homes heritage with a modern aesthetic .
Honoring Memories Through Furnishings and Design
Many of her grandparents original furnishings including beds side tables artwork dining table and dressers still occupy the home The original front door rich in meaning will be repurposed as a symbolic feature within the house .
Its not just about preserving memories Chiara reflects Its about continuing their story Each preserved detail pays tribute to her grandparents sacrifices love and resilience .
Emotional Homecoming Family Response
After three years of renovations extended due to Jasons full time work the couple finally moved in Seeing the transformation through her grandparents eyes was profoundly moving Chiara recalls her grandmothers approving reaction to the kitchen as a silent blessing affirming that the legacy was being honored .
Summary
Chiara Plastinas renovation of her grandparents longtime home is more than a remodel it is a heartfelt preservation of family history By blending modern updates with cherished original elements she has created a home that bridges past and future honoring her familys story while writing a new chapter .