Overline
Finalist, renovations
38th Annual Design Awards,
Greater Ottawa Homebuilders’ Association
2021

Perfectly aligned inside & out

The Kanata Lakes community was perfect. Trees and a rolling golf course at the back door.

But the brick bungalow townhouse had not aged well over the past two decades.

“I knew and liked the location, but the bungalow needed serious work,” says Mary Bellefeuille, a retired senior bank executive and recent widow who raised her family in Kanata during the past 25 years.

Bland and fusty. 

Soiled white carpeting, popcorn ceilings, tired kitchen cabinets, clunky bath tub surrounds and too many walls.

Mary, who prefers simple over ornate, called on veteran Ottawa renovator Mark Ostapyk to turn the 1,300-square-foot townhome into sleek living spaces, with luxe finishings.

The reno took four months in 2020 and a $200,000 budget fuelled by the wish list from Mary and her design savvy sister, who shopped local stores and the Internet for lighting to tiles to sexy plumbing .

Today, the Kanata Lakes bungalow sparkles and is a finalist in the prestigious and highly-coveted design awards mounted for the past 38 years by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association.

Mark, owner of ReMarkable Construction, is thrilled. “This is the first time I have entered the awards and I am a finalist. Against the big boys.”

The renovator has never aimed to be the biggest renovator in Ottawa. Just the best, taking time to listen to clients, turning their wish lists into reality.

The early focus was on transforming the long galley kitchen, enlarged by moving the doorway into the master bedroom and grabbing space from the bedroom’s large but awkward walk-in closet. 

Mark snipped back a non-supporting wall by three feet, opening the kitchen to the sunny living room, while leaving a half wall to hide the mess of dishes when Mary entertains friends and family. White quartz countertops add light, contrasting against the Blanco black granite sink and one very sexy, arching black and gold Brizo faucet.

Italian-made Bertazzoni appliances are essential tools for Mary, who loves to cook and brew morning lattes. There is plenty of storage space, while a pair of upper mirrored cabinets add an extra helping of eye appeal. A comfy bench, tucked next to a round breakfast table and a large window overlooking a large deck and golf course, is Mary’s fav spot to read and relax.

The master bedroom now features efficient wall cupboards, while the master ensuite is a sleek combo of large, glossy white tiles and a walk-in shower with luxe plumbing.

“Mark is a straight shooter and when he worked out a quote. That was it. No surprises,” says Mary, who was impressed when Mark finished the lower level in her townhome. “He also said yes to anything I needed. And he made changes. He always felt there was a way.”

Take Mary’s hope to have heated tiles extend into the shower. Mark researched products and delivered. “It is friggin’ fabulous. His attention to detail is amazing and he always goes the extra mile to get it done right.

“My sister, a designer, is a perfectionist and Mark is a perfectionist too.”

Mark also worked his magic on the main bathroom and the long laundry room.

Now the townhome has a light, clean vibe, thanks to the artful combination of wide-planked maple floors, loads of pot lights, Benjamin Moore’s ethereal Seapearl on walls and a darker grey on all the trim.

 There is a fine sense of unity thanks to a marriage of brushed gold cabinet knobs, black farm style door handles and accent lighting that is a combo of black, gold and white glass.

This golf course home is now perfectly aligned inside and out.

‘Mark’s attention to detail is amazing. He always goes the extra mile. He is a perfectionist.’

Mary Bellefeuille, Homeowner.