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Project posted by Joel Wiebe

Dunkirk Residence

View 13 Photos
Location
Winnipeg, Canada
Year
1968
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Midcentury
The original mahogany wall, trim, and vaulted ceiling beam were preserved to honour the home's mid-century soul. The existing brick fireplace, which once stopped at the mantle, was replaced with a floor-to-ceiling tile surround and a sleek gas insert. A new full-length hearth anchors the room, drawing the eye across the space and tying the expansive layout back to the warmth of the original mahogany.
The original mahogany wall, trim, and vaulted ceiling beam were preserved to honour the home's mid-century soul. The existing brick fireplace, which once stopped at the mantle, was replaced with a floor-to-ceiling tile surround and a sleek gas insert. A new full-length hearth anchors the room, drawing the eye across the space and tying the expansive layout back to the warmth of the original mahogany.
Tucked into a quiet corner of the ensuite, the soaker tub offers a serene view of the wooded property beyond. Framed by natural light and thoughtfully placed for both privacy and calm, it’s a cozy, restorative spot designed for slow mornings and unwinding evenings.
Tucked into a quiet corner of the ensuite, the soaker tub offers a serene view of the wooded property beyond. Framed by natural light and thoughtfully placed for both privacy and calm, it’s a cozy, restorative spot designed for slow mornings and unwinding evenings.
A soft transition from the primary bedroom to the ensuite is framed by curved corners in the white oak built-in, creating a sense of flow and calm. Custom-milled pulls are seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, adding a tactile, tailored finish to the warm woodwork.
A soft transition from the primary bedroom to the ensuite is framed by curved corners in the white oak built-in, creating a sense of flow and calm. Custom-milled pulls are seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, adding a tactile, tailored finish to the warm woodwork.
The “cabin room” was love at first sight—a sunken space wrapped in windows and skylights that frame views of the Red River and towering old-growth spruce. A Stûv wood-burning fireplace brings steady warmth through the winter, while a new white oak pony wall adds both function and texture, wrapping the room in natural materiality. It’s a cozy, light-filled retreat that feels miles from the city.
The “cabin room” was love at first sight—a sunken space wrapped in windows and skylights that frame views of the Red River and towering old-growth spruce. A Stûv wood-burning fireplace brings steady warmth through the winter, while a new white oak pony wall adds both function and texture, wrapping the room in natural materiality. It’s a cozy, light-filled retreat that feels miles from the city.
A moody, jewel-toned retreat: the wine room is fully saturated in a custom maroon-berry hue, wrapping walls, trim, and ceiling in a single, immersive tone. A striking rosso Italian marble countertop and backsplash add depth and drama, while the integrated wet bar offers both function and flair.
A moody, jewel-toned retreat: the wine room is fully saturated in a custom maroon-berry hue, wrapping walls, trim, and ceiling in a single, immersive tone. A striking rosso Italian marble countertop and backsplash add depth and drama, while the integrated wet bar offers both function and flair.
A soft transition from the primary bedroom to the ensuite is framed by curved corners in the white oak built-in, creating a sense of flow and calm. Custom-milled pulls are seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, adding a tactile, tailored finish to the warm woodwork.
A soft transition from the primary bedroom to the ensuite is framed by curved corners in the white oak built-in, creating a sense of flow and calm. Custom-milled pulls are seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, adding a tactile, tailored finish to the warm woodwork.
The powder room delivers a playful mix of texture and tone with custom tilework in a warm palette of brown, berry, and butter. A custom berry-hued concrete sink basin adds sculptural presence, while a marble pendant by Luminaire Authentik casts a soft glow—creating a bold, tactile moment that surprises and delights guests.
The powder room delivers a playful mix of texture and tone with custom tilework in a warm palette of brown, berry, and butter. A custom berry-hued concrete sink basin adds sculptural presence, while a marble pendant by Luminaire Authentik casts a soft glow—creating a bold, tactile moment that surprises and delights guests.
Tucked into a sunlit corner off the kitchen, the custom banquette pairs maroon velvet upholstery with a cozy, built-in feel. A thatched-texture wallpaper wraps the back wall, adding depth and warmth, while sculptural RBW sconces in organic forms create a soft, layered glow. Overlooking both the kitchen and the river, it’s a daily gathering spot for slow breakfasts and quiet moments.
Tucked into a sunlit corner off the kitchen, the custom banquette pairs maroon velvet upholstery with a cozy, built-in feel. A thatched-texture wallpaper wraps the back wall, adding depth and warmth, while sculptural RBW sconces in organic forms create a soft, layered glow. Overlooking both the kitchen and the river, it’s a daily gathering spot for slow breakfasts and quiet moments.
In the primary bedroom, a custom upholstered headboard in rusty berry velvet adds depth and warmth, setting a soft, grounded tone for the space. The bay window overlooks a private, tree-filled yard—so lush and secluded that no blinds are needed, just the natural privacy of the surrounding woods.
In the primary bedroom, a custom upholstered headboard in rusty berry velvet adds depth and warmth, setting a soft, grounded tone for the space. The bay window overlooks a private, tree-filled yard—so lush and secluded that no blinds are needed, just the natural privacy of the surrounding woods.
In the primary bedroom, a custom upholstered headboard in rusty berry velvet adds depth and warmth, setting a soft, grounded tone for the space. The bay window overlooks a private, tree-filled yard—so lush and secluded that no blinds are needed, just the natural privacy of the surrounding woods.
In the primary bedroom, a custom upholstered headboard in rusty berry velvet adds depth and warmth, setting a soft, grounded tone for the space. The bay window overlooks a private, tree-filled yard—so lush and secluded that no blinds are needed, just the natural privacy of the surrounding woods.
Tucked into a quiet corner of the ensuite, the soaker tub offers a serene view of the wooded property beyond. Framed by natural light and thoughtfully placed for both privacy and calm, it’s a cozy, restorative spot designed for slow mornings and unwinding evenings.
Tucked into a quiet corner of the ensuite, the soaker tub offers a serene view of the wooded property beyond. Framed by natural light and thoughtfully placed for both privacy and calm, it’s a cozy, restorative spot designed for slow mornings and unwinding evenings.
Tucked into a sunlit corner off the kitchen, the custom banquette pairs maroon velvet upholstery with a cozy, built-in feel. A thatched-texture wallpaper wraps the back wall, adding depth and warmth, while sculptural RBW sconces in organic forms create a soft, layered glow. Overlooking both the kitchen and the river, it’s a daily gathering spot for slow breakfasts and quiet moments.
Tucked into a sunlit corner off the kitchen, the custom banquette pairs maroon velvet upholstery with a cozy, built-in feel. A thatched-texture wallpaper wraps the back wall, adding depth and warmth, while sculptural RBW sconces in organic forms create a soft, layered glow. Overlooking both the kitchen and the river, it’s a daily gathering spot for slow breakfasts and quiet moments.

Details

Square Feet
2200
Lot Size
.5 acre
Bedrooms
2
Full Baths
1
Partial Baths
1
Smart Home Tech
Nest
Google Home

Credits

Posted by
Interior Design
Kristen Trafiak
Builder
0812 Building Solutions
Photographer
Joel Wiebe

From Joel Wiebe

Set deep on a wooded lot along the banks of the Red River, this home captivated us long before the renovation began. We were drawn to the serenity of the property—long views, mature trees, and a sense of quiet retreat with the house tucked far from the road overlooking the river. The structure itself, however, told a more chaotic story. Decades of piecemeal renovations had left a patchwork of finishes, floor levels, and even ceiling heights.

Our goal was to bring cohesion and calm to the space while honouring what made it special. At the heart of the home was a three-season sunroom with a striking fireplace that, while beautiful, couldn’t be certified. We fully insulated the room, transforming it into a true four-season space, and replaced the original unit with a clean-lined wood-burning fireplace by Stûv—a focal point that now anchors the back of the home.

The renovation was comprehensive. Asbestos discovered in the original drywall meant everything came out: walls, insulation, mechanical systems, even windows and doors. But that blank slate allowed us to rebuild with intention. The cabinetry was custom-designed in white oak by Boreal Millwork, complete with bespoke pulls and handles. Meanwhile, we preserved and celebrated original features like the rich mahogany accent wall and trim in the living room, which adds depth and character to the refreshed interiors.

Our designer, Kristen Trafiak—who launched her own studio during our project and has since joined Fireside Design—impressed us immediately. Her first recommendation was a Bocci pendant light for the kitchen island, and we trusted her completely from that point forward. She helped shape a palette of warm woods, tactile finishes, and natural tones that feel both modern and timeless.

What we love most is how the house feels now: intentional, balanced, and grounded in its natural surroundings. The warmth of the wood, the play of textures, and the quiet luxury of well-considered details have made it a home that reflects both where it is and who we are.