From the Archives: Out of the Ashes! Jesse Vergen & Kim Osepchook’s Rebuilt Dream Home
Kim Osepchook and Jesse Vergen approached us after losing their home in a house fire in 2013. We were honoured that they would include us in the rebuilding of their home and were eager to assist them however we could. Born out of unfortunate, devastating circumstances, Kim & Jesse saw this as an opportunity to rebuild their dream home, making it even better than it was before. With the help of friend and architect Jill Higgins, the family rebuilt their home on the existing foundation.
Read the full article by Vitcoria Dekker in East Coast Living‘s Fall 2016 Issue here.
Photos by Sean McGrath
Interiors & Styling by Judith Mackin/ Tuck Interiors
Furniture Lighting & Decor from Tuck
Kim & Jesse live together with their 3 children Briar, Cole & Ethan and their golden retriever (pictured above). They had only lived in their dream home for a short 5 years before the fire in 2013. With the existing foundation intact, the home was rebuilt on top with small adjustments inside.
Having lost so much, it was important to reuse salvaged items and memorabilia where possible. Such as a Jesse’s childhood bed, which was built by his father. We up-cycled the headboard and footboard into a living plant wall with 8 planters donated by Urbio. Pictured below.
The main kitchen, dining, and living area is certainly the hub of this home. Jesse is the executive chef at the popular Saint John Ale House and owner/ co-owner of various restaurants throughout Saint John. Kim has a background in organic farming. It’s safe to say, this is a food loving family!
Above: Some of the items pictured above are no longer available. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still steel this look! Check out these similar alternatives…
Counter Stools: EQ3 Dawn Counter Stool
Kitchen Pendants: Mitzi Haley Pendant in Polished Nickel/ Black
Lounge Chair: EQ3 Chiari Lounge Chair – Leather
Armchair: Gus* Modern Spencer Chair
In the living room, we were sure to use durable family friendly furniture. The Gus* Jane Bi-Sectional was the obvious choice. Check out the newly redesigned Jane 2 Bi-Sectional for a similar look.
In addition to the large comfortable sectional, we incorporated 2 extra lounge chairs and a live edge coffee table designed by Judith Mackin and built by Brent Rourke.
Above: Live Edge Coffee Table designed by Judith Mackin & Built by Brent Rourke, Gus* Modern Timber Table. (Tuck). Alternatives for items no longer available: Lounge Chair, EQ3 Chiari Lounge Chair – Leather. Armchair, Gus* Modern Spencer Chair (Tuck). Art by Jill Higgins.
Hidden in the barn on the property was this beautiful wood dining table. Dusted off and now proudly sitting front and centre in the new dining room. We accented the table with chairs from Tuck and hung the geometric Apollo Pendant above.
Above: Sliver Chair White with metal base, Sliver Armchair Black with metal base, Apollo pendant light (Tuck)
Heading downstairs, the lower level of the home honours the original concrete slab which survived the fire. Not only does it honour the original structure, but the durable concrete is perfect for this avid fishing, hunting, and outdoor loving family.
Stenciled on the wall next to the fireplace is a quote:
“Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.”
Above: Potato Chip Chair (Tuck). Hexagon carpet tiles are from Wacky’s Flooring in Saint John. Fireplace from Valley Home & Hearth in Rothesay.
Above: The view from the kitchen window.
THANK YOU & ACCOLADES
Architect: Jill Higgins
Flooring & Tile Work: Wayne McCluskey
Kitchen Construction: Select Kitchens
Stainless Steel Countertop: Metal Fabricator, Michael Scott
Butcher Block Kitchen Counters: Beamers Creek Woodworking
Furniture, Lighting, and Decor: Tuck
Interiors & Styling: Judith Mackin/ Tuck Interiors
Photos: Sean McGrath
