A makeover that works is always one that is budget-friendly and achievable with off-the-shelf furniture and accessory items. Other than one on-line order, the transformation of this one-bedroom rental apartment was accomplished with items from many big box retail and home décor stores here in Ottawa.
The fixed elements such as the kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanity, laminate birch-coloured flooring and tile were not changeable. Additionally, aesthetically speaking, the client did not have any strong requests. He mentioned that one of his favourite colours was rich cognac so it was incorporated into his space. Accenting the end walls in the main living area with that colour made it appear less long and narrow. By putting strong colours on end walls, you can improve a room’s sense of proportion. Whenever a room feels more square, the eye just feels more comfortable. The client also talked about enjoying the coziness and sense of warmth while staying at a hotel in London, so his bedroom was wrapped in this colour as well. The client spends a significant portion of his time on the computer while at home, so his desk is in the best spot in the apartment, in front of the large picture window in his living room, overlooking the beautiful river view. In addition to the river, he’ll get the colours of the foliage with the changing seasons rather than a blank wall with limited light.
In terms of cost, the sofa was the most expensive item, just over $2000. It was considered a worthwhile investment since it served two functions, not only as a place to sit and relax (with down- wrapped cushions) but as a quality bed for guests that stay overnight.
In the foyer, an awkward nook between the end of the kitchen cabinetry and the front door was too small for any furniture. To make the space functional, a carpenter installed ¾” thick shelves with a 3” square trim board installed on the face to make the shelves thicker in appearance as well as to hide the support structure. The paint-grade wood was primed and painted the trim and wall colour. As a result, the space can store a lot of items, functioning as a bookcase. It’s a perfect spot for baskets to store mitts and other smaller items like sunglasses and mail that need to be contained.
Billy Baldwin once said “Good taste has no price tag” but décor changes were budget friendly and can be put into practice in almost any space.
DINING ROOM (Pictured Above):
Original Oil Abstract Painting: Margery Leach
Bart Cart: Bowring Preston Butler Tray
Dining Chairs: HomeSense
Dining Room Pendant: Mikaza Home
Black Mirror: Structube Lilia Mirror
LIVING ROOM:
Rug: West Elm Souk Rug
Sofa: Urban Barn Manhattan Apartment
Sofa Double Bed with Down Wrap Cushions
Desk: Mikaza Home Witty
Chairs: Bowring Gramercy Armchairs
Floor Lamps: Structube Tripod with White Drum Shade
Desk Lamp: Structube Newton in Satin Nickel
Coffee Table: Mikaza Home Yin Yang Small in Black Base
Original Oil Abstract Paiting: Heidi Conrod
BEDROOM:
Bed: Urban Barn Queen Ella Bed In Lyric Silver
End Tables: Bowring Bedford Night Stands
Lamps: Bowring Crillon Table Lamps
Bedding: White from Loblaws/Grey from IKEA
Feather Duvet Cover and Pillows: Costco
FOYER:
Grey Felt baskets: Loblaws
Chrome hooks: Home Depot — less than $4.00/hook
Chrome “designer” double track lighting: Home Depot
PAINT COLOURS
Main Wall Colour as well as trim and doors:
Benjamin Moore Oxford White CC-30
Accent ColoUr for main space and bedroom:
Benjamin Moore Townsend Harbor Brown HC-64
Bathroom ColoUr: Benjamin Moore Chelsea Grey HC-168
Kitchen Island Base and Crown Moulding: Benjamin Moore Jet Black
