Monday, November 7, 2011

Bright and Sunny to Warm and Peaceful...

This summer, it finally came to that point when all the high need remodeling had taken place in our house and the "I can live with it" colour in my living room was going bye-bye.  When we had moved in 6 years ago, the living and dining room was a warm yellow.  While the colour had great life to it, the walls were now tired and there were holes every where from art work that had been there from the previous owners.  Freshening up was a must.

The first part of the makeover started with getting some new cabinetry to house all the games, craft supplies, TV components, and dishware.  We knew we were going to eventually add a doorway on the fireplace wall, to go to a soon to be sunroom, so the cabinetry layout was placed with that in mind.  Off we went to my favourite store for storage solutions:  Ikea.  We installed three pieces from the Hemnes series: a glass door cabinet for dishware, a TV stand and a book shelf.

Sunshine yellow walls, a peek of the dining room and an unorganized space

Living room
Window coverings consisted of pleated blinds on the living room window.  We had installed those when we had the windows replaced in the first year.  The dining room window had already been replaced by the previous owner, so we had the classic mini blinds on that side, with a ill-fitting box pleated valence that they had put up.

The moment came, the kids were sent to summer camp and I got to work!  I already had a grey-blue sofa and some creamy beige chairs.  I found this beautiful fabric at C&M Textiles to use for some valences.  I only realized after ordering it that I'd seen it before for a charity makeover that I had helped a team of Ottawa decorators complete at the Good Companion's Centre.  I guess I really like this fabric.


From this, I chose to paint the walls in Benjamin Moore's Delaware Putty and put Behr's Pensive Sky on the ceiling.  The colours carry through to the hallway (thus the BIG paint job).  I have wainscotting there that was painted Behr's Popped Corn (as was all the trimwork), while the top was painted in Delaware Putty.

And here's the finished product:
Dining Room, Solace Interiors
To create symmetry with the windows, the same pleated window blinds that were on the living room windows were put on the dining room bay window.  As well, the mock relaxed roman blinds were put on both windows.  The curve of the relaxed roman blinds helps to soften the hard edges of the wood furniture pieces and the lines of the pleated blinds.

Dining Room, Solace Interiors
Living Room, Solace Interiors
This picture best shows the blue ceiling, which has made the space especially serene.



That's it for this space for the moment.  We'll eventually be adding a doorway to a sunroom that is still designing itself in our minds.  The fireplace shown above will likely be replaced with a two-sided gas insert to be enjoyed in the sunroom and in the living/dining room.  For now, it's a bit of 50s charm in a newly updated space.

Happily organized in my serene space.  THAT is what it's all about!

Monday, October 10, 2011

A House, Full of Character, Is Getting a New Kitchen

I want to share a new project I'm working on.  A newly married couple, in a 50 year old house, is getting a new kitchen to replace a dated layout and design.  They've asked me to come up with a layout so that they can shop at the do-it-yourself stores prepared.

Some of the problems with the current kitchen include poor traffic flow, too small of an opening to get to their basement (they are both hockey players, with a lot of gear), insufficient counterspace, a lack of storage and an awkward layout.  The finishes, as with all 50 year old spaces, also need an update.

This is what we've come up with for a floor plan:
Solace Interiors Kitchen Concept Drawing

Here's how we are going to do it:
The window shown here will be changed into a patio door.  In fact, that part has already taken place since this photo.  This opening, between the living room and dining room, is the one shown in the bottom right of the kitchen drawing.

Here's the 3D version of the new space with the patio door installed:
Kitchen Concept by Solace Interiors
There is a wall coming across between the dining room and kitchen area that will be minimized to go between the pantry and the fridge. This is going to improve the flow to the basement and inside the kitchen area.

Here is that partial wall now, as well as a view of their current cabinetry:
The owners are really excited to change the location of their plumbing so that they can do all their prep and dish washing near the window.  Their stove will be moved where you see the sink above.
Kitchen Concept by Solace Interiors

As I mentioned, these home owners need better access to their basement.  This picture shows why.  They currently have only 27" to get through.  We are increasing that to 39".

Kitchen Concept by Solace Interiors



The opening shown at the top of this drawing is the basement stairs.  The owners will now be able to get through there without any trouble.

We were able to put in 36" high cabinets, which will go to the ceiling and conceal some duct work that exists along one wall.  Having been through a kitchen renovation before, I know the excited feeling they must have looking at these drawings and imagining their new space.  I'll let know you when the rest of our finishes are selected.  Fun times!

Happy Thanksgiving!







Monday, March 21, 2011

Spotlight on La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Sponsor EMKE


La-Z-Boy will always have some super fond memories for me.  From rocking away in our mustard, brown and beige reclining chair as a child, to having them give me, an engineer looking for a career change, a chance at entering the decorating world.  Both memories were happy ones and started a life-long love for the company called La-Z-Boy.
 
 
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Ottawa has two beautiful showrooms, at 545 West Hunt Club Road and 1750 Cyrville Road.  These showrooms showcase everything from the traditional La-Z-Boy recliner to beautiful stationary pieces that would suit every space from modern to traditional.  The wide variety of upholstery options is what made La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries such a fun place to work.  We were able choose the right fit for the client and then have it upholstered to suit the likes of the client and their space.  If a quick turnaround was required, many pieces were available in the local warehouse, in a selection of fabrics.  And of course, the solid construction is one of the best in the market place, making it a place that I was proud to work at.

 
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Ottawa are big supporters of local charitable organizations.  So when we approached them about the charitable makeover of the Good Companion’s Senior Centre, they generously donated some beige leather chairs and an wood étagère for the cause.  The chairs were used for the main space in front of the reception desk.  The étagère was used to beautify the main entrance by holding all the literature that is required near the door, allowing us to remove a number of unattractive metal displays.  Based on what I know of La-Z-Boy’s commitment to solid furniture construction, I’m sure these pieces will be there when I’m ready to become a member of the centre.  

 
Danielle Lynn Photography
Danielle Lynn Photography
 
 
 

What a pretty transformation!  Thank you La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries!
While you are in a reading mode, be sure to stop by Jax Decor and Design's post on Kravet Fabric and Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch too!
Happy Monday!  

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Spotlight on Danielle Lynn Photography - Donor for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

As you are likely aware, last month, I was busy working with a team of Ottawa Designers putting the final touches on what is the newly renovated and decorated space at the Good Companions Centre in downtown Ottawa. This was a Kindness Week charity event that was brought to light by the Yummy Mummy Club and the United Way.

All of the materials, labour, furniture, accessories and media coverage has been donated to the cause. One such donator is the lovely and talented Danielle of Danielle Lynn Photography. She was asked to join the team to capture the makeover in pictures.
Beauty can be found in all things and Danielle Lynn has an absolute gift of taking a moment and capturing that beauty. She specializes in a modern take on lifestyle photography by using natural light, an interesting surrounding, and a subject and turning it into a piece of art. You don’t have to take my word for it, just have a look at her website and you will be wowed by how she can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.




A sentiment on one of her recent blog entries…
… I think this is why photography is so important to me in my life. Because if we don’t have, appreciate and remember what and who we have, what do we have? We really have nothing…” That's why we take pictures. To remember the people, the moments, the tears and the laughter. I think we can all appreciate that. And we appreciate Danielle Lynn for taking the time, showing some kindness and sharing all these beautiful pictures so you can see how others are making a difference.

This is our team working hard to beautify the space, and having a fun time doing it...(all pictures courtesy of Danielle Lynn Photography)













After a lot of hard work by our design team, our donators, and our construction crew from D.E. Konstruction Ltd, here is the new space.



Design Team from L-R: Donna Hargrove (dh designs), Kelly James (Jax Decor and Design), Sonya Kinkade (Sonya Kinkade Design), Lisa Goulet (Lisa Goulet Design), Nicole Duguay (Solace Interiors), Maureen Coates (MODECOR), Mary Anne van Gaal (Otta Decorate!)
















A very happy Ann McSweeney, Executive Director The Good Companions
Seeing the space for the first time...



As you can see, making over this space really made it inviting and warm. After all doesn't everyone need a nice cozy space to hang out in, regardless of your age. Danielle captures that happiness beautifully. If you are looking to capture a moment in time, do it well...call Danielle Lynn Photography.



And if your home needs a little makeover (or a big one), give me a call at 613-828-6965 to get started.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Spotlight on Michelle VandenBosch - Donor for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition


While Michelle VandenBosch creates floral masterpieces in both fresh and silk flowers, one thing is for certain, the pieces she creates are memorable. My first time seeing a piece by Michelle was at a grand reopening of one of our local design showrooms, CHI Interiors. Her piece was so beautiful, I HAD to ask who had created this artpiece.


If you then go to her website or Facebook page, you can see many examples that were just like what she had created for CHI Interiors. The kind of pieces that make you go WOW and others that simply amplify the beauty of their surroundings or make an event special. It’s a true artist who can make their piece transform a room into something that is much better than it already was. These are some examples of the kind of work she has done:





With more that 25 years of experience in the floral industry, Michelle knows a thing or two about floral material. Not to drop any names or anything, but some of the major events she’s worked on include everything from HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to arrangements for all the prime ministers over the last 15 years. Lucky for us, she does work for "regular folk" too. 8)



So when our team of Ottawa Designers started working on the Good Companion Centre’s Extreme Makeover for Kindness Week, we approached Michelle for some final floral touches. Michelle was right there adding a little charitable kindness in the best way she knows how. I mean who doesn’t love seeing flowers?
These are the fantastic creations that Michelle donated for this newly made over space.


Danielle Lynn Photography


Danielle Lynn Photography


Danielle Lynn Photography




Danielle Lynn Photography



If you have a special occasion coming up that needs a little “Je ne sais quoi”, consider contacting Michelle VandenBosch. You’ll be so glad you did and maybe that way you can spread a little kindness to your guests.


Now check out Jax does Design's blog spotlighting
D.E. Kinkade Konstruction Ltd who donated to the cause as well.

If your home needs a little makeover (or a big one), give me a call at 613-828-6965 to get started.