A House Transformation from Cool to Warm Colours
When I first met my clients back in December of 2016, I was informed that they had recently purchased a home that had just been renovated however it was decorated in a way that was not appealing to them. Their new home had an open floor plan which was going to be perfect for entertaining family and friends however the home was feeling bare and cold. My clients were looking for an interior designer who was going to take a newly renovated home from cool to warm colours. They wished to take the industrial look out and add warmth to create the inviting feeling. Here are a few images of what the home looked like when they purchased it.
Now you might be wondering, "What's wrong with that house? It looks just find the way it is." Well, it did look nice. The windows allowed for a lot of natural light to shine through. The home however, felt empty and cold. The wall colour was a very cool blue-grey and the decorating was very industrial. What it clearly was missing was that emotional feeling of 'Ahhhh." That feeling of warmth!
Cool to Warm Colours
As you all know if you have been following my blog, you know that fixed elements are the driving force. If those fixed elements are not changing, you really do need to work with them. This first question my clients had was about the flooring.
Area Rugs
The hardwood floors take up a lot of real estate and my clients were worried they would have to re-stain the very dark floors. I quickly assured them that there was a way to bring warmth: Area Rugs! There were three areas that we looked at adding area rugs. The front den, the living room, and the master bedroom.
The front den.
The living room.
The master bedroom.
Drapery
Another way I chose to go from cool to warm colours and add in warmth was with the addition of window coverings. For the eating nook, there are a lot of windows that look onto a golf course. In the before pictures you can see what a great area that is.Prior to choosing the fabric for the custom window coverings, the dining room chairs were chosen. We went with a total of eight chairs in a very warm, green grey fabric and then lightened things up with the two end chairs. I also chose a different fabric with navy for the kitchen stools. When I showed my clients the fabric that I was drawn to for their space, Mr. Client was not 100% thrilled. Mrs. Client and I loved it and saw how it was perfect for the space. Mr. Client was hesitant with the choice and just wasn't convinced. I am so glad he chose to trust me and go with us ladies! When the custom window coverings arrived I was nervous and excited all in the same breath. Well - let me just say that they truly are the star of the space. And the best part? Mr. Client loves them!
We added long drapery panels in the Living Room.
And also added a Roman Shade in the Master Ensuite by the bath that you can see in the entire project portfolio.
Paint
In conjunction with all of the fabric and textiles, the entire home was repainted. Instead of a cool, blue-grey colour on the walls, we chose a green-grey colour for the main parts of the home and then chose a darker green-grey for the living room.
The Scope of this Project
To take this home from a cold, industrial feel to a warm and inviting feel, the interior design plan included the following:
- Custom built-in cabinets for the Living Room designed by myself and built by Casa Flores Custom Cabinetry.
- Custom sofa with custom toss cushions.
- Custom leather recliners.
- Custom accent chairs with custom pillows.
- Addition of area rugs (3).
- Custom coffee table.
- New side table.
- Custom dining room chairs.
- Custom dining room end chairs.
- Custom fabric for kitchen stools.
- Custom window coverings.
- New interior wall colours.
- Custom Master Bedroom bedding including bed scarf and pillows.
- New Master Bedroom furniture.
- New shelving for the kitchen pantry.
- New drying area in the laundry room.
I'm sure hope I am not missing anything. As you can see, there was a lot of 'custom'. Whether it was a custom size, a custom fabric, or both everything in this space was carefully thought of to ensure the 'whole picture' would come together. As you may be able to tell, blue was our accent colour.
Before and After
I always love to see the before and afters so they are a couple of images:
Extra, Extra
There were two great additions to this home that I haven't talked about as they really don't have anything to do with colour - but it certainly has to do with function. Mr. Client was wanting a sound-proof music studio and Mrs. Client wanted an exercise studio. I was able to take their existing space in the basement and create a conceptual design to show my clients that yes indeed, there was plenty of room for both!
With the help of Ravenwood Developers, there were able to create two wonderful spaces! I wish to give Mr. Client all the props here as he was the one who researched what he needed and worked together with Ravenwood Developers to make it all happen!I really enjoyed working with my clients on this project. From the space planning and design of the space (function first), to working with them virtually throughout the winter (while they wintered in a sunny destination) to chose fabrics and textiles, to seeing it all come together. I am so happy that they can now truly call this their home!
You can see the entire portfolio of this home here.
All 'After' images taken by: Charlton Media Company