It is really hard to believe that I have lived in the Niagara region for ten years.

For the original project, we fully renovated our mid-century modern home, adding 1,000 square feet. As a designer, I have always encouraged my clients to select neutral, high-dollar items like flooring, tile and cabinetry. Keeping these items in neutral tones gives great flexibility when changing things like wall colors, accessories and collectibles.

When it came time to refresh my home–I reviewed my rooms just before a photo shoot and found that, while I did change up some things, the house was in good shape for the next ten years!

Front Entrance

The front entrance is the first impression you give your friends and family, and mine has been changed numerous times sometimes just seasonally. I painted a dark charcoal focal wall and swapped the sofa table for one with a more organic feel. Grouping images around the mirror (essential in a hall) made it more eclectic. I added funkier chrome LED lights and also a long dark gray lounger.

BEFORE

AFTER

Kitchen

I only changed the pendant lights and really love these hammered dome lights because they give the kitchen a more casual feel. The layout and cabinetry are still working out well.

BEFORE

AFTER

Dining Room

This room has always been a challenge, mainly because my piano takes up a lot of real estate. Moving the piano to the other corner allowed me to turn the table horizontally, which seemed more natural. It also made way for a seating area with two chairs and some cocktail tables. Adding a vertical black metal shelf was great for displaying collectibles. I also added a funkier light.

BEFORE

AFTER

Livingroom

My original sectional is now in my lower level, where it makes much more sense. The long slipcovered sofa that replaced it in my living room can be soft grey or golden washable velvet, depending on the seasons. I also wanted to group it around the fireplace/TV area. The two velvet charcoal chairs have an organic shape and create a cosy conversational cluster. Placing a daybed where the sectional was originally located creates a secondary area for reading and enjoying the view.

BEFORE

AFTER

Principal Bedroom

The built-in dresser needed some new hardware so I selected gold and was amazed by how it elevated the piece. I also added one large vertical piece of art and kept the collectibles neutral.

I changed the headboard for a lower and more modern one and added larger end tables. I needed the drawer space.

I found a funkier ceiling light and matched the wall sconces to it. I pulled colors from a favourite piece of colorful art that my husband and I bought over 30 years ago for the seating area. The rich jewel tone of the curved sofa, mixed with a neutral chair and case goods, makes this space chic.

BEFORE

AFTER

Principal Bathroom

Here I made the most significant change largely because an unfortunate water leak damaged some of my vanity cabinetry. Choosing a warm charcoal cabinet color did not make the room feel smaller and worked well with the original counter and tile choice.

Originally I had a console table that was more decorative than functional, so I decided to make better use of the wall and installed a make up surface and pantry cabinetry. It was one of the best decisions I made!