Otta Decorate

Transitional Kitchen

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:21:26 +0000

These clients wanted a new kitchen but didn’t want one that was too modern or out of character for their 25 year old home. So a transitional kitchen was created to suit their desire for modern conveniences with their more traditional tastes. The footprint of the previous golden oak kitchen was basically kept the same with the addition of a small island and a furniture style buffet/server area. The old kitchen was gutted and new oak floors consistent with the rest of the main level were installed. Potlights on dimmer switches were placed in the ceiling to give general lighting to the kitchen while undermount xenon lights provide task lighting for the counters. Dark maple cabinets were topped with warm granite in tones of grey and cream with flecks of dark burgandy. A modern glass backsplash in traditional subway tiles exemplifies the transitional style. New stainless steel appliances add sparkle and prevent the dark cupboards from being too overpowering. Frosted glass doors in the buffet area add a touch of elegance.

Below is the original kitchen.

Making A Green Kitchen

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:20:04 +0000

This client wanted a new kitchen, but she could not bear to toss her solid maple cabinets out to the curb. The existing footprint worked for the family, however a large rectangular island with room for casual eating for four was desired. This opened the door to having the cupboards and doors professionally spray painted for a durable finish. Besides saving the homeowners tens of thousands of dollars, the environment was a big winner. Reusing the cabinets saved space in the landfill as well as the trees needed for new cabinetry. The new island was even designed to reuse all of the old doors and cabinets! The existing porcelain floor stayed as the homeowner had some spare tiles to fill in the space from the old island. With the addition of quartz countertops, new faucets, new rubbed bronze hardware and lots of layers of lighting, the kitchen looks like new. A bar sink was added to create a coffee/bar zone. Besides the lower cost, updating a kitchen this way saves much time and inconvenience when compared to installing a brand new kitchen, not to mention the benefits to the environment!

Here is what the old kitchen looked like.

Urban Country Bathroom

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:18:08 +0000

This dark, dated, yet charming, cottage bathroom needed some help in order to become a bright, more modern and useable space. The homeowners wanted a frameless glass shower instead of the clawfoot bathtub, since it was never used as a tub. In order to maintain the charm, and reuse what existed, the wainscotting was painted and the existing antique sink was mounted on an antique dresser. The dresser had been professionally spray painted black for a durable finish and new crystal knobs were added. The dresser provides lots of storage to replace the previous washstand. Basketweave carrera marble flooring was selected as it is both functional and traditional in style. Because it is a small tile, it is not slippery for wet feet and is able to be sloped into a slight depression in the shower so no base is required. This allows the eye to see the shower as part of the room as there are no barriers breaking the view. Large, contemporary,white porcelain tiles divided by a carrera marble chair rail, pencil rail and mosaic border finish off the shower and continue the chair rail around the room for continuity. New chrome lighting, towel racks and large artwork add to the urban country feeling.

Below is the dark country bathroom.

Out of the ruins

admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:59:43 +0000

This client took the opportunity to update after a devestating fire destroyed his townhome. The floor plan remained the same but the finishes and furnishings are all new and upgraded. He loves to cook so function and storage were key in this galley kitchen. The powder room is high drama, while the ensuite provides a soothing getaway in the oversized shower. The living room is all about comfort whether watching TV, listening to music or surfing the Net. A custom inlaid slate tile mat was designed for the front entrance.

Guest Room Makeover

admin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:05:32 +0000

This guest room was transformed from a teenagers bedroom when he left the nest. An existing futon was turned into a double bed with new linens and a fresh paint job, full length window coverings, artwork and accessories completed the look. A stick on decal table and chair add interest to a bare corner without sacrificing floor space. The mirror and easy chair were re -purposed from elsewhere in the house.

Dining Room Makeover

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:53:17 +0000

This client wished to pull together her Art Deco dining room set with new paint, an area rug and accessories. A focal point was created on the wall with the server by adding a large decorative mirror framed by matching Art Deco buffet lamps. The mirror and lamps also add light to this dark end of the room. A retro serving set add interest and shine on the server. The new, larger area rug expands the space and brings in a complimentary colour for accent in the room.

Below is the before photo just after the new paint job.

Living Room Makeover

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:47:52 +0000

This client needed assistance with arranging her existing furniture,and sourcing new coffee and end tables, lighting, an area rug and accessories. The period feel of the room was maintained but a more contemporary look was incorporated with the new purchases. The new built-ins flanking the window were arranged with items mostly from the client’s collections.

Below is the “before” photo just after the new paint job and wall units.

Teen’s New Bedroom

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:45:45 +0000

This teenage client wanted a “Hollywood Glamour” bedroom to match her new found maturity. Fresh, neutral paint with co-ordinating textured wallpaper for a headboard brightened the room. Full length quilted window coverings enlarged the narrow window and satin bedding added luxury. Lots of glitter was added with a small chandelier, crystal, and mirrored surfaces. A slipper chair with a faux fur throw and animal print cushion add to the Hollywood look. Artwork of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Munro give authenticity to the room.

Kitchen Renovation

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:16:56 +0000

This kitchen used to be a dated golden oak remanent of the 1980′s. It now clearly belongs in the 21st century with dark espresso maple cabinets, dramatic granite counter tops and gleaming stainless steel appliances. A round glass table and upholstered bench expand the eating area into the bay window. The pantry was replaced with a serving/bar area with stainless steel counter top and built- in wine storage. The glass back splash behind the gas stove creates a focal point with the stainless steel fan hood and the removal of surrounding upper cupboards. A separate work zone was created beside the refrigerator with the addition of a bar sink and the repositioning of the microwave and warming drawer. A built-in coffee maker is the icing on the cake!

Below are the “before” photos of the same kitchen in its life as a dated 1980′s kitchen.

Fireplace Update

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:48:07 +0000

This fireplace replaced a floor to ceiling brick fireplace from the 1980′s. The original fireplace was massive and overpowered the room. The new fireplace surround and hearth is custom made of cast concrete in a more contemporary style. It is set in a slightly protruding section of wall which is painted a darker shade than the rest of the room. A new gas fireplace with crystals and a ribbon flame and a large oil painting complete this new focal point.

Below is a photo of the original dated 1980′s fireplace.