With spring in the air, this Ottawa condo renovation shows how you can transform an industrial space into a fresh, feminine retreat, with some great ideas that can be applied to any space.
The owner of this Westboro condo loved the characteristics of the space when she bought it, but she knew the style was not “her”. Built by Domicile, it had great bones but the design did not match her aesthetic.
- Before: The kitchen’s red gloss cabinetry overwhelmed the space, drawing the eye down & away from the high ceilings.
- Before: Dark finishes set a traditionally more masculine tone, & the room’s industrial style didn’t match the owner’s.
- Before: The den had potential, but it lacked personality & a focus.
- Before: The bedroom was a good size but plain & the potential of the oversized doorways was neglected.
All in all, the owner knew she needed an update. She also knew her design style, which can make a big difference in how the project comes together.
She called us at Amsted Design-Build and the first major change we made was to soften the entire kitchen to create a more tranquil space.
We kept the white quartz waterfall countertop, but removed all of the red and grey. Extra details, like glass-front cabinets and simple glass pendants, add a feminine touch. It’s a minimalist styling that invites calm.
Not only did we soften the kitchen, we painted out the entire space. Simply painting the ceilings and ductwork in white adds height and an airiness to the space. Glass light fixtures carry from the kitchen to the dining room to maintain openness, as you can easily see right through them.
We also grounded the kitchen with black lower cabinets to maintain distinction in the space while tying them into smaller black details throughout the rest of the home.
The grey fireplace surround was replaced with a white mosaic tile while a small mantel ledge that was added allows the owner to display decor. Incorporating built-in shelving offers further storage and display space.
In the den, we created a more unified space with a simple, yet elegant, look. Custom mirrored French doors replaced the existing flat panel doors and mirrors help open the space by reflecting light. Both a ceiling fixture and medallion were added, with the crystal chandelier continuing the glass accents. A single, surprising pop of blue is a welcome addition and adds a little character to this small room.
Moving into the bedroom, while we added colour, we also created a much more feminine and tranquil space for this Ottawa condo renovation. The light blue walls are serene and calming. Rather than extend the colour to the ceiling, we kept the airy white ceilings by dropping a line of trim about a foot down, and painting the upper portion white.
We added a touch of glamour by swapping out those flat panel doors on the closet and ensuite with custom French mirror doors and new black hardware.
And finally, never one to overlook a space, we also considered this simple hallway that led to the bedroom. Taking advantage of the ceiling height, white paint does wonders to elevate and create openness. But we also wanted to add visual interest, which is done by adding trim boxes (the lower wall panelling) to create glamour and texture in an otherwise overlooked area.
Overall, the owner now has a beautiful, serene home that feels like her own. Painting the entire space white provided a blank canvas for the simple touches that shine.
Classically feminine features throughout emphasize the owner’s style, including glass, mirrors, and gilded accents, while black hardware and the odd pop of colour break up the simplicity for a truly stunning and personalized home.
Here’s more on this Ottawa condo renovation:
