“We wanted people to come into these spaces and feel like they could be at home — like they would have gone out there and picked the furniture and colours themselves,” Redman says. “So we tried to get a sense of what was out there and what people were attracted to.”
With just three weeks to complete the project, Redman and Watson gutted the space and started over. They began by painting the walls a cool grey-blue tone inspired by the waters of nearby Lake Huron.
“It was a tiny little spot, so we had to create an openness to it,” Redman says of the 870-square-foot suite. “In order to make it look like a larger space, we brought the paint colour through the whole place. It sort of unified it all.”
Redman says choosing a neutral colour palette is the key to maintaining an airy feel in a compact space.
“Really the palette was very simple,” Redman says. “The chocolates and the greys and the blues are something that people are drawn to because they’re warm but there’s a modern coolness to it too. But we didnít make it ultra, ultra modern because sometimes it’s too cold.”
Redman and Watson balanced the cool blue walls with warmer tones in the walnut flooring. Then they went looking for furniture in modern browns that would complement those tones without blending in completely.
“I think the furniture was really integral to transforming this space,” Redman says. “We tried to make it warm and inviting, so people would want to snuggle on the couch.”
The oversized sofa and lounge chair they chose make a bold statement without being overpowering, because the simple pieces reflect the country-modern motif. Patterned and multi-toned throw pillows add some punch to the neutral caramel and tan colours. The corduroy texture of the lounge chair and ottoman also adds character to this basic piece.
Balance is the key to creating a look that is modern, but won’t appear outdated in five years. Redman suggests choosing classic lines and neutral tones for furniture and flooring because those elements are harder and more expensive to replace.
“You can tell right away some of the trendy pieces that are out there, so what we try to do is buy pieces that are clean-lined and timeless.”
If you love the look of a current trend, introduce that colour or style through accessories such as throw pillows, area rugs, lamps and artwork.
“Once you put in pillows and you add artwork and linens, then you really warm up the space,” Redman says. “It really brings it to life.”
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A Fast Renovation... A Small Space Makeover
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