Candice Olson2013-05-22T11:22:32-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=candice-olsonCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Candice OlsonGood old fashioned elbow grease.A Main Floor to Die Fortag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.19161632012-09-26T12:06:13-04:002012-11-26T05:12:02-05:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
Steven and his partner, Alan, longing for a backyard and some much needed elbow space, made the big move from a small city condo to a suburban bungalow. But once in their new digs, they started to worry. The house needed much more work than they first thought, and they were worried that living so far from the city meant their downtown friends wouldn't visit.
Convinced that I could bring a bit of the city to the burbs, I decided to get my whole crew together and surprise the duo by offering to redesign their main floor space as a "thank you" for all of Steven's hard work.
The space was in rough shape: outdated, tired and dingy. Without Steven coordinating this job we knew we would have to work harder than usual, but we all dug in our heels and started from scratch. We knocked down walls to open up the area; put up new drywall; put in new hardwood flooring; installed a central vacuum system; and put up new ceilings with wiring to enable flat-mount stereo speakers.
I then divided the space up into three zones: a living room/lounge, a small dining room and a new kitchen.
In the living room, I created a focal point that people will see as soon as they walk through the front door -- a bench seat covered in a striped fabric of calming blue, green, taupe and beige and a 46-inch television that acts a mirror when not in use. I also created a larger seating arrangement, comprised of a comfortable couch and two chairs with stainless steel accents. I also put down a cool rug made of carpet tiles in the same colours used on the bench.
Next to the living room, I created a small dining area. The wow factor in this area is a new gas fireplace, which features polished black stones inside, and a surround of stainless steel with floating glass. In this zone, I also put in a gorgeous round, black pedestal table and some funky Lucite chairs.
On the living/dining room windows I put up some ultra stylish curtains made of a neutral silk with a woven pattern, and put some woven grass blinds behind the curtains for some privacy and light control.
Adjacent to the living room, I set up an ultra-modern kitchen with all of the bells and whistles, including lots of dark cabinetry, two glass-tiled backsplashes and beautiful quartz countertops. I then installed a roomful of stainless steel appliances, including a new side-by-side fridge and freezer, microwave, induction cook top, oven, warming drawer and sink. For some added zing, I put up a cityscape mural at the far end of the room.
To lighten things up, I put in recessed ceiling lights, various floor lamps and some pendant lighting. I then installed a host of accents -- vases, photos, artwork -- and Steven and Alan's main floor was complete.
This fixer-upper really needed some fixing up. By opening up the space and filling it with contemporary fixtures and finishes, comfortable furniture and hip accessories, this house went from "suburban sad" to "urban pad" and is now ready for the stylish duo and their city-dwelling friends.
]]>Turning a Fire-Damaged House Back into a Hometag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.19001872012-09-20T12:56:39-04:002012-11-20T05:12:01-05:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
They had lovingly completed the renovations on their home when disaster struck. While they were away one weekend, there was a fire in their home. It completely destroyed their basement, and the smoke damage in the rest of the house was so severe that nothing could be salvaged.
Left without any furniture, clothing or mementos, the couple moved into a hotel room. But after months of being displaced, they were desperate to get settled back into their house. Since Rudi works so hard on my show, I decided to get my crew together to give he and his wife a beautiful space to come home to -- a casual, contemporary (and slightly rustic) open-concept living/dining room.
Luckily, the structure of the house was still intact, but everything else -- walls, electrical, flooring -- had to be replaced. Once the basic construction was done, I moved in and started by painting the walls in a creamy shade and then contrasting the light colour with some beautiful dark wood flooring.
I then divided the area up into four zones: a dining room, a living room, a sitting area and a foyer.
In the dining room, I put in a round pedestal table with chairs that are fronted in bark-like, creamy chenille and backed in oversized lace. Above the table I put up a modern, six-armed chandelier in gold and crystal. On the windows, I installed silk drapery panels with a leafy motif in bronze, cream and caramel, in addition to some rustic wooden blinds.
Next to the dining room, I created a comfortable living room. The focal point of this area is the fireplace, which is clad in cream and putty tumbled marble. To contrast this, I installed a dark, luxurious, raised wooden hearth with cabinets below. Beside the fireplace, I put up media storage with a big area for a television. For optimal fireplace and TV viewing, I set up a large sectional sofa in creamy chenille and an ottoman in espresso brown.
On the other side of the living room I created a small seating area beside the front window. Here, I installed two caramel-coloured lounge chairs, a wooden table, and a four-armed version of the chandelier that hangs in the dining room.
I also set up a small foyer area by the door that includes a caramel-coloured seating bench that is flanked with two dark wood cabinets and two lamps. In this area, I created a feature wall in a dark taupe-coloured paint and added four light panels of artwork to make the wall pop.
As a high-tech touch, I installed a wireless lighting system into the space. With this system, Rudi can turn on lights in the house from the car on his way home from work.
After adding some final finishes and accessories -- an area rug, some throw pillows and some artwork -- this space was complete.
By mixing airy and luxurious colours, modern and traditional finishes, and elegant and comfortable furniture, I created a living room/dining room that is the perfect blend of contemporary and rustic. Now, Rudi and Sue can happily move back in and rediscover that there's no place like home.
]]>This Crowded Kitchen Was a Recipe for Disaster Until...tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18774002012-09-12T12:22:56-04:002012-11-12T05:12:01-05:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
The problem was the family's outdated kitchen, which was cramped, awkward and completely inefficient in its use of space. While it was barely functional enough for one chef, it was positively crowded with two. Add to that two teenaged boys always search of food and the kitchen congestion was barely tolerable.
By tempting me with offers of butter chicken and samosas, Harmeen and Niki asked if I would design a more functional and stylish kitchen for them. So, I called in my team of (hungry) experts and got set to whip up a kitchen where the whole family could cook together -- and have a little elbow room to spare.
I kicked things off with my own, not-so-secret recipe -- demolition! I knocked out a few walls to create one large, open-concept space. I then ripped out the appliances, cabinets, counters, fixtures and floor and started from scratch. I painted the walls a light colour, put down cream-coloured porcelain tile on the floor and chose creamy quartz for the countertops.
To balance out the light shades, I installed an entire wall full of dark cherry-stained wood cabinets with leaded glass inserts, and installed other dark wood details such as paneled bulkheads and crown molding.
Then I got busy on the real heart of this kitchen: beautiful new stainless steel appliances. On one wall I installed a huge fridge/freezer next to two double wall ovens and a warming drawer. These are flanked on either side by matching pantries.
I then installed multiple sinks, a cooktop with a grill, a microwave, a bar area and a dishwasher -- all strategically placed to ensure good traffic flow for the chefs. I also put up a stunning backsplash of a mixture of handmade translucent and opaque tiles in a herringbone pattern.
As a focal point, I put a large, square island in the middle of the kitchen which can be used for preparation or for eating. For seating, I put brown leather chairs around the island and created a comfy bench area that has room for cookbook storage below.
To lighten up the space, I replaced the old fluorescent lighting with nicer recessed lighting and put up a gorgeous polished chrome and crystal pendant fixture above the island. For a little privacy, I put up dark woven grass blinds on the windows.
After adding some final touches -- steel cabinetry hardware, sleek faucets, a family communication system and some handmade aprons and towels -- this kitchen was ready to cook!
The kitchen was bland and boring no more. By mixing rich cabinetry, state-of-the art appliances and a host of contemporary fixtures and finishes, I created a yummy mix of style and function, and cooked up a tasty space for multiple cooks -- and multiple appetites.
]]>A Fine Dining Room for a Festive Familytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18585132012-09-06T07:14:16-04:002012-11-06T05:12:01-05:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
Christina's large Italian family loves to get together often and with Christina, her mother, and three sisters all cooking for this close knit family, they want to share meals and time together in a warm, welcoming space with room for the whole family and all the food. With a big family feast in mind, I assembled the trades to create the perfect dining room!
First I needed to update the lighting by installing recessed fixtures. Then I added a fresh coat of paint in a warm cream and a soft blue shade.
I had the crew drywall over the outdated brick fireplace leaving it a blank canvas for me to create something fantastic. Deciding to blend traditional and contemporary styles, I chose a classic cast stone surround with an updated gas insert that has the look of a natural wood-burning fireplace. Adding double-arm sconces in brushed nickel on either side, adds an extra glow to this new fireplace.
When you're hosting meals for such a large family, you definitely need more than a bistro sized table! I think a 10 foot, Seville double-pedestal table with two extensions should do the trick! The table is great for a large crowd and you don't have to worry about guests bumping their knees on corner legs.
The new table is the dominant piece of furniture in this room so the lighting above has to be just as grand. So, why have one chandelier when you can have two? This pair of classic Riley chandeliers in antique silver creates just the right presence.
Gavin really wanted a natural, rustic feel so I went with a sheer fabric that mimics fine wood grain, and a beautiful leafy pattern for our drapery panels. The dining room chairs have solid velvet chenille fabric on the front with button tufting and the back is a coordinating chenille filigree fabric accented with beautiful silver nail-head detailing that picks up on the metal finishes throughout the room.
Lots of guests means lots of dishes and platters of food. To accommodate this, I designed cabinetry that incorporates both open and closed storage and a serving area with a heavy, and I do mean heavy, granite countertop that can take the heat and the weight of all the food.
After some final touches -- including a large, gorgeous carpet and perfectly placed mirrors to help bring some of the beautiful outdoors into view, this dining room was ready to be revealed. What was once an empty space with seating for four, is now a contemporary and classic, old-world inspired dining room that is perfect for large gatherings and the mountains of delicious food that goes with it.
]]>The Room You Want to Host Dinner Intag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18396112012-08-29T10:57:16-04:002012-10-29T05:12:04-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
While that wouldn't be a big deal to some, it just didn't cut it in a family where everyone takes turns hosting dinners, and where get-togethers of 25 are the norm. The problem for Franca and Pat was a lack of space. They recently undertook a long home renovation, but after bunking with relatives for months they decided to head home before renovating the one room that was large enough to host big parties: their family room.
The room was dark and dated, complete with a curved wet bar, scallop-edged ceiling beams and dark wood details. So I worked up a healthy appetite -- for design and food -- and got set to cook up one big "gastro lounge" for Franca, Pat and all of their relatives.
I had to start from scratch in this room, so I pulled out the existing bar, ripped up the dingy floor, and took down the wood and stucco from the ceiling. I then painted the whole space in a light cream, except for one feature wall which I painted a darker moss. I also installed a new floor comprised of large format, butter-cream porcelain tiles.
However, the most dramatic change happened when I tore out the room's small window and replaced it with a wall of windows and large patio doors. The new arrangement not only allows light to flood into the room, it also gives Franca and Pat some much-needed access to their beautiful backyard -- and its barbecue!
I then divided up the room into two zones: a satellite kitchen and a lounge area. I filled the kitchen with subtle cream-coloured cabinets, light quartz counters and a stainless steel subway tiled backsplash. I put in new state-of-the-art, stainless steel appliances including a fridge, a warming drawer and an under-mount trough sink. I also set up a large, wooden table with a rustic feel that seats eight.
The lounge area focuses on a new fireplace. The old room had two outdated fireplaces, so I got rid of one and updated the other with a gas-log insert and a wood surround. I then put a new television above the fireplace and added some shelving beside it. In this area, I also created a big family seating area, which includes a huge quartz-covered coffee table, a creamy L-shaped sectional, a few caramel-coloured chairs, and four moss green leather ottomans that can be stored under the coffee table.
To help lighten up the space, I installed recessed lighting around the room. Then, for some extra sparkle, I put up a gorgeous mother-of-pearl pendant light over the table and matching sconces above the fireplace.
After a few final touches, this new gastro-lounge and entertainment centre was complete. By blending streamlined finishes, natural colours and windows galore, this once-dated room got a hearty serving of style and is now ready for family, food and feasting!
]]>When Kids Take Over, It's Time for Parents to Reclaim the Kitchentag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18183522012-08-21T12:20:31-04:002012-10-21T05:12:12-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
While they wound up their life in the suburbs and planned the upcoming renovation, they let their three grown children become tenants in their new digs. But a whole year passed and the kids were making themselves very comfy. The place was even dingier than before -- and was just one pizza box away from total kid domination!
Mom and dad were ready to reclaim their space, so they called me in to help figure out how to update the frat house disaster. My advice was to start with the heart of the home: the kitchen, which would help set the tone for the rest of the design. And what better way to get rid of the kids than to undertake a massive renovation in their favourite room! So I gave the kids their walking papers, called in my crew and geared up to turn the awkward, dreary space into a sleek, updated kitchen for two: Ken and Annette.
I started by stripping the room bare and starting from square one. I painted the whole space in creamy beige, and gave one wall a very special treatment with a chocolate metallic vinyl graphic. I also removed the room's ancient linoleum to make way for a new mushroom coloured porcelain heated tile floor.
Then I got busy on the particulars. Ken wanted a sleek, modern kitchen but Annette wanted some traditional touches in order to maintain the home's historical character. So I chose appliances, accents, lighting and accessories that would blend the contemporary with the conventional.
Along one side of the room I installed an entire wall of espresso stained cabinets. I then put in gorgeous white quartz countertops and a stunning backsplash comprised of chocolate, coffee and cream mosaic glass tiles.
To contrast all of the dark brown and white in the room, I put in state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances including a side-by-side fridge, an oven with a warming drawer, a wine fridge, a deep basin sink and a built-in espresso maker.
In the middle of the room, I created a 14-foot long kitchen island. I divided the island up into two areas: a lower area with a built-in sink and storage that will serve as a bar area, and a higher area that will function as an eating centre. I covered it with the same white quartz as the other counters, and put two dazzling, linear crystal fixtures above.
For additional sparkle, I put in recessed lighting on the ceiling, task lighting at the upper cabinets, accent lighting near the shelves and path lighting on the lower storage cabinets. I also put up some beautiful woven wooden blinds and sheer striped drapes on the patio doors.
After some final accents and accessories, the kitchen was ready to be reclaimed by its rightful owners. By blending modern tiles, cabinets and floors with a variety of traditional finishes, Ken and Annette got a kitchen that is elegant, contemporary -- and kid-free!
]]>A Bed and Bath From Scratchtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17760532012-08-14T17:15:44-04:002012-10-14T05:12:02-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
The weary twosome asked me to come in and help them out -- before they changed their minds about the house and ran screaming back to the 'burbs. They hoped I could finish off their bedroom so they could get some sleep -- and have at least one room in their home completed. So I gathered together my crew and geared up to create a fabulous bed and bath.
The couple wanted their third-floor bedroom to be an open concept space with a bright, airy loft feeling. They had gutted it with that in mind, but the shell of a room lay unfinished in a heap of dust and debris. So the first order of the day was drywall -- a lot of drywall. I created walls and ceilings, and lay down a sub-floor covered with beautiful dark vinyl that has the look of wood.
Once the basics were in place, I chose a colour palette for the space. When searching around for inspiration, I found a box labelled "Barb's favourite fabrics." In it, I discovered a gorgeous sage and gold cloth that gave me the jumping off point I needed for the paint, fabrics and tiles.
I then got busy dividing the loft into two zones: a bedroom and a bathroom. I separated the two areas with a wall of closets that provides storage, privacy and soundproofing. In addition, I closed off the smaller entrance to the bathroom with a series of woven panels on a track system that will slide across the space when privacy is needed.
In the bedroom, I put in a king-sized bed with a chocolate brown upholstered headboard. For some added warmth and ambience, I put in gorgeous linens and throw pillows in a variety of textures and colours. And, for a touch of romance, I installed a beautiful crystal chandelier above the bed.
In the bathroom, I created one little closed off space for the toilet, but left the rest of the space open. In this open area, I installed a gorgeous old-style tub with cast iron feet (after I reinforced the floor to accommodate this 700-pound beauty); a glass-enclosed shower, complete with solid white quartz walls and a feature wall in a beautiful green rippled tile; and a stylish vanity with a quartz countertop, a stunning sink in a gold and green paisley pattern, a mirror and two sconces.
After adding a variety of accents and accessories, this third-floor bed and bath was complete. With some high-end fixtures and finishes, a mixture of textures and colours, and some creative space planning, Barb and Evan got the loft space they desired. Now, with their bedroom renovation woes behind them, the couple can finally get a good night's sleep -- and start dreaming about finishing the other rooms in their house.
Fast forward two years and James (nicknamed "Beats" because of his boundless energy) is stronger than ever. Chantal and Jeff decided the time was right for a redesign and decided to start with the busiest room in their home -- the kitchen. The house's original kitchen was small, cramped and not very practical for a mom who spends a lot of time cooking for three kids who "eat around the clock." So I brought in my crew to get the couple's reno plans back on track and create a functional and stylish, family-friendly space.
The kitchen was adjacent to a family room in which the kids love to play; it also looked out onto the backyard where the kids spend summers splashing in the pool. But there wasn't much visibility into the family room or backyard from the kitchen, and Chantal and Jeff wanted to be able keep an eye on the kids from all angles.
So to give mom and dad greater "kid visibility," I knocked down the wall between the kitchen and family room and created one large space. I separated the two areas with a long kitchen island with a granite counter, a dark wood base, funky bar stools, and two overhanging pendants lights. I also enlarged the kitchen window and created large sliding doors in the family room so the backyard is in direct view. I then painted all of the walls in a creamy shade and put down hard-wearing walnut flooring throughout the space.
Although I was working with a big open space, I still wanted to maintain some visual separation between the kitchen and family room zones. I wanted a light and airy look in the kitchen, so I used cream paint with a strie finish for much of the cabinetry, and cream and mottled quartz for the restaurant-quality countertops.
To add a bit of excitement, I put up a backsplash in hand-crafted, multi-coloured glass tile that is the perfect complement to the countertops and cabinetry. I then installed gorgeous new appliances, including two stoves, a double-door panelled fridge and a cast iron sink.
In the family room, I created one whole wall of dark walnut cabinetry that has open and closed storage, and contains both a great family entertainment system and a cool bar area with a satellite sink and fridge. I then put in a grouping of furniture, including a brown, L-shaped sectional, two comfy patterned chairs and a wood coffee table. At the nearby patio doors, I put down an area of tile for wet little feet, and put up beautiful linen drapes with darker brown edges to hide wee fingerprints.
After a few more accents and accessories -- family photos, a fabulous throw, tons of pillows and an area rug -- this family-friendly kitchen/family room was complete.
By using an eclectic mixture of dark and light cabinetry, quartz and granite counters, and traditional and modern accents, this once cramped and chaotic kitchen got a space-expanding spruce up and is now kid-proof and parent-approved.
]]>Turning a Bedroom into a Bathroom is No Small Feat!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17209892012-07-31T16:25:57-04:002012-09-30T05:12:04-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
But after discovering one and having it gutted, he found himself in renovation limbo. Construction was dragging on, his contractors were ready to pack it in, and Barnaby had run out of steam. While he would have liked me to step in and tackle the whole house, he settled for help in renovating his dingy, three-by-five foot bathroom. He hoped that finishing just one of his 10 rooms would give him the necessary energy to undertake the rest. So I gathered up my crew and got set to create a modern bathroom that would jumpstart the rest of Barnaby's reno.
Clients usually come to me when they want to update the look of an existing room. However, on this project I had to change the actual function and location of the space, because the existing bathroom was tiny. Luckily, there was a guest bedroom beside the bathroom, so I knocked down the adjoining wall and created one large space.
Then I got down to aesthetics. Barnaby was looking for a modern, boutique hotel vibe, so I chose a palette of cool colours: greys and blues for the walls, tiles and accents, and pure snow white for the fixtures. I chose beautiful sheet flooring with a pewter metallic finish, and put up a stunning mural of an enlarged water droplet on the ceiling.
I then installed a variety of high-tech fixtures. On one side of the room I put in a glass shower enclosure with a rain shower and a handheld shower. On the other side of the bathroom I installed a sculpted, freestanding white quartz tub and put gorgeous grey and white mosaic tile on the wall above. Beside the tub is a high-tech toilet with a heated seat and a self-closing lid. I also installed a beautiful new walnut wood vanity with an ultra modern vessel sink.
Lighting often gets overlooked when people renovate their bathrooms, but not in this case. I created a small bulkhead that runs around the perimeter of the room and houses some recessed lights. I then installed a modern horizontal vanity fixture over the sink and a track behind the bulkhead that will illuminate the tile over the tub. To add a little drama to the tub area I also put in some lighting in the floor. On the ceiling, I put up a fixture with a circular cover plate right in the middle of the graphic.
On the room's small window, I put up a unique and stylish treatment: sleek, stainless steel chain on a track system which provides privacy, but also lets light into the room.
After a few more details -- fluffy towels, nature-inspired accents and toiletries for the modern man -- this bathroom suite was ready.
By way of some redesign and reallocation, luxurious fixtures and finishes, and unique accents and accessories, this former bedroom was transformed into a luxury bathroom that will give Barnaby some renovation reprieve. Now it's one room down and nine more to go!
]]>A Multi-Function Space for Work and Playtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16835312012-07-18T14:39:53-04:002012-09-17T05:12:07-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
Cal wanted his live/work space to function on a variety of levels -- as a modern kitchen, as a professional office and as a cozy lounge area. And he wanted it all to be hip, creative and modern. So I got set to transform his home's main floor and give him a fashionable and functional space that fits his lifestyle.
I started by knocking down all of the walls and creating one large open-concept space with a system of wooden posts and beams with steel joinery. Not only are these crucial for support, but they give the room an open, loft-like feeling. In keeping with this industrial look, I painted the walls in airy neutrals and put down beautiful wood flooring.
Then I divided up the space into three "zones": a kitchen, an office and a lounge. In the kitchen I put in a long counter along one wall that looks like concrete, but is actually polished quartz. I jazzed things up with a green-grey glass tiled backsplash, and added shaker-style, over-counter cabinets in the same colour as the beams. I then installed a sleek stainless steel sink, a fridge with French doors and a built-in dishwasher.
In the middle of the kitchen I set up an island with a cooktop that features a glass and stainless steel fume hood above and a range below. I then attached a wood table to the island that will act as Cal's eating area. Above the table I put up a custom-made industrial fixture, which I made with 16 light-bulbs hung from wires.
On the other side of the kitchen I installed the office area, complete with two big workstations with stylish, heavy duty quartz desks and ergonomically-designed chairs. As this is a space in which creativity will flourish, I put up a huge blackboard on a sliding door (which also hides a new pantry) where Cal can jot down his brilliant ideas.
I also put up a gorgeous flat screen TV on the wall between the office and lounge areas. This television can swivel to face either area, depending on whether it is needed for work or play.
In the newly designed lounge/entertainment space, I installed a fireplace with a gas insert and a double surround -- one of quartz to match the countertops, and one of wood to match the other elements in the space.
I wanted the furniture in this area to be comfortable, so I put in a big, cozy sectional in a grey felted fabric, a couple of chairs and a few benches. For some pizzazz, I added an area rug, some colourful throw pillows and a funky light pendant. To finish the look, I put up khaki linen drapes on both the living room window and the doors to the backyard.
After a few more finishing touches, Cal's new space was ready. What was once a closed-up, rundown space is now an industrial idea factory that is perfect for cooking, cartooning and chilling out.
]]>Excellent Hosts Need an Exquisite Spacetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16681602012-07-12T12:14:11-04:002012-09-11T05:12:10-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
But their neighbours wouldn't hear of it! They all banded together in protest, and even bought them a beautiful leaded glass window to entice them to stay. Their "keep Carl and Tony in the 'hood" crusade finally worked. After some serious thought, Carl and Tony decided to stay and renovate instead, but they needed a major overhaul they couldn't orchestrate on their own. So I called in my crew and we geared up to turn the antique-stuffed space into a room worthy of two splendid hosts.
The first order of the day was to knock down a few walls and turn the chopped-up living and dining rooms into one big, open-concept space. I even opened up the outside wall in order to reclaim the porch as interior space, and added new windows to let in some much-needed light.
I then got to work on the details. I wanted to update the look, but retain the home's traditional character. So, I put in older-looking finishes including coffered ceilings, crown moldings and a walnut floor with a hand-chiseled finish. I also installed the leaded glass window from the neighbours.
I then got started on the room's focal point: the fireplace. The existing unit was an unused eyesore, so I updated it with new insert, mantle and marble tiled surround, and flanked it with beautiful display cabinets. Above the fireplace, I put in a television that is hidden behind a piece of remote-controlled artwork so it is out of sight when not in use. Across from the fireplace I installed a huge armoire where Carl and Tony can hang and hide their coats.
I then divided up the room into living and dining spaces, and separated them by a channel-back sofa in an antique grey velvet. This sofa is part of a big conversation grouping in the living room that includes a luxurious daybed in a light grey starburst pattern, a coffee table, and a big, soft sectional in the newly opened up porch area.
In the dining area, I put in a new solid mahogany table with three leaves that can seat up to 10 people, and dining room chairs backed with the same starburst patterned fabric I used on the daybed. I then put up a wall of open cabinetry that will showcase Carl and Tony's fabulous china and crystal.
On the room's two windows I put up gorgeous linen damask panels with some light sheers to let in the natural light. To further brighten things up, I hung a traditional crystal chandelier in the dining room and two mini chandeliers near the front door, and put in some small ceiling lights and under-cabinet puck lights.
After adding a few more details and accessories, this grand-scale living and dining room renovation was complete. By opening things up, mixing modern features with traditional touches, and making this space more conducive to entertaining, Carl and Tony's living/dining room is now perfect for two -- or 22.
]]>A Prize-Winning Living Space for a Family of Boxerstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16514352012-07-06T07:17:05-04:002012-09-05T05:12:07-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
The couple moved into a charming bungalow and started to renovate, but were stumped when they got to their main living space -- a long, narrow living and dining room. The room was empty, uninspiring and full of flamboyant colours chosen by the previous homeowners.
While Rey would have been happy to keep the space empty as a boxing ring for him and the boys, Kim said they'd have to duke it out in the basement. She wanted this space to be a warm, welcoming and livable room for family and friends.
The easy part of this challenge was getting rid of the ugly colours. I painted the room in a dreamy shade of beige, put down some gorgeous hardwood flooring and the vibrant tones were but a memory.
The more difficult part of this challenge was how to break up the room into cozy little zones. To this end, I put in a focal point in the middle: a new gas fireplace that anchors the room. I flanked the fireplace with new cabinetry and added some traditional bead board panels above. I topped it all off with a dark wood mantle and clad the front of it in beautiful circular glass tiles.
Across from the fireplace I put up some cabinetry that I backed with the same bead board that went above the fireplace. I then painted the cabinets in a soft watery blue to give them some contrast and depth.
Next, I got busy dividing up the rest of the space. On one side of the room I set up a living room and added a host of new seating. I used the couple's ottoman -- the one piece of furniture they wanted to keep -- as a jumping off point for the room's colours: earthy tones of taupe, beige, rust and cream. I also put in a tweed loveseat and a chair in a lovely floral pattern. At the room's bay window, I put up a large woven blind which I flanked with dummy panels in a large-scale geometric pattern.
On the other side of the room I created a dining room in which I put a large wood pedestal table. On one side of the table I put in some striped dining room chairs and on the other I put in an upholstered bench. Above the dining room table I installed a modern chandelier with a chrome finish that will act as a bit of a visual barrier between the dining room and the adjoining kitchen space.
Lastly, to give the dining room an additional personal touch, I created a family photo display area on one of the walls using a fantastic framing template. After a few more homey accessories -- mirrors, candles, pillows and lamps -- this space was complete.
Kim and Rey's living and dining room had finally made the transformation from an empty, colour-crazed, kid zone to a comfortable and beautiful space that works for the whole family. By using warm colours, cool fabrics and one hot new fireplace, this space is now a design knockout!
]]>One Bathroom's Transformation From Blah to Spatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16317332012-06-28T07:54:44-04:002012-08-28T05:12:04-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
Wendy does lots of entertaining and often has out-of-town guests, so she wanted to give this space a guest-friendly facelift with high impact and loads of style. To begin this transformation, the bathroom was completely gutted and the existing fixtures -- pedestal sink, toilet, bidet and tub -- were given a one-way ticket to the dump.
I decided on a dramatic colour scheme for Wendy's new bathroom, using rich ebony, crisp white and a few splashes of bright red. We treated the walls to a fresh coat of clean white paint, which flows into the white tiles we used in the new wall-to-wall shower with frameless glass enclosure. The glass gives the room an open feel and creates an impression of space in this relatively small room. The bathroom floor was covered in elegant black tiles that have just a hint of texture in them.
To create counter space as well as storage for guests, I designed some custom cabinetry made from ebony-stained oak. (Here's an important tip to remember when staining oak: be sure to condition the wood first! A quick coat of conditioner makes the stain go on much more evenly and smoothly.)
A wall-mounted storage unit is located where the bidet once stood, offering lots of space to stash toiletries, towels and guests' possessions. In place of the pedestal sink, we created a functional yet beautiful vanity. Tall mirrors flow into a black oak shelf, which in turn melds into a marble mosaic countertop. Open shelving underneath adds even more storage space. But the crowning glory in this bathroom reno is definitely the red glass basin, which perches majestically on the mosaic countertop. This gorgeous sink will definitely get Wendy's guests talking! To save space, and also to allow the basin to take centre stage, I chose a sleek and modern wall-mounted faucet.
The custom, glass-enclosed shower is another work of art. Guests will love this spacious shower, which features a mosaic-tiled floor and bench in varying shades of our black and white theme. We did have to replace the existing window in the shower with a new, waterproof model. To prevent water damage, the sill is angled downward so water will just flow right off.
As always, gorgeous fixtures and custom finishes are nothing without the proper lighting to shine down on them. We installed waterproof overhead lighting in the shower, pot lights in the ceiling, under-cabinet lighting in the storage unit, and two gorgeous sconces mounted right through the vanity mirror. This medley of light is functional yet soft and inviting, which will make guests feel right at home.
Wendy has filled her home with art, so I wanted to incorporate artwork into the bathroom. The problem is that the humid atmosphere in a bathroom is not kind to traditional paintings. So I decided that some fabric art would be just the thing to liven up this space. Using rich fabrics in our colour scheme and geometric shapes, we created a tapestry that hangs on the wall just to the left of the doorway. We added some other finishing touches -- a basket of toiletries in the shower, several red accent pieces, towels and soaps -- and this bright, ultra-modern bathroom was ready for action!
Wendy's bathroom is now a guest-friendly oasis. Far from worrying about the sad state of her facilities, Wendy's only problem now is whether her guests will ever leave!
]]>A De-Cluttered and Re-Coloured Dining Room Transformationtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16092272012-06-19T13:19:17-04:002012-08-19T05:12:08-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
The room's murky, putty-coloured walls combined with skimpy drapes and low lighting to create a dim space that Ruth avoided at all costs! Enter the kids... they took over the rejected room and set up their very own homework headquarters. The room also became a dumping ground for their most prized possessions, like skateboards along with other teenage gear.
Ruth was determined to take back her dining room. She dreamed of hosting intimate dinner parties in a bright, colourful space that packed an elegant punch. So the kids were banished along with the blahs, and I came up with a plan to energize Ruth's dining room with drama, elegance and lots of sparkle!
The first thing we did was apply a rich, chocolate brown colour to the walls. A dark bronze glaze was applied over the paint to give the walls metallic highlights, adding a subtle shimmer that will look amazing during those candlelight dinner parties! Next, we installed recessed lighting to make key areas in the room really pop. We accented the decorative niches and other strong focal points with recessed lights, and replaced the old lighting fixture with a grand chandelier that really enhances the room's elegant new feeling.
I designed a fantastic new drapery treatment using fabrics that pick up the room's bronze glow. The draperies, which give the illusion of two layers of fabric but are actually made from only one layer, are finished with rich beaded trim and ruffled edging.
The niches, formally used as storage nooks for a variety of kid paraphernalia, were painted an ivory colour and accented with recessed lights. I placed tall glass vases in each niche and filled them with fresh flowers, but the vases can be filled with virtually anything to set the theme for any celebration.
One of my brightest ideas for this room was to decorate one wall with mirrored panels to reflect light and give the illusion of depth and space. We created a pattern with different-sized pieces of mirror and installed decorative rosettes to mark where the panels intersected. Instantly, the room got a big burst of brightness as the mirrors threw back the light from the chandelier, recessed lights and windows.
Ruth liked her dining room table and chairs, but she admitted that the old upholstery had to go. So I recovered each chair with three different fabrics that pick up the colours from the drapery treatment and the room's soft bronze walls. I used one fabric on the seats, another on the backrests and yet another on the backside of the chairs. When you look at them from different angles, the unique fabrics work together to pull in all the colours from the room.
Now that Ruth's dining room was wrapped in dramatic elegance and sparkle, we just needed a few finishing touches. I tracked down a gorgeous new buffet and a Chinese cabinet that fit the bill as a bar. I flanked the liquor cabinet with two cinnamon coloured chairs that look stunning against the dark bronze walls. Gilt-framed artwork stands out against the dark walls, with a large portrait taking center stage as it "floats" in the middle of the mirrored wall. The floor is covered in an antiqued Persian carpet and we set the table with elegant new china so it was ready for Ruth's inaugural dinner party.
This space was one backpack and a skateboard away from becoming a teenage wasteland. But with some subtle paint techniques, soft lighting and lush draperies, we transformed Ruth's dining room into a haven that adults are sure to find very appetizing!
]]>Take a Kitchen From Blah to Bistro-Fabuloustag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15781482012-06-07T13:05:22-04:002012-08-07T05:12:03-04:00Candice Olsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/candice-olson/
Although I occasionally allow myself to break my own rule of putting style over function, in this particular case, function was certainly going to be top priority. My client needed a kitchen that could keep up with her culinary whims -- and that means lots of counter space, smart storage solutions and a creative and inspiring environment. I wanted to create the intimate feeling of an out-of-the-way bistro, something cozy and warm. Based on that idea, I chose a color palate of rich ebony, creamy tan and soft white. This would create the intimacy I was after, yet not compete with the real star in this space: the food!
Budget was a big concern in this household, so I started by figuring out what could be salvaged. The cupboards weren't in bad shape, so we repainted them and added new handles -- instant zing without big bucks. My client had a few stainless steel carts she was using for storage, and I decided one could be given new life, and the other was going to be moved to a less imposing spot in the room. The space the cart used to inhabit was filled with a large ebony wall unit that was custom-built to fit around the oddly-shaped wall. An excellent use of space, and lots more easy-to-reach storage. It was also a great place to hide the ugly stuff we all have in kitchens! I moved the cart to the other side of the room and topped it with a display area for our chef's pride and joy -- her full set of gorgeous copper pots.
The second cart was given new life as a countertop. I took off the solid stainless top and ran it flush with the new countertop. It adds sparkle and style and is the perfect spot for hot pots just off the stove. The appliances were white, and I used that as a motivator for my backsplash. I tied in the white, tan and black colors found throughout the kitchen in a simple tile pattern on the back wall. This really brought everything home and linked the varying hues throughout.
The eating bar in this small kitchen was jazzed up with a new hanging fixture centered overtop, and three groovy barstools for hungry guests. Those same guests could now watch our expert in action -- and keep out of her way! We also created a simple pass-through in the wall that adjoins the kitchen and dining room. Talk about a bistro feel!
This small kitchen was given a completely new look, yet was done on a tight budget. We turned up the heat on style and now this chef's dream kitchen really cooks. See, fairy tales really can come true!