Model transformation: Kristi Blok's redesign on a budget turns contemporary condo into funky, industrial loft

By Anita Murray, Ottawa Citizen February 7, 2014 10:04 AM

BEFORE 

 AFTER

AFTER: Living room, Qualicum Woods Crossing model suite

OTTAWA — The challenge: Bring new life to a one-bedroom condo apartment model to appeal to both first-timers and downsizers, showing how both could make it fit their lifestyle and furnishings.The location: Qualicum Woods Crossing model suite at 2781 Baseline Rd.
The restrictions: Very little time and a tiny budget of $6,000.
The result: A funky, industrial loft look that effectively melds multiple styles in what broker Marnie Bennett calls “design on a dime in only 28 days.” Decorator Kristi Blok of Kiki Interiors explains how she did it.
The living room
Loft look: The biggest change was adding a recycled brick wall to create a warehouse feel. It’s the bold statement that the room is built around and is accented with neutrals inspired by the greys in the kitchen to keep things from competing. “When you live in an open space, flow is really key. If we had introduced a whole new colour palette in here, even though there’s no walls, it would feel choppy.”
Marrying styles: Yes, first-timers can make a collection of hand-me-downs work. Same goes for downsizers paring down and finding a few key pieces to fit a smaller space. The existing contemporary sofa, for example, is paired with a warehouse-style chair (Structube); they don’t match, but they go together. Shying away from adding lots of bold colour and taking proportion and scale into consideration helps link the styles. “That warehouse look, it’s a mix of all sorts of different things and there isn’t necessarily a pattern to it; a lot of it is based on function.”
Balance: The masculine chair is tempered by the more feminine sheepskin throw (IKEA), while the same effect is created with the lamps. The one by the chair “just screamed warehouse” with its vintage-look Edison light bulbs and industrial open cage, yet it works well with the classically shaped end table lamps (all from lampsplus.com).
Pattern plus: You can mix them, but one should be the star while the others play a supporting role. The pillows (HomeSense) play into the layers of grey. Adding a throw sets the scene for those who might be living here.
Breaking rules: An area rug that made the space feel cramped was replaced by one from Structube to spread out the room. It has no definite pattern but is visually interesting without taking over and adds to the room’s random mosaic. It does break the design rule of tucking rug edges under the front feet of furniture, but with a larger rug “you’d almost be building a wall right there at the edge of the sofa.”
California dreamin’: A funky Gus coffee table in the shape of California (fab.com) is fun, functional and fits, being narrow enough to keep from blocking flow while still offering great surface area. The white laminate top and streamlined wood legs lighten the room and provide a link between the heavy wood TV cabinet (new, from Zone) and the existing modern glass end tables. “Personal style is more about putting things together and co-ordinating them and mixing pattern and texture and colour instead of everything just being exactly the same.”

Multi-purpose: Smaller space means things must serve double or triple duty. The reclaimed wood TV cabinet offers storage, can be a serving area or be used for seating in a pinch. “When you live in a smaller space, the pieces that you have in there are going to have to take on multiple personalities, so don’t be afraid to do that.”
Scale: The painting (etsy.com) is large but understated to show off the brick wall. It’s clean and simple since there is already a lot of furniture in the room. The vignette of the sofa, end tables and painting is symmetrical, to which people are naturally drawn.


The kitchen

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 AFTER




New style: It’s the same size, but most of it is new to give it a more commercial feel, yet it’s warmer to bring in the warehouse element.
Adding depth: A charcoal backsplash (Olympia) in an oversized subway tile is laid in a brick pattern to mimic the brick wall in the living room. It creates depth against the light cream walls.
Toned down: Contemporary high-gloss cabinets with no hardware were replaced with shorter ones in a light texture finish and tube stainless-steel hardware fitted horizontally.
Exposure: Open shelving (IKEA) means everything is at your fingertips, adding to the commercial look.
Hot seat: The island chairs (Zone) are paired with a bench in reclaimed pine (minam.com) that tucks away for more work space. Adding warmth and contrast with its retro aqua blue paint, it can be pulled out for extra living room seating and makes a great conversation piece. “It looks like a piece that somebody’s had for a really long time and it was really loved and passed down.”
Visual pop: Oversized industrial chic pendants (Zone) add visual interest while tying together the kitchen’s new look and providing much needed task lighting.
The unexpected: A white faux lion (whitefauxtaxidermy.com) is both subtle and bold. “If you’re going to put something on your walls it should mean something to you ... and maybe it’s just, ‘This is weird and I love it.’ ”


The den

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AFTER




Split personality: A condo den often plays multiple roles — spare bedroom, office, entertainment area. The Murphy bed and work space, which were already there, help show this, but the space needed a lighter touch against all the dark wood. Accessories such as the ampersand bookends, handcrafted horses and oversized wristwatch clock (HomeSense and IKEA) add personality and some light to the space.
Who are you? A mounted trumpet (HomeSense) aims to “show off the personality of the person who might live here.”
Art that works: A gallery wall shows how you can keep and display some of your art collection. The art (HomeSense) can be a mix of different pieces or styles. Here, the gallery wall replaces one big piece of art to balance the space.


The bedroom

 BEFORE

 

AFTER




Toning it down: Pops of red were replaced with calmer, more soothing colours for a more gender-neutral look.

Opening it up: Something as simple as folding up the charcoal bedspread and keeping it at the edge of the bed lets more white show, making the room lighter, cleaner and less formal.
Come on in: Playing around with the pillows (HomeSense) creates a more relaxing space. The blue ties in with undertones in the kitchen greys, while mixing Greek key and cable-knit styles introduces texture and pattern.
Oversized is OK: Ineffective lamps were replaced with larger ones that give off good light, are gender neutral and work well with the drum ceiling fixture already there. Although oversized, if you make everything in a smaller space small “you might start to feel like a munchkin (and) it’s still clutter.”
Seat shift: The bench was moved so that it wasn’t centred under the window. Added pillows (IKEA and HomeSense) suggest a great spot for girlfriends to hang out while you’re getting ready for a night out.
Tips

• 80-20 rule: Have 70 to 80 per cent of your space in one style. The other 20 per cent can be a mix of whatever you want.
• Lighting: Same goes for lighting. Upwards of 80 per cent should be recessed with the rest a mix of floor lamps, pendants, table lamps, even candlelight.
• Your style: Downsizing into a condo doesn’t mean you need all new stuff that’s modern. You may not be able to keep your big dining room table, but maybe you’ll keep some of the chairs and pair them with a slick tulip or glass table for “a really neat balance and combination of traditional and contemporary.”
• Must-haves: You can’t keep everything if you’re downsizing. Pick the top five pieces you cannot live without, but keep in mind they may find a new purpose in a condo.
• Common thread: Open-concept spaces need a common thread, theme or colour palette, something that’s going to bring the whole space together. Introducing new themes in each room makes it look choppy.
• First-timers: Get creative with hand-me-downs. Put your personality into dining chairs by changing the fabric; create a common thread by painting furniture pieces the same colour or adding new hardware.
• Area rugs: They define spaces in an open plan by bringing furniture pieces together without building walls. The key is picking the right size; in most cases a bit bigger is better than picking too small. If you have lots of neutrals and want to introduce colour, an area rug can do that; if you already have lots of colour, choose a rug that’s neutral, maybe with a bit of texture.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Alternative Seating Arrangements

With everyone going condo crazy , now more than ever we need some great seating alternatives that are fun and functional.

Here are some of my favourites:

I'm IN LOVE with this BDOJA chair by Amaya Guitierrez.  It's kind of pricey but when you see how much handy work is involved you will understand why.  This chair is just the essence of slouchy comfort but it also looks incredibly cool.  Picture this in the corner of your condo...perfect on rainy days while you kick back and watch some old favourites on your flat screen.  This will be the chair that your guests fight over...

Another favourite of mine and it's great for kids too.  I'm actually looking to purchase a few for my kids' playroom. The Fatboy...  they come in some many colours - it's hard to choose.  Plus, another bonus for moms and dads they are easy to clean.  But these would also be a great alternative to the bedroom chair, a fun over sized bean bag.

The classic ghost chair is perfect for a dining room, it's elegant, chic and called a 'ghost' because it's invisible yet it offers seating.  the ghost chair comes in clear plastic and a few colours but also stainless steel.  It looks great with a very contemporary table or a rustic one of reclaimed wood.



Don't forget about stools - I love the utilitarian look of this stool, it's so industrial and functional.  This is great for smaller spaces too because it is backless it really takes up less space.  I added these in my sister's home and they look amazing.  Instead of using them at her breakfast bar, we put them aside in her living room - they can be used as extra surface space and when more guests arrive just pull them away from the wall.

Another incredible stool has a really functional look about it but it's high polished.  I used these not too long ago in a kitchen in a loft style condo and they are loved by everyone!!  And I know they look really uncomfortable but they are just the opposite.  If you love this stool but have no need for one, they come in a chair too.

If you are a lover of nature and want to bring the outdoors inside there are some many choices.  If you want a modern and natural look, I love the Denmark Chair.  It's so sculptural and curvy and the natural wood tone is just stunning.  This chair looks great with a rustic table or a streamlined one, and if you really want to show off these fabulous chairs go with a glass table.  It also comes in a stool model too.

what goes around comes back around...that goes for home fashion too.  This Supernatural chair is very 60's mod.  It's a white plastic and has a curvature about it.  It looks great with glass, black or espresso or a natural wood tone.  The price is fantastic, too.



What ever you choose make it fun and memorable.  There are so many options to choose from too.  So get creative and make your space really yours. 

Where do I put my TV??

OK, so with everyone trending towards condos and the concept of 'living large in small spaces' I would have to say the number 1 question everyone asks is - where do I put my TV?

Well, I came across an amazing furniture piece that solves that very dilemma.  It is available at Restoration Hardware - one of my absolute favourite stores. 

Check out the TV easel.  It comes in both dark solid hardwood and a polished nickel. I love this piece because you can wheel it around, you can place you TV anywhere in your space and it will fit.  If you are in a condo space that is just wall to wall windows and you don't want an ugly TV blocking the view - this piece takes up very little space and still allows for a large TV (for all you TV watchers and lovers).  And, if you do move into a larger home with more wall space to mount your TV, this piece can be used to display art or photographs too.

This also works beautifully in a large space too.  Not everyone likes a wall mounted TV or having one on a generic TV stand - this piece has some character and it is so functional.  Plus there is a clamp on the top that keeps the TV in place (a great safety feature).

Model Condo Featured in the Ottawa Citizen

Just recently or the Grand Opening of SoHo Parkway (201 Parkdale) in Ottawa, Canada, KIKI Interiors was engaged to decorate a model condo.  Check out this article in the Ottawa Citizen and take a look at the photos, what an impressive brand and an incredible building in Ottawa

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/homes/Soho+brand/6894453/story.html

We wanted to create a space that both genders would enjoy.  We used a fresh and summer inspired colour palette with ocean blue, yellow and white.
We used accents of espresso to compliment the floors and the cabinetry.
We also utilized glass to create a light effect in the open concept space, the help reflect the light and have a lot of furniture in the space but without the bulk.

We didn't use the largest sofa possible.  We wanted to create some conversation area that was inviting for guests when entertaining.  We added some leather swivel chairs, a sofa and not seen are two charcoal upholstered benches.  The glass accents in the living room add surface space but not bulk.  the colour palette is consistent throughout the open space so that is feels large and spacious.

In the bedroom, we put in a king size bed which is almost unheard of in a condo but with the right furniture it can be done.  We added some bedding with lots of pillows, and we used summer inspired colours with margarita green and magenta.  We kept the furniture very simple and in light tones.  Again, accents of glass with the bedside lighting

Big Ideas for Small Spaces

Small spaces is a big topic right now.  Condos. apartments and town homes are so popular but they do present challenges when it comes to furnishing and decor.  Will I be able to fit my most precious pieces? Will I be able to entertain? What colours work and which don't? How can my space be both beautiful and functional?

Don't worry.  You can achieve all of your wants and needs even in a small space all you need is a plan that includes the right colours, the right furniture scale and placement and the right lighting - all of these elements together can result in the perfect space with big impact.

1-- PLAN.  Before you buy or select anything make sure you sit down with your partner (assuming you live with someone else) and plan out what you want to do with each room.  Discuss goals and priorities for each space plus you also need to discuss your budget!  Put together a master plan of attack for the entire space.

2 -- KICK CONVENTION TO THE CURB. You don't need to have a large sofa for everyone to sit on, think about seating alternative that can serve other purposes for when you are not entertaining.  A big sofa where everyone sits in a row can feel like a waiting room.  Try looking at ottomans, or cubes or chairs that offer some visual interest and can offer other functions too like storage and extra seating when needed. 

3-- TRUE COLOURS. Light colours are the best choices for small spaces - they make any spaces feel larger.  Also think tone on tone, light paint colours, light upholstery and linens but add accents through art and accessories.  With a neutral background, any 'pop' colour will work, so choose what you like.

4 -- OPEN UP.  The farther you can see into and through a space, the larger it feels - so furniture placement is one way to make a space feel larger.  So try not to block traffic flow or windows (as windows make spaces feel bigger too).  Look for furniture that is low and armless (and of course, comfortable too).

5-- LET THERE BE LIGHT.  A dark space feels small too, so let the light in.  Keep window covering light in colour, they don't have to be sheer.  Add pot lights they don't take up a lot of space but can add a lot of light.  Layer your types of lighting so ensure a well lit space.

6-- THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Well placed mirrors are stylish and functional.  A small nook space in a hallway is a great spot for a mirror.  In smaller rooms, like bathrooms look for larger mirrors as they can make any bathroom feel big - builders tend to installer smaller frame less mirrors which aren't as effective.  Glass is another great way to have larger furniture pieces that give the illusion of invisibility.  Because glass is transparent it doesn't seem to take up much space.  I like to use glass for coffee tables and dining tables in condos.

7-- SORRY, SIZE MATTERS.  Just because you are in a small space doesn't mean that everything else has to be small too.  Lots of small things in a space can make a space feel cramped.  In a smaller space, I still like to use really large art pieces.  Keep your furniture to scale so the room doesn't feel stuffed and most retailers are carrying lines of 'apartment' size furniture.  Or try a love seat and add 2 chairs for seating in the living room.  If you want a king size bed, go without a head and foot board (which can add a lot of bulk and they aren't really necessary).