Our Top 10 Before & After Shots in 2012

Just like the Top 10 lists about celebrity moments, (or maybe i'm ripping off David Letterman here), I wanted to post and share my favourite top 10 transformations that we did this year. I had a hard time choosing them since I was blessed to have some really great design jobs this year, but here they are in no particular order. Enjoy!

 

Asian Inspired Condo Project

It's not often my clients take off and give me carte blanche and a set of keys to redesign their home while they're away, but considering this client was my sister, trust was definitely not an issue! Designing her place is an ongoing process, but I will post some photos of the work I did so far.

This living room was designed to reflect her global trotting taste mixing antique asian prints with more contemporary furniture.

Custom made drapes with a cherry blossom motif in subtle colours perfectly complimented this theme without going overboard on prints.

 A second bedroom in a downtown condo was converted into a home office with a day bed.

 This antique bird lamp found at a consignment shop was the perfect inspiration for these organic bird print drapes.

Kitchen Makeover in 2 weeks - Let There be Light!

When my best friend asked me to help renovate her parents house in Toronto, I jumped at the chance knowing that one day it may become her own home. With a shoestring budget, we turned this dark and outdated 30 year old kitchen into a bright and functional space for their family. We also had to do this renovation incredibly quickly, as they have an autistic daughter whose schedule was turned pretty much upside down. In total, including some major changes in the layout (which can usually add weeks), the project was finished in about 2 weeks and a couple days! That's the power of scheduling and a lot of prayer:)

Before (Wall between dining and kitchen)

The first step was to create a window pass through from the dining room to the kitchen to add extra light. The owners wanted to add a slab of granite so the pass through could be used as an extra counter space.




Kitchen Before



 
The Kitchen After renovations. We had cream traditional cabinets made with iron handles and knobs. The cabinets actually matched the "bone" coloured appliances (that they will eventually replace to stainless steel to match the new dishwasher that was installed). The backsplash is a glass and marble mosaic which creates a visual break in between the cabinets. The granite is giallo ornamental.

We had matching cabinet doors fabricated for their closet, so it looks like it matches the rest of the kitchen.

Condo Renovation Before & After

OK i'm so excited to share this reno we did a few months back. This was definitely one of my favourite renovations of all time, partly because the owner really trusted my taste and partly because the result was a completely different suite. The owner had given me the direction of "hotel" and I was off! I promise that once I get real photos i'll post them up on my website, but for now here are my iPhone photos :)

Kitchen Before: We completely gutted it

 As I mentioned, the owner really trusted my design direction, and I was able to convince him how great the white gloss upper cabinets, smoked glass backsplash and walnut lowers would go with Caesarstone's Nougat countertops.

A side by side look (Before & after). Cabinets were redesigned to have more balance and functionality on either side of the stove.

The powder room was completely gutted and floating white gloss cabinets were installed with an above counter sink.

 I wish the photo was clearer but I absolutely love this master bathroom. The floating cabinets with the above counter sink gave this bathroom a luxurious hotel feeling, while the glass partition on the tub kept the lines clean and sleek.

 Left - The glass replaces the traditional shower curtain (very European). The shower head is Kohler with an extra wand (which comes in handy for cleaning)
Right- A photo of the tiling around the tub before the fixtures were installed.

Hallway- The carpeting was removed and replaced with Torly's laminate which had a beautiful gray tone to it.

Semi Staging Project in Toronto- Sold in 4 Days!

Here's a semi bungalow we staged recently in the York University area. It was a vacant and relatively small property so I dont have many photos, but i'm happy to say it sold very quickly in 4 days! Staging really does make a difference so contact us now!

Living Room After Staging

Living and dining room area

Kitchenette Area

Staging Project in Cathedraltown

Here's a project I staged a few months ago in Cathedraltown, a unique development in northwest Markham built around a huge cathedral of course!  It is a development that features monochromatic homes and townhomes, so it was extra important to make the inside spectacular and unforgettable. The owners happen to be good friends of mine and the husband is a great photographer so we had fun collaborating!

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After - the space looks a lot more expansive with a formal dining set.

The Loft Before Staging

The loft After. This space was very tricky since it was absolutely huge, so I divided it into three sections. An entertaining section by the balcony, an office and a family living space.

I loved this Loft! A casual and beachy family and entertaining space

In the kitchen we added a backsplash to make it fresher

 The basement was a well planned but unfinished space that we had finished for the sale of the home.

Basement Before

Basement After Finishing

Bathroom basement before we came in...

Basement bathroom After: the client had sourced the floor tile and vanity, and we took care of the rest!

Staging Project in Bridle Trail (Markham) - 6 Offers and Sold Way Over Asking!

Living Room Before

I was fortunate enough to travel to Japan and Korea these past few weeks so i'm very behind when it comes to my posts. Here is a beautiful home in Bridle Trail that belonged to a lovely family that had to suddenly relocate. We took care of all of the staging and arrangements for touch-ups for the house. When we were finished with the home, it went on the market and received 6 offers. Of course, it sold way over the asking price and the owners were very happy with our services!

Living Room After Staging

Dining Room (We used the owners previous furniture and dressed up the table with lots of accessories!)



Master Bedroom - After Staging

Basement Before Staging

Basement After Staging - The furniture from the living room was moved downstairs to create a practical and casual living space.

Every corner counts! A lovely guest retreat was created in one of the basement bedrooms.