Our clients Anne and Gareth Thomas loved the Idea of working with a professional designer to compliment their furniture purchase. It gave them the advantage of not only having beautiful furniture but a designed space that looks like it’s from the pages of a magazine!
With a designer comes the knowledge of how to choose the right furniture and determine patterns and colours that work well together. Her expertise gives you peace of mind knowing everything will fit into the room perfectly.
“Before” the Makeover
The Thomas home was a brand new construction in Stittsville, Ontario. We worked from the blueprints to design their new open-concept space on the main floor of the home.
What were the client’s wishes for the room?
Anne’s vision was a beautiful bright ‘adult’ space. The Thomas’s are empty nesters and wanted to emphasize the no more kids in the house look. She wanted a fun mix of country and modern; her desired colour palette, blue and white. In the end, Anne’s goal was to create an elegant, timeless space with elements that blend in with their country living.
How will the room be used?
This space will be used for tv viewing and entertaining as well as for a quiet place to rock and read by the fire. As the room opens up to the kitchen, a space for dining is a must.
The designer’s concept & vision
It was exciting to work with white. Most people avoid working with white when they have kids and pets but these clients loved the look! The main inspiration for the space was a beautiful blue and white area rug that both Anne and I fell in love with. It had just the right look!
I wanted a clear separation for zoning the space. When furnishing an open concept layout, you need to think about function first and then form.
At least 4-6 seats in the living room were essential to the client. I created a conversation layout that also allowed for tv watching. The soft blue and white fabric on the cushions and pillows were the stars of this show. Choosing this colour scheme allowed us to introduce a relaxing and soothing feeling. The white and blue shades allow for the perfect balance of a surreal design*.
The “After”, End Result!
The room is eclectic, fun and inviting with an added touch of formality. Once you step into the room, the overall look evokes a feeling of relaxation. I would describe the space as urban country.
A pleasing mix of textural elements:
This was accomplished by layering furniture pieces for function and comfort with a mix of rich colours, leather, and wood. Soft lamplight finishes the look and casts a warm glow. The fireplace has a dramatic effect and is the main focal point in the room. The art “Slatted Sky” by Patrick St Germain adds maximum impact; it’s pleasing to the eyes and provides a touch of the abstract. All the little details in the decor play a role in helping the room achieve the results we were all hoping for. This home is one of my favourite designs I’ve completed while working at La-Z-Boy.
The client’s reaction
“From the very first meeting until the last placement of furniture, the whole design experience has been outstanding! Such professionalism, knowledge and Zeina’s expertise has made our house into the most beautiful home, which reflects our personalities.” Anne Thomas, Stittsville, Ontario
For more information on this design please contact in-home designer Zeina Badawi.
We’re happy to answer your furniture and design questions at any of our La-Z-Boy locations in the Ottawa and Kingston area.
*Surreal design: When you mix cool tones like white and blue and work in defined patterns with lines, triangles, squares, diagonals … it is a look!
Furniture & Accessories Chosen for the room
The MAX Recliner
Jordan ottoman
Hammary end tables: GRAYSTONE The Hamilton Collection
Eastside collection Canadel dining table and chairs
Eastside collection Canadel TV unit – Buffet 5432 T1
Artwork: “Slatted Sky” from Renwil
Kansa table lamps from Uttermost
Surya area Rug and Runner, Contempo Collection
