Updating A 1990's Condo Unit

Built in the early 1990’s, this 1200 square foot condominium was new by most standards, but still had a dated feel. The colour scheme was a throw back to the 1980’s – very heavy on the burgundy and dusty rose and the kitchen was an eye sore with white melamine cabinets and grey laminate counters. The unit lacked personality but had a very open and loft like feeling that housebrand and the client, a single executive who works downtown, could capitalize on.

A round stucco column that had previously felt awkward was “squared off” with drywall and used to visually ground the new sectional sofa and ottoman seating arrangement. The fireplace was reborn by framing it as a more monolithic volume and covering up the dated taupe tile of the hearth with a gleaming piece of stainless steel. A new plasma TV was mounted above the fireplace and a separate storage unit for audio components was built in to the left of the fireplace.

An espresso stained built in bookcase enhances the mood of the dining room and offsets a new white maple dining table and chairs. The existing hardwood floors, previously finished a cherry red, were stripped and coloured to match the dark espresso of the bookshelf.

The kitchen, too new to be demolished, needed a facelift. The doors and counters were replaced with white maple cabinet fronts and a matte white laminate counter. Small details throughout the space, such as display niches and concealed lighting add to the overall effect. To maintain a uniform look the space was toned with only three colors: a hot white, a deep muddy grey and a sharp yellow citrus.