Erin Carlyle November 3, 2018
Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes to remodel. Former Forbes real estate reporter. Fascinated by cool homes, watching the bottom line.
Photos by Jason Hartog Photography
Living Area at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with four grown children
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Designers: Luisa Maringola, lead designer, and Marisa Lupo, both of Lumar Interiors
This home outside Toronto got a makeover that included a renovated kitchen and decorative changes to the entire first floor. The homeowners called on Lumar Interiors, the design firm that helped them renovate the kitchen and family room in the home 25 years ago.
This time around, the designers helped the homeowners expand their kitchen, knock down the wall between the living and piano rooms, replace the flooring and choose new furnishings and soft goods. In addition, an upstairs bathroom got a down-to-the-studs makeover.
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This photo and the previous one show the formal living room, which had been used as a home office. The homeowners wanted the space to feel like a chic boutique hotel yet still have classic style.
“She wanted a very elegant yet calming room,” lead designer Luisa Maringola says of the wife. To that end, the walls, rug, sofa and side chairs are all in neutral tones. The designers added color via the floral and plum throw pillows, which help bring richness to the room. “That was a color the husband said he liked and wanted to see in the house,” Maringola says of the plum.
The furniture in this room was all custom made, and the designers selected the art. They also added the ceiling treatment and the crystal chandelier. This photo shows the area where a wall previously separated this room and the piano room; the wall was directly behind the black-and-white armchair, where you see the flooring pattern change.
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Here’s a look at the new kitchen, which was completely redone with custom cabinetry, counters and backsplash.
The traditional-style cabinets are finished in an off-white paint with a gray undertone that might be described as a cream-gray. “They didn’t want the typical white kitchen,” Maringola says. “They didn’t want a gray kitchen.” The cabinet paint is Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore.
The island cabinetry is stained a custom deep blue-gray, and the counter is engineered stone with subtle gray veining. On the side of the island opposite the stove (not pictured), a beverage refrigerator and coffee maker, as well as the glasses needed for those drinks, make a convenient entertaining hub.
The backsplash features white and gray marble tiles with an arabesque shape. Lumar designed the corner area of open shelving to display cookbooks and decorative items.
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The dining area beyond the island was added on to the home as part of the kitchen remodel.
The flooring consists of 32-by-72-inch porcelain tiles that the designers sourced in Italy.
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The family entertains often, both formally and informally. The designers outfitted the dining area with a 10-foot-long, live-edge table with a chrome base that can accommodate a dozen people. The chairs are custom.
The window wall overlooks the sunny backyard and pool. Sheer linen drapes add flexibility: If the homeowners want less light coming in, they can draw the drapes.
The family room got a completely new look, starting with soft blue paint and a new dark stain on the wood floors, which previously were mahogany-toned. New furniture and accessories complete the look.
The built-ins are also new. The room has ample seating to accommodate family gatherings as well as guests. “Their wish list for this room was to make it very comfortable, very cozy,” Maringola says
Pro tip: Maringola suggests that when new clients first meet with their designer, they come prepared with an idea of what their priorities are for the project. “Sometimes people have a few rooms to furnish and decorate, but they’re not all priorities,” she says.
It’s also helpful to have an idea of which decor style you like, even if it’s in the broadest of terms, such as “light and airy,” “dark and dramatic,” “rich and bold.” For inspiration or even to get a sense of your own taste, browse the many photos on Houzz and start saving favorites in an ideabook. Don’t worry if your preferences are all over the map — a good designer can help you tease out what you’d ultimately like best for your project.