Pam Stewart Ross Design

RANDY AND PAM - COTTAGE

Randy and Pam are a retired couple who live in the city and have a cottage in Grand Bend. Recently they bought a new cottage because their old cottage was too small and had a closed floor plan. They wanted more space and a open concept design.

Their style is traditional with rustic elements, but they want a more up-to-date and clean look. To achieve this I suggest adding more contemporary elements to their design plan. They plan to purchase all new furnishings so I will be focusing on contemporary furnishings in the living room, dining room and principle bedroom to work with the traditional and rustic elements for a clean and simple look.

Before Pictures:

The rustic and traditional elements in the new cottage are the wood floors, the wood beams, wood cabinets, shaker style doors, and the stonework.

To achieve:

• a fresh clean and modern look;
• to balance the rustic elements;
• for better traffic flow;
• to define the different zones;
• to soften the space and add texture.

 I suggest the following:

• a clean white paint colour on all the walls: Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 or similar depending on the granite countertop, wood elements and new furnishings purchased;
• contemporary furnishings;
• fabric upholstery on the sofa and chairs;
• draperies;
• a large area rug to anchor the seating area;
• a new furniture layout in the living space (see below).

The furniture layout (below) provides good traffic flow to the backyard deck and it also allows people to be connected to others within the open living concept. Cooks in the kitchen can be part of the conversation and diners at the counter can swivel their stools around to watch TV (above the fireplace). I recommend purchasing the Samsung smart TV that displays digital images when the TV is not being used so it doesn't create a big black hole. Best Buy Canada

LIVING ROOM

The existing leather furniture is the wrong proportion for the space. It is not only bulky, but cold and
dark. A fabric sofa in a light colour will brighten the room and make it more inviting. The clean lines and wood feet give it an up to date look. 

Placing two chairs facing the fireplace will add more seating and a place to watch TV. Swivel chairs, optional, will add more function as they can turn around depending on where the conversation is.

I suggest a chaise lounge or a chair and ottoman in front of the window to create a reading nook and more seating when needed.

I recommend Randy and Pam go for a bold and unique coffee table - a converstion piece. It will provide impact and contrast to the simple clean lines of the sofa and chairs. Have fun with it; but remember it needs to be the right size in proportion to the space. You need to be able to move around it and it should be about the same height as the sofa seat. Some examples are below.


Another option for a coffee table is an upholstered ottoman. A tray can be used to display objects or place drinks on.

Additional side tables will be needed beside the chaise lounge and between the two arm chairs. The tables do NOT have to match.




An area rug will anchor the space and define the seating area. It should be the correct size so that all the furnishings sit on the rug, or at least the front legs of each chair. A light colour will contrast with the wood floors, and a pattern will hide any dirt. You could also use a sisal rug in the summer for a beach feel, and change it out with a wool rug in the winter for a warm and cozy feel.

A pair of armoires could be added on each side of the fireplace to provide extra storage. An alternative would be to add a dresser on each side with a lamp on top for ambient lighting and art on the wall above it.

Pam indicated she needed extra storage in the dining room and since she also wants a big table and there is little room for more furniture in the dining space she could use the armoire to store extra dishes when needed for entertaining.

DINING ROOM

In the dining room I recommend a wood table with white chairs. I also recommend white swivel
stools for the island counter. The white provides a clean fresh look and a contrast to the wood table and floors.

A credenza could be used in the dining room to store extra dishes if the table is smaller. They can extend the table when needed for entertaining on holidays or dinner parties. The credenza could have wood legs to coordinate with the other wood elements in the space, or nickle to tie in with the cabinet hardware. A mirror  or art could be added above the credenza.

Adding a chandelier over the dining table will create a focal point. An open and airy design will not obstruct the view. The single existing pendant light above the island should be replaced with a recessed light similar to the other recessed lights in the kitchen. If more lighting is needed in the kitchen, I suggest adding two more recessed lights over the island above the stools. Adding more pendants will just clutter the space and take away from the stunning chandelier over the dining table.

Randy mentioned he does not want or need draperies for privacy; however, I would like to suggest that draperies add softness and texture to a space.  They finish the room. You only need panels as they do not need to close and should be hung as high above the window as possible and go all the way to the floor. The same style and fabric should be used in  the living area and the dining area for a cohesive look.

 

BEDROOM

Paint colour can be selected once Randy and Pam pick out their bedding and furnishings. A soothing  colour works best in a bedroom to create a calming feel for a better sleep - so no red or canary yellow! A darker colour could be used to add a cozy, intimate feel. An upholstered headboard and an area rug under the bed would also create a warm and cozy space.

To add some drama to the space, wallpaper or wood trim could be installed on the wall behind the bed. Choose the wallpaper BEFORE the paint colour; alternatively, paint the wood trim accent wall the same colour as the other walls. The accent wall and upholstered headboard would provide a focal point. Dressers used as night tables add more storage.

There is an existing closet in the bedroom, but Pam would prefer more storage. I suggest adding a large armoir or a combination of built-ins on the wall across from the bed to provide the extra needed storage.

The information and ideas above will hopefully give Randy and Pam the direction and the confidence to start decorating their new cottage.

They can visit their favourite furniture stores or check out the links below to start their search for their new furnishings:

Sarah Richardson Design
Wayfair Canada
Home Depot Canada
Rugs.ca
Lights Canada
Lumens Light and Living

Happy Shopping!