When designer Anne Lennard-Otto, of Distinctive Designs, first met with this home's owners they were looking for practical help with ideas to change and improve the appearance and function of their home. "A lot of times there is a sense of frustration when clients first come to us. They are not happy with their space—they don't know why they are unhappy, but they are. They begin to lose interest in the space," explains the designer. "When I met this homeowner this is how she was with both her kitchen and master bath—they were places in her home that just weren't working for her."
Together, the homeowners and Lennard-Otto began researching— getting to the crux of what wasn't working, and then drawing inspiration from there. The goal: turn a dysfunctional space into a truly amazing space that the homeowners could enjoy, beginning in the master ensuite. Originally, the master ensuite lacked a defined purpose. "Once, when we were in France, we stayed in a hotel that had a completely tiled bathroom," the homeowner offers. Listening not only to what the homeowners wanted—think elegance—but also to what wasn't working, Lennard-Otto began plans for the bathroom.
And she delivered in the final product. The spacious ensuite now has delineated areas, all with a specific purpose, and a smooth, elegant, modern French provincial finish. The large, rectangular high-gloss ceramic tile on the floor, walls and ceilings provide depth, visual interest and character to the space. Modern satin nickel shower and sink fixtures complement the dark Cabernet-Merlot finish of the cabinetry as the lights reflect against the mirrored surfaces. The dark cabinetry connects the bathroom with the master bedroom's furniture.
Beyond working together, the master suite also draws attention to the homeowner's beloved backyard space. "The backyard, with the pool and landscaping, is ideal and adds visual beauty to the new master suite," says the homeowner. "With the completed bathroom renovation, my master suite is now like a retreat." With the master suite completed, the focus switched to the kitchen.
"It was nice to start with the bathroom first because I got a sense of the homeowners' tastes," says Lennard-Otto. "We knew what they wanted repeated in the kitchen, and some of the details were already decided on. The kitchen and dining room is a long and narrow area. I was concerned it could get the appearance of a bowling alley, but repeating the tile flooring and walls, and ceiling in the second kitchen, added depth and character to the space. Now you feel nestled and comfortable in the space."
Another challenge to the space was the different ceiling heights—the result of various additions done over time.
"We looked at all the built-ins we were proposing—the pantry and the china cabinet in the dining room—and realized we already had more storage space than in the previous kitchen, so we decided to do away with the upper cabinets, and instead install a bank of windows opening up to the backyard," she explains.
"We created a unique coffered ceiling that conceals the different ceiling heights, something the homeowners were after." The space is full of interesting and innovative items. From an induction stove top, with a hidden downdraft rather than a range hood, to the panelled refrigerator and concealed breakfast prep station.
"Just above the in-wall oven there is a cabinet which opens to a shelf and has all of the homeowners' appliances plugged into it," she continues. "When the cupboard is open, the appliances are plugged in and the electricity is live. Once the cupboard is closed, however, the electricity is disconnected. It's perfect for the homeowners. Everything is right there for her when she's preparing for entertaining." From a design perspective, it's ideal as everything is ready and waiting, leaving the lines clean and the space uncluttered. For the homeowner, the space is designed for entertaining—something she loves to do. The secondary kitchen is attached to the backyard courtyard, making it outdoorsfunctional, and the large kitchen and dining room space allows her to prep and be with her company at the same time. "We just love the home a lot now. The renovations have made a big difference in how we cook and entertain and relax."
Lennard-Otto agrees. "There are quite a few key elements that needed to tie together. It was great to work with clients who appreciated the design process necessary to attain the ‘wish list.' It's always amazing to see the clients' attitude transform, gaining confidence and a sense of achievement when they see the end result exactly as they imagined." NMI
