ksrailey's ideas
Photos by Will DoyleBasement at a GlanceWho uses it: A mother and her three sons — one who lives at home and two who are away at collegeLocation: Beaches area of TorontoSize: 1,200 square feet (111.5 square meters)Designers: Renée Gammon and Andi Wheelband of Two Birds Design (space planning, built-ins and finishes); Marina Farrow of F.A.D. (furnishings)It’s hard to believe that this rec room in Toronto once was a semi-finished garage-turned-workout room. The garage was connected to the home’s walk-out basement, and though both spaces opened to the backyard and pool, their design and layout did not make the most of the indoor-outdoor opportunity.The Toronto homeowner, who lives in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood, hired Two Birds Design to re-envision and renovate the combined space. “The homeowner really wanted the space opened up to bring in more light and access and visibility to the backyard,” says interior designer Andi Wheelband. The result is a beautiful and functional living space where she and her sons — one residing with her at home and two who are at college — love to spend time.
After. The black-and-white ceramic tiles on the floor make a fun and fresh statement in the narrow space. Designer Susan Klimala of The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn then added in more black, white and gray features to keep the palette calm and inviting. The most dramatic change comes at the end of the room, where Klimala replaced the brown tub with a sleek white tub and sliding glass door. Wall paint: Solitude, Benjamin Moore; Damask vanity with rollout shelves and internal outlets: Kohler; mirrors: Levico, Restoration Hardware; sconces: Cafe Series, Gatco; faucets: Kelston, Kohler; bathtub: Bancroft, Kohler; tile: Twenties Classic, Merola Tile, Home Depot; browse cement floor tileRead more about this bathroom remodel
After. Bright white wall tiles and a glass tub-shower enclosure update the room and brighten up the once-dark space. Kate Dickson, principal of Kate Dickson Design, started the redesign by introducing the floor tile to the clients. They loved it right away. After that, Dickson worked with a local millworker to create custom cabinetry that would maximize the clients’ storage options. Floor tiles: Betty cement encaustic tiles, Saltillo Imports; shower wall tile: Ceragres; shower system: Disegno via Aquadesign; tub: Sydney, Hydro Systems via Home Depot; sink: Vox Square, Kohler; custom vanity: JMAC Productions; see more white floating vanitiesRead more about this bathroom remodel
Open shelves. Past the row of bar stools, Wintersteen replaced the cabinets with open shelves. These shelves, like the range hood, are made from the Cleaf laminate that was used for the hood. “Open shelves are great for people who like aesthetics and function,” Wintersteen says. “If I’m going to have open shelving, I’m going to stage and style it.”
Launder slipcovers and curtains. Check the care instructions carefully, especially if you’ve never laundered these items before. Shrunken slipcovers and short curtains are a major bummer! If you’re not sure, check with the manufacturer, or just send them to the dry cleaners.
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