MODERN COLOURS IN AN OLDER SPACE

I recently came across a charming little apartment in downtown Toronto. From the outside, the building was small, likely a 6plex and appeared to have an almost historic look to it. Walked inside to see the renovations that were taking place in the interior of the condo and WOW! What a great job they were doing! Yes, the space indeed had the older radiators for heating, and those wonderful high baseboards we all know and love, crown molding with an old world feel along all ceiling corners…. And BAM!! Sparkling new Grey black granite counter tops, dark espresso hardwood floors newly installed, super chic bright white smooth frosted glass cupboards with steel handles fabulous pot lights throughout the kitchen, stainless steel appliances bathroom gutted and in its place a wonderful espresso vanity with rectangular sink, fabulous slate floors in the main entrance foyer area leading also into the bathroom…. And I started to wonder? How does one use colour in a space while still respecting the dignity of the home?

In this case it was simple; the combination of old and new in this particular space made me want to go super modern and youthful in the colours… and that’s exactly what I created in the pallet. Totally bright lime green accent walls in the kitchen to offset both the darker floors as well as the crisp white cabinetry since there was so much of it, the green did not at all take over the look of the space. Connecting living room I decided that an off white with a dark charcoal accent wall would do and the main foyer I did in super fuchsia hot pink colour including the ceiling. Thought about how wonderful a stainless steel and crystal round chandelier would look hanging from the ceiling in the main entrance way. It created such a dramatic entrance into the apartment making the mind wonder other lovely surprises this new world condo had to offer. Upon completing the palette and colour schedule I thought to myself: THIS…. Is the home of a young single woman!!! And she was happy!!