Meeting this homeowner for the first time was a surreal experience. The entrance to her property was unassuming; but the driveway, lined with majestic trees, was unusually long for the Lakeshore suburbs of old Oakville. At the top of the driveway was a detached two car garage; but there was no real visual of the house until I reached the parking area. Stepping out of the vehicle I was greeted by a site I will not soon forget.
Beautifully cocooned and concealed within a wooded landscape, was a coastal island cottage style bungalow, with white shiplap siding and a black front door. Amidst softly curved and graceful landscaping, the entire site was undeniably picture perfect, and I fell in love at once.
The interior of the home was equally charming with a quirky layout, and uniquely shaped rooms formed around an outdoor patio with a magnificent and very old magnolia tree. The homeowner had maintained the general aesthetics of the home from the time she purchased, but she was not the original owner, and areas of the décor were beginning to feel dated and in need of an overhaul.
As with every interior design project, I will initially guide clients through an exploration phase where they collect design ideas and inspiration to understand their general style and interests. This homeowner was an avid traveler and wanted the aesthetics to reflect “recreated travel experiences”, and “memories of places she loved”. The renovation would focus on one section of the home comprised of four rooms: the principal bedroom, the principal bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a family/media room. To maintain character and continuity throughout, we would keep the existing wood flooring, trim, baseboards and interior doors.
PRINCIPAL BEDROOM DESIGNED BY CELIA ALIDA RUTTE
THE PRINCIPAL BEDROOM
The design of this principal bedroom began with a search for the furniture. The homeowner chose the bed frame and nightstands surprisingly quickly and without much hesitation. As we progressed through the design work together her choice of furniture style began to make sense. I learned that my client was aptly attuned to what was moving and shaking in the spheres of contemporary luxury design; and her intuition and confident awareness of what she liked was formed mostly thru her travels in Italy and her love of Italian design.
PRINCIPAL BEDROOM DESIGNED BY CELIA ALIDA RUTTE
The arches and curves that my client was drawn to in the bedroom furniture where shapes that have long been embraced in Italian interiors as they add softness to ridged spaces. As we look through the North American design market, these shapes are clearly trending.
The second major piece that formed the finished design of this stylish and inviting sleep haven was the wallpaper. The beautiful magnolia mural brings connection to the magnolia tree that anchors the center of the home. The remaining elements of this room design were chosen to reflect the homeowners’ love of toss cushions, and luxury hotel quality bedding, with warm brass and crystal accents.
PRINCIPAL ENSUITE DESIGNED BY CELIA ALIDA RUTTE
THE PRINCIPAL ENSUITE
The layout of the existing principal ensuite and adjoining closet was poorly designed with wasted space, and dated materials and fixtures. Instead of remodeling the existing spaces, the wall between the closet and principal bathroom was removed.
From its initial design conception, the bathroom was on a clear course to reflect the elements of a luxury spa environment. Contemporary elegance and old-world Italian charm were once again introduced in the curves and arched elements of the soaker tub and vanity mirror; in the beautiful marble mosaic floor tiles; and in the shower wall tiles reflecting the irregularity of handmade materials.
The vanity light fixtures were sourced and searched for, extensively by the homeowner, who wanted to replicate a particular style of fixture she had seen in Italy. The stunning enclosed shower with ribbed glass and brass framing, also reconnecting her to her most beloved travel experiences and memories.
PRINCIPAL WALK IN CLOSET DESIGNED BY CELIA ALIDA RUTTE
THE WALK IN CLOSET
An unfinished attic space directly above the bathroom was being used to collect storage boxes. By adding a spiral staircase to the bathroom, the homeowner was able to repurpose the attic and create a spacious and functional walk-in closet. The choice of a spiral staircase also maximized available space in the bathroom and allowed for an enclosed toilet area.
During the design phase of the walk-in closet, careful attention was given to the sharply angled ceilings and the changing ceiling heights within the space. At multiple points in the floorplan overall ceiling heights were dimensioned to ensure that storage was optimized, and areas that required full headroom were given priority real estate.
Finishing off the room with natural cork wallcovering, brass cabinetry handles, classic style light fixtures, a makeup table, and even a beauty product cooling appliance, the design elements in this room formed a balanced harmonious look, with classic silhouettes meeting skilled craftmanship.
FAMILY / MEDIA ROOM DESIGNED BY CELIA ALIDA RUTTE
THE FAMILY/MEDIA ROOM
The family/media room was designed to be a focal point for family and social gatherings; it needed to be luxuriously comfortable and functional. Patio doors lead to a private backyard garden and bbq area; the perfect setting for a sporting event bro-zone.
The architecture of the room was a compilation of “curious” wall sections, windows, and sloped ceiling details; all remnants of decisions made by previous homeowners. However, the unique features added value to the character of the home. The homeowner’s final choice of a dark bold floral wallpaper effectively minimized the odd spots, and created a cozier atmosphere with a splash of healing and happiness.
Romantic and richly detailed style is another feature of Italian design. The plush sofa’s upholstered in a luxurious green velvet with never-ending toss cushions, soft sculptural lighting, a rich colour palette, crystal doorknobs, and soft brass accents all contribute to the timeless beauty of this room.
FAMILY / MEDIA ROOM DESIGNED BY CELIA ALIDA RUTTE
CONCLUSION
For many reasons this was a complex design journey. All on its own, the task of gracefully blending the exterior cottage charm with old world elegance and a slice of modern trend, required a design savvy and adventurous spirit. She was all that and maybe even ahead of the times; but what endeared me to this lovely woman was the strong commitment she had to self-healing which was intricately woven throughout her design and reno ambitions.
She referred to this in subtle ways throughout our design work together, and the resulting living spaces represent an important core belief that this homeowner holds within herself. She clearly understands the benefits of creating a healing environment around her, and she was in a karmic place in her life where she could commit to improving her own personal wellness, in this manner.
I have no doubt that the resulting spaces this homeowner has created for herself and her family are working their magic, in ways she may not even realize. When we improve our own wellbeing, we also improve the lives of those around us; as our positive mood, or mindset, or space, can influence our interactions with those whose lives we touch.
UTILIZE THE CANVAS OF YOUR HOME, TO FOCUS IN ON THE DREAMING, THAT WILL BECOME YOUR REALITY
All the written content within the Nuith website comes directly from the consciousness of humans, and mostly from the consciousness of Celia Alida Rutte. No artificial intelligence has been employed to write these messages. The writer’s hard work and creative struggle were real. Credit to the author noted above is deserved and greatly appreciated.
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