THE ELEGOTH'S DWELLING
A house of horrors waited patiently for this fearless Elegoth to see beyond its nightmare alleys to a place she would call her new home. The renovation battle with the dark brought in the light, with her own sense of style. What and who is the Elegoth? It is my own term to describe this elegant lady with a slight gothic flair. Loving black with gold and Tim Burton, we spun together her fascination with exotic cultures, mysterious practices, worldly travels, diverse art collections, and black and white stripes into an eclectic and unique interior style that is all her own.
BEFORE
Three stories of a dilapidated house with good bones, born sometime around the year 1916, was soon to become a home that dared to welcome all – all good goths, that is! There was much to accomplish with a modest budget. Some rooms were completely demolished; others only partially. The old knob and tube electrical throughout the entire house was replaced with new wiring, adding lots of extra outlets. With additional overhead lighting, we helped to create a sophisticated ambiance and glamour with an edge.
The front entrance was in horrid shape, all aged and dirty: peeling paint; vile, broken tiles on the floor; a rickety screen door attached to the original beat-up wooden door; battered coat hooks. We painted the walls in two tones (cream and taupe) above and below the plate rail and laid a cool black and cream stripe floor. A tryptic artwork, a mirror from India, an awesome light, and a freshly painted front door all added to the welcome home feel. A filthy aged carpet was removed from all the stairs where our lady was to reside and painted in ivory with horizontal black stripes – Burton style – giving the illusion of a wider stairway. One wall leading to her abode was painted in a deep purple crimson, Benjamin Moore Crushed Velvet #2076-10, and featured black and gold antique mirrors in a stunning combination to lead you up the staircase. A black swirl light fixture was hung from the high ceiling next to the skylight.
The main floor downstairs became an income apartment for our lovely lady. Given the the age of the house, the 8ft ceilings simply did not make sense. Taking down the false ceiling revealed an elaborate and dastardly metal cage where the old drywall had been mounted. Once removed, a gorgeous 10ft ceiling was exposed! Two lovely Phantom of the Opera style chandeliers in the living room and bedroom were added, for a touch for drama. The kitchen and bathroom were updated. A palette of various shades of taupe popped with ivory finished the look. New French doors were installed in the back room leading to a new sun deck and lovely garden, now ready for her new tenant!
On the second floor, we painted one wall in the living room and one in the guest room in the rich Benjamin Moore Black Satin #2130-10. The colour palette also included hits of Ivory White #CC-130 and Revere Pewter #HC-172. The living room featured an upholstered 1920s couch in taupe crushed velvet, custom pillows, her own art, a gold disco ball chandelier light, and family antiques which included 1940s wooden shoe forms and a 1950s dress form which we dressed up in lights!
The kitchen was in a sad shape and totally dysfunctional. After new electrical and plumbing, we added a large stainless sink and matching appliances, repainted the kitchen cabinets and added black, goth-inspired handles.
A backsplash of faux tin tile, lined with stainless subway tile, accented the new black serpentine countertop, as well as a sliding spice rack. A gold-framed chalkboard and vintage pin-up girl next to the painted Crushed Velvet wall (to match the hallway) finished the look.
BEFORE
The guest room was a challenge due to its small size. To make it look bigger and more inviting, we put in new floors in a driftwood wood-look vinyl, painted different colours on the walls to play with lighting, and installed a mirrored closet.
The twin bed was dressed with custom pillows and a striped blanket. A stainless steel desk with elegant, undulating legs paired with a 1940s iron garden chair painted black. Buddha, a dancing Indian maiden, a witchy garden painting, and black and white photographs helped to exude the feeling of faraway worlds.
BEFORE
The bathroom was completely demolished and reconfigured – the original narrow design with the tub right in the way meant you practically had to walk in sideways! We moved the tub to the back wall, across the width of the room and moved and installed a new toilet, a black wooden vanity, sink, and a new radiator.
A feature wall of tiny Italian iridescent black glass tiles graced the tub area while classic white ceramic tiles were accented with a horizontal band of clear rain-look subway tile detailed with more iridescent black glass. A Kohler’s medicine cabinet was added, along with decorative glass shelves for storage and organization.
Her daughter’s room had only one tiny closet. We closed off a tiny window in order to extend the closet clear across the width of the bedroom – giving lots of space for a fabulous, growing wardrobe. An antique bed found new bedding, accented by a painted faux pink stone wall and quirky art and collectables to decorate the antique dressers.
BEFORE
BEFORE
The third floor had two tiny rooms but almost no natural light. The second room had a small door and window that looked out onto a flat roof covered in gravel and garbage, with two steps leading to a raised floor. It was time to take out the sledgehammer! Down came the wall between the rooms to create one larger space. We lowered the floor in one room to match the other, revealing old plumbing which was promptly removed. Creating an archway between the rooms opened the space and defined separate bedroom and dressing-office areas. New cream marble-look floors replaced the old. Adding a closet that spanned the length of the room made for great storage and, of course, a stylist black wardrobe.
BEFORE
We blasted through the outside wall, removed the old door and window, and replaced it with classic French doors. Indian silk sari curtains in an orange amber with sheers created a sensuous, ethereal feel.
A new flat roof was installed; outdoor black iron garden furniture added and finished with black and white striped throw pillows. A relaxing rooftop garden bloomed in large black cauldron pots with shades of purple, crimson, and white, overlooking ancient trees in a park of gentle greens.
The Charts cast for both of these people, though quite different, assisted with all the design elements, harmonizing their energy.
Black accents and sumptuous bedding beckoned. A paint palette of Benjamin Moore Delaware Putty #CC-230 and Wild Mushroom #CC-336 highlighted with Ivory White #CC-130 brought in light and sparkle.
And everywhere they looked, a PVA sent a neural trigger to their minds and hearts reminding them: you are home.
The new neighbors were overjoyed because they knew: nothing wicked this way comes in
Your Sacred Space!