A GENTLEMAN'S QUARTERS
A true gentleman and a scholar, a desire to transform his home met his desire to transform his life. Moving back home after years of being away, this true romantic hoped to find his lady love in this next chapter of his life. And so we strategically placed many things two-by-two.
His lovely two-storey 1920s house in all its original glory was in excellent shape, just in need of some updating and new design ideas to meet his current needs and future plans. He told me of Frannie, the woman who had sold him the house, and how she had grown up there – the house had been in her family as long as she could remember. He was only the second owner.
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With an affinity for gold and a penchant for blues with red accents, our noble colour palette was happily defined. We even gilded all the radiators!
The elegant original details all throughout the house – oak floors, built-in original wood closets, crown mouldings, and stained glass windows – were an exquisite backdrop for what was to come and what was soon to be.
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Benjamin Moore Normandy #2129-40, and then decorated very purposefully. A poster painting of Turandot featured a beautiful woman with dark hair and alluring green eyes. He was mysteriously drawn to this picture and later we were to find out why. The living room and dining room were painted in two-toned gold, Benjamin Moore, Summerdale Gold #HC-7 and Adams Gold #HC 18, presenting a lovely canvas for the new custom furniture pieces.
In the living room, our custom couch in the softest of leathers was accented with custom made pillows in gold, blue and red paisley, and striped fabrics. An Indian Jaipur rug grounded the space.
A vintage ‘60s tub chair gets a makeover with gilded wood and ultrasuede upholstery in a luscious red colour. Gold silk curtains and hardware from Pottery Barn to frame the stained glass windows. The ugly brick fireplace was painted in ivory white and tastefully accented with red glass votives, a pair of gold hurricane lamps, and an antique clock.
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Two custom chairs were upholstered in a sophisticated fabric design, reminiscent of a man’s expensive tie, in gold and blue with red ticking. They were positioned beside each other, tilting inwards. A red hand-painted lamp on a gold table with onyx glass, to bind them together. His love of boats, water, and travel are seen in his choice of two partner paintings featuring scenes of Venice.
Our gentleman had a lovely 1920s antique dining room set in excellent shape, so we reupholstered the chairs in a lovely red and gold silk ticking fabric for an update.
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An unusual vintage wooden tea cart with a floral marquetry design was found in an antique store. Our artist stained the floral design in tones of gold, plum, and olive green; the wood refinished in a rich tone of reddish brown and with areas gilded for a golden shimmer.
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Now this sophisticated bar cart is ready for a fine wine collection. An oriental carpet with blue, golds, and reds completes the space.
The second floor has three bedrooms and a bathroom. The master bedroom was painted in Benjamin Moore Hemp Seed #CC- 578. A wood sleigh bed and dresser were purchased. Embroidered royal blue bedding with decorative pillows meets an antique trunk at the foot of the bed that we redesigned and repainted. A pair of copper-toned silk pillows draws in the energy of the couple.
Custom gold framing, custom silk drapes, and an antique chair from the ‘50s – re-stained and reupholstered with gold nail heads and a custom red striped lumbar cushion – are all accented by a gorgeous wool carpet.
The bathroom was completely demolished and reconfigured. We borrowed 2ft from the guest room to have the space we needed for the new design.
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A custom wood vanity and side cabinet made a wonderful use of the space for maximum storage with handles and knobs from Restoration Hardware. A new modern radiator was installed.
A soaker tub with a white tile surround glowed in front of a blue glass feature wall. A tub niche with glass shelves and a tiled step created a place to put exclusive toiletries.
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Glass block was substituted for the window and framed in Murano glass tiles, lined inside with black tile.
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A half glass shower wall contained the space. Designer taps, faucets, and a shower head added a touch of sparkle in chrome. Square pot lights, including one in the shower, a lovely four-piece vanity light, and a ship’s style overhead light brightened the space.
A detail of blue glass and Murano glass tiles waltzed around the space horizontally topping the white subway tiled walls. An incredible metamorphosis!
The walls were painted in Benjamin Moore Nordic Gray # CC-576. The floor laid in a diagonal pattern featured black marble and ivory stone. Original black and white photography were professionally framed and hung.
Another bedroom became a sitting room and office. We refaced the fireplace with a blue-gray stone, and created a new wood mantle. Two red velvet chairs with a gold table between them was ready with a bottle of brandy and two glasses. A small desk and gold bookshelf finished this space.
The last bedroom, the guest room, was painted in Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray #HC-170 and a feature wall in Pottery Red #2085-20. A comfy bed with a linen duvet, a pair of black linen accent pillows, topped with a gray striped silk pillow, popped against the red wall and a painting of a ship in harbour. As in the master bedroom, we made sure there were a matching pair of pillows to draw in the energy of the two.
An antique dresser was reimagined, painted, and all hardware gilded. The overhead light was also gilded, as was the radiator.
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A corner antique shelf unit and blue silk curtains completed this welcoming room.
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And now you may wonder: did this lovely gentleman find his gracious lady? And the answer is yes – with raven hair and beautiful green eyes just like his hallway poster painting of Turandot.
Now, married and content – love will always find you in Your Sacred Space.