The Art of Blending Traditional and Contemporary Design. At CPI Interiors, we understand that moving into a new home is more than a change of address; it’s a chance to reimagine how you live and how your surroundings reflect your style. But when your furniture and décor don’t quite match your new space, it can feel like something’s missing.
That’s exactly the design dilemma our clients in Manotick faced when they downsized from their traditional Toronto home into a sleek, contemporary bungalow.
With a thoughtful eye and a deep understanding of our clients’ style, we led a transformation that honored their existing pieces and elevated the home’s entire feel. The result? a perfectly balanced living space that is warm, welcoming, and modern.
The Design Dilemma: Tradition Meets Modern Architecture
Downsizing can be exciting, but it often comes with unexpected challenges. For our Manotick clients, moving from a classically styled home into a contemporary bungalow meant their beloved traditional furnishings suddenly felt out of place.
The home featured striking black fixtures, clean lines, and modern finishes, a sharp contrast to the ornate wood furniture and classic décor they had brought with them.
We used our client’s artwork and traditional dining room furniture as a jumping-off point and added new transitional furniture and custom drapery to blend the two styles.
Finding the Balance: Light, Tone, and Thoughtful Details
Our goal was to create harmony, not contrast, between the traditional and the contemporary. We began by focusing on the heart of the home: the living room.
The space featured high ceilings, ample light, and the bold black accents typical of modern interiors. We used it as a backdrop to showcase a fresh, elegant fusion of styles.
We introduced light upholstery pieces throughout the space to coordinate with the striking fireplace and accentuate it as the focal point.
One of the transformation’s standout features was how we reframed the clients’ existing paintings. These meaningful artworks held colour cues that we could carry into the area rug, accent pillows, and other décor elements. This clever integration added a sense of continuity and flow, making each detail feel intentional and well-considered.
The Power of Personalization
At CPI Interiors, the best designs start with listening. We took the time to truly understand our clients’ preferences, lifestyles, and visions for their homes. This wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it was a highly personalized process from beginning to end.
Every detail, from lightbulbs to the drapery ties, was discussed and refined in close collaboration. We chose every detail with care, and we were committed to ensuring our clients felt comfortable and confident throughout.
A Cohesive First Floor
Though the living room was the focus of the design challenge, our work extended to the entire open area on the first floor.
We applied the same principle of tonal harmony and thoughtful layering throughout the space, ensuring each zone felt connected and intentional, from dining to relaxing.
The result is a first floor that feels open and elegant. Every corner of the space reflects a careful blending of modern structure and traditional soul.
Client Testimonial: A House Becomes a Home
Hearing how it impacts our clients’ daily lives is one of the most rewarding parts of any project. Here’s what Jennifer had to say about working with CPI Interiors:
“CPI helped us turn our ‘house’ into our home, advising us on how to decorate and furnish the entire open area on the first floor. They took the time upfront to ask us many questions so she knew our likes/dislikes/wishes. They thought through even the smallest details—lightbulbs! Curtain ties! Their presentation was thoughtful, organized, and thorough, and they were open to revisions and revisiting patterns and materials. CPI answered all our questions and was available to address any questions and concerns we had along the way. I greatly admire their professional skills, and I highly recommend CPI to anyone for any interior design project.”
These words mean the world to us and testify to what happens when passion and collaboration come together.
Why This Project Matters
At CPI Interiors, we know your home should reflect who you are. Project Trestle reminds us that with the right approach, you don’t have to choose between timeless and modern. You can have both, and you can have them beautifully blended.
Whether moving into a new space, reimagining an existing home, or simply seeking a more harmonious environment, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Our design team is committed to creating intentional, comfortable, and uniquely yours spaces.
If you’re facing a similar design challenge, or simply want a fresh set of eyes on your space, we invite you to connect with us. Let us help you turn your house into your home.
Book a 15-minute call today to discuss your project and see if our design process is the right fit for you! |
