How Whole Home Renovation Builds Welcoming & Cohesive Spaces

Whole Home Renovation – Ottawa, ON

When our clients first came to us, they had a clear vision. They wanted a casual, colourful home that felt inviting for everyday life and perfect for entertaining family and friends. As they approached their empty-nest years, they dreamed of a space that would be both peaceful and full of life when guests came to visit.

Designing for Lifestyle

This couple has a deep love for sailing and are active members of their yacht club. That passion naturally guided the design for this renovation project.

We leaned into a coastal-inspired palette with colours drawn from the water, the sky, and even the soft tones of a sunset. It gave us a way to bring their personalities into every room while keeping the home light, airy, and joyful. Even their pets, with their nautical names, seem right at home here.

Tackling the Challenges

The original layout of their home didn’t support the way they wanted to live. The kitchen was small and closed off, and the laundry room wasn’t as functional or beautiful as it could be. On top of that, almost every surface in the house needed an update.

This project came with a large wish list, but our clients trusted us. They understood the value of creating the home they wanted.

Creating Flow and Function

Every change we made was rooted in function. Expanding the dining room created a bright and welcoming space for dinners with friends. Moving the laundry upstairs made it both practical and enjoyable to use. Adding a shower to the main floor bathroom gave them a convenient option after a hot tub soak or for washing their new puppy.

There were additional details the client hadn’t asked for, but once we suggested them, they grew to love them. Centering the fireplace completely changed the flow and feel of the living room. By defining the sunroom as a cozy spot for morning coffee or evening chats, we gave it a clear purpose.

: Before

: After

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A Home Full of Personality

One of the most joyful parts of this project was bringing in details that gave the home its personality. The foyer nook with playful wallpaper and a unique console is one of our favourite features. It sets the tone as soon as you walk into the home.

Each bathroom has its own look, but the standout is the main bath, with floral tile and a bold vanity. Cheerful, fresh, and always making guests smile. Throughout the house, the palette stays connected to nature, which keeps everything cohesive without feeling repetitive.

: Main Floor Bathroom

: Upstairs Main Bathroom

: Ensuite Retreat

: Basement Powder Room

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Collaboration and Trust

Our process is all about collaboration. During our site visit, we spent time with our clients asking questions about how they pictured living in the space. We went through inspiration photos together and used that as a starting point to create something unique for them.

Our full-service approach meant they didn’t have to stress over every little decision. They especially loved seeing all the selections together without having to make multiple trips to stores to see samples. They told us they appreciated how easy it was to work with us, how well we understood their vision, and how everything came together exactly as they hoped.

Once the design was complete, the presentation needed minimal changes. From there, we provided weekly updates to the clients and stayed in close contact with the contractor to keep the project on track. Our consistent communication made the whole process easy and stress free for our client.

How Whole Home Renovation Builds Welcoming and Cohesive Spaces. Image of new bathroom.

The Grand Reveal

When we saw how the unique selections came together, we knew this project was going to be something special. Every detail reflected the clients’ personalities. When we visited after completion, they told us they still pinch themselves that they get to live in such a beautiful home. Despite the size of this project, our team completed everything on time, and we created a home that felt like their dream realized.

Lessons from Project Selwyn

One of the biggest lessons from this project is the value of renovating the whole home at once. It allowed us to make thoughtful choices that worked together, creating a cohesive flow from room to room.

Project Selwyn isn’t just a renovation. It is a reflection of our clients’ lifestyles, passions, and personalities. The result is a home that feels equally welcoming for a quiet cup of coffee or a lively evening with friends.