Main Floor Makeover

By Candice Olson

After: Urban Pad
The space was in rough shape: outdated, tired and dingy. Without Steven coordinating this job, we knew we would have to work harder than usual, but we all dug in our heels and started from scratch. We knocked down walls to open up the area and put up new drywall. We also put in hardwood flooring, installed a central vacuum system and put up new ceilings with wiring for flat-mount stereo speakers.

I then divided the space up into three zones: a living room/lounge, a small dining room and a new kitchen.

In the living room, I created a focal point that people will see as soon as they walk through the front door: a bench seat covered in a striped fabric of calming blue, green, taupe and beige, and a 46-inch television that acts a mirror when not in use. I also created a larger seating arrangement, comprising a comfortable couch and two chairs with stainless-steel accents. I also put down a cool rug of carpet tiles in the same colors used on the bench.

Next to the living room, I created a small dining area. The “wow” factor in this area is a new gas fireplace, featuring polished black stones inside and a surround of stainless steel with floating glass outside. In this zone, I also put in a gorgeous, round, black pedestal table and some funky Lucite chairs.

On the living/dining room windows I put up some stylish curtains made of a neutral colored silk with a woven pattern, and I also put some woven grass blinds behind the curtains for privacy and light control.

Adjacent to the living room, I set up an ultramodern kitchen with all the bells and whistles, including lots of dark cabinetry, two glass-tiled backsplashes and beautiful quartz countertops. I then installed a roomful of stainless-steel appliances, including a new side-by-side fridge and freezer, microwave, induction cooktop, oven, warming drawer and sink. For added zing, I put up a cityscape mural at the far end of the room.

To lighten things up, I put in recessed ceiling lights, floor lamps and some pendant lighting. I then installed a host of accents – vases, photos, artwork – and Steven and Alan’s main floor was complete.

This fixer-upper really needed some fixing up. By opening up the space and filling it with contemporary fixtures and finishes, comfortable furniture and hip accessories, this house went from “suburban sad” to “urban pad” and is now ready for the stylish duo and their city-dwelling friends. Now that’s divine!