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As one of the top local furniture stores in Ottawa La-Z-Boy is known in the community.
Because of these partnerships, we have been able to complete major projects, like the Minto Dream Home, and meaningful ones like Restoring Comfort in CHEO’s NICU Lounge. However, with all the projects centred on the community and giving thanks to those who shop with us, sometimes we forget to give thanks to those who were able to make it happen.
Given La-Z-Boy's status as one of the sponsored furniture stores in Ottawa, our interior designers and president saw an opportunity to express our gratitude by creating a new lounge for CTV Morning Live Ottawa.
Michelle MacLellan, the mastermind behind the design, has been an interior designer in Ottawa for many years and works at La-Z-Boy’s Hunt Club location. “This was a really fun project for all the designers. We had a lot of fun recreating this space,” she proudly says.
This article will highlight the interior design process behind the CTV Bell Media La-Z-Boy Ottawa Lounge, and how it turned from a room to glance at, to a room to stop and admire.
In This Article…
The Story Behind the Project
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As mentioned before, La-Z-Boy and CTV News have had a partnership together in Ottawa for decades. Because of this partnership, both companies have collaborated on all kinds of projects.
Some of these collaborations even include La-Z-Boy’s interior designers in Ottawa showing up for segments on the show. “Sometimes we come on to talk about topics like design trends and furniture ideas for viewers at home,” says Zeina Badawi, the interior designer from La-Z-Boy Kanata who also helped on the project.
While shooting a segment for CTV Morning Live at the CTV Bell Media studio, an interior designer received feedback about the dated feel of the break area. The comment prompted them to consider a revamp of the space to bring a fresh and modern look to it.
La-Z-Boy envisioned transforming the area into a comfortable lounging space for individuals to relax in before appearing on the show. Each interior designer put forth their vision for the space, and the chosen concept turned out to be Michelle's idea!
After almost a year of conceptualizing, presenting and creating the space, the CTV Bell Media La-Z-Boy lounge is how you see it today!
From Start to Finish: The Interior Design Process
The Architectural Design
Every project starts with an idea. The goal was to turn an everyday breakroom into a cozy environment that guests could lounge in and wait before they ended up on the show, and Michelle knew exactly what she wanted to do simply based on the location of the CTV News studio.
“This space is located in the heart of the Ottawa Byward Market, and I really wanted to bring the outside in to make it have the same atmosphere as the surrounding area,” she says.
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Some of her inspirations behind the La-Z-Boy Lounge were aspects of outside patios, coffee shops and cozy hangout areas. One of the main elements that helps with this idea is the architecture, which was completely renovated to what it was before.
Some big architectural additions are the brick walls, which were inspired by the brick detailing in our newly renovated furniture stores in Ottawa, the vertical shiplap, which can be found in the center of the room, and the factory-inspired windows, which helped divide the space even more.
Michelle also liked the idea of including a stool area for people to set up their laptops and work while waiting in the lounge, just like a coffee shop! “We all agreed we wanted to see different types of seating to accommodate a large group of people if the space required it,” she says.
Other warm aspects within the wood tones are the counter where the barstools sit, as well as the coffee table and flooring.
Within all of these details, Michelle introduced a lot of colours, textures and patterns to create visual interest. “The brick wall is definitely appealing visually, and I added cognac leather on the leather sofa to add warmth to the room.”
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Interestingly, the building where CTV News films is was originally designed as a shopping mall. Because of this, there’s an exposed skylight and atrium above the many backstage rooms, which Michelle took advantage of in her concept of bringing the outside elements into the space.
However, with every project comes its own set of obstacles. Michelle notes that one of the challenges she faced was the ceiling being close to the ground. “There are a lot of air ducts, and cables around the space, and getting around that was the biggest challenge for me,” she says.
The way she helped combat the lowness of the ceiling was by adding as many vertical architectural details as possible. This would make it seem as though the ceiling was not as low as it appeared to be. “It’s a large space, and it reads as very long and low to me,” she says.
Other than that, there were no limitations to what could be done in the space. This was the main reason why the space looks very different from what it does now.
Furniture & Accessories Selection
With a project like this, what better way to showcase La-Z-Boy furniture in its full potential?
Embracing the overarching concept of a modern-industrial ambiance, each furniture piece was carefully selected to either exude a cozy allure or radiate warmth, seamlessly aligning with the coffee shop theme that permeates the entire space.
Michelle decided to choose a bold and large furniture piece, which was the Draper Sofa. This sofa includes a trendy caramel leather cover that adds to the industrial look of the space.
Since the Draper is a stationary sofa, she decided to choose other furniture pieces that were stationary presenting.
The co-stars that help complement the Draper are four chairs that sit around the dark wood coffee table. Two Haven High-Leg Recliners and the two Ferndale Swivel Glider Chairs sit adjacent and across, respectfully, contrasting from the large cognac leather sofa.
The Haven, appearing stationary but has the unexpected ability to recline, includes an accent cover with white patterns around it. The Ferndale also appears in a dark fabric colour but remains neutral across from the large furniture piece.
What’s more, the durability of the furniture also came into consideration, which is why the Draper was chosen as the star of the space. The Draper Sofa, along with the two Haven Accent Chairs include iClean properties, which are stain-resistant and, in Michelle’s words, “indestructible.”
Michelle also added dining barstools that can normally be found in our Canadel Collection but were repurposed to add extra seating and create the coffee shop vibe she was going for.
The End Result
After finishing this project, Michelle looks fondly at her work and fills us in on her favourite aspect. “I can’t pick one favourite piece,” she chuckles, “I really love the entire look of the space. I love how modern and industrial the space looks and I love how the Draper [leather sofa] really compliments the rest of the space.”
Michelle also highlights how well the vertical detailing makes an impression with how low the ceiling is compared to how it looked before. Since the space was narrow and long, she was happy to make it feel like it wasn’t as impactful to the overall lounging area.
Zeina, our second designer assisting Michelle, notes her favourite aspect of the space is how the room welcomes you. “I love how when you see the space for the first time you notice the brick wall and the coffee table and the La-Z-Boy sign, too. It really shows that this is our space and that we’re happy to have anyone come sit on our furniture.”
Lastly, Michelle compliments herself on the furniture pieces she added to the lounge. While La-Z-Boy Ottawa is known for selling the iconic recliner, there is so much more to offer than just reclining furniture.
“I really wanted to challenge myself and show people that La-Z-Boy furniture is more than just recliners! We sell so much more like leather sofas, accent chairs, swivel gliders, and barstools. We are not a one-trick-pony.”
What's Next?
After finishing off this collaboration with CTV Morning Live in Ottawa, Michelle hopes that the CTV Bell Media La-Z-Boy Lunge is used to the fullest and encourages people to watch the news to not only stay informed but to see her and everyone else’s fantastic work.
“It’s something we do every day,” Michelle notes, “we turn ordinary spaces into something extraordinary!”
Now that you have seen what La-Z-Boy can come up with at the CTV News studio, how do you think they would do in your space?
If you enjoy the look of any of the furniture pieces showcased, do not hesitate to come to one of our furniture stores in Ottawa. You could possibly work with Michelle at our Hunt Club location if you’re looking to furnish your living space!
Feel free to take advantage of these interior design services by coming in-store, or by booking an appointment online.
If you’re interested in seeing more design stories, take a look at some more by clicking this link.
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