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As one of the top local furniture stores in Ottawa, La-Z-Boy has always been proud to partner with organizations that make a difference in the community. Over the years, these partnerships have led to exciting collaborations, including the Minto Dream Home and meaningful initiatives like Restoring Comfort in CHEO’s Respiratory Lounge.
In 2024, La-Z-Boy took on a project that hit a little closer to home. To show appreciation for one of our longest-standing community partners, our team decided to revamp the CTV Bell Media Lounge, located in the CTV Morning Live studio in downtown Ottawa.
Under the creative direction of interior designer Michelle MacLellan from our Hunt Club La-Z-Boy location, the space was transformed into a stylish, welcoming area for guests and team members to enjoy.
“This was a really fun project for all the designers,” says Michelle. “We had a lot of fun recreating this space.”
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During a visit to the studio for a television segment, one of La-Z-Boy’s interior designers noticed that the staff lounge area was feeling dated and could use a fresh look. The comment sparked an idea that quickly grew into a full redesign of the space.
La-Z-Boy’s leadership and design team agreed that updating the lounge would be the perfect way to express gratitude toward the CTV Ottawa staff for their continued partnership. Each designer presented a concept, and the final design chosen was Michelle MacLellan’s vision.
After nearly a year of planning, designing, and refining, the CTV Bell Media La-Z-Boy Lounge became a stunning example of collaboration, creativity, and gratitude in action.
Every project starts with a vision. Michelle’s goal was to turn a simple breakroom into a warm, stylish space that felt just as inviting as the coffee shops and patios found in Ottawa’s ByWard Market, where the CTV studio is located.
“This space is in the heart of the ByWard Market, and I wanted to bring the outside in,” Michelle explains. “It needed to feel open, cozy, and connected to its surroundings.”
The new design introduced a modern-industrial atmosphere, inspired by urban architecture and outdoor social spaces. Key architectural additions helped redefine the lounge. Exposed brick walls, vertical shiplap panelling, and factory-style windows were added to create dimension and visual interest.
Michelle also incorporated a barstool counter area for guests to use their laptops or enjoy a coffee before appearing on-air. “We wanted to include different types of seating so the lounge could accommodate large groups if needed,” she says.
The warm tones of wood and brick, paired with soft lighting and leather textures, created a natural and inviting atmosphere. “The brick wall is definitely one of my favourite elements,” Michelle shares. “It’s visually appealing, and the cognac leather sofa adds a lot of warmth to the room.”
One of the biggest challenges Michelle faced was the low ceiling height, which made the space feel narrow and enclosed. To overcome this, she used vertical details and light tones to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height.
“There were a lot of air ducts and cables around the space,” she says. “By adding vertical architectural elements, it helped make the ceiling feel higher and the space more open.”
The final result was a space that felt connected to its surroundings while offering a completely refreshed look inside the CTV studio.
With the structural updates complete, Michelle turned her attention to the furniture. This was a unique opportunity to showcase La-Z-Boy’s modern furniture collection in a functional, high-traffic space that still needed to feel comfortable and stylish.
The new furniture configuration features the Tahoe Sectional arranged in a sofa-style setup. Its clean lines, plush cushions, and neutral tone complement the rich brick wall and warm wood accents throughout the lounge.
To add balance and versatility, Michelle included two Maeve Swivel Chairs, positioned across from the sectional to encourage conversation. Their soft fabric texture and graceful movement add a contemporary touch while keeping the space light and inviting.
At the center of the lounge sits a new coffee table that ties together the industrial-modern aesthetic. The table’s simple design and warm wood finish enhance the surrounding elements without overwhelming them.
Every furniture piece was chosen to highlight comfort, durability, and timeless appeal, which are all qualities that reflect La-Z-Boy’s design philosophy. “We wanted to make this space feel like a true reflection of La-Z-Boy’s style,” Michelle says. “It’s cozy, modern, and built to last.”
“I can’t pick just one favourite piece,” says Michelle. “I really love how the entire look came together. The mix of industrial details and cozy materials makes it feel so welcoming.”
Fellow designer Zeina Badawi, from La-Z-Boy Kanata, also worked on the project and shares what stands out most to her. “When you see the space for the first time, you immediately notice the brick wall, the coffee table, and the La-Z-Boy sign. It feels like our brand’s personality is brought to life.”
The lounge has already been featured on CTV Morning Live, showcasing how the La-Z-Boy team can turn even a media workspace into a stylish retreat.
“This project was special because it wasn’t about selling furniture,” Michelle says. “It was about saying thank you and showing what La-Z-Boy can do when creativity meets community.”
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, what 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, Gatineau and Kingston. 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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