Just 30 minutes outside of Ottawa, Embrun, Ontario, is known for its welcoming small-town charm and modern open-concept homes. In 2021, La-Z-Boy interior designer Magaly del Castillo met homeowners Fiona and Lyse when they visited our Cyrville Road showroom.
The couple wanted to update their great room, the heart of their home, and create a space that felt bright, modern, and comfortable. The large open room, which connects to the kitchen and breakfast nook, was used every day and needed a fresh new look that reflected their lifestyle.
With Magaly’s help, Fiona and Lyse transformed their space into a warm and functional living area that feels welcoming for both everyday living and entertaining.
In this Article...
About the Project
When Fiona and Lyse first met Magaly, they were ready for change. Their great room was filled with oversized, dark furniture that made the space feel heavy and uninviting. The couple wanted a space that was cozy and functional but with a lighter, more modern feel.
“The clients came in wanting to modernize the look of their great room,” says Magaly. “They wanted a comfortable, functional, and cohesive space that flowed naturally into their kitchen and eating area.”
Fiona and Lyse were drawn to the look and feel of leather. “They liked the ease of care and the luxurious appearance of leather,” Magaly explains. “It is durable, long-lasting, and always elevates a room’s style.”
They also hoped to refresh their breakfast nook, replacing the old wicker dining set with something that better suited their open-concept home. Magaly aimed to create a design that tied both spaces together while giving each its own purpose and identity.
Before...
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After!
The Interior Design Process
Before any furniture was chosen, Magaly evaluated the colour palette, lighting, and layout of the room. The walls were painted a neutral grey (Revere Pewter), but she needed to make sure the design would complement the Dijon tones in the kitchen and the yellow undertones in the hardwood floors.
Her goal was to create a space that was clean and contemporary, yet still warm and inviting. “I wanted the room to feel urban and up to date, but also cozy and welcoming,” she says. “My vision was to design a great room that felt comfortable the moment you walked in.”
The new layout would allow both Fiona and Lyse to relax and watch TV together, while still having enough room to entertain. She also worked to improve the connection between the great room and the breakfast nook, ensuring both areas shared a consistent design language.
In the breakfast nook, Magaly wanted to make the space more accessible and practical. The new furniture would create a more streamlined look and make it easier to move between the kitchen, dining area, and the backyard.
Furniture & Accessories Chosen
To achieve Fiona and Lyse’s vision, Magaly chose furniture that combined comfort, style, and longevity. The focal point of the great room became two McKenna loveseats from the La-Z-Boy Duo collection.
These top-grain leather pieces provided a sleek appearance while offering power recline for ultimate comfort. “The McKenna loveseats were the perfect choice for this space,” Magaly explains. “They look stylish but provide the functionality and comfort that the clients wanted for everyday use.”
To complement the seating area, Magaly added two Leo Ottomans, which offer both storage and flexibility. These pieces can serve as footrests, coffee tables, or extra seating when guests visit.
Storage and surface space were also important to the design. The Jupiter collection end tables and the Hammary Synchronicity TV console provided the perfect balance of modern lines and warmth, giving the clients a place to store books and display their favourite decor items.
Soft lighting and accents brought depth and warmth to the space. Table lamps from Renwil added a cozy glow, while vases, pillows, and throws from the La-Z-Boy showroom introduced texture and colour.
To anchor the seating area, Magaly selected a Feizy area rug, which tied the entire colour palette together beautifully. The finishing touches included artwork and mirrors, which added character and a touch of sophistication to the room.
In the breakfast nook, Magaly introduced the Canadel Downtown Collection. Its clean lines and comfortable design created a dining area that felt both modern and inviting.
“The clients wanted something comfortable and streamlined,” she says. “The Canadel pieces tied the two spaces together perfectly while keeping the open flow of the home.”
End Result
The transformation was remarkable. What was once a dark and cluttered room became a bright, inviting, and functional space that felt completely new. The modern lines, soft lighting, and layered textures gave the home warmth and depth, while the new layout created an easy flow between the great room and the kitchen.
“The clients wanted their home to feel cozy and welcoming,” says Magaly. “The McKenna loveseats achieved exactly that. They are practical, elegant, and incredibly comfortable.”
The choice of leather gave Fiona and Lyse the durability and style they were looking for. “Top-grain leather warms up quickly and feels luxurious,” Magaly says. “It’s easy to care for and is the ideal material for their lifestyle.”
Fiona and Lyse were thrilled with the results. “Working with Magaly was fun and painless,” they said. “She gave us great options that fit our lifestyle, and we absolutely love our new space. It’s warm, cozy, and feels like a brand-new home.”
After completing the great room, the couple already began planning their next project: the living room. “This design really captured who they are,” says Magaly. “It’s modern, inviting, and full of personality. I’m so happy with how it came together.”
What's Next?
After this project, Magaly hopes that Fiona and Lyse enjoy their new living room for years to come. Now that you have seen what La-Z-Boy can come up with, how do you think they would do in your space?
If you enjoy the look of any of the furniture pieces showcased, take a look at our Design Program, so you can get a chance to become a design story today! You could work with Magaly at our Cyrville location if you’re looking to furnish your living space (or entire home!)
Feel free to take advantage of these interior design services by coming into any of our furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston, 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. To learn more about La-Z-Boy as a whole, take a look at this comprehensive Furniture Guide.
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