Est. Reading Time: 4 Mins
When you think of Ottawa suburbs, what's the first thing that comes to mind? You might think it’s a trek from the downtown area, or maybe you think it’s another town of its own. After all, every suburb has their own little flair to it.
Take Riverside South, for example. This suburb is bustling with young families, new transit stations and stunning greenery for a nice afternoon stroll. This is also where Cynthia, our latest design story client, resides.
Cynthia requested help from our La-Z-Boy Hunt Club Interior Designer, Michelle MacLellan, and the results are worth diving into!
In This Article...
About the Project
This lovely open-concept home in Riverside South is where Cynthia spends most of her time with family and friends. The initial problem she felt she needed help with was how to better utilize the space.
“I lived in a 1,300 square foot condo before, and I needed furniture that would help maximize the space better,” she said. She also expressed wanting her main floor area to feel welcoming and peaceful, but she felt the furniture she had before wasn’t giving her what she wanted.
When she visited her friends in the 1000 Islands, she saw La-Z-Boy furniture firsthand. She tells us, “I remember the comfort was like nothing I had felt before, and I knew I needed to get some of my own furniture pieces.”
So, when she came back to Ottawa from her vacation, she immediately started tracking down a La-Z-Boy location and landed on Hunt Club. This is where she met with sales consultant Tarek Abulaban, who referred her to Michelle.
Cynthia initially wanted only the recliner Tarek helped her find, but as she was leaving the showroom, she noticed a sofa she really loved, and that’s where the conversation with Michelle began.
When Michelle first entered Cynthia’s home, she knew the space looked alright, but she knew she needed help pulling things together. Before she knew it, what was supposed to be a simple recliner purchase turned into an entire first-floor revamp.
Before…
After…
The Interior Design Process
The vision started when Michelle put on her detective cap! “As designers, we have to ask a lot of questions to understand what our clients want from us, and that’s how I was able to better understand Cynthia’s wants and desires for her space.”
After the initial conversation with Cynthia, Michelle understood that Cynthia loves hosting and having her family over for dinner.
Because Tarek had already found the right recliner for her, Michelle already had a baseline for the style Cynthia liked. Based on the recliner she chose, Michelle knew she wanted a more modern, sleek style with a neutral colour palette.
Once figuring this out, Michelle picked out the wood, carpet and fabric samples that would help expand the living area on another level. Cynthia appreciated the many samples Michelle brought; it helped envision what the space could look like.
Cynthia also noted how impressed she was when it came time for the final presentation. Michelle showed her what her room could look like based on the choices they made, and she was eager to have everything in her home.
“She really utilized the space in a way I hadn’t seen before,” Cynthia said, remembering her first reaction to the final presentation.
Furniture & Accessories Chosen
Along with the initial recliner and sofa that Cynthia fell in love with, Michelle added many other furniture and decor pieces to help make the open-concept space feel more luxurious.
First things first, Cynthia fell in love with the Sparrow Recliner in a clean light gray leather cover. She also felt that power was the way to go, which she thought would be more comfortable in the long run.
She also fell in love with the Bexley Sofa, specifically the two loveseats that now stand side by side in her living room, facing the aforementioned Sparrow.
Along with those living room pieces, Michelle accentuated the space with a Leo Ottoman, which also acts as a mini coffee table, and some end tables in the corner and on the side. Michelle also picked a stunning grey area rug and accent lights to highlight her new room.
Lastly, the dining room was furnished using Canadel custom furniture pieces. Michelle was able to incorporate an extendable dining table that could seat her whole family when they visited, a glass-door cabinet, a buffet table to help store her kitchen items, and four swivel stools at her counter that Michelle says are “grandchild-proof.”
Michelle also mentions Cynthia’s fine china collection, which she greatly admires, and how she found a way to incorporate her dishware into the dining room's decor. Now it is on display for everyone to see!
End Result
Cynthia knew she had made the right decision when getting help from Michelle. “I knew I wouldn’t have been able to maximize the space I had to the best of my ability. Michelle really transformed the space and made it much more beautiful,” she said.
Previously, Cynthia thought of her living and dining area as too crowded and lacking enough seats to accommodate her large family. But now, not only do they have enough chairs, they have way more comfortable ones.
What she had thought about her space for so long changed with just a little guidance from an expert. Even her family doesn’t recognize the old open-concept plan she once had. “When they saw it the first time, they all thought it was so beautiful,” she said.
As for anyone thinking about furnishing with La-Z-Boy or using interior design services, Cynthia has this to say: “I would say if you’re looking to furnish a small or oddly shaped space, it doesn't help to get fresh ideas and the expertise that can give your space the wow factor!”
What's Next?
After this project, Michelle hopes that Cynthia enjoys her new space for years to come. Now that you have seen what La-Z-Boy Ottawa 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 Michelle at our Hunt Club location if you’re looking to furnish your living space (or entire home!)
Feel free to take advantage of these interior design services by visiting 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.
Related Articles:
Design Story: Living Room Revamp in Orleans
Design Story: Quebec Guest Cabin Makeover
Design Story: Lanark Lakehouse Design Project
(1).jpg?width=150&height=150&name=9C8A3062-Enhanced-NR%20(1)(1).jpg)