Known for its family-friendly charm and growing community, Stittsville has become one of Ottawa’s most desirable neighbourhoods to settle in. Back in 2019, that’s where our clients, Anne and Gareth Thomas, began the journey of designing their dream home.
As empty nesters moving into a brand-new house, they wanted a bright, stylish, and welcoming space that truly reflected this next chapter in their lives. With the help of interior designer Zeina Badawi from our Kanata La-Z-Boy location, the couple transformed their open-concept main floor into a space that balances beauty, comfort, and timeless design.
In This Article...
About the Project
When Anne and Gareth first visited our Kanata showroom, they knew they wanted more than just furniture. They were looking for a designer who could bring their ideas to life and ensure every piece worked together in harmony.
Their new home was still under construction at the time, giving Zeina a chance to work directly from the blueprints. That early start allowed her to plan a space that would function beautifully from day one.
“Our clients loved the idea of working with a professional designer to complement their furniture purchase,” says Zeina. “It gave them the advantage of not only having beautiful furniture but a designed space that truly looked complete.”
Anne envisioned a bright, sophisticated space that combined country charm with modern elements. She wanted a calm blue and white colour palette and a layout that made the most of the home’s open-concept flow.
“She wanted something elegant and timeless,” Zeina explains. “A space that reflects the calm and beauty of country living, while still feeling chic and current.”
Before...
After!
The Interior Design Process
Zeina’s design direction began with a single piece that caught both her and Anne’s attention: a beautiful blue and white area rug. The moment they saw it, they knew it would become the heart of the room’s design.
“It had just the right look,” says Zeina. “That rug was the starting point for everything else. The furniture, fabrics, and decor all tied back to it.”
From there, Zeina worked to define the layout of the open-concept space. With no walls separating the living and dining areas, she focused on creating clear zones that served different purposes while maintaining a cohesive flow.
“When furnishing an open-concept layout, you have to think about function first and form second,” she explains. “Each zone should work on its own but also connect to the others naturally.”
Anne and Gareth wanted their living area to be perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and spending quiet evenings by the fire. Zeina ensured there would be plenty of comfortable seating, aiming for four to six spots without overcrowding the space.
The overall design leaned into soft blues, creamy whites, and subtle wood tones. This palette, paired with layers of texture, created an atmosphere that was bright yet warm. “It was exciting to work with white,” says Zeina. “Most people avoid it when they have kids or pets, but Anne and Gareth loved how fresh and uplifting it felt.”
Furniture & Accessories Chosen
Every piece of furniture and decor in the Thomas home was chosen with purpose. The Collins Sofa served as the main anchor for the living room, offering a clean-lined silhouette that felt both modern and timeless. Its neutral fabric helped balance the patterned cushions and soft blue tones in the rug, creating a calm visual flow throughout the space.
To learn more about the Collins sofa, take a look at this review article.
To complement the sofa, Zeina selected Hammary End Tables from the Graystone Hamilton Collection, which added warmth and texture with their rich wood finish. These tables grounded the lighter colours in the room while providing functional surfaces for lighting and decor.
To learn more about Hammary, take a look at this article.
In the adjoining dining area, the Canadel Dining Table and Chairs brought a sense of sophistication and continuity to the design. The natural wood tones and elegant craftsmanship made the dining space feel seamlessly connected to the living area.
To learn more about Canadel, take a look at this article.
To complete the look, Zeina layered in a selection of carefully chosen decor pieces. The Canadel TV Unit provided clean storage that didn’t overwhelm the room, keeping the open-concept layout feeling light and airy.
Zeina also added artwork, which introduced an abstract element that tied together the room’s colours and added depth to the walls.
And of course, the Surya Area Rug from the Contempo Collection remained the star of the show. Its blue and white pattern set the tone for everything else in the room and served as the visual thread that connected all of Zeina’s design choices.
“I love layering materials,” Zeina says. “When you mix wood, fabric, and soft lighting, it brings a room to life. The textures make everything feel warm and inviting.”
To learn more about Surya Rugs, take a look at this article.
End Result
When the project was complete, Anne and Gareth’s open-concept space had been completely transformed. What started as a blank canvas became a home filled with personality, comfort, and style.
“The room feels eclectic, fun, and inviting with an added touch of formality,” Zeina shares. “It’s what I’d describe as urban country. Once you step inside, you can immediately feel how calm and balanced it is.”
The blend of textures, soft lighting, and natural materials created a cozy yet elevated atmosphere. The fireplace became a focal point, while the blue and white palette carried through from room to room, giving the entire space a sense of flow and unity.
Anne describes the process as effortless and rewarding. “From the very first meeting until the last placement of furniture, the whole design experience has been outstanding,” she says. “Zeina’s professionalism, knowledge, and expertise have made our house into the most beautiful home, one that truly reflects our personalities.”
For Zeina, this project remains a special one. “This home is one of my favourite designs I’ve completed while working at La-Z-Boy,” she says. “The clients’ trust and enthusiasm made it a pleasure from start to finish.”
What's Next?
After this project, Zeina hopes that Anne and Gareth 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 Zeina at our Kanata 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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