Stepping over the sleek, modern threshold of their newly acquired home, Jennifer and George were immediately surrounded by clean lines, high ceilings, and a distinctly minimalist vibe. While the contemporary architecture was undeniably stylish, they longed for something more familiar—something softer and more inviting. They envisioned a home where modern elegance could meet timeless comfort.
That’s when they reached out for support from a local interior decorator in Ottawa, ready to begin a thoughtful transformation. Together, we set out to create a refined, welcoming space that would honor the home’s architecture while introducing the warmth of transitional home decor.
Inspired by Nature’s Palette
The foundation of the design began with artwork—specifically, a series of meadow paintings that featured gentle greens, golden yellows, warm rust tones, and soft blues. Inspired by nature, the palette served as a jumping-off point for the entire home, bringing in a sense of tranquility and cohesion from room to room. These serene hues set the tone for every design decision that followed.
A Comfortable Living Room Designed for Connection
One of the couple’s top priorities was to reimagine the living room as a space where 6–8 people could gather with ease. George, a fan of movie nights, wanted a dedicated seat directly facing the screen. To honor that, a classic wingback chair in warm gray upholstery was placed in front of the fireplace—offering both comfort and a perfect view. Layered textiles and soft lighting helped temper the home’s original starkness, lending the room a more lived-in and inviting atmosphere.
A Flexible, Family-Ready Dining Space
In the dining area, a beautifully crafted table was selected that extends to seat eight guests with ease—perfect for entertaining—yet maintains a compact profile for day-to-day use. To complement it, a revitalized vintage china cabinet was painted in a serene blue-gray tone, to add charm and character while echoing the home’s natural color palette.
Style Meets Function: A Home Ready for Grandchildren
Knowing that grandchildren would soon become part of the household rhythm, we made sure every selection was both beautiful and family-friendly. Performance fabrics and faux leathers provide durability without compromising style, while rounded corners on furniture ensure safety for little ones without disrupting the design.
Custom Window Treatments to Soften the Space
To downplay the home’s sharper architectural lines and accentuate the tall ceilings, we added custom window treatments that bring in softness and depth. These tailored drapes elevate the space visually, offering a gentle contrast to the crisp modern windows while enhancing privacy and acoustics.
Where Comfort and Design Come Together
This project is a beautiful example of how thoughtful design can bridge two seemingly different worlds—modern minimalism and timeless warmth. Through intentional choices, we softened the home’s contemporary edges, introduced functionality for everyday living, and created a setting where comfort and aesthetics exist in perfect harmony.
And now, this thoughtfully transformed house offers a true sense of home—one filled with comfort, beauty, and meaningful memories.
You can view more photos of this project in my Portfolio.
Here is what Jennifer shared about her experience:
“Marina helped us turn our ‘house’ into our home, advising us on how to decorate and furnish the entire open area on the first floor of our house. She took the time up front to ask us a lot of questions so she knew our likes/dislikes/wishes. She thought through even the smallest details — lightbulbs! Curtain ties! Her presentation was thoughtful, organized, thorough, and she was open to revisions and revisiting patterns and materials.
Marina answered all our questions and was available with any questions and concerns we had along the way. I have the upmost admiration for her professional skills and I really enjoyed working with her as a person. I highly recommend her to anyone for any interior design project. I expect to ask her help for a couple of rooms we have left to do in the near future.“
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