Bright and cheerful townhouse Author: Donna Griffith
Designer Orsi Panos gives this townhouse a colourful facelift on a modest budget.
"Bright and cheerful." That’s what the owner of this townhouse in Courtice, Ont., was searching for in a new home. Since her previous abode was older, larger and surrounded by mature trees, she was struck by this 1,400-square-foot space with large windows, a well-designed layout and plentiful natural light. However, at 10 years old, the home’s decor was dated, and its cheap builder-grade finishes weren’t holding up – aesthetically or otherwise.
"We kept some family heirlooms that meant a lot to her," Orsi explains. "And her extensive art collection was pared down to what looked great in the space." When shopping for new pieces, "the focus was on keeping things bright, fun and cheerful," says Orsi. "That’s when all the yellow accents came in. Yellow is the ultimate sunny hue." Gold and brass accessories also provide a warm glow, while a generous selection of other accent colours gives the entire place a vibrant, happy persona. "The homeowner is such a busy and interesting person – her home is now a true reflection of that."
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House tour: Bold and bright townhouse
Complementing colours
The ikat-patterned fabric on the living room armchair was chosen for its complementary yellow, navy and grey colour scheme. The black bookcase has a grey interior and houses the TV and treasured books and objets. Designer Orsi Panos turned the book spines inward so their multi-hued jackets wouldn’t overwhelm the already colourful space.
House tour: Bold and bright townhouse
A needed makeover
"We started the project almost from the first day she looked at the house in 2014," says designer Orsi Panos. And as soon as the homeowner, a retired teacher, took possession, the makeover began. Since the existing floor plan was wonderfully functional, no major construction or structural changes were necessary. "We did what was needed to update the finishes," says Orsi.
House tour: Bold and bright townhouse
Bold pattern is the star
"The homeowner and I fell in love with this bold floral fabric for the banquette, so we decided to let it be the star of the kitchen’s eat-in area," says Orsi. The dining chairs, which she had refinished, were part of an old set.
House tour: Bold and bright townhouse
Bright, happy colour
Yellow chevron-patterned drapery brings a hit of bright, happy colour to the home’s living room. Because the space is an atypical size, Orsi opted to layer two rugs rather than splurge on a custom one.
House tour: Bold and bright townhouse
Only the essentials
Orsi helped the homeowner edit her belongings down to what would work in the new house – with less square footage, she definitely needed fewer possessions overall and wanted a fresh start.
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