Well planned design produces stunning dream home.
The story behind a build, whether it be a new home or a renovation of any kind is always interesting. Each story is different, because each client is unique and has their own specific needs and wishes.
This story begins with a phone call. Suzanne and Otto were referred to me by another client. A referral is always the best way to start since trust on a job of this size is so important. They were moving to Winnipeg and had purchased property to build their dream home. They thought they had a good handle on what they wanted, but preferred to have someone who would pull it all together for them and keep them aligned with their personal style. Suzanne and Otto had started plans, but nothing was final. Securing a designer in these initial stages of the design allowed for the plan design to be refined (massaged). This point in the building process is so important. By positioning the millwork and the furniture in the plan, according to the Suzanne and Otto's lifestyle and preferences, as a designer I could ensure they would have sufficient room for traffic flow and specific spatial allowances for the performance of the tasks necessary for that area.
I asked if we could meet to discuss the details and actually gave them 'homework' to be done before the meeting. I requested for them to create a 'wish list' - a list of what they wanted and required for their house – and asked them what sense of character they envisioned the home to portray. I proposed that they bring any photos or images that would best describe their style. I find this to be an incredibly beneficial tool for both the client and myself. There is truth in the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words!' Sometimes a client will say they are contemporary, but the images they have selected will tell me that they are more traditional. With images, we don't waste time and money on trying to find the client's style. We can get down to what is important - making their personal style a reality!
Luckily, Otto and Suzanne had done their homework prior to contacting me. That made the first meeting very productive. The character of the home was to reflect their own personal style; relaxed and timeless. They weren't looking for traditional, but leaned in the traditional direction with their millwork. The furniture was to be comfortable with clean lines.
Their wish list included:
Every space to function to the highest degree
Otto and Suzanne are all about clean lines and a classic space, but they were not about to give up function for the sake of design. Throughout the design process we weighed form with function.
A captivating foyer
Suzanne felt just including a curved staircase and high ceiling wasn't enough in the foyer. She was worried it would feel empty and cold. She also wanted a place for guests to sit and put on their boots. The selection for the entrance door definitely added some interest. Fenwick Interior Design added oval floating bulkheads placed on aircraft cable. The first bulkhead was placed close to the upper ceiling. Each subsequent bulkhead was set lower in the space. Spiral lights were placed through the center of the bulkheads to repeat the spiral in the staircase. The effect connected the upper floor with the main floor, contained the main floor comfortably, and created an exciting visual connection between floors.