What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? Right now it would have to be our print/picture wall, because we worked on it together and it is a great representation of both of us. My partner works from home so that desk in the living room is where he spends most of his time. As you can see we're both very into North American politics (Obama is the most visible in the pics, but Tommy Douglas is also up there representing Canada).
I also really love the old bones. The high ceilings, the original (non-working) fireplace, the wainscoting in the kitchen, and the pillars leading to the living room. It just has tons of character.
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? The fact that its a rental and we are NOT ALLOWED TO PAINT!! It drives me crazy, but I have done my best to work with the wall colour as it is. Cohabitation also affects a lot of design decisions. My partner has definite opinions about the decor, vetoing a lot of things I would otherwise bring in, and G’s little white hairs and dirty paws meant that we had to replace all of the light furniture and white linens. But I would prefer my partner care than not, and G makes us happier than any material possession ever could, so . . .
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If every picture were of Gryffin none of the other small spaces would even have a shot =) Oh, and awesome home, by the way.
fantastic bones! my gramma ripped out columns like that in her house.
The picture wall looks amazing. I really like the final design
i think it's very fresh and modern but classic at the same time. It must have been hard not to be able to paint, but with what you've done with it, there's no need.
What a delightful condo. This is one of the best I've seen on this site in quite some time. The living room is simply to die for. Simple yet elegant; Two thumbs up!
I love this place - and the fact that it's in Ottawa - wahoo! I got married there so it's a special place for me!
Question - where's the mirror from??
Cute cute cute boston.
Hi Linzerella - the mirror is from a place in Ottawa called Zone Maison. It was a half price score or there's no way I could do it :)
FantasticMrFaux - It is a work in progress, especially the kitchen. We are hoping be able to do more in that room soon.
My favourite part is the mirror above the fireplace. It's a cool contrast of detailed design with classic, simple lines.
Hmm. I painted my living room that color by choice, so I like it! I also have the same "let them eat cake" print from sfgirlbybay, so you get my stamp of approval. Love all your little vases in groups.
Thumbs up for the father of Canadian Medicare. Nice apartment, too.
Seems people are voting NOT for the awesome design but for the content of your pictures...I'm a Las Vegas republican and I still LOVE the light, fresh aura of what you've done...THUMBS UP!
I love your picture wall and the sunbeam mirror above the fireplace and how you've grouped those vases!
Aww, CatherineinLondon! I'm so happy you commented on my space because I love yours!
YAY Ottawa!!! You've definitively got my vote....especially when I saw Zone Maison mentionned (my fav). :)
Yay Canada. Not only is the apartment cute, but it's in one of the cutest cities in North America.
You lucked-out if that wall colour is what was given! Could have been MUCH worse. I think it's quite lovely! Beautiful bones.
What a great place! I love the architecture and your furniture looks great. Where did you get the bedside lamps?
Hi Kabbie12:
I got the bedside lamps at a discount home store in Canada called Home Sense. I recovered the tacky lampshades in some white linen. Thanks for the sweet comment!
wish my place in Ottawa had looked like that one!!! (i was in that apt cluster at Lees/Queensway)
Love your fireplace!
Yes, you lucked out on the colors/colours but it was your hard work that makes this so pretty. Really warm and welcoming.
Thank you so much jendavid99, what a sweet comment.
I had also forgotten about the difference in the way our countries spell colour / color :) Neat that you picked that up
I like the layout - the living looks perfect.
Go Tommy Douglas! Love your place. My place in Ottawa was actually in Vanier (ugh!)
I can't give a thumbs up to a political post. Sorry.
Great layout...and you did a lovely job arranging the mantle. The dog is pretty awesome too.
Thank you for the lovely comment on my place. Yours is fantastic. I love your fireplace mantel.
Love the shots. Interesting composition in the bottom of the picture in the bedroom, who is the artist?
I really like your desk area and mantle. Your place has so much architectural character. Well done!
mlmclarnon - I actually have no idea who the artist is, as I won it at a charity auction. Sorry I can't help, but thanks for the sweet comment :)
woww!! this is reallyy prettyy! i likee it a lot i loovee the obama picture and the dog in your pictures! aha that's hilariouss! he's cuute! lovee thee housee! good luckk:]]
Delightful! And pets make great accessories!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment on my flat. It cheered me up as I was very disappointed I didn't get to the next round, but I still love living in my flat and that's all the matters in the end! I will definitely be voting for your gorgeous home to go into the next round (and hopefully beyond!).