This was a unique project in that the homeowner lived in Toronto but wanted to build a summer home for her family by the ocean in P.E.I. where she grew up. We worked from the architect drawings to space plan the entire 5000 square foot interior, millwork for all rooms, ceiling details, all furnishings and fixtures but we were able to do all the presentations live because the client lived here. We also worked with the builder to ensure all measurements were correct and gave plans to local trades to produce millwork.
Since this was an ocean front home, the homeowners wanted a casual and welcoming vibe. An upscale cottage with a very fresh feel. We used white paneling ship lap and a blue, green and neutral color palette with touches of nature. The woods were like drift wood, and fabrics had an organic feel.
Hardwood, tile and fixtures were sourced here and then purchased there. The lighting, furnishing and drapery were all from Ontario. We splurged on the seating. We are firm believers that sofa and chairs need to be very comfortable and well made. We were furnishing and accessorizing a large home which meant there was not much left in the budget for the little things so we selected accessories with budget in mind.
We triple checked all items before shipping and then we used a cross country moving company to move all the products and flew down to the island for the install. Once we arrived, we had just 3 days to set up the home. The first day we directed the movers as to where to place all the rugs and furnishing. The next day was spent supervising drapery and artwork installation, and purchasing local accessories. On the final day, we conducted a photo shoot and had the grand reveal for the client. It was a whirlwind for sure!
Of course, with such a tight time frame, there are bound to be hick ups. When we arrived, the contractor had not finished and the house was a mess with 10 trades people still working. We spent a lot of time cleaning floors before the rugs could go down. Thanks to due diligence, the project was completed on time despite the hick ups.
TEXT | Gabriele Pizzale, www.pizzaledesigninc.com
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