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Houzz Tour: A Modern Romance in Ontario
See how a designer duo gave their first home elegant, modern style
Soothing grays, playful vignettes, and creative wall art adorn the home of Sacha and Melissa Leclair. The two moved into their townhouse the day after they got married ("We have yet to go on a honeymoon!" says Sacha), and were smart enough to request cash as their wedding gifts so they could decorate their first home.
When they first moved into their townhouse in Ottawa, Ontario, the 1,500-square-foot space hadn't been redecorated in quite some time. Pastel walls and big gold light fixtures adorned every room. Melissa and Sacha, both interior designers with a flair for the modern, got to work transforming the townhouse into their dream home. "We've learned a lot," says Melissa. "We really learned how to work together, and what each other's style is like."
When they first moved into their townhouse in Ottawa, Ontario, the 1,500-square-foot space hadn't been redecorated in quite some time. Pastel walls and big gold light fixtures adorned every room. Melissa and Sacha, both interior designers with a flair for the modern, got to work transforming the townhouse into their dream home. "We've learned a lot," says Melissa. "We really learned how to work together, and what each other's style is like."
by Leclair Decor
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The bedroom was initially painted a blue-gray, which Sacha thought too dark. After a few months, they decided to go with a bold black-and-white wallpaper behind the bed. "Since then, the bedroom has become our favorite room in the house," says Sacha. "We've definitely learned that sometimes you don't get a room perfect in the first attempt, or with your first idea."
Table lamps: FORSÅ from IKEA
Wallpaper: Eco Chic from Crown Wallcoverings
Pendant: TAHITI pendant from Mikaza
Table lamps: FORSÅ from IKEA
Wallpaper: Eco Chic from Crown Wallcoverings
Pendant: TAHITI pendant from Mikaza
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by Leclair Decor
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| The master bedroom is one of the larger rooms in the house, and at first Sacha and Melissa were overwhelmed by the size. But by creating this cozy reading nook on one side and filling each corner with items of interest, they manage the space and keep it from feeling too large. Dresser: Structube |
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by Leclair Decor
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| As soon as they got the keys to their new home, Sacha and Melissa knew that they had to paint everything as soon as possible. "We were literally painting as we moved in because we hated the colors so much," says Melissa. They used a soothing neutral color palette as a base in the family room, with modern pops of bright white and green. Table lamp: Loblaws Sectional: The Brick |
by Leclair Decor
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The couple painted every single wall in the house, including the garage door, front door, staircase railing, and the trim around the fireplace. A large mirror adds light and the illusion of space while reflecting artwork Sacha and Melissa created with leftover house paint.
Mirror: Home Depot
Vases: Mix of HomeSense, Value Village, and Bouclair
Mirror: Home Depot
Vases: Mix of HomeSense, Value Village, and Bouclair
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by Leclair Decor
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| The living room and joined dining room are the first main rooms visible when entering the house, so Melissa and Sacha spent quite a bit of time playing with its layout. A mix of ottomans, a small sofa, and a plush chair provide the perfect amount of seating. Art by Sacha — who is also a graphic designer — was designed for this room. Floor lamp: Spina lamp from Structube Couch: Hugo Sofa from EQ3 Chair: HomeSense Ottoman: JYSK Coffee table: Structube |
by Leclair Decor
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Perfectly styled vignettes fill each nook and cranny. Most are a mix of collected treasures, gifts, and the occasional Value-Village find. Melissa's father, a talented craftsman, made the wooden bowls seen throughout the house.
Table lamps: Bouclair
Table lamps: Bouclair
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by Leclair Decor
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| The joined living/dining rooms make up the couple's favorite space. "Since they're both the least-used rooms, they stay nearly picture perfect all the time, and they feel great walking into," says Sacha. "Some people might not agree that some of their least-used rooms are their favorites, but hey!" Pendant: GLOBE from Structube |
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by Leclair Decor
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| Although they had a limited budget, the generous wedding gifts they received allowed Sacha and Melissa to spend a little more than usual on the dining chairs, dining table, and living room couch. "We really enjoyed wandering through stores for inspiration," Sacha says. Chairs: Flower dining chair from Urban Barn Table: Kolbo dining table from Urban Barn Wallpaper: Neutral, Design by Colour by Blue Mountain Wallcoverings Candlesticks: HomeSense |
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Sacha and Melissa created most of the art in the home, including these beautiful blue-toned photos on the hallway's fog-gray walls.
Wall color: Benjamin Moore's Thunder
Wall color: Benjamin Moore's Thunder
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They changed out every light fixture, mixing a few big splurges with big-box store purchases. "We really wanted our lighting to make a statement," says Melissa.
Wall color: Benjamin Moore's Storm
Table: Vintage
Pendant: MESA from Structube
Chairs: Pink and Brown Sliver Chair, The Modern Shop
Wall color: Benjamin Moore's Storm
Table: Vintage
Pendant: MESA from Structube
Chairs: Pink and Brown Sliver Chair, The Modern Shop
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While the home's color palette is based largely on black, white and gray, Melissa and Sacha were careful to incorporate personal touches that would prevent the house from becoming cold. Eye-catching wallpaper and playful artwork keeps the bathroom warm and fun.
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"Being homeowners now, we realize that we'll never actually be done," says Sacha. "There's always something to improve upon." While Melissa and Sacha are thrilled with their home, they're looking forward to tackling their next round of renovations: a kitchen and bath upgrade and new hardwood floors.
More inspiring homes:
Comfortably Creative in Boston
Elegant and Eclectic Femininity
Killy and Oliver's Hip Harlem Apartment
Eclectic and Colorful in Colorado
More inspiring homes:
Comfortably Creative in Boston
Elegant and Eclectic Femininity
Killy and Oliver's Hip Harlem Apartment
Eclectic and Colorful in Colorado
Ideabook updated on Sept. 28, 2011.
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-sharon taylor
The birch sticks were actually picked by Melissa's father in the forest behind their house.
@ melissasue79
The color in the living room / dining room is Benjamin Moore AF-685 Thunder. In the family room (room with fireplace) it is Benjamin Moore AF-700 Storm. I will find out what the master bedroom color is for you tomorrow..
Thanks for this post.