Statement light fixtures, secret door among favourite features MAKEOVER MONTH. This is the final article in a four-part series featuring home renovations . It took nearly a year to decorate a new 7,000-square-foot home but the time allowed the designer to fill it with pieces that are more than just beautiful.
They also hold meaning to the homeowners. “They know and understand the value of having a beautiful home and a home that works for their lifestyle; a place that nurtures, heals and a place to create memories,” Red Barrinuevo says of the family of five. The founder and principal designer at Redesign4More in Toronto, he also decorated the family’s previous smaller home.
He describes their new build house, located in a quiet neighbourhood of luxury homes near the water in Oakville, as a “dream home.” Barrinuevo was tasked with decorating the entire house, including the kitchen, living room, dining room, family room, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, office, laundry room and foyer. “They loved every bit of it, from the draperies, furniture pieces and linens to art, rugs and décor,” he says.
“We ended up helping them with finishing their basement afterwards.” The family, which includes triplets who were in their early teens at the time, was able to stay put throughout the project. “We planned this project properly to make sure they were not inconvenienced as much while the project was ongoing,” Barrinuevo says.
“For example, we did three rooms at a time so they could still use the other rooms during the process.” The greatest challenges? Delays and availability of pieces. “With the number of furniture pieces coming into the house, you can easily lose track of your vision,” he says.
“We made sure that every room in the house reflected their vision and was filled with not just beautiful pieces but pieces that are meaningful for them.” VIBRANT COLOURS Barrinuevo’s favourite features include the vibrant colours and décor. “The homeowners’ favourite colours are blues and shades of oranges, which are totally complementary, so we used these colours throughout the house,” he says.
The velvet tuxedo chairs in the living room, for example, are cobalt blue, while the damask-patterned area rug in the primary bedroom is rust, brown and orange on an off-white background. “The pattern and colour made the bed pop.” Barrinuevo describes the artwork as “oversized” and “vibrant” with “lots of character,” which informed his decision to “go quieter” on the wall colour.
“We didn’t use any wallpaper, but we did some wall details by the dining room. This neutral backdrop allowed me to be more playful in mixing metals in lighting, furniture and accessories, while keeping the rooms calming and relaxing.” Everyone, including the kids, was involved in the design process, Barrinuevo reports.
The light fixtures also topped the list of his favourite features and included a “bold and dramatic” fixture in the dining room. An oversized globe chandelier by the stairwell measures almost four feet in length and fills the space while adding a stunning statement between the second and main floors. The kitchen island features two oversized pendants that highlight the gorgeous cabinetry and Calacatta marble countertop.
The family will enjoy the “timeless and classic” white kitchen for years to come, Barrinuevo assures. “The rest of the chandeliers throughout the house reflect timelessness and sophisticated design.” A secret door between the dining room and pantry and a collection of the family’s most-loved photos that create a “thoughtfully arranged” gallery wall and round out his favourite features.
HOME RENO ADVICE When tackling a home makeover, he recommends you hire reliable professionals. “If you’re hiring contractors or designers, do thorough research,” he says. “Check reviews, ask for references and make sure they have the proper licences and insurance.
” Other tips: Finally, consider resale value. “As somebody who started in real estate staging, this is always part of the conversation during our design consultations with clients,” he says. “While personal preferences are important, consider how the renovations will impact your home’s resale value.
Opt for updates that appeal to a broad range of buyers.”.
