The owners of this Calgary home had, says designer Reena Sotropa, renovated their main floor several years ago but had postponed redoing the upper floor, fearing that little could be saved. The primary bedroom lacked architectural charm, and the other bedroom, a former nursery, was serving as a home office despite a whimsical paint job (which might have raised a few eyebrows during online meetings!). Joining the two spaces was a bathroom straight from a 1970s horror movie: cedar panelling, wall-to-wall broadloom and chocolate brown fixtures. But Reena and her colleagues were unfazed – they turned this ’70s show into a sleek, pulled-together suite with an airy, modern verve.

BEDROOM

Terra Firma

A vibrant terracotta-and-cream mural sets the tone for a bright and cheery primary bedroom; touches of charcoal ground the decor and keep things crisp.

Reena’s Pro Tip | “In rooms with little architectural interest, rely on simple, bold statements, such as a feature wallcovering, or an unexpected light fixture or art piece.”

 

Photography, Phil Crozier

DESIGN, Reena Sotropa, Reena Sotropa In House Design Group. PAINT, Alabaster OC-129 (walls), Black Jack 2133-20 (closet millwork and trim), Benjamin Moore. DRESSER, Crate and Barrel. RUG, U-shaped VASE, H&M Home. ART, Dan Hobday Art via Etsy. Azteca MURAL in Sundance, Drop It Modern. Melt Mini LED PENDANTS in Copper, Tom Dixon. Metalwork NIGHTSTANDS, West Elm. Cozy Slub Collection BED LINENS in Brass, Urban Outfitters Home.

They Go Together

The bathroom links the two bedrooms, and none of the three rooms are very large, so Reena repeated elements from each room in the others; for example, the soft charcoal of the home office walls appears in touches in the other rooms. The effect is a sophisticated, pulled-together look that makes the entire “suite” feel more expansive. 

Reena’s Pro Tip | “When designing and decorating spaces that flow into one another, be sure to select unifying finishes, colours and design elements to create spaces that feel cohesive.”

 

Photography, Phil Crozier

Woven-wood shade system WINDOW TREATMENT, Global Shades. PILLOWS, Kelly Wearstler’s Vertex fabric in Black (square, in window); Stroheim’s Vacherin Ombre fabric in Cameo (lumbar); In House Design Group. throw, H&M Home. Soleste rattan fringe Pendant (over bed), RH Teen. 

Before

 

BATHROOM

 

In Balance

To soften any hard edges in the bathroom, Reena chose accents in soft shades of graphite and alabaster, rather than pure black and white, and warmed things up with walnut cabinetry.

Reena’s Pro Tip | “Be sure to balance statement elements, such as a boldly patterned floor, with visually quiet materials, colours and details that will support and accent the main feature.”

 

Photography, Phil Crozier

PAINT, Chantilly Lace OC-65, Benjamin Moore. FLOORING, Anima Series in Calacatta Oro Matte and Graphite Matte, Ames Tile.

 

Illuminating Idea

Two small, high windows were joined to create one. In front of it, oval mirrors were suspended on custom brass supports for a clean, shipshape look; simple pendants finish the look.

Reena’s Pro Tip | “With awkwardly placed bathroom windows, take advantage of natural light by installing your vanity underneath the window, and consider out-of-the-box installation methods for mirrors and lighting.”

 

Photography, Phil Crozier

Abel Oval MIRRORS, CB2. Kelly Wearstler’s Rousseau Single Pendants in Antique Burnished Brass, Visual Comfort. 

 

Clean Design

Combining the tub and shower in a single tiled area maximizes elbow room for both long, hot baths and quick showers, and frees up space for a separate pink-walled loo. 

Reena’s Pro Tip | “A wet room configuration – where the shower and tub are set off in one area – is an effective way of minimizing wasted space.”

 

Photography, Phil Crozier

Kyushi SHOWER TILE in Bianco Gloss, Stone Tile West. ART, Relationship No. 14, Sarah Rutledge. VANITY COUNTERTOP and SHOWER CURB, 4141 Misty Carrera quartz, Caesarstone.

Before