Condo Refresh – A Light, Modern Transformation
This project was a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. These clients, Joanne and Pat, reached out to CarMELLA Design Studio with a vision: they wanted their condo’s main living area—dining room, living room, and entryway—transformed from dark and heavy to light, modern, and cozy. Joanne, is a dedicated foster dog mom and an avid photographer, which made it all the more important for us to design a space that felt both inspiring and practical for their lifestyle.
The space had good bones—a decent amount of natural light and plenty of windows—but it was stuck in the past. The off-white walls gave everything a yellow, dull cast, and the outdated furniture, well-loved couch, and clunky ceiling fan weighed the room down. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on a full refresh!
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Joanne had a clear sense of style, which made the project even more enjoyable. She leaned into mixing materials, choosing wood, metal, and texture-rich decor and art to bring warmth and character into the home. Her eye for detail made this project an absolute joy to complete. As a photographer, it was important to her to showcase some of her own work, so we created a beautiful gallery wall above a new statement chair, making her art the focal point of that corner of the room and creating the perfect spot for reading.
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We refreshed the walls with Benjamin Moore’s “Simply White,” which helped to instantly brighten the space without making it feel stark. Next, we introduced all-new furniture, light fixtures, rugs, curtains, and art pieces to craft a modern yet cozy vibe. From the textures to the tones, every detail was selected with the goal of blending style and comfort seamlessly. The existing dark, heavy furniture was replaced with modern, lighter pieces. We mounted the TV above the mantel, freeing up valuable floor space, and introduced a new, neutral-toned couch that has a more modern silhouette but is also very cozy. Soft design elements, like comfy throw blankets and pillows, helped to create a zone meant for relaxing and unwinding. Little Louis, one of her foster pups, was our unofficial design assistant, adding his charm to the space.
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One of the most significant changes was in the dining area. We replaced the old, dark, outdated ceiling fan with a unique metal light fixture—now the star of the condo. This piece is a true conversation starter, turning a formerly oppressive feature into an elegant focal point. We paired this with a sleek, modern dining table and seating, perfect for hosting friends or enjoying a quiet meal.
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We swapped their dark drapes for sheer white curtains, allowing the natural light to flow in more freely. The addition of a tiered shelving unit brought both function and style, while a new modern coffee table and a colorful rug introduced texture and warmth. Even the foster dogs got their own stylish storage solution on the hearth—a chic basket for toys!
This project perfectly embodies the power of mixing materials and embracing personal style—creating a space that not only feels fresh and modern but also truly represents the homeowner’s unique taste and lifestyle. The transformed condo is proof that even small spaces can be reimagined to become more functional and livable. By making thoughtful changes, we turned this lovely couple’s condo into a bright, modern, and welcoming space where they can relax, entertain, and foster their beloved pups in comfort.
“I worked with CarMELLA design studio to transform my space into a beautiful, organized haven. Their attention to detail and creative vision brought new life to my rooms. They listened to the design styles I liked and worked with me to select the perfect pieces. The process was smooth, and they were a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend for anyone looking to refresh their home!”
At CarMELLA Design Studio, we believe that transforming a space goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a home that reflects your lifestyle and enhances your everyday routines. Our role is to tailor a plan for your space that fits your unique needs and leaves you with a home that’s not only organized and beautiful but also effortlessly livable. Whether you’re looking for a simple decor update or a full-home refresh, we’re here to make your vision come to life.
Contact us today to schedule an introductory call!