A Classic, Contemporary Kitchen and Living Room Redesign

Sue and Glen are pretty much the saints of parenthood. With four (now grown) children of their own and a slew of foster kids they’ve been helping to raise for more than 25 years, these two are the epitome of good people. So their children wanted to show them just how appreciated they are with a contemporary but classic living room and kitchen redesign in their tired home. They called in Cheryl Torrenueva, Roger Morin and the Ready Set Go team for a little help with the surprise. In just four short days, here’s what they came up with.

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A Bright New Living Area

Fresh paint, upgraded floors and some new furniture completely transform this family space into one that everyone — from grandkids to grandparents — can enjoy. The neutral colours and pops of green and blue add a calming, contemporary feel while loads of greenery and framed photos add a bit of a personal touch.

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A Custom Coffee Table

The brilliant tiling pattern of this custom coffee table doesn’t just add instant design and decor, but the bright colours bring out some of the room’s other features. It especially pops next to the dark blue and violet area rug below, and is perfectly topped with a couple of books and a mugful of flowers.

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Pops of Colour

To showcase all of the different personalities in this house and to make the seating area even more plush, Cheryl selected throw pillows in a variety of shades, textures and colours to augment the neutral buttoned sofa. The colours pair well with the pretty shades behind, giving the look a cohesive feel.

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Rustic Finishes

The team brought a bit of the outdoors in with this beautiful wall decal that adds a truly personal touch thanks to the leaves containing the names of all the kids who have come through Sue and Glen’s doors. Meanwhile a rustic, hanging shelf hosts a vintage record player, and a small blue chair with another colourful accent pillow gives the area definition and design.

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A Studious Space

On the other side of the room the team had this custom shelf built along the wall that also serves as a desk and study area thanks to the addition of chairs. For now it’s another design concept thanks to the fresh flowers, plants and lamps, proving that even a study area can be multifunctional with a little imagination.

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Extra Storage

Above the desk area the shelves continue to add even more functionality to the look. Studious items like this globe and some books add character, while statues and potted plants add a designer’s touch.

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Brilliant and Blue

The small kitchen got a pretty huge upgrade thanks to brand new cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, instantly transforming the space. Now the area feels fresh and contemporary, with lots of counter space and storage for the entire family.

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Some Modern Appeal

The pretty blue of the brick tile backsplash brings an instant contemporary touch to the kitchen, but it’s small design elements like these plates, pitcher and farmer-inspired creamer that add a classic, country vibe.

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Clever Shelves

Adding another rustic touch to the kitchen and dining room combo are these gorgeous wood stained shelves strung together with oversized, matching rope. Below a painted photo of the couple’s cottage adds a personal touch, while knickknacks above add loads of personality and decor to the space.

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A Family Affair

With so many people coming home to hang out with their parents (not to mention the kids still living there), Cheryl and Roger knew it was important to give Sue and Glen a large, oversized table that could fit an entire clan. The soft grey tabletop ties into the soft-hued drapes above, while the sturdy white base feels clean and contemporary.

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A Bevy of Chairs

Classic, antique wood chairs are given a soft contemporary touch thanks to a fresh coat of paint. Adding a variety of soft colours not only speaks to all of the personalities in the house, but these pieces help to draw the eye and give the setting instant designer appeal. A neutral runner below ties it all together.

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A Contemporary Light Fixture

The kids and Cheryl had a grand time selecting this new contemporary yet classic light fixture, which becomes a real focal point in the newly redesigned living space thanks to its large candle-inspired bulbs and silver finish. Meanwhile another framed photo — this one a custom piece of art commissioned by Cheryl, showcases the family’s household from the outside.

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Storage Galore

A pretty blue, plaid feature wall and some extra cabinets off in the corner give loads of storage space to the area and add ample storage for all of the china, serving platters and other equipment needed to serve such a large clan. In the end Sue and Glen were definitely surprised beyond words, leading to one of Cheryl and Roger’s most satisfying surprise reveals yet.