Designing the Coolest Condo Ever

<div style="text-align: center;">Alright love doves, <a href="http://tiffanyleighinteriordesign.blogspot.ca/2013/03/designing-stangest-condo-ever.htm"><span style="color: #ea9999;">yesterday</span></a> I shared a bit about why the condo I'm designing is the strangest ever, now onto why its the coolest ever: The Aesthetics.<br /><br />So as I mentioned we had to loosely base our design on a real life person, so I interviewed my cousin Alicia and her husband Mike to get a feel for their style. I also stalked <a href="ttp://pinterest.com/aliciahcox/home-sweet-home/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Alicia's Pinterest page</span></a> for inspiration.<br />My Design Concept: A Modern Couple with Old Souls.<br />I'm not talking Grandma-old here people. I'm talking Old Souls who put on a record late at night and drink scotch and dance together like in the black and white movies. I want an eclectic mix, combining fun, modern and colorful touches with architectural details that add character and warmth. Also, I'm going classic midcentury modern vintage with many of the furniture pieces. <br />Basically, think Traditional Bones with Contemporary Styling.<br /><br />Here is what I've got for the first floor:<br />Foyer and powder room are getting some rad wallpaper. I'm thinking something dark (with black) for extra drama. Anyone have any goodies to suggest?<br />The foyer is also getting this fixture:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsHF6VI7DKfK3q33kyx52LYKQK2zuGu9nUcgc3vI8iP9Tm9aR_AVscg2HRecBEGP65smxR3tWVBYMwX1oA9VcfrUofCakNtEddChEpNcBBBstpDJ1s_EhPe_Xcru4j53O9zuXzkgWD2QE/s1600/pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsHF6VI7DKfK3q33kyx52LYKQK2zuGu9nUcgc3vI8iP9Tm9aR_AVscg2HRecBEGP65smxR3tWVBYMwX1oA9VcfrUofCakNtEddChEpNcBBBstpDJ1s_EhPe_Xcru4j53O9zuXzkgWD2QE/s1600/pendant.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/246220304600015187/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table>The staircase is going to be substantial and traditional, to give the condo a feeling of hominess, just deciding what areas to paint and where to leave the wood:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD53rx9GOyj2A4DnKgQPSy7pLmNgn7Pm9HTyRcRFU5269SZxuqoBNCiOHChk-FKMs6HSiAqC1AQ0gWYwn48VrTWFyuxzfWNATeHZYCgQ3z3yISIJnJL-tBsD9cJQ4nQ-Yz-RWlKdcHsL6L/s1600/staircase+inspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD53rx9GOyj2A4DnKgQPSy7pLmNgn7Pm9HTyRcRFU5269SZxuqoBNCiOHChk-FKMs6HSiAqC1AQ0gWYwn48VrTWFyuxzfWNATeHZYCgQ3z3yISIJnJL-tBsD9cJQ4nQ-Yz-RWlKdcHsL6L/s640/staircase+inspo.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/129697/Foyer-traditional-staircase-san-francisco">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Kitchen, the heart of the home. Mike loves to cook, so I put in as many bells and whistles as I could in a somewhat limited space.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41aNkDv3_s8kmMsOUb2vX7Tyq2zlPRtD1aaCQ8Ivp47DQ4_4q1qONI8Z8g_YAdnGth-JKQuTYQJI_l7mAAl6Q4Bw8jVPNXv10lrMPjVbeI92BRuKNc1GQqWPouYb7EhdlRhNZr6MTLD3j/s1600/butcher+block+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41aNkDv3_s8kmMsOUb2vX7Tyq2zlPRtD1aaCQ8Ivp47DQ4_4q1qONI8Z8g_YAdnGth-JKQuTYQJI_l7mAAl6Q4Bw8jVPNXv10lrMPjVbeI92BRuKNc1GQqWPouYb7EhdlRhNZr6MTLD3j/s640/butcher+block+island.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabulousnfresh.com/index.php/countertop_inspiration">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table> It's going to be an all white kitchen a beautiful butcher block island. Plus, the Wolf Range was a must because of the red knobs. How amazing! <br />Instead of closed upper cabinetry, I'm going for open shelving from reclaimed wood (the couple's idea). They also want a hanging pot rack, so I'm stealing this idea from the IKEA booth at IDS this year:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFwvi2luUCdidk2YMWJn40-WumGmUIVIiWfgd_K0ybG-Dp2jCDAeOJGx8uK1q1_B49yMJbFf2cnYCPRqYhyphenhyphenLNJZWV1KB0jO4j-Zx7FCOpOoEiiA9yOtMuyxSOEDDKdU4vnvhdpiuaUTPY/s1600/ikea+booth+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFwvi2luUCdidk2YMWJn40-WumGmUIVIiWfgd_K0ybG-Dp2jCDAeOJGx8uK1q1_B49yMJbFf2cnYCPRqYhyphenhyphenLNJZWV1KB0jO4j-Zx7FCOpOoEiiA9yOtMuyxSOEDDKdU4vnvhdpiuaUTPY/s640/ikea+booth+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikaninstallations.com/2013/02/ikea-wins-gold/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table>They are also getting these pendant fixtures over the Island: <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjpdX2kUivwXgNKyq8frZOGb5W9qhDVHNEUFn6MlNtHP3ZscMp3ULEhZ5b1NvgWWargcY-ErWQ-k_y3my77E1ime1pJ4u7xEEYVEyfinXdLess86of7oqh4R9d3agWf2OBt0PgMOiuhDc/s1600/gold+pendants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjpdX2kUivwXgNKyq8frZOGb5W9qhDVHNEUFn6MlNtHP3ZscMp3ULEhZ5b1NvgWWargcY-ErWQ-k_y3my77E1ime1pJ4u7xEEYVEyfinXdLess86of7oqh4R9d3agWf2OBt0PgMOiuhDc/s640/gold+pendants.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/shopping/store_profiles/dunlin-store-profile-159678">via Apartment Therapy</a></td></tr></tbody></table>and of course a bar cart:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtoCuYUALnn6N7PRRvaZey53Ugy5vTdcfLs6ipzsv3f9IqX06Mq5EyZFxxorG-A0K_C-yAtAAOY2zzwrd3g3XavZmYDWtsszhVvk6dDQ_AutM-1ZJqQlZvbb2coO4vJ2ukE852gzYYyG1/s1600/brass+bar+cart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtoCuYUALnn6N7PRRvaZey53Ugy5vTdcfLs6ipzsv3f9IqX06Mq5EyZFxxorG-A0K_C-yAtAAOY2zzwrd3g3XavZmYDWtsszhVvk6dDQ_AutM-1ZJqQlZvbb2coO4vJ2ukE852gzYYyG1/s640/brass+bar+cart.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mimosalaneblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/07/bar-cart.html">via </a></td></tr></tbody></table> Living Room:<br />The living room is going to have an amazing extra tall built-in unit to house the television and the couple's large record and book collection. I'm going to add a library ladder to reach the high shelves.<br />The backs of the shelves might be getting the orange paint treatment like so, only more drama: <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHJUsU7g0ysLK1-PlUTXJqXguZIV9FRMc7XgWaXUD3WIwRVfSefH-8FHIZ_RmrPVdd7aatSPxsPJaH6LkjPRw-m4a7cLUDTZtXwda_B4X7zqZmSCR0GmBkWEmzMJyPGQuZKUvUf5QUXnV/s1600/orange+backed+bookcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHJUsU7g0ysLK1-PlUTXJqXguZIV9FRMc7XgWaXUD3WIwRVfSefH-8FHIZ_RmrPVdd7aatSPxsPJaH6LkjPRw-m4a7cLUDTZtXwda_B4X7zqZmSCR0GmBkWEmzMJyPGQuZKUvUf5QUXnV/s640/orange+backed+bookcase.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/2009/05/02/Textile_Maven_Bonnee_Sharps_M-Street_Home.aspx">via dmagazine</a></td></tr></tbody></table>They are also getting a blue tufted velvet sectional sofa a la<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9oyYjvcwAxg0Gy2EKzpg8HTJbkJcs-pRVlzOPKDJVhyphenhyphenfeO0PtsN5RiciGw7HJmaMPKPCYpmkJXuY4BlkszOCqmk6PJMI_vvz54NUm4MVciWGWL4WRVvH47_pjUZzaNl4OQb9mm5NY9Tf/s1600/blue+velvet+sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9oyYjvcwAxg0Gy2EKzpg8HTJbkJcs-pRVlzOPKDJVhyphenhyphenfeO0PtsN5RiciGw7HJmaMPKPCYpmkJXuY4BlkszOCqmk6PJMI_vvz54NUm4MVciWGWL4WRVvH47_pjUZzaNl4OQb9mm5NY9Tf/s640/blue+velvet+sofa.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ruemag.com/">via Rue Magazine (March/April 2011)</a></td></tr></tbody></table> and a Moroccan Rug:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZboChBD9pXhyphenhyphen_uRia-fwjItHRrtFYdxDuyY5G6bZYl11c-P2MvBkOCCxLt5RnIZdfSjx7_ge5JGuLvM2HLdUsookjJOl0S0Sob7rAeNC5Uprdwscg5VkFQvddiRtXpobgT04_cwYYZKG/s1600/moroccan+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZboChBD9pXhyphenhyphen_uRia-fwjItHRrtFYdxDuyY5G6bZYl11c-P2MvBkOCCxLt5RnIZdfSjx7_ge5JGuLvM2HLdUsookjJOl0S0Sob7rAeNC5Uprdwscg5VkFQvddiRtXpobgT04_cwYYZKG/s400/moroccan+rug.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-shag/ivory/200MTVS28A-507.html">via Rugs USA</a></td></tr></tbody></table> Ideally, a seperate dining room would have been created, but there was not enough space without really chopping up the layout. Instead, I opted for a dining <i>area</i> that's high on style.<br />It's getting a banquette upholstered in a wide blue and white stripe (Alicia loves stripes and Mike likes nautical) with tons of fun pillows:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNJfaEBEsJo5y0FPINy3mJSg3NbN4ZKTZfSDXgm3Uvh4cMSqbi9K0AqzWCLPCdYh7hkcmm5IdMOcfvIwwHezjrLphuAIcgFIA46qHu0aehYioEha0n6sTnuk7htLtj5WjczMNW6iffj2g/s1600/polka+dot+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNJfaEBEsJo5y0FPINy3mJSg3NbN4ZKTZfSDXgm3Uvh4cMSqbi9K0AqzWCLPCdYh7hkcmm5IdMOcfvIwwHezjrLphuAIcgFIA46qHu0aehYioEha0n6sTnuk7htLtj5WjczMNW6iffj2g/s320/polka+dot+pillow.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116916186/spotted-black-white-decorative-designer?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=les+touches&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=les+touches">via Whitlock&Co Etsy</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnNwB_356jm-dUd1TsJMDA0enP7iFh5_p4BEDQxStyzcn8r93tMGcC6Qq2PkPBxy37l454s8IF4HAN13QuQVR4-LsGvlaj9zjdhtrScG65Yu5Xp2ah-kdhyR2ALS2EwhXjKa6S79NIGTe/s1600/hot+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnNwB_356jm-dUd1TsJMDA0enP7iFh5_p4BEDQxStyzcn8r93tMGcC6Qq2PkPBxy37l454s8IF4HAN13QuQVR4-LsGvlaj9zjdhtrScG65Yu5Xp2ah-kdhyR2ALS2EwhXjKa6S79NIGTe/s320/hot+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108983825/hot-house-spark-designer-pillow-cover?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=hot+house+spark&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=hot+house+spark">Hot House Spark via AriannaBelle Etsy</a></td></tr></tbody></table> A <a href="http://www.knoll.com/products/product.jsp?prod_id=107"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Saarinen tulip table</span></a> with marble top:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtnqGzeJLHGmNbPKs4WcaisKCoZAaq83r4EjNtRiWJA3xmxHs3wYg9RVXPhyQyiDXXyk8M_nPczpO_SW2dTaNreVyddpVgxq23GHmN5CFc5TaINcIY7lFi1rhkBlauHtaE8WT1Twa0k3x/s1600/saaranin+tulip+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtnqGzeJLHGmNbPKs4WcaisKCoZAaq83r4EjNtRiWJA3xmxHs3wYg9RVXPhyQyiDXXyk8M_nPczpO_SW2dTaNreVyddpVgxq23GHmN5CFc5TaINcIY7lFi1rhkBlauHtaE8WT1Twa0k3x/s640/saaranin+tulip+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and natural wood wishbone chairs:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei0oWwmTIKlU7pKKEjYYsNtu80Ff4cgd6UIvjYqcCNgB3zr8RB7M494ut-uQZAwW1ztNlrPWawZBRmpReFkzd2PZLfxopTKHjNU9tifFSOzpuAQBct5UTy7IWU5B94-DeHZ7QPtRADpeu/s1600/wishbone+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei0oWwmTIKlU7pKKEjYYsNtu80Ff4cgd6UIvjYqcCNgB3zr8RB7M494ut-uQZAwW1ztNlrPWawZBRmpReFkzd2PZLfxopTKHjNU9tifFSOzpuAQBct5UTy7IWU5B94-DeHZ7QPtRADpeu/s640/wishbone+chairs.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unique-home-decor-ideas.com/wishbone-chair.html">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table> Ooohooo hooo it's going to be good, don't you think?<br />This post is getting pretty long so I will wrap it up here (I could go on and on about every detail on this floor alone...the deep window ledges I've added, the storage under the stairs, etc. etc.) and share the second and third floors in other posts!<br />Peek at this floor all laid out:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr_1kbfgas1KEgzgbQkB5Y4l3aU9fZZoFK7rB_a9xQyDrbEPnfsRgYPWvIW2NnfiX6XhikeY__aAIndZb7ZxZ9-jUXhg1aPrFqOKal0Cjw-TgDmbop0ElV-5I_aLabJxSF42EXlVX4Sfm/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr_1kbfgas1KEgzgbQkB5Y4l3aU9fZZoFK7rB_a9xQyDrbEPnfsRgYPWvIW2NnfiX6XhikeY__aAIndZb7ZxZ9-jUXhg1aPrFqOKal0Cjw-TgDmbop0ElV-5I_aLabJxSF42EXlVX4Sfm/s640/003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/Tiffany-27.jpg" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>

Designing the Coolest Condo Ever

Alright love doves, yesterday I shared a bit about why the condo I'm designing is the strangest ever, now onto why its the coolest ever...

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