No Renovation - Décor Only Case Study: Relaxed Neutral
December 8, 2025
This project in a Whitby, ON bungalow, actually involved no renovation. It was strictly décor. Having lived with some vibrant colours for years, our homeowners, now retired with grandkids, were craving a more relaxed, neutral style that would also hold up to pets and little ones. When they built their house many years ago, they chose quite formal finishes and architecture - dark hardwood, columns, and grey and white tiles. They approached us with the challenge of preserving their investment in the hard finishes while creating a neutral relaxed vibe only through décor.
The project scope was to update the key entertaining areas including:
Front entry.
Dining room, while keeping the table.
Great room, specifically the living area and eat-in areas of the kitchen.
The front entry was a long hall of white and grey tiles with little warmth and less function. We began by switching out the light fixtures with some more contemporary, mixed metal fixtures. As well, a custom indoor/outdoor rug helped reduce the amount of visible floor tile while offering great function. Speaking of function, the addition of a small entry table and mirror gave our clients a perch to drop keys. The wee custom bench offers a seat for young and old, while the branch-like coat rack helps with overflow coats when family is visiting.
The dining room’s tray ceiling, columns, and dark table and floor proved a little more challenging in terms of meeting the brief. We softened the paint colour and selected fabric for the new custom chairs and custom drapery that helped bring in a more relaxed feeling. We also lightened up the floor surface with a large woven outdoor rug. No worrying when the grandkids visit! The sideboard fits nicely into the corner with its stone top and complementary finish. The star of the show, however, is the light fixture that is unique without being stuffy.
Finally, the great room got a lift with new paint as well as custom Canadian-made furnishings in performance fabrics, all resting on a custom wool rug. A neutral palette can sometimes be flat but here the variation in tones and textures helps keep it interesting. Again the introduction of mixed metals and new lighting along with the new dining chairs and stools update the look. The envelope is clean and classic should they decide to inject a little colour down the road.
The end result hit the brief to reduce the colour, while maintaining a sophisticated yet cozy and relaxing environment.
More photos are found on our portfolio page for the project here.
Are you stumped by a challenging space? Are you ready to experience a beautifully furnished and decorated home that is also highly functional? Fill out a project inquiry form. We’d love to help.