Cindy Ross Interior Design

European Design Inspiration!

2012-02-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Paris in the Winter - Perfect!

I just returned from an amazing trip to London and Paris. I was so inspired by the architectural history of these two great cities!

Everywhere we went there were perfect examples of how they completely understand and apply just right scale and proportion, something as simple and and powerful as a beautiful front door!

The tiny flower arrangements in the local boulagerie in Paris in the Marais neighbourhood I stayed in, were beautiful - in the middle of winter! Loved the french apartment, a great way to feel part of the city and find the best hidden gem restaurants and cafes!.

Powder Room - Wow!

2012-01-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

A small powder room was given some wow factor!

Custom hickory cabinets, wood ceiling treatment, large light fixture and rustic stone floors, all come together for a warm and unique guest bathroom. Even small spaces can live large!

Exterior Transformation

2011-12-02T11:11:00.001-08:00

With the addition of new windows, rock treatment, new paint, landscaping and a custom designed glass awning this commercial office building gets a modern facelift!

A House with "Good Bones"

2011-09-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

My newest project is a home perched overlooking the lake and has the all the right elements or "good bones" that makes it exciting to reveal and enhance the potential of this beautiful home. The position of the house allows for an abundance of natural light. The interior contains amazing architectural features - vaulted ceilings, post and beam exposure in the main living space, and a good floor plan.

Over the next few months, I will be updating and giving this gem some love to make it really come to life!

Lakefront Renovation - Underway

2011-09-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

The renovation is now well underway. As project manager and designer I have been busy finalizing all the planning that goes into a major renovation. My job as project manager is to produce a detailed estimate of the costs, draw up a construction schedule and coordinate all trades for the job. As the interior designer I am responsible for the design of cabinetry, layout of the space and selection of all materials.

With the wall in the kitchen removed, the beautiful view is exposed!

Before - the kitchen has poor lighting, and has an overall dark look and feel

Dark backplash tiles, lack of under-cabinet lighting

Small cabinet hardware, dark countertops

During - Four days later, and all materials have been removed! The wall separating the kitchen from the beautiful lake view has come down - one of the most exciting parts of a renovation! Now we can all stand back and start to see the new space taking shape.

Some of the challenges in the first week. Surprise location of a plumbing stack in the kitchen and working within the rules of a strata building. We are coming up with solutions to incorporate the stack in the over all design.

This type of situation is common, particularly in high-rise renovation. Staying open and fluid with the design process to allow for on the spot changes that will make a problem seem like it was always part of the design!

Below are the shots of the state of the condo with all materials removed. The "challenge" of the plumbing stack is exposed, and I will keep you posted as we come up with design solutions to incorporate the stack into the new kitchen!

Plumbing stack surprise!

Clean slate!

New Lake Front Renovation

2011-07-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

Just about to embark on a new renovation on a beach front condo! It will take a very builder-basic unit - to a vacation retreat as a second home for my clients. I will post before, during and after pictures to chart the progress! The plan is to have the project complete in under 12 weeks ...

This renovation is like many here in Kelowna, as the clients are from out of town and need a project manager they can trust. Just spoke with the client this morning and the feedback in the planning phase is that they are pleased that my approach to getting all things organized, budgeted and scheduled, has alleviated their stress. I value my clients' trust and work hard to provide them with the look they are dreaming of - on time and on budget!

More to follow ....

Renovations - Yes they can be fun!

2010-12-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

As the number of renovations continues to grow as we realize that improving our existing space is sometimes more desirable that starting new, a common need emerges in every one of these projects.

Regardless of the size of the renovation, a realistic budget and schedule is critical. Even if you are only updating a small bathroom, you need a good plan. This plan includes an estimate for all materials, and yes this takes homework! You will have to research pricing for your fixtures, cabinets, flooring, lighting ...and the list goes on. Once you have all that information, add another ten percent - this is important! I guarantee that you will get distracted by that gorgeous tile that you just have to have. If you have calculated a contingency amount, hopefully you can splurge on a few items! Or, you can spend less on something else, but without a detailed budget, you will get off track, this I know to be true.

In addition to a detailed budget, I always do up a schedule of construction. I include important deadlines for ordering materials and making decisions. If you have this reminder, there is absolutely no reason a renovation should go on and on (and you have been to those people's houses - yikes!)

By implementing these two basic steps, I guarantee that your renovations (large or small) will be on budget and on time. You will also be able to enjoy the process - it is absolutely fantastic to transform a tired space into something new!

So get that plan going and jump in!

Fireplace - Make a Statement!

2010-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Fireplaces are the focal point of any room. Consider scale and proportion when applying your finishes. Stone work and mantels add architecture and re-enforce the other design elements in the room With all the great stone and tile to choose from, you can make a grand statement!

A fireplace I designed at Tower Ranch, Kelowna was used to make a upscale mountain home "statement". Cultured stone and stained mantel create the look.

Recent Project - Small Space Custom Millwork

2010-03-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

This small space takes advantage of height and smart built-ins. File storage in the island for the home owner's laptop is part of this great kitchen. I also took the ceiling up into the trusses to create a custom ceiling effect and give height to this standard 8' height.

TV built-in wall incorporates touch-latch hidden drawers for extra storage. Mirrors on the back of shelves reflect lakeview and light.

Built-in headboard and side tables with an open-concept master bathroom (bathroom elevated behind headboard) - allowing views to the lake from all points in the bedroom and bathroom!

All custom Millwork designed by Cindy Ross Interior Design and built by Medera Custom Cabinetry - mederacustomcabinetry.com

Wine Display

2010-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Check out www.vindegarde.ca for unique and beautiful custom wine display. This company can customize for any space and their wine display units are a smart addition - from custom wine rooms to small condo display.

The New Laundry Room!

2009-11-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

Laundry rooms don't have to be that hidden space in the basement. These rooms are now front and centre in our lives, and have the same attention to detail as the rest of our homes. Sleek new appliances are showcased in this once forgotten space!

2009-11-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

Questions I get asked all the time....

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator? An interior decorator selects colours, furnishings, accessories, materials and window coverings. An interior designer does all of these things as well, but also provides construction documents, mill work design, lighting plans, construction materials and project management.

When should I get an interior designer involved in my project? If an interior designer is brought in before the construction phase, an analysis of the architectural drawings can happen. Catching problems with things such as window placement, door swings and room layouts on paper is far less expensive and time consuming that trying to change things once they are built!

What is an interior designer responsible for on a project? Look, budget, all materials, communicating material selection to trades, designing cabinetry layout, lighting layout, custom tile work, design and materials; plumbing fixture selection; hardware, windows (type and style), light fixtures, ceiling treatments, mirrors for bathrooms, plumbing fixtures, appliance selection, window treatments, floor plan, space planning, furniture selection, artwork and accessories...and of course, acting as a counsellor where necessary, we call it "talking you off the ledge" part of the process.

How much does an interior designer cost? Generally there are three ways an interior designer charges 1. Hourly 2. Flat Fee or 3. Percentage of project cost. The scope of work will determine which fee arrangement works best.

How do I find an interior designer? Personal referral is the best way to find an interior designer. A personal recommendation will give you the ability to see the designer's work and find out about the relationship the designer had with the client. Builders, realtors, retail stores who work with professional designers are also an excellent source.