First, Fixing up and flipping a False Creek condo started by looking upthe 34 HOME makeover February 2008 Frank O Brien Interior designer Darla Moore-Grohne knew immediately what had to be done when she and her husband, photographer Raef Grohne, selected a waterfront False Creek condominium for a makeover. The plan was to purchase the 21st floor condo, make it over and flip it for a profit. The plan worked beautifully, but the route to the destination was different than for most who attempt a fix it and flip it strategy in Vancouver s white-hot housing market. The suite also had to work as a display of professional design talent. First, decided Moore-Grohne, owner of Darla Moore Design, the popcorn ceiling had to go. The dimpled white ceilings are ubiquitous in highrise condominiums, she explained, because they hide most flaws in the concrete. But they didn t work at all with Moore-Grohne s vision of a cutting-edge, contemporary condominium for a corporate client. Wide plank hardwood flooring, in Brazilian cherry wood, replaced a brown pile carpet and white floor tiles. Kitchen countertops were redone in black granite, cabinets are mahogany, and all appliances were replaced with stainless steel models. The white popcorn ceiling was redone in wallboard, and then painted to match the walls, in Tequila, with a contrasting darker shade for the new crown moulding. Photos: Raef Grohne / www.architecturalphotographer.com
ceiling The existing squat granite fireplace looked like a box of gas logs. The fireplace surround was extended to the ceiling in concrete tiles, installed one-by-one. Shelving and recessed lighting were also added. The large tiles gave the small space a large look and quickly became the focal point of the entire room.
Left: Kitchen cabinets were replaced with mahogany; storage enhanced with pull-out spice racks and Lazy Susan shelf. Black granite replaced a horrid pink laminate countertop. New stainless-steel appliances were added. Moore-Grohne s solution was to strip the ceiling and have it filled and smoothed by a drywall specialist, creating a clean, smooth surface. It was expensive, but well worth it. She then had the ceiling and walls painted the same taupe colour, Tequila, and separated them with new crown moulding. The result is a monochromic look that makes the room appear larger, and certainly warmer, than before. The two-bedroom condominium had other 1980s-era issues that had to be addressed. This included brown pile carpeting, white tiles, pink laminate countertops, green window frames and doors, and an ugly squat fireplace. The carpeting was stripped out and replaced with an engineered wide plank Brazilian cherry wood flooring, which was extended to the kitchen and hallway. That was a little risky in a highrise apartment, but I was totally elated how it complimented the other details. Travertine marble tiles in both bathrooms replaced the white tiles, and the doors and metal windows were painted in Tudor brown. The colour was a love-hate for others, but it worked perfectly and was definitely the finishing touch of the entire look. Moore-Grohne says another important transformation was the Above: Pendant lighting above the bar/island are among the signature touches meant to elevate the overall design. 36 HOME makeover February 2008
The existing laundry room was refitted with stacked, contemporary style LG washer and dryer. Note the colour change on doors, trim and walls from the before photo, below. remaking of the living room fireplace. Working with a concrete artist, she had a custom concrete surround created, extended it to the ceiling and added shelving and recessed lighting. It became, aside from the water view, the focal point of the room. The kitchen required a total makeover. The white cabinets were removed, sold and replaced with a mahogany theme. Moore-Grohne also added a built-in wine rack, pull-out spice rack and a Lazy Susan storage shelf. She happily stripped out the pink laminate countertops and replaced it all with black absolute granite. It worked for the classic style, and also gave a more formal appeal. A finishing touch was a solid stainless steel backsplash. This was quite expensive, but was key for functionality, and a perfect blend to keep the industrial look that is so popular. Mother Nature will be jealous TYAM EXCAVATION & SHORING LTD Is proud to offer our Rockscape division which was formed to meet the ever increasing demand for high quality artificial Rock work, Water features, Hot tubs, and Stamped Concrete for residential and commercial properties. Our goal is to provide our clients with a unique design that simulates a natural breathtaking outdoor living oasis away from the city in the city in your own back yard, where you can entertain friends and family in your own natural outdoor living scenic environment. Our team of artisans, led by Mathieu Jopson with 14 years experience, can take your imagination, translate it to a design and sculpt an authentic geological rock imitation that will add esteem and beauty to your investment. tel 604.533.8088 fax 604.513.4430 HOME makeover February 2008 37
A concrete vessel sink contrasts with glass countertop in the remade second bathroom. The cabinet legs are custom-made in chrome. Before She also went for a designer stainless sink in the kitchen. The difference is the sharp cuts in the stainless that visually give the kitchen a more architectural and hip look, innovative and fresh, Moore-Grohne explained. The ensuite in the master bedroom received a new soaker tub, with large-format Travertine floor tiles and full-wall glass mosaic tiles. Plumbing fixtures were replaced by contemporary styles from Kohler. Both bathrooms now sport vessel sinks, but with a different translation. A Kolher model was chosen for the master ensuite, while a custom concrete sink was added in the second bath. Both bath countertops were replaced with glass, created by a Vancouver custom designer. The glass finalized the interior perfectly, being right across from the seawall bringing the outdoors into the space. Finally, the existing laundry room was outfitted with new state-of-the-art LG washer and dryer. 38 HOME makeover February 2008
Moore-Grohne said the idea was to create a condominium for a specific buyer a professional with contemporary taste, a place he or she would walk into and think, This is just right. And that is exactly what happened. The condominium was purchased for $485,000 and about $70,000 was spent on renovations and upgrading. It sold last year for $600,000. n Custom inset tiles in the shower were part of the finishing touch to attract sophisticated buyers. The ensuite bath had a large soaker tub installed. The glass mosaic wall tiles contrast with the large-format travertine marble tiles that cover the floor and lap up the tub. APEX GRANITE AND TILE INC. Marble Granite Tops Granite Slate Limestone Ceramic Tile Clean, Seal & Repolish All Natural Stone APEX GRANITE & TILE specializes in granite fabrication, stone restoration and all types of tile and slate installations. Our projects range from residential installations to Olympic size pools, shopping malls, exteriors & interiors of commercial buildings. Whether you have a counter top, reception desk, floor, or a custom designed piece of furniture, our fabrication and restoration division is equipped to handle your projects. Tel: 604-882-9284 Fax: 604-882-9172 E-mail: apexgranite@shaw.ca www.apexgranite.com Pools Fireplaces Countertops Floors HOME makeover February 2008 39