The Client Relationship

I can’t possibly write about our Penthouse Hat Trick project without discussing how awesome our clients are! This is the third project we’ve completed with these clients and they’ve always been such a pleasure to work with. When they told us about their new purchase in the iconic Tour des Canadiens development, we were thrilled to take on the project.

Our customer relationships contribute so much to the overall development of the project. We’re ahead of the game when we start that relationship off with an already established trust and understanding of their aesthetic and lifestyle! 

This particular couple is so easy to work with in so many ways. Our client had a very clear vision of what she wants in terms of the style. Her husband, like most men, had very few but firm requirements about function. They had a very realistic budget for the quality that they were looking for. They were also very responsive, understanding, and communicative throughout the entire conceptual process. These two weren’t afraid to voice their likes and dislikes and gave us a great direction for the overall aesthetic, which we define as Upscale Boho. 

The Design Process

Making a house a home by incorporating elements that reflect our clients is such a fulfilling part of the conceptual process. There were a few times in the process that our client would doubt her selections. We would have to keep her on track and assure her that each and every element had been selected together and must be viewed as a whole rather than individually. She was very trusting in the process and understanding that all elements were interdependent on each other. She always let go of the reigns and allowed us to work our magic.

We started working with the builders at the beginning of 2019 to help the homeowners select the finishes of their new build penthouse project. This was in the very preliminary stages of the construction. At that time, we were still almost a year away from the delivery which meant it was far in advance from the design of the decor. We opted to keep the fixed finishes simple and neutral with very few accents in key areas like the fireplace and the powder room tile.

When it came time to select the furnishings, the conceptual process was focused on neutrals, natural textures, and subtle patterns. We wanted it to feel soft, warm and inviting with a touch of drama. Our client loves her bits of drama! High contrasts were used in key spaces throughout the unit to add dimension. Wallpaper was installed on every single wall of the unit, including the entrance closet to add warmth and texture. We incorporated elements that were woven, distressed, and felt lived in to break up the cool clean lines of modern new construction.

The Hiccups Along The Way

We really hit a roadblock when it came to the window coverings on this project. The options were already limited with almost twelve-foot high ceilings and wall to wall windows. To further add to the constraints, we had to work around large concrete columns, ceiling vents and baseboard heaters. 

The obvious solution would have been to install motorized roller blinds which were accounted for by the builders when placing their electrical outlets. However, that would not have added anything to the design. Blinds would have also contributed to the cold and modern feel that you get in most condos. We were determined to find another solution! Motorized window treatments were a necessity given the height and the number of panels required. We loved the softness of a roman shade, however, the idea itself presented many obstacles. 

I won’t bore you with the details, but we put many heads together to come to a solution. We finally found one that gave us the balance between function and style that we were looking for. The results are beautiful!

Another Memorable Hiccup

We faced another major issue with the wallpaper in the dining room. The wallpaper that was originally selected was a wood veneer in a triangular pattern. We loved it. It was ordered and delivered and ready to be installed. 

The installers called us in to take a look after the first two drops were installed. It was uneven, the seams were very visible and the veneer was not straight because of the way it was rolled. It was terrible and totally unacceptable. We scrambled to find another paper right away. Finally, we settled on a beautiful grasscloth, after considering so many different options. The new paper was rush ordered and we returned the old one. This experience alone was a nerve wracking one! The wallpaper was installed in the dining room, den and the bedroom hallway. With twelve foot ceilings, that’s a lot of yards of wallpaper that we were hoping to exchange. Luckily, we work with suppliers who are willing to help us save the day! 

The Dream Team

It really takes a village to pull together a project of this scale! Our clients were 100% hands-off. Therefore, part of our mandate was to coordinate all the installations, deliveries and deficiencies. We worked closely with the building manager, handyman, electrician, window coverings installer, wallpaper installer, cabinetry companies, AV company, and various delivery teams. This meant our clients never had to present themselves or deal with these installations. In fact, our client agreed not to step foot into the unit until the last pieces were installed and all of the artwork was hung. That was two months of holding back from walking in, since it happened to land over the holidays. 

Was it ever worth it! Our client’s reaction when she saw her new home for the first time was priceless. It made all of the hours and work we put into bringing this project to life worthwhile.

Do you get the name now? Penthouse Hat Trick; Penthouse in the Canadian’s building (hockey). Hat trick because it’s our third project with these clients. Clever, right? We thought so too! For the full project, head over to our portfolio