When Lee-Ann's clients bought a lovely condo overlooking the Rideau Canal, they decided to renovate their new property right away. Its Spartan look did not befit its prime location, and the pristine view out the front windows was cluttered with heavy metallic trim. The scope of the project grew as more ideas were thrown around, but the results are spectacular.

Lee-Ann worked with the clients to build consensus on the style the project would adopt. The clients had several larger pieces of furniture that they wanted to incorporate, so Lee-Ann was able to use them as a starting point. The heavy, classic lines suggested and deep colours suggested an opulence that Lee-Ann was able to extend throughout the space. By selecting "maple sugar" walls, complex trim moulding and baseboards, and a darker stain for the hardwood floor, she was able to create an intimate space without overwhelming the extraordinary view of the canal--the unit's true centerpiece.

While the project was very extensive, with a budget to match, Lee-Ann still applied her signature sensibility to maximize impact while keeping costs in line. Repurposing a discarded chandelier from the clients' former home, Lee-Ann was able to bring a new focal point into the kitchen space. Accessorizing the dining table with a simple fabric runner kept the cost low while maximizing the sense of space and showing off the table itself--an heirloom that had been passed down through the family for several generations. As with so many of Lee-Ann's projects, elements with high style did not necessarily come with high costs.

In the end, after many construction and bureaucratic delays, Lee-Ann's clients were able to move into their splendid new home, and couldn't be more pleased with it.