When the producers at CJOH TV decided it was time to revamp their noon-time news set without breaking their budget, they turned to Lee-Ann LaCroix.

The set presented some special challenges. The show plays host to a variety of interesting guests from all backgrounds: musicians, cooks, and celebrities, sometimes alone and sometimes in groups. Consequently, the set's layout needs to be open and accomodate all these types of guests and their performances and demonstrations. At the same time, the show seeks to make a personal connection with its guests and viewers, so the set also needs to look and feel intimate on camera. Lee-Ann's challenge was to make the studio feel like a cozy home while keeping the area open and flexible for all its different purposes.

At the onset, Lee-Ann was faced with a harsh, industrial-looking environment that clashed with the personal touch of the show.

Lee-Ann's approach was to focus on the details that would enhance the vignettes in the studio: the interview space, the counter/kitchen area, and the music/performance stage.

The interview space was perhaps the easiest to fix up. A fresh coat of paint and some new trim on the wall provided a calming backdrop. While tidying the off-stage area, Lee-Ann came across some scuffed-but-sturdy stools. With a quick coat of paint, she made these look brand new, ready to welcome all manner of guests. An iron side table and some tall drinking glasses found buried off-stage round out the look.

Harsh blues gave way to earth tones in the kitchen/demonstration area. Lee-Ann focued on introducing natural textures and faux finishes into the environment. She painted a faux granite finish on the countertop, and used a dry-brushing technbeingique to antique the columns behind it. The effect is profound, despite "just paint". Elegant antiques from a second-hand store and a shiny new stainless steel faucet round out the back of the area.

In the stage/performance area, lighting was key. Lee-Ann searched local stores for the perfect light fixtures and came across an elegant set on sale--a little leg work lead to great savings. By making her own roman blinds for the nearby window areas, Lee-Ann managed to save the studio even more.

With a mandate for sweeping changes and a tight budget, Lee-Ann managed to delivery a modern and elegant look for the multi-fuctional studio space. All it takes is a little elbow grease, a little leg-work, and a lot of inspiration! It doesn't need to cost a fortune to re-make a space, even one that presents unique challenges.