Designing a home is always a journey, but sometimes it takes a few unexpected twists to truly find the right path. One of our recent projects—a vibrant two-bedroom condo in Toronto—is a perfect example of how stepping outside the box (or in our case, reimagining the box altogether) can lead to something extraordinary.
Starting Off… in the Wrong Direction?
Our client came to us with a desire to bring colour into her home but kept describing her style as “boho, but not too rustic.” It sounded straightforward, but sometimes the trickiest part of a project is interpreting what a client means versus what they say.
We prepared a concept that leaned into soft, muted tones and layered textures—what we thought was the perfect balance of boho chic. At our Concept Review meeting, though, it became clear: we had missed the mark. The client was polite but unenthusiastic. She liked some elements but wanted "more colour"—a comment we didn’t quite understand in the moment.
Driving back to the studio, Autumn (my then-intern) and I sat in silence, processing what had just happened. For those few minutes, it felt like a creative dead-end. But as we mulled over the client’s feedback, something clicked. She had mentioned loving a specific wallpaper from our inspiration library—an unapologetically bold, colourful design. That’s when it hit us: she didn’t just want colour; she wanted lots of it.
Reimagining Boho: A Bauhaus-Inspired Twist
We went back to the drawing board and decided to scrap our first concept. This time, we thought, “What if it’s not ‘boho’ but more Bauhaus—infused with natural textures and a contemporary edge?”
Our new concept presented bold geometry, striking contrasts, and natural elements. The result? A concept that celebrated vibrant colours while balancing them with organic materials like warm wood finishes and natural fibers. The look felt modern, sophisticated, and far from rustic—exactly what the client was after.
The Final Look: A Home That Sparkles with Personality
The condo now feels alive with energy. In the living area, the once-neutral walls are now a backdrop for that inspiring wallpaper, featuring an abstract design in emerald greens, deep blues, and warm yellows. The furniture follows suit, with sleek, mid-century-inspired shapes accented by plush velvet upholstery in bold hues.
Touches of greenery throughout the condo bring the natural boho element the client originally mentioned, while Bauhaus-inspired shapes and patterns keep the space playful and contemporary.
Lessons from the Process
This project reminded us of a valuable truth: design is a conversation, not a monologue. Sometimes, the best ideas are hidden in the things clients don’t say outright but express in other ways—like their excitement over a single wallpaper.
And yes, getting it “wrong” the first time isn’t a failure—it’s part of the process. It gave us the opportunity to dig deeper, challenge ourselves creatively, and deliver something truly special for our client.
See the Transformation for Yourself
We’re so proud of how this project turned out, and our client couldn’t be happier. Bold, vibrant, and uniquely her—this condo is a true reflection of her personality and vision. Sometimes, stepping outside the box doesn’t just lead to better design—it leads to designs that feel like home.
Curious to see the transformation? Check out Project Southport to see all the details.
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