Designing Cranberry Trail

This sweet and cozy two-storey, reverse-plan condo was my first home and has served as a safe haven since moving to Collingwood at twenty-two. Four years later, when another opportunity presented itself, I opted to repurpose the condo as a vacation property.

The Vision

My goal was to design an oasis for guests to create beautiful memories in the town I love and still call home. Like any rental, it was important that Cranberry Trail feel welcoming, cozy, and comfortable. Beyond experiencing a sense of ease and comfort, I wanted the condo to evoke the positive feelings associated with vacations and holidays. As a result, each room was designed to be optimally ergonomic and fully equipped, making the completed space both intuitive and functional.

Knowing that the rental would receive a fair amount of wear and tear, I also challenged myself to find cost-effective solutions for each design challenge. It was satisfying to roll up my sleeves and complete a few DIY projects myself and to lend a helping hand throughout the process whenever I could. By far, my favourite aspect of the project was developing the unique design aesthetic that emerged over time – an eclectic yet approachable space that’s memorable, bright, and distinctive.

The Process

The first (and most transformative!) update was achieved by applying a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore OC-117 Simply White paint on the walls, ceiling, trim, and doors. I chose a flat finish for the walls and ceiling and semi-gloss for the doors and trim. Simply White OC-117 is a bright yet soft white – think the colour of chalk. The fresh canvas provided the perfect backdrop for incorporating moments of colour, while still keeping the space expansive, open, and airy.

Next up: the stairs. The original carpet was worn and unremarkable, and I was excited to tackle this project as a DIY. I personally tore out the old, tired carpet and underpad, removed the staples, and sanded down the treads. Although the first part of the project was relatively easy, achieving the finished product involved a bit of trial and error. 

While I loved the way the stairs first looked after I initially stained the treads with a deep espresso, the result was both slippery and easily scratched by my goldendoodle, Ginger. When discussing the stairs with one of the trades I work with, he suggested wrapping the existing treads and risers with the same LVP flooring (luxury vinyl plank) I was installing on the main floor. 

Admittedly, I hadn’t considered applying LVP to the stairs, and while it wouldn’t be my go-to for clients, it was the perfect solution for this rental. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and considerably less slippery, the stairs now have the look of wooden treads and risers but at a fraction of the cost.

Upstairs

On the second floor, I kept the updates simple yet impactful. Possibly my favourite improvement was achieved by skimming the vaulted but dated popcorn ceiling. 

Next, I created a focal point in the living room by painting the brick fireplace with Benjamin Moore Black Jack 2123-20. I then sanded down the existing mantel to reveal the beautiful natural wood that had been hidden by a previous coat of white paint. I opted to leave behind the smallest fragments of paint because I appreciated the character and history these tiny remnants offered.

By carrying the same colour, Black Jack 2123-20, into the kitchen, I added drama and anchored the peninsula. A few cost-effective upgrades that include new lighting, a new faucet, and new cabinetry hardware completed the transformation. I just love the spunkiness of the brass knobs and black leather-wrapped pulls against the all-black peninsula! Mixing metals by adding brass against the stainless steel appliances and fixtures creates warmth and interest. While the cabinets are original, they were optimized for ergonomics with drawer and shelf organizers, pull-out waste storage, and much more.

Perhaps the most functional nook in the home, the pantry, has ample shelving for storage and houses a Nespresso coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. Keeping the small appliances tucked away prevents the kitchen counters from being cluttered. I adore the glass and wire frame pendant light that hangs over the chalkboard – it’s a fun, interactive zone for writing welcome messages to guests, grocery lists, and reminders.

Primary Suite

For the primary suite, I wanted to emulate the ambience you’d expect from a five-star hotel. To do this, I established a dramatic focal point by designing an elongated, upholstered headboard that spans the entirety of the bedroom wall. The black velvet panels fit perfectly, making the space feel expansive while also adding acoustic privacy and sound dampening. 

By adding strapping behind the panels, we were able to chase the electrical for two mid-century modern, black and brass sconces which flank the oversized, abstract artwork that hangs above the bed. High quality linens, a sumptuous duvet, designer pillows, and a vintage-inspired, flat weave rug all add to the richly-layered look and feel of this inviting space.

To create a tone-on-tone look, I found cost-effective nightstands (less than $100 each!) and swapped out their basic hardware with elevated brass pulls from CB2. This simple swap-out made all the difference!

One of my favourite pieces in the primary bedroom is the antique dresser I found at a vintage shop in Thornbury. I immediately fell in love with its art deco curves, and although I had never refinished a piece of furniture before, I knew I had to try. Stripping the layers of paint and stain on this detailed piece was definitely a labour of love, but it was worth it. I opted for a rich espresso stain for consistency and drama, adding to the luxurious look and feel of the space. 

New brass bathroom fixtures and hardware echo the upper level finishes and elevate the ensuite, complete with a jacuzzi tub and handheld shower.

The Result

Cranberry Trail offers guests the perfect getaway. Designed as a restorative retreat, visitors have everything they need to feel pampered and comfortable during their stay. I’m proud of the transformation that was achieved through careful attention to detail, a focus on durability and quality, and a little elbow grease.