📍 Lévis, QC

Over the years, I’ve often photoshopped over photos for myself and family to see how new paint colours, decor and furniture would look in our spaces which gave me an idea: What if I designed for other Canadian spaces as a way to exercise my love of design while showcasing Canadian makers of home goods?

For this first space I did a Google search for ‘apartment for rent Canada’ and started there. I didn’t want to use a brand new space for this, so I looked for something a bit older and generic, but still considered move-in ready. This two-bedroom apartment in Lévis, Québec came up and I thought this was a perfect starting point.

link to apartment listing

BEFORE:

THE PLAN:

My goal was to work with the main things that can’t be changed: countertops, cabinets and floor tiles. Yes, you can get peel and stick to cover the countertops and flooring, but in the interest of working with a hypothetical renter’s budget, I’ve designed the space by working with them as is.

With that as my only real design parameter, I would start by leaning into the countertop’s greige colouring by colour drenching the room— painting the cabinets, walls and baseboards— with the goal of having the countertops blend in as much as possible so they don’t draw the eye, and creating a cohesive look. Because I don’t like rules and this is just for fun, let’s assume the landlord is ok with painting, but please ask for permission in real life to avoid being penalized!

Going with a paint colour in the greige/taupe family, the space starts feeling a lot cozier and feels like a new canvas to work with. My overall goal was to give the kitchen some personality since the whole apartment is very builder grade feeling.

I wanted to add charm to the kitchen by having some antique elements like lighting and a pop of colour with some artwork. I’m not a fan of the small mosaic tiles on backsplash, so as a renter I would cover those up with some peel and stick tiles

AFTER:

Products used to achieve this look:

Walls:

Paint by Dulux, colour: Storm’s Coming, made in Canada

Peel and Stick Tiles by Smart Tiles, made in Canada ❋ I’ve personally used Smart Tiles for a temporary solution in my bathroom so I can confirm they are super easy to install, quite durable and easy to wipe clean!

Sink Area:

Leather & Oak Liquid Handsoap from the Local Refillery, made in Canada ❋ I’ve bought this exact soap and others in the same line from HomeSense a few times so keep your eyes peeled for the brown bottle and Made in Canada symbol next time you’re there!

Set of 2 Linen Tea Towels by Bobbie Broon Home, made in Canada

IKEA Insjön Faucet from Facebook Marketplace in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, QC

If you’re planning to be in your rental awhile (or if budget is not an issue), and if you’re able to/know how to switch a faucet, see if anyone’s selling them in your area. I found a brand new IKEA Insjön faucet on Facebook Marketplace in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, QC

Kitchen Accessories:

English Walnut Charcuterie Board by Ottercreek Woodworks, made in Tillsonburg, ON

Ceramic Cake Stand from Post & Brood, handmade in Québec

Oil dispenser by Atelier Tréma, made in Bedford, QC

Walnut Knife Rack by Hazaki, made in Canada

Hardware:

Specter Knurled Cabinet Pull by Ahi Hardware, sold by Casson Hardware

You can also search Etsy or Facebook marketplace in your area for secondhand and vintage kitchen pulls and knobs.

To add some antique charm to the space, I would source some vintage lighting at local thrift stores or online marketplaces. I found the vintage sconces and chandelier on Facebook Marketplace in Québec.

Lighting:

Vintage chandelier from Facebook Marketplace in Laval, QC

Set of Antique Sconces from Facebook Marketplace in Québec, QC

Olive Oil Candle by Mala, handcrafted in Vancouver, BC

Art & Decor:

Crane Print from Etsy shop PosterPrintCa in Canada

Vintage Turkish Rug from Etsy shop VintageLoveAndCo in Richmond Hill, ON

La Madonna Art Print by The Cross, made in Vancouver

Rental Revamp: Galley Kitchen

📍 Lévis, QC

My goal was to work with the main things that can’t be changed: countertops, cabinets and floor tiles. Yes, you can get peel and stick to cover the countertops and flooring, but in the interest of working with a hypothetical renter’s budget, I’ve designed the space by working with them as is.

Going with a paint colour in the greige/taupe family, the space starts feeling a lot cozier and feels like a new canvas to work with. My overall goal was to give the kitchen some personality since the whole apartment is very builder grade feeling.