What? Studio — The space essentially began as a clean and empty slate. The client knew she wanted to create a Studio, used primarily for yoga, within the space but was unclear on how she wanted it look. She stipulated that she wanted a subdued, tranquil setting that was “nicer to look at” then gym studios and many other “box-like” studios.
Where? Toronto
When? October 2008 - November 2008
Why? The challenge came from the fact that the space is very long and narrow. At its widest, it is 14’-0”. So to create a space that felt both open and cozy (while providing storage and change rooms that were separate from the Studio bathroom), was the ultimate goal.
Who? Christine Mogk, MeCC Interiors
How? The palette was intentionally kept neutral, though there is a repetitive burst of colour from accents of raspberry; the exact shade being replicated from the Studio’s logo. Texture was used to evoke movement and interest. Cost of project: $15,000 (approximately)
Before: Again, the space was raw when it was acquired. It needed everything – flooring, electrical work, plumbing (in the bathroom area, where a toilet and sink were repositioned to make the space more functional), mouldings, finishes, and furnishings.
Work Completed: Tile flooring was installed throughout with radiant heat mats to prevent chilly surfaces. Basic lighting was replaced with pot lights (in the practice area, include dimmers). Mouldings were installed throughout – more substantial baseboards, extra casings around the windows and doors, crown mouldings. This really helped to dress and better define the spaces. The stair railing was removed and a new one installed that suited the studio environment better in terms of appearance and materials. A custom unit was built beneath the stairs adds valuable and organized storage. Change rooms were neatly hidden behind full length mirrors that brighten and visually expand the space, while providing a means for participants to check their postures/poses. The walls were blocked with colour, adding warmth and interest without overwhelming the space. Comfortable seating areas were created for rest and relaxation (on the main area). A cramped bathroom (not shown) was reconfigured by relocating an ill-placed toilet and opting for a corner sink. The space now feels comfortable and maintains the vibe presented throughout the rest of the studio.
The primary entrance as left by the builder in its raw state needed to be made warm and inviting, yet functional. A storage for coats and footwear, as well as a welcoming place to sit were also required. Reception level of the Studio shows both the bathroom area and access to the “live” part of the condo. The main concern was to make the space look like less of a “bowling alley.” It needed to be warmed up and a more comfortable scale created. Colour, crown moulding, and more proportionately sized baseboards were desperately needed.
The small baseboards provided by the builder were removed and replaced with something more substantial to offset the high 10′ ceilings. “Windows” were cut into the divisive wall and a door with a “waterfall” glass was chosen to help visually expand the space, which is long and narrow. It also creates an elegant, glow-y look when lit from behind. The cabinet is one of two, and stores the shoes of participants; much preferable to sitting out in the open and the top provides additional display space.
The “bar” area offers practical and hidden storage for paperwork and other documentation. The bar acts as a “serving” area for open houses and special events while also providing alternative seating options and a focal point in the room.
The reception area of the Studio is a tranquil, relaxing setting for practitioners before and after class. Banding was added to the window treatments, matching both the accent along the long wall and the banding used on the stair runner. Additional moulding was added around the window and door frames to create a richer feeling.
A wall is in the process of being framed to fully separate the various levels of the building, which will also play into the design of the Studio. Note the basic lighting provided and the standard “popcorn” ceiling. Also shown is the top area to the stairs.
The one wall is a very long (50’+) with uninterrupted stretch. To add visual interest, areas were colour-blocked and cubes were added. Functionally, the cubes provide an excellent place to set the votives which burn during classes. These “vignettes” also promote and brand the Studio.
The staircase provided by the builder to the practice area of the Studio was too closed and confining and needed to be ripped out, and more character needed to be brought to the area. The main practice area of the studio desperately needed decorative mouldings and colour. The ceilings needed to be scrapped down to a flat surface and the basic lighting replaced with pot lights on dimmers.
The new staircase was created out of thick, dark-stained oak (for the verticals) and bamboo (for the horizontals). To create interest and add a more durable surface, grasscloth wallpaper was added to the top section of the stair walls. The pop of colour in the photo ties in with the edge banding on the stair runner and adds an extra sense of warmth to the space.
The same oak (as the staircase) was used to build a custom cabinet beneath the stairs which neatly holds yoga mats and offers plenty of hidden storage, effectively making use of “dead” space. Full-length mirrors added along the wall here (and opposite the window) not only provide guidance to participants (to check their form) but help to bounce light around the space, making it appear larger and brighter. Change rooms are tucked behind the mirrored spaces.
Materials Used:
Paint – ICI Duluxe
Wallpaper – Crown and Blue Mountain
Millwork – private contractor (prefers to remain anonymous)
Plumbing Fixtures (not shown) – American Standard
Upholstered Chairs – Elite
Text and images provided by Christine Mogk
A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and Sheridan College, Christina Mogk, BBA, CID, is the founder of MeCC Interiors Inc. Formally trained and accredited, Christina takes great pride in sharing her creative spirit and hard work with the public. She is both an active member and volunteer of the Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA). Christina is a proud winner of two (2) CDECA 2009 Awards for Design and Decorating. MeCC was honoured in both the Interior Decorating Over $25,000 and New Construction categories!
MeCC Interiors has been professionally beautifying spaces since 2003, offering creative services throughout the greater Toronto and surrounding areas. Also happy to also travel by request throughout Canada and internationally, or to work virtually, our previous distance projects have included seasonal homes, cottages, and business venues.
