Inspired by the sleek and innovative design of New York high-rises, Carolyn Cobb’s downtown flat in St. John’s, a city in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a chic working and living area that shows effective space planning at its very best.
Cobb, a hair stylist, renovated the 100-year-old building to include her salon downstairs along with also a 1,000-square-foot living space upstairs. Taking down walls and adding a contemporary fireplace and frosted glass made the ultimate contemporary retreat — just a staircase from work.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Carolyn Cobb
Location: Downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Size: 1,000 square feet living area; two bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Becki Peckham
Among the biggest challenges throughout the renovation was that this 15-step staircase in the center of the flat. Cobb’s contractor, Jeff Parsons, used a glass enclosure that will assist the staircase vanish, providing an unobstructed view of the living area.
Wall paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore; trim/cabinets: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore; backsplash: Carpet Factory
Becki Peckham
The kitchen island creates lots of counter space and serves as Cobb’s only dining surface. The white cupboards and frosted glass assist bounce around the organic light, maintaining the space bright. Shiny, reflective pendant lighting from Ronahang across the island, and a mixed glass tile backsplash adds feminine glamour. “I can’t appear to eliminate my love of sparkle,” Cobb says.
Bar stools: Attica
Becki Peckham
Cobb loves to grill, so she added a deck off the kitchen for entertaining larger groups in the summertime.
Becki Peckham
Cobb spends all her time in the living room, just past the kitchen. She picked a sectional to optimize seating; her most recent purchase, a mirrored torso, adds more of her trademark sparkle.
Couch: Smith’s Furniture; mirrored torso: Bowering
Becki Peckham
A contemporary propane fireplace immediately catches the eye. A reflective iron skyline over the fireplace provides it more presence.
Fireplace: Atlantic Fireplaces; skyline wall artwork: Cohens Home Furnishing
Becki Peckham
Cobb chose a stainless steel stairs railing to match the other contemporary glass and stainless accents and light fixtures.
Becki Peckham
The flat in half divides. On the ideal side are the bedrooms, while on the left would be the living and kitchen spaces.
Lighting fixture: The Lamp Post
Becki Peckham
A zebra wood vanity produces a massive visual impact in the restroom. Cobb went with an extra-tall mirror to add visual interest.
Vanity: Rona; mirror: Madison and Mackenzie
Becki Peckham
Frosted glass doors keep the lighting flowing and organize with the frosted glass cabinets in kitchen. Cobb installed light switch plates with images of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe for yet another subtle sign of girliness.
Change plates: Glacier Craft Fair
Becki Peckham
Cobb’s bedroom adheres to her glam style. Light lilac walls create the perfect backdrop for the black and white bedding, damask prints and black chandelier. Contractor Parsons custom made the headboard.
Bedding, drapes: Sears
Becki Peckham
A black leaning bookshelf and cloth boxes published with a large pattern provide storage for miscellaneous items. A classic Hollywood-style lamp with fringe provides a small nod to the past and works good together with the feminine decor.
Bookcase: Sears
Becki Peckham
Cobb converted the second bedroom into a multifunctional area that serves as her closet, dressing room, office and laundry room. A desk sits in one end, while a makeup table sits in front of a huge window that offers lots of natural lighting for getting prepared.
Backlit frosted glass doors run the full length of the room, hiding her shoes and clothes.
Becki Peckham
The washer and dryer hide behind another set of frosted glass doors, beside the makeup table. Having the laundry area in the dressing room keeps clothes and laundry in one spot and maximizes the space. A full size mirror completes the room.
Becki Peckham
Carolyn Cobb sits in her favorite place, in the living room. “This is my go-to place to verify my computer, relax with a book and revel in the fireplace,” she says. “My home is a present to myself”