Latour Project

What it taught me about designing for beauty and real Life

One of my favourite things about interior design is that every project teaches me something new. The Latour Project was no exception.

While the final transformation is one I'm incredibly proud of, the process itself was full of creative problem-solving, thoughtful decisions, and small details that ended up making a big impact. Today, I wanted to share some of those lessons and design choices in the hopes that they might inspire your own home.

1. Sometimes the best design solutions come from unexpected places

One of the biggest challenges in the dining area was hanging a beautiful ceramic pendant light above the table. The fixture was much heavier than a standard pendant, which meant we needed a ceiling mount that could safely support its weight. After exploring different options, we landed on an unconventional solution: a simple cabinet handle.

Because the handle is secured with two screws instead of one central attachment point, it distributes the weight more effectively. We painted it the same colour as the ceiling so it visually disappeared. It's one of those little design hacks that no one notices—but that's exactly why it works.

2. One paint colour can transform an entire home

One of the first decisions we made was to paint all of the walls in Benjamin Moore's Cloud White. Rather than having different colours from room to room, using a single soft neutral throughout the home created a sense of cohesion and calm. As you move through the spaces, your eye isn't interrupted by abrupt colour changes, making the home feel larger, brighter, and more connected. Sometimes the simplest decisions have the biggest impact.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/62ba91_7dd5c403ffa74a1bac011f456d70d0fd/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

3. Grounding a space without a rug

Rugs are often one of the easiest ways to define a room or create visual separation in an open-concept layout. In this case, however, the client's mobility needs meant that rugs weren't a practical option. Instead, we relied on furniture placement, lighting, artwork, and material changes to establish distinct zones throughout the home. It's a reminder that good design isn't about following rules—it's about creating spaces that support the people who live in them.

4. The power of a well-placed shelf

The living room television wall felt disconnected from the rest of the room.

By installing an asymmetrical shelf beside the television, we were able to create visual balance while introducing an opportunity for styling and personality. Rather than competing with the television, the shelf helps anchor it within the room and makes the entire wall feel more intentional.

5. Never underestimate paint

One of the quickest transformations in the project came from painting the fireplace mantel.The change required very little time or investment, yet it completely refreshed the focal point of the living room. It's a perfect example of how small updates can dramatically alter the feeling of a space.

6. Curtains that soften without blocking light

Throughout both the dining and living areas, we selected soft linen curtains that allow natural light to filter through. Heavy drapery can sometimes visually divide a room or make windows feel smaller. These light, airy fabrics provide softness and texture while preserving brightness and openness.

7. Mirrors are one of the hardest-working pieces in a room

We incorporated mirrors in both the entrance and living room to help reflect natural light deeper into the home. Mirrors don't just make spaces appear larger—they amplify the light you already have, making rooms feel brighter and more welcoming without adding a single light fixture.

8. Designing for change

In the reading nook, we installed a track shelving system.

What I love most about this solution is its flexibility. Shelves can be adjusted, added, or removed as needs evolve over time. Whether displaying books today or artwork tomorrow, the system can grow alongside the homeowner.

9. Lighting matters more than most people think

We updated light fixtures throughout the home, including the entrance, kitchen, dining area, and reading nook. But choosing beautiful fixtures was only part of the equation. We also paid close attention to the light bulbs themselves.

Many people assume warmer-looking bulbs have a higher Kelvin rating, but it's actually the opposite. Lower Kelvin temperatures (around 2700K–3000K) create a warm, inviting glow, while higher Kelvin temperatures produce a cooler, bluer light. Selecting the right bulb temperature can completely change how a room feels.

10. Artwork deserves intention

Rather than treating artwork as an afterthought, we carefully considered placement throughout the home. Artwork has the ability to create rhythm, draw the eye, and reinforce the personality of a space. Often, it's the finishing layer that turns a room from functional into meaningful.

11. Function can still be beautiful

One of my favourite solutions in the project addressed the client's recycling station.

Previously, recycling bins sat directly on the floor in the eat-in kitchen, requiring bending and reaching. To better support the client's evolving mobility needs, we repurposed an

IKEA TROFAST unit, sanded and stained it to coordinate with the dining table, and mounted it to the wall at a more accessible height.

The result is both practical and visually integrated into the room—a small change that makes everyday life easier while enhancing the overall design.

Final thoughts

The Latour Project reminded me that good design isn't just about aesthetics.

It's about creating spaces that feel beautiful, functional, adaptable, and deeply personal. Sometimes that means selecting the perfect light fixture. Other times it means finding a creative use for a cabinet handle. The best homes aren't built from grand gestures alone, they're shaped by hundreds of thoughtful decisions that support the people who live in them every day.