The cottage shown in my portfolio is situated in Kelowna, and is nestled in behind the client’s main house, next to the terraced mountain garden that is their back yard.
When I was asked to help convert the lived-in cottage back to its original European style bed and breakfast, my response was immediate - a makeover, to rejuvenate the tired interior and to breathe life into the space, was what was needed. A budget was put in place by the client, and their limitations were also noted. No blue, pink, or green was to be used as the main color component, as these were already existent in the other three bed and breakfast rooms. No bedspread was to be used, and no floral bedding so that the room gave a broader appeal to the male gender. The original painting was to remain in a visible location, as it had great sentimental value.
When I was asked to help convert the lived-in cottage back to its original European style bed and breakfast, my response was immediate - a makeover, to rejuvenate the tired interior and to breathe life into the space, was what was needed. A budget was put in place by the client, and their limitations were also noted. No blue, pink, or green was to be used as the main color component, as these were already existent in the other three bed and breakfast rooms. No bedspread was to be used, and no floral bedding so that the room gave a broader appeal to the male gender. The original painting was to remain in a visible location, as it had great sentimental value.
While taking lighting into consideration (there was only one window providing natural light) and to highlight the existing hand-made furniture in the cottage, I chose a warm yellow to bring warmth and color into the room. The beautiful handcrafted mirror was moved from its original position, and placed opposite the window wall, creating the extra reflection of light, making the room appear brighter and larger. It also helped create the focal point in the room, welcoming those entering by drawing them into the room. The bedding was chosen for its rainbow of colors, corals, pinks, yellows, greens, representative of the colorful flowers amidst the gardens outside. The decorative butterflies and the watercolor painting depicting a floral garden were added to help establish the continuity of the outside gardens spilling indoors into the cottage.
My clients, owners of Montcalm Gardens B & B, were none other than Frieda and Hermann, my aunt and uncle. Both had a genuine love of people, and gave of themselves while sharing their beautiful surroundings with those that stayed in their B & B, getting to know many people from around the world. Many mornings would find Frieda relaxing outside in the sitting area next to the pond, enjoying the morning sunshine once the guests had been served their European breakfast. In the afternoons I would find my aunt and uncle both enjoying tea up on the mountain terrace, taking a break from the upkeep of the grounds, and enjoying the view of Lake Okanagan.
Those that came to stay at Hermann and Frieda's bed and breakfast were privileged to experience the exceptional warmth and hospitality extended by their host and hostess. They found the gardens to be a peaceful sanctuary that they too could enjoy. Guests would strum their guitars up on the terrace, providing a musical background to the colorful surroundings. Others would simply read a book under the protection of a sun umbrella, listening to the birds, and pausing to watch a hummingbird hover in mid air. There were times that I sat out in the garden under the expanse of the starry night sky, the warm air wrapping around me as I looked into the distance at the twinkling lights of the city. The place was magical, and brought much peace to those that entered its gates.
Frieda was able to enjoy her lovely sanctuary for only four more months. She passed away September 21, 2011, succumbing to the cancer that she bravely fought for nearly two years, while still serving others to the best of her ability. She is missed dearly by all those who love her, and by the many whose lives she touched.
Those that came to stay at Hermann and Frieda's bed and breakfast were privileged to experience the exceptional warmth and hospitality extended by their host and hostess. They found the gardens to be a peaceful sanctuary that they too could enjoy. Guests would strum their guitars up on the terrace, providing a musical background to the colorful surroundings. Others would simply read a book under the protection of a sun umbrella, listening to the birds, and pausing to watch a hummingbird hover in mid air. There were times that I sat out in the garden under the expanse of the starry night sky, the warm air wrapping around me as I looked into the distance at the twinkling lights of the city. The place was magical, and brought much peace to those that entered its gates.
Frieda was able to enjoy her lovely sanctuary for only four more months. She passed away September 21, 2011, succumbing to the cancer that she bravely fought for nearly two years, while still serving others to the best of her ability. She is missed dearly by all those who love her, and by the many whose lives she touched.