Karen Sealy's profile

Sealy Design Inc. Projects

Sealy Design Inc. 
Rustic Road,
Residential Project
For our client's custom build home, we wanted to create a timeless look with modern detailing and unique accents throughout. Polished marble floor tiles, rich wood and mixed metal finishes are featured throughout the more formal foyer, powder room, living room and dining room. In addition to custom furniture pieces we added floor to ceiling drapery and luxurious area rugs to create a feeling of contemporary elegance. We then created a large, open concept kitchen and family room with optimum seating and functionality. We reconfigured the kitchen to accommodate a large island and banquette seating to maximize storage throughout. A custom sectional and console table divide the family room and are punched up with bright accents and layered patterns for a sense of fun in the more
Rustic Road,
Residential Project (Second Floor)







For our client's Master Bedroom and Ensuite we wanted to create a comfortable yet elegant retreat. A stylish palette of tones of greys, powder blues and ivory in luxurious fabrics and finishes. Subtle detailing in the tufted headboard with nail head trim, mother of pearl buttons on the drapery pleats and crystal knobs on the custom built-in storage unit enhance the sophistication and elegance of the space.
The wall to wall cabinetry was custom designed and built to house our client’s accessories, clothing and shoe collection. Customized details include felt lined jewellery drawers, adjustable dividers for purses and a vanity area for applying make-up.
The mark of elegance and relaxation are repeated in the Master Ensuite. A soft, neutral palette of greys and white retains the classic feel of the home and leaves way for the gorgeous marble floors to stand out. Floor to ceiling pleated sheers frame the free-standing claw foot tub allowing for natural light to shine through and provide the perfect back drop to the sparkling glass chandelier. His and her sinks are situated next to the spacious glass shower enclosure providing optimum storage.

Chicora,
Residential Project (Main Floor)

This project was a full house renovation for a young family with 2 small children. The original house was in very poor condition - it had been used as a downtown rooming house for many years! After a major renovation from top to bottom it is now a fabulous, modern and spacious retreat for a busy family. We knocked down walls on the main level to open up the space and created an open-concept floor plan that works well for entertaining as well as day-to-day family life.
We created a large kitchen with both a wonderful breakfast bar and a family style table with banquet seating. This area uses bright, practical fabrics on the seating to accommodate busy family mealtimes, but also includes a great built-in display unit to add some visual interest to the area. The breakfast bar extends around the corner from the kitchen into the family room area to provide a great entertainment bar area. Perfect for hosting casual evenings with friends or lavish diner parties in the sumptuous dining room.
The family room also includes built-in storage for the TV and AV equipment in a sleek stylish cabinetry the provides another wonderful focal point in this space. The furniture is simple and modern and gives an elegant but family friendly feel to the space.

Waverley,
Residential Project
(Den)
The goal for this space in Karen’s lower level was to create a cozy place to hang out and watch a movie or relax and read a book. Because Karen’s home is located in the Beaches there’s not a lot of extra storage space so rather than going with readymade upholstery furniture, Karen opted for a custom made, built-in sectional complete with storage access from under the cushions. The great thing about going custom is that the sectional is extra deep (upwards of 60" on the window wall) and can serve as extra accommodations for overnight guests - not to mention ample room for friends and family to pile on for movie nights!
The rich walnut built-in cabinetry surrounds the windows and details like the carved wood vent covers and the brass recessed pulls help give it the cozy, nautical feeling of being in the lower level of a boat. The built-ins are multi-functional with lateral filing storage a keyboard pull-out tray and a wardrobe for hanging clothes storage. The light boxes were also custom made and not only function as unique pieces of art but also as an ambient light source.

Waverley,
Residential Project (Laundry Room)

One of the major challenges of Karen's open concept Laundry Room is maximizing storage and function while maintaining the flow and style consistent with the rest of her home. The Laundry Room is visible from the side entry and is seen from almost all angles in the lower level so Karen wanted to add some unique and beautiful features, such as the intricately cut mosaic glass tile and reclaimed wood shelving, to enhance a space that would ordinarily be merely utilitarian. The back painted mosaic glass tile in the Moroccan motif adds some femininity in its organic lines and provides an interesting juxtaposition to the more rustic reclaimed wood shelving and accents.
In order to maximize space and storage, Karen decided to take back a portion of the stair stringer and add pull-out drawers in the unused space below the stairs. Some relocation of plumbing and electrical (the electrical panel is actually accessible through the upper cabinet) was required but allowed for more clever uses of space in recessed niches for hanging delicates to dry and extra storage. This also meant that the hardwood floor would be affected so Karen took the opportunity to add some colour and painted it out in a soothing grey green, a colour pulled from the glass backsplash.
The lowered ceiling provided additional challenges so Karen opted for a flush-mount ceiling fixture, wall sconces and a sheer drapery treatment that allows for added natural light.

Waverley,
Residential Project (Guest Bedroom)

This Guest Bedroom, located on the main floor of Karen's Beach bungalow, is a mere 9'x 10' with only one small closet and had previously functioned as Karen`s at home office. With access to the backyard patio and a small foot print, creative storage solutions were a must and style could not be overlooked. Custom built-ins house clothes hanging storage on either side of the bed and seasonal clothing and decorations above. The wardrobe can serve as a workstation with a pull-out desk service and electrical hook-ups for every type of gadget. The bank of drawers below are partially functional, however the bottom two drawers are non-functioning as this is where the steam shower unit is stored for the adjacent Master Ensuite.
Details like crystal knobs and mirrored cabinet doors add the elegance and sophistication that make this space feel more like an upscale boutique hotel suite. Function remains at the forefront however, with clever touches like the pull-out drink surfaces flanking the bed and under shelving lighting, perfect for reading a design magazine before bed!

Brunswick Avenue,
Residential Project (Main Floor)

The goal of this main floor renovation was to optimize the square footage of our client's downsized home in the city and provide much more organized and usable space. Much like many families, the kitchen was our client's hub of the home and with their large family they needed a new space to gather, entertain and cook.
To start off, we relocated the existing kitchen from a confined corner at the back of the house to where the dining room was originally positioned. The new centralized location allowed for a larger galley kitchen including a custom wine cooler and an oversized eat in island with maximum storage. For even more storage, we built a hidden drawer underneath the stair landing and storage with sliding doors on the back of the island. Custom cabinets, beautiful hardware and a clean marble slab backsplash are combined to create an elegant look. We then painted out the awkwardly positioned staircase in white and replaced the spindles with sheets of glass to allow view through to the rest of the space. An aluminum railing picks up on the metal accents throughout and provides a modern focal point within the more traditional home. Updated fabrics were used to reupholster the existing furniture pieces in bold red accents and layered textures and patterns. We also removed the heavy stone on the fireplace surround and designed a simple mantle that we painted out in a warm charcoal. Existing wood panelling throughout was painted out in a silvery taupe to further brighten up the space. New dining room furniture, striking light fixtures and luxurious drapery finish off our client’s stunning new main floor.
And although their old kitchen was three times the size, with strategic planning and design, we were able to create a new kitchen that our client’s say is their favourite kitchen they’ve ever had and loved by family and friends!

George Henry,
Residential Project (Master Bedroom/ Ensuite)

For our clients' master bedroom and ensuite we wanted to create a relaxing escape to enjoy at the end of a long day. Their original space was lacking storage, creating clutter and chaos. To infuse a sense of calm and order, we wanted to maximize storage within the small bedroom. A custom designed headboard and bed frame in one creates a dramatic focal point while increasing storage with built in drawers under the bed. We also installed sconce lighting positioned at the perfect height for reading in bed and even included "his & hers" dimmers conveniently positioned right beside the built in night stands. On the opposite wall, another stylish built in incorporates a dresser, wardrobe and shelves for many functions in one small area.
To continue with the tranquil theme, we introduced a spa like colour scheme and stunning surfaces to the adjoining ensuite. To help distinguish task areas but still keep the open feel we built glass partitions to separate the toilet from the rest of the space while separate vanities offer a ton of storage.
Clean lines and dedicated storage solutions help create a modern and relaxing feel in our clients' master bedroom and ensuite. By using luxurious materials and finishes, Sealy transforms these dated spaces into an adult oasis.

Dunington,
Residential Project
This tiny, outdated bungalow was purchased as a condo alternative, and was renovated to accommodate our clients' immediate needs as well as future plans. The house was gutted and the main floor was turned into a glamorous yet functional open living space, while a master bedroom suite was created in the basement. The renovation was planned to include a future 2nd floor addition, and at which point the basement bedroom can become a guest room or family room. By choosing to renovate a bungalow instead of buying a condo, our clients have all the conveniences of a brand new unit, but have custom finishings as well as plenty of parking and outdoor space. When their budget allows, they can add on instead of having to sell and move.
Watermarks Showroom,
Commercial Project
Our clients wanted to move their business from a wholesale trade plumbing mart to a high-end kitchen and bath boutique. Sealy was involved from day one, with marketing research, selecting the geographic location and the actual site, to designing a new logo and selecting new colours, to sourcing and making contact with new vendors so they could offer exciting new image specific products; many of which are brand new to Canada. And of course the overall design- both look and feel and concept was based on experiential shopping. We shook things up when we introduced shopping by style and not brand. The showroom has a cohesive, uncluttered and purposeful feel and appeals to its target audience. It's a far cry from the old, dated paint depot with vinyl peel-and-stick tiles we first encountered.
Ashley Park,
Residential Project (Main Floor)
This was an extensive project. It included demoing a good portion of the house, adding an addition (that became the family room and kitchen) and then redesigning the rest of the house to meet current need and appeal (eventually) to the resale market. When adding an addition it is always a good idea to consider some redesigning of the older portion to ensure flow from room to room.
George Henry,
Residential Project (Pt.2 Pantry/Laundry)
Multi functionality was the main goal in this small room in our client's basement. The need for both a kitchenette and laundry room required creative space planning and efficient use of every nook and cranny. We customized Ikea Adel cabinets to optimize storage and work around awkward corners to suit all of the many functions within the tight space. To the left, floor to ceiling pantry units house food items making the most of this wall. At the end of the room, we cut down and stacked wine shelves for maximum wine storage and a striking focal point. We used a durable, solid surface countertop installed over a wine fridge for the perfect bar serving area when entertaining in the adjacent recreation room. Additional full height pantries house cleaning supplies as we make our way to the laundry side of the room. Next we installed a deep under mount sink and pull out faucet instead of a typical laundry tub. By stepping the counter up and over the washer and dryer we kept the counter continuous and created even more work surface. Upper cabinets provide even more storage while the glass backsplash keeps the space bright and interesting.
TIFF "IT Lounge"
Commercial Project
Sealy Design Inc. was the Interior design firm chosen to design the It Lounge for the 2011 film festival!
The inspiration for the design of this year’s IT Lounge is athrowback to the grand days of opulence, the silver screen, andlight-heartedness; picture The Great Gatsby Meets Vintage Hollywood. Décor highlights and accessories will evoke a feeling of transcendence togreat eras gone by while, also providing a relaxing escape from the hustle andbustle of TIFF.
Sealy Design Inc. Projects
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Sealy Design Inc. Projects

Residential design

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