The olive green appliances are the only thing missing from this pristine 1970s apartment.
2023 Make it Real Design use by permission.
After purchasing the condominium, the next step was to choose an interior designer. I am familiar with wood frame construction, industrial electrics, and plumbing, so I briefly toyed with the idea of being the general contractor. I decided I knew enough to get myself into real trouble. What I didn't have was a relationship with the sub-trades, so I chose "Make it Real Design." They were the only ones who told me I couldn't do what I wanted for the money I had. This was something I suspected.
They promptly brought in an Engineer and an Architect who told me I couldn't do what I wanted due to structural considerations. What I wanted was to turn the galley kitchen into an open-concept one.
The kitchen doorways were removed, and a window was added. The flooring had to be backed with cork in order to meet the Strata's noise regulations.
To get this plan approved, I first had to get the Strata to say I wasn't violating any of its regulations. The Strata decided they would give its okay until the City approved. The City bylaws say they won't approve a condo renovation until after the Strata approves. I took my problem to the City, and they were nice enough to talk to the management company, who talked to the Strata Council. With that hurdle crossed, we applied for a building permit. Six weeks later, we started putting the place back together again.
2023v Make it Real Design 2023 use by permission.
There were no large changes. The fridge is moved, as is the dishwasher. The back wall of the walk-in closet was moved so that the depth of the closet is on the bedroom side. The bathrooms are updated and a bar fridge is added.
2023 Make it Real Design 2023 use by permission.
Once the boxes were removed, the dining area cleaned up rather nicely.