Audrey is a budding film director who quit her full-time sales job a couple of years ago to pursue her dream of making movies. It was a risky move, but one she doesn't regret. In just a brief period of time, she has produced and directed several short films, including one that was a recent admission to an international festival.
When Audrey is not on set, she is busy working on scripts in the three-storey house she shares with her partner, Steve. The only problem was that her home office was in a third-floor attic space that was awkward, dated and completely lacking in style.
She craved a creative and feminine environment that would work on several different levels: as an office, a place to meet with producers and actors, a screening room, and a place for the occasional guest to bunk down. So I called on my cast of design stars and got set to give Audrey an award-winning director's office and screening room.
The office actually comprised three separate spaces — two small rooms with a closet in between. So, the first thing I did was tear down the closet in the middle to create one big, open space. I then got down to the business of giving the space a real "loft" feeling. I installed a new, light-toned wood floor throughout that brightens up the room. I also put up a new ceiling with a reclaimed wood look, complete with faux beams for architectural interest.
Top, The new room now has two main areas: one side for making movies and one side for watching movies.
Below, The space before renovations was split in three by a central closet. Tearing those walls down opened up the space. (ALESSANDRO GAROFALO)
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To complement these light tones, I selected a colour palette of greens, blues, tans and creams. I chose a mixed-tone paisley as my main fabric, which adds a feminine and bohemian feeling. For added interest, I used this paisley inspiration for some very unique rub-on wall graphics.
I then divided up the space into two main areas: one side for making movies and one side for watching movies. In the "making" zone, I installed a custom-made desk that's flanked by cabinets for computer equipment, and a shelf to display all of Audrey's awards and mementos. On the opposite wall, I put in a long bench with storage for all of Audrey's movies; this bench connects to another cabinet for her television.
At the other end of the room, I created the "watching" zone, complete with a big, comfy cream-coloured sectional, a gorgeous paisley-covered chair and a light blue pullout couch for guest sleeping. I also designed a refreshment zone that incorporates a beverage fridge and a countertop above which is a funky new popcorn maker.
But the big news here is the window area, where I installed blackout blinds, a layered drapery system and a high-tech motorized screen that comes down from the ceiling when needed for showing films.
In the middle of these two areas, I created a small meeting area featuring a dark wood table with some unique chairs upholstered in a light green fabric.
Lighting is very important for a director, so I installed track lighting on the ceiling, a variety of lamps and one very sparkly pendant above the new meeting table.
After a few more accents and accessories, this third-floor loft space was ready for its debut. By opening up the space and filling it with airy finishes, feminine fixtures, comfy seating and high-tech touches, I was able to give Audrey an office worthy of a movie mogul. Now it's time for lights, camera, action — and a little bit of popcorn. How divine!
Interior design consultant Candice Olson is the host of Divine Design on the W Network. For more information, go to www.wnetwork.com/divinedesign or www.divinedesign.tv
