Living in a bustling urban environment doesn’t mean you have to forgo the serenity of nature. Even with limited space, like a 1,200-square foot patio home, you can create a cosy urban oasis that combines biophilic elements with the timeless appeal of a cottage-chic aesthetic. This was our client’s request when she purchased a pied-a-terre located within a charming complex of cottage-like townhomes that inspired the direction of the design.

Inspiration is only the beginning of a successful renovation. There are months of planning, material selection, floor plan modifications and collaboration with tradesmen who execute the dream. There are also moments of compromise, supply chain setbacks and executive decisions that must be made to bring the renovation to completion. For every design element, there are a series of decisions and actions involved in its implementation.

Plants are the cornerstone of any urban oasis, bringing life, colour, and a breath of fresh air indoors. In a small patio home, plants can do double duty by enhancing both aesthetics and ambiance, as well as improving air quality. This was a process of trial and error for us, as most indoor plants require rotation outdoors for maximum longevity. This was not practical for our client; however, one plant stood the test of time, and after a few months, the green leafy philodendrons were the most resilient, requiring the least amount of rotation and maintenance.

White concrete flooring was the preferred natural material for this project. However, supply chain delays required us to pivot quickly, and large-format concrete-look porcelain tiles were selected instead. This decision allowed us to maintain the desired aesthetic with the added benefit of low maintenance.

The use of wood throughout the home connected each room and facilitated a seamless transition. An oversized rustic wood mirror greets you upon entry. This not only set the tone for the remainder of the home, but created the illusion of more space in a somewhat narrow living room. Wood accents like the wine rack behind the island, solid oak trim in the kitchen, and the wooden planks on the newly constructed deck and fence were the perfect contrast to the pure white walls.

When renovating a space, it is critical to maintain some of the original elements that add charm and character to your home. Although the original ceiling boards were in bad shape and had to be redone, it was important to maintain the wooden ceilings which we finished in an industrial grade white paint that wouldn’t yellow over time (which is typical in older homes with similar ceilings). Unlike many new apartments with open floor plans, the original layout was segmented, and a wide hallway connected the living room to the kitchen. We maintained the layout with minor changes to areas like the living room, in which we added an alcove to recess the TV and media items, facilitating better flow from the entry, and the storeroom at the rear of the building which we converted into a sunroom that doubled as a dining area.

The kitchen also received a more functional layout, which saw our client making a compromise with the location of the sink. Minimising clutter on the counters meant designing spaces to hide a dish drainer and appliances; and creating a pullout pantry beside the fridge that utilised the entire depth of the cabinet. Shifting the sink so it no longer centred the window was the best way to maximise storage.

Perhaps the most significant change to the layout came with the bonus outdoor room that replaced the drying yard. The original area was on a lower level than the building, which gave us the opportunity to install a raised deck stained in walnut with a matching perimeter fence. This created a private courtyard which was perfect for hosting family and friends. Upgrading lighting fixtures can dramatically change the feel of a room. We opted for fixtures that complement the modern cottage chic style — like brass sconces and track lighting. The use of soft, ambient baseboard lighting and string lights on the deck created a cosy atmosphere.

The true mark of a successful renovation is whether the design functions well for the client after you and your team are gone. We checked in with our client one year later and the space was just as pristine as we had left it. Of course, we had to snap a few photos and join her for a drink on the deck of her urban cottage oasis.