Pure materials grow graceful with age.

Homeowners Ingrid Oomen and Asad Wali transformed the original cinder-block exterior of their Caledon, Ont., home by covering it with board-and-batten siding and adding a standing-seam metal roof. “I like pure materials. I like how they age and get a patina,” says Ingrid.

Get more curb appeal ideas in our photo gallery. Plus, see inside this home in our Online TV segment.

A salvaged Juliet balcony is a romantic touch.

“We designed this addition from the outside in so the clients could enjoy the backyard. We were able to incorporate salvaged lanterns and a wrought iron Juliet balcony that give it a timeless look,” notes Ingrid. “I like the textural marriage of cedar singles and the red brick of the existing house in this project.”

See this gallery for more of Ingrid Oomen’s favourite spaces.

Slipcovers perk up hand-me-down furnishings.

When the slipcovers get dirty, just toss them in the wash. Other wallet friendly ideas include using washable flat paint on walls for easy wiping, and opting for bare floors throughout. Reinvent vintage finds like homeowner Ingrid Oomen did here — she had the antique post lamp rewired into a pendant light.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Natural materials add a warm note.

Designer Ingrid Oomen adds warmth to her white bistro-style kitchen during the winter months by hanging natural branches from the ceiling with florist’s wire. She decorates them with an icy metallic palette of blue, white and silver ornaments for a modern, yet earthy look.

See more holiday decorating ideas in our photo gallery.

A cathedral ceiling adds grandeur. 

“I love doing additions because it gives me an opportunity to tie together the architecture and interior simultaneously,” says Ingrid. “In this cottage, we book-ended the existing footprint with two separate additions. Both have cathedral ceilings that allow light to flood in and make the spaces feel grand.”

See this gallery for more of Ingrid Oomen’s favourite spaces. 

Unexpected materials warm up sleek appliances.

“This country kitchen was about a juxtaposition of materials: a mohair bench; a worn reclaimed table; stainless steel base cabinets and sleek marble on the counter and backsplash,” says Ingrid of the kitchen in her Caledon, Ont. home. “I love the seamlessness of the stainless steel appliances next to the lower cabinets.”

See this gallery for more of Ingrid Oomen’s favourite spaces.

An ormulu frame lends richness to marble.

The gold antique mirror is the star of this powder room. "The warmth of the gold contrasts the otherwise cool palette of the gray and white marble walls, and the glass and metal vanity," says Ingrid.

Lend freshness with a gallery-style display wall.

"We used a mix of black-and-white personal photos and eclectic frames to give this traditional space a more contemporary edge," notes Ingrid. "The clear glass Venetian chandelier sets this off perfectly."

The lustre of woodgrain brings a den to life.

In this family room, the original gumwood panelling was refinished and returned to its original glory. “It brought out a beautiful red undertone that we accented with a gray-blue sofa,” says Ingrid. The industrial sconces and pendant create textural contrast to the existing architecture.

See this gallery for more of Ingrid Oomen’s favourite spaces.

Expanding the flow of light with windows.

This renovation of an old Toronto house took this staircase from dark and dim to light and airy. “It was an exercise in getting as much natural light into this space as possible,” explains Ingrid. “We installed skylights, clearstory windows and added glass into the front door to maximize the light. The finishes such as the stone flooring and painting original wood paneling white help to spread the light into the centre of the house to create a welcoming entry.”

See this gallery for more of Ingrid Oomen’s favourite spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling tiles visually expand this space.

“In this powder room we did a more subtle approach to drama by installing two types of wall tiles of back-painted glass and white marble, and ran the tiles floor to ceiling,” Ingrid explains. “For lighting we made the room sparkle by combining tall dramatic candle sconces and an antique leaded textured window which lets in natural light from the adjacent hall.”

See this gallery for more of Ingrid Oomen’s favourite spaces.