My Houzz: Open-Concept Living Above a Salon
A staircase commute to work gives a Canadian hairstylist more time to enjoy her bright and open downtown apartment
Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance photography and graphic design based out of St. John's, NL
Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance photography and graphic design... More »
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Inspired by the sleek and sophisticated style of New York high-rises, Carolyn Cobb's downtown apartment in St. John's, a city in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a chic working and living space that shows efficient space planning at its best.
Cobb, a hair stylist, renovated the 100-year-old building to include her salon downstairs and a 1,000-square-foot living space upstairs. Taking down walls and adding a modern fireplace and frosted glass created the ultimate modern retreat — just a staircase away from work.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Carolyn Cobb
Location: Downtown St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Size: 1,000 square feet living space; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Cobb, a hair stylist, renovated the 100-year-old building to include her salon downstairs and a 1,000-square-foot living space upstairs. Taking down walls and adding a modern fireplace and frosted glass created the ultimate modern retreat — just a staircase away from work.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Carolyn Cobb
Location: Downtown St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Size: 1,000 square feet living space; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
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by Becki Peckham
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| One of the biggest challenges during the renovation was this 15-step staircase in the middle of the flat. Cobb's contractor, Jeff Parsons, used a glass enclosure to help the staircase disappear, providing an unobstructed view of the living area. Wall paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore; trim/cabinets: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore; backsplash: Carpet Factory |
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by Becki Peckham
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| The kitchen island creates plenty of counter space and serves as Cobb's only dining surface. The white cabinets and frosted glass help bounce around the natural light, keeping the space bright. Shiny, reflective pendant lights from Rona hang over the island, and a mixed glass tile backsplash adds feminine glamour. "I can't seem to get rid of my love of sparkle," Cobb says. Bar stools: Attica |
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by Becki Peckham
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| Cobb loves to barbecue, so she added a deck off the kitchen for entertaining larger groups in the summertime. |
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by Becki Peckham
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| Cobb spends most of her time in the living room, just beyond the kitchen. She chose a sectional to maximize seating; her most recent purchase, a mirrored chest, adds more of her signature sparkle. Couch: Smith's Furniture; mirrored chest: Bowering |
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by Becki Peckham
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| A modern propane fireplace immediately catches the eye. A reflective iron skyline above the fireplace gives it more presence. Fireplace: Atlantic Fireplaces; skyline wall art: Cohens Home Furnishing |
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by Becki Peckham
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| Cobb chose a stainless steel staircase rail to complement the other modern stainless and glass accents and light fixtures. |
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by Becki Peckham
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| The staircase divides the apartment in half. On the right side are the bedrooms, while on the left are the kitchen and living spaces. Light fixture: The Lamp Post |
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by Becki Peckham
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| A zebra wood vanity makes a huge visual impact in the bathroom. Cobb went with an extra-tall mirror to add visual interest. Vanity: Rona; mirror: Madison and Mackenzie |
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by Becki Peckham
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| Frosted glass doors keep the light flowing and coordinate with the frosted glass cabinets in the kitchen. Cobb installed light switch plates with images of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe for another subtle hint of girliness. Switch plates: Glacier Craft Fair |
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by Becki Peckham
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| Cobb's bedroom adheres to her glam style. Light lilac walls create the perfect backdrop for her black and white bedding, damask prints and black chandelier. Contractor Parsons custom made the headboard. Bedding, curtains: Sears |
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by Becki Peckham
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| A black leaning bookshelf and fabric boxes printed with a large pattern provide storage for miscellaneous items. A vintage Hollywood-style lamp with fringe gives a little nod to the past and works great with the feminine decor. Bookcase: Sears |
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by Becki Peckham
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| Cobb converted the second bedroom into a multifunctional space that serves as her closet, dressing room, office and laundry room. A desk sits at one end, while a makeup table sits in front of a large window that provides plenty of natural light for getting ready. Backlit frosted glass doors run the full length of the room, hiding her clothes and shoes. |
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| The washer and dryer hide behind another set of frosted glass doors, next to the makeup table. Having the laundry area in the dressing room keeps clothes and laundry in one spot and optimizes the space. A full-length mirror completes the room. |
by Becki Peckham
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Carolyn Cobb sits in her favorite spot, in the living room. "This is my go-to spot to check my computer, relax with a book and enjoy the fireplace," she says. "My home is a gift to myself."
Comments
davisislands Absolutely beautiful! Great use of space. Your kitchen is almost identical to mine, good taste :)
5 months ago · Like
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shawnaleeah LOVE IT!!!!
5 months ago · Like
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Becky Harris Funny, it kind of reminds me of the aesthetics of a very high-end salon - I mean that as a high compliment - the swanky kind of place that makes me feel fancy and special!
5 months ago · Like
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Lanie Brown Yes, Becky, I was wondering if the salon downstairs, her work space, is a different style than her home. It would be fun to see an idea book on the salon as well.
5 months ago · Like
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susanintoronto Very cool space!
5 months ago · Like
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olldbobbi Super sparkly! Ok. I love the glass surrounding the stairwell but for me it would have to be frosted, it would take me a month of Sundays to stop walking straight into it. And I'll be happy to take her closet when she's done with it. Amazing!
5 months ago · Like
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kkonstanty I really like how the glass stairs open up the room. Great tip.
5 months ago · Like
tuffkins20 Lovely!!
5 months ago · Like
Trademark Improvement Good job!!!
5 months ago · Like
Dana Veach Nicely done!
5 months ago · Like
Hugh Wolfe What a wonderful transformation of an older building. Great to see it repurposed, and in such an unexpected style as well. I think the feature that impresses me the most is the use of frosted glass in doors and cabinets. It reminds me of a similar feature in the Gamble house in Pasadena CA... stained glass panels were used on interior areas to increase the "reach" of natural light. Carolyn can be very proud of her accomplishments here.
5 months ago · Like
birdseyecreative Very lovely, restful space. And girly in a good way!
5 months ago · Like
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Very attractive remodel. I'm thinking she doesn't like to cook for guests, with only two chairs, that don't look terribly comfortable. That's OK, let the guys take her out.
5 months ago · Like
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dgingera Beautiful job Caroyln.
5 months ago · Like
sroberson Terrific looking!
5 months ago · Like
aquietjourney OMGosh! I love everything about this place! So glamorous but totally everything you need without going too far.
5 months ago · Like
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luvleestuff Such a beautiful home. Love your style.
5 months ago · Like
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Laura Zar So much to love about this place! Size, layout, design and sparkle :)
5 months ago · Like
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Konstantin Klinovskiy stair leading to the basement is an accident waiting to happen, must use a barrier to prevent accidental falls.
5 months ago · Like
522caouette I was wondering who built your kitchen cabinets?
5 months ago · Like
airolg hey Carolyn--not only do we share the same profession, but also the joy of decorating and design.Great job girl!!!Your own pic looks great too....
5 months ago · Like
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thedollydee I love the open and spacious feel to this apartment, which is enhanced by the terrific glass staircase. Awesome space in a beautiful City!
5 months ago · Like
wantsideas Wow! You packed a punch into a small square footage space. Was that number correct? Hard to believe. I read because you have a smaller kitchen than I do and it is beautiful. Love the glass stairwell.
4 months ago · Like
asharajnath so perfect
4 months ago · Like
racharocher Really nice..love it 
3 months ago · Like
beddings You can also include cushion which features Audrey on a black and white canvas to enhance your home style. 
3 months ago · Like
gypsyprinzs The design is fantastic. Would totally live here. I've always loved the idea of a residence above your business. Zero commuting time and you're right on hand if problems arise. My OCD at its finest.
3 months ago · Like
julie_c Beautiful!!
6 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 27, 2012.
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