Paul and Tricia Dusseault downsized into a 955-square-foot condo in Decatur, but still had a large list of what they wanted in their home. Tricia remembers giving a verbal rundown to their interior designers.
“Well, we need a pantry and a recycling area and a china cabinet, a display shelf, a bar, an office with file cabinets, an entertainment center, dining for six to eight people, a napping couch, and storage for books, music and linens,” she said. “And they did it.”
GraysonHarris Interiors + Design fulfilled those needs, and even carved out room for a piano and two chandeliers. Custom cabinets, built-ins and furniture tailored for storage helped the couple transform the condo, which they purchased in the $200,000s, into a comfortable and sleek urban residence.
“The secret to living well in smaller spaces is definitely storage,” Paul said.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Snapshot
Residents: Paul and Tricia Dusseault. Paul is a communications consultant; Tricia is an organization consultant
Location: Decatur's The Artisan
Size: 955 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths
Year built and bought: 2008
Design consultant:GraysonHarris Interiors + Design
Type of renovations: In 2013, they completed a major renovation, spending about $30,000 on built-ins, lighting in the hall and main living area, paint, carpet and backsplash. They constructed and installed a full wall of built-in cabinetry. They also built a matching column opposite an existing engaged column in the guest room to create a bed niche and additional storage. They spent about $68,000 on furniture, fabric, art, window treatments and accessories. In the kitchen, banquette seating, custom-made by Bjork Studios, can be used at the bar or flipped around to the living room. They installed Elfa shelving systems from The Container Store.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Architectural style: Transitional urban condominium
Favorite architectural elements: The couple said they approached the renovation like a shipbuilder, with a desire to maximize storage without sacrificing the aesthetic. One of their favorite new architectural features is the full wall of built-ins.
Favorite piece of furniture: A custom sofa, also by Bjork Studios, doubles as dining room seating, a place for a guests to sleep and linen storage with compartments underneath.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Favorite outdoor feature: Rooftop patio and common gas grill
Collections: Semi-precious gems and stones from Tricia's father, who was a gemologist and jeweler
Resources: Appliances from Bosch, Frigidaire and LG
Decor tip: Using mirrors doesn't have to be about vanity. The mirrored front door lightened up the corridor, and the couple said other mirrored elements create the illusion of depth in the condo.
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