A Candid Before & After: Judith’s Open Concept Living Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen
It’s time to get real! Working at Tuck, we often hear “your own home must be perfectly decorated and clean all the time“. While we’d like to think this is true, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.
What you see on blogs and social media are perfectly curated versions of our homes and our client’s homes. In reality, we live busy lives and our homes reflect that. They get messy, cluttered, and lived in. What you don’t see in photos are the dishes piled around the sink, food scraps on the counter, bare walls because we haven’t quite gotten around to hanging art, empty bottles, chargers, and whatever else made it onto the kitchen counter.
In an effort to convince you that we do in fact live just like everyone else, Judith has bravely done what no other has done before! She has taken us behind the scenes and offered a glimpse of what her open concept living room, kitchen, and dining room looks like day to day when it isn’t being filmed or photographed. Watch the first video below to see the before and then jump onto the second video, the after, in which Judith walks through the makeover and shares helpful tips so you too can redecorate your own spaces.
One more thing, the entire transformation took just one day! Most of the furniture and decor in Judith’s home can be found and purchased through Tuck!
We hope these videos have inspired you to spend some time redecorating your own home! Below are the after photos of Judith’s space and descriptions of the furniture and decor showcased, most of which can be purchased through Tuck! Continue reading to learn more and be sure to visit us, 122 Prince William Street. For more information on any products used or for general inquiries, feel free to contact us by email: hello@tuckstudio.ca.
In her kitchen, Judith replaced the backsplash. When building the home, Judith knew that she didn’t want to be tied to any one backsplash and wanted the option to change it easily over time. Instead of using tile, she had custom plexiglass panels cut and installed on a track along the back edge of the counter. This system allows her to cut wallpaper and use that as the backsplash. You can learn more about that here.
The wallpaper was custom designed by Judith. At the core of the design is a scan of a watercolour cow skull by artist Chris Lloyd (an illustration from Robert Moore’s book of poetry “The Golden Book of Bovinities“). The skull is surrounded by Victorian-esque frames and a geometric design inspired by the Patrick Townsend chandeliers hanging in the kitchen.
Harry Allen Bank in the Form of a Pig Gold ($420) from Tuck
In addition to changing the backsplash wallpaper, the kitchen was tidied and redecorated, keeping the everyday essentials like coffee makers, kettles, and spices on the counter for easy access. Tip: When buying new counter top appliances, consider their appearance. These things can be cumbersome to move in and out of cabinets each time you use them so why not make them a beautiful accent to your kitchen?
Of course, the decor wouldn’t be complete without a Harry Allen Bank in the Form of a Pig for a touch of gold glamour (available to order through Tuck).
Dining Table custom designed by Judith and made using JD Irving New Brunswick wood. Crafted by JMN Enterprises. Also featured from Tuck: Trica Nube Dining Chair in vinyl with brushed stainless legs ($654), an EQ3 Bank Bench in Lana Pink ($719) (Lana Pink is no longer available, contact us for other options), a Dante Rug ($365 for the 5’x7’/ $709 for the 7’7″x10′), Metal Vase – Rose ($89), EQ3 Dawn Counter Stools Stained Ash with black base ($329).
Judith’s love for all things pink shines through on and under her dining table! Layering the pink EQ3 Bank Bench with the Pink area carpet (both from Tuck) was the perfect choice for this setup. Cleverly, she has tied in other pinks on her table with the Metal Vase in Rose and a Pink Stoneware Vase. Below, you’ll also notice how the pink decor here coordinates with her fireplace tiles by Timorous Beasties from Clé Tile.
From Tuck: Gus* Modern Carmel Sofa in Washed Denim White Fabric ($2900), Gus* Modern Truss Chair in Caledon Dahlia ($1050), Gus* Modern Quarry Square Coffee Table in Bianca Marble ($1250), Gus* Modern Quarry End Table in Nero Marble($745). Also featured: Artwork by Robert Moore, plants and planters from Galbraith Florist.
The most dramatic change in the living room was swap out of the Gus* Modern Carmel Sofa’s slipcover. The dark washed denim blue slipcover was replaced with the white version, perfect for summer. With the white sofa the living room now feels bright and airy. We love the Gus* Modern Carmel Sofa because it’s unapologetically relaxed. There’s no fussing about the cushion placement, no worrying about wrinkles. It’s made for lazy summer days and we love it! Curl up on this beauty with a good book and enjoy the warm days ahead.
The second reason we love the Gus* Modern Carmel Sofa is that you can easily update the look of your space by changing out the slipcover. Do what Judith has done and choose the deep washed denim blue slipcover for the winter months and then switch to the washed denim white in the summer. Purchase this sofa through Tuck for $2900 which includes one slipcover. Additional slipcovers are $1095.
From Tuck: Gus* Modern Carmel Sofa in Washed Denim White Fabric ($2900), Gus* Modern Quarry Square Coffee Table in Bianca Marble ($1250), Gus* Modern Stainless Steel Cube ($650), Faye Pillow ($69.99), Loloi Lucca LF-01 MH Terracotta / Ivory 5’0″x 7’6″ Rug ($479). Also featured: Artwork by Robert Moore, plants and planters from Galbraith Florist.
Judith left the wall intentionally bare above the fireplace allowing us to better appreciate the beautiful architectural details. The chopped wood, concrete hearth, and clean white walls are the perfect elements to accent the gorgeous view of trees outside the window.
From Tuck: Round Vase Plum ($65), Desert Rose Faux Succulent ($25). Artwork by Robert Moore. Tiles are by Timorous Beasties from Clé Tile.
From Tuck: Round Vase Plum ($65), Desert Rose Faux Succulent ($25), Tapered Vase ($59). Artwork by Robert Moore.
At Tuck, we strongly believe homes should be made to live in. Don’t be afraid to make a mess. Nothing is picture perfect all the time and that’s A-OK! However, from time to time, show your rooms some love. A bit of tidying, some fresh furniture, decor, and art can go a long way! If you need help in your home, we suggest booking a virtual in home consult or an in person home consult. For $160/ hour Judith will walk through your home and make recommendations on room layout, furnishings, wallpaper, lighting, paint colours, decor, and more!
To book a virtual or in person home consult, fill out the form below!
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Featured Products from Tuck
See something in this post you like? Shop the items online or visit us, 122 Prince William Street in Saint John, to shop in person.
The Carmel Sofa, embodies the laid-back coastal lifestyle, with a deep seat and loose, luxurious back cushions, perfect for relaxed lounging. The Carmel is both environmentally and family-friendly, with machine washable slipcovers and PET filled cushions. This sofa is constructed with kiln-dried FSC -Certified wood, in support of responsible forest management.
- Extra deep seat depth for relaxed lounging.
- Sofa slipcover and cushion cases are machine-washable and made with heavyweight 20 oz machine washable cotton.
- Additional slipcovers may be purchased separately.
- Seat cushion is reversible.
- Cushions use eco-friendly PET synthetic-down which is created from recycled water bottles.
- Plastic bumpers on all wood block legs to prevent floor damage.
- Kiln-dried 100% FSC –Certified hardwood frame (FSC 092551).
- Manufactured to meet California TB117-2013 fire safety standards without the use of flame retardant additives in the upholstery foam.
- Product colours may vary slightly from those shown on your display.
Below is the Gus* Modern Carmel Sofa in Judith’s cottage on the Kingston Peninsula. For more videos and images of this sofa and more read Judith’s Tips on Making A Living Room Cozy.
