She touts her style as "classic with a twist" - which makes Jenny Kondratovski right on trend for 2014! A decorator with a knack for mixing modern and antique pieces, Jenny brings character and soul into a relatively new townhome. Through colour and artwork, she infuses vibrancy to create a welcoming environment for her family.
The thoughtful design consultant is detail-oriented and believes in good décor rather than grand design. "I would rather have a small, beautifully decorated, warm home than a beautifully designed, large home without great décor," states Jenny, who worked hard to bring character into her townhome.
"My home is small with little built-in character, so I add it to the house with art, accessories, color and paint - such as painting the back of my front door black. The hall now has a focal point and the door looks rich rather than drab, as it was in flat white."
Not a believer in matching everything, Jenny takes time to hunt for unique pieces to create a warm personality-filled home. She advises clients to steer clear of shopping in just one store to avoid uninteresting décor.
Colour, art and antique pieces work together in the Manor Park home she shares with her husband and two sons, who all play a role in the décor. While Jenny has an affinity for local artists, she also believes in the talents of her own children and has many framed pieces created by her boys. "I have had people ask me who the artist was of an abstract work in a bathroom," she says, answering proudly, "My son painted it when he was five!"
Creating family space while maintaining a well-decorated home is a challenge, but one Jenny has managed effectively. She doesn't believe in letting the children have free rein over the home, so carving out play space and adult space has been an essential part of her décor plan. She advises that colourful upholstery is less forgiving of stains and sticky fingers, and uses baskets and creative shelving that can easily be tucked out of the way to hold toys. The well-used basement is comfy with eclectic furniture and designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, while the living room is geared to adults.
Jenny's tips for creating a personality-filled family home
Let your walls talk- choose artwork that tells your story
Put colour to work- colourful fabric is child-friendly
Be fearless- if your woodwork isn't right for your décor, paint it
Adult vs. child- keep a balance between child-friendly and adult-appealing space
Accept what you cannot change- use layer and texture to detract from details that cannot be changed. An interesting space diverts the eye from less appealing details
Contact Jenny at jkondratovski@rogers.com
