Kortney Wilson Transforms a Dated Home into a Tropical Paradise

Small furnishings, such as the bright green chest and chairs, add enough colour to make the living space pop without overdoing it. Same goes for the tropical bench, curtains and area rug under the glass coffee table. Together, the hues combine and contrast for a fun, contemporary look. The aesthetic is also grounded by softer neutrals like the grey couch and large jute rug.

Bright, fresh flowers and plants are a great way to cheer up a space and give it an instant pop of colour. The best part: If you want to liven up your home’s look, you’re only a bouquet away from doing so.

The kitchen island, which sparked Kortney’s green obsession for the design, immediately draws the eye. While it’s not quite jewel-toned, its hue adds plenty of depth and definition, which helps separate the kitchen from the nearby living area. Meanwhile, the island’s soft white countertop and simple hardware keep it timeless.

That prefinished hardwood? It runs lengthwise throughout the main floor, creating the illusion of a larger space. The flooring continues in the kitchen and connects to the colour scheme thanks to small touches like the woven bar stools and fresh greenery.

Any modern kitchen needs plenty of storage, and this design is no exception. Kortney repeated the island’s cabinetry hardware on these bright white facings and took advantage of every nook and cranny to create loads of storage opportunities, both above and below the countertops.

The geometric backsplash is a unique feature in this kitchen. It’s no wonder Kortney wanted to showcase it by installing open shelves rather than boxing in the space with another cupboard. Pretty canisters and a peachy picture add a contemporary meets country feel.

Tropical finishes continue in this voyager-inspired dining room thanks to modern bentwood chairs with a velour orange finish. The island-style drapes are repeated here too, keeping the look uniform throughout the home.

A glass table paired with antique high-backed chairs upholstered in a cream-hued fabric keep the dining room light and airy, making it seem as though there’s space to spare. The fireplace – an original feature to the home – serves as an art piece and is emphasized by the crafty circular mirror.

When it comes to decorating details, Kortney has always been one to think outside the box. With that said, we especially love the way she used vintage leather briefcases as an art installation in the dining room. They add a personal feel to the space’s tropical vibe, making us all want to go on vacation in the near future.

Remember those gorgeous orange dining room chairs? The last two were reused in this den and adorned with emerald throw pillows to keep the overall look uniform. Deep orange hues are also seen in the area rug and throw blanket, while the neutral sofa blends in with the fireplace. Speaking of, who says a fireplace has to be functional to be beautiful? We love how Kortney stacked books here instead.

Antlers seem to be all the rage these days. Kortney used the decor accent to her advantage with a faux deer head mounted on a rich green plaque. Combined with the original painted bricks, the look brings a contemporary feel to the room.

We all know Kortney is a big fan of planning main-floor master bedrooms. This large bedroom, located just off the dining room, boasts the same hardwood floors and dabs of green seen throughout the home – but the orange is dialed down a notch to give the space a more romantic feel.

The dark-stained wood night table brings a rustic feel to the bedroom and pairs nicely with the colourful accents and oatmeal-hued headboard. Add in an ombre-inspired lamp, and this becomes a romantic but functional space perfect for the masters of a household.

Kortney and Dave may have disagreed about whether adding a two-way fireplace to the bedroom was sexy or creepy (since it looks into the ensuite), but we call it stunning. The custom-made floor tiles also add a playful touch.

Considering the ensuite itself isn’t the largest, Kortney did a great job making the space feel bright and open. The textured floor tiles are partly to thank, as are the honeycomb tiles in the glass shower. Add in a dual vanity and you end up with a smart, functional layout perfect for two.

What do you do when you have a closet with awkward angles and walls? You build custom shelves, of course. Kortney made the most of this area by adding a cubby-like unit to one corner and installing shelves and bars on the remaining walls. The result is a functional space that’s still as bright and open as the rest of the home.

This large bedroom is a great size for a family home, but it also boasts an interesting shape thanks to the slanted ceiling in one corner. Pretty greens and oranges continue the tropical theme, as seen in the refinished nightstands, accent pillows and blankets. Large windows also ensure the space is flooded with natural light.

This awkward space could have easily been filled with a dresser, but that would have blocked the natural light. Instead, Kortney opted for a plush armchair and beautifully crafted side table to create a little reading nook.

The hardwood continues on the second level, making this bedroom feel bright and polished. The curtain’s horizontal stripes not only play into the home’s theme, but they trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it actually is. The simple night tables and bench keep the look streamlined, while the vibrant floral bedding adds a lively touch.

The third bedroom may be the smallest, but it’s perfect as a guest room or an office. Here, Kortney set it up as both, adding a desk and an artful daybed. She then adorned the space with stylish accents like the textured pillows, geometric area rug and contemporary night table. The result is a decorative space prettier than most boutique hotel rooms we’ve stayed in!