Sebastian Clovis and Tiffany Pratt Transform a Problem-Filled Home for Syrian Refugees

When Syrian refugees Abd and Ruba landed in Toronto, it was a fresh start for themselves and their family. They felt grateful for the opportunities Canada afforded them, and once they were on their feet, they wanted to pay it forward and help others in their community. So they volunteered and opened up their home to those in need. Unfortunately, that home was plagued with problems. From cramped spaces to hidden structural issues, they needed an overhaul. Enter the Family Home Overhaul team, led by designer Tiffany Pratt and contractor Sebastian Clovis. See how the dynamic duo transformed Abd and Ruba’s problematic space into a beautiful coastal-modern home with plenty of relaxing vibes and room for everyone.

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An open concept coastal look with blue kitchen bar and light floors.

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Bright, Coastal Vibes

Before the overhaul, the main living area was dark, compartmentalized and lacking flow. By reconfiguring the space and opening it up, Sebastian and Tiffany created an open floorplan that lets in ample light and allows the family to hang out together or entertain. A large kitchen island gives extra counter space, storage and seating; an oval dining table easily sits the entire family and friends; and the light, coastal furniture is a complete mood.

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Bursts of Blue

In conversing with the homeowners Tiffany quickly realized their penchant for blue hues, which she incorporated throughout the design. From the deep blue on the front hall closet and the coastal design on the drapes, to the blue-grey tinged cabinetry, the shades work together to create a relaxing and warm atmosphere. The result is a pretty and modern coastal space that feels like it should be beach-adjacent. No one knows colour quite like Tiffany Pratt!

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A Relaxing Primary Bedroom

While Abd and Ruba were lucky to escape their situation, they still have many friends and family that they wanted to connect with back home. In order to do that in a private and relaxing setting, Tiffany and Sebastian gave the homeowners a luxurious primary bedroom. The room continues those coastal vibes with more shades of blue, a simple headboard, and a woven bench that doubles as storage space. Now, this area feels like a true retreat.

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Smart Storage

In order to enlarge this tiny bathroom and give the family the space they truly needed, Sebastian and Tiffany carved space out from the primary closet. In return, they gave the couple back their storage space with some smart closet solutions in their primary bedroom. This sleek unit adds design and function, with lots of capacity to hold all of their clothes. A couple of cute baskets for extra textiles and a chair and side table that’s in line with rest of the coastal theme completes the look.

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The second bedroom makes the most of the small space

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Making the Most of the Space

In the second bedroom Tiffany and Seb kept the blue theme going, but they made the most of the small space. By keeping the walls and the flooring neutral and adding sleek accents like the clock and lamp, they were able to keep the space open and light. Then, a smart bed with headboard storage and drawers underneath ensures that not one single inch of space in this room isn’t being put to good use.

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Bathed in Blue

The blue theme continues in the new and enlarged bathroom, where Tiffany selected this standout vanity and gorgeous tiling. The dramatic look is bold and beautiful, and caught the homeowners’ attention right away. Small accents like the gold-rimmed mirror, the woven area rug, and the natural elements on the containers tie the coastal theme back in with a pretty and modern touch.

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A Cozy New Rec Room

Downstairs, the team also put the space to good use with a large sectional couch that can double as a bonus sleeping area when the homeowners have guests. Meanwhile, Tiffany and Sebastian incorporated the pre-exiting fireplace into the look with some paint and modern updates. A photo collage wall personalizes the space and gives it a homey, family feel. Then, blue trim on the A fresh fern, and modern lamps tie everything together with a modern feel.

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Creating a Work Area

Having a proper workspace was essential for this couple, who were tired of only having the kitchen table as a spot to set up the laptop. Tiffany and Seb easily extended the rec room into an office with this sleek table and storage unit, opting for white furniture to keep with the bright and open look. Meanwhile the finishes continue to give off that coastal vibe (especially with woven and gold accents), making this a room that’s truly fit for the whole family.

Read: What is Housing Inequality? And What Canadians Can Do About It

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Extending the Space Outdoors

When you have a backyard, you want to use it – especially if you’re entertaining guests. While Sebastian and Tiffany didn’t spend a ton of time outside, they did give Abd and Ruba back their outdoor space by removing the dysfunctional swimming pool, laying down new grass, and fixing the fencing. Add in a few lounge chairs, a picnic table and a firepit, and suddenly this space becomes a natural extension of what has been created indoors.

A bungalow with a light coloured exterior.

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A Cute and Functional New Home

A new roof, new siding, new windows, and a paint job on the outside completes this charming restoration and gives the family peace of mind for years to come. Now, they own something that is uniquely theirs and provides a safe and welcoming home that suits their personalities. It is sure to help them to continue settling into Canada for many years to come.