A special project post.
Back in March 2021, I had the pleasure of meeting HOA members and residents of the Ridgeway Condominium in State College, PA. The common areas of their 1990 building were still in their original form, and as such, were being utilized minimally, if at all. Their request: bring our community space and lobby areas into the now. To say, "We did it" is an understatement, especially with supply shortages and delivery delays. We wrapped up this summer and I’m so excited to share the transformation with you today!
the entrance lobby
First impressions mean something. Especially to residents coming home. With just two chairs and a small area rug off to the side, the original Ridgeway entrance lobby was uninviting.
To welcome all who walk through, we started with a custom oversized rug – durable against exterior elements, luxe with its plush hand and soft blue-gray tone. Seating needed to be replaced and doubled to accommodate anyone waiting for a ride or to greet guests. We accomplished this with four hand-detailed barrel armchairs and added brass accent tables, sconces, and floor mirrors to give this lobby a lounge feel.
Refreshing the aging wallpaper with a classic white paint (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) and installing a pair of sleek semi-flush fixtures dramatically brightened the spacious interior entrance.
The decor was kept minimal with faux green stems in blown glass vases, and a handcrafted metal petals sculpture whose lovely muted blue, green, and gray tones bring the whole lobby together.
the community room
Ridgeway wanted their open-space community room to serve several distinct purposes—gathering, meeting, and entertaining. With thoughtful furniture selection and placement, we created three vignettes that work individually and flow together seamlessly.
Gathering. Handsomely upholstered armchairs around a coffee table invite all to come in and sit awhile for neighborly conversation or to curl up with a book from the upgraded shared library.
Meeting. A handwoven rattan pendant draws you further in towards a substantial yet stunningly simple 60” round table where board members meet. The new slim kitchenette provides additional prep space for Ridgeway to host parties and game-day spreads.
Entertaining. Game day is just better with friends. Soft single seats give viewers personal space within a comfortable view of the wall-mounted TV. Single seats are also mobile, so they can quickly move about to accommodate additional chairs. Accent tables give snacks and beverages a place to land, while aesthetically speaking to the mix of black and brass metals used in the room.
From furniture to decor, the same palette of wood, black, and brass appears in different ways in each community room vignette. Faux greenery also recurs adding a fresh, vibrant feel throughout. Soft, textured drapery compliments the new contemporary style with its lightness while dampening sound and giving height to the windows.
But by far my favourite transformation…the WALLS!
While conceptualizing the interior refresh, I decided to make one specific change to my original model. A change that not only elevated the overall ambiance but became the signature repeating element in each space of the project.
Magical. Moody. BLUE.
Sea Serpent by Sherwin Williams to be exact. And what an impact it made!
Applying board and batten paneling (in lieu of artwork) and painting it this bold, deep navy immediately infused character into the room. Various shades of moody blue intentionally appear in the entrance (rug, vases, wall sculpture) and elevator (custom art, carpet) lobbies, creating depth and continuity across the shared spaces. Going dark blue can seem intimidating, but here it invoked a confident, cozy feel, and delivered the timeless sophistication Ridgeway sought to bring their space into the now and beyond.
the elevator lobby
The elevator lobby may be transient, but it deserves as much attention and attraction as the adjacent entrance and community room. A sophisticated chandelier continues the contemporary style while adding much-needed light. The community room's Berber carpet and rich blue walls were repeated here, keeping the main-level style consistent from end to end.
Unique to the elevator lobby is the custom artwork. Both lobby spaces were just coming together when I noted a very vacant corridor wall. It inspired me to start a little DIY project as a gift to Ridgeway. I referenced two abstract images (left / right) and reinterpreted them to create the pair of acrylic paintings you see below. I love that it greets residents coming off the elevator and draws your attention from the main lobby, and I’m thrilled to contribute something special to an incredible community of people.
what's your favourite part about the Ridgeway Condominium's interior refresh?
I stepped into the condo last week to say hello and deliver holiday cards to my amazing clients, and they asked if it still makes me happy to walk into the space. It sure does and the only thing that makes me happier is hearing how much they LOVE their interior refresh. I believe this project was a worthwhile endeavor for all involved and that everyone at Ridgeway—from current residents and guests to future owners—will benefit from our collaborative efforts for years to come.
(Ridgeway, thank you for entrusting me with your project!)
Can't wait to read what you're loving about this incredible before-and-after story, and I hope it inspires you in your journey to finding what feels good at home.
Always,
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