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Tiled Countertops Have Never Looked Cooler Than All Over This U-Shaped Kitchen
The article details the renovation of an Airbnb space in Whistler, British Columbia, undertaken by Jillian Smith-Moher of Twenty-Two Twelve and Autumn Hachey of Stay Here. Their primary goal was to create an impactful and unique short-term rental. A key design inspiration was the green tiled counters from the movie *Home Alone*, which led them to clad the kitchen countertop and backsplash, including a waterfall peninsula, entirely in checkered tile. This choice aimed to make a significant statement within the small kitchen footprint. To ensure a modern aesthetic, they opted for a checkered pattern over a solid color and avoided traditional ’70s-era Schluter trim, favoring clean edges.
The designers provided several tips for making a rental stand out. First, they emphasized the importance of a detailed welcome book. Despite the tile’s durability, grout lines require specific cleaning. To prevent damage, they created a guide for guests on how to maintain the tiled surfaces, highlighting the importance of clear communication in preserving expensive or interesting materials in rentals. This approach fostered respect from guests, allowing for the inclusion of chic accessories like squiggly candleholders.
Another tip involved investing in retro-looking appliances, such as a 24-inch-wide Smeg refrigerator. While not ideal for a full-time family home due to its limited capacity, it suited a rental perfectly, where guests typically store fewer groceries, and it instantly elevated the kitchen's aesthetic. The article also discussed the importance of a cohesive design theme. Hachey consistently repeats patterns and shapes across rooms and even across different rental projects, making her designs instantly recognizable. An example cited is the use of round pillows in various projects, including the living room of the Whistler Airbnb.
For the bedroom level, where budget constraints prevented extending luxury vinyl planks, the designers creatively used office-grade carpet tiles. They purchased two tones and laid them in a checkerboard pattern, transforming a budget-driven decision into an intentional design feature. Similarly, cost-saving measures included installing IKEA kitchen and bathroom vanity cabinets, then customizing them with semi-custom doors from Kitch in ivory oak.
The designers also focused on dramatizing scale, exemplified by the XXL Hudson Valley pendant lamp chosen for the dining area. This oversized fixture created an unexpected and impactful visual in the small condo. In the main bathroom, instead of replacing the existing drop-in tub, they embraced it by swathing the entire room, including the tub-shower wall, in eucalyptus-hued square tiles, giving it a luxurious feel. A glass half-wall was installed instead of a shower curtain to maintain clear sight lines in the small space.
Finally, for the upstairs children’s room, or “kids’ lair,” the designers lined the walls with beds to create a conversation pit atmosphere rather than a formal bedroom, and omitted pot lights for a moodier ambiance. The mattresses were designed to be flexible, allowing them to be shifted to form two king beds, offering versatility for guests. This comprehensive renovation demonstrates how strategic design choices, even with budget considerations, can transform a rental property into a distinctive and memorable space.
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