Initial improvements aside, the apartment's ‘feeling' has evolved over the years into its present pale and pretty Swedish country persona. Even better, the space has become a comfortable haven for de Ruiter and her daughter, Jessica. “This really became a home,” she says contentedly. “Jess loves it. It's just become better and better. We really love the light and the feeling.” Over time, built-in bookshelves were added to the bedrooms and living room. The living and dining rooms, shaded by trees, became a muted wheat colour, as did the master bedroom and Jessica's room. A vibrant periwinkle blue plays well against the kitchen's crisp white contours. Recently, on the advice of stylist Lynn Spence, a neighbour, de Ruiter had some of the kitchen's upper cabinet doors removed to create open shelving. The hardwood floors, originally concealed beneath wall-to-wall carpeting, were bared, save for the occasional scatter rug, and then even those were removed to make way for de Ruiter's dramatic paint treatment. Initially, she painted them all white. Then, she brought in someone to add the lime green diamond pattern. The floors, which run everywhere but the kitchen and bathroom, unify the space. Against them, furnishings are a mix of casual, comfortable antiques and pieces acquired from family and friends. Though each element, from chairs to tables to lighting fixtures, was chosen for its individual appeal, everything's come together to express de Ruiter's breezily feminine aesthetic.
Her own decorating philosophy aside, the home's personality was suggested in part by its original character. It had, as they say, “good bones.” Handsome mouldings and panelling, charming windows, built-in display cabinets, and quirky cupboards. None of which de Ruiter would trade. Perhaps best of all is the white subway-tiled bathroom. Though she has plans to enlarge it and replace the original tiles, de Ruiter wouldn't consider anything but new subway tiles for the room, so completely right is the look.
“There are so many things I like, so many styles,” she observes, casting an eye around the eclectic living room, with its idiosyncratic mix of vintage chairs and sofa, all slipcovered for summer in white, and striking assemblage of tables, lamps and art. Visual appeal aside, she notes, “We have no air conditioning, so it's nice to sit on cotton in the summer months.” Come fall, de Ruiter will transform the living room into a cozy retreat by stripping the furniture of its white slipcovers. Not surprisingly, the textured and patterned fabrics that lay beneath are worn and faded, just the way she loves them.
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