Enchanted Forest Meets Hollywood Regency

This semi-detached Victorian was Henrietta’s first signature project in Ottawa and it put her on the map as it was featured in Ottawa Magazine’s 2013 Annual Interior Edition “At Home With The Experts”. The top to bottom renovation started in the attic which went from a plethora of rooms with a low ceiling, to a “staycation” getaway with a small ensuite. The formal Living and Dining rooms were connected to the long hallway by opening walls to accommodate majestic arches. Upon re-doing the old shallow charcoal fireplaces Southam discovered that in fact the 1920 additions hid the large 1870 hearths. All walls were re-clad in drywall so as not to touch the lath & plaster and new knives were made to duplicate the historical foot high baseboards and 4” thick profile door casements. These moldings became a favourite of Henrietta’s and shehas used the same in many more projects as they lend instant gravitas and glamour. Southam’s most daring room was the master bath which was the first trend-setting all-black room in Ottawa. The show stopper however was the three-wall black lacquered library backed by emerald green malachite wallpaper. Although Henrietta stained all the floors and doors black and kept all the walls linen white as well as furnishing the main rooms with black and white furniture sourced from all over North America, this first project put her on the map as a “colorist” thanks in part to the bright and theatrical silk ikat curtains throughout that were sourced directly from Uzbekistan. The enchanted forest concept emerged in various languages: from the leaf green Murano Chandeliers, to the griffins on the fireplace screens, passing by the Mongolian sheepskin sofas and antique Chinese dragon thrones, this noble sun-filled Victorian home remains one of Southam’s most cherished projects.