Some rooms don’t need a facelift — they need a fresh start. When the homeowners on this
Papineau-area project called Savvy Renovations, they were living with pink striped
wallpaper, a painted-white brick accent wall, a drop-tile ceiling, and tired carpet. The
bones were fine. Everything you could see and touch was stuck in another decade.
Here’s how we took the room from dated to dreamy — and how you can do the same in your
Northern Ontario home.
The "before": good bones, dated everything
The starting point told a familiar story: layers of finishes added over the years, none
of them working together. The striped wallpaper fought the brick, the drop ceiling made
the room feel low, and the carpet had seen better days. Our first job was simple — strip
it back to a blank canvas.
The process: done in the right order
A great remodel is really about sequence. Skip a step and you pay for it later. Here’s
the order we followed:
- Demolition — wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpet and trim all came out.
interior-papineau-03.jpg - Insulation — we improved the wall cavities for comfort and efficiency. Up here,
that pays you back every winter.interior-papineau-05.jpg - Drywall — new board hung clean and square.
interior-papineau-06.jpg - Mudding & taping — the unglamorous step that makes everything else look good.
interior-papineau-08.jpg - Whitewashed plank ceiling — the feature that changed the whole room, adding height
and warmth.interior-papineau-10.jpg - Flooring — durable wood-look plank replaced the old carpet.
interior-papineau-13.jpg - Paint, trim & a new craftsman entry door — warm greige walls, crisp white trim, and
a grey glass-lite door to finish.interior-papineau-17.jpg
Why the ceiling stole the show: swapping a drop-tile ceiling for a whitewashed plank
ceiling instantly makes a room feel taller, brighter and more custom — one of the best
value moves in an interior remodel.
The "after": warm, bright, modern farmhouse
The finished space is everything the "before" wasn’t: bright, warm, cohesive, and built
to last. The craftsman door with its glass insert adds character the moment you walk in,
and the whitewashed ceiling ties it all together.
Thinking about your own remodel?
A few things we tell every homeowner:
- Plan the whole project, not just the paint. Insulation, drywall and ceilings are
easiest to upgrade while the room is already open. - Choose durable finishes. Wood-look plank flooring handles Northern Ontario boots,
pets and seasons far better than carpet. - You don’t have to pay for it all up front. We offer flexible financing through
FinanceIt — including "Don’t Pay Until 2026" and low-APR options.
FAQ
How long does a room remodel like this take?
Most single-room gut remodels run a few weeks depending on scope. We give you a clear
timeline up front and keep you updated weekly — no surprises.
Do you serve areas outside Mattawa?
Yes. We work across North Bay, Nipissing, Powassan, Bonfield, Callander and Northern
Ontario.
Can I finance an interior renovation?
Absolutely. Apply in minutes at financeit.ca/s/WpxfsA.
Ready to start?
Get a free, no-surprises quote: (705) 707-HOME · savvyrenovations.ca
Prefer to start now and pay later? Apply for financing →