Ottawa-based studio VIALI Design breathes new life into a condominium's communal spaces with a balance of light, texture, and the joy of everyday living.
It began, as many meaningful projects do, by chance. What started as a casual gathering at Linda Price-Bennett's home led to an unexpected opportunity for the creative director and founder of VIALI Design — a chance to reimagine the lobbies and social rooms of Hudson Park, a 16-year-old condominium in downtown Ottawa.Â
The original lobbies and social rooms were well maintained but unremarkable. They served their purpose, but not their people. Price-Bennett saw an opportunity to shift that rhythm, to bring intention and a sense of belonging into spaces that had long prioritized utility over experience. Â
With more than 40 years of experience in art, residential, and accessible design, Price-Bennett approaches every space with both creativity and care. At Hudson Park, that meant drawing from the building’s subtle art deco influences, while keeping the human experience at the centre. She envisioned spaces that would feel warm, elegant, and above all, lived in.
“The biggest inspiration [is] the people who would be using the spaces every day — the residents and their guests,” says Price-Bennett. “We also wanted to respect the quality of the condominium itself, and the strong architectural influences already present in the building.”
Let There Be Light
From her first walk through the property, Price-Bennett saw untapped potential. The lobbies had generous proportions but lacked intimacy; the social rooms were functional but underutilized. Her goal was to turn these transitional areas into extensions of home — spaces that feel inviting.Â
“I wanted the lobbies to feel as though you were walking into someone’s living room — welcoming, cozy, and comfortable"
To achieve that, lighting and materiality became her guiding principles. In the main lobby, SUNPAN's Clarabelle Chandeliers cast a gentle glow that drifts across the Burr Sofa with its subtle brass detailing and a pair of custom Alix Lounge Chairs upholstered in a soft neutral tone. At the centre, the beautifully handcrafted Neo Nesting Coffee Tables gather like a modern sculpture, its staggered height and mixed-metal finishes creating a harmonious rhythm. The result is a space that feels both composed and inviting, encouraging guests to linger, connect, and unwind.Â
Lighting wasn’t the only element that guided the transformation. The palette was just as intentional. Echoing the warmth of the sun-washed apricot walls, the Aster Planters introduces an organic texture and life. Beneath it all, the Dusk Hand-Tufted Rug adds softness and a splash of color to the dark marble flooring.
The Art of Balance
Every design decision aimed to strike an equilibrium between aesthetics and everyday practicality, a balance that underscores much of Price-Bennett’s work. When it came to furnishing, she sought out pieces that could withstand constant use without compromising comfort or cohesion.
“For a project like Hudson Park, the most important qualities in furniture selection were durability, commercial-grade construction, comfort, and of course, the overall look,” she says.
“SUNPAN’s products have the strength of commercial-grade furniture but the warmth and comfort of residential design.”
Throughout the social rooms, that philosophy comes to life through thoughtful layering. Blair Dining Chairs gather around the Baldessara Dining Table, their slender profiles and sturdy forms become natural focal points for conversations. Nearby, the Bilbao Pendant Lights hangs above the bar, paired handsomely with a trio of Arizona Swivel Barstools.
While the project showcased SUNPAN’s range, it also highlighted the brand’s ability to adapt. Price-Bennett was among the first designers to personalize her selections through customization — offered as part of SUNPAN’s recently launched Customer’s Own Material (COM) initiative. She customized the Alix Lounge Chair in a cover and finish that harmonized with her palette for the Hudson Park project.
The standard finish of the Alix was slightly different from the warm whites she envisioned, but SUNPAN arranged to have about two dozen chairs re-upholstered in an alternate fabric.
“It was really appreciated on my side,” Price-Bennett shares. “If that couldn’t have happened, I would have had to look elsewhere. But I loved those chairs — the curved back, the channel tufting — they were just perfect for this space.”
That level of flexibility, she adds, made all the difference. It’s the kind of collaboration that allows designers to realize their vision without compromise.
A Lasting Impression
The project unfolded over the course of a year, concluding in mid-2025. Through navigating board approvals and logistics, to coordinating timelines, Price-Bennett found herself juggling it all — but as a mother of seven, she’s long been fluent in the art of multi-tasking.
“It gave me the opportunity to transform the lobbies and social rooms into something truly beautiful, comfortable, and reflective of the quality the building deserves,” Price-Bennett reflects.
Today, the redesigned spaces have found their rhythm. Residents pause in the lobby to check their mail, light spills softly across the Alix chairs in the lounge, and families gather in the social rooms. Guided by Price-Bennett’s thoughtful vision and SUNPAN’s craftsmanship, the project goes beyond its design to reflect how people live, connect, and find beauty in the details that surround them.