A Lush Neutral Room

March 24, 2022

Layering texture and careful attention to contrast and balance are the keys to creating a neutral room that still carries visual weight and finds ways to attract the viewer.

Small amounts of intense colour supported by a split-complimentary accent colour helps to keep the addition of colour impactful without adding colour intensity overall, allowing the room to remain feeling neutral.

In order to balance the neutrals, contrast plays the most important role. The cocktail tables are dark, centralized and form a group to provide the contrast to the lighter prevailing tones. The organic and textural details add interest to the neutrality.

Phillips Collection Bark Bronze Coffee Table

Form always follows function; circulation plays a vital role in the harmony of a space, which in turn allows the neutral palette to be the focus. A large curved sofa embraces the casually curved cocktail grouping.

In keeping with the curves of the sofa, additional seating for conversation is provided by curvy lounge chairs in the time-honoured designer’s neutral: taupe. Taupe is a chameleon - green and red undertones harmonize perfectly in a neutral scheme.

Moving Mountains Puffer Chair in taupe from GoodColony.com

Light area rugs are a boon to any room provided they are good quality and can be maintained. Wool is king and blended with other fibres can add sublte elegant sheen that will patina beautifully over time. Not only do they add comfort and great style, large area rugs anchor the groupings and provide sound attenuation to allow for the inclusion of harder, reflective surfaces that add to the layered depth of a space.

New Patterson Flynn 2022 - Azibo from the PF Signature Collection

For this design, the floor was treated to a spectacular stone called Four Seasons that provides an exciting and dramatic field to support the neutral tones while adding significant substance to the room.

Four Seasons Polished Marble from Artistic Tile

Polished bronze in a variety of accents adds mid-tone mellow warmth to the room.

Left to right: Wedge End Table - Posh Finish - Phillips Collection. Armato Bronze Side Table and Heath Small Bowl from Kelly Wearstler. Falling Stars Sconce by Holly Hunt.

Pattern and texture is important in a neutral space and is part of the layering strategy to build a thoughtful and well-designed room.

Left to Right: Fromental Wallcovering. Kravet Simply Sisal. Schumacher Tutsi. Schumacher Khotan Weave.

Lighting by Roche Bobois.

OMSK TABLE LAMP by Roche Bobois — Omsk Table Lamp by Roche Bobois

KITCHEN DESIGN ONLINE

March 13, 2021

It is possible to create a kitchen online! This recently completed project was made possible by an owner who was committed to creating a beautiful and functional space and was open to working together throughout the entire process to ensure continuity between the design proposal and the built reality. This was acheived through email correspondence and uploaded photos. Knowing the right questions to ask is key!

Photos: www.jnorthern.com/Staging: www.lukestephensstaging.com

Designing with Colour for a Happier Home

February 19, 2021

Many people request a neutral palette with a “shot of colour” for their residential design projects. This is likely because a small amount of vibrant colour can have a great impact, even when the accent colour is not carefully considered; the surprise of intensity and contrast are always there with bold colour when added to a neutral interior space.

Colour is fun - especially when paired with a charming sketch

Pillows often become the venue for adding the “pop” and frequently justifiably as the investment in time and dollars for a pillow accent is minimal compared to painting, custom draperies, casegoods or cabinetry.

Minor accenting of luminous yellow provides complimentary support to the purple colourway of the paper. Yellow is cheerful of course! Image credit: Coordone

However, a more substantial way to add colour is of course with paint or wallpaper. Used focally at an entry wall or submersively in a small room like a powder room this can bring about the instant pleasure that the impact of colour extends.

Lacquered walls require a major commitmment in terms of expense and skilled labour but the impact is undeniable in terms of their depth and sophistication.

Intense, warm colour is thrilling. Image via House Beautiful - Designer Philip Gorrivan. Image Credit: Micheal Graydon

Understanding colour theory and the ability to balance hue, value, chroma and amount of colour elevates a design from the concept of adding “the pop” to a masterfully executed professional design. What a perfect example this room is as intended by the designer below, and then reimagined with the vibrancy of the red purposefully removed. The cheerfulness and drama is also removed.

From the website portfolio of SR Gambrel - click above for link

Colour is certainly a mood lifter and conversation starter; bold colour can direct the viewer and energize. It can define a room and add exuberance. Living with colour is exciting and fun.

Image credit: World of Kate Spade - HeroImage

SCULPTURAL TILE TO ADD LASTING INTEREST

January 6, 2020

If the opportunity presents itself I find it useful to use dimensional tile to draw attention to focal areas of a room, if the tile performance fits the requirements of the location.

Form always follows function in a working environment so a tile with small detailing in an area prone to splashes, such as a cooktop, requires careful consideration for the homeowner. I had the opportunity to specify this lovely dimensional tile in the matte white colourway shown above in a recent kitchen renovation as a feature in the room. Although the cleaning requirements of a dimensional tile will be greater than a flat tile, the beauty of this tile in a location to afford the chef a pleasing view while cooking and dining outweighed the additional cleaning the ribbed texture will demand.

Rendering by LK Atelier Interior Renditions. Copyright LM Design +

In other situations where drama is required, dimensional tiles are wonderful for creating spectacle, especially when the finish is reflective:

Japanese Gio by Daniel Ogassian. Image via ArchiExpo

Photo by Andy Wright Studios. Copyright LM Design +

The above tile is the Japanese Gio tile by Daniel Ogassian. I specified it as a sculptural element in a restaurant so that it could be back-lit and the form of the tile could become a screen to anchor the main wall of the private dining area. Matte and reflective versions of the same tile were blended so that the faces of the tiles could reveal different finishes to heighten the display without excess reflectivity.

A current project is for a chalet bath renovation in Whistler, British Columbia. The client loves a spare, modern but textural style so this stunning dimensional tile by Alison Rose will be proposed in feature areas that do not receive direct contact with water. The undulating expression reminds me of the human form, water and ski patterns in fresh snow; perfect for the room type, locale and the client’s preferences. The bold material, texture and drama are exactly what I am looking for to inspire and provide lasting interest for this renovation. A dimensional tile works every time!

Source: https://www.artistictile.com/alison-rose-zephyr-nero-szepblk816?sid=560356

Source: http://www.ogassian.com/

Source: https://www.annsacks.com/collections/made-...

Adding Drama Affordably

April 27, 2019

One of the easiest ways I have found to add drama to a living space is through scale. Scale often carries a high price tag so I am always on the look-out for larger scaled items that can work with a room’s balance and harmony while at the same time adding drama without busting the budget.

Murals are an affordable way to add a punch to a room without long term commitment when you mount them on stretchers from any big-box building supply store creating your own over-scaled art. A weekend project that can cost under $400 for an 8’x5’ statement.

Over-sized palms always lend a big bang especially when you light them from below with plug-in spots.

This home had no vestibule; I felt it important for the client to have an impactful yet subtle statement for their many guests as they are frequent entertainers. The budget was good for select furnishings but not much was allocated to art.

My solution was to work with scale and create a subtle but eye-catching visual on the main wall, with the wall-mounted mural and grand palm. The green of the palm is neutral and the greyed-down print of the mural allows the warmth of the seating to invite while still making an understated visual impact.