The Look
I need rooms designed for entertaining with sophisticated elegance. Since the living room is supposed to be a salon, it needs to appear properly appointed. I’m not into fabrics that can’t stand up to family life, but a little polish and a nod to glamour are always important.
Split The Space
Create distinct areas, zones or furniture groupings. Here, there are two distinct arrangements (one in front of the window and another beyond it), so users can have a different experience depending on where they sit. Forget one big grouping filled with oversized pieces – divide and conquer instead.
Channel-back side chair, FOC (www.focit.ca). Daybed, GH Johnson’s (www.ghjohnsontrading.com). Fiona sofa, (www.sarahrichardsondesign.com). Rounded-back tub chairs, Queen West Antiques (www.qwac.ca). Custom sisal area rug, Elte (www.elte.com). Gold oval mirror, Decorum Decorative Finds (416-966-6829). All other artwork, Canvas Gallery (www.canvasgallery.ca). Light sconces, Residential Lighting Studio (416-537-3138).
Make It Yourself
If you can’t find the fabric you want? DIY. To create the ‘stripe’ on the chair back, I bought both natural and cream linen, then had them sewn together to create the wide band that runs vertically down the centre. The chairs were also painted cream.
Pair of cream painted armchairs, square wood side tables, Chair, Table Lamp (www.chairtablelamp.blogspot.com). Fabrics, Designer Fabrics (www.designerfabrics.ca).
Play With Intensity
If you’re using solid hues for pillow fabrics, choose two different yet complementary tones for either side of the cushions, so you’ll have the choice of either going soft and pale or bold and colourful. Throw in some striped cushions to liven things up even more.
Villa Nova purple/blue striped cotton (Foxley Stripe Eggshell VN 2035/03) and blue/grey pillow fabric (Akoko Powder VN 2067/06), Bilbrough & Co. (www.bilbroughs.com).
Buy Some Pedigree
The tall chairs were reportedly purchased for the Toronto Spanish consulate in the 1950s. At about $250 each before reupholstery, they’re a good deal. On the other hand, the light lavender drapes were bought ready-made, proving that you don’t always have to go custom to get chic.
Para Paints - Walls: SR29 Gown (P5195-24), Ceiling: SR15 Cotton (P5226-14), Trim: SR29 Snowfall (P5223-14D) www.sarahpaints.com Fabric on Spanish-consulate chairs, inVU Drapery Co. (www.invudraperyco.com). Pair of Spanish-consulate chairs, Elegant Garage Sale (www.elegantgaragesale.com). Artwork on easel, Eclectisaurus (www.eclectisaurus.com). Brass easel Decorum Decorative Finds (416-966-6829). Tufted side chair, FOC (www.focit.ca).
Mix Metals
You don’t need to choose between cool or warm ones – you can have both. My rule for mixing metals is conscious repetition – use both more than once so the effect looks deliberate.
Chrome and brass coffee table, FOC (www.focit.ca).
Mix Metals
You don’t need to choose between cool or warm ones – you can have both. My rule for mixing metals is conscious repetition – use both more than once so the effect looks deliberate.
Chrome and brass coffee table, FOC (www.focit.ca).
Add Instant Heritage
Add some heritage to a brand-new home with salvaged architectural elements such as a fireplace mantel. You’ll need to know the outside width and height of your fireplace opening so you can ensure that your new/old mantel is the appropriate size.
Fireplace mantel, The Door Store (www.thedoorstore.ca).
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