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Home Decor

10 tips to glamorous interior design

What's black and white and loved all over? This stylish single mom's glamorous midtown home
10 tips to glamorous interior design

Showcase artwork in black frames on white walls

Don't be fooled by Natasha Koifman's small frame and radiant smile — she's both charming and a force to be reckoned with. As the owner of NKPR, a Toronto public relations firm that works with glamorous brands such as Jones New York, the not-for-profit organization Artists for Peace and Justice, and the Toronto International Film Festival's celebrity gifting suite, the IT Lounge, Natasha's used to hobnobbing with the best of the best from Canada, the U.S. and Europe. It's no surprise then that the home she shares with her son is just as stylish and sophisticated as her client list. When she first saw the house three years ago, it was a dark and dreary space, yet pulling into the driveway on the little dead-end street made her feel transported in time. So with the help of interior designer Connie Braemer, Natasha completely re-imagined the house into a light-filled gallery-like space, perfect for her impressive art collection. The glass extension at the back where the new family room is says it best: sleek yet welcoming; modern yet comfortable. And it opens onto one of the best gardens for entertaining (complete with pool!). It's the ideal place for a woman who likes nothing more than to throw a good party — be it for clients or for friends.

Get this look: Marilyn Monroe art, Izzy Gallery. Diane von Furstenberg Tribal Diamond rug, DVF. Alexander McQueen black skull pillow, Anna Torfs Citrus Double Bubble glass bowl, both Avenue Road. White fur throw, Elte.

Living room, picture of Marilyn Monroe, Zebra rug, skull pillows, black and white

Add one piece of colourful furniture

Bring in a punch of personality with one bright statement-making sofa or chair. This red 1940s designer Eero Saarinen piece pumps the perfect amount of energy into a neutral room.

Get this look: Chair, Minotti.

Living room, red chair, white walls, shiny white floors, round coffee table

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Dress up a room with panel molding

Create architectural interest in any room by layering moldings on the walls. Here, two mirrored glass 'doors' on either side of the window also help to bring light inside and reflect the lush garden beyond.

Get this look: Diane von Furstenberg Tribal Diamond rug, DVF. Hummingbird pillow, Avenue Road. Teal velvet pillow, Elte. Sofa, italinteriors.com.

For an virtual tour of Natasha's living room, click here.

Living room, zebra rug, white walls, black and white, throw pillows

Carpet stairs with plush broadloom

Play up the sculptural look of a dramatic staircase with a rich carpet in a deep colour like black or navy. Keep the look cohesive by matching the spindles to the carpet. Bonus: Dark shades hide dirt.

Get this look: Art, Izzy Gallery.

Stairwell, black carpet, white walls, parquet floor, white table, hallway

Go for a 'waterfall' effect on the counter

Borrow this designer trick to add a sophisticated touch to a kitchen or bathroom: Wrap material (stainless steel or marble works well) down the side of a counter or island, and glam up the space with glossy, high-shine white quartz tiles. (They're also super-easy to clean.)

Get this look: Art, Izzy Gallery. Kitchen design, Connie Braemer. Champagne bucket and flutes, Teatro Verde. General contractor (for renovation), Arguson Projects.
For a virtual tour of Natasha's kitchen and family room, click here.

Stainless steel kitchen, black walls, white cabinetry

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Skip area rugs in the dining room

Keep it simple in formal spaces by allowing natural hardwood to shine rather than covering it up with carpet. Choose a modern table and chairs for a sleek look that's low maintenance.

Get this look: Ted Muehling candlesticks, David Weeks chandelier, both Avenue Road.

Dining room, white walls, sheer white drapes, black table, red roses, white chairs, modern, dark hardwood floors

Leave a few cupboards bare

Create visual interest by keeping some nooks empty and placing vases or collectibles in others. Resist the temptation to overfill bookshelves with too much stuff.
Get this look: Pillow, Art books (on shelves), all Elte. Oversized Chess pieces, Teatro Verde.

Office, cubbies, desk, bookshelves

Upholster your walls

Create a grand yet cozy and modern feel by covering walls in fabric (or, in this case, leather). It's a chic alternative to wallpaper that really lets you play with texture and colour.

Get this look: Bedding, Au Lit Fine Linens. Throw, Hermès. Pink pillows (on bed), Elte.

Bedroom, upholstered walls, white bed, Hermes blanket, zebra pillows

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Frame windows with floor-to-ceiling drapes

Full-length curtains are great in the bedroom. They add just the right amount of drama, emphasizing the vertical lines and making ceilings look higher. They're also the ideal way to block out light on lazy mornings.

Get this look: Thomas Pedersen Sting Ray rocking chair, Mjölk.

Rocking chair by window, long drapes, panelled walls

Create outdoor rooms with furniture and greenery

Define specific eating, lounging or play zones in your backyard using trees, shrubs and furniture. Set up a small bistro table in the shade for a more private area to enjoy some quiet time.

Back of house, pool, outdoor seating, backyard

Paint a ceiling blue

For an unexpected hit, put a deep hue on the ceiling. No matter what time it is, it will feel like you're sitting under a dusk sky. To complement the home's palette, bring some of the indoor colour scheme outside.

Navy ceiling, outdoor seating, big lamps, banquette seating

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