His and her decor: Mixing his and her design styles

Meet Max Valiquette, new-media guru at the mighty Bensimon Byrne
advertising agency. Meet Alison Lawler-Dean, PR maven for homegrown
style powerhouse Joe Fresh. When Alison moved into Max’s newly renovated house,
she admits, the look was a little masculine for her taste. It’s the classic boy-girl style
debate. She likes pattern, he prefers leather. But Alison knows her stuff and can call
a trend well ahead of the curve. So with a little charm, lots of experience and a subtle
touch, she went about softening the lines and palette of Max’s downtown Toronto
turn-of-the-century home. Taking her cue from Max’s favourite room — the spacious,
very professional kitchen — she added light and colour to the contemporary space.
In so doing, they designed a funky, modern look that’s all their own.



Get the look above: Boheme wall paper, Graham & Brown. Green glassware, Everydayhousewife.ca. Mack with blue cord table lamp, Crate&Barrel. Owl-shaped urn, INVU Drapery Co. Cylinder cubbies, Neatspace.ca. Alison Lawler-Dean's fashion, Joe Fresh.