His and her decor: Mixing his and her design styles
He said, she said
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.
Use bold, bright accessories (and keep big-ticket items neutral)
A kitchen is not the place to experiment with trends. Instead, choose classic, stylish components — like wood lower cabinets, glass uppers and stainless-steel appliances — that will stand the test of time. Then pick a vibrant accent colour like red for your pots, art and cooking tools.
Get this look: Kitchen and bookcase design by Robert McGregor Design, 416-305-4050. Art: B by Greg Shegler; The Challenge, Varsity Swim team and Training by Elizabeth Lennie; all Art Interiors. Coloured clock, Superstore.
Put up a set of patterned drapes
Souzani-inspired drapes frame the window and add softness to the open-concept living room. Designer tip: Opt for modular coffee tables in a small space or if you entertain a lot. They are easily separated to use as side tables wherever you need them.
Get this look: Abraham & Thakore stitch circle pillow cover, West Elm. Die-cut pillow in orange, Bev Hisey. Drapes, INVU Drapery Co. Koldby cowhide, Ikea.
Go for an oversized sink
If you’re short on space, install one large, rectangular sink instead of two smaller ones. This stainless-steel under-mount version provides a sleek, modern look, maximizes counter space and has all the room you need to wash those bulky pots and pans.
Get this look: Turquoise urn, circle sculpture (behind leaf), INVU Drapery Co. Art, Anna Lisa Sang.
Skip the slipcovers. Small sheepskin rugs can do the trick!
He said, "I couldn't give up my leather chairs."
She said, "I love soft textures."
Cozy up masculine textures like leather with natural materials including fur or wool. These sheepskin throws achieve the same results as slipcovers, but they’re so much more fun.
Get this look: Rens sheepskins, Kattrup rug, Foto pendant lamp in dark grey, all Ikea. PC oval platters, Superstore. Orange vase, Everydayhousewife.ca. Artwork, Laura Wood. Fig tree, Sheridan Nurseries.
Add interest to minimalist bedding with geometric prints
He said, "I love neutral colours."
She said, "I need some femininity in our bedroom."
Mix and match patterns like a pro by staying in one colour family. Here, the grey leafy flat sheet, striped top sheet, lattice bedspread and solid quilt work perfectly together.
Get this look: Bedsheets, Superstore. DwellStudio duvet cover and shams, coverlet, all Au Lit Fine Linens. The Diving Board by Joshua Jensen-Nagle, Art Interiors. Art (beside bed), Laura Wood. Toss cushion, Bev Hisey. Sculpted origami pillow cover, West Elm. Stephens table lamp, Crate&Barrel.
Use a ladder towel rack
Shun conventional towel racks in favour of this clever option. For an extra special hit, look for a vintage style to instantly warm up a pared-down space.
Get this look: Bathroom design by Robert McGregor Design, 416-305-4050.
Hang a big painting in your bathroom
Take advantage of unexpected places to display artwork or pretty collections. Here, the sleek, modern bathroom feels softer thanks to the grouping of green glass and original painting.
Get this look: Green glassware, Everydayhousewife.ca. Towel, Superstore.
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