Shut the Front Door: Making Your First Impression

The April colour issue of Style At Home has made its way to many subscribers already so I’m going to kick off my behind the scenes tour of how all the rooms in the feature came together with a detailed look at the foyer, which is fittingly the first image in the spread. Captured quite perfectly by the talented Stacey Brandford, the foyer shot also shows off one of my favourite elements in the space: the front door.

The front door says a lot about the home you’re about to enter with the particular style, finish and even material giving visitors their first glimpse into your taste. With that in mind, I selected particular door and hardware options that embody the traditional luxe look I envisioned for my home.

…Read More

Project Glam Kitchen: Furniture and the Family Room

A key factor in planning the addition was ensuring I could create a family room zone for TV watching, lounging and more. It needed to be comfortable and durable enough for kicking back with kids, but still retain my signature glamorous design sense.

My husband and I did not see eye to eye on my sofa choice from our apartment which had a tight back, high rolled arms and tufting, so I was determined to give him a cozy sectional that he couldn’t complain about this time around. I went the custom route so I could personalize the design, including a double row of brass nailheads on the top perimeter to down-wrapped seat and back cushions for optimum comfort. For the fabric, I chose Maxwell Fabric’s Soul Mate in Indigo, a rich sapphire-hued polyester chenille that is soft to the touch but can be spot cleaned easily as well. Going with the navy definitely was a departure from the expected black and white, and I love how it gives the room a sense of regal boldness.

My tuxedo chair from the apartment makes an appearance here and it pairs perfectly with the sectional thanks to equally sophisticated details like the black velvet contrast welting and button tufting. Both the chair, breakfast banquette and bar stools are upholstered in faux-leathers from Maxwell Fabrics (Platinum in Oyster for the tuxedo chair and Big Horn in Ebony for the banquette and bar stools), so I don’t have to worry about staining.

…Read More