When it comes to creating spaces that are contemporary and deeply personal, it’s important to really listen to, and understand, a homeowner’s vision. One of my latest projects is a perfect example of creating a bold and contemporary living and dining room, while respecting my client’s eclectic style and desire for spaces that tell a story.
Design is not merely about aesthetics – it’s about intention. Here, the client had a whimsical approach and wanted every piece to be unique and deeply personal, making every detail, from the custom-made dining table to the curated art, purposeful in its a narrative.
Deliberate details in dining
At the heart of the dining space is a custom dining table with a base crafted from three U-shaped wooden pieces stained in different colours. The owner and I had fun beating the base with chains and hammers to create a textured, lived-in appearance. Talk about a table with a story behind it! Carved with the client’s name, it reveals a personal touch when guests are seated, offering a glimpse into the client’s personality – and perhaps a topic of conversation.
Above the table hangs a series of five pendant lights, each at varying heights and featuring different colours. This warm and eclectic arrangement adds drama and playfulness to the space.
Bold moves
The living area continues the theme of intentional design. To bring a touch of the outside in, we added a bold custom olive-green chair that blends effortlessly with the natural light pouring in through windows framed in white that seamlessly integrate with the architecture. Existing furniture was upcycled and reupholstered.
A standout feature of the space is the section between the seating areas. A mirror and a sideboard serve as a focal point, while dividing the spaces. Behind the mirror, textured wallpaper adds depth and complements the surrounding artwork, which was created by the client’s daughter, artist Logan Zatzman, and brings the room to life. One striking piece is a bold canvas that adds colour and vibrancy to the dining area and is placed intentionally in juxtaposition with artwork in the living area that is a subtle white-on-white canvas of flowers made of plaster. Here is another personal connection woven throughout the design.
Antique candelabras passed down from the client’s grandmother, an oversized tree trunk coffee table with a glass top with a backgammon board displayed on it, contribute to the layered and intentional aesthetic.
The choice of a white carpet in the living area may seem daring, but its resilience (which was tested with wine and chocolate) made it the ideal contribution to the understated elegance of the room.
Personal narrative
This project was not just about decorating a space – it’s a reflection of a story curated over time, where every detail serves a purpose. With a balance of minimalism and whimsy, this is now a home that feels both deeply personal and undeniably sophisticated.