Ilove to encourage our clients to produce vision boards for their homes,” says Shima Radfar, co-founder and designer at RZ Interiors. “But sometimes the vision can become a tangled mess of ideas.” This was precisely the case in Radfar’s latest project in Kleinburg, where the clients found themselves caught in a whirlwind of creative chaos. Overwhelmed by countless trends, ideas and pictures, they struggled to pin down a cohesive vision. That’s when the design team at RZ Interiors stepped in to help the homeowners sift through their top choices, refine the design, and select the perfect materials to bring their ideas to life.
First impressions
The inspiration for this home’s monochromatic palette was deeply rooted in the client’s desire for a bold, luxurious and modern space that would make a striking first impression. This inclination was further reinforced by the beige and black tones of the home’s exterior façade, which the clients wanted to echo throughout the interior. “Our goal was to create a seamless flow, ensuring that the exterior and interior were in perfect harmony,” explains Radfar.
Black and white
While a monochromatic palette is timeless, it requires careful consideration to avoid the risk of becoming monotonous. “It’s crucial to incorporate a variety of textures, finishes and design elements to maintain visual interest,” says Radfar. In this residence, luxury is defined by meticulous attention to detail and the blending of materials to create a refined and cohesive environment. The consistent application of panelling throughout the home adds depth and texture to the walls, maintaining a sense of continuity.
In spaces with double-height ceilings, cove lighting complements ribbed detailing to highlight the architectural features, introducing an extra layer of sophistication. “Strategic accents of brass, particularly on the kitchen island cabinetry and handles, offer a warm contrast against the monochromatic backdrop, adding richness without overwhelming the design,” says Radfar.
In the integrated kitchen and living space, veined porcelain slabs were paired with cabinetry and wall treatments in the same colour family, creating a dynamic interplay of depth and contrast. “The natural veining in the porcelain introduces a striking pattern that stands out against the smooth surfaces to add a layer of intrigue to the black and white palette,” says Radfar. A commitment to luxury is further reflected in a brass inlay in the Chevron flooring to create an interesting division between the floor’s pattern and the linear layout of the flooring, enhancing the visual appeal while maintaining a cohesive look.
Custom luxury
To elevate the home’s opulent feel, dark semi-gloss accents were added around the thresholds to draw attention to entryways, providing a sleek contrast to the matte surfaces. The custom railing on the staircase, combined with the choice of thick stair treads, contributes to a grand sense of scale, turning the staircase into a functional element and a sculptural centerpiece. “These luxury details, paired with the thoughtful use of materials, create a space that is visually stunning, richly textured, and inviting, perfectly aligning with the monochromatic theme of the property,” says Radfar.
One of the key challenges in this project was maintaining a coordinated look and feel across different rooms while using a single colour palette. This was addressed by breaking up the white walls with carefully designed thresholds to subtly differentiate spaces. The alignment of millwork and surfaces was used to create a harmonious flow throughout the home, striking a balance between consistency and variation.
“Functionality was never compromised in favour of aesthetics,” says Radfar. “We integrated essential elements such as appliances and storage solutions into the sleek design, ensuring the home was as practical as it was beautiful.”
For RZ Interiors, this project stands as a testament to the power of a well-executed monochromatic palette – timeless, sophisticated and undeniably modern.