From the moment I met my clients, it was evident they had a distinct vision for their builder-grade home. Their clear sense of style made my role as a designer more straightforward. They envisioned a harmonious blend of walnut wood furniture, black accents and touches of green throughout their home. The goal was to bring this vision to life, ensuring each room had its own unique feel, while still incorporating elements of the overall design aesthetic.
The heart of it all
The open-concept kitchen, living room and breakfast nook took centre stage for this project. The homeowners spend most of their time in this area, so it had to be exceptional.
Despite its modest size, the aim was to make it feel cosy and cohesive, maximizing every square inch of space.
To integrate the three areas, materials were carefully selected to connect one area to the next. Natural Calacatta marble in neutral tones was used along the kitchen walls and the fireplace façade. Black countertops and walnut built-ins beautifully accented the marble’s elegance. A vibrant green sofa added just the right amount of colour to the otherwise neutral palette, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the living area.
Pro tip
Use black to emphasize architectural features or focal points, such as window frames, cabinetry hardware or statement furniture pieces. With open-concept spaces, maintain flow by using the same colours throughout.
Black is back
One of the kitchen’s highlights is the breakfast nook, featuring a built-in banquette and a custom solid walnut table. This practical yet elevated space allows the family to enjoy meals together, reinforcing the home’s welcoming and functional feel. Adjacent to the kitchen, a lovely pantry painted in the same soft black has a bar area, perfect for serving guests during gatherings.
Incorporating touches of black throughout the house was a deliberate choice to add depth and sophistication. The banquette is covered in black leather, and the hue was used for details in the kitchen cabinetry, with a soft black tone on all the doors to tie the colour scheme together. This look extended to the furniture, some of the lighting, and the window frames.
Green and serene
In the dining room, the mix of textures and finishes creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The ceiling, painted a beautiful pewter green, contrasts wonderfully with the brass lighting fixture. The custom dining table adds a unique touch, with its half-cylinder-shaped legs and ebony stain exterior combined with brass on the inside.
However, the custom-designed sideboard with walnut interiors and wrapped in green vinyl, truly steals the show with its practical and stylish design.
Just off the dining room is the home office, kept light and bright with custom wood built-in and neutral furniture. This space offers a serene environment for productivity and creativity.
The principal bedroom follows the same colour palette as the main floor. The black leather headboard, sourced from the client, is complemented by custom fabrics and pillows in various green and neutral tones, highlighting the beautiful window bench.
In the main bathroom, a striking black vanity with brass detailing was designed, matching the rest of the house. Chevron tile on the bathroom wall, a mix of Calacatta marble and mother of pearl, adds a touch of glamour.
As for the powder room, it is a small space that makes a big statement, with green wallcovering, a Calacatta countertop, and a beautiful floral mosaic on the floor made of various marbles and brass detailing.
Personalized design
Working on this project was a delight because of the clear direction and vision of the homeowners. Their style was the design’s cornerstone, making it a timeless and unique reflection of their tastes. For me, there is nothing is more fulfilling than helping clients build their dream home while staying true to their style. This project is a testament to the power of personalized design and the beauty of cohesive, thoughtful details.