Designer punches up subtle, soft interiors with ?a stamp of boldness?
? Mary Frances Hill
The Province
8X on the Park
Project size: 200 market units, 121 luxury rental homes in a 35-storey concrete construction highrise
Project location: 1111 Richards St. (and Helmcken), Vancouver
Residence sizes and prices: Two- and three-bedrooms, 1,041-1,781 sq. ft., from $1.58 million
Developer and builder: Brenhill Developments
Sales centre: 1149 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Hours: open daily noon-6 p.m.
Ada Bonini and her team at BYU Design show a mastery of the art of a well-curated home in two display suites at 8X on the Park, Brenhill Developments’ new condo community in Yaletown.
Against soft white shades of marble and stone in one open-concept kitchen and dining room, BYU infuses personality with a splash of blue accents.
“I love creating interiors that have a stamp of boldness,” says Bonini, a principal at BYU Design Inc. “While subtle, soft interiors are beautiful, bold punches are also stunning. The marble accents in these suites — kitchen backsplashes, the gorgeous stone in the bathrooms — really lend themselves to decorate using bold, strong forms.”
BYU takes advantage of this soft backdrop to inspire visitors and homebuyers to play with pieces and colours that are either bold, classic, or full of character — anything that stands out.
It’s just as important that these solid accents are used to add texture to the space; without patterns, they’re more likely to appeal to more universal tastes, Bonini adds.
“You will notice not much pattern was shown; it purely was textural. We also wanted a space that appealed to both men and women, where those who like bold design could really envision living there.”
BYU Design also brought in furnishings that celebrated mid-century modern design. This style can adapt to contemporary and modern design schemes alike.
“These displays were meant to feel more curated and classic modern falls into a well-curated home.
“I do think it is important to partner classic modern with softer, recently designed pieces. I think so many generations love it because not only is it beautiful, but it can hold powerful memories for the older generations.”
While she recommends new homeowners invest in one or two original modern, but classically designed furnishings, as she illustrates at 8X, the art of “curating” a home doesn’t have to stretch the budget.
One relatively quick, affordable fix: create a white, or light, backdrop (particularly walls and finishes).
“You will be surprised how many people say their homes feel dark and want to change out lighting, but we suggest lightening the paint and it instantly makes the spaces feel bigger, brighter and more cheerful.”
Even changing cabinetry and furniture hardware can make more affordable furniture look more highend, Bonini suggests. Finally, homeowners might take their cues from the 8X on the Park display suites by adding bold colour, she adds.
“Accent colours can really personalize your space. I always advise to pick colours that aren’t glaring.”
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