The decorating gods must have been smiling the day Toronto homeowner David Barclay met designer Jessica Cotton. He needed a master bedroom that combined his traditional antiques with his contemporary art collection and love of modernism; she had a knack for the unexpected. “I love when people walk into a space I’ve designed and say, ‘I wouldn’t have thought to do that!’” says Jessica. “For me, that’s the sign of a successful room.”

Case in point: her reimagining of classic designer desk lamps as bedside reading lights. “The Tolomeos on the wall were the perfect unexpected accent,” she says. “Typically you’d think, okay I’ve got these antique bedside tables and an antique rug and what I need is an alabaster lamp. We decided to do the opposite and go completely modern.”

The brightly hued painting by contemporary artist Andy DeCola adds another visual twist. Its intense hits of yellow and turquoise play to the gold and blue hues in the rug and create a bold focal point in the space. Finally, Jessica layered in personality with decorative pieces like the boldly patterned bedding, books and flowers to drive home the no-holds-barred aesthetic. “It was all about taking a 360-degree approach – all the elements complement each other, but nothing matches. We’re breaking all the rules, but it works.”

Get the look

Jessica layered in personality with decorative bedroom furniture and decor like the boldly patterned bedding, books and flowers to drive home the no-holds-barred aesthetic. “It was all about taking a 360-degree approach – all the elements complement each other, but nothing matches. We’re breaking all the rules, but it works.”

1 Chrome swing-arm wall sconce. Greatlighting.com, $189.
2 Rayon toss cushion. Home Sense, $20.
3 Hudson side table. Crate and Barrel, $599.
4 Woodland duvet set. West Elm, $89.

 

Colour palette

Refresh your space with a paint palette that incorporates a modern-twist on boho chic designs.

1 Riff P5012-41 paint. Prices vary, Para Paints.
2 Sit and Simmer P5078-24D paint. Prices vary, Para Paints.
3 OK Corral P5234-51D paint. Prices vary, Para Paints.