May 6, 2014

Interior: Soothing neutral family home

Entryway

The polished chrome table lamp and rough wooden side table make an unexpected pairing in the entryway, where an oversized wingback chair creates a welcoming and convenient perch.

Family room

“The family room is a retreat for my husband and me,” says Sydney. The TV is in a separate media room, so there are no distractions. “It’s an awesome place to sit and read a book, or enjoy a coffee and talk.”

Sleek seating

In the informal seating arrangement, a casual down-filled Restoration Hardware sofa lives happily next to a tailored slipper chair from a big box store, while a sleek coffee table sits atop a plush shag rug.

Open-space concept

The family room, with its warm beige walls and blonde-toned wood floors, best exemplifies her design sensibility. The space's soaring ceiling gives it the airy feel Sydney loves, but its dramatic height needed some grounding. "A huge chandelier brings the eye down, and the drapes close in the room, making it feel cozy," she says.

Kitchen island

The kitchen isn't large so Sydney opted for cream-coloured cabinets rather than pure white, which might have read as stark. She chose a more economical and practical quartz kitchen countertop for the busy family kitchen and a budget-friendly glass and stone mosaic backsplash. However, she didn't scrimp on the lighting. "You can create 'wow' in a room with lighting," she says. "It's like jewellery." Last but not least, the burlap-covered stools add the perfect dose of rusticity, tempering all the polished materials.

Kitchen desk

“Your kitchen is a gathering place for family and guests,” says Sydney. If there’s room, she recommends incorporating a desk area to store mail, car keys and even your purse. “That’s where people end up dropping stuff, so if you have somewhere to put it, it stays organized,” she says.

Dining table

Rusticity and elegance complement each other in the kitchen’s eat-in area. The pairing of the woven rattan chairs and a shiny lantern-style pendant light is a case in point. “I think it’s important that you don’t go too trendy and you do what works for your family,” says Sydney.

Spa-like ensuite

“I thought, Why not make a big splash in the master bath?” says Sydney, who loves to get ready in the spa-like space.

Master bedroom

Soft hues and subtle patterns in the master bedroom provide a soothing yet inviting escape.

Designing for the family

"Family is really important. I always look for ways to facilitate togetherness in my designs," says Sydney.

Weekly inspiration

Entryway

Family room

Sleek seating

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Interior: Soothing neutral family home