Houzz Tour: Traditional with Contemporary Shine
Contrasts, Runway Color and Detail Create a Lottery Home's Winning Look
Erika Ward
March 4, 2011
Designing a showhouse is like working for an imaginary client. And not just one, but as many as 40,000 potential clients. That's how many people saw this spectacular showcase, better known as the 2011 Hospital Home Lottery Grand Prize, after it opened Feb. 5, 2011. A lucky winner inherited this master blend of contemporary and traditional style designed by Atmosphere Interior Design of Saskatoon, Canada. I had the pleasure of getting the inside scoop from resident designer Curtis Elmy about the inspiration of the home and some insider tips on achieving this look.
EW: How did you make a traditional white kitchen look so modern?
CE: White kitchens have always been in high demand. We gave the public what they love and introduced them to a variation of an old favorite. The kitchen island is made of wenge wood framed in stainless steel. We also included a pair of Jonathan Adler's Porter Pendants to really make the space shine.
CE: White kitchens have always been in high demand. We gave the public what they love and introduced them to a variation of an old favorite. The kitchen island is made of wenge wood framed in stainless steel. We also included a pair of Jonathan Adler's Porter Pendants to really make the space shine.
EW: I notice most of your designs contain a monochromatic palette of whites, creams, black and grays. What was the motivation behind the blue sofa?
CE: In choosing the sofa, upholstered in Kravet's blue velvet, we took cues from the runway. Blue is quite prevalent in the latest fashions and became the catalyst for the home's color palette.
CE: In choosing the sofa, upholstered in Kravet's blue velvet, we took cues from the runway. Blue is quite prevalent in the latest fashions and became the catalyst for the home's color palette.
EW: This room looks effortlessly chic. By all means, tell me how we can copy the look?
CE: Ironically, attention to detail creates an effortless look. For example, upholstering the back of the club chairs in this toile fabric highlights the shape of the chair and accents its curves. Keeping accessories simple and clean maintains the freshness of the space. Last, choose artwork that coordinates with the room's decor. This pieces was commission by Penny Leach who gathered inspiration from the home's storyboard.
CE: Ironically, attention to detail creates an effortless look. For example, upholstering the back of the club chairs in this toile fabric highlights the shape of the chair and accents its curves. Keeping accessories simple and clean maintains the freshness of the space. Last, choose artwork that coordinates with the room's decor. This pieces was commission by Penny Leach who gathered inspiration from the home's storyboard.
EW: This home tour leaves me wanting to paint all of my doors and trim black!
CE: Black adds an air of sophistication and elegance and makes the space feel polished and more refined.
CE: Black adds an air of sophistication and elegance and makes the space feel polished and more refined.
EW: Many tend to love the idea of a two-story great room, but are intimidated by the ceiling height. Can you give us a few words of advice when tackling tall rooms?
CE: 1. Unless you have a great art collection, use painted moldings throughout to add depth to walls.
2. Dress tall windows in full height drapery panels.
3. Create a welcoming seating area to encourage conversation.
CE: 1. Unless you have a great art collection, use painted moldings throughout to add depth to walls.
2. Dress tall windows in full height drapery panels.
3. Create a welcoming seating area to encourage conversation.
EW: Now this principal bedroom is very moody, but has an understated glamour. You really took full advantage of the natural light in this room when painting it such a dark color.
CE: The room overlooks a golf course and does receive a ton of light. The darker color softens the effect of all the sunshine pouring in to the window.
CE: The room overlooks a golf course and does receive a ton of light. The darker color softens the effect of all the sunshine pouring in to the window.
EW: Here we get a better look at the headboard and rich fabrics on the bed and window. You cleverly blur the lines of modern and traditional.
CE: We remained true to our design aesthetic in combining contemporary elements with traditional furnishings. The traditional, tufted headboard is custom and the drapery has a modern pagoda motif by Thomas Paul for Duralee. The fabric is repeated in the toss cushions which adds pattern to the bedding scheme.
CE: We remained true to our design aesthetic in combining contemporary elements with traditional furnishings. The traditional, tufted headboard is custom and the drapery has a modern pagoda motif by Thomas Paul for Duralee. The fabric is repeated in the toss cushions which adds pattern to the bedding scheme.
EW: The tile in this bathroom literally takes my breath away. It makes such an impressive statement. Is this a natural stone?
CE: Yes, it is a luxurious, polished marble sourced from a company in California. The flooring is made up of 18"x18" tiles, the walls are mosaic tiles. The combination of colors are even more amazing in person.
CE: Yes, it is a luxurious, polished marble sourced from a company in California. The flooring is made up of 18"x18" tiles, the walls are mosaic tiles. The combination of colors are even more amazing in person.
EW: What is the recipe for an unforgettable powder bath?
CE: 1. Convert your favorite piece of furniture into a vanity.
2. Splurge on a fantastic wallpaper print. The pattern shown is KISHANGARH by Osborne and Little. A composition of vintage perfume bottle silhouettes, its reflective qualities play off of the Beehive pendant by Robert Abbey.
3. Opt for unique light fixtures that add character to the space.
CE: 1. Convert your favorite piece of furniture into a vanity.
2. Splurge on a fantastic wallpaper print. The pattern shown is KISHANGARH by Osborne and Little. A composition of vintage perfume bottle silhouettes, its reflective qualities play off of the Beehive pendant by Robert Abbey.
3. Opt for unique light fixtures that add character to the space.
EW: The space has limited furnishings but still has a remarkable impact. Why is that?
CE: The study has a calming Asian influence as seen in the fretwork wallpaper pattern, credenza, grasscloth inserts on the desk, and the Buddha head statue. Greatest luxury may be the overhead chandelier and coordinating lamps.
CE: The study has a calming Asian influence as seen in the fretwork wallpaper pattern, credenza, grasscloth inserts on the desk, and the Buddha head statue. Greatest luxury may be the overhead chandelier and coordinating lamps.
EW: Is this vanity made of wenge wood like the kitchen island?What type of finish is that on the doors?
CE: Yes, the vanity is also made of wenge wood. The doors are a high gloss lacquer car finish in white. This bath is in fact the least traditional room in the house.
CE: Yes, the vanity is also made of wenge wood. The doors are a high gloss lacquer car finish in white. This bath is in fact the least traditional room in the house.
EW: At first sight, I would have never guessed this bedroom was in the same house.
CE: We added an element surprise here given the fact it was separated from other parts of the house. Even though we are known for keeping a neutral palette. We're never afraid to take a risk with color.
More Houzz Tours:
Soho Loft Shows the Warm Side of Modern
'70s Condo Gets Extreme Makeover
Family Friendly Mid-Century Home
CE: We added an element surprise here given the fact it was separated from other parts of the house. Even though we are known for keeping a neutral palette. We're never afraid to take a risk with color.
More Houzz Tours:
Soho Loft Shows the Warm Side of Modern
'70s Condo Gets Extreme Makeover
Family Friendly Mid-Century Home
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