Studiotouronline

The main living space or great-room was not so great when we started–a typical L-shape plan lacking any redeeming architectural detail. The entrance to the apartment has no foyer and opens directly into what we designated as the dining area–so we decided to make a grand statement with a large scale electric fireplace! The mantle, which is made of mdf and spans the full length of the feature wall, is faced with honed Brazilian slate and raised panel moulding. The end result is a dynamic focal point that provides the room with a stronger sense of architecture.

In a space this small, most would shy away from using such large scale pieces as this contemporary four–seater sofa. Here we've treated it something like a banquet which really opens up the back wall and visually widens the space. The illusion is taken even further by the floor–to–ceiling loft-style mirror and the three antique prints that span the full length of the sofa. The key here is keeping the negative space to a minimum–no side tables or small artwork to create distracting shapes. The linear quality of architectural renderings make them a great solution for both traditional and contemporary environments.

To balance the visual weight of the room, we've used two smaller–scale tub chairs covered in a durable ultrasuede. The curves soften the angularity of the other pieces in the room and the look remains clean, uncluttered and masculine. Floating one of the chairs into the room at a 90 degree angle to the other actually gives the illusion of more space, rather than if all of the furniture pieces were backed up against the wall.

	The main living space or great-room was not so great when we started–a typical L-shape plan lacking any redeeming architectural detail. The entrance to the apartment has no foyer and opens directly into what we designated as the dining area–so we decided to make a grand statement with a large scale electric fireplace! The mantle, which is made of mdf and spans the full length of the feature wall, is faced with honed Brazilian slate and raised panel moulding. The end result is a dynamic focal point that provides the room with a stronger sense of architecture. In a space this small, most would shy away from using such large scale pieces as this contemporary four–seater sofa. Here we've treated it something like a banquet which really opens up the back wall and visually widens the space. The illusion is taken even further by the floor–to–ceiling loft-style mirror and the three antique prints that span the full length of the sofa. The key here is keeping the negative space to a minimum–no side tables or small artwork to create distracting shapes. The linear quality of architectural renderings make them a great solution for both traditional and contemporary environments. To balance the visual weight of the room, we've used two smaller–scale tub chairs covered in a durable ultrasuede. The curves soften the angularity of the other pieces in the room and the look remains clean, uncluttered and masculine. Floating one of the chairs into the room at a 90 degree angle to the other actually gives the illusion of more space, rather than if all of the furniture pieces were backed up against the wall. Ash hardwood flooring in Oxblood, Floorworks; "Symphony" electric fireplace with remote control, Dimplex; Mantle stone facing, CB Marble Craft 416-741-1585; "Oscar" table lamp on mantle by Powell & Bonnell, Eurolite; Floral design, Emblem 416-972-9878; "Stanley" sofa in chocolate brown wool, Montauk; "Paola" woven abaca armchairs, Roche Bobois; Oversized loft mirror and custom framing, Fotiou Frames; Track lighting, Royal Lighting.
	Fresh blue hydrangea in a graphically striped, textured vase are a cool foil in the otherwise neutral scheme of earthtones. Rather than use a traditional coffee table, a brushed steel and honed marble "bench" was designed, comprised of three small cocktail tables that can be pulled apart for versatile serving or extra seating. Glass vase by Mervi Haapakoski, Geisterblitz Glass Studio, 416-536-9678; Floral design, Emblem 416-972-9878; Asian-inspired cushion, available through your designer at Télio & Cie, 416-968-2020; Oversized loft mirror, Fotiou Frames; Parson-style cocktail tables in brushed steel with honed marble tops, Deity Metallurgy 416-778-0204, CBMarble Craft 416-741-1585.
	In a small space where contrast is best kept to a minimum, its always important to integrate a variety of textures. Here a sheared beaver cushion in a muted turquoise with chocolate brown trim, pairs with a luxe, silk-backed and hand-printed velvet throw in a shimmering turquoise, chocolate and golden paisley/tartan motif. Velvet throw in Highland Fling by Scalamandre with silk backing, available through your designer at Primavera Interior Furnishings; throw constructed by Atelier Domus 416-927-0900; Pelted square cushions in sheared beaver, Paula Lishman International.