Photo: Provoke StudiosThe Look: Sweet Suite
When it came time to design this 130-square-foot bedroom, Phyllis Lui and Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors turned to luxury hotels for inspiration.
Take time to reflect
Mirrored Willow nightstands from Mobilia do double duty: “They offer an illusion of space and light in otherwise dark corners and edges of the room, while providing ample storage,” says Lui.
Get the skinny
Lui selected these table lamps for their sleek and narrow profile. The barely there base frees up space, allowing more room for plants and decor (along with bedtime reads).
Layer up
The best way to zhuzh up a streamlined colour palette? Adding layers of texture and pattern, achieved here with the geometric wallpaper, tiger-print throw pillow and ribbed upholstered headboard.
Keep a low profile
The one thing this small condo had going for it? “Tall ceilings!” says Lui. To exaggerate this height—and make the bedroom appear larger—the designer opted for a low, unobtrusive headboard.
Photo: Janis NicolayThe Look: Quiet Quarters
A neutral colour palette and luxe linens helped Stephanie Vogler of The Cross Decor and Design transform her master bedroom into a peaceful retreat.
Raise the roof
Vogler was hesitant about the four-poster bed, but now it’s her favourite thing in the home. Made with whitewashed distressed oak, it lends warmth to the space while drawing the eye up: “It’s unexpected and dramatic without being a show-off.”
Take a (night)stand
With a limited amount of closet space, two dressers—including one Hessa dresser, complete with iridescent shell inlay—act as bedside tables. “Beauty is always my first inspiration, but necessity is a great driving force,” says the designer.
Make it cozy
To make the room as comfortable as possible, Vogler layered super-soft pillows and throws on the bed—and added an ultra-plush Scandinavian-inspired shag rug underfoot.
Photo: Janis NicolayThe Look: Boho Beauty
Wall-to-wall windows and odd angles required designer Kathleen Lin to get creative in this False Creek condo.
Hang in there
Lin replaced the flush-mounted frosted-glass ceiling fixture (a builder’s special) with two hanging pendants. Suspended from a canopy of black rope, the bedside lighting gives the room a relaxed feel.
Tie up loose ends
Adding a touch of macramé was critical for the boho aesthetic, but it also lends texture and light to what would have been a dark tunnel of a hallway.
Embrace the grey area
The charcoal feature wall adds some much-needed contrast to the room, and makes the linen bedding and natural wood bedframe pop.
Save a seat
Not only does this custom-made bed offer a spot to sit windowside, the bench also opens up for storage—and there are four drawers at the foot. “We didn’t want a standard headboard,” says Lin of its many functions.