Beyond the Basics: Five Designer Essentials

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By Yanic Simard
There are some furnishing basics every space needs, that we all see every day: comfortable chairs, room-brightening lamps, desks for perching that laptop or good book, beautiful art dressing the walls.
As a designer, it’s my job to see beyond the basics, and look to pieces that don’t just serve an obvious function, but solve specific design dilemmas while adding true beauty, and a sense of surprise. When you really open your eyes – and know where to look – you can find unexpected answers to design questions and take your space to a whole new standard of living.

1. Multi-task masters
A staple I’ve returned to time and time again, simple stools can function as side tables, extra seats or cocktail tables (especially when clustered together), and tuck away or move easily to suit so many uses.
Hard stools are great if you prioritize the table space (pulled up to seats to hold a drink), and soft stools make for plusher seating (but can still hold a serving tray). Either way, use this as a chance to add a new texture, like faux fur, cowhide, rich wood, or natural stone.
Get the look: Visit Toronto designer mainstay L’Atelier – shop their showroom, or ask to order one of the many cool and playful options from Made Goods.
2. Lighten up
Adding layers of light to a room is key to beautiful design: harsh shadows from one lonely lamp drag down any decor, so you should always include as many types of lighting as possible (sconces, floor lamps, table lights, pendants). However, the lighting source doesn’t have to be strictly functional. Consider choosing a piece that makes its own statement – after all, it’ll be in the spotlight!
Simple white shades are timeless (the modern trend being non-tapered cylinders and squares), but even more trendy is the bare Edison style bulb. This touch of industrial style plays well against traditional or modern furnishings because of the raw, elemental nature of the exposed filament.
Get the look: Universal lamp carries a wide selection of styles in-store and even more by order – I especially love the dramatic Medusa lamp with its array of bulbs adding a rich glow while making an un-missable statement.

3. Get seated
While most homes will have a standby sofa or sectional for everyday lounging, don’t underestimate the value of a full-sized, single seat chair. You’ll want something that will cocoon you when you just need some alone time. A pair of matching sofas can be a great look, but don’t be afraid of asymmetry and different periods – the best groupings include some variety to suit all different seating situations.
Upholstered furniture does not have to use the same material on the front and back, which gives you another great chance to embrace a high impact look in a smaller dose. A bold fabric or finish on just one side gives a touch of drama without sacrificing any practicality. Then use accent pillows in a relating fabric to connect it back to your sofa for harmony.
Get the look: When I visited In The Know (affectionately known as ITK), they had not one but two cool classic egg chairs – one in bold red and one with an industrial metal “shell” and brown leather seat. Of course, at ITK every item on the floor drops in price every week until they’re quickly snapped up, so you’ll have to visit to see what great new treasures are waiting there to inspire you.
4. Looking Back
A mirror is often thought of as a fashion accessory – one full length in the bedroom for getting dressed, and one in the foyer for a quick heading out- the-door check. However, mirrors are bigger than ever as a decor accessory that, besides doubling the visual space, can bring a beauty all their own. Antique mirrors, with natural (or applied) patina, bring a very on-trend touch of old-world glam to a space.
I recently designed a custom aged glass mirror for a client, but you can simulate this look with a fun DIY project by picking up a stripping or antiquing kit, some gold spray paint, and a budget mirror. Make sure to read the directions carefully (and wear protective gear), and once the antiquing is finished a few tiny spurts of the spray paint will give it an extra level of dimension.
Get the look: Get a simple mirror from Ikea and look to hardware or art supply stores for etching kits, or visit Zilli Home for wall-hung and oversized floor options in a range of styles.
5. Hit the bench
Often associated with pianos or parks, the humble bench is a powerful piece of seating. I like to use one in long or awkward fl oor plans for its ability to connect spaces. In a room too big for one seating group, break the space into multiple areas with a bench in the middle to serve both seating groups. It creates a visual line, while serving double duty.
A bench also makes a stylish seat for your dining table (just stick to a two-seater so nobody is trapped in the middle), or an extra cocktail table option for Standing Room Only occasions.
Get the look: Visit Elte’s large multi-fl oor showroom to find, well, just about everything.
Now that you’ve got some great new ideas for next-level must-haves, you should be ready to take your decor from simply practical to its full potential. If you’re worried about mixing the pieces together, you’ve got a good start to that, too – all of these ideas can work together to start your cool condo look. Now keep your eyes open, and look beyond the basics!
Yanic Simard is New Condo Guide’s design editor, principal designer of award-winning Toronto Interior Design Group (tidg.ca), and regular guest expert on City’s Cityline. Check out Yanic’s accessory line, Yanic Simard Selected, by visiting online at ysselected.com
Original Source: NEW CONDO GUIDE June 26 – July 10, 2015