A mountain home does not need elk chandeliers and Tyrolean accents to be deemed alpine. A modern retreat with a relaxed tone is the ideal way to come home after kicking snow from the grooves of your boots. Using a color palette of chalky pink, blue and gray, padded with an abundance of textiles and natural light, restorative exhales happen without having to take a yoga class in this Calgary home designed by Aly Velji Designs. The residence clearly has the imprint of an expert who deftly blends style and function but loaded with personalized detailing.
A calming color palette and soft accents warm up this Calgary residence.
Pretty and pink is not just for a girl’s room with ballerina bedding and shag rugs, it is also very grown up. The palette compliments the sophisticated, warm style where the right details support the designer’s mission. Pillows, novelty boxes and accents don’t have that peel-off-the-price-tag newness. The rooms show a thoughtful gathering of appointed pieces that balance design and functionality with a gentle spin.
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- A mix of pieces with a common link style a room.
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- Bringing in organic elements for natural appeal.
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- Functional accents that cater to the dweller.
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- Weaving in the color palette in a seating area.
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- Colors and an integration of pattern style the look.
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- Linking colors and texture with accessories.
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- Interesting objets d’art show an attention to design.
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- Fresh flowers add another color when moods change.
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- A styled display to add interest.
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- A happy arrangement.
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- Personalized detailing with control and color.
Velji found that the home’s basic elements were in place but needed a decor eye to create a story. “The entry was lackluster, so we added the zebra rug and the custom photo wall for some interest. Bespoke pillows for the dining room, accessorizing the mantle, adding in a few key pieces of furniture really brought the space some cohesion,” he says.
Adding a photo wall, zebra rug and the right touches of style the entry.
In the bedroom they added customized molding, bedding, powder blue drapery and wallpaper to the back wall to create a focal point. A vintage light fixture secures the room as a one-of-a-kind space.
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- Customized bedding, drapery and molding is the designer approach.
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- A simple end table has form and function.
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- Mirrors are a functional piece to connect the theme.
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- A vintage chandelier adds glamour.
In the family room navy and cream connect to delicious patterns and texture through the fabrics and accessories. A customized sofa and ottoman provide comfort that support the scheme.
An attention to prints and customized pieces create a designed family room.
Aly Velji Designs spills on how to soften a space through accents:
Softening a space can be as easy as adding pillows, window coverings and tactile furnishings. Softness is often associated with feminine rooms however every space needs soothing notes no matter how modern or masculine a design.
An attention to color, fabrics and an edited display soften a room.
Designer tricks to create a styled look:
We style every space with many accessories. We love to work with the client’s belongings and mix them with new pieces to freshen the look. The key to a well-styled space is all about the details. We tend to bring in more than we need and edit. It takes awhile but you know when you have it just right.
Bring a variety of acents to style then edit.
How to make pastels work in a grownup home:
It is all about how you use certain colors, make them grownup, and what you pair them with. We added soft pastel tones in this space but mixed them with more neutral colors and heavier furnishings like the dining and coffee tables. These two elements help ground each space and create a more sophisticated vibe.
Combine heavier pieces with soft colors to neutralize a look for a modern retreat.
In the know trade/designer secrets:
Install custom panels for window coverings rather than full wall-to-wall drapery. This will add softness to your space and keep you on budget.
A mix of pillows with customized fabrics is a designer-approved splurge.
A flat weave rug adds pattern and color and is more cost effective than a hand-knotted wool carpet.
Mix it up:
- Mix your metals.
- Mix floral patterns and textures to create a pulled together look.
- Mix your design styles
- Mix and match your pillows. Splurge on a gorgeous must have fabric for custom pillows and mix them up with ready made throw cushions.
A mix of elements create a look.
Photography by Bookstrucker Photograpy
