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Home Decor

Six ways to modernize your home with colour

With old-world antiques and new-age lines, see how this home for four beautifully blends modern and classic
By Virginie Martocq and Julia Black; Photos by Roberto Caruso
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Family style

Call it quiet maximalism. Or simple traditional. Either way, it’s hard to pinpoint the style of this Toronto home without speaking in contradictions. Before the young family of four moved in, the house was builder’s beige and devoid of personality. But with fearless layers of pattern, art, antiques and colour, it’s become elegant and modern. There’s now a fresh, unexpected feel throughout the house, where formal style coexists with family life.



Trend alert: Gold touches are showing up in every room. It's the new black!

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Turn leftover wallpaper into an elegant table runner

It’s easy and fun to switch up your dining setting — and it’s a great way to make use of extra decorating scraps.



Get this look: Coffee table, Elte. Art by Steven Nederveen, Bau-xi gallery. Wall paint, november rain, Benjamin Moore.



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Use matching fabric on mismatched chairs

Different shapes can be unified with the same fabric upholstery and finishing stain on their legs. It’s a great solution for fleamarket finds or hand-me-downs. In open-concept designs, repeating a decorative element, such as colour, will harmonize the home. A punchy coral tone is pulled from the formal living room into the family room as a common thread that weaves the first floor of the house together.

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Paint, upholster and accessorize with your favourite shades

Don’t feel restricted by trendy colours. Just pick the ones you like, and go for it. Repeating your beloved colour, pattern or texture will make a dramatic statement.



Trend alert: Resin-finished art is popping up in stylish homes everywhere.

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Soften dark bedroom furniture with graphic patterned linens

Choose easy colours and patterns in light shades to make dark furniture appear less dominant. The more layers, the more inspiring it becomes.



Get this look: Bench, De Boers. Bed frame, Pottery barn. Artwork, Elte. Bedding, Au Lit Fine Linens.

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Bring kids’ rooms to life with bold, modern colours

Play up the playfulness with cheerful shades, vibrant contrasts and quirky one-of-a-kind art. Shorter curtains maximize floor space and furniture placement.



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