PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE CHAJECKI
STYLING: SHIVA KHALILNIA, GRECIA GALLO and CINTYA CASTELLANOS
A rich but delicate glow permeates the design of this high-rise Toronto condo, blending masculine elements with sleek, transitional design. The result is a grand space for luxurious entertaining, along with family comforts and fun.
“This condo is the first time my client has ventured away from traditional decor, so it was essential to incorporate familiar elements, but with a lighter visual weight,” says the designer of the space, Shiva Khalilnia.
A shimmer of silver-leaf raffia off the foyer’s discreet console, along with a whimsical pouf seat announce the many textures to come. The geometric playfulness is likewise introduced with the varied lines of the console’s lamp and oval mirror. “Part of the den’s artwork reflects beautifully in the bottom half,” adds Khalilnia, the owner of Import Temptations, a Toronto showroom store specializing in furnishings, lighting, accessories, and interior design.
The abundance of natural light and spectacular views become apparent with one step into the condo’s main living space. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the cityscape from a 64th-storey vantage point down to the waterfront. “While there are blinds, the sheer curtains suffice most of the time to cut the sun’s glare while maintaining the view,” Khalilnia says. “A silver fabric trim anchors the sheers.”
Everything is arranged to enhance the view. “I chose a lower profile so that sightlines aren’t obstructed,” she says. “I also created sitting areas by the windows so guests can just relax as they enjoy the magnificent skyline.”
Visitors are drawn into the living room by the grandeur of the hand-painted leafy backdrop on the far wall that gives the space a sense of elegance. “Every palm was carefully positioned to complement the marble consoles in front of the canvas,” Khalilnia says. The pattern adds a feminine touch to the bold black sofas and the coffee table without being too dainty.
The sofas are further softened with a myriad of brightly patterned throw pillows. Gilded and glittering accessories catch the eye throughout the room with their textured elegance. “Accessories – those small touches reflecting a homeowner’s tastes – are as important as the larger pieces in defining a space, if not more so,” Khalilnia says. “And I just love how the beautiful books on the coffee table and consoles invite people to pick one up and flip through its pages.”
The client’s husband has a passion for billiards. This led to a custom-made pool table with a white lacquered finish. “We had to design it to make it visually light enough for the space,” Khalilnia says. The beige felt matches the nearby sofa with its embracing curves.
“Everything works off Teng Fei’s textured art,” she says. “The lacquered white, soft beige, and hints of gold throughout the room lift the pool table off the dark herringbone floor so that the overall look is a balance of masculine and feminine.”
The side seating encourages family and friends to gather for a game without blocking the view in the manner that a conventional bar and stools would do. It’s also grandchildren-friendly.
A lacquered white finish on the long dining table is elevated with a gold trim, creating the illusion of occupying less space, especially with everyone’s attention grabbed by Selleck’s adjacent stunning artwork. “We had to frame the custom-made art onsite because of its length,” Khalilnia says. “The chandelier is another labour of love with us combining two fixtures to create the required length.”
Slim consoles provide buffet space without traditional bulk. The dining table’s acrylic footings complement the nearby backgammon table, where a touch of gold again grounds the space. “I wanted the uniqueness of each piece to show without any of the elements competing for attention,” Khalilnia says. “Everything works in harmony.”
The outcome is a condo with holiday and/or simple weekend coziness for the whole family, along with enough space for 100-plus cocktail party guests. “I’m so glad that my client trusted my vision and we were able to work together to create a contemporary space with beauty and functionality,” she says. •
Import Temptations
www.import-temptations.com
416-256-3150
