What to do?…Over the Sofa

A common design dilemma is “what should I place over the sofa?” A lot of clients are unsure about what would work especially if they have 9’+ ceilings – a large blank canvas.  I hope these beautiful images will give you inspiration.

1) One large piece of art, either a print, painting or photograph. Original art doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This time of year, art schools and local artists showcase their work and you would be surprised to find how inexpensive art can be.   For example, I wrote about the Toronto Artist Project, an annual event, here.  You can also shop for unique, original fine art on Etsy.  

Love the idea of framing vintage maps.  Restoration Hardware has a Vintage Paris map and now a new Circa 1880 London map which I love especially since I was born in London.  At 60” x 68” it is grand in scale but unimposing at the same time because of the subtlety of colour. 

This art isn’t large in scale but it works because of the cabinetry flanking the sofa and the sconces which take up some of the negative space.

2) A mirror is always a great option and sometimes more affordable than original art.

3) A series of art – whether three, six, nine, twelve or fifteen:

I scanned the image below from Suzanne Kasler’s book – sorry that it’s only showing a part of the gorgeous room.  These are vintage batik prints that she found at a flea market (who knew?) and had framed in bamboo.

 

4) A collection of art of varied sizes, framed or unframed but connected by subject matter or frame colour.

5) Something interesting like a folding screen or an incredible view:

(1 – Waterleaf Interiors via House of Turquoise; 2, 3 – Sara Story Design; 4, 10, 14 - Carrier and Company; 5, 6, 7, 16 - Massucco Warner Miller; 8, 9 – Christina Murphy; 11, 20, 21 – domino; 12 – Jessica Helgerson; 13 – Timothy Whealon Interiors; 15 – skona hem; 17 – Suzanne Kasler; 18 - Eileen Kathryn Boyd; ; 19 – Traditional Home; 22 - Paul Corrie Interiors; 23 - Garrow Kedigian Interior Design; 24 – Kelly Laplante Organic Interior Design)  A few of the designers were new to me and part of Traditional Home’s 20 Young Designers to watch.

Wine, Food and Beautiful Sofas

One of the fun parts of my job (and there are many) is going to events like Brentwood Classics annual Designer Night. Besides cocktails and yummy hors d'oeuvres, we had an opportunity to view their new furniture line and new fabrics. Glen Peloso, of Restaurant Makeover fame gave an informative and humourous talk on commercial design. Each year, Brentwood Classics revamps their entire showroom to introduce new styles and fabrics at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market, an industry trade show that takes place every January. You can read about my trip to the CHFM here. This year also featured the unveiling of a new collection called ur_style, a line of sleek mid-century modern design shown in eco friendly fabrics. Brentwood is an environmentally responsible Canadian company with different styles appealing to everyone – and good value as well.

If the above three images look mauve to you, it’s not your eyes, they are! These are three sofas from the Kimberley Seldon collection shown in 100% linen in a colour called Smokey Quartz. The fabric has a distinct mauve undertone. Very pretty. My favourite sofa is the one with one seat cushion – love it’s simplicity.

Always have loved this generous sectional and chaise. It is slip-covered in a beautiful grey 100% cotton twill.

That’s me in the black! It was a great night even though I didn’t win one of the many spa day prizes (yes, I’m still upset about that.)