When Krista Webster (pictured below) mentioned her loft was going to be House and Home, I was sure to pick up a copy - and I was delighted with what I found inside. With the help of Toronto designer Jessica Cotton, Krista has turned her modern but rather harsh, industrial looking space into something comfortable and sophisticated with a healthy dose feminine glamour.
One of my very favourite features of the loft? The amazing library style ladder (above and below), it has a industrial vintage look that blends perfectly with the loft aesthetic and the warm wood balances out the greys in the concrete and upholstery. I love the soft palette of soft pewters and lavenders. You know right away - a girl lives here! It's glamourous and feminine without being too precious.
Jessica made sure to soften some of the loft's industrial features by including full length sheers in the living room. She also did something that would leave many loft purists aghast - she painted some of the exposed duct work and drywalled over some of the exposed concrete. Jessica's philosophy? That way "the character details shine rather than overwhelm". The results - amazing!
This Barbara Barry wallpaper is such a pretty shade of mauve and the delicate pattern is set off by the chrome and mirrored accents from the bar. I love the black Jonathan Adler style lamp in the entrance (below) - Jessica's use of subtle black accents throughout the space really grounds it and stops it from looking overwhelmingly airy and neutral.
Breaking up some of these harsher details not only brings an incredible warmth to the space, but also achieves the goal of any great interior designer - to truly represent the person living in the space. This space clearly speaks quite clearly to who Krista is - a sophisticated girly-girl who's also a strong, driven career woman.
The loft has a very unique layout, with the entrance and bedroom wing on the first floor and dining and living areas upstairs opening up to a fantastic 300 sq. ft terrace which Krista often uses to host some fabulous parties.
The bedroom is the perfect retreat for Krista after a long day at work as a PR executive. The creamy, neutral palette is so peaceful. I love the soft blue pillows with the buttons - no doubt a trick Jessica picked up during her work with acclaimed Canadian designer, Sarah Richardson.
The wall of framed shopping bags in the guest bedroom is Krista's tribute to all the wonderful places she's been. "Some people collect African art, I collect bags and wallpaper," she laughs. In addition to the Barbara Barry (above), Krista scored some creamy Gucci print wallpaper on a trip to Milan that now serves as a soft accent in her bedroom.
For more information on Jessica Cotton's fabulous style and to see her portfolio, be sure to visit her website.
{All photos: Canadian House and Home: Lofts and Apartments, Spring '09,
Photography by Stacey Brandford}
10 comments:
Great place...really, I went through twice, in order to appreciate the details!
Fabulous. I love love the flower wallpaper? hanging in what may be the hall. Any more details?
Hi- new to your blog - will def stick around for more!
I agree Sarah - I keep noticing little details each time I scroll through.
Hi Anna-
Thanks for coming by - I'm so happy you came!
I think the wallpaper you're talking about - the pink calla lily was purchased from a Toronto store, Holace and Cluny. Let me know if you want further details, I'll see what I can do :)
Hope you have a great day - I'll hope to see you here online again soon
x Shar
Thanks for sharing this article. Great to see an article like this that I normally wouldn't be able to. Its so subtle and neutral yet elegant.
Framing the shopping bags is such a cute idea!
What a beautiful home - crisp yet still elegant and feminine. Just lovely x
I love how subtle and elegant this loft is -- it was such a great feature in H&H (which is a REALLY great magazine, rapidly rising in my esteem).
I thought the shopping bags were such a nice touch too - such cute little souvenirs from holiday memories!
YOu weren't kidding...so BEAUTIFUL...thanks for letting me know :) OXOX!