Perfect- the definition of perfection: ‘the highest degree of something,” states Funk and Wagnall’s dictionary. To find perfection is of itself an art, balance, symmetry, where all elements blend harmoniously with each other with not one element standing out.
This is the condo created by Coco Cran of Calgary and her Edmonton based clients. Utilizing glamorous elements stolen from her namesake, Coco Chanel and Elsie DeWolfe- the famous decorator for New York socialites and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Borrowing a few of the luxurious elements such as the generous use of mirrors, and re-inventing Else De Wolfe’s signature beige into a refined coppery tone this Edmonton condo is the reflection of modern chic and sophistication.
The clients, a doctor transferred from Vancouver to the University of Alberta Hospital and his wife wanted to recreate some of the lifestyle they had enjoyed living in downtown Vancouver.
“We were used to walking just about everywhere, and we wanted to have that option here, so we choose a small condo complex close to the University but in an out of the way quieter neighbourhood,” Sitting upon the lovely satin re-upholstered sofa in the three story Belgravia condo the quiet spoken fashionable young wife explains to me. “ For a variety of reasons we wanted something close to the hospital, we only have one car and we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint in a number of ways. We like to walk for health reasons, environmental and we even like to walk in the winters”
Choosing the condo lifestyle was a natural of this Vancouver born couple, they like the energy of smaller neighbourhoods away from imposing strip malls, no maintenance from landscaping and the feeling of safety and security from living in a condo complex allow them the serenity to travel freely without the worry of their property. In addition both work long hours, the husband as a specialist at the hospital and the wife as a registered nurse working on special contracts and also as a jewellery designer.
Optimizing the wife’s creative eye would be the artistic skill that pressed this couple, working with the designer that had just completed a colleague’s home in Calgary, to create this elegant luxurious jewel box of a home. Like a jewel box holding all the precious glittery items and lined in dark velvet to showcase the jems within, the floors of this home are all black. From the black tiles accentuated with small squares of gold in the entryway, to the expanses of black carpet the eye is constantly drawn upward to the collection of custom furniture, simple yet elegant drapery and the colourful art collection. Inspiration for the colour scheme came from an existing piece of artwork, emerald greens, golds and sapphire blues all glitter like gems floating above the dark backdrop.
“When the carpet layers came, they told me in 20 years they had never installed a black carpet.” It was that bold move that sets the stage for this fantastic space. Many people are not so brave and also do not understand the power of black, it actually has a ‘drop away’ quality- that is that what you place on black actually is highlighted and the backdrop (black) recedes. This space shows off that quality to perfection.
“It was the drapery that I fell in love with and why I decided to choose Coco. I did not want over complicated drapery.” The condo’s huge expanse of windows stretches across the living room and adjoined dining area. The view onto the large balcony is stunning and peaceful in the early evening light but once the drapery are drawn the room transforms into an awe inspired retreat that transports us to a New York stylized penthouse.
Lighting is one of the most important elements in design, and this home utilizes lighting to the best advantage. Working with electricians to engineer the elaborate sound and lighting systems, the clients have numerous pot lights highlighting the art collection, fireplace and grazing the wall of mirrors on the passageway.
Careful use of the existing space allowed for a custom made ‘gentleman’s closet’ hidden behind mirrored doors in the office area. Utilizing wireless computer equipment allowed the fax and printer to be hidden underneath the custom millwork in the TV room leaving only a simple uncluttered gentile feel to this very busy and active home. Figurehead Maple veneered panels replace closet doors in the foyer creating the atmosphere of an elegant New York apartment.
Unlike many homeowners here in Edmonton who want to bring more and more light into their spaces this couple wanted a relaxing and cozy space for the long dark winter months and designed the north east facing space to reflect that. “I find it hard to understand why some people want to force a space to be something it is not. Why try to make a dark space light? It seems to me like you are going against the personality of the space.” This couple entertain at night and wanted their space to be a reflection of their lifestyle.
“A successful home should be a haven that allows you relax and enhance your lifestyle.” Fabulous reflection from a lady that designs jewellery and created a home that reflects the inside of a jewellery box!
Eberhard’s Manufacturing Inc—veneered panels
Myron Malone - Cabinets Millwork & Cabinetry 944-9355.
Gentleman’s’ closet, office bookshelves, custom entertainment centre and television room banquette and lighting.
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