A Black and White and Beautiful Bedroom and Ensuite Shows Bold Design Can Be Calming, Too

When it comes to designing a bedroom, Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors knows clients are looking for a calm and soothing space—but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. “I think 99 percent of people want to come into their bedroom and feel relaxed. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to use one colour tone,” says Kassam. “It’s about utilizing materials strategically to create that environment.”

This primary bedroom and ensuite in East Vancouver differs from the light, monochrome aesthetic that may typically come to mind when we envision a relaxing bedroom, yet the high-contrast palette of custom stained white oak, black accents and white painted walls still make for a calming retreat to wind down and rest.

Kassam created a soothing “cocoon” in the space by incorporating the light oak finish on multiple surfaces throughout, from the flooring and the media console to the custom headboard. Crisp edges created by black hardware, along with a black MDF panel layered behind the headboard add depth and drama. The effect is softened by the upholstery on the custom fabricated bed frame, the textured toss pillows and a furry throw.

Most eye-catching are the bronze smoked glass barn doors that separate the bedroom from the walk-in closet. The client wanted subtle and unique details, so the doors were designed with an exposed track system while the outer edges of the panels themselves were left frameless for a cool asymmetrical effect.

In the ensuite, the white oak finish continues to make an appearance in the custom millwork. To keep things cohesive amid multiple patterns, textures and finishes, Kassam carried the millwork up the wall and onto the ceiling to mirror the design of the dark grain in the shower area. “Even though we’ve taken two different finishes, we’ve taken the same concept,” he explains, “and that ties together the overall design and scheme of the bathroom.”

The materials were chosen with maintenance, longevity, and visual impact in mind. Large-format porcelain tile with dramatic directional veins was used in the shower. A matte, black bathtub makes another bold and unique statement underneath a Kuzco lighting fixture. “I just really love how that area turned out,” says Kassam. “It feels really natural and comforting. And it’s also really sexy.”