5 Opulent Rooms We Love

Bring on the gilded embellishments, the curlicues, the superfluous objets d’art!

When researching 2016 design trends, Vancouver’s Stephanie Brown told me the “simplistic modernist spaces” we often see in Western Canada are growing increasingly “hungry” for contrast and richness.I love Scandi-cool, minimalist, monochromatic white-on-white spaces as much as the next gal, but even I’ve been feeling a tug towards more pattern, richer textures and colours, and artistic flourishes of “just because.”Designer Janette Ewen heralded the return of opulence years ago—the kind of velvet-draped, French-royal, over-the-top extravagance seen in places like the Hotel George V in Paris. Maybe we’re not seeing this ornate style outpace mid-century modern just yet, but here are a few of our favourite rooms that satiate our craving for the indulgent. California Flavour. This Calgary home may have been designed straight-up mid-century, but that didn’t stop owner and designer Paul Lavoie from injecting an eclectic mix of styles—including antique wingback chairs, ample sculptural objects and elaborate baroque-style footstools. (See his full home here).Clean and Classic. Vancouver designer Victoria McKenney channelled classic European elegance for this bright sitting room, but we love how she incorporated sophisticated patterns to bring antique furnishings into modern day. (Learn more about McKenney’s process here).(Photo: Bookstrucker Photography.)No Holding Back. Never one to shy away from bold colour, pattern or texture, Calgary’s Alykhan Velji turns traditional on its head with a bright fuchsia rug, gold embellishments, black lacquered table and sumptuous, regal sofa. (See more Modern Drama, a 2016 design trend, here).Vintage Charm. Chandelier-style sconces, decorative windows and the Venetian mirror in this 1912 heritage home bathroom just make all the difference. Vancouver designer Kerri Watson says she got her appreciation for the traditional from a stint in Atlanta, Georgia. There, antiques are always front and centre, and “there’s no such thing as too much.” (See more photos of her gorgeous bathroom here).Silver Lining. Ben Leavitt of Fox Design enriched a fairly neutral palette with a silver ceiling (look how beautifully it reflects the room’s colours), and lots of rich texture throughout. The twig chandelier amps up the glam-Narnia factor. (Learn more about this dream bedroom from Leavitt here.)