“Our goal is to put Edmonton on the design map,” says Brianna Hughes. For Hughes and Shannon McClelland of Edmonton-based Ministry of Interiors, an immediate synergy was clear from the minute they met—and quickly decided to create a design business together.

From designing custom concrete and terrazzo coffee tables embedded with local stones to complete design/build services, the duo now pulls off Instagram-worthy spaces full of detail and tailored drama. And half their business now comes from those dazzling Instagram posts.

A busy mother/wife/lawyer with a young family saw those posts and set about hiring the designers to tackle her family’s new 2,600-square-foot abode in the leafy post-war neighbourhood of Crestwood. The homeowner—looking for a modern farmhouse vibe—was open to the duo’s creative stamp.

“We mix styles and definitely have a bold look,” explains McClelland. “We don’t just stick to one thing—we always have some sort of modern element paired with classic elements.” This home’s result is an eclectic and richly layered look with hints of mid-century detail woven throughout.

Entryway

A black-and-white geometric tile floor sets the stage for the subtle mix of restrained drama throughout. Home built by Lotus Homes Inc

Living Room

Natural-stained beams run the length of the ceiling while shiplap covers the hearth. Painted in dark green, the hearth now feels sophisticated and sleek rather than rustic.

White oak herringbone floors keep the space light-filled and relaxed—yet thoroughly contemporary. The Nico sofa in velvet Golden Beryl from Rove Concepts adds another layer to the rich detail of the room.

Kitchen

The designers opted for a more modern, thin edge on the kitchen cabinetry doors rather a traditional shaker panel detail; the natural white oak cabinets are stained rather than painted for a more relaxed, but elegant farmhouse vibe. Cabinets by AYA Edmonton

“We like to twist every traditional element in a home,” says designer Shannon McClelland. To wit: the kitchen’s black barbell lights by Andrew Neyer reimagine the typical farmhouse wrought-iron pendant.

A pretty fluted sconce by Montreal’s Luminaire Authentik pops against flowered green wallpaper in kitchen.

Dining Room

Hughes and McClelland designed the dining room table and had it crafted locally; its oversized drum legs now become a focal point of the space.

Appearing to float mid-air over the dining table, Petite Friture’s Vertigo pendant light in green adds scale, but only clocks in at a sleight one pound.

Primary Bathroom

A colourful Moroccan cement tile floor in celadon herringbone by Popham Design creates a high/low contrast next to the adjacent porcelain tile floor. “People often think that designers come in and blow budgets, but that’s just not the case—we had a budget to work with and mixing cement tile with more affordable porcelain tile can make that happen,” says Hughes. Tile installed by Iron River.

Black detail throughout—shower wall, doors and mirror—lend a grounding element against the white walls, Mallorca Zellige white tile by Centura and white counter.

Children’s Bathroom

The Hex Star cement tile by Popham Design in the children’s bathroom adds irreverence while the classic white subway tile balances the effect. The goal was to create a space that the children—now ages 2 and 5—could grow with.

Children’s Room

The Madeline wall mural by Anewall imbues the nursery with delightful pale pink charm.

Powder Room

“We love great lighting!” say the design duo. The powder room features a pendant with brass detail from Portland’s Cedar and Moss while the primary bathroom features a globe pendant in black.

A half wall of white brick tiles by Olympia Tile masterfully create depth and dimension in a tiny space.

Primary Bedroom

A serene, restrained bedroom décor plays against walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke.

Originally published April 2021

Amanda Ross

Amanda Ross