Western Living Magazine
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Photos: Western Living Designers of the Year Finalists Reveal Party 2026
The 2026 Western Living People’s Choice Awards: Voting Is Now Open
Announcing the Finalists for the 2026 Western Living Designers of the Year Awards
Ultra-layered, monochromatic spaces play up texture instead of colour.
One of the biggest trends for 2016 is perhaps the subtlest—no contrasting pops of colour, but a look that’s wholly monochromatic. Layers of texture and muted pattern create visual interest in a design that’s tactile and calming, with a light, soothing palette and soft tones. The bespoke, buy-local movement is rooted here, in quality pieces handcrafted from sustainable materials that purport fine craftsmanship and tell a story. And the materials vary: for the Organic Luxe look, it’s a mix of stone, ceramics, naturally dyed fabrics and handwoven knits.
Calgary designer Amanda Hamilton layers a furry throw and soft pillows on a worn-in leather sofa (think Clooney factor: wrinkles add character) and wood furniture with equally obvious grain.
Mix of Monochrome Be it white, grey, dusty blue or blush pink, pick one colour and work in its tints and shades. Here: Benjamin Moore’s Luxe and Behr’s Mauve Melody.
“The use of textures, whether in textiles or architecture, adds depth, interest and a more ‘luxe’ quality to our simple, modernist spaces. I think our simplistic spaces are hungry for contrast and richness.” —Stephanie Brown, Stephanie Brown Inc.
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