City slicker

THE MODEL SUITE AT THE JAMES CONDO HAS ONE SHARP VIBE BY LISA VAN DE VEN

“It has a tailored masculine vibe to it,” interior designer Kelly Cray says, but adds that “a lot of different people can appreciate it.” The model suite he designed for Lamb Development’s condominium project James juxtaposes black wallpaper and furniture against light grey walls, smoky grey floors and cognac- toned accents, creating a look Cray compares to a gentleman’s suit, though he found his initial inspiration on the job. “The building itself is very sleek and tall — it really looks masculine and tailored. We played on that,” says the principal with U31. Suites at James range from 400 to 2,659 square feet and start from $283,900. The sales office is located at 452 Richmond St. W., Toronto, and open Monday to Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Call 416-214-9900 or visit jamestoronto.ca. 1 Black doesn’t have to look heavy, as Cray shows with this black wood dining table. It’s paired with walnut chairs featuring black leather seats, while open backs ensure they don’t take up too much visual space. “They’re quite airy, which helps in a smaller space.” Cray adds. 2 “We like the idea of creating elements that contrast,” the designer says, and he did that in the kitchen with walnut veneer cabinetry above and high- gloss black lacquer cabinets below. The rest of the kitchen is black, too, including the subway tile backsplash and quartz countertop. 3 In the bedroom, Cray “wanted to inject more of that cognac tone.” He does so with this custom-designed upholstered leather bed, which he pairs with crisp white bedding and smoky grey accent pillows. To complete the look, he flanks the bed with black nightstands. 4 To create continuity in the suite, Cray uses the same black geometric wallpaper in the bedroom as he does in the main living space. The faceted shape of the bedside lamps pick up on the angles in the wall covering, while their white shades add contrast.