Colour your world

NEUTRAL PALETTES ALLOW FOR OWNERS’ TOUCH AT MARKHAM SQUARE LISA VAN DE VEN

“Rich Truffle” is the name the designers gave the combination of finishes on display in the kitchen and bathroom vignettes at Markham Square. One of three packages offered, the neutral colour combination emphasizes “textures rather than colour,” says interior designer Sean Swayze. While the bathroom is clean and contemporary, with a wall-mounted vanity and black-framed mirror, the kitchen has two-toned tan and grey-taupe cabinetry. “Neutral palettes serve as a backdrop for owners to personalize,” adds the principal with Patton Design Studio, who worked with principal Ruth Lynch and associate Liz McKay on the project. Suites at the Ideal Developments and One Piece Developments site range from 446 to 1,198 square feet and from the $300,000s to the $900,000s. The sales office is at 4461 Hwy. 7 E., Markham, and open Monday to Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Call 905- 604-4552 or visit markhamsquare.ca.

1 The kitchen island — which Swayze describes as “generous” — was designed as a gathering spot, perfect for both socializing and dining. Set with four stools, it doubles as a kitchen table. “The stools for dining are very sculptural with black leather upholstery and black steel frames,” he adds. 2 Two colours and textures give the kitchen cabinetry the look of furniture, with a matte tan tone above paired with a weathered greytaupe wood-like finish that’s used for the lower cabinets and integrated appliances. The second style features a horizontal grain, adding “dimension and texture,” Swayze says. 3 Laid in a herringbone pattern for added interest, the backsplash is designed in frosted taupe glass, and complemented with polished taupe granite countertops with silver and ivory flecks. The mix of materials and patterns “create a wonderful rhythm that is calm, but certainly not dull,” adds Swayze. 4 “The flooring creates a dramatic backdrop,” the designer says. The six-inch plank vinyl wood-grain flooring features a charbrown tone that picks up on the hues found in the wood-grain cabinets. The flooring choice is practical too, Swayze adds. “We’re moving towards doing vinyl flooring more — it’s more durable,” he says.