Edgy esthetics

‘REFINED INDUSTRIAL’ IS THE DESIGN AT RIVERLAND IN BRESLAU LISA VAN DE VEN

If you think a more edgy esthetic can’t work in the suburbs, interior designer Andrew Pike is out to prove you wrong. One of five models at Empire Riverland in Breslau, this home — titled Refined Industrial — features a design that would feel at home in a downtown loft, tailored to the needs of a young family. “We’ve been seeing the industrial esthetic for quite a few years now,” says the principal designer with Andrew Pike Interiors. “It’s very popular, and I think that’s partly to do with how approachable and casual it is.” The space features accents of metal and walnut, all against a palette of grey, white and black. “This one has more of a raw feel,” adds Sue MacKay, Empire Communities’ vice- president of marketing. Homes at Riverland range from 1,345 to 3,238 square feet and start in the mid-$400,000s. To register, visit empireriverland.com.

1 A graphic grey wallpaper accents one wall in the master bedroom, but it’s the black wood moose head that adds a touch of whimsy. “Antlers are definitely my signature, and if you look hard enough they’re probably in every space that we do in some form,” Pike says.

2 “I love that juxtaposition of the two materials and the two colours,” the designer says of this platform bed from Structube, which features a grey leather headboard and walnut frame. It’s paired with a walnut bench and an armchair of pony hair and brown leather.

3 The nursery offers a chance to “go a little crazy,” Pike says, and he did so here with fun accents like this faux fur chair from Elte MKT and a Bouclair table made of wood coins. Arrow-patterned drapes and a kidsized teepee add to the playful theme.

4 This dark wood Ikea crib stands out against the lighter nursery palette. “It keeps it nice and airy,” says Pike, who also introduced some black accents in the art and light fixture. “We just really played off different pieces that give that refined industrial feel,” he says.