A TALE OF TWO SISTERS
Sisters with different spins on style showcase their condos across the hall from each other
WHEN THEY WERE LITTLE GIRLS,
Lauren and Mariel Armstrong shared everything: secrets, clothing and the flair for style they inherited from their mother. “We ended up working together in fashion,” says Mariel, referring to Party Skirts, an online shop full of fun and flirty clothes she coowns with her sister. “But we had no idea that we’d also end up buying condos in the same city, let alone in the same building and across the hall from each other!” They both hired designer Gillian Segal to imbue their homes with styles that reflect their fashion savvy and personal tastes. The result? Striking spaces that are as similar as they are different: the yin and yang that only the closest of sisters can achieve.
PLAYFUL ROMANCE
Bright and sparkly, Mariel’s 1,100-square-foot home is all about fun, with cool tones, shiny objects and bursts of girly colour everywhere. She’s the little sister – and her playful personality shines through. “I live in a state of organized chaos,” says Mariel with a laugh. “One minute, it’s fine. The next, it looks like a bomb went off.” Having few furnishings and accessories helps her keep clutter at bay, creating a stylish Parisian-chic aesthetic that feels refined and romantic.
DRAMATIC GLAM
Dark and moody, Lauren’s 1,100-square-foot home is the epitome of sophistication and the yin to Mariel’s yang. “I wanted this place to be stylish, but not overly feminine,” she explains of her penchant for polished style. Rich deep hues provide the perfect backdrop for elegant and edgy furnishings. “I love mixing high with low,” says Lauren. She mixes big-box-store finds with custom pieces for an unabashedly glam look.
COMPANY’S COMING
Whether Mariel is hosting friends for cocktails or simply enjoying snacks with her pooch, Herb, the living room is party central. The condo is small, so designer Gillian Segal chose flexible furnishings. The tête-à-tête can be accessed from both the living and dining areas. Meanwhile, the airy side chairs keep sightlines open and can be moved around as needed. The look is girly modern: sleek and simple but still oh-so ooh-la-la.
PICTURE THIS
“I love photography and fashion,” says Mariel. “A shot taken backstage at a fashion show seemed perfectly fitting for me to hang over the fireplace.” The blue jacket in the photo became the inspiration for the living room accents – Gillian had the toss cushions made out of a velvet the exact same shade.
LIGHTS, CAMERA...
Nothing says movie star like a pink telephone and a faux fur scarf. But the sculptural spoke-backed side chairs, with their polished chrome bases, are the real stars of the show, picking up on the shimmery details deployed throughout the rest of the condo – even in the bedroom, where the tufted headboard’s trim and toss cushion beading shines.
MINIMAL MOMENTS
Since Mariel dines, lounges, entertains and daydreams all in one open-concept space, she wanted it to be refined and adaptable. Gillian paired a neon Party-Skirts sign with no-nonsense minimalist pieces, such as a sleek white Saarinen-style dining table (the counterpart to her sister’s black one) and sculptural dining chairs.
PET SMART
The apartment is as much Herb’s place as it is Mariel’s, so the sofa needed to be practical. Gillian opted for a washable slipcover for the seat cushion and suggested an inexpensive rug for the room in case the dog is naughty.
DINING DARE
Bold oversized artwork defines the dining room, at once standing out and blending in with the blue undertone of the grey walls. The high-gloss black dining table was another daring move. The reward? A reflective surface that “doubles” everything that’s set on top.
BYE- BYE BORING
“Great design is about taking risks,” says Gillian. Lauren agrees. Together they defied convention by using deep hues, though the condo is small, and mixing metals like brass, chrome and bronze (rather than keeping the accents uniform). The result is a space that looks layered, collected – and stylish.
BREAKING RAD
Luxe adornments, such as the neon Love sign (a birthday gift), framed vintage Hermès scarf (used as artwork in the entryway) and crystal and cut-glass collection (displayed on one of the Alexandra von Furstenberg trays that the sisters collect) amp up this condo’s cool factor.
BEDROOM BLISS
Glimmering gold-leaf heart artwork over the bed reflects Lauren’s romantic nature, while the soft velvet-upholstered headboard from her childhood speaks to her nostalgic side. The bedding’s varied textures lend a luxurious look, as does the warm linen drapery.
CHAIR CHOICES
There’s at least one unexpected element in every room of Lauren’s condo, but in the living room, the über-angular mid-centurystyle lounger is one of several eclectic pieces. “The chair was Gillian’s idea,” says Lauren, who was thrilled with how well the designer understood her aesthetic. “Working with a professional lets you be you…but better.”