Decorating Detail

TRANSITIONAL TABLE

Employ a piece that bridges styles. This coffee table’s tufted top is traditional, like the other furniture in the room, but its modern base keeps the space from feeling stuffy.

When Elizabeth and Alan Skelly purchased their Victorian-style house in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood in 2015, they thought they were simply taking on a quick kitchen remodel and overall refresh. However, a problematic basement and lack of functionality throughout the home quickly led to the decision to renovate the entire dwelling. Add to that the strain of living out of nearby Airbnbs during part of the process, and Elizabeth was officially in over her head. “I’ve decorated all our previous homes and really enjoyed it,” she says, “but taking on an entire house at once overwhelmed me.”

Looking for a little help choosing paint colours and statement-making wallpaper at Farrow & Ball, Elizabeth made an appointment for a home consultation, where she met Jacklynn Little. They immediately connected, and when Elizabeth learned that Little was an interior decorator, she knew she’d found the right person to help her create her dream abode.

Together, they chose finishes and accessories to create the fresh, contemporary space that Elizabeth envisioned. Traditional furnishings from the Skellys’ previous home were given face-lifts to work with the new interior, and dramatic accents were brought in by way of bold paint colours and vibrant textiles. The result is a welcoming space that boasts lots of modern appeal but still holds tons of staying power.