New York in Little Italy

An urban design sensibility suits this model at Cube Lofts

Call it a New York state of design. Model suite 501 at Cube Lofts may have a hodgepodge of design inspirations, but the end result is “all very New York” if you ask Scott Kay, the man who put it all together. “It’s transitional contemporary with a bit of vintage and pop art to it,” says the owner of Houndstooth decor. “There are some mid-century-modern elements in there as well.” And just like a good New yorker, the palette is cool and neutral, featuring shades of black, white and grey, with small pops of red to add splashes of colour. The artwork adds personality, while the furniture was chosen with an eye for making the 1,029-square-foot suite look larger, while not overpowering such architectural details as the concrete pillars. remaining units at the Neilas Inc. project range from 778 square feet to 2,116 sq. ft. and from $672,350 to $2,355,100. For information or a sales appointment, call Brad Lamb realty at 416-368-5262 or visit cubelofts.com. Tufted low-back Parsons chairs in neutral beige are simple enough that they don’t take attention away from the dining table. A graphic poster enlivens the wall, while a red flower accent completes the dining room vignette. “It’s just a subtle burst of colour — not huge,” the stylist says.

The curve of this black lacquer and glass coffee table is a break from the sleeker sofa and media unit that flank it, adding a more “organic” flavour to the space. As a bonus, its slim base and transparent top don’t obscure the area rug below.

“Typically, we’ ll put in a smaller dining table than an area can handle, for a more open pathway,” Mr. Kay says. What this table lacks in size, though, it makes up for in personality, with its of-themoment “rustic modern” design of reclaimed elm and patinated steel.

Looking to create layers of “depth” in the suite, Mr. Kay added a punch of pattern with this geometric blackand-white Spanish-wool area rug. Another pop of interest is the 1920s chrome garden stool, which contrasts with the textured pillar beside it while adding a sleek metallic accent.

The suite may be naturally bright, but the dining room lighting adds dinnertime ambiance. Veering away from a traditional chandelier, Mr. Kay opted for a floor lamp instead. The gold crackled glass creates a “soothing” light, while the tripod base ties in with black accents through the living room.

The art — black lacquered antlers, a silverfoil vintage Elvis Presley poster and a colourful Hot Rods to Hell movie poster — creates whimsy and visual texture in the suite, bringing in a bit of pop art punch and a retro twist.