Compare & contrast
Subtle pops of black enliven the calm neutral tones in Oakvillage model vignettes
“We wanted something fresh and contemporary,” says interior designer Keith Rushbrook of the model vignettes he designed at Branthaven Homes’ Oakvillage site. Looking to create something that would stand out in the project’s Oakville market, the designer opted for a look he describes as “urban” and “youthful.” “It’s very warm,” says the partner with II by IV Design. “But it’s still very architectural and clean.” Featuring a backdrop of light greys, white and warm woods, the kitchen, living room and bathroom vignettes pop with vivid fuchsia accents and splashes of black. “We wanted the palette to be very neutral, very clean, with the contrast coming through the black,” Rushbrook says. Branthaven’s homes at Oakvillage currently range from 1,100 to 1,700 square feet and are priced from $444,000 to $509,000. The sales office is located at 351 Dundas St. E., Oakville, and open Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Call 289-725-7777 or visit branthaven.com. 1 “It complements the contemporary environment,” Rushbrook says of the twotoned kitchen cabinetry, which pairs light wood laminate with glossy white lacquer. The contemporary flat-front cabinets are matched with white quartz countertops and a sleek backsplash in the same material, while a black reveal adds “subtle and sophisticated” contrast. 2 These large pendant light fixtures over the kitchen island feature faceted metal shades to introduce “a really nice texture” to the kitchen space, Rushbrook says. While the white fixtures add interest, they nevertheless recede visually into the white walls behind, letting the kitchen itself become the focal point. 3 “They’re just something really different. A talking point,” the designer says of these kitchen stools by Triton, which feature a geometric black metal design that stands out in the clean-lined kitchen. The black adds pop, while the faceted shape repeats the angles of the light fixtures above. 4 Anchoring the space, wide-plank pre-engineered hardwood flooring continues the contemporary aesthetic found throughout the model vignettes. While the graining adds visual texture to the rooms, the floor’s grey tone flows naturally with the other neutral hues Rushbrook used. “It’s very warm and clean,” the designer says. 5 White walls are used through most of the vignettes, and the bathroom is no exception. Here, though, bevelled-edge subway tiles add texture. “What we really like about subway tiles is the transitional feel — it can feel modern like it does here, or it can feel traditional,” Rushbrook says. 6 From the towel rack to the faucets and the cabinet pulls, black accents throughout the bathroom give the room various points of interest. Large-format grey porcelain tiles on the floor also help create contrast in the space. “The larger tile makes the room feel bigger,” the designer adds, as there are fewer grout lines.