State of mind

DECO ERA INSPIRES DRAMATIC DESIGN FOR SOUTHSIDE MODEL BY LISA VAN DE VEN

Interior designer Dominic De Freitas gives a nod to the original Gramercy Park in his model suite design for its namesake, Southside Residences at Gramercy Park — playing on the Art Deco roots of the Manhattan-based private park and neighbourhood. “We took hints of Art Deco concepts. The biggest way is in the high level of contrast,” says the vice-president of figure3. A warm white base is layered with black accents, with pops of Hermès-inspired orange. “We’ve varied textures to play off each other,” adds the designer, who contrasted reflective surfaces with warmer textures throughout. Suites at the Malibu Investments site range from 388 to 1,048 square feet and are priced from $190,000. The sales office — located at 9 Tippett Rd., North York — opens Apr. 23. Hours will be Monday to Thursday, noon to 6 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. Call 416-703-2202 or visit southsidecondos.ca. 1 “It’s very sleek,” De Freitas says of this slim-lined black leather sofa from Pink & Brown. A chrome base keeps sightlines to the floor open, “creating visual space underneath” that helps create the feeling of space. A linen pillow and wool throw add textural contrast. 2 Playing up contrasting materials, De Freitas opted for this rug from Weavers Art for its worn, almost threadbare look — then topped it with chrome and mirror tables. The standing lamp adds texture too, with a stick-like metal base that the designer says lends “an organic feel.” 3 A black headboard against a black wall offers a dramatic backdrop on which the designer lined this series of fashion sketches. The images — leaned against the headboard for “a slightly more casual installation” — pull in the Hermès orange accent used throughout the suite. 4 To highlight the site’s proximity to the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, De Freitas purchased most of his accessories there. The white linen bedding comes from Zara Home, and the black faux fur throw from Pottery Barn. “We wanted the purchaser to know they can actually buy this stuff,” he says.