HANUKKAH GILT

Designer Jessica Waks enhances the golden glow of a pal’s glam living and dining area

Who better than a long-time friend to capture your essence in decor? This lucky homeowner had her former elementary school buddy, designer Jessica Waks, to call on when she and her husband bought this midtown Toronto new build in 2015. “They like to entertain, so having a beautifully appointed formal living and dining space was important to them,” says Jessica. “The house has handsome finishes and amazing ceiling height, but it was very neutral. My job was to add personality and colour befitting this vibrant and stylish young couple and their two kids.”

For the palette inspiration, Jessica looked no further than her pal. “She’s a striking redhead who wears jewel tones so gracefully,” says the designer. “So I joke that we chose her favourite hues – the ones she’s been dressing in since we were 10 – which are deep blues and greens.” An opulent sapphire and emerald scheme quickly emerged, displayed on classic furnishings, such as spotted wood-framed slipper chairs and nailhead-trimmed rounded dining chairs. Mid-century-feel

elements like the owners’ existing Parsonsstyle dining table and a mod chandelier introduce a current feel, while a healthy dose of gold – particularly in the form of geometric brushed brass table bases – brings on glamour.

With Hanukkah on the horizon, this social family had a few dinner parties already on the agenda, so Jessica popped back into the stylish picture to imbue a jubilant vibe. The holiday’s typical palette consists of blues and metallics, so picking up where the interior’s year-round look leaves off was simple. Thanks to a handful of DIY projects, a select few on-theme accessories and a stunningly set table, the homeowners are ready to greet guests – Jessica surely among them.

DESIGN, Jessica Claire Interiors, jessicaclaireinteriors.com; COFFEE TABLE, CONSOLE, gold and white BOXES (on coffee table), branch

look CANDELABRA, glass BOWLS with gold rims, brass BAR TOOLS, Elte; CHANDELIER, Lightmaker Studio; TABLE LAMPS, Universal Lamp; white BOWL, PLATES, CHARGERS, STEMWARE and FLATWARE, William Ashley; FABRIC (used as table runner), Robert Allen; Shredded Square ARTWORK, Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins; cloisonné DREIDELS, Crate and Barrel; HANUKIAH, CB2; speckled CANDLES, Israel’s Judaica; WALLPAPER (used as gift wrap), Thibaut at Kravet Canada; silver patterned GIFT WRAP, blue GIFT WRAP, WASHI TAPE, gold bead GARLAND (on console), Michaels; RIBBON, Creative Bag.

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