SUITETOUCHES
SOUTH SURREY: The Mill Design Group helps bring the funk to The Crossing by Gramercy Development Mary Frances Hill
GRAMERCY’S THE CROSSING INFUSED WITH DETAILS THAT MAKE FOR A FUN, LIVABLE LOOK
There’s a special charm to be found in a home that looks loved and lived in — one full of treasured pieces collected over time and where nearly every detail tells a story.
The creative minds at The Mill Design Group have made a display suite that evokes such a warmth and vitality at The Crossing, Gramercy Development’s new townhome community in South Surrey.
“The suite was designed to reflect a fun family environment with an artistic, but livable approach,” says senior designer Amanda Zibin, speaking on behalf of the Mill Design team.
Zibin and her colleagues’ tastes lean toward unique items they find online and off retail’s beaten path, such as Etsy.com, specialty vintage shops, art stores and from local craftspeople.
One bedroom stands out in the suite for its bright and funky green patterned wallpaper; the exact same pattern is found in an art frame on the wall. Zibin gives a nod to local company Anewall, which crafts wallpaper, wall vinyls and artwork, including this “watercolour cactus mural” find.
“We love supporting B.C. companies and are fortunate to have amazing product like this available locally,” she says. “This is such a fun and bold graphic wallpaper, we felt it was necessary to keep the furnishing very monotone and simple so that it wasn’t overwhelming.”
The Mill placed mid-century-looking chairs in the living and dining rooms and the study “to evoke a feeling of passed-down furniture or collected vintage charm,” she says. “They are timeless in design and add interest and warmth with the curved-wood detail” — traits that fit into the overall design theme.
In the study, the designers chose pieces for their specific singular qualities — a trestle desk, shadow boxes, a ceiling fixture with a sculptural design. Zibin says the designers took one item — namely, the vintage Moroccan wool rug, an Etsy score — to inspire her decisions for the decor that surrounds it.
“The idea is that this is a multi-functional space to be creative in,” she says. “Many of the furniture pieces used in this display are from budget-friendly stores like Ikea and CB2. We try to make sure our designs are attainable to every buyer.”
In the simple, clean kitchen, visitors will find plenty of work space and storage lining the wall and in the large island in the room’s centre.
“This is the ideal kitchen layout,” Zibin says. “A sink under a window is any homeowner’s dream and the large island and abundant storage is a bonus in this size of home."