4 minute read
Apartment Design
JOIE dE VIVRE
or, EMBRaCING oUr JOY OF LIVING AGAin
TAniA riCHArDSon
Joie de vivre translates to the “joy of living.” After a two-year hiatus, it is time we do just that. With warmer weather and the world reopening, now is the perfect time for reconnecting socially, re-evaluating our daily lives and habits, and refreshing our interior spaces.
When the pandemic hit, we made rapid changes to our live/ work environments. Many were forced to create multi-purpose living spaces to adapt. Our interiors became our sanctuaries, our offices, classrooms and workout spaces. People worldwide have been reflecting on how they can create spaces that feed their ambition, inspire them to be better, and make them feel happy. My belief is that our collective experiences will take us back to a more simplistic, organic, health-oriented way of living and designing the spaces around us.
Spring is a natural time to redefine the meaning of apartment living and revamp interior spaces to accommodate personal needs and a new post-pandemic lifestyle.
The psychology of colour
Colour, texture and materials play a significant role in our psychology and mental health. Colours can be incorporated into existing interiors in different ways: A fresh coat of paint; adding new throw pillows; changing a rug; or adding different artwork. With a shift in colour palettes from cool greys to warm earth tones, new materials are trending. A favourite of ours is tambour, which we are seeing in furniture, case goods, kitchens and accent walls. Tambour can be painted or stained to accommodate any style.
The ArT of bAlAncIng mulTI-funcTIonAl spAces
Freestanding partitions and moveable divider walls are a great solution for multi-purpose living spaces. Sound-proofing panels have become trendy as they are great for Zoom rooms and workspaces. Lighting is another important aspect of transforming your multi-functional space. Warm light is easier on the eyes and creates a cosier ambience at night. Bright white task lighting is great during the day. A dimmer switch is an easy way to accommodate different lighting levels required throughout the day.
A more mInImAlIsTIc mInDseT Through ArT
Opting for minimalistic pieces and neutral tones is another design trend being embraced this year. Line art, which has been around for thousands of years and was heavily influenced by great artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, is making a strong comeback. While its organic nature and simplicity may seem primitive, it is a powerful expression of creativity. Other types of trending art include textured and abstract canvases with neutral colours, and minimalistic decor items such as ceramic vases, stone frames, wooden side and coffee tables.
furnITure TrenDs
Furniture trends this spring are curvaceous and have clean, modern lines, with textured and natural fabrics. Fully upholstered furniture is in every showroom; however, with demand at an all-time high, current furniture lead times can be anywhere from six months to a year. As a result, vintage finds are trending. We are also seeing a lot of creative DIY art, upholstery and refinishing happening. Embrace your creative side.
Seasons of change are upon us. How are you going to adapt your space during this exciting time of renewal? Interior design is a powerful tool for transforming our interiors – and possibly even our everyday lives, so that we can embrace our Joie de Vivre again.
Tania Richardson is CEO and Co-founder of Tomas Pearce Interior Design, an international interior design firm based in Toronto. tomaspearce.com
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0-59-100-18
CMYK 0-100-64-33 62-60-0-0 62-22-0-3 49-0-100-39 0-59-100-18 Welcome Home! NORWAY HOUSE 1301 ROTHESAY STREET
Norway House offers the perfect mix of convenience and quality of life. Ideally located in a quiet residential neighborhood near schools, parks and community centres, travel a few blocks away and you will fi nd grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Featuring a mix of standard and newly renovated suites, Norway House is home to families, working professionals and retirees alike.
AMENITIES INCLUDE
• INDOOR POOL AND SAUNA • FITNESS FACILITY • GROCERY SHUTTLE • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
RUTH GARDENS 1167 ROTHESAY STREET
2 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS STARTING AT $1,633 1 BEDROOMS W/DEN STARTING AT $1,665
Comfort, elegance, luxury and modern style are just a few words that best describe Ruth Gardens. Newly constructed, this property features one- and two-bedroom residential suites ranging from 700 to 1,200 square feet in a variety of desirable confi gurations. Ruth Gardens also offers its residents amenities such as in-suite laundry, climate control with digital thermostats and central air, dishwashers, indoor parking and private covered balconies.
AMENITIES INCLUDE
• FITNESS FACILITY • MULTI-PURPOSE AND
GAMES ROOM • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
