Function Meets Beauty


Modern living room with a custom beige sectional and elegant decor.

Christopher's Masterful Design for a Client's Dream Home

In this blog, we delve into the creative process behind a recent project by Cottswood's own design consultant Christopher.
 
With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the client's needs, Christopher crafted a space that balances elegance and comfort. From selecting bespoke furniture to harmonizing colors inspired by nature, every choice was made with purpose.
 
Join us as we explore the inspiration, challenges, and design elements that brought this beautiful home to life, showcasing Christopher’s expertise in transforming visions into reality.

What was the overarching inspiration or theme behind this project's design?

I listen to the overall scale and proportion of the room and architecture. Then, with the client, we sat on several pieces, and I listened to their comfort feedback. I translate that into a luxury experience by combining comfort and design.

All the elements should complement the environment so we capture what the client is looking for. Are we sitting up with our champagne, or are we flopping about watching a movie?

Function first and then - how can we make those functions beautiful?


Can you share insights into the color palette chosen for this space and how it contributes to the desired ambiance?

One of the great things about travelling is that we can fuse grey and beige together without question. Knowing this is one thing, living it is another, and in this home, we used beautiful neutrals with warmer brown and taupe undertones, along with occasional grey contrasts, butterscotch, and teal.

Since I knew the house was on a park, we played with teal—leaning a bit green in the Primary and bluer in the front Office. Colour is fun!!

Modern living room with a custom beige sectional and elegant decor.

Which specific pieces of furniture or decor played a significant role in bringing the design concept to life?

At Cottswood, the process often begins with the client.

I love showcasing various pieces in the showroom until we find something that truly resonates. Once we discover that key piece, I carefully consider the scale and proportion of the space, ensuring the furniture harmonizes both functionally and aesthetically. If the piece works, we build the room around it. In a primary bedroom, for example, the King Bed naturally becomes the focal point, setting the tone for the entire space.


Modern living room with a custom beige sectional and elegant decor.

Were there any particular design challenges you encountered during this project, and how did you overcome them?

Definitely, working off plan without seeing the space is my challenge but also my expertise. I've done houses in Dublin, Ireland, and Victoria, British Columbia, without ever seeing the spaces and only working from plans. Experience helps to overcome these challenges.

Could you discuss the selection process for the statement pieces showcased in the images, and what made them stand out?

Everything needs to harmonize.  Once you have a showpiece or a statement piece, we look for pieces that relate in scale, design, and proportion. Once a client picks one piece, I can take the lead and decorate an entire house.  We do want a few contrasting elements but overall, we are trying to achieve harmony and calm.  Comfort and ease are elegant and essential.

Modern living room with a custom beige sectional and elegant decor.
Modern living room with a custom beige sectional and elegant decor.

What role did lighting play in enhancing the overall feel and functionality of the space?

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of any design.

In my own home, I spent time observing the natural light—watching the water, sun, and movement of nature—before deciding on the home’s orientation. Light truly defines a space, but it’s essential to determine whether the light is being captured effectively or merely reflected. Proper lighting is fundamental because it’s how you perceive both the mood and the space itself.


Were there any custom-made or bespoke elements incorporated into the design?

Almost everything in this project was custom-made. At Cottswood, customization is key—whether it’s wood tones, metal finishes, fabrics, or leathers, each element is carefully selected to suit the space. While a few pieces might come pre-configured, nearly everything is tailored to the client’s preferences. Even if you choose from in-stock floor pieces, I can create a dynamic, well-balanced space that reflects texture, scale, proportion, and function.


Can you highlight any unique architectural features or structural elements that influenced the design direction?

We were working off-plan, and I knew the fireplace wall was concrete! I wanted to contrast it with the gorgeous butterscotch Italian leather, which paired beautifully with the charcoal concrete. While the concrete wall is a strong architectural feature, I aimed to make the space feel inviting and enjoyable. Additionally, since the house is on a park, the greens from the leaves and blues from the sky became important natural elements to incorporate into the design. It's challenging to ignore these elements, so you need to embrace them.

How did you balance functionality with aesthetics in the layout and arrangement of furniture and accessories?

I always tell almost every client - function first. What's the objective and how do we live in the space? If a room isn't functional, no matter how beautiful it is, it will never be a space you truly love or want to spend time in.

Function first and then let's make it stunning and gorgeous.


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