Fashion-forward is how designer Samantha Farjo describes homeowner Devorah Lithwick -- and the midtown Toronto home that Devorah shares with husband Seth Mandell and their 17-month-old son can certainly be described the same way.

Living area The citron of the Thomas O'Brien leather chairs pops against the creams and whites, and contrasts nicely with dark furniture, like the Barbara Barry cocktail table. What drew the owners to the hue was its formality.

 

Accent wall Samantha picked a bamboo-pattern Cole & Son wallpaper to create a vignette in this corner of the living room. The colours and Asian motif are reflected in the chairs, throw cushion and side table's legs.

 

Kitchen A symmetrical design is more pleasing to the eye and therefore ideal when the kitchen is open to the family room, says designer Samantha Farjo. She flanked the Wolf range with matching cupboards and countertops, and had the pantry to the left mimic the panelled refrigerator to the right. The Hicks pendant lights in oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass and frosted glass add a definite wow factor.

 

Eating area Hang a bistro-style chalkboard to use as a kitchen message centre and grocery list, or to display inspirational quotes. Samantha revitalized the antique mahogany table base with a honed-granite top in an unexpected octagonal shape.

 

Dining room When selecting a table, chairs and buffet, "you don't have to match styles and periods," says Samantha. The Jacques Garcia table, with square metal legs and a French polished top, is paired with custom low-back Parsons-style chairs -- some in putty Ultrasuede and some in citron boucle. Hanging above is an airy antique-brass and beadwork chandelier.

 

Buffet area "I wanted the dining room to be formal but approachable," says owner Devorah Lithwick. For interest, she chose a walnut buffet with statement resin doors. Above hangs Technochondria, a colourful piece by Toronto-based artist Rui Pimenta.

 

Nursery Devorah opted for a mature look that flows with the rest of the home and can grow with her son. "I didn't want teddy bears and trucks and traditional red and bue," she says. But she did want elements of fun and wonder, which are present in the Schumacher wallpaper, elephant table and birdcage fixture. Devorah had seen a fixture similar to this at a store but wasn't prepared to pay $800, so she tried her hand at making one, with high-flying results.

 

Master bedroom Use a classic palette to accomodate new trends and colours down the road. The dramatic hits of green can easily be changed. "A neutral backdrop makes for a polished serenity -- and a peaceful space," says Samantha.