Designer, homeowner, mother and blogger Meredith Heron manages to do it all in a way that's just as subtle as it is vibrant. She reveals how she applied this juxtaposition to her Victorian rowhouse.
The designer: Meredith Heron
Meredith with her adorable two-year-old son, Luke. The neutral skirt on the TV console (“which, by the way, is a godsend with a toddler; it hides everything from sight” -- and serves as a modern media storage idea) blends into the wall – a trick Meredith used to make the narrow rowhouse living room feel larger.
Living room
To prevent the art of mixing colour and pattern in the narrow living room from fighting for attention, homeowner and designer Meredith Heron used soothing neutrals as a backdrop. The sofa, stools and armchairs were all eBay finds that Meredith had reupholstered. A chair makeover can make such a difference.
Dining area
The dining area is open to the kitchen, so it strikes a careful balance between formal and family-friendly decorating. Grey faux ostrich leather on the chair seats can be easily wiped clean; the chair fronts and backs are upholstered in different patterns in the same grey palette. “I knew I wanted to go with grey, so I started the fabric choices off in the dining room before choosing similar-toned fabrics for the living room,” says Meredith.
Fashionable dressing room
A spare room was put to good use by turning it into a chic, girlie dressing room for Meredith. "My husband has referred to me as a girlie girl when it comes to dressing up," says Meredith. "I suppose I indulged this side of me in the dressing room. My clothes, accessories and bags were overtaking the rest of our home and this room wasn’t really getting much use, so I took it over in a single swoop. I think I may have “over-girlified” it to keep everyone out! My son calls it “Momma’s Room.”
Dressing room continued
Meredith indulged her feminine side in the dressing room, opting for a palette of pink, coral and gold pulled directly from the antique Aubusson rug. Black curtains prevent the room from becoming too precious.
Master bedroom
The dark walls in the master bedroom are offset by the room’s bright, south-facing window and light-coloured bedding and carpet. Decorating with zebra prints on the bench brings a graphic punch to the space.
Wall decor
Adding framed artwork with large white mats to the decor balances the master bedroom’s dark walls.

For more gorgeous home interiors, check out our interior design guide.