Glamour and the golden age of film inspired Jennifer Backstein’s design of a home that blends opulent style with family-friendly finishes.

When Toronto designer Jennifer Backstein was growing up, she loved watching Turner Classic Movies with her mom. “She’d point out details in the set interiors or the wardrobes,” says Jennifer. “Without realizing it at the time, I developed a deep appreciation for Old Hollywood.”

It’s something that influences the designer’s work to this day. “For one, I love working with black and white, reflective materials and opulent, streamlined shapes,” says Jennifer. So, when charged with designing this new build, it’s no surprise she gravitated to emphasizing symmetry and curves in her design, creating a home highly evocative of the golden age of film.

On the open main floor, Jennifer conjured the silver screen with contrasting black and white furnishings, adding layers of grey, such as misty diaphanous drapes and swirling marble veined tabletops. Cinematic lighting was also a priority, and Jennifer’s choices – a pair of Art Deco style wall sconces and a glitzy-industrial chandelier to name just two – both illuminate and accentuate the home’s open spaces.

Even though the homeowners, who are young professionals with two kids, aren’t old movie buffs, they love it. “From the beginning, they were so open to the possibility of pairing everyday practicality with the elegance of another era,” says Jennifer. Now, that’s a happy ending worthy of the big screen.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | DESIGN, Jennifer Backstein Interiors, JBI. Custom CHANDELIER, DINING TABLE, PILLOWS, COFFEE TABLE, JBI. DINING CHAIRS, Kelly Wearstler. Porcelain FIREPLACE SURROUND, Marble Trend. SOFA, Ethan Allen. PILLOW FABRIC, Kravet. Custom LAMPS and END TABLES, Carrocel Interiors.

Silver-screen glamour defines the home. In the living area, romantic grey gauze drapes filter light and supply drama. “To accentuate the 13-foot ceilings, we added a floor-to-ceiling marble-veined porcelain fireplace surround,” says designer Jennifer Backstein. A silk rug grounds the seating area and a gleaming black-and-glass coffee table is set with a posh chess set and a book propped open for viewing. Two sleek black velvet armchairs help to both separate and connect the living and dining areas: their positioning defines each zone, while brass framing on these and the dining chairs forge a relationship. In the dining area, the highly reflective black porcelain tabletop grabs centre stage. Strategically placed throughout, faux- snakeskin pillows, vintage lamps and marble tables add sophistication and glamour.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | CHANDELIER, Arteriors. STOOLS, Worlds Away. SOFA, CB2. CUSHION, Ralph Lauren. MIRROR, Elte.

Even with no red carpet, this is a grand entry. The high arch of the black-stained doorway frames a 1940s-style chandelier. Two posh stools provide a spot for removing shoes. “The bases are a polished finish, which is elegant, but the vinyl seats are easy to wipe clean, a must with young kids,” says Jennifer. A white sofa with leather piping and velvet pillows looks luxe, but high-performance fabric keeps it practical. The faux-zebra rug and ritzy cocktail table are pure Hollywood.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors

As classic as black and white movies, this curvy 1930s-style table with its inlay striping pairs handsomely with the tuxedo palette of a high-gloss stool. A black-frame mirror reflects a vignette of sleek vases with couture lines.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors

Floating bubbles of illuminated glass dangle from a brass ceiling plate. The porcelain tabletop features dramatic grey veining. Swank brass dining chairs have patterned bouclé backs and luxe black chenille seats.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | PENDANTS, RH. SCONCES, Elte. COUNTERTOPS, Marble Trend. HARDWARE, Vesta Hardware. ISLAND PAINT, Naval, Sherwin-Williams.

Open to the family room, the kitchen features the symmetry of glinting glass-and-brass ceiling pendants and a grand six-by-10-foot island. Its marble-style porcelain top reflects the exquisite panelled ceiling above. An opulent over-sized custom range hood fitted with brass strappings is flanked by 1930s-style sconces.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors

A roman shade brings subtle pattern to the sink area. Note how the vase reinforces the palette and pattern.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | LIGHTING (OVER TABLE), Ralph Lauren. ROUND TABLE, custom collaboration between JBI, Carrocel Interiors and Accurate Woodwork.

The round kitchen table features a stained-grey pedestal base and a wooden top with a starburst design. Curved chairs tuck easily in place. Their vinyl seats make for quick clean-up. A trapeze-style polished brass light fixture hints at Hollywood glamour and draws the gaze upward, accentuating the high ceilings.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | SECTIONAL SOFA, PICTURE LIGHTS, Elte. RUG, Fiber and Cloth. FIREPLACE SURROUND, Marble Trend. SMALL COCKTAIL TABLE, West Elm. Custom DRAPERY, OTTOMAN, PILLOWS, SWIVEL CHAIR, JBI. DRAPERY FABRIC, Billbrough.

"This is where everyone hangs out,” says Jennifer, speaking about the family room; that’s why the designer focused on function as well as luxury. The ottoman is wipe-able leather, but is dressed up with brass; the built-in media millwork is stately but includes cabinetry for hidden storage, and the rug looks swish but is cut from carpeting. As well, the pillows are made from affordable fabric. “To make a playful splash, classic hot pink accents were placed amid the navy velvet sectional, brass picture lights, and marble fireplace.”

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | DESK, collaboration between JBI, Carrocel Interiors and Accurate Woodwork. MILLWORK PAINT, Web Gray, Sherwin-Williams. DESK LAMP, Latitude Run.

The custom 10-foot desk finished in grey stain has a secret – all the tech wiring is hidden inside to keep the surface clear. The millwork, painted grey, hides office clutter and is suitably set with framed portraits of Hollywood stars, including Lauren Bacall.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | SOFA, Rove Concepts. COFFEE TABLE, West Elm. Antonia Vella Deco Speakeasy WALLPAPER, Metro Wall-Coverings. FLOOR LAMP, Braydon Studio. Brass END TABLE, Article. VASES, Elte.

Situated on its own private floor, the office features a speakeasy palette of deep hunter greens, warm greys and ritzy metallic tones. Even the wallpaper’s Art Deco pattern shimmers. “The look is definitely very Hollywood,” says Jennifer. “It’s glam, but comfortable.” The glass coffee table reflects light from a stacked- globe floor lamp. A brass filigree end table is set with a trio of sleek vases of varying heights.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | MARBLE, Granite Depot. SHOWER FLOOR, Stone Tile. SCONCES, Elte. VANITY STOOL, Global Views.

The master bathroom offers the luxury of real marble underfoot and a curvaceous soaking tub. The shower floor is laid in a dapper chevron design and the round stool beneath the pearl-grey vanity is leading-lady perfect. Custom hardware, a high-gloss countertop and polished nickel lighting ensure all-day gleam and ambience.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors | HEADBOARD, RH. BEDSIDE TABLES, Bernhardt. RUG, Elte Mkt. SCONCES, Elte. BENCH, SLIPPER CHAIRS, PILLOWS (chair and bed), DRAPERY, JBI. CHANDELIER, Y Lighting. FABRIC (chair pillows), Lee Joffa. FABRIC (bed pillows), Billbrough. FABRIC (drapery), Kravet. ART, East Urban Home. MIRRORS, Three Posts.

“The softness of layered grey tones and occasional emerald green motifs give this room a look that’s rich yet relaxing,” says Jennifer. In the bay window, a pair of slipper chairs brings symmetry; the undulating pattern of the throw pillows offer a contrast to the romantic, oversize night tables. A starburst chandelier is a bright spot day or night.

Photography: Jennifer Backstein Interiors

Timeless Trends

This glamorous home designed by Jennifer Backstein incorporates design directions that are very au courant, but worth investing in, as they’ll stand the test of time.

Shapely Shapes

Jennifer pulled from Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences seen in classic Hollywood films. Those curvaceous yet streamlined shapes feel fresh after many years of squared-off clean-lined design.

Colour & Texture

Jennifer’s choice of green velvet sofa is pure Hollywood glam, and also so of the moment. Great fabrics like bouclé, chenille and velvet are hot; and powerhouse colours are welcome new design directions.

Swivel Club Chairs

The round-back club in the family room has classic good looks but also exemplifies a return to swivel accent chairs.