An energetic mix of vivid hues and punchy patterns entices in a bustling family home.

Cheeky Colour

Dull decor didn’t jibe with this family of six in Toronto. The homeowners often host guests, so they wanted rooms with a welcoming, high-impact energy. “They entertain a lot!” says designer Shifra Greenberg. The problem was that their new-build house lacked a fin- ished, decorated look, so Shifra deployed cheery colours and lively patterns throughout, creating an inviting whimsy. Fuchsia, blue and crimson, for instance, playfully pop in the living room. “The house puts you in a happy mood,” says Shifra.

Plucky Patterns 

“The homeowner didn’t want guests to feel like they’re being banished to a dreary basement,” says Shifra, referring to out-of-town family who usually stay for a few nights. “She wanted it to feel thoughtful, traditional, colourful and fun.” To give the subterranean space personality, Shifra layered it in joyful textiles – a bold botanical print for the beds, and coral-coloured gingham for the skirted benches. With its alluring pattern and pearlized inlay, the blue-and-white chest offers further interest.

Raspberry Hooray

In the second basement bedroom, an lovely raspberry- toned botanical pattern makes the matching head- boards a focal point. The benches are upholstered in a paisley pattern and riff off of the room’s red tones. “They have a modern U-shape, so they don’t feel too old-fashioned,” says Shifra. Meanwhile, the wallpaper has a warm, cocooning effect. “Light blue and red are one of my most favourite colour combinations. They work beautifully together,” says the designer.

Teen Spirit

“Designing a room for teenage boys is challenging – they don’t want sailboats everywhere,” says Shifra. “But it shouldn’t look too serious, either.” She found a happy medium, cloaking the wall in a rich raspberry- hued grasscloth. “It’s handsome and bold,” she says. Burled-wood plinth side tables add warmth and are a striking contrast against the spooled Jenny Lind bed. The red cage light fixture is wrapped in velvet, not cold powder-coated metal, and lends a striking silhouette in the space.

Blue Rhapsody

Colour-drenching the primary bedroom in dreamy soft blue – from the wallpaper to the fun scalloped headboard – is captivating and cozy. Crimson accents, including a vivid vintage suzani throw, perk up the palette, so the blue doesn’t feel flat. “Blue, specifically light blue, can be very cold,” says Shifra. “We added the red and yellow to warm up the space and give it the inviting quality the clients were looking to achieve.”

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