Condos
Cori Halpern Injects Vibrant Color & Pattern Into A Clean-lined, Modern Space
Updated on November 30, 2023
If Toronto was a treasure map, the X Condominium would mark the spot where art, culture and nightlife come together. It’s a big part of what attracted Robin, a software developer and Amelia, a marketing professional, to purchase the 1,650-square-foot unit in 2021. “I don’t drive, so it was really important that we found a place that was walkable and transit-accessible,” says Amelia of the tower designed by architect Peter Clewes in the International style with nods to Mies van der Rohe. “The layout of the unit was perfect,” says Amelia. “It had two rooms where we could each set up offices, and a large living, dining and kitchen area, perfect for entertaining.” The catch: “We hated the kitchen,” says Robin. “There was also a dark, cavernous bathroom that had to be redone.” They knew they needed help.
Amelia began researching designers online but was discouraged by portfolios full of stark, white spaces. They wanted color and pattern, something that would nod to their fun side — Amelia moonlights as a burlesque dancer. Facebook recommendations led them to Cori Halpern whose own home tour video won them over. “Cori seemed like a colorful person and had a colorful space we could relate to,” says Robin. Before they even got possession, Cori got to work.
Scroll down for a look at the vivacious results.
Robin and Amelia (shown with Winston, their Chihuahua) tasked Cori with creating a fun and inviting space with mid-century modern touches, bold colors and lots of fun pattern. “I wanted to make sure I was creating the essence of mid-century modern without making it feel like a movie set,” says Cori. “I started thinking about shapes, color and vintage pieces that would bring this look together.”
Working in a condo meant paying extra attention to sight lines. “The main living area is one big open space, so everything needs to work together,” says Cori. To avoid dealing with the concrete ceiling, Cori left the three main ceiling junction boxes where they were and found statement lighting that would be complementary. “You can see all of the fixtures at the same time,” says Cori. who custom designed most of the furniture with curved shapes and colors that nod to a mid-century modern aesthetic.
The bar cart off the dining area lends itself to drinks and hangs when friends come over. “It’s funny because it’s primarily filled with nonalcoholic spirits,” says Amelia.
The neon light inspired by a video game called Bioshock and the custom hand-painted sideboard both nod to Amelia and Robin’s eclectic tastes
In the kitchen, an off-centre junction box over the island required custom installation of the linear brass fixture. There was also the challenge of floor-to-ceiling windows on two of the main walls. “The drapery fabric was where we injected movement into the space, and we needed a lot of it,” says Cori. Picking a pattern in the right scale was important so that it wouldn’t look too busy. “The Pindler fabric we ended up with looks a little like Japanese tattoo art; we all loved it,” says Cori.
For the heart of the home — the room that spurred the couple to hire a designer in the first place — Cori created a dream kitchen. “I always knew I wanted to do a two-tone teal kitchen for these two,” says Cori. “We’re all redheads and we tend to gravitate toward similar hues. The Farrow & Ball–inspired palette suits them; they look good in the space.” Robin is particularly drawn to the unique fluted reeded detail on the island, which adds beautiful texture.
The chaise is the perfect place to lounge with a drink or to take in the cityscape.
Cori enveloped the principal bedroom in a blush-hued House of Hackney wallpaper and matching bolster fabric.
A wood dresser topped with blooms and books warms up the space.
The black and white Queen of Spain drapery fabric provides contrast in Robin’s office without competing with the wall mural.
The powder room and laundry area features a stone vanity and hammered gold sink. “The bathroom has a magical feel, like Robin and Amelia,” says Cori.
Virginia Macdonald
Cori Halpern