Decorating & Design
Earth Tones & Natural Textures Give This Modern Home Organic Flair
Published on March 15, 2021
Whether it’s filling open shelves with global treasures or livening up an entryway with artwork, designer Aly Velji knows how to add personality to any space. And this two-storey house in Calgary’s historic Elbow Park neighborhood is no exception.
A recent renovation left this family home feeling choppy and dated, with inconsistent styles from room to room. Over a nine-month period, Aly and fellow designer Alison Connor layered in modern elements while still maintaining the home’s rich character and great bones. They swapped in chic Scandi-style furniture, wallpapered the upstairs rooms and brought in new lighting. They clad the living room fireplace in dark granite and whitewashed oak — reminiscent of the home’s contemporary-traditional juxtaposition.
“Playing with the characteristics of an older home while adding modern touches makes a space feel curated and personal,” says Aly. He calls the home’s look “Earthy Modernism:” blond wood, black accents and organic textures create a clean and cozy feeling. The design style is perfect for the homeowners — who have two young kids — because of its clean, zen appeal.
Scroll down to take a tour of this warm and inviting family home!
Aly painted the wooden railing black in the entryway to pay homage to the home’s heritage and add a touch of contrast. A curvy table from LD Shoppe and pair of terracotta pots add organic flair.
Reading nooks flank both sides of the oak and granite fireplace, doubling as hidden storage — one side lifts up while the other has a drawer for storing toys and extra linens.
An oversized sofa and splashes of moss green warm up the neutral living room and create a cozy space for the whole family to gather.
Open shelving displays a collection of items the homeowners acquired from their travels, reflecting their personality and global taste.
Curvy lines on the Luminaire Authentik pendant light and a custom table soften the dining room’s aesthetic. Scandi-style chairs with caning ground the space. “The wooden texture of the dining room table and the linen drapery work together to create a cocoon feeling,” says Aly.
The kitchen is a study in contrast with its white cabinetry, Carrara marble backsplash and dark, leggy stools.
Creamy Fabricut wallpaper and ripple fold drapery — similar to the dining room’s — soften the bright principal bedroom.
A sculptural lamp gives the nightstand an artisanal flair.
Houseplants and botanical art on the walls bring the outdoors in. A dark wooden dresser acts as a focal point and offers ample storage.
The nightstands and throw pillows in earthy hues and an upholstered headboard with channeled tufting feel cozy and organic.
Joel Klassen, Klassen Photography
Aly Velji & Alison Connor, Aly Velji Designs