Decorating & Design
This New-Build Home Masters The Mix Of Modern & Vintage
Updated on September 15, 2017
Stepping inside this classic Georgian house in Calgary’s Mount Royal neighborhood reveals an expert fusion of historic and new — designer Nam Dang-Mitchell’s specialty. “We wanted the inside to complement the exterior,” says Nam. “But we were also inspired by those European apartments where the walls are painted white, creating a modern sparseness that everything else pops against.” Homeowners Mark and Skye McLean envisioned historic London flats and Parisian townhouses made vibrant by well-curated contemporary art and iconic modern furniture — and that’s exactly what they got. Click through to take a virtual tour of the space.
Nam created youthful, bright, unfussy spaces for the busy parents and their two children Caden, 7, and Keira, 5.
In the foyer, Nam mixed limestone and Bianco Carrara marble, cut into parallelograms, to create interest underfoot.
The family in their sunlit living room. A coffered ceiling gives the space historic charm, while ottomans reupholstered in kid-friendly vinyl add contemporary texture.
Dark inset shelves provide contrast, while a marble Empire mantel — one of two in the house — is a salvage find from France. “They really are room-makers, adding so much gravitas,” says Nam.
Modern sconces create tension against the intricately carved marble fireplace.
Mark and Skye both come from big families, so the dining room needed to have space for a crowd. A large, contemporary table, ringed by graphic chairs, can comfortably sit up to 14.
“The hood fan is the focal point of kitchens these days,” says Nam. “We decided to hide all the seams with polished nickel and a riveted detail,” balancing classic craftsmanship and clean-lined design. A mix of dark-stained walnut and white cabinetry is crisp and tailored.
Full-height windows and doors surround the kitchen’s eat-in dining area. A mature ficus tree makes the indoor-outdoor transition complete.
Double doors and graphic photography instill a gallery vibe in the entry to the principal bedroom.
“Mark and Skye didn’t want a TV in their bedroom,” says Nam. “This helped create that feel of a great, luxurious hotel room.” A two-armed Serge Mouille sconce contrasts nicely with the traditional chandelier.
The marble mantel and inlaid-frame mirror add quiet glamor to the principal bedroom. White oak floors in a chevron pattern run through much of the house. “It took many tries to keep the raw, natural color of the wood,” says Nam, who used an eco-friendly, nontoxic finish. “We didn’t want a 1970s yellow.”
The tub in the principal bathroom is placed on a dynamic angle. To make a bathroom seem softer and more luxurious, Nam often frames a tub in lush, floor-to-ceiling drapes.
A hex-patterned marble floor in the principal ensuite is a nod to design icon David Hicks. The drama is played up by a dark custom vanity topped with a deep apron in heavily veined stone.
In Mark’s office, modern furniture and limed oak built-ins create a handsome space.
Nam chose Cole & Son’s Circus wallpaper to complement the clean-lined, custom-made mantel in Mark’s office.
The second-floor guest bath has a refined look thanks to a pair of slim brass sconces and herringbone-patterned wall tile.
A soft pink coverlet, throw pillows and drapes create a pretty, yet serene envelope in daughter Keira’s bedroom.
“I love using Cole & Son’s Nuvolette pattern,” says Nam of the statement-making wallpaper. “It adds such a sophisticated whimsy—perfect for the young lady who sleeps here.”
Colin Way
Nam Dang-Mitchell