Residential Interiors

What to ask before hiring an Interior Designer

At my firm, Sanura Design, we love educated clients – and curious clients. An integral part of our process is ensuring our clients have all the information they need- and that includes knowing the design process, permit process, construction process, and everything in between.

So… what do you need to know before you hire me or another design professional?

1: Personality isn’t everything- but fit is really important

Interior design is an incredibly personal job- especially when designing your home. As your interior designer I know things like: what’s in your bedtime table, how you arrange your undies, what you have for breakfast, and your morning bathroom habits. Most of which I bet your friends don’t know. That means when you search for an interior designer you’re searching for someone you can be open with, and work with in their professional capacity. How do you know your interior designer is right for you (after checking qualifications, experience, etc)? How do you know you’ll be friendly with someone?

2: Are they qualified?

Have a good look at what you’d like to accomplish for your project and what your goals are. Are you simply freshening a space by changing furniture, paint colours, lighting fixtures? That’s something you can hire an interior designer OR decorator for. Are you moving walls, changing your HVAC, electrical, etc, adding an addition, or generally altering your actual home in some way? That’s where you need a qualified professional- a registered interior designer is a regulated profession in Ontario where you know exactly what we need to know to earn our title of “interior designer” and we answer to our organization when we aren’t standing up to our code of ethics. Other design professionals do have extensive experience in renovations and may have a comprehensive skill set, if you hire someone like this the next step will be a very important one.

3: Check their references

Whether you’re hiring us, another registered interior designer, or another design professional, a very important step is asking for and checking a few references. You’re looking for past clients that have undergone similar work to your project, and a bonus can sometimes be hearing from other professionals, like contractors or consultants. You want to have a personal conversation with them and get a good idea for what their experience is like, exactly what the person you may be hiring did for them and what challenges came up. You need to check multiple references as this gives you a much fuller picture of who you’ll be working with.

4: Are they insured?

That’s their problem right? Professionals who do good work don’t need liability insurance- they never get sued.
Incorrect! Liability insurance isn’t just to cover a professional from unhappy clients, it’s also to cover the project from unforeseen circumstances- like a defective product, an incorrectly installed finish, or the incorrect product being installed (among many many other things). Mistakes happen, even with the best professionals, and true professionals carry this protection for themselves, their employees, and their projects.

5: Do they have a contract?

Contracts are incredibly important to your renovation. Both your contractor AND your interior designer should have detailed contracts for you to sign. For an interior designer they should include things like: fees/payment schedule, scope of work, details for breaking the contract, and clarify each sides responsibilities- to name a few. These contracts protect YOU the most- and I can’t emphasize that enough. If something goes wrong during the project and you didn’t sign a contract- you have no options and no protection. The longer and more detailed your professional’s contract is, the more confident you should feel in hiring them. This means they’re openly laying out exactly how they work and ensuring you understand the full process before you sign up for a project with them. A good professional is also always willing to go through their contract with you in detail to help you feel more comfortable.

Whew! That was a technical one. I’m sure I missed something (we don’t want an essay on the subject!), but it will serve as a great rule of thumb to ensure you get the right professional for your project.

Do you have any questions on what the qualifications of a registered interior designer ARE or would like to find one in your area? Check out the ARIDO website.

If you want to chat with us about your project and see if we’re a good fit for you? Get in touch with us.

This post first appeared on Sanura Design | Full Service Interior Design.

Contemporary elegance decorates this Annex Victorian townhouse

This perfectly located, century old, Victorian Annex townhouse was a lovely home for a family of four. The home had a lot of charm with original hardwood flooring, door trim detailing, and plaster details from the original construction, but was in need of a refresh. The goal was to minimize the Victorian design while still maintaining some original details and provide a cohesive design which joins the history with bright, elegant, and modern touches.

Interior Designer: Alison Brandt, ARIDO
Interior Design Firm: Studio Brandt
Photography: Luke Cleland

The clients asked for a refreshing change in their home with new flooring and trim throughout the main floor as well as a new kitchen and a dining room update.

One of the main challenges in this townhouse was maintaining straight lines throughout due to the age of the home and small size of the existing rooms. We brightened up the interior by choosing herringbone oak floors for the living and dining areas, and marble tile for the new kitchen.

This being an old, Victorian style home, the walls needed to be straightened with new drywall and plaster. Some of the original crown mouldings were painted, and some were replaced with matching moulding. We installed new picture frame panel mouldings, new elegant 12″ high baseboards, and new door casings.

The kitchen was completely redone with brand new white cabinetry dressed up with elegant brass hardware. The brass hood and Calacatta Monet marble countertop and backsplash with a vibrant marbling add another dimension of luxury and elegance to this room.

The dining room was the jewel box where the family loves to entertain so we made sure to add interest with moody wallpaper, painted brass paneling, and a brass display cabinet.

We created the perfect balance of old and new, by adding contemporary touches that work perfectly with the remaining charming Victorian style details throughout. This design approach helped us achieve a cohesive design and create a comfortable, warm and inviting home full of unique features.

A modern take on classic design creates a tranquil oasis in this new build

Located in Southern Ontario, this 2,100 square-foot new-build bungalow boasts a spacious open concept layout that will serve its owners as their forever home. Our clients were looking for a timeless, modern take on classic design that was light and bright but warmed up with wood, organic materials, and natural textures.

We didn’t want to get caught up in anything trendy so all excess details were stripped away to achieve a clean, cohesive, and outright relaxing feel to this home!

Designer: Nicole de Vries, ARIDO
Design Firm: Maison Blonde
Photographer: Brad de Vries

Our clients wished to have a functional layout for cooking and hosting, which led us to design a bright, open concept kitchen with tons of counter space. Timeless, high quality, and neutral finishes, as well as mixing old and new elements, brings longevity to the space and will make it enjoyable for years to come. The thoughtful simplicity and clean lines will keep the space feeling calm and ageless.

The centerpiece in this kitchen is a stunning island with a polished and beautifully veined quartzite slab that ensures easy maintenance and durability. The slab rests on a custom solid white oak island with 50 cubic feet of storage hidden behind six doors, keeping seasonal items handy for the owners.

White Cle tile is carried from the far left side of the kitchen all the way across to the storage cabinets and up to the underside of the hood and shelves. These unique, handmade tiles add organic texture in the space, with their variation in size, colour, and contour.

The hutch cabinets on the right side of the kitchen feature a full walnut interior for a dramatic surprise once the doors are opened to make the morning coffee! And there is an added bonus in this corner of the kitchen; the custom built-in furnace vent to warm chilly feet while waiting for the coffee to brew.

Throughout the space we used unlacquered brass fixtures and hardware to add a sense of timelessness to the project. The special thing about them is that with time they will develop a natural patina, adding warmth and longevity to the surfaces. We also chose antique brass and ceramic pendants, a modern take on a classic that won’t go out of style.

The walk-in pantry, a Maison Blonde classic, with an arched entrance, open shelves for storage and display, and full cabinets on the left provides even more storage for the owners. We lit up the shelves inside with a clear glass globe pendant to add some sparkle to this nook. The lower cabinets along the back wall are only 12” deep, which makes them perfect for canned goods and makes for easy access without having to shuffle the cans to see what’s in the back. So convenient!

In the living room, we designed a custom fireplace as the focal point, along with inset cabinetry and open shelving on both sides to contrast with the natural black granite stone.

We carried the unlacquered brass details into this room as well, by dressing the built-in cabinetry in stunning hardware to add a warm and inviting feel in the space. The shelves above are styled with decorative accents complemented by a picture light in brass finish.

The bright walls in this room are complemented by the symmetrical white oak built-ins and the fireplace, while the warm toned flooring perfectly accents the furniture, decor, and ceiling beams!

We created a relaxing and tranquil feel in the ensuite and powder room by placing bright shaker style bathroom cabinets dressed in unlacquered brass hardware to add warmth. The ensuite features face-frame cabinetry with custom, apron-front quartz counters while the elegant wall sconces in brass finish help carry that unified look throughout the entire home.

By using a lot of natural stone, aging brass, textures, and wood to add warmth we made this newly built bungalow into a tranquil oasis for our clients with a cohesive, clean and relaxing feel throughout the entire house. They fell in love with their new home so much, the client cried tears of joy for a month after the reveal!

A blend of modern and rustic chic decorates this Niagara-on-the-Lake home

Charlie’s house was in need of a complete update, from redesigning the exterior facade, to creating a more functional interior layout. With the help of all the trades we included a second floor addition and opened up the interior space to allow more natural light.

Aesthetically, it was important that we balance urban and rustic elements without losing the charming Niagara-On-The-Lake ‘feel’, and incorporate some of the client’s existing furniture and art pieces into the design to create a warm and inviting haven for the owners.

Interior Designer: Tracy Clipsham, ARIDO
Design Firm: Liv 4 Design Inc.
Photographer: Kelly Horkoff

Charming Niagara-On-The-Lake style exterior of the home, and a Vespa parked in front

By adding a covered front porch, squaring off the existing bay window and removing the half circle transom window from the second floor, we increased the visual curb appeal of this home. The new exterior finishes compliment the charm of Niagara-On-The-Lake that the homeowners were very fond of. Besides adding to the curb appeal of the home, the newly added covered porch protects the homeowners from the elements when entering and leaving the home.

Spacious modern Foyer separated from the office space by a glass wall with modern black detailing

Indoors, our design solution created a blend of modern and rustic style the clients gravitate towards. The new layout on both the main and second floor have visually opened up the space and have increased the functionality of the square footage.

By taking out dividing walls between the living and dining area, and replacing the wall between the office and entrance foyer with a modern glass partition and door, we managed to really open up the space. This design solution allowed the light to stream into the previously dark and confining entrance and entire main floor to create a bright and airy space.

Light filled, open living room with a fire place as the focal point and furniture around it, with vaulted ceilings above

The original compartmentalized floor plan did not compliment or emphasize the existing half-cathedral ceiling. Once we opened up the living space by removing walls, the vaulted ceiling became a celebrated feature of the home.

Moving the laundry up to the second floor allowed us to design the client’s spacious dream kitchen with a large island topped with a durable engineered quartz, ample seating, and of course, tons of storage. Specifying the hickory engineered hardwood flooring throughout, not only added the rustic elements the client was looking for but it also created fabulous acoustics for our client when playing the banjo!

Open concept kitchen, featuring a large Island with seating, beautiful light woode flooring throughout

White kitchen with a wooden hood above the range

The second floor addition above the garage was designed to blend seamlessly into the rest of the home and the new finishes updated the look of the home while maintaining the chic and tasteful Niagara-On-The-Lake Character.

On the second floor, the main bedroom and small ensuite were at the front of the house while a family room with a balcony overlooking the yard was at the rear of the home. There was also a guest bedroom and bathroom in this area.

Modern ensuite with a shower and free standing tub and a statement light fixture above it

The main bedroom, with accompanying ensuite, was moved to the back of the house, which now provides private access to an existing balcony overlooking the home’s backyard. The new addition above the garage became the guest room with an improved ensuite.

The area that was once a main bedroom turned into the perfect spot for a media room that looks down onto the main level living space through a glass railing. This feature allows for another opportunity for natural light to flow throughout the home.

Media room is a cozy area that also features a custom made shelf to display fun antique items

We wished to add to the vintage feel by decorating the space with several antique pieces throughout the interior. An antique bar cart given as a gift from a family member has the perfect spot below an art piece from the clients’ collection. The art collection was strategically hung in a gallery format in the living room and throughout the home.

The dog enjoys a nice, warm spot by the living room bay window with seating

The homeowners just fell in love with their renovated home. This quote from our clients best describes the success of this project. “Tracy has the ability to look at a raw space (in our case a very dated, somewhat compartmentalized home we purchased in 2017 with a challenging half-cathedral layout) and imagine the possibilities. The result is a fully transformed space that we LOVE. It’s unique, interesting, beautiful and functional – a seamless blend of the modern and rustic styles we gravitate toward. The real tell is in the details; the design is about fluidity – accents and themes that carry from downstairs to upstairs, room to room, interior to exterior”.

This open concept home marries modern and classic interiors

Our design for this 3,400 square foot Etobicoke home was to satisfy the owners’ mix of contrasting styles and find their perfect balance of modern and classic by creating an interior that marries the two design sensibilities perfectly. Our second challenge was making sure the architecture of the house tied in with the plans we had for the interior spaces.

Interior Designer: Siavash Mahdieh, ARIDO

Design Firm: PULSINELLI

Photographer: Joy von Tiedemann Photography Inc.

Formal dining room separated by a vapor fireplace is set in a crisp white pedestal and topped with a sleek black hood that doubles as storage

Our client needed a mix of modern and classic themes with lots of built-in storage on all floors. A formal dining area, as well as separate living and family areas, were some of the main necessities for the clients. At the same time, they needed an open concept to connect the outdoors with the interiors.

Creating separate zones for a kitchen, dining room and living room on the main floor without closing off some of them was challenging as this could affect the desired open concept that our design team was asked to achieve.

A view of the main living room area through the vapor fireplace is set in a crisp white pedestal and topped with a sleek black hood that doubles as storage

The entrance door opens to a hallway that leads you directly to the back of the house to the front and provides views of the backyard and deck. The clean lines of classic baseboards and ceiling molding also draw you into the family room which connects with the kitchen and outdoor patio.

Turn right upon entering and you arrive at a formal dining room and living room area. A vapor fireplace is set in a crisp white pedestal and demarcates the living room and dining room, topped with a sleek black hood that complements nearby cabinet hardware and the wide plank wood floor in dark grey with a metallic tint.

In the kitchen a cleverly integrated hidden door in the cabinets connects the dining area with the kitchen, adding custom functionality for our clients.

Black and white kitchen in a mix of contemporary and traditional styles and gold accents in a form of hanging pendant lights

The gas fireplace in the family room is built into the large wall storage unit and separated from the TV to bring down the viewing angle and also to protect the TV from heat. The family room space opens up to the state of the art kitchen with ample storage and an island with seating for four.

The distinction between modern and more traditional elements was the main theme of this project, and the contrast between the two helped achieve a balance of every element of this interior. A monochromatic contrast between light and dark underscores this approach and provides a clear backdrop to highlight the bright accents of yellow, gold, and purple throughout.

ARIDO Award: Durand Home

We preserved the beautiful historic details of this Queen Anne century style home. The goal was to convert the house back into a single family home with a modern floor plan for a busy family. The main living spaces were opened up into an organic and cozy minimal shell with lots of natural light.

Interior Designers: Carrie Stinson, ARIDO; Veronica Martin, ARIDO

Design Firm: Two Fold Interiors

Photographer: Lauren Miller

The overall strategy was to maintain the scale and proportion of the original rooms on the main floor while gently opening them up further to bring in more natural light from all sides of the house. We also wanted to add a ton of storage which is typically non-existent in century homes. Modern and practical rooms like a home office, mudroom, and powder room were added to the main floor. The two original ceiling medallions in the foyer and living room were preserved as showstoppers.

The original staircase was refinished and painted, and a cozy runner applied. The second floor guardrail was non-existent so we designed a modern floating powder coated metal and glass guardrail to completely contrast the original staircase post, handrail, and balusters. This allows a peek into the original staircase details from the second floor.

Due to structural concerns, the second floor needed to be completely gutted. This left us with a carte blanche to create a modern layout while tying in the character of the main floor. In the Principal Retreat the layout/plan was based on a luxury hotel suite and classic central axis plan. You enter the room through a beautiful white oak walk-in closet foyer. Then pivot to the bedroom on one side and ensuite bathroom on the other. This plan allows for privacy and a secluded, relaxing retreat.

A large French door and full height window system was installed in the principal bedroom where a kitchen used to be. This has a direct view to the lush green mountain escarpment and brings in much more natural light to create a relaxing view in the principal bedroom. A soft and natural colour and texture palette contribute to a relaxing retreat. The recycled stone terrazzo floor tile provides subtle texture underfoot, and the white oak walk-in closet and vanity create cohesion in this room.

Natural stone is used throughout bathrooms, white oak wood flooring throughout for quality hard wearing finishes. The brick flooring in the mudroom, and custom metal handrail pay homage to the city’s industrial legacy.

Curated vintage furniture was layered with affordable retail, and investment pieces. Pops of colour and texture balance the classic details in the home. All original details: the staircase, front door, and ceiling medallions were preserved while adding a balancing contrast of modern details and materials.

A few pot lights were subtly added to brighten and modernize the home. We selected this product to not draw attention away from the original beautiful ceiling details.

Bulkheads were purposefully coordinated to not destroy the 10′ high ceilings on the main floor. There is only one visible bulkhead on the main floor which was tucked away and millwork was built around it and vertical pipes to conceal as best as possible.

The front door was removed, repaired, and re-finished by an expert local craftsperson. New hardware and a doorbell were added to the front door. All of the crown moulding, window trim (including sills and aprons) is new to match what little bits of trim were existing in the home.

We worked with some excellent teams, a contractor and sub trades local to Hamilton where this project is. The restoration specialist was also based in Hamilton. We kept the local representation by sourcing vintage lighting and furniture from Smash Salvage, BD Salvage, and Filter.

We successfully blended old and new by preserving all of the original details we could while thinking of creative solutions to incorporate modern planning to bring this home in step with how a family lives in 2022. Being able to preserve and incorporate the original details worth preserving in this home, while designing a modern plan for this client was a dream. We had an excellent partnership of Designer and Builder, and expert craftspeople which is what created the success of this renovation.

Contemporary and rustic create a perfect balance in this ‘modern barn’ retreat

Our clients approached us with a vision of a serene retreat from the city in the heart of Muskoka. They wanted a space to reflect their contemporary aesthetic and suit its natural surroundings at the same time to provide a warm and inviting space for family and friends.

Interior Designer: Azen Bongard, ARIDO

Design Firm: Studio 8 Design Inc.

Photographer: Kevin Bongard

Predominantly white kitchen with grey lower cabinets and upper white cabinets, and a wooden island in the centre. There are industrial elements like the black metal windows, ceiling pipes and pendants above the island.

Our design inspiration for this property came from the raw, barn-like architecture of the space, and the beautiful natural setting that surrounds the cottage. We came up with a concept of a “modern barn”, a space that balances rustic and contemporary elements, and feels connected to the natural world.

Main living open concept area encased in large windows showing views of the woods on all sides. The seating is concentrated around the huge grey brick fireplace

The site being on a ridge required the cottage to be wide and not deep, which became a design feature that allowed for every room in the house to have stunning views of the water. Since the main design objective was to create a space that felt comfortable for clients’ family and friends, something unique yet not impersonal, the family room was designed to feel expansive, with privacy from the front entry with custom barn closet doors separating the foyer from the family room. Maximizing the stunning views in the family room, while also being able to gather around the TV together without sacrificing the serenity of the room was important to our clients. This was achieved by designing a custom cabinet with a TV lift to allow the TV to disappear.

Large serene neutral bedroom with accents of wood, and a contemporary four post bed in the centre, with natural materials throughout

Beautifully serene guest room showing custom barn door cabinetry to hide TVs and provide storage and natural materials throughout

Large bathroom with natural finishes throughout, wood ceilings, granite floors and stunning feature wall. Standalone tub is by a large floor to ceiling window.

It was important for the clients to have two master retreats, and to be able to accommodate overnight guests comfortably, so our design team created three guest rooms complete with ensuites and ample storage space for all of their guest’s belongings, decked with custom barn door closets. To make this a true retreat, a climate controlled custom glass walled sauna and shower providing views to the outside was built in the space, making it usable year round.

custom glass walled sauna and shower that allow views to the outside

A mix of contemporary, rustic, and natural elements creates a most serene and inviting retreat that feels one with nature. The black industrial windows with discreet blinds maximize views, while black metal hardware and lighting add a modern flair. Twig chandeliers, natural finishes such as granite feature walls and floors, wood architectural details, and furniture in linen and wool, create a truly original and unique interior that mixes natural beauty with modern details.

Bringing the outside in made this home feel liveable yet contemporary

The clients purchased this home mid-construction and were excited that it was an eco-friendly build using insulated concrete form construction and radiant floor coils as the sole heat source. They loved the views of the water on each of the three levels, and the adjacent tree-lined neighbourhood.

Interior Designer: Azen Bongard, ARIDO

Design Firm: Studio 8 Design Inc.

Photographer: Azen Bongard

With a floorplan considerably smaller than their previous home, their main concern was feeling cramped as a family of four. They also needed the home to accommodate their family business, which added to the space constraints.

The client’s other concern was that the design of the home not be too cold and modern. They had seen many new homes that felt sterile and impersonal to them, and they envisioned a space that was contemporary, yet livable and warm.

In order to visually enlarge the space, the design team maximized the indoor/outdoor connection with large windows, backyard access from the ground floor, and lush plants around the space.

Minimal blinds let in an abundance of natural light, while guard glass with little hardware lets the light flow throughout the space, and the elegance of the double high space over the kitchen is emphasized by a custom sculptural light fixture which also draws the eye upwards. A barn door and wooden bar-stools soften the modern angles of the home, while the natural oak of wide planks underfoot enhances the connection to nature.

The aesthetic even spread to the storage solutions, where extensive built-ins in each of the rooms were created to stow clothing and clutter away.

The design team mainly used natural materials such as wood, concrete, brick, rope, undyed wool and felt in order to create a warm, contemporary aesthetic. Each are eco-friendly options, which also emphasize the natural colour palette, while the team chose throws, pillows and carpets with lots of texture, to emphasize the handmade, human connection.

This condo mixes hotel chic with seaside calm

Casa II Penthouse was a fabulous project for from start to finish! Located in the Yonge and Bloor epicentre of Toronto, it presented some typical condominium challenges, but we overcame each one.

Interior Designer: Heather Segreti, ARIDO
Design Firm: Segreti Design Inc
Project Photographer: Larry Arnal

The client sought the convenience of living in the heart of Toronto, while enjoying jet setting to other major cities with a minimal commitment back home, was paramount. They wanted the look of a high-end hotel, infused with seaside calm, and customized millwork throughout.

The original floor plan worked, however, after consulting the client, we decided to forgo the dining room / living room combination and move the dining room to the office, and add a cozy banquette eatery, the client was thrilled!

We used a neutral palette of white and gray with a hint of warmth, drawing inspiration from the porcelain slab of the kitchen backsplash. Adding colour to this neutral colour scheme was key in taking the design to the next level. Boldly coloured artwork at the entryway is a welcoming punch, and an open concept shelving/bar area with storage below holds belongings, instead of the typical coat closet.

A gallery wall leads visitors into the suite and custom sized photographs camouflage the electrical panel. With the original dining room taking up the space of the office, to create a separate eating space. We also added a bulkhead around the living, master, and guest suite in order to mount our three-layered window treatment with roller shades.

All these changes, coupled with the coordination of trades 52 floors up, presented a challenge, but the client was delighted with the space, and this project has yielded a long lasting friendship.

This luxe home mixes casual with refined details

This new build construction of a 15,000 square foot family home for long time empty-nester clients was a rare opportunity. Having lived in this country acreage north of Toronto for over two decades and accustomed to an upscale lifestyle, the design team aimed to create a refined, yet comfortable abode.

Interior Designer: Neil Jonsohn
Design Team: Shauna MacLeod, ARIDO
Design Firm: U31
Photographer: Gillian Jackson

The foyer is a bold welcome to the home, with extensive marble detailing, including a staircase clad in marble, combined with a custom bronze railing. An abstract sculpture of falling leaves commissioned by artist Dennis Lin, is integrated with ambient light and suspended through the curving staircase, adding unexpected contemporary glamour.

Moving beyond the formality of the front rooms, spaces at the back take on a more casual atmosphere, allowing for daily routine and entertaining. Incorporating white oak and durable porcelain flooring with contemporary furniture forms, Murano light fixtures and a mix of current and antique rugs, the daily areas are at once comfortable and rich in traditional reference.

The kitchen facilitates the owner’s love of and expertise in cooking, featuring an oversized stainless steel hood surrounded by carved limestone. Stained sycamore and off-white lacquer cabinets, semi-precious quartzite countertops and stainless steel detailing create the chef’s dream.

Drawing inspiration from the lush back garden and pool cabana, the inclusion of floor to ceiling windows across the entire back of the house, offer stunning views, while providing an abundance of natural light to the communal kitchen, family and garden rooms. The injection of colour, particularly shades of blue and red, two of the owner’s favourites, ebb and flow throughout the home.

These communal zones are kept light with soft whites and greys, and animated by pops of colour and beloved travel artifacts. For instance, an oversized brass Moroccan vessel, crafted with patterned cut-outs, is transformed into a glowing wall sconce, displayed above the garden room’s fireplace mantel (pictured above).

Private areas are infused with delicate, silvery-blue-grey tones for her, including silk wall covering, while his are characterized by a more robust flavour: walnut wall panelling, black and gold accents and heavily veined caramel and black marble. Vaulted and cove ceilings are intricately detailed throughout, accentuating the 10′ and 12′ ceiling heights.
The balance of rich, warm materials: marble, stone, leather and variety of sumptuous finishes expresses a relaxed luxury that the client was delighted to see achieved.