How a Fashion-Savvy Designer Dressed Up Her Toronto Condo With Daring Colours and Patterns

It seems appropriate, perhaps even a sign, that Sabrina’s condo was finished with a colourful door. “Surprisingly, I didn’t choose it. It actually came with the unit,” says the self-confessed colour fanatic. Her use of palette and pattern adds zing to the tiny space, and we love how the coat rack vibrantly melds form and function. The pink garden stool is a smart addition both as a place to slip on loafers or casually display a handbag, like this citrus-hued Goyard one.

Love this door? Then you’ll love this plant-filled bungalow in Northern Ontario that also features a modern rosé-coloured front door.

In the living and dining area, Sabrina established the pattern play from the ground up. “This geometric black and white wool rug was inspired by a similar style designed by David Hicks,” she says. The rug’s appeal extends beyond visual energy. We love how it stretches past the living area, seamlessly creating a space for dining and connecting both spots in a way a shorter rug, or even two rugs, wouldn’t do.

In love with this look? Check out another favourite of ours, designed almost entirely with IKEA furniture.

A classic Tom Dixon coffee table rests in front of a sofa that was custom made for this space by SA Interiors. “It has a low profile that works perfectly in front of the windows,” says Sabrina. “I love the contrast of the dark green velvet with white piping.” The deft mix of varying textures and colours in this arrangement feels both fresh and tailored, as well as wonderfully vintage.

“This over-sized rattan bell lamp from Italy’s Gervasoni makes a stunning statement,” says Sabrina. Its natural material is referenced in another statement piece. “I found this peacock bamboo chair at an estate sale.” Contrasting it is a black Dr. No Chair from Kartell and a custom stool wrapped in two different fabrics: Robert Allan striped and Missoni squares.

One of the many reasons this area ticks all the right decor boxes is the drapery. Sabrina chose white linen-cotton drapes with black grosgrain ribbon trim. It’s a classic style, and while it would look just as great in a very formal space, it feels almost edgy here. It also ties in flawlessly with the graphic carpet and other black furnishings.

Sabrina hung a pretty-in-pink Gibson guitar as a decorative item in this corner of the living area. She also expertly positioned the TV. “It’s on a high-gloss bird’s-eye maple stand that was custom made by SA Interiors.” At this level, it’s in keeping with the low profile of the sofa, which makes it feel like part of the decor rather than a focal point.

The living area’s graphic pop-style visual by Toronto artist Fucci has a provocative punch. It hangs above a bench boldly upholstered in an iconic Missoni print from Designers Guild.

“I love crystals, rose petals and scented oils,” says Sabrina. Here, she groups them on high-gloss wood-veneer nesting tables in what she calls her “shrine to Aphrodite.” As well as personalizing the space, the naturally formed crystals introduce an organic element that feels dynamic and even a little unexpected among the space’s bold furnishings.

Goyard, Missoni and Chanel are not the only designers making a statement in Sabrina’s condo. She styled this kitchen wall with Christian Lacroix wallpaper from Designers Guild. We like how it echoes all the patterns in the living area in a fresh way – i.e. without repeating them. Scale is also at play. “I chose this over-sized pendant light, again, for impact and a play on proportions.”

Love the look of texture on walls? This polished condo will make you fall in love with exposed brick all over again.

It’s pretty obvious that even the blanket descriptor of “eclectic” isn’t far-reaching enough to capture Sabrina’s inimitable style. If you expected acid-hued melamine vintage dishware in her kitchen, you’d be disappointed. “These are Nina Campbell for Rosenthal China. I love her style – it’s so classic English.”

Though relatively small, the condo’s kitchen is fitted with custom cabinetry from Irpinia Kitchens (we love the way the fridge is hidden behind integrated doors) and Caesarstone countertops. That sleek finish extends to Sabrina’s office area which she fitted with a desk, shelves and vintage plexiglass chair she scored at an antique market.

Sabrina styled her work area with mementos that have meaning. They personalize the space and elevate the desk from utilitarian to you-gotta-see this. Highlights include contemporary artwork from UK-based artist Derek Mainella, a vintage “S” from the Drake General Store and a marble-based lamp from CB2.

“This is Edward from Twilight,” says Sabrina of the doll perched on her bookshelf. “My niece gave it to me to protect me.” It sits above a sweet polka dot elephant from Tiffany & Co. Both punctuate the collection of biographies and art books with personality.

Sabrina continued the focal wall idea in her bedroom, this time with luxurious pink silk wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries. She layered on more luxury with a headboard that was custom upholstered using Ralph Lauren mohair. All the bedding is from Missoni, including the signature chevron-patterned blanket.

Sabrina’s bedside vanity essentials include fresh flowers and, like the ones in the living area, they’re grouped as three separate arrangements. The soft retro blue-green of the bedside table suggests it’s vintage, but Sabrina found it at West Elm. The brass diffuser is ideal for her beloved scented oils and the artful stack of books echoes those on the coffee table and the work area.

Every corner of Sabrina’s richly layered home could only be hers – and adding individual personality is a real feat when it comes to decorating. Even this corner of her bedside table speaks to that skill with her well-worn journal, favourite pieces of jewellery and pretty crystals (all illuminated by a Schoolhouse Electric sconce). It’s a tiny vignette with a big message: make your space your own and it will bring you joy.