In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of peace within our own homes has never been more crucial. One way to achieve this sense of calm is by incorporating cool tones into your home’s interior design, as seen in the Loretto model at Empire Canals in Welland, Ontario. From cool-toned staple pieces to the use of darker metals and natural materials, here are five ways to infuse a sense of cool, calm, and aesthetic into your living space.

Here are a few pieces to get your cool-toned aesthetic started.

Next, discover these 5 nautical home decor touches for a coastal retreat, and how to pick the perfect paint colour for your home.

Images courtesy of: Maison Corbeil (Black Coated Wood Side Table); Spoonflower (Summer Check Wallpaper); iFurniture (Mary Janet Velvet Sofa); Rove Concepts (Angelo Dining Chair); CB2 (Organic Cotton Velvet Window Curtain Panel, Gallery Picture Frame); JD Lighting (Brody Large Chandelier); Wayfair (Chaffins Faux Leather Armchair). 

Camber Woods’ Weston model home in Gastonia is the ideal transitional space, blending contemporary and farmhouse design to create a unique and moody atmosphere. The intentional use of mauve and charcoal created the perfect canvas for our team of designers from Unscripted Interior Design to infuse the space with soft and sophisticated elements.

Read on to learn how you can recreate this look in your home with meticulously-selected materials, textures, and colors, resulting in a stunning visual balance that’ll stand the test of time.

The Kitchen & Breakfast Area

The kitchen and breakfast area are the epitome of comfort and luxurious spaces. The kitchen’s pendant lights over the island add interesting appeal to the space, while charcoal cabinets and white countertops maintain balance. The extended breakfast area creates a more formal feel with beige upholstered chairs, while still facilitating seamless conversation at the spacious dining table. A plush, multi-colored rug grounds the room.

The Family Room

Soft and comfortable elements are ideal additions to a family room, and the Weston’s do not disappoint. Slipcover sofas add a softness to the overall ambiance, complementing the moodier tones present throughout the home. Neutral furnishings such as the medium-toned coffee table and black accent chair frame the space, while patterned pillows featuring the home’s color palette tie the room together.

The Primary Bedroom

The generous size of this bedroom makes it the ultimate space for homeowners to curate a tranquil retreat within their home. Mauve and charcoal-colored bedding is used as a pop of color in the space, contrasting the neutral headboard and textured accent chairs. Wooden ceiling beams add rustic charm to the room, with a wagon wheel chandelier for ideal mood-lighting.

The Flex Room

Imagination runs wild in the Weston’s flex room. Used as a study and seating area, this space ties in all the big design elements of the home including the mauve and charcoal color palette and soft materials. Open shelving keeps the room looking chic, while gray cabinetry makes organization easy. The combination of the gray couch and purple-toned rug bring it all together, shaping the room’s moody and inviting atmosphere.

The Rec Room

With designated bonus spaces such as the rec room, the Weston caters to diverse wants and needs. This space is the ultimate destination for kids, equipped with ample built-in storage for toys, and a large ivory sectional to keep the room bright. To keep kids coloring on paper and off the couch, a round utility table is the perfect addition, with black metal chairs to add contrast and increased function.

Looking for more design inspo? Learn how to curate the modern farmhouse of your dreams, and discover how you can build a beautiful backyard.

Ready to begin your new home journey? Explore our homes for sale in Gastonia today.

Images courtesy of: Overstock (Found Decorative Paper Mache Bowls); Target (Rumford Saddle Counter Height Barstool, Fabric Desk Storage Box); Lightopia (Dorsey Pendant); Abacus Furniture (Silo Dining Table); Savoy House (Townsend Linear Chandelier Ceiling Light); Burke Decor (Bellamy Upholstered Side Chair, Luzon Tall Headboard Bed); English Elm (Rowan Fabric Sofa, Fairbanks Dining Chair); Mathis Home (Anastasia AF18 Collection Rug); Alcove (Pacific Coast Lighting Lamp); 1 Stop Bedrooms (Adelyn Rectangular Cocktail Table, Reclaimed Solid Wood Astral Plains 2 Door Accent Cabinet); West Elm (Patrick Cain Designs Cloud Side Table); Meadow Blu (Lyndon Leigh Gabe Occasional Chair); CB2 (Pavia Dale Blush Chair, Barrett II 3-Seat Track Arm Sofa); Lumens (Greyson Chandelier); Perigold (Emerson End Table); The Rug District (Gemstone Amethyst Rug); Danish Design Store (Danish Design Store); House of Troy (Townhouse Floor Lamp); 1st Dibs (Dipped Angle Rug); Rove Concepts (Carrara Tulip Round Table); Opposite Wall (Solid Oak Frame); Well Woven (Gila Bohemian Medallion Oriental Rug).

Natural stone, warm woods and neutral textured fabrics define this model home at Adelton in Bastrop, TX. Fit for an avid entertainer or those with small children, the Pecos floor plan boasts unique features that’ll impress. Learn more about how TRIO Design brought this transitional look to life and how their design team incorporated Texas limestone in the most unique ways.

The kitchen is one of the most well-loved spaces in the home — the movement of the Fantasy Brown granite on the island is the stand-out feature, pairing well with the neutral, ceramic-tile backsplash and warm-wood shaker cabinets. Black hardware and finishes were added for contrast, while under-cabinet lighting creates a high-end look and keeps the room bright.

The living room is a unique space for several reasons. For one, “putting Texas limestone on the walls next to the fireplace instead of on the fireplace is quite different than what is done in most homes,” says Liz Dulacki Eberhard of TRIO’s design team. Exposed brick beams on the ceiling is another coveted design choice to admire. Patterned pillows, window coverings and artwork are incorporated for additional interest, while two neutral couches and a sizable rug ground the room.

The game room is made up of crisp whites and soft grays, exuding a feeling of rest and relaxation. “The traditional box trim that carries through the stairs and loft is the highlight of this multi-purpose space,” says Liz. A bohemian-looking tee-pee and round-wooden table keep kids occupied and entertained, a TV makes it possible to watch the morning news or evening movies, and two comfortable chairs are used for reading. A black fan, window, and patio keep the space cool on summer nights.

Wall trim, streamlined pendant lights and more traditional furnishings make this bedroom a true transitional space. Black accents complement the room’s warm-toned pieces, while white bedding and neutral details keep the room from feeling overwhelming. A mix of metals is incorporated through the finishing touches, adding a subtle hint of shimmer to an otherwise neutral color scheme. Various patterns and textures create movement in the space, drawing attention to something new each time someone enters the room.

Next, discover four inspiring ways to design rooms to suit your needs and this Texas-Hill Country home with an entirely different look.

Ever toured one of our model homes and fallen in love with the beautifully curated furniture and decor? Now, imagine bringing that same style and charm into your own space. Through our partnership with MINE, Empire makes it easier than ever to transform your home into a reflection of your style. From designer-selected pieces to complete home looks, you can create a space that feels just as inspired as the ones you’ve dreamed of.

A Tip for New Homebuyers

While it’s tempting to start shopping for furniture and décor before closing day, waiting until after your home purchase is finalized ensures your financing remains on track. Once you’ve officially closed, you can bring your dream home to life with confidence — and all the beautiful details that make it yours.

For more design inspiration, discover our Designer-Approved Tips to Maximize Every Space in Your Home and our Guide to Curating a Capsule Home Decor Collection, offering expert advice to enhance your space with thoughtful design.

Step inside the Alpine model at River Reserve in Greer, SC and be transported to an open and inviting space that feels like a breath of fresh air. Clean lines, crisp whites and tasteful pops of color bring this timeless look to life.

“Traditional patterns, furniture and artwork were incorporated in a contemporary way to make the house feel homey and collected, yet fresh for a new buyer,” says designer Risa Burke of Unscripted Interior Design. Read on to learn more about the design process and the must-have pieces needed to replicate this traditional contemporary design style.

The Alpine was inspired by the revitalized homey aesthetic that’s trending — one which we often see in the work of Amber Interiors or Studio McGee. Luxe finishes such as white shaker cabinets, quartzite countertops, and gold hardware were used to make this room look and feel sophisticated. A black faucet and stainless steel appliances contrast the other design choices, while arched hallways and vintage-looking oil paintings give off a European feel.

The dining room is a showstopper — its teal blue accent wall on the ceiling, wainscoting panels and curated collage of artwork makes for a unique dining experience with something new to admire each time. Gold accents are continued in this space for cohesion, while a rustic wooden table is the center of attention. Two patterned chairs are set on each end of the table to tie all of the colors together, while a neutral, muted rug grounds the room.

High ceilings make the living room feel spacious while multiple windows with white sheer drapes allow for an abundance of natural light. With two white couches, a textured rug, a cool-wood coffee table, and multi-colored pillows, the space feels polished, but well lived-in. A fireplace and wooden mantel warms up the neutral color scheme and adds a sense of ambience, with another located in the morning room.

What’s not to love about this oversized bedroom? A mix of woods is used throughout, with gold-colored metals and light-green accents, creating an eclectic feel. “While the large, emerald-green chaise at the foot of the bed adds a luxe feel and makes the room stand out, the wallpaper is the focal point of the suite and a favorited part of the house,” says Burke. For the final touches, plush neutral bedding was added to complement the woven headboard while plants were set on each side of the bed for some additional visual interest.

What’s great about the Alpine floor plan is that it can be customized to you. Utilize the home’s flexible spaces to create the home of your dreams — whether you use one of the room’s for home workouts, arts and crafts, or an additional bedroom. “For this model, we were able to create individual areas for hobbies, working from home, kids’ activities, exercise, and formal and casual dining spaces,” says Burke. “This home is perfect for that new normal of everyday living where people have outlets from their work life to spend time with family and take time for themselves, all under one roof.”

Now that you’ve learned how to get this traditional contemporary design style, check out this contemporary modern farmhouse in Gastonia and designer-approved tips to maximize every space in your home.

In a city as vibrant as San Antonio, it can be tricky to capture the area’s rustic, country style without going overboard — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

The Aransas model home in the Everly Estates community is a prime example of balanced San Antonio style. While staying true to traditional ranch-style homes, designer Kendall Schmitt from Nancy Rae Interiors infused modern and bright elements to create a space that feels light and inviting. The result? Lighter leathers, pops of rust and orange, and artwork featuring livestock and cowboy hats paying homage to local heritage.

The Kitchen

Boasting a large island, high ceilings, and an open-concept floor plan that oversees the family room, this impressive space allows for seamless transition while cooking or helping children with their homework. Wooden barstools and accessories are complemented by warm decor pieces to enliven the space, while black pendant lights add visual interest and contrast to the kitchen’s bright-white color palette.

The Living Room

Aligning beautifully with the kitchen island, the stone fireplace creates a memorable focal point. The room’s spacious layout allows for easy access to and from the kitchen, enabling you to watch TV or engage in conversation while cooking. To add texture, wooden decor and bookshelves are used. Grounding the space are warm-toned textiles and layered rugs for added coziness.

The Dining Room

Vast in size, this beautiful dining room is versatile and suitable for both round and rectangular tables. An enviable gathering space, the room features a built-in storage unit to add functionality, complemented by wooden furnishings in a similar shade. To tie it all together? Light-beige textiles with hints of rust-colored decor, lit by a matte black and linen chandelier — perfectly encompassing the room’s warm, classic vibe.

The Primary Bedroom

This room exudes comfort and serves as the ultimate retreat. You’ll notice a rustic-wood treatment on the primary bedroom’s wall as soon as you enter, adding dimension to the space. The room’s warm color palette is balanced by the neutral headboard and cool-tone rug. A coffee table ottoman maximizes the floor plan, providing ample living space and seating.

The Primary Ensuite

The primary ensuite is cohesive with the primary bedroom’s level of comfort and luxurious feel. This spacious yet efficiently-designed bathroom features two separate vanities for an abundance of personal space, in addition to a sizable shower incorporating unique tile details for a custom feel. The bedroom’s warm color palette is seen throughout the ensuite, showcased through bold prints and pops of deep orange.

On the hunt for more design inspo? Check out this beautifully-decorated modern contemporary home, and discover 4 ways to style your fireplace and mantle like a designer.

Ready to begin your new home journey? Learn more about our Everly Estates community, and explore our homes for sale in San Antonio.

Images courtesy of: Overstock (Alexander Home Sophia Vintage Moroccan Area Rug, Uttermost Idris White Counter Stool, Somette Acacia Natural & Black Powder Coat Finish Etagere, Unique Loom Native Eco Trellis Rug); Shades of Light (Carillon Pendant); Wayfair (Anchor Hocking 2-Gallon Jar with Glass Lid, Kiera Upholstered Swivel, Paulsen Coffee Table, Gatson Handmade Flatweave Rug, Hengrove 6-Light Dimmable Chandelier, Gio Metal Table Lamp, Orchid Floral Arrangement in Planter, Achenbach Upholstered Headboard, Pennock Vegan Leather Ottoman, Waffle Weave Cotton Blanket, Kali Striped Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow, Vrej Bead Garland, Darcelle Turkish Cotton Washcloth, Abstract and Geometric Wall Decor, Montana Jars With Acacia Wood Lids, Jaylen Melamine Charger); Burke Decor (Tyler Arm Chair); Pottery Barn Teen (Light Brown Grid Jute Rug); Pottery Barn (Aurelia Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, Layton Upholstered Dining Chair, Baldwin Upholstered Barrel Back Dining Armchair, Palm Woven Rattan & Glass Hurricane Candleholder, Calvert Round Marble Accent Table); Amazon (Madizz Throw Pillow Covers with Fringe Tassels; Williams Sonoma (Balboa Outdoor Round Dining Table); Uttermost (Kettledrum Console Table); Perigold (Belfast 6-Drawer Dresser); Luxe Decor (Paragon Southwestern Cowboy Hat Wall Art).

In the realm of contemporary design, there’s a growing demand for homes that balance fresh and clean aesthetics with rustic charm, and our Hamilton model home at Empire Kennington in Charlotte is appealing to the masses.

When bringing this model home to life, the designers of Unscripted Interior Design dove deep into current design trends, considering the appeal of curated pieces you’d find at retailers like Crate & Barrel and West Elm. The outcome? Warm tones, intriguing accent walls, and unique elements that add effortless depth and interest to rooms. Read on to learn how you can replicate this fresh and contemporary look to give your home the design refresh it deserves.

The Kitchen & Dining Room

With clean lines, bright-white cabinets, and natural light illuminating the space, there’s never a dull moment in this kitchen. To achieve a vibrant look, the designers opted for white cabinets, as well as dark-colored countertops and hardware for contrast. A medium-stained wooden table keeps the space warm and functional, while a red-toned rug frames the space.

The Family Room

Fresh and clean is the theme, and this family room is an ideal representation. The intentional use of warm accents and white furnishings is used to achieve this, especially with the use of beige seating and clay-colored pillows. A dark, round coffee table adds visual interest to the space, while a wooden media table incorporates texture.

The Premier Suite

This premier suite is the ultimate getaway, marrying coastal vibes with warm, contemporary design. The red-toned ceiling and striped wall decal are striking, acting as the main focal points of the room. To maintain a comfortable feel, light-colored furniture, bright linens and textiles, and a pop of greenery are incorporated — creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere homeowners will love.

The Upstairs Loft

The options are endless in this upstairs loft. Used as a media room and a place to complete homework, this space combines all the key design elements of the home in a functional and fun way. Wood textures, white linens, and patterned pillows shape the room, with a red-toned accent wall to tie it all together.

The Flex Room

The Hamilton’s flex room is the perfect canvas for a study. Its optimal storage options and open shelving incorporate the home’s warm-toned palette, ideal for those who work from home. To keep the room feeling spacious, a simple wooden table is used as a desk, with a beige chair and curtains to complement the overall aesthetic.

Looking for more design inspo? Check out these trendy accent wall ideas, and discover how you can enhance your entryway and front porch designs.

Ready to begin your new home journey? Explore our homes for sale east of Charlotte today.

Images courtesy of: Target (Wellfleet Faux Leather Barstool); Houzz (Surya Park Avenue Rug; Harrison Round Cocktail Table); Appliances Connection (Bedford Collection Dining Table); Etsy (Preserved Moss Centerpiece, Minimalist Sequoia Tree Printable Wall Art); Birch Lane (Arie Pendant); Home Depot (Brushed Gold Flush Mount with Clear Glass Shade; Omaha Alu Tribal Modern Vintage Stripes Cream Rug; Natural Magazine Water Hyacinth Wicker Storage Basket); Amazon (Black Canisters); English Elm (Reema Modern/Contemporary 4 Door Sideboard, Flynn Large Nightstand); Overstock (Kyrene Modern 64-inch Floor Lamp, Tyrina Table Lamp); MJM Furniture (Sophie 3-Piece Sofa); Urban Outfitters (Colorblock Woven Shag Rag Rug); Lamps Plus (Cyan Design Gannet Vase); Lumens (Calypso Havana Rug); Meadow Blu (Lyndon Leigh Chloe Occasional Chair); Martin Perri (Voyage Terracotta Pillow); Macy’s (Sarah Area Rug); Wayfair (Catie Upholstered Headboard, Caire Nesting End Table; Adcock Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in Rattan Basket; Faux Grass in Cement Pot; Burbury Linen Solid Back Parsons Chair; Zera Terracotta Table Vase; Hutton Chain); Modish (Modway Saunter Tufted Fabric Armless Chair); Ashley Furniture (Boyle Dining Chairs); Viva Terra (

Clay Boho Pillow

); West Elm (Crossweave Curtain, Isabella Chair); Safavieh (Piran Media Stand); Apt 2B (Kanan Long Dining Table); Lowes (Tan Indoor Geometric Area Rug); Crate & Barrel (Lindstrom Organic Cotton Sheer Window Curtain Pane); Saatchi Art (Pink Morning II Print).

If your saved folder on Instagram is full of modern farmhouse inspiration posts, you might want to take a closer look at our Bradbury model home in Gastonia. Located at Empire Camber Woods, this home is the perfect balance of fun and fresh you’ve been looking for.

Our team of designers from Unscripted Interior Design took a deep dive into modern trends, considering both functionality and style when they dreamed up the concept for this family home. The result? Clean lines, bright-white elements, and pops of blue complemented by varying wooden tones, creating a vibrant and welcoming feel as soon as you walk through the front doors. Read on to learn how the home’s color palette and use of wooden features come together to create this stunning contemporary modern farmhouse design.

The Kitchen & Dining Room

The kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home, which couldn’t be more true in this space. To achieve a bright and fresh look, the designers opted for white cabinets, countertops, and appliances with dark hardware for contrast. A blue wood-paneled accent wall adds interest, while a round table and wagon wheel chandelier make the room feel larger.

The Family Room

While selecting pieces for this home, the goal was to ensure the aesthetic was consistent to make the home feel cohesive. The intentional use of wood throughout the home helped achieve this, especially the wooden beams and console table in the family room. While the furnishings in this space are predominantly white, wooden elements enliven the room without making the space feel cluttered. Textiles including a blue-patterned rug and pillows are incorporated seamlessly.

The Premier Suite

As the most enviable part of the home, this premier suite is a true retreat, providing a comfortable and relaxing space. Cool tones, plush bedding, and wooden furnishings coupled with an accent ceiling exude a feeling of balance and serenity. To tie it all together? A patterned rug that grounds the space, showcasing the room’s cool and muted hues.

The Bonus Room

The Bradbury’s bonus room is the at-home getaway you’ve always wanted. An oversized couch and optimal storage keep the room comfortable and functional, while an accent wall, pillows, and graphic artwork tie in the home’s color palette in a fun way. Wooden furnishings and a woven rug add dimension and texture to the space.

The Flex Room

The beauty of a flex room is it can be transformed into anything you want. Used as a study, this space ties in all the key design elements of the home including wood textures, white elements, and pops of blue. The spacious bookshelves are complemented by white cabinetry to make organization easy, while a soft rug and touches of greenery shape the room’s warm and inviting atmosphere.

Looking for more design inspo? Check out this mid-century eclectic home west of Charlotte, and discover 3 easy ways to create an outdoor oasis.

Ready to begin your new home journey? Explore our homes for sale in Gastonia today.

Images courtesy of: 1 Stop Bedrooms (Egon Dining Chairs, Bolingbrook Wire Brushed Charcoal Nightstand); Wayfair (Effie Buttons Pillow Cover, Solid Wood Tray, Faux Succulent Plant in Ceramic Planter, Emmalynn Wagon Wheel Chandelier, 3 Legs End Table, Durant Tall Drum End Table, Handmade Flatweave Jute/Sisal Brown Rug, Avanell Upholstered Sectional, Gabby Coffee Table, Primrue Faux Grass in Cement Pot, Rennie Parsons Chair, Faux Pachira Aquat Tree, Vancamp Seashore Fixed Top Dining Table, Honey Can Do Wicker Basket, Keana Picture Frame, Modern Denim & Silver ColorStak); Amazon (Gratify Round Dining Table, Counter Height Bar Stools); Scout & Nimble (Pascal Light Drum Coffee Table); Overstock (Safavieh Lula Accent Chair, Delmare Cane Queen Headboard); Jamie Young (Intertwined Resin Object); Lumens (Palladium Chandelier); Target (Randolph Bench with Bolster Pillows Linen); Rugs Direct (Beatty Area Rug); Burke Decor (Lahana Console Table); Crate and Barrel (Willow II Slipcovered 3-Piece Corner Sectional Sofa); West Elm (Asymmetry Ceramic Table Lamp).

Empire’s Belfountain model at Calderwood in Thorold is the modern farmhouse you’ve been dreaming of. Taking inspiration from where this special community resides, Helena Da Costa of interior design firm Twelveo5 created a look that zeros in on comfort — a place that makes you feel at home from the minute you walk through its front doors.

So, how did Helena achieve this modern farmhouse look? Using warm brown finishes from Empire’s Design Center, she took this new-build home and gave it a sense of warmth and coziness right from the start of her design process. Bold black accents were implemented afterwards through furnishings, artwork and accessories to add contrast against the home’s warm tones. Read on to learn how warm wood textures, brown leathers, black metals and crisp white paint all work together to create this modern farmhouse design.

The Kitchen

When designing, Helena’s goal was to ensure that the aesthetic was consistent so the entire home felt like one cohesive space. To achieve that, she incorporated the same tones throughout all areas of the home, opting for warm woods in the kitchen, and darker hardware, countertops, and appliances. Two pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling, featuring a mix of wood and metal, with a square-tile backsplash adding subtle texture and dimension. 

Just off the kitchen, a wall-mounted desk and craft space makes use of a smaller space where traditional furniture might not fit. The result? A more organized and efficient area for kids’ creative endeavours, whether it be painting, drawing, or playing games.

The Dining Area

Designed for the modern entertainer, the dining room provides ample space for gathering and hosting dinners. Banquette seating complements the room’s black dining table, maximizing space and function. “Adding built-in bench seating along the exterior wall frees up floor space,” says Da Costa. “This creates a more spacious feel in the room which allows you to accommodate more guests than with traditional dining chairs.” Neutral woven chairs and patterned pillows add texture to the space, while a grey runner and candlesticks are incorporated for visual interest.

The Living Room

The living room’s fireplace is the focal point of the room and is a great addition to this open floor plan. Providing an immediate sense of warmth, it anchors the space and creates a natural gathering area for residents. A black feature wall adds interest to an otherwise neutral room, while an L-shaped leather couch adds another element of warmth and comfort. Sheer white curtains allow an abundance of light into the room, with pot lights and a standing lamp illuminating the space in the evening.

The Primary Bedroom

A true retreat, the primary bedroom provides a comfortable and relaxing space to unwind. Featuring soft curtains, plush bedding and soothing colours, this room exudes a feeling of calm. A patterned rug grounds the space, bringing together the room’s dark and light hues. The room’s rustic light fixtures and furniture pieces complement each other well.

The Secondary Bedroom

Designed with kids in mind, the Belfountain’s secondary bedroom is both playful and functional. Elements like patterned wallpaper, textured artwork and patterned rugs were incorporated into the space, while leaving ample room for kids to grow into. Storage solutions like shelving and baskets help keep the space clutter-free, housing items like books, toys, and other belongings.

Interested in exploring some of the other homes Helena has designed? Check out this modern chic home at Calderwood in Thorold or this timeless contemporary suite at Empire Maven in Toronto. Ready to begin your new home journey? Explore our new homes for sale in Southwestern Ontario.

As trends come and go, timeless interior design styles always prevail. With this in mind, designer Helena Da Costa selected finishes, furniture and features in our Dryden model home from different eras to create a classic and timeless space. “The home was designed to exude an upscale feel, with timeless furniture pieces reflective of classic interiors,” says Da Costa. “Clean lines and soft furnishings yield a comfortable atmosphere while still feeling polished and intentional.” With the help of Helena, we’ve put together a guide to help you replicate these classic interiors. Take inspiration from our Dryden model home at Calderwood to curate the home of your dreams with a look that’ll stand the test of time.

Create the ultimate work-from-home office with a few elevated pieces including a modern light fixture, a minimalist desk and plenty of storage to stay organized. Cozy up the space with a simple neutral rug and a few pieces of art that complement the accent wall to tie the whole room together.

A lot of hard work happens in the kitchen — but that doesn’t mean style has to be compromised for functionality. Quartz countertops and white cabinetry give the space a fresh and clean look, complemented by stainless-steel appliances and neutral accents. All-white elements keep the space bright, airy, and open.

The living room is where conversations take place, right beside the home’s fireplace. Helena used a grey sofa facing two white-wingback chairs to keep the space comfortable yet stylish. A dark coffee table provides contrast, while patterned and textured pillows add depth and flare.

The use of simple, clean lines is one of the hallmarks of a timeless home. Use a dark-coloured dining table and neutral chairs to maintain balance in the space, and a patterned rug and geometric chandelier to keep the room vibrant and cohesive.

A coveted primary retreat is a welcoming reprieve with a luxe upholstered bed and lounge chair. ​​Rest peacefully during the night and awake in the morning with ease through the use of blue and grey hues, and nature-inspired artwork on the walls to reinforce relaxation and serenity.

This loft is a great multi-purpose area for kids to do their homework, play or sit at the window bench and read. Custom cabinetry is perfect for storing toys and keeping the space neat and tidy. Use a bean bag chair to add an element of fun and a patterned circular rug to ground the room.

Want to learn more about the Dryden model home and similar floor plans at Calderwood in Thorold? Contact our New Home Specialist via email at homehunt@empirecommunities.com or phone to book an appointment.

Feeling inspired? Explore our blog, and learn how to style your fireplace like a designer or how to incorporate timeless contemporary style into your home.

Images courtesy of: Wayfair (Trule Standard Outdoor Friendly Bean Bag Chair, Terrence Bar Stool, Jace Arm Chair, Ragnhild Single Dome Pendant, Kaylie Round Metal Wall Mirror, Cale Solid Sofa Table, Fitz Machine Woven Rug, Veronica Solid Wood Dining Table, Sanath Glass Frame End Table, Upholstered Bed, Upholstered Chaise Lounge, Sidney Handmade Performance Rug, Vezina Kids Activity Table and Chair Set, Marionville Handwoven Rattan Magazine File, Foldable Storage Cardboard Bin, Minimalist Small Artificial Orchid In White Ceramic Pot, Dominic Machine Woven Rug, Wood Picture Frame, Fisk Outdoor Rectangular Pillow Cover & Insert, Gaige Machine Woven Beige Rug, Eisenman Rectangular Striped Cotton Table Runner, Acuna Glass Table Lamp, Niki Rectangular Velvet Pillow Cover & Insert, Reale Wood Bench, 3 Piece Square Floating Shelf); Structube (Sergio Desk, Spence Office Chair, Hurdsfield Machine Woven Rug, Polo Tufted Armchair, Adella End Table); All Modern (Asana Dimmable LED Pendant); Spoonflower (Chevron Blush Navy Wallpaper, Retro Ribbon Teal Blush Mustard White Fabric); Renwil (Yanno Wall Art); IKEA (Finnala Sofa); Urban Barn (Montana Dining Chair); Crate and Barrel (Keane Espresso Wood Charging Nightstand).