In the world of interior design, there’s one particular style that has captured our hearts, featuring a unique blend of comfort, vibrant colours, and a touch of the unconventional. Welcome to the realm of Boho Chic — an interior design that marries the bohemian spirit with chic sophistication. Designer Jane Lockhart showcases this interior design style in our Belfountain model at Empire Canals in Welland. Learn more about what was involved in the design process and how to replicate the look at home.

Thoughtful Design Choices

Encompassing solid surface countertops and hardwood floors, the interiors of the Belfountain exude the essence of boho chic, with meticulous design elements tailored to meet the diverse needs of its homeowners. An upstairs bedroom was transformed into a spacious work nook for homework and virtual meetings, while an open-concept living room serves as the perfect gathering point. The convenience of a second-floor laundry room adds practicality, ensuring that household tasks are both functional and stylish. The home’s well-designed floor plan creates a natural airiness and fosters a sense of innate spaciousness, bathing each room in ample natural light. This contributes to achieving the boho chic aesthetic and ambiance, even without additional elements.

Designer-Selected Finishes, Furnishings, and Accessories

One of the main attractions of the Belfountain’s boho chic look is its attainable nature. Without compromising elegance, this design embraces cost-conscious choices that are beautiful, functional, and can be incorporated into the home’s aesthetic with ease. The strategic use of paint accents and feature walls introduces colour and texture, infusing the space with warmth and visual interest.

What Makes the Belfountain Unique

What makes this boho chic home special is its harmonious connection between the interior and exterior. Maintaining consistent colour palettes and textures, a cohesive narrative is woven from the outside in. Its minimal but impactful upgrades cater to the cost-conscious homeowner, creating a home filled with immense potential, without the need for extravagant investments in enhancements or furniture.

Looking to Achieve this Boho Chic Look in Your Home? Incorporate These Staple Products

1. Light Linen: Opt for light linen textiles, such as curtains, throw pillows, and bedding. The breezy and relaxed feel of linen complements the boho chic aesthetic.

2. Natural Coloured Wicker: Incorporate wicker furniture or accents to bring an organic touch to your space. These pieces add texture and contribute to the laid-back vibe of the style.

3. Greenery: Embrace the bohemian love for nature by introducing a variety of indoor plants. Greenery adds vibrancy and life to the space, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

4. Medium to Light Hardwood: Hardwood is a crucial element in achieving the boho chic look. Choose flooring, furniture pieces and accessories in medium to light washes to enhance the natural feel of the space.

5. Woven Tapestries or Macramé: Adorn your walls with woven tapestries or macramé hangings. These intricate pieces of art introduce texture and an authentic bohemian touch.

Interested in exploring some of other trending design styles? Take a look at this modern farmhouse in the heart of Thorold, ON, and discover 4 inspiring ways to design rooms to suit your needs.

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.

Designed to exude a sense of sophistication and comfort, The Cranbrooke suite at Empire Maven is a space you can envision yourself living in. That’s the feeling designer Helena Da Costa of Toronto design firm Twelveo5 kept in mind when she designed this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom penthouse suite spanning 1,692 sq.ft. on Avenue Road.

With bold pops of colour incorporated through the home’s furnishings and artwork, black hardware accents in the kitchen, and cooler wood tones grounding each room, The Cranbrooke leaves a lasting impression. “The curated finishes selected by the builder gave us the perfect backdrop to create an impactful design concept and colour scheme for the home,” says Da Costa. To complement the suite’s open-concept design ripe for entertaining, she used rugs to define the living and dining rooms. She was specific about which pieces of furniture she selected to not overshadow the home’s luxurious finishes.

Tucked in from the main living area and dining room, The Cranbrooke’s kitchen is a dream to spend time in. Large windows are located just in front of the island, bringing in an abundance of natural light which illuminates the beautiful hardware, minimalist cabinets and marble countertops in the space.

Home to a floor-to-ceiling feature wall with a built-in fireplace, the living room is the heart of the suite, featuring a neutral palette that Helena used to incorporate bold pops of colour for design harmony. “The couch’s tweed fabric gave the room a bit of a masculine feel, balancing the Calcutta stone surrounding the fireplace which is much more of a delicate material,” she says.

The dining room was designed with the modern entertainer in mind, with ample space to host parties of ten or more. “With the terrace wrapping along the full length of the suite, the amount of daylight is maximized,” says Da Costa. “The openness of this area allows guests to move freely from the kitchen to the dining and living rooms, creating an adaptable social space.”

Radiating with luxury, the primary bedroom is an enviable part of the suite. A mix of fabrics were used to create visual interest in the room. Large enough for a dedicated seating area, this bedroom is a true retreat. With multiple windows and access to the terrace, here is where mornings or evenings will be well spent sipping on a cup of coffee or a glass of wine before bed. Both of the home’s bedrooms have large walk-in closets and luxurious marble tiles in their ensuites — a feature which isn’t found in most condos.

Shop the Look

A limited release of townhomes is now available at Empire Maven located on Avenue Road, and Toronto-based design firm Truong Ly Design just staged the first of three. Naturally, we asked their design team seven questions about this exclusive home, and we couldn’t resist sharing their answers with you. In this exclusive one-on-one interview, they discuss their inspiration for The Leland and what the design process entailed, highlighting everything from conception to decorating IRL.

The Leland
2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,388 sq.ft.

4. Talk us through the design process from concepts to staging and completion.

“At the start of the design process, we took time to understand our demographic and the overall end-user experience. We wanted to use a design style that was universally accepted, and of course one that was beautiful and elevated. Once we established the target audience in addition to their wants and needs, we ultimately chose a contemporary design style and a neutral palette. The staging process is what really brought the design intent together. After the main furniture pieces were installed, the finishing touches were implemented by accessorizing. Every detail we incorporated has form and function which makes the space feel lifestyle-oriented and welcoming like a home should.”

5. In your opinion, what stands out to you about this floor plan? What makes it different than the other townhomes you’ve seen?

“Over the past few years, open-concept design has been every designer’s layout preference. Now, we find that homeowners appreciate having separate spaces for separate uses. This is a major lifestyle change that’s the result of people spending more time at home, especially during the pandemic.”

“When you enter The Leland, you’re greeted by a spacious foyer that leads you to the living and dining space that’s perfect for entertaining guests or spending time with loved ones. As you walk down the hallway, you land upon the kitchen which features a round breakfast table and servery — detached from the formal dining and living area. With this layout, homeowners gain a more intimate and everyday-use kitchen space. Up the stairway, the master suite has a queen bed and a beautiful balcony with a view of the street. The room also boasts a luxurious ensuite with a double vanity, and two walk-in-closets. The secondary bedroom is the perfect addition for guests or family members who’re planning an extended stay, with a private bathroom and balcony at their disposal. Overall, it’s a very functional space.”

6. What materials, textures and colours did you use? How did they align with the overall look and feel of the suite?

“The townhome has white walls, light hardwood flooring, grey millwork, and stone finishes in the kitchen and bath. When it came to furnishing the home, we loved having a blank canvas to work with. Our goal was to create an inviting feeling through the material and texture of furniture and accessories. A mix of light neutrals — beige, cream and white — was used in various textures to brighten the space, and impart a feeling of openness while bringing in warmth. To ground the interior and add contrast, we incorporated pops of black through smaller furniture pieces. Colour was implemented through the art and decor selected to add more visual interest to the space.”

7. How can homeowners recreate this look in their home? List a few staple pieces they’d need.

“To recreate the look of this home’s main living spaces, incorporate a range of furniture and accessories in a neutral colour scheme, and add bold, black accents for contrast and balance. Select abstract artwork and lighting to help to achieve the home’s mid-century modern vibe. Plants such as trees, branches and florals will add life to the space, while mirrors can help create the illusion of a larger interior. When it comes to the upstairs bedrooms, the colour palette is more playful, meaning that it’s the perfect place to infuse your personality into the design. Choose an accent colour, and create harmony by opting for neutrals throughout the rest of the space.”

Interested in Maven’s limited release of townhomes? Learn more about these exclusive housing opportunities now, starting from the high $2 millions. Don’t forget to tour the townhomes at our open house each weekend at 412, 414 and 416 Brookdale Avenue. Please note: Limited parking is available at the back of the Maven presentation centre, located at 1666 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON. Additional parking is available along Avenue Road.

When Kendall and Nancy Schmitt of Houston design studio Nancy Rae Interiors were asked to refresh our model home at Santa Rita Ranch in Liberty Hills, they accepted the opportunity with open arms. The Richmond is a 4-bedroom and 3-bathroom home that boasts 2,638 sq.ft., and a 3-car garage. As soon as this mother-daughter duo stepped foot into the space, they knew they wanted to take this home to a place that was more contemporary for today’s homebuyer. After coming up with design concepts and pitching their ideas to the Empire team, Kendall and Nancy achieved a look that appeals to everyone, no matter their preferred design style. “By using neutrals and a mix of blues in a community where there’s young buyers, empty nesters and growing families, we were able to keep the color scheme universally appealing,” says Kendall.

Because each buyer has different intentions for the spaces in their homes, Kendall and Nancy made sure this open-concept floor plan showcased a variety of furniture so that those who tour the model can visualize how they’d use each room. Modern finishes that have a touch of sparkle were paired with medium-tone woods and silver accents to create memory points as buyers are led from one space to another. To replicate this contemporary design, Kendall and Nancy share the key pieces you need to purchase for your home.

From the moment you lay eyes on The Richmond’s flex room, you’ll be immediately drawn to the space. The room features an intimate lounge area where adults can unwind or play games, and a kids’ study with floating shelves and built-in desks. If buyers have younger children, the space can be easily reconfigured into a playroom. It’s meant to be a true multi-purpose room, adaptable to residents’ varied needs.

Home to a large sectional, lounge chairs, ottomans and a coffee table, the size of the living space is realized as soon as you walk into the room. As a result of its open-concept layout, the space imparts an immediate sense of grandeur and fluidity. Homeowners can rearrange furniture pieces whichever way they’d like — for optimal enjoyment or specific entertainment needs.

Featuring lightened countertops and a neutral color scheme, the kitchen gives off an open and airy feel. “The sink and island were strategically placed to face the living room to maximize the home’s open-concept way of living,” says Kendall. Black hardware contrasts the white shaker kitchen cabinets, while a patterned backsplash was used to add some dimension and texture to the room.

Boasting a spa-like ensuite, a large L-shaped walk-in closet and a reading nook, The Richmond’s primary bedroom is a true retreat. The room’s three large windows allow an abundance of natural light to pour in and provide views of the home’s backyard. A wall treatment was installed to make the bed stand out, and larger nightstands were added to accentuate the size of the room. “Bringing color into the primary bedroom through the use of paint and bedding allowed us to create some contrast in the space,” says Kendall.

The office is another room in the home that can suit a variety of needs. Convert it into a home gym, an art room or a nursery — the possibilities are endless. “We set this space up as a traditional study where someone might work from home,” says Kendall. “The ‘WFH’ movement is huge in the Austin market with so many people working remotely, so we wanted to show homeowners how they could utilize this space for that purpose.” Layered rugs and warm woods were incorporated into this room to create a homey and comfortable design.

Next, learn how to get the Modern Glam look at Empire Mueller’s model home. You can also download these top interior design apps to help you decorate your home, or discover what there is to know about perfectly lighting every room.

The key to creating a well-balanced modern farmhouse space is to focus on bringing the outdoors in to warm up different aspects of your home. Natural materials and earth tones add charm to your dwelling, helping to make your space that much cozier. Below, we’ve selected a few pieces from our Gibson model townhome at West End Towns to get your creative juices flowing. Discover the different furniture and decor pieces that will help infuse your space with a bit of modern farmhouse flair. 

Flex rooms can be transformed to fit whatever your needs are, and can be a great opportunity to express your personal interior design style. In the Gibson model, we’ve opted to put together a cozy movie room that anyone can enjoy. A wooden table and textured rug give the space a laid back feel, while a black microfiber sectional layered with beige and green velvet pillows help to create a cozy atmosphere.

Sleek countertops and stainless steel appliances are a great touch in any modern home, complementing the more natural aspects of the space, like the small potted plants. The bright white walls and cabinetry help to open up and illuminate the kitchen, creating a polished and contemporary appearance.

The bedroom is every homeowner’s sanctuary, and having an inspiring space will help you to start your day on the right foot. The wall art frames the bed perfectly, creating a striking focal point in this room. The use of neutral colors and wooden furniture work to create a sense of ease, while still drawing on more natural elements. 

If you find yourself in need of a functional work-from-home space, then look no further. Don’t be afraid to play around with bold prints or pops of color. Both help to energize the atmosphere and easily create visual interest. In this space, the pops of green in the window treatments and potted plants give the room a more personalized touch while not being too loud or overpowering. 

Visit our blog to discover even more design tips, including how to infuse your space with the mid-century modern and modern ranch style.

The fireplace is most commonly the focal point of any living room, which means it will likely grab the attention of any guests you have over. While you want to be happy with the way your fireplace is styled, it can be difficult when you’re working with a relatively narrow space. The key is to keep a few design elements in mind to help guide your process. We’ve rounded up some model home inspiration to show how you can style your fireplace in a variety of different ways.

Looking for pieces to inspire your fireplace style?. Browse our list of some of the best Canadian home decor retailers while planning your next shopping trip.

The Shabby Chic Flipbook

We’ve put together the ultimate tool to recreate The Shabby Chic look. Register at the bottom of this page to receive this flipbook and 3 more curated style guides straight to your inbox.

Light, bright and comfortable, Empire’s model home at our Summerlea Woods community in Binbrook, Ontario encapsulates cool coastal style with a soothing neutral palette and soft textures. Read on to shop the look and bring this style into your own space.

Glass upper cabinets are a clever design choice that keeps the feel of the kitchen light and airy; small pops of colour and warm woods balance the kitchen’s cool tones.

Get the Look: 1. Conversion Dish Towel, Crate & Barrel. 2. Nonstick 10-Piece Set in Blue by Greenpan, West Elm. 3. Esse Wooden Counter Height Stool in Light Oak, Article. 4. Pog Salad Servers, Amazon. 5. Briar Metal Basket, EQ3.

Summerlea Woods’ dining room brings the outdoors in with woven accents and a sturdy stoneware dining set.

Get the Look: 1. Kiley Upholstered Dining Chair in Sand by Mistana, Wayfair. 2. Headlands Bell Pendant in Natural, Serena & Lily. 3. Garrido Stoneware Dinner Plate, EQ3. 4. Garrido Stoneware Bowl – Large, EQ3. 5. Landscape Live Edge White Washed Dining Table, CB2.

Coziness abounds in the laid-back living room thanks to a plush linen sofa and plenty of soft textiles.

Get the Look: 1. Jackson Tripod Floor Lamp in Natural, Crate & Barrel. 2. Izzie Throw, EQ3. 3. Mara Coffee Table in Walnut, Article. 4. Granada Pillow Cover, Serena & Lily. 5. Replay Sofa, EQ3.

It won’t be hard to drift away in this warm and inviting master bedroom, which features a pleasing mixture of texture, pattern and colour.

Get the Look: 1. Milo Alpaca Throw in Terracotta, Serena & Lily. 2. Highland Dunes Amman Wicker Storage Trunk by Highland Dunes, Wayfair. 3. Flädis Seagrass Basket, Ikea. 4. Balboa Bed in Natural, Serena & Lily. 5. Caden Rug, EQ3.

The Modern Farmhouse homeowner is a little bit country, but with a whole lot of class, and their home reflects that. Modern farmhouse evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. It’s traditional without being fussy, classic without being museum-like, and comfortable in a way that makes you want to put your feet up and stay awhile. Modern farmhouse is all about mixing comfortable furniture with salvaged materials like reclaimed wood and antiques. Everything is tactile and tangible. Most of all, classic farmhouse is cozy without being cluttered. Sophistication over kitsch is key.

Explore the look below and register for our Love Design, Live Empire design series for more tips, tricks and inspiration.