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.
Liara Counter & Bar Stool, Wayfair.
Araminta Solid Wood Tray, Wayfair.
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.
Crystian 72” Trestle Dining Table, Wayfair.
Rattan and Metal Dining Chair, Bouclair.
Aleyn Throw Pillow with Black Stitching, Bouclair.
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.
Cigar Rawhide Brown Leather Sectional, Article.
Amika Wall Clock, Renwil.
Bronner Casual Braided Grey Rug, Wayfair.
Dre Coffee Table by AllModern, Wayfair.
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.
Zoey Upholstered Bed, Wayfair.
GT Rocker in Lino Birch/Black, Stylegarage.
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.
Fantol Oak Narrow Bookcase, Article.
Hub Flush Mount, Wayfair.
18″ Black & White Arrows Wallpaper by Shopcabin, Spoonflower.
A Note From Helena
“Creating a modern farmhouse look in your home can be achieved by following a few staple design principles. To start, use a consistent colour palette throughout the space, incorporating warm browns, whites, and natural materials like wood and stone. Using rustic elements, such as reclaimed wood accents and vintage furniture pieces, can help create a warm and inviting feel. To balance out the rustic features, bring in some modern elements through sleek light fixtures and clean-lined furniture pieces. Blending these different styles, you can create a unique and stylish modern farmhouse look that is both functional and beautiful.”
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.