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EVERYDAY
STYLE

Designer challenge:

ROOMS
WITH
PURPOSE

We dared our design team to reimagine important spaces in our homes and unlock the potential hidden inside.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM

THE ROOFTOP

THE FOYER

THE FLEX ROOM

Get the look

Cool
California
style

Discover the must-have furniture and accessories that will help you master the easy-breezy style of our Middleton model home at Empire Swift.

kitchen
Tap for details

living room
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THE SIZE GUIDE:

MEASURING
& SPATIAL
PLANNING

Tips and tools to size furniture and space plan in any room.

lighting

If lighting is centred over a table where people won’t hit their heads, lower is fine. For clear passage, always work with at least a 6½’ clearance from the floor.

curtains

For the perfect curtain rod placement, split the distance above the window (between the casing and ceiling) in half.

coffee table

Ensure your coffee table is roughly 16” away from your seating so that it’s convenient to reach.

sofa

A standard-size sofa is approximately 84” long. If your space allows for it, opt for something larger to accommodate family and friends.

chairs

Always allow for a 32” width for a comfortable lounge chair.

art work

Go big and incorporate oversized artwork in your space. Even if it extends past the sofa, it’ll still look great.

THE
ART OF
LAYERING

Wondering how you can take a room from utilitarian to unique? Designer Andrew Pike shares his insights for mastering a well-layered space.

5 STEPS TO SUCCESS

  • Q&A

    • FIRST THING’S FIRST. WHAT ARE THE LAYERS THAT MAKE UP A ROOM, AND HOW DO YOU CATEGORIZE THEM?

    • WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FOR ELEVATING A SPACE?

    • IS THERE A CERTAIN ORDER YOU FOLLOW WHEN LAYERING ACCENTS?

    • WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GO-TO ACCENTS TO ENHANCE A SPACE?

    • WHAT OTHER ELEMENTS CAN YOU USE TO MAKE A SPACE FEEL MORE LUXURIOUS?

    • ANY OTHER TIPS?

    FIRST THING’S FIRST. WHAT ARE THE LAYERS THAT MAKE UP A ROOM, AND HOW DO YOU CATEGORIZE THEM?
    “Layers can be absolutely anything and the more of them, the better. Textures, patterns and colour palettes all contribute to layering and make a space feel inviting and welcoming. Layering should start from the selection of finishes like hardwood and tile, and go all the way down to the final details on a mantle or coffee table.”
    WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FOR ELEVATING A SPACE?
    “Begin with a great base of your major furniture pieces, including anchoring your room with a rug, and build it up. The big pieces are key, so start from there. When it comes to accents, pull colour cues from things like the rug and artwork to tie everything together.”
    IS THERE A CERTAIN ORDER YOU FOLLOW WHEN LAYERING ACCENTS?
    “I like to have lots of options to play with so that I can create vignettes. It’s an organic process so I like to put things in, look at them for a while, move on to another area and then come back and ensure that the entire space is working together. Often things look great in one area, but once the room is completed, they look slightly out of place. Remember, the key is that any space as a whole needs to be a standout, not each individual model in it.”
    WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GO-TO ACCENTS TO ENHANCE A SPACE?
    “Accessories are often the easiest way to layer: pillows and throws on a sofa, books on a coffee table, and trays filled with collected and personal items. Your space should reflect you and the things you love, so first and foremost be sure to add in touches of your personality. Smaller items are also great because they’re quick and easy to change out with the seasons or as you freshen up your spaces.”
    WHAT OTHER ELEMENTS CAN YOU USE TO MAKE A SPACE FEEL MORE LUXURIOUS?
    “Lighting is always key in creating different moods in a space. Sometimes you want the room to be well-lit and other times you want it to feel more cozy and moody. Having multiple lighting sources in every space —and having the option to dim the light —is so important. Another one of my favourite tricks is to use textured wall coverings like grasscloth for a rich and luxurious backdrop.”
    ANY OTHER TIPS?
    “Stick with a colour palette to keep things from getting too chaotic, consider lots of options and don’t be afraid to experiment.”

    EVERYDAY
    LIVING

    WHERE TO START AT HOME

    CONSCIOUS
    CONSUMPTION:

    Making better choices with what we buy and consume isn't just good for the planet, it’s good for your overall health and well-being too. Incorporate these items in your daily routine that are as stylish as they are sustainable.

    EVERYDAY
    DELICIOUS

    4 CHEFS, 4 KITCHENS

    Chefs across Houston, Atlanta, Toronto and Charlotte showcase their city’s distinct regional fare through four delicious recipes prepared with love in our Empire kitchens. Give them a try in your home.

    Meet the chefs

    Chef J.D. Woodward’s Texas Striped Bass With Crawfish Beurre Monte and Spicy Rice

    Chef j.d woodward

    Houston, texas

    Chef Yvette Kern's Brunswick Stew and Cornbread

    CHEF YVETTE KERN

    CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

    Chef Ryan Campbell's Peanut Butter Pie

    CHEF RYAN CAMPBELL

    TORONTO, ONTARIO

    Chef Pat Pascarella's Cavatelli Alla Carrettiera

    CHEF PAT PASCARELLA

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA

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