inspired by you

Earlier this year, we reached out to on social media community to see where our #DufresneStyle community stands on some current design trends. It was interesting to see that no matter the region, a couple strong themes emerged. From Saskatoon to Ottawa, contemporary design and neutral to warm colour palettes overwhelmingly came up on top.

So, inspired by YOU, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite warm, contemporary looks, each with a regional twist.

You Love Contemporary Style

In our regional polls, contemporary was the clear winner over Boho, Midcentury/Vintage, and Farmhouse. What is contemporary style? Well, it depends when you’re asking. Since the 70s, we’ve referred to anything that falls under the CURRENT design trends as “contemporary.” Right now, contemporary refers to simple, uncluttered spaces with a blend of influences, clean lines, and artistic, ornamental touches. But, as you'll see, there's plenty of room to let your personality shine in this constantly evolving style—that what makes it so exciting!

Inspired by: Ottawa
Inspired by Canada's capital region, our first living room features the beautiful Hallenburg sectional in a cream, tweed-textured fabric, accented with bold nailheads. Everything about this sofa is contemporary—from the clean, boxy profile to the dark exposed legs—but it’s not so trendy that it will look dated.

To give this look a little nod to vintage style, without straying too far, we’ve gone with a charming button-tufted accent chair and mirrored coffee table. Sticking to the same colour palette (and adding a little sparkle) keeps the look fresh and contemporary. And we love how those nailheads echo the trim on the sofa.

Inspired by: Winnipeg
Our Winnipeg-inspired living room starts with a contemporary take on a midcentury sofa upholstered in warm, auburn toned fabric. This chaise sectional is the perfect piece for watching TV or curling up with a good book and is a great way to update a classic 50s or 60s home while staying true to the period.

Rounding out the look are a minimalist-modern coffee table and a fun, abstract printed accent chair in soft, touchable velvet. To keep the room contemporary, stick to a subdued colour palette and choose clean-lined modern accessories and art.

Inspired by: Kenora
We couldn’t resist this contemporary sectional in warm brown textured faux leather for our Kenora-inspired room. Rugged enough to keep up with an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, but with enough detailing to keep it stylish, this comfy sectional looks right at home in this city on the lake.

Taking inspiration from the natural elements found throughout the region, the Jillenhust coffee table combines a rustic wood top with iron legs that add just a touch of trendy industrial style. A handknit pouf serves as functional art and extra seating when guests stop by, a common occurrence in lake country.

Inspired by: Saskatoon
Upholstered in a neutral, linen-look fabric with exposed expresso-toned legs, the Callisburg is our pick for Saskatoon. We love it because it is one of those pieces that looks completely in-the-moment, no matter when the moment is, and can easily transition with you when your style evolves.

To play up Saskatchewan’s playful side, we’ve paired the Callisburg with the Madras glass-topped coffee table and a fun, "Let's Stay Home" toss pillow. Of course, being in the Land of the Living Skies sometimes makes it hard to follow that sentiment.

You Love to Warm it Up

When asked to choose between warm or cool tones, our poll respondents leaned heavily into neutral-to-warm. Maybe it’s because we’re surrounded by nothing but blue, grey and white in the winter, or maybe it’s because Canadians are so warm and friendly by nature.

Either way, we don’t need any convincing. Our poll results have us reaching for warm shades like cream, ecru, camel, tan, brown, greige, terra-cotta, along with some warm metallics.

To showcase these cozy shades and textures, we’ve picked some bedroom looks that make the most of warm woods, cozy fabrics, and natural materials. After all, those winters can be long, and we all need somewhere stylish and comfortable to hibernate.

Inspired by: Ottawa
Each year, the nation’s capital gives a warm welcome to over 11 million visitors and is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the country. We definitely had that in mind when we chose this posh bed for our Ottawa-inspired bedroom. From the rich, espresso finish, to the headboard’s goldtone accent strip lit by LED lights, the Maretto is THE bed to recreate a luxe, hotel experience at home.

Give your space a little extra sparkle with a pair of Donnica candle sconces, and don’t forget the pillows—the faux-feathered Riley might be a little over the top, but who says that’s a bad thing?

Inspired by: Winnipeg
A simple silhouette, but make it comfy? Done! Our top choice for Manitoba, this contemporary bed frame is upholstered in easy-care faux leather, making it a cozy, but un-fussy place to relax at the beginning and end of each day… plus a few winter afternoons.

Gold is having its moment, so we say embrace it! The gold frame of the Elanah mirror picks up the light beautifully, enhancing your room with its sparkle, and blends nicely with the warm neutral tones of this handicraft-inspired pillow.

Inspired by: Kenora
Kenora’s bed is contemporary-meets-rustic, which honestly could not be more perfect. The Brennagan bed may look simple and streamlined, but it’s loaded with character—the reclaimed pine wood contains scratches, dings, gouges and patches. Let’s just say it’s perfectly IMperfect.

Set the mood with a little industrial-inspired sparkle from this one-of-a-kind hanging wall sconce with mercury glass and leather accents. On the bed, the graphically-printed cotton toss cushion picks up the room’s warm black and neutral scheme.

Inspired by: Saskatoon
Warm, welcoming, down-to-earth… are we talking about Saskatchewan or the
Dolante bed? Both! Create your dream retreat with this homey, but on-trend bed, upholstered in a versatile neutral-toned fabric.

To play up the casual elegance of the headboard and add some interest, layer on richly-textured accessories, like the crosshatched Harif table lamp and fringed Liviah accent pillow, and don’t stop layering until it screams "you."  

 

What do you think—did we capture the vibe of your province or hometown? Show us your style by tagging us on Instagram and using the hastag #DufresneStyle. We’d love to see how you interpret the trends in your area.