They say reaching goals involves knowing exactly what you want. But for the homeowner of this luxurious house in London, Ont., knowing what she didn’t want proved to be just as effective in creating a space she loved. From the open-concept layout to the smallest fringe details on the blinds, the house displays her aversion to the typical safe choices while showcasing her fondness for going against the grain and having a little fun while doing it.

Turning the house into a distinctive, comfortable home has been an ongoing process for both the homeowner and Toronto designer Delia Mamann of Delia Mamann Interior Design from the time it was being built (the owner ended up forgoing many of the builder’s finishes for her own picks) to the time it was ready for decorating. The mix of clean-lined furnishings, show-stopping fixtures and accessories, sumptuous textiles (no synthetics allowed) and bold colour schemes create a chic, luxe space that, if you look closely, doesn’t take itself too seriously.


Kitchen
In the kitchen, the fluid veining of the marble countertop and backsplash, a stunning focal point, offsets the taupe-painted cabinetry’s clean lines. A raised counter area (on the right) provides a spot for casual eating and offers the chef a bit of privacy in the open space. “You don’t see all the activity and chaos in the kitchen if you’re sitting in the living room,” says the homeowner.
Kitchen island
Dark walnut cabinetry defines an island that divides the kitchen and living room. The wine fridge also makes it perfect for entertaining. "We made it fancier on that side because it's closer to the living room," says the homeowner. Glass pendant lights boast a clean, elegant look that suits both rooms.
Eating area
"The kitchen's eating area has stronger, bolder contrasts," says designer Delia Mamann. The grey-and-white colour combination is repeated in the seating and the drapery.
Sunroom
The orange cotton velvet fabric on the sofa inspired the sunroom's vibrant colour scheme. Details like the shag rug and striped silk taffeta drapes paired with linen scrim blinds, which feature an unexpected ribbon-and-bead trim, enhance the elegant yet casual look.
Vintage sculpture
This vintage art glass sculpture works with the sunroom's colour palette and serves as a fun conversation piece. "It was sitting in a box in my mother's house," says the homeowner. "I was just going through some stuff and thought, 'I know a spot for this!'"
Living room
Sofas upholstered in a silvery grey cotton velvet add a formal touch to the living room. "The fabric has a lustre to it," says Delia. "Everywhere in the house the textiles add a lot of luxury." The coffee table is topped with marble - a material that's repeated a few times throughout the house to create a visual flow in the open spaces.
Dining room
With elements like the rich-looking walnut table and chairs and the airy gilded chandelier, the dining room blurs the lines between the contemporary and traditional.
Basement
The basement, with its youthful edgy decor and white, black and hot pink palette, serves as a fun, comfortable hangout for the family.
Master bedroom
The master bedroom features a mix of clean-lined and curvaceous, masculine and feminine, textural and sleek items to create a look that suits both the homeowner and her husband.