Designer Spotlight: NE Alberta
When our clients moved into a town home, they wanted to refresh the space with a new design. As two well traveled individuals, their passion for people and places is evident in their collection of art and objects from their journeys, which we used as the creative direction for the design.
The dining room is just off the front entry, so we created an immediate impact of both drama and intimacy. The double bookshelves elongated the room, the over-sized pendant made the space feel larger and created a focal point, and the overall composition was rich, warm and elegant. Two orange ottomans gave a pop of color and double as entry benches or extra seating at the dining table.
In the living room, we highlighted an original painting with a carved cabinet that visually anchored it on the long wall. This created a palette of modern earth tones that feel organic but also clean, bold and contemporary. The sofa, ottoman, accent chairs and rug were selected to be a soft muted pallet - comfortable, practical, and calming.
The third room, endearingly called the ‘snuggery’, was designed as a lounge space not only for guests (as there is a hidden sleeper in the sofa) but also for the clients to relax, read and watch television.
Designer Spotlight: NE Portland
Our client in NE Portland moved into a newly built contemporary home. We focused on design for the open floor plan living and dining rooms, home office, and master bedroom.
Due to the high ceilings, fresh white paint and spaciousness of the home, the objective was to create intimacy, ethereal and serene palettes, and texture to make it feel cozy and still modern. The soft grays, taupes and mineral blues in the living room, offset by the beautiful artwork and fireplace, completed the look. The ergonomics, the actual feel of upholstery, and comfort of the seating were important.
For example, we choose a sofa that could accommodate higher neck support with a higher-than-normal seat density to strike a very comfortable sofa sectional, perfect for watching television or curling up to a good book and enjoying a fire. Similarly, the laser-cut leather armchairs for the dining table offer a molded generous seat for a dinner that could last into the early hours.
As a painter and highly creative person who values ritual, our client lives a life of wonder, wisdom, and whimsy. Our collaborative goal was to incorporate her ideas and preferences which, according to her son, resulted in a “modern monastery!”
Designer Spotlight: North Vancouver
Our clients in Vancouver, WA were ready for the finishes touches for their home. They needed a modern, complete look for the open floor plan living area; to convert their casual home office to a cozy den; and, most importantly, new lighting to set the mood at any time of day.
EWF Modern designers incorporated the client’s existing favorites, including an Italian white leather sofa purchased here, a deep blue bespoke rug, and a Scandinavian hardwood sideboard and cabinet. Some rearranging of their existing artwork made room for two new pieces - an original abstract by a local artist, and a felted, graphic piece that added texture and warmth.
The project wrapped up in Spring 2019 and we are thrilled with the results! The lighting concept created drama during the day and intimate, accent lighting in the evening. The designers matched the weight and scale of their existing pieces with oversized, European inspired pendant lights and a mid-century flush mount in the entryway. Additional layering of accessories and texture created a polished, sophisticated space that still maintains a playful feel with color and depth.
3 Fresh Fixes
It’s still chilly and gray outside but signs of Spring are everywhere. Now is a great time to bring a fresh eye and new life to rooms in your home. For simple yet effective fixes to make a modern space more inviting and functional, we like to look to color, lighting and organic elements.
COLOR is the design tool that best and quite easily brings a sense of comfort and calm or cheer and drama to interior spaces. It’s all about finding colors and combinations that resonate and make you feel good, not just those that are trending. Consider your favorite colors, read design magazine articles, and leaf through sets of paint swatches for help getting to an enduring color combo that works. Accessories, artwork, rugs and throws provide great ways to add color coordination, interest and texture throughout your room.
LIGHTING, along with color, is key to the mood of a space. Think about how you want to feel in a room as well as how you use it. It’s good to also think about how light lands on the surfaces. You’ll find the right vibe by working with uplights, downlights, ambient and task lighting to create a mix of light sources at different levels and locations.
Adding ORGANIC life energy, shape and texture can seem challenging due to the clean lines and simplicity of modern interiors. But including furnishings and elements crafted in natural materials like wood and stone, often makes all the difference between a flat or lively space. Plants are especially great for filling corners and difficult places, framing or echoing design elements and softening hard areas in modern spaces.
These three fixes to freshen your home will create immediate solutions. Let us know how we can help.
JANUARY | rejuvenation
A new year begins and with this new beginning come opportunities. Perhaps you make purposeful resolutions. You may seek new inspiration, direction and re-invigoration. Maybe you simply "let go" here, and "take in" there. There’s no time like now to refresh the spaces where you live, work and play. Dust off those shelved ideas. The right pieces in the right places enhance your lifestyle. They work to help you dodge clutter and often make a smaller place seem larger. Good organic design and quality furnishings reflect your personality and bring comfort and beauty to your home.
Interior Design Consultation Services
Do you feel like you might need a little help? Did you know that EWF Modern has been creating dramatically beautiful modern interiors for our clients since 2007? Our designers on staff are here to help you find solutions that are modern, functional and personal. We are happy to assist with space planning, product sourcing, color selection, custom furnishings, bedding, rugs, art and accessories. Just ask!
Marvel 29 Staging Project
We also have experience in staging commercial projects. Over the years we’ve worked with developers to design and furnish model units, offices and common areas. Our latest success is Marvel 29, a stunning new sustainable apartment community in St. Johns. The building officially opens January 15th, and we are thrilled to be involved in this innovative project.
Las Vegas Market
Our buyers are excited to be attending the Las Vegas Market this month, known as the most comprehensive home furnishings market in the west. They will scout the latest in modern styles, trends and resources from top designers the world over. From a vast array of furnishings, art and accessories they will edit an impressive modern lifestyle collection to showcase here in Portland and on the EWF Modern website. Our goal is to inspire you, so please come by soon.
Winter Sale
Don't miss our Winter Sale event January 10 - 25 featuring select sofas, occasional chairs, coffee tables and accent tables. Let us help you find just the right piece for just the right place. Bring a subtle or dramatic change to your place, at a savings!
Happy New Year from All of Us at EWF Modern
A portland condo
A beautiful pairing from a client's home. These elegant swivels are upholstered in a stunning charcoal floral velvet. Stainless steel bases bring them into the twenty-first century. With a 360 degree spin they command control of the room and the view!
A Modern Utah Home
We had the pleasure of assisting a client furnish their vacation home in Utah. Playing off the contemporary minimalist architecture of the space we helped select clean simple furnishings, buildings off the clients existing collection. The neutral palette blends seamlessly with the expansive views and offers the perfect backdrop to connect the two environments, tying in the indoors with the outdoors.
Get the look in your home! We paired Sofa 3688 and a matching ottoman in an earth toned tweed with two brown 3585 recliners in the living room. The low-profile 3690 bar stools in the kitchen are upholstered in taupe leatherette with brushed stainless steel bases. For customization options and pricing, contact the showroom today!
Need Design Services?
Let our talented interior design staff come to your aid! EWF Modern has experienced designers who will come to your home and help you choose the perfect furnishings, lighting, wall coverings and accessories.
Stop by our showroom to meet the designers and discuss how they can help you achieve the home you've always wanted!