Erika Friesen Design Infuses a London, Ontario Home with Vegas Glitz
Photography: Arc Creative
When Erika Friesen was called to design the interior of a home for a glam-ready couple, she knew exactly which route to take. “The gentleman of the home only wears black and white,” says Friesen. “They wanted something very ‘Vegas’ and very ‘blingy’, and we delivered—the house is an excellent reflection of their extravagant personalities.”
To keep to the glam affair, the house is devoid of color except for black, white, gold, and silver. The impetus to the design was, surprisingly, the floor. “The homeowners loved a really chic black-and-white marble floor from Great Floors,” explains Laura Ouellette, a designer at Erika Friesen Design who worked alongside Friesen. “So we made that the jumping off point in the great room—which they most often use as their main lounge to relax privately and to entertain guests in.” A 10’ sunken gas fireplace features mirrors to either side, which give the impression of a much bigger room. A chic custom light fixture from Guildwood Lighting highlights the coffered ceiling, reflecting a shimmering, ambient glow echoed in the reflective gold coffee table. Curved couches provide additional intimacy.
In the bar, which is equally glamorous with a glass backsplash that perfectly resembles gold leaf and ultra elegant millwork by Braam’s Custom Cabinets, a True Residential 15” Wine Cabinet, 24” Undercounter Refrigerator, and a 24” Beverage Dispenser Dual Tap offer a variety of entertaining options. Each was outfitted in a high-gloss black acrylic cabinet face complemented with gold hardware. “The client found True Residential—he was completely set on including a Beverage Dispenser in the bar, he even had a specialty beer brewed just for the house,” explains Friesen. “The appliances beautifully and seamlessly integrated into the space which was vital to the overall design. In addition, the interiors of the True units are well finished and beautifully lit.”
On the lower level, the designers and homeowners kept to the luxe theme focusing on a more chrome-heavy palette in favor of gold, including a fully-decked out bar next to the gym. A True Residential Stainless Steel Beverage Center allows for post workout waters and electrolyte-fused drinks. “As designers” says Friesen, “we were thrilled to see how well the appliances can be integrated into custom cabinetry.”