In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Cynthia Ferguson takes a maximalist approach to interiors. The Toronto-based designer mixes time-honored motifs with unexpected colors to infuse her spaces with warmth and character. “I especially love the tension between the traditional forms and more modern, whimsical elements,” she tells Business of Home. “It creates a sense of history while still feeling joyful and current.”
For this flat lay, she juxtaposed an array of antique furnishings with bold textiles and playful shapes, including a 19th century armoire and a freeform fuchsia-tinted glass vase. “I was drawn to pieces that felt collected over time,” explains Ferguson. “Then I pushed them in a fresher direction.”
Natural materials like wood and wicker anchor the design in earthy textures, while pops of pink and green lend it plenty of personality. “I wanted it to feel like a space that has truly evolved over time: layered, personal, and a little quirky,” she says.
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from a centuries-old fretwork mirror to toggle switches finished in unlacquered brass.
1. ANTIQUE ARMOIRE FROM LAND & ROSS
“This beautiful late-19th-century Canadian armoire from Land & Ross is a timeless example of exceptional craftsmanship and enduring design.”
2. LUCILLE LAMP IN CERULEAN BY PORTA ROMANA
“Lighting should be beautiful whether it’s switched on or off.”
3. RAFFIA PALM WALLCOVERING IN EMERALD GREEN BY THIBAUT
“This grasscloth is proof that bold color can be sophisticated and timeless.”
4. GEORGE II WALNUT FRETWORK MIRROR AT ROSEBERYS LONDON
“Antique mirrors bring instant soul to a space, and the hand-carved fretwork and walnut patina on this one is unforgettable.”
5. COBE SEMI-FLUSH MOUNT IN FOUND BRASS AND ALABASTER WHITE SHADE BY THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO.
“The Cobe’s clean, modern silhouette allows it to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.”
6. BARWICK PLAIN CABINET PULL HANDLE WITH BACKPLATE IN POLISHED BRASS UNLACQUERED BY ARMAC MARTIN
“This pull has a reassuring weight and substance that speaks immediately to its quality. It’s an elegant finishing touch that will become richer with age.”
7. MILLER TUFTED CHAIR BY HIGHLAND HOUSE WITH FLEUR DE JARDIN FABRIC IN FRAMBOISE BY ROSE CUMMING
“With its tailored tufting, refined proportions and deep wood finish, this chair offers a fresh interpretation of a classic form. The fabric also strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic and modern.”
8. HANDWOVEN YELLOW WOOL KILIM RUG BY KAINAT RUGS DESIGN AT ETSY
“This Scandinavian-inspired rug introduces color and character without overwhelming the room.”
9. TOGGLE SWITCHES IN UNLACQUERED BRASS BY FORBES & LOMAX
“Forbes & Lomax switches prove that even the most functional details can be beautifully considered. This unlacquered brass finish develops a rich patina over time, bringing warmth, character, and a quiet sense of luxury that only improves with age.”
10. FAVORITA VASE IN GOLD RUBY BY WILLIAM YEOWARD
“William Yeoward’s masterful use of color brings a quiet sophistication to an interior.”
11. FRENCH COUNTRY LOG BASKET BY MEMOIRE DESIGN
“Whether filled with firewood or folded throws, French woven baskets bring an unmistakable old-world charm and a layer of texture that instantly makes a space feel lived in and loved.”
12. CARNIVAL EMBROIDERED CUSHION IN GREEN EDITION 33 BY CHRISTOPHER FARR CLOTH
“Rich in texture and craftsmanship, this is one of those rare pieces that instantly becomes a room’s most memorable detail.”
13. NEWNHAM ÉTAGÈRE BY VAUGHAN
“Every room benefits from a place to display the objects that tell its story, and this étagère does so with effortless elegance.”
14. JOY #15 BY AMY STEWART
“I chose this painting by Canadian artist Amy Stewart because of its expressive use of color, generous scale and approachable abstraction. It makes an immediate visual impact while remaining warm and inviting.”
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