The Rochester Project
In late 2024, we were thrilled to be approached by a family looking to furnish their brand-new home in Rockland Park, northwest Calgary’s first master-planned community in over a decade. Their vision was a space that felt modern and elevated, yet practical enough to withstand the daily demands of life with three young children. Through close collaboration, we curated a cohesive design for their foyer, great room and dining room that struck the perfect balance between elegance and functionality.
In the foyer, we created a sophisticated yet welcoming entryway by pairing a textured, waterfall console table with sculptural, organic décor. An oversized round mirror reflects light beautifully in the space, while brass wall sconces bring warmth and a touch of understated elegance. Beneath a gallery wall of oversized black-and-white family photos, a boucle bench adds both texture and much-needed seating.
In the open-concept main floor, the sleek black porcelain, floor to ceiling fireplace in the great room serves as a dramatic focal point, drawing attention to the soaring ceiling heights and expansive windows. To balance this bold feature, we introduced soft, curved furniture, including a cozy sofa, accent chairs, and a coffee table in warm, textured neutrals. Sheer drapes soften the space further, while textured vertical wall panels on either side of the fireplace add depth and mirror the arched details of the glass doors on the black console tables below. These consoles provide functional storage for art supplies and family board games, keeping the space both stylish and practical. Although we love the stunning herringbone flooring, a dark washable area rug anchors the space and adds a cozy layer for family gatherings.
In the dining room and kitchen, we continued the theme of soft, curved details with velvet counter stools, a dining bench for the kids, and upholstered chairs made with light oak details and a curved back. A contemporary black dining table with arched legs ties the space to the great room, while a trio of mid-century modern black-and-white prints adds visual interest. By pairing bold black finishes with warm neutrals, we created a dining area that can accommodate casual family meals or more formal dinner parties.
Finally, for the primary suite, we designed a tranquil retreat with a more calming color palette that enhances the breathtaking views of the landscape surrounding the Bow River. Soft, muted tones and carefully selected textures and materials create a serene oasis, offering the perfect place for our clients to unwind after a busy day.
It was a pleasure working with this family and we are so happy we could help them move in just in time to celebrate the holidays in their new home!
Client’s family photos are shown due to client approval
Project Considerations: Designing with Young Children in Mind
Washable rugs mean you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality.
Upholstery protection is a smart investment that not only extends the life of your furniture but can also make cleaning up everyday spills easier.
Using a dining bench is a great option for families because they can accommodate multiple children more easily than individual chairs and often come in easy-to-clean materials.
There are many considerations when furnishing your home. At Clark Design Studios, we take the time to get to know you and your lifestyle in order to make the best recommendations that will reflect your style and provide endless functionality. Looking to refresh your home? Book a free consultation below!