PRECISELY RIGHT

Toronto designer Jessica Kelly serves this homeowner a dose of modern garnished with lighthearted colour and texture.

Preparing for a kitchen renovation is definitely a time to dream - to think of how that brand new stainless steel range, show - stopping backsplash or even extra counter space will make life just that much better. But for a Bay Street financier, its also a time for prudence. When Christopher Craib, the chief financial officer of a securities firm in Toronto, decided it was time to overhaul Lhe builder - boring kitchen in his 10 - year - old west - end condo, his plan involved more than just updating the look.

"I had to consider I was renovating in a condo and wanted to spend my money wisely," says Christopher, who has been living in his 1,600 - square - foot condo for eight years. "You have to be careful not to overspend for your building if you want to get your money back in the future, so I was mindful of those constraints." For Christopher, cautious spending meant keeping the reno simple, mixing high and low elements and creating a modern look that lasts. So he enlisted Toronto designer Jessica Kelly to make sure he got it all right the first time.

IN THE LOOP

Minimalists might prefer straight lines but squiggles speak volumes. Here are three spaces that love a good twist

1 METAL MAGIC

Designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana, the Cafe de IHorloge in the redesigned Musee dOrsay in Paris features dreamily deconstructed and exaggerated elements of their furnishings for Italian manufacturer Edra. The Brasilia lines mirrored meth - acrylate landscapes have been expanded into huge partitions that diffuse an aquarium blue light; and, perhaps most ethereal, the Edra Corallo chairs steel weave has been unleashed in the form of orange metal screens. The trippy aesthetic was inspired by Jules Vernes 2,000 Leagues Under the Sea. By Caia Hagel

2 WOOD WHIRLS

Bruno Moinard has transformed Veuve Clicquots 1840 family estate in Reims, France, into the opulent Hotel du Marc. And he has done so with the help of Pablo Reinoso, known for his poetic use of wood. Reinosos Cadre de Vie is an adaptation of his spaghetti bench; it consists of a bench and a door frame connected by pieces of wood carved and glued into a mess of tendrils. It appears right at home alongside Mathieu Lehanneurs Once Upon a Dream sleep capsules and the Campana Brothers garden gloriette. One must be privileged, however, to be in the presence of these masterpieces: guests stay at Le Marc by invitation only. By Diane Chan

GEOMETRY RULES

Saskatoon style heats up when an outdated interior gets whipped into shape and achieves a stately hotel - chic look that doesnt shy away from glamour.

After years of living in lofts and condos, Curtis Elmy and Trevor Ciona were intent on owning a fully detached home. Eight months into their search, though, the couple realized that it would be a lot easier said than done. The Saskatoon real estate market was booming at the time and finding a home at all, not to mention one they liked, was a real challenge. "When we eventually found this house," recalls Curtis, "it had the most bland and boring interior youve ever seen!" But the home had huge windows overlooking the Saskatchewan River, and the couple was sold. "You can redesign a house," says Trevor with a laugh, "but you cant create a view as gorgeous as this."

ALL THEY COULD WISH FOR - AND MUCH MORE BESIDES. Doing up a house is my idea of heaven." says Lara Cross, and looking around the stylish home shes created in southwest London, it is clear that Lara has adivine decorating touch. When she and her husband Tim first came to see the Victorian villa, its interior was a riot of colour, with red walls clashing with green carpets, while pink dado rails stood in stark contrast to a blue backdrop. However, the house had been extended and the garden was generous for a property in the capital both big plus points for the couple. The proportions were so much grander than our previous home, says Lara. Here, our children Yasmin.

CALM WATERS

BIG EASY