apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Photography by Olya S.
Chris and Mike extend our sincere thanks to our new friend Olya who generously volunteered to shoot our home for us. We met Olya through Apartment Therapy so thanks also to AT for bringing this community together. To see more amazing photographs by this talented photographer please visit http://www.olya.org and http://www.flickr.com/photos/olya/.
Olya rocks!

This home has so much personality! Can't really pinpoint the "look" that he's trying to go for, which is what I like best!

Now, on to business.....I've asked this question a gazillion times on this website and this is OFFICIALLY the last time!
ChrisToronto....where did you get that gold mirror that's in between the two chairs?
Its lovely, I need one just like that one and, honestly, I'm a bit obsessed with finding one like it.
Thanks!

Wow, that sure is an ocean of orange shag. I love it! Best of luck to you.

beautiful space and beautiful photos.

We had scotties growing up. They're such great dogs and yours is so handsome, as is your home. Very well done!

This is so many different levels of gorgeous in one place that the amazing colors don't even seem to be the biggest part of it.

This is one of my favorites. I think it looks very luxurious but still fun and comfortable. I think they must have great dinner parties, and I love the use of plants to add a pop of colour.

If I were a house I would have this house's babies. ok that made no sense, but i love this house.

aww! don't believe a word; they generously agreed to let me stalk their house for an evening while running around. it really was a privilege. their place is beyond gorgeous, and it is incredible how much detail and thoughtfulness everywhere you look. note the AWESOME orange lamp and AWESOME map of canada in their office! totally flowers. and don't get me started on the dogs... every photo, save 2, have dogs in them. and not the same thing over and over again.

in case its not obvious, i'm rooting for you guys. i really do think their color is the coolest (and the hottest!).

This home would have been just as beautiful WITHOUT all the animal skins, furs, leather.

I have to say that the way that enormously-scaled cane-type pattern above the fireplace plays with the brick pattern is just a big huge WOW. And the texture of your Scottie dog's fur and that orange shag are so nice together, I just can't even process it.

Complex and beautiful. I could spend days just wandering around admiring every corner if I was there. So much life and personality. Wonderful!

Very nice.

Orange shag? It's wild man.

that jet-black dog is a sweet accessory.

An effortless grown up look that you've kept from being stodgy despite the many traditional elements.

I'd be surprised if Domino didn't come a knockin'.

This house is a finely tuned masterpiece. Every piece works together, and everything has it's story. You guys are amazing!

You guys are absolutely my favourite. You have a refreshingly distinct style and have gone to incredible lengths to make sure all the details of your home sing in harmony! Plus, LOVE that map of Canada!

Absolutely fabulous! Chris and Mike this looks amazing!

Before I saw your living room, I would never have believed I'd like an orange shag rug, but you've sold me. With the traditional furniture, it's so funky and fun! The colors you've used really warm the space, and balance the dark wood. Best of luck!

To me, this is a study in how to successfully mix an eclectic range of colors, patterns, and styles. I really enjoyed hearing you talk about your pieces, and the design details. Since I am often mystified about why certain design elements do or do not work together, explanations really help! I know I'm way off topic from color, but the love and pride that you've put into your home really shows!

See we don't live in igloos!

Olya--you did a fantastic job.

I really enjoyed your commentary on the video, Chris. It's unfortunate the quality of the picture was so poor.

I appreciate, too, your naming all your colours! Every entrant who makes it to this stage ought to be required to name off the paint colours.

You two have impeccable taste, discerning eyes and wonderful scavenging skills. It's a pleasure, a real delight to "visit" your place-- thanks!

I vote for this place! I love the layers of texture and color and line--even that twisty plant over the sofa seems perfectly placed, to me. But at the same time it feels like the reflection of personal history and taste, rather than over-curated. Sometimes the color contest seems to inspire questions about what qualifies as color, but here I think we get the best of both arguments. I wish I had the knack of using color both as boldly (orange rug) and subtly (dining room) as ChrisToronto does. (After lurking lo these many months, this inspired me to register)

I want to live in this place so bad! Perfect. I'm really impressed with the use of orange as an accent in a room that at first glance looks somewhat traditional. Orange always seems to be used with a mid-century or mod look, but I think it's fab with cozy, older surroundings as well.

Plus, I'm always a sucker for a dog on a shag rug.

SweetPea, sorry to disappoint you but the gold "mirror" is really just a Chinese transom screen I found in a junk shop. We always intended to put glass into it but never got around to it. I recommend you check chinese decor/antique shops, find a screen you like then slap some mirrored glass behind it. Good luck and thanks for the positive feeback. Thanks EVERYONE!

I don't envy the judges. This is one of 3 that deserve top honors.

Chris and Mike, you deserve all the praise you're getting! I'm absolutely rooting for you, though I may eventually have to hatch a plan to murder you in order to steal your Raymond Loewy dresser. :)

finally had time at home after work to watch the video - Chris, AWESOME commentary! lovely guide to your home!

ChrisToronto for #1!