Interior Stylist shares her top picks from the Aly Velji collection
The latest Urban Barn collaboration with Canadian designer Aly Velji hit stores last month, introducing a whole new flavour of modern home décor to its portfolio. After initially previewing the new Wanderlust Collection online, I was excited to see the pieces firsthand so I paid a visit to my local Urban Barn last week.
What immediately struck me was the unique shapes and textures in the collection, not to mention the liberal use of luxury materials such as marble and leather. Aly Velji is well known for incorporating a range of influences into his designs, including traditional, global and modern, a blend beautifully reflected in this latest collaboration.
Designer Tip: Combining different “styles” is a great way to give your home depth and personality. In my home I have a mix of mid-century-modern and traditional styles.
While difficult to play favourites, I wanted to share the pieces that really caught my eye and then speak to how I’d incorporate them into a living room.
First up, let’s talk about the Aly Velji furniture line!
Armchair
This armchair was the first piece that caught my attention, boasting a unique shape and soft bouclé upholstery. When I saw this chair in person, I couldn’t wait to test it out, and it did not disappoint! The barrel-shaped chair is comfortable and provides solid support. As an Interior Stylist, I love incorporating this type of “statement chair” into my layouts. I am always looking for interesting details on the backside that help make the chair look great from every angle. This is especially important in open concept spaces where the back of a chair is highly visible - much like my own formal living/dining room.
Designer Tip: Where possible, float your furniture in the middle of the room to create a cozy atmosphere and help define the space.
Leather Ottoman
This ottoman was another piece I was immediately drawn to. Attractive wood detailing on the base complimented by a strong leather cushion on top make this ottoman a real showstopper. I was surprised when I saw the price tag because I would have expected it to cost more. The scale of this bench makes it usable at the end of a bed or in place of a coffee table, which is how I would love to see it used!
Designer Tip: If you enjoy putting your feet up for all those late-night Netflix marathons, why not use an ottoman as a coffee table to enhance your comfort level? We have the Archibald round leather ottoman as a coffee table in our family room and we love it! I have a tray placed in the middle to provide a surface to rest drinks and snacks.
Metal Stool
Next on my list of favourites is this metal stool. I love using aged brass as a metallic accent in a space. I could picture two of these stools side by side in my formal living room to add additional seating and visual interest.
Designer Tip: : I often recommend picking one finish and then repeating it in a room. These stools would pair nicely with this mirror and these candle holders.
Marble Tri-base Accent Table
Marble is a classic material that immediately elevates a space and gives it a high-end look and feel. These tables have an interesting base and stand out individually but look amazing paired together as “nesting” tables.
Designer Tip: Nesting tables look visually pleasing at the end of a sofa, but are also functional because you can separate them and move them around to provide an extra surface for resting drinks when entertaining.
Now, on to the Aly Velji home décor!
The Wanderlust Collection also includes some designer approved home décor, let me share my top three favourites!
Rug
When I saw this rug online, it piqued my interest because I am always drawn to this style. I was a little unsure about the colour…until I saw it in person. The main color of the rug is my favourite shade of terracotta, paired with green and cream. I fell in love with it and am scheming where I could introduce it in my home. This rug comes in three different standard sizes, and would be a showstopper in a living room or bedroom.
Designer Tip: Always use the largest size rug you can fit into a room. At the very least, you want the front legs of the sofa and chair legs on the rug.
Toss Pillow
If you like the colourway and pattern of the rug mentioned above, but don’t want to commit to it on a large scale, this toss cushion is a great way to inject some global style into your living room or bedroom.
Designer Tip: Toss cushions are essential when styling a sofa, strive for 3 of them in an asymmetrical placement - 2 on one end and 1 on the other. A foolproof combination is an organic pattern (like the Aly Velji Cinnamon one!) + a geometric print + a solid , preferably in differing sizes.
Aluminum Urns
This set of urns would be the perfect way to fill in a blank corner of a room or on display at the front door. Greenery injects life and colour into every room, and I could picture these urns with a cascading plant such as a fern or some eucalyptus stems.
Designer Tip: There are some amazing faux greenery options available if you don’t have a green thumb. Incorporating a vase with faux florals like these ones on a table or a faux potted plant tucked into a blank corner adds instant style and life to your home.
