A Luxury Lounge Scape
Internationally acclaimed designer Lori Morris gives dramatic and opulent Old World style a modern twist to create a sumptuous lounge area in a private residence.
By Susan Kelly | Photography by Edward James
The homeowner had a vision for revamping the lower level in his upscale waterfront mansion in southwestern Ontario: Make it a chic and modern take on a classic British private club. To realize it, he turned to one of the world’s most sought-after designers of haute luxe homes, Lori Morris. “He saw kind of an elevated man cave, though more inclusive and meant for entertaining,” she says. “And since he has luxurious, stunning and refined taste, with a love for beautiful things and art, especially Italian movements, the bar was set high.”
Challenge met and expectations exceeded. For the result is a boldly sensual and sophisticated space with the inimitable Lori Morris flair. For over 38 years, the daring diva and the design firm she heads, Lori Morris Design (LMD), have created award-winning spaces that resonate with individuality and opulence, each a testament to her unparalleled creativity.
Infusing classic elegance with bold innovation is something of a specialty. “With this project, I wanted to create a world of surprise with plenty of LMD magic,” she says. Before entering the lounge area, guests are greeted by a dramatic crystal chandelier, a waterfall of light-reflecting prisms cascading down three storeys. Morris decided that the grand staircase that curls around it had to have equal impact. So she grounded the design in pure sophistication by laying a magnificent custom-designed floor, an intricate fantasy of swirling arabesques rendered in shades of blue, white and gray Italian marble.
“It really is a magnificent space with a special charm. The entire space resonates with strength, elegance and a sense of celebration, and beautifully represents LMD’s design expertise.”
Most strikingly, the staircase’s curved walls are covered with exquisite wallpaper embossed to resemble crocodile skin, in deep lapis lazuli blue, whose textured, high-gloss finish is a fresh and modern interpretation of the classic pattern. A navy blue geometric-embossed silk-and-wool carpet runner underfoot combines to inject glamour and drama, while adding to the sense of elegance and anticipation.
A hallmark of LMD style is a fashionably fearless colour palette, most often containing rich jewel tones. For this project, the “no rules” designer deftly combined variations of deep blue to form an enticing backdrop. Psychologists say the hue is about both tranquility and authority, leading to positive feelings. It is also favoured by both the client and designer. “There's really no colour that's off limits,” Morris says. “But when a client likes blue as much as I do, it's always exciting for me.”
Entering the lounge feels like a natural progression, as its curved walls are also finished in blue crocodile wallpaper. Two curvaceous lapis lazuli velvet upholstered sofas face each other and frame a view of an arched and mirrored door. Striking fluted brass coffee tables provide both function and refined sheen, reflecting light and creating visual movement throughout the lounge. Shades of rust, gold and teal are introduced through throw pillows and chairs covered with fabric bearing motifs from Italian Baroque paintings. They help set the artistic mood, while evoking a sense of a classic but modern gentleman’s lounge.
The bar area sits off to the left. “It was important for the owner to have space to entertain in a big way,” Morris explains. “So I divided the space into three distinct and stylish zones.” The bar area is beautifully illuminated by azure Murano glass pendant lights, while high overhead sparkles an exuberant and whimsical crystal-and-gold chandelier, part Rococo excess, part modern Sputnik, all original. The blue lacquered bar, complete with brass-framed shelves and antique mirrored back, features elegant cerulean marble counters and graceful brass bar stools.
To the right, the games area offers bar-height lacquer tables and stools. As well, velvet benches are set in niches defined with rust-coloured walls. Not only is orange a trending shade for 2025, but being opposite blue on the colour wheel, it adds impact. With her artist’s eye, Morris is known for combining Old-World opulence with a love of modern art. Throughout this gentleman’s lounge, works were chosen that reflect that approach and add a playful, even cheeky, touch. In the games area, a Mona Lisa-inspired artwork is flanked by two contemporary resin wall sculptures that reference dart boards, all overlooking a sapphire velvet-topped pool table.
The extraordinary home theatre section is dominated by an imposing sectional sofa with seating for up to 50 guests, upholstered in deep teal velvet with taupe sherpa-textured back cushions. Complementing it are lush, sound-absorbing navy-blue velvet drapes and chic leopard-patterned carpet, atop which sit cobalt lacquered drinks tables. A marble fireplace with brass strapping injects a sense of presence, while an abundance of throw pillows of varying colours and textures adds comfort and flair.
In this gentleman’s lounge, the multi-faceted magic of Lori Morris Design shines through. Myriad details, one upon the other, conspire to create an overall curated cohesion that is both bold and inviting. Its distinctive palette, dramatic lighting and luxurious materials come together to create an atmosphere of sophisticated leisure, where every element is meticulously chosen to reflect the owner’s elevated sense of style, vibrant personality and love of entertaining.
“It really is a magnificent space with a special charm,” Morris says. “The entire space resonates with strength, elegance and a sense of celebration, and beautifully represents LMD’s design expertise.”