Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail
When her husband was transferred to Calgary for work in 2011, Kimberly Bogner packed up their Vancouver home and went along for the ride, leaving behind her position as executive director of a non-profit. It didn't take her long to find a new job – or a new home. Today, she works as the marketing director of Calgary's CORE Shopping Centre and uses her new retail contacts to inspire her in decorating the semi that she and her husband, Norm, own in the city's Winston Heights neighbourhood. Some of the mall's fashion finds sit in her open-concept living room, where she likes to host friends and clients. "It's all about the style," she says of her favourite space. "My husband and I think it was made for entertaining."
The sofa
"It's white leather. I got it at a local furniture shop in Calgary, Nordesign. I like that it is modern and simple. The room has a lot of natural light and the white reflects it, brightening the room even more."
The painting
"We bought this piece right when we moved in. It's from a local gallery. We like to support local artists. We were looking for a bright piece that would be big enough to cover the wall. The rest of the room is done in neutrals and this provides a vibrant contrast."
The Buddhas
"I got the idea for coloured Buddhas from a magazine. I found these at Urban Barn, and got them in colours that matched the decor. I love them."
The books
"Because I am in the fashion industry, I often get fashion books as gifts from clients. Most are personalized for me, and I like that. These are some of my favourites and among them are books on watches, which my husband likes, one on Chanel and another on Tom Ford. All have come with handwritten notes addressed to me, so they are more than just a pile of books. They are objects with deep meaning to me."
The coffee table
"Norm's grandfather made this table more than 40 years ago. It was in our previous home in Vancouver and we brought it with us when we moved. It was blond wood before and we refinished it, making it darker to compliment the dark wood tones in our adjacent kitchen. It fits the space perfectly. It's our most cherished piece. It's got a lot of sentimental value."