Designer Louis Duncan-He’s Favourite Room

When designer Louis Duncan-He and his husband moved into their three-storey, four-bedroom Calgary home two years ago, one of his missions was to create a space that was “as physically serene and calming as it could be.” Duncan-He, who was recently named in House & Home’s 2023 list of top Canadian designers, shares how he made that mission a reality.

By Laura Bickle | 2 minute read

Jan 5

“I believe the living room is the soul of the home. It’s where people do the most “living.”

– Louis Duncan-He

What is your favourite room?

Our living room. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home — which is true — But I believe the living room is the soul of the home. It’s where people do the most “living.” It’s where I recharge every day.

What was the inspiration behind creating this room?

My husband and I both have demanding jobs, so we wanted to walk into the room and melt away any stress. We took cues from natural and organic tones and referenced a lot of spa-like inspiration. In addition, due to some of the existing design elements in the house (we have antiqued mosaic marble tile with brass detailing in the kitchen), we wanted to make sure there was flow, so there is a slight Parisian influence as well. I call it West Coast-Parisian.

Dunan-He placed an oversized sectional against the entire length of the main wall and hung ceiling-mounted white sheer to achieve balance in what was visually an asymmetrical space.

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What are the challenges in creating this room?

One of the biggest challenges was the layout: the main wall was visually asymmetrical in its balance. With large wrap-around windows along one side, a column down the middle and a corner of empty white walls, it was sort of an awkward main wall. We ended up doing a custom oversized sectional that spans the entire length of the wall, and then added individual seating with a custom armchair and graphic poufs to add more of an accessible feeling.

To balance out the main wall, I did ceiling-mounted white sheer drapes in a ripple fold that wrapped around the window to continue the natural sightlines, and then added a Parisian inspired panel treatment to the opposite walls. This was a great way to add balance to the room without adding visual clutter.

Ceiling-mounted white sheer drapes and Parisian-inspired panel treatments infuse the room with elegance, while a custom moss installation adds a natural element.

What are your favourite features of the room?

I love the panelling, as it adds elegance. I also designed a custom moss installation to create a visual anchor, and also bring in more of that spa-like, natural feeling. I love using preserved moss in indoor spaces as it’s very low upkeep and adds so much lushness and interest.

How does this room make you feel?

The room is a haven for my husband and me. You can often find me lounging around in my bathrobe on weekends (and weeknights). I feel very much at peace and comfortable. We wanted the space to feel accessible but also polished.

Describe a favourite moment in this room.

[When the room is] filled with family and friends, glass of wine in hand, fireplace on with twinkly lights shimmering through the white sheers, great conversation, great food, and always amazing music.