Ep 5. Contemporary Cultural Design

Candice Tells All is a home renovation and design show hosted by the talented Candice Olson. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Contemporary Cultural Design," Candice takes on a unique challenge of blending traditional and contemporary elements to create a modern but culturally rich living space.

The episode begins with Candice meeting with her clients, a family that has recently moved to Toronto from India. They are looking for a space that feels modern and clean but also incorporates their cultural roots. Candice immediately takes note of the traditional Indian sculptures and fabrics they have brought with them and sets out to create a design that will integrate these elements in a unique and cohesive way.

Next, Candice takes us on a tour of the space, a spacious living room with high ceilings and large windows. She notes that the room has great bones and plenty of natural light, which she plans to utilize in her design. She starts by removing any clutter and outdated furniture, then sets out to create a modern and minimalistic design that will serve as the perfect backdrop for the traditional Indian pieces.

One of the main challenges Candice faces in this episode is incorporating the traditional Indian sculptures into the design without making them feel out of place. She accomplishes this by playing with scale and texture, utilizing large sculptures as statement pieces and smaller figurines as accents throughout the room. She also incorporates colorful Indian fabrics into the design, using throw pillows and curtains to add pops of color throughout the space.

Another important element in this episode is the use of lighting. Candice recognizes that the large windows in the space create a beautiful backdrop, but that they also let in a lot of direct sunlight that can be harsh at certain times of the day. To combat this, she installs translucent shades that allow for diffused light and she also adds a beautiful modern chandelier as a focal point in the room.

Candice also spends a lot of time in this episode discussing how to mix and match textures to create a cohesive design. She uses materials like leather, stainless steel, and glass to add a contemporary touch to the space, and then pairs these with softer textures like wool and velvet to create a balance. She also pays special attention to the flooring, choosing a warm wood that complements the traditional Indian pieces and keeps the space feeling cozy.

Throughout the episode, Candice is constantly innovating and adapting to unusual requests. At one point, her clients ask her to create a space where their two young children can play and learn while still maintaining the design aesthetic of the rest of the room. Candice rises to the challenge by creating a separate kids' area that features a custom-designed light fixture and colorful bean bag chairs.

In the final moments of the episode, Candice leads her clients into the finished living room for the big reveal. The space is breathtaking, featuring a blend of contemporary and traditional elements that seamlessly coexist. The Indian sculptures and fabrics are integrated in a way that feels modern and fresh, but still honors the family's cultural roots. The new design is a perfect blend of styles that Candice calls "contemporary cultural design."

Overall, Candice Tells All season 1 episode 5 is a fascinating look at how a talented designer can blend seemingly opposing styles to create a cohesive and stunning living space. This episode is a great example of why Candice Olson is considered one of the best in her field, and it's a must-watch for anyone interested in home renovation and design.