Embark August & September 2014

THE STYLISH LIVING MAGAZINE

ALISON VICTORIA WE HAVE THE INSIDE LOOK WITH

WE SPLASH THE HOTTEST PAINT COLORS ON YOUR WALLS

CASA & COMPANY SHARES HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR OFFICE SPACE

SECTION FOLIO AUG/SEPT 2014

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table of contents 7 ROSE SQUARE: THE BROMPTONS

16 PAINT TREND REPORT 18 NEOLITH BY THE SIZE

20 HOW TO CREATE A CHIC AND FUNCTIONAL MUDROOM 22 UPCYCLING 24 CASA & COMPANY: CREATE AN OFFICE ORGANIZATION SYSTEM 28 AVOIDING THE TUNNEL EFFECT 32 HYBRID FUNCTIONS 38 THE INSIDE LOOK WITH ALISON VICTORA 46 SAME CLOSET MORE SPACE 50 SPLASH THE HOTTEST PAINT COLORS ONTO YOUR WALLS 58 FOOD: CRISPY LENTIL FRITTERS 60 FOOD: FRENCH LENTIL SOUFFLÉ WITH STAR ANISE

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EXPERIENCE MODERN FIRE | ROBATA 72 LINEAR EMBARK WITH US

Discover our collection of outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and tiles at:

paloform.com

888.823.8883 | info@paloform.com embark | THE STYLISH LIVING MAGAZINE | 3

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table of contents 62 LAWRENCE PARK

70 DÉCOR: ACCESSORIES

72 A SMALL INDUSTRIAL SPACE 78 TRAVEL WITH NANCY LAZARUS 80 DÉCOR: LIGHTING 82 ROOMS THAT MULTI-TASK 86 DÉCOR: FURNITURE 88 DÉCOR: BATHROOM 90 FINDING A PERFECT RUG 94 ENCINO HILLS 100 DÉCOR: KITCHEN 102 KRUPS COFFEE BREAK 110 EMBARK ON ART WITH PAULA ARCINIEGA 116 MIXOLOGY: CAESAR DRINKS

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AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2014

MANAGING EDITOR: RAVNEET TAKHAR CREATIVE DIRECTOR: CARMINE NAPOLITANO CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS: ROSELIND WILSON DESIGN MARIO RAMIREZ JANE LOCKHART INTERIOR DESIGN LISA REIS SABRINA SOTO ELENA MORGAN ALISON VAN DELDEN SANDRA NASH ALANA FIRESTONE NEAT METHOD SOUTH PARK DESIGN BUILD CHEF MICHAEL SMITH GLEN PELOSO JAMIE ALEXANDER NANCY LAZARUS TONI SABATINO JOSEPH PUBILLONES ECOCENTRIX LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE KRUPS PAULA ARCINIEGA CLINT PATTEMORE CHEFS CONNIE DESOUSA JOHN JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHERS: RICHARD WAITE BRANDON BARRÉ JENNIFER AVELLO MICHELLE DREWES LARRY ARNAL RIKKI SNYDER JOHN FELDMAN DAVID SCOTT RYAN SZULC If you would like to contribute to future issues, please contact embark@seekrmedia.com For advertising opportunity, please contact mail@rseekrmedia.com Copyright 2014 Embark Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or re-creation of Embark Magazine in whole or in part in any form or media, without prior permission is strictly prohibited and in violation of copyright.

Copyright of the articles, visuals and other material presented in Embark Magazine resides with Embark Magazine or the individual/organization credited.

For any dispute in copyright, or for reprint inquiries please contact: mail@seekrmedia.com.

Embark Magazine and distinctive logo and trademarks are owned by Seekr Media.

a letter from the editors Embark with us. It’s our slogan, our motto, our

mission statement. Each issue we go on a journey, exploring different content and different ways to

bring home decor inspiration, and home living to

you in a slightly different way. This issue introduces a new travel piece with Nancy Lazarus, which we hope you all enjoy as much as we did.

We were lucky enough to get Alison Victoria to let us in her home and a peak into her life. Her

beauty is matched by her kindness, and her talent is unquestionable. She is a strong business woman, a television personality, and a great designer.

We are also fortunate enough to have our favorite

coffee making brand KRUPS allow us to debut their new “Barist Ambassador”

As always, we also have many talented, wonderful and very supportive designers we encourage

you all to check out. We love working with all of

you, and we thank everyone for their support and patience working with us. It’s only going to get better from here.

Sincerely at your service, — Matt & Kristie Co-Editor-in-Chief’s

on the cover

EDITOR IN CHIEF: KRISTIE STOODLEY & MATT ZANZOTTO

DRESS/HERVE LEGER, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CHICAGO, SHOES/CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, BRACELET/VAN CLEEF & ARPELS TEAM CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNIFER AVELLO ART DIRECTOR: BRANDON R DWYER HAIR: MORGAN LEEK STYLIST: MEL MUOIO

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ROSE SQUARE THE BROMPTONS

BY ROSELIND WILSON DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RICHARD WAITE

From a village on the outskirts of the city, Chelsea has developed into one of the most desirable residential areas in London. With excellent schools, cultural

attractions, shopping and easy transport links, it is a

perfect place to set up a family home. This is exactly

what Roselind Wilson Design’s client decided to do in

the picturesque setting of Rose Square on Fulham Road.

Rose Square, commonly called The Bromptons, is a

redevelopment of the original 1844 Brompton hospital, built on three acres of land that was formally a market

garden. Rose Square is surrounded by prime residential properties with white stucco facades overlooking the charming garden squares. The land was originally

leased from the Henry Smith Charity, which insisted that the hospital should be set well back from the

boundary. As a result, the apartments are surrounded by gardens with informal walkways linking a succession of

courtyards and secret corners, screened by hedges and lofty plane trees, some of which are over 140 years old.

The site was redeveloped in 1997 by Northacre to

create an exclusive gated development. It not only

retained many of its original architectural attributes, but also gave residents the benefits of a modern home,

including 24 hour concierge and security services, the

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EMBARK WITH US use of a superb swimming pool gym,

and comprises of three bedrooms and

communal gardens.

room and sitting/dining room leading

board room and extensive landscaped

Roselind Wilson was called upon to refurbish a three-bedroom duplex

apartment on the second and third floor of The Bromptons. On the initial walk-

through of the space, Roselind was struck by the beautiful building and stunning details of the interior and exterior

architecture. The 2,209 square foot

apartment is arranged over two floors

three bathrooms, with a formal drawing into the kitchen.

“The brief was to transform the existing apartment into a secondary residence for the client,” explains Roselind. “It

needed to be up to date in terms of technology whilst clearly reflecting

the personality of the client to ensure a space that felt unequivocally like a home away from home.”

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EMBARK WITH US Before beginning the design process, the entire property was

gutted to allow for a full

refurbishment to include

the spatial layout and every finish. First and foremost, planning permission was required to enlarge the

door heights at the lower

level to be, in keeping with

the scale and proportion of the rooms. The structural

layout was analysed against the client’s requirements.

The main issue to overcome was the limited storage

within the apartment. To

resolve this, a cloakroom was created under the

stairs, which benefitted from its own window, allowing

a light filled storage area.

A custom joinery was

designed to accommodate shoe storage, coat storage as well as the area for

cleaning and household

products and appliances.

An audio visual storage

area was created alongside this room for the AV rack as well as additional storage space.

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The kitchen allowed for up to date Gaggenau

and insinkerator for ease of use in the kitchen. The

machine and wine cooler. The latest 400 series was

tall units in a grained timber and wall units in gloss

appliances in the form of an oven, microwave, coffee installed in an aluminium finish for a slick look. The latest induction technology from Gaggenau was

incorporated into the design and all the latest features like a Quooker instant hot water tap, water filter

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appliances were set against a custom made base and lacquer. This was all brought together by the muted quartz composite worktop and Palisandro Nuvolato marble splashback, emanating an understated glimmer that is reflective of the design itself.

EMBARK WITH US The sitting/dining room was carefully designed

local AV equipment. All furnishings within the space

as sufficient seating, allowing the client to sit and

manufactured in stunning Madrona burr and grey ash

to allow for a six to eight seat dining table as well watch television comfortably from custom armchairs.

Footstools were designed to sit perfectly under the leather-clad ottoman, allowing them to be pulled out for further comfort while watching TV. A tall

tapering TV unit allowed for a flush mounted TV on an articulating bracket as well as storage for the

were designed by Roselind Wilson Design and

timbers with bronze metal detailing. A tiered, smoked glass chandelier adorns the dining table with the

room being brought together by soft grey ash floors and muted teal walls. Tall panelled light ash doors with traditional door furniture in polished chrome sets the tone for the detailing of the space.

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EMBARK WITH US The master bedroom has

been layered with soft blue

silk walls and a silver faux silk carpet for ultimate luxury.

The shaped headboard

in aubergine silk creates a

contrast to the 600-thread count crisp linen for the

beds, all layered in the satin patterned bedspread and

charcoal checked throws. All furniture has been custom

designed in bird’s eye maple with fabric-clad drawers.

The walls are adorned by

artwork with silk mounts and champagne hand painted frames to create a

luxurious sanctuary.

The master ensuite is the

epitome of chic, with marble floors and a custom marble wall feature by Ann Sacks.

The vanity is a sleek pistachio green gloss lacquer unit with inbuilt laundry bag,

cosmetic drawers and brass custom made handles. The strong charcoal veining

in the marble vanity and

basins with brass taps and a bevelled mirror cabinet

with pivot doors edged in

brass offsets the green. The ensuite houses a relaxation

area where multi-changing, coloured fibre optics are

embedded in the ceiling

to view when relaxing on

the lounger upholstered in shades of pistachio waxed linen.

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EMBARK WITH US The drawing room was

and oyster. Adding a

of grandeur and luxury.

patterned rug, this truly

approached with a sense This was to be the formal

entertaining area as well as

the space in which the client could retreat to escape as the crystal clear sound of

the music emitted from the speakers. The acoustics

and sound specification in

this room were elevated to allow for an unimaginable listening experience. Top end B&W floor mounted

speakers are positioned on either side of the fireplace to balance the sound in addition to the ceiling

speakers. All furniture and

soft furnishings are custom made and designed by

Roselind Wilson Design in a palette of blues and golds to accentuate the sense of

luxury. The silk and mohair

patterned hand knotted rug forms the foundation of the room, surrounded by blue/ grey walls, in turn adorned with elaborately framed commissioned oils.

The landing to the upper

floor has been laid with a quirky hexagonal carpet in black and white and

then offset by a Louis XVI armchair upholstered

in soft volga linen and accessorised with a

striking contrast to the

represents the charming yet relaxed character of the client.

The third bedroom or study needed to accommodate

the client’s grandchildren,

as well as be a functioning workroom. With a

palette of teal and taupe,

Roselind designed custom

wardrobes in bleached ash with textured fabric door

panels and bronze handles.

The carpet is a woven

leather effect finish in a

warm grey for a unique and durable surface. Single bed sofa beds were designed for opposite ends of the room and can be easily transformed into beds

or armchairs with large bolsters and cushions.

No detail was spared in

the design of this luxurious yet comfortable family

home. Roselind Wilson

Design lovingly sourced the crockery and accessories,

bed linens and bath towels to ensure that the client

would not need to think

about doing anything but just focus on sitting back,

relaxing and enjoying their wonderful new home.

patterned fabric in cream

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PAINT TREND REPORT INCORPORATE THE ESSENCE OF FALL INTO A ROOM’S AESTHETIC WITH SHERWIN-WILLIAMS LATEST COLOR SELECTIONS 16

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RELIC BRONZE Create a cozy,

romantic bedroom

CRUSHED ICE

CEREMONIAL GOLD

BLUE PEACOCK

laundry or living room

harvest, golds work well

masculine, deep blue-

white softened by a

highlighted on the inside

strong black.

pop of color.

Create a statement

retreat with gold

by pairing a crisp, clean

with whites, grays

touch of gray with a

hues when layered and purples.

Reminiscent of a wheat

Mysterious and

as an accent wall or

green hues work well in a

of a white bookcase for a

with a complementary

home office when paired warm gray.

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NEOLITH

BY THE

SIZE

BY MARIO RAMIREZ

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When it comes to selecting surfacing material for

your home, the options

can seem endless. While many professionals

and homeowners turn instinctually to high-

maintenance materials such as granite, marble or wood,

new, non-traditional materials can bring a luxury and

modernity to home design

unlike anything seen before.

Looking for a seamless mix of durability and classic beauty?

Look no further than Neolith.

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Sleek and strong, Neolith is a pioneer in the surfacing

Fourteen of Neolith’s colors are full-body, which is helpful

of the latest research and development processes in

with no stylistic need for mitering. Neolith also comes in

category called sintered compact surfaces. The outcome the industry, Neolith is formed using a process called

sinterization—a high-pressure, high-temperature kilning

technique—which results in a durable material perfect for

kitchen and bathroom countertops, sinks, flooring, outdoor living spaces, interior wall cladding applications and

exterior facades. Sinterization makes the material dense, giving the product a near-zero porosity that is hygienic, stain resistant, easy to clean and impervious to harsh

chemicals. Also wear, scratch, heat resistant, fade-proof

and lightweight, Neolith is a great, easy-to-install option

for professionals and homeowners looking for an edge in indoor and outdoor home design.

Neolith’s competitive edge in design is rooted in

versatility. Available in a variety of thicknesses and size formats, as well as full-body and digitally enhanced

designs, design-savvy professionals and homeowners

have the freedom to execute their vision. Available in 34 colors across six pattern collections, Neolith’s rich colors range from full-body greens, blues and greys to multi-

for design professionals looking for thin countertops

20 shades enhanced with Neolith Digital Design (NDD)

printing. NDD gives Neolith’s signature slabs the aesthetic quality and realistic look of a variety of materials—marble,

stone, wood—with the added strength and dependability innate to sintered compact surfaces.

For the environmentally-conscious professional and

homeowner, Neolith makes it easy to implement luxury designs without sacrificing a desire to stay green. The product comes with several certifications, earns LEED points and is 100-percent natural and recyclable,

composed of up to 52% recycled content. Thin slabs

require fewer raw materials, resulting in less soil erosion, and the lighter weight means a reduction in the CO2 emissions associated with product transportation.

Available nationwide through a network of distributors,

Neolith’s signature sintered compact surfaces are an ideal option for design professionals and consumers tired of

tradition and looking for a touch of sleek, refined luxury.

dimensional designs that pull from the industrial nature of iron and classicism of marble.

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JANE LOCKHART of Jane Lockhart Interior Design provides expert interior design solutions for residential and commercial clients across North America. From room makeovers, to product and colour consulting our expertise is focused on providing the best options for our clients to suit both their style and budget.

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HOW TO C R E AT E A CHIC AND FUNCTIONAL M UDROOM BY: JANE LOCKHART INTERIOR DESIGN WWW.JANELOCKHART.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BRANDON BARRÉ WWW.BRANDONBARRE.COM

EMBARK WITH US With September just around the corner, it is time to focus on organization to make the back-to-school transi-

tion a little easier. The combination mud/laundry room

is a great place to start and eliminates clutter during the school year, as it gives everything a home!

The mud and laundry rooms have become two of the most important spaces within a home, as they allow a family to operate smoothly when they are organized

properly. They are no longer hidden away and left as pitiful places with no function or design aesthetic.

In this combined mudroom and laundry for the busy

family, the space provides amazing organization, great

storage and separation of “clean” from “dirty” all within one large space.

Situated on the main floor off of the garage and fac-

ing into the central hallway, this room needed to look

good and create a space for everything. Its location in

the house made it a busy room and highly visible from other spaces.

As you enter from the garage, this area is consumed

with storage and organization, such as shoe storage,

coat hanging, cubbies for each child, sports equipment and even recyclable cloth shopping bags.

On the opposite side of the room, closer to the interior of the house, the laundry facilities are conveniently lo-

cated. Within this area, a washer and dryer are housed with a counter for folding, a hidden ironing board and

custom drying rack above. Additional cleaning supplies are housed in a closet to the right of the machines to

make additional space for a range of household items. wGreat additions allowing this room to have amazing function include: A custom designed drying rack that looks good, but it easily accessed, all open cubbies have adjustable interior shelves to accommodate

changes in foot ware and sizes and a hidden iron board is both convenient and well organized in its custom drawer location.

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UPCYCLING

BY LISA REIS, INTERIOR DECORATOR | HOME STAGER

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EMBARK WITH US WHAT’S UP WITH UPCYCLING?

Some home shows have special

that would otherwise go to waste

upcycling that you can purchase.

Upcycling is basically converting stuff and repurposing it as an entirely new item—a creative, new lease on life.

Upcycling is great for the environment and you end up with something super

unique in the process. It’s an awesome way to express your personal style.

WHAT CAN BE UPCYCLED?

The more challenging question is… what can’t be upcycled? Virtually everything around you can be

upcycled: clothes, furniture, household products.

Your attic or basement may very well be a haven for a new found

conversation piece. Imagine a world where suitcases can become chairs,

old belts turn into a purse, skateboards become desks, old records turn into journals, bike handle bars convert

to racks, bottles, jars and plumping

pipes turn into light fixtures, vintage bathtubs become seating, even

skid-pallets have their own furniture

industry and the supposedly worthless penny can find a new home on your bathroom floor!

Search upcycling on Houzz, Pinterest

or Etsy and you’ll soon gather a yearlong ‘honey-to-do-list’ of weekend upcycling projects.

If you’re not a DIYer and would

rather buy someone else’s upcycled inspiration, there are several places you can check out for inspiration.

features that demonstrate creative

Every city has a furniture or design

district. I can almost guarantee you,

among all the modern furniture stores you’ll find unique furniture stores that are selling upcycled products. In

Toronto, there are several stores in

The Junction neighbourhood, along Queen St. W and in the Castlefield

Design District. Check out a few of my personal upcycling favourites:

www.metropolis-living.com www.commutedesign.com www.thedoorstore.ca www.blog.foreverinteriors.com www.urbantreesalvage.com I recently installed two 9’ tall oak

doors in my townhome foyer, to keep out the drafts from the front door. In

order to give the new doors a bit more character I visited The Door Store

and found some vintage, chipped-

with-character, wrought iron grills that came all the way from France! They

happened to be monogrammed with an ‘R’…ideal as my last name begins with an R. I literally had the doors

customized to fit those “R” grills. If only those grills could talk…they’d have so many stories to tell for all

those that have passed through them.

If I ever move out of this home, those

doors are coming with me and if they don’t fit in a future doorway, guess

what, I’ll ‘upcycle’ them as something

else, perhaps a headboard. Upcycling doesn’t just give items a new lease on

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CREATE AN OFFICE ORGANIZATION SYSTEM Create an office art or organization system that’s not only effective but fun at the same time! Forget the traditional storage boxes, pencil cups, and folders that take up much need desk space. If you’ve got that wall space, why not take advantage of it?

You might have seen my personal office wall storage system in magazines or videos. I’m going to show you how easy it is to create and organization system just like mine!

Believe it or not, my wall system is made up entirely of kitchen wall storage accessories.

But who says kitchen storage should only be used in the kitchen, right? The best part is this system totally flexible and you can create your own design and arrange your own placement.

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Most of these hanging components can be found at your local Ikea store or similar.

First decide how much wall storage you need and figure out which components you’d like to hang off the rail base.

My favorites are the colorful pot containers! They’re great for organizing pens, pencils, 26

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and markers! I also love the magnetic knife rack which acts as a great home for all of my scissors. I use the s-hooks to arrange fabric samples and paint chips. If you have limited space, stack your rails like I did!

The possibilities are endless!

— Sabrina Soto

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AVOIDING THE TUNNEL EFFECT

BY SANDRA NASH | WWW.MAKING-A-SCENE.COM

Whether your hallway is in the front entry or at the back of the house leading to the garage, it is the path that

must be travelled to reach the living spaces. Hallways are often overlooked when it’s time to decorate

because they are perceived as a utilitarian space. The hallway is a highly travelled part of your home that

should not be ignored. These spaces are just waiting to be given the same flare as your other rooms.

Undoubtedly, hallways are one of the most challenging rooms to decorate because they are more narrow than the average room, with vast amounts of uninterrupted space. Often they lack natural light, architectural

interest, and character. The key is to highlight and

accentuate the features while minimizing deficiencies.

Since hallways connect all the dots, that is the rooms to one another, it is important to start by setting the tone through the use of colour. A colour that compliments the rooms that it is leading into. This way the hallway “visually borrows” décor from the adjacent spaces, fooling the eye, and creating flow and continuity.

SANDRA NASH

is a Toronto-based, award winning designer with over 15 years of experience and the principal of Making-A-Scene. She designs residential and commercial projects tailored to the individual styles and needs of clients throughout the greater Toronto area.

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Be especially mindful of traffic patterns, particularly if the hallway leads to an awkward intersection

of adjoining rooms, stairs or an entryway. Opt for

furnishings that ‘hug’ the wall when valuable walking space is restricted. These high traffic areas are ideal

for panelled millwork painted white, contrasted with a

deep bold colour, especially when the space is flooded with natural light.

When possible, create a gallery full of “memory points” and “conversational nooks” that resonate with you. For

example, display favourite family or travel photos. Keep them simple by either using a themed collection, or

similar frames. Utilizing vertical space with a collage of pictures is a sure way to fix the long, dark “tunnel effect” corridor.

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EMBARK WITH US Add light by hanging a nice chandelier or two,

adding a pair of tall lamps on a console, and then

doubling those initiatives with the use of a mirror.

Whether a large floor mirror or a collage of

different shaped mirrors, they actually reflect the

light and give the illusion of more space. This is

an excellent way to add sophisticated elegance without crowding the walking area.

So reclaim your

undervalued real estate, rescue your hallway and make a statement.

TIPS: A carpet runner

acoustically adds warmth while emphasizing the halls length.

Pair a console with a couple of chairs on

either side to fill an oversized hallway.

Fill floor vases with natural elements to add visual height and interest.

Select durable, non-

slippery flooring that can handle heavy traffic.

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EMBARK WITH US Oddly enough, living in a large city often

means smaller square footage with a larger price tag. Some are

often frightened and

concerned with a smaller space, although the way I see it, confined space should only promote imagination!

The essentials seating, storage and dining

space, should never consume the home.

One should be able to

indulge in entertainment

HYBRID FUNCTIONS

BY ALANA FIRESTONE

and work without

feeling crowded and

overwhelmed. Let’s be real, you don’t want to

be looking at your office work while trying to

focus on the new Suits episode! My priorities always lean towards functionality, while

appealing to the eye.

Your home should be your fortress.

Comfortable for lazy

nights to be spent in

your cozy pajama set,

crying to the notebook

and professional enough to bring office work

home and even host a mature dinner party.

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Hybrid functions open

coordinated nick knacks.

essential utilization that

of work breathing

up space and provide

one room usually cannot afford. For example,

the main dining area

I designed at “Project

Rushton� is centered by the grand dining table,

although doubles as an office. Subtly hidden

against the wall of the room, deep within

shelving, the attention

is taken off paper work and placed on the

Without the pressure

down your back while relaxing at dinner,

homeowners have the

easy accessibility to put in extra hours- devoid of feeling obliged.

The compact office

fits perfectly into the shelving unit and

is disguised by the

element of enhancing

design and lightening the wall.

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Although it is always possible to add

more space, it was important not to

and widen a room without the use

pops of colour like the blue area rug,

fixtures, the best way to brighten

of construction is by manipulating natural light. The large windows

in the living room area create the

illusion of a grander, larger room.

Opening up the eye’s perception of

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clutter the area with seating. Natural ties together the instinctive lighting

provided by the windows and keeps the brightness flowing throughout the entire seating area.

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Two rooms transform into a kitchen, living

demolition! There is room for every

all of the sudden, you are living in the

away from appearance.

room, workspace, relaxation centre and

royal palace! Well‌ minus a few guards

function to be served without taking

in funny hats- but you get the point!

Remember: your home always has the

Imagination can subject a small space

you use natural elements and plan

to major renovations without a single

potential to be your palace provided your space!

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T H E IN S I D E LO O K W I TH

ALISON VICTORIA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER AVELLO | WWW.JENNIFERAVELLO.COM

With unique design and flair, Alison Victoria is an interior designer with an edge.

Now based out of Chicago and Las Vegas, she started taking a keen interest in design at a young age and has never looked back. From having her own show (Kitchen Crashers) to working on multimillion dollar projects, the sky is the limit for her. Embark graciously had the chance to sit with Victoria and ask her a few questions.

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DRESS/HERVE LEGER, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CHICAGO, SHOES/CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, BRACELET/VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

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C

AN YOU SHARE WITH US HOW YOU BECAME

INTERESTED, EXPERIENCED AND BLOSSOMED INTO THE DESIGNER YOU ARE TODAY? I always

knew I wanted to be a designer and I consider myself

lucky to have known it at such an early age. My personal spaces were always so important to me as a young girl

and so many people, past and present, inspire my work.

My source of inspiration is always changing. It is constant visual stimulus that inspires me on a daily basis.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT DESIGN THAT REALLY SPEAKS TO

YOU? Being surrounded by beautiful things is what drives

my love for design. Whether I’m at home or in a space away from home, I want to be visually stimulated and inspired.

Design drives me, it’s what I live for. It’s all around us and it takes the right person to see the beauty in everything.

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY DRAW YOUR

INSPIRATIONS FROM TODAY? I always look to travel,

fashion, architecture, and nature to draw inspiration from.

I can look at any object or space and know instantly what

I want it to be. Inspiration is all around us, it’s just how you

look at things. Creative environments allow for an organic design process and finding beauty in the little things can allow us to create the bigger picture.

WHAT WAS YOUR HARDEST CHALLENGING PROJECT, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT? The Silverton Resort

Casino in Las Vegas. It was my first large-scale hospitality project and I was in charge of overseeing a $160 million dollar project. I was beyond intimidated! It was such a

learning experience and was overall the most challenging.

WAS THIS THE MOST SATISFYING PROJECT YOU’VE EVER HAD? WHAT ABOUT THIS PROJECT WAS SO

GREAT? Yes, it was the most satisfying. What made it so great was overcoming my fears. I was so terrified of not being

good enough or experienced enough, but being scared

is always viewed as a negative and turned it into a positive.

I learned a lot of what not to do and I became a more

confident designer in the end. This project opened up so many doors and really is the reason I’m where I am today.

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DRESS/BCBG, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CHICAGO, NECKLACE/ALEXIS BITTAR CHICAGO, BRACELET/ ALEXIS BITTAR, BRACELET, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, SHOES/CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

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DRESS ALEXANDER MCQUEEN/ SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LIVING MAGAZINE | embark 42 | THE STYLISHSHOES/VALENTINO CHICAGO,

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNIFER AVELLO ART DIRECTOR: BRANDON R DWYER HAIR: MORGAN LEEK STYLIST: MEL MUOIO

EMBARK WITH US YOU’RE A VERY BUSY WOMAN AND TAKE CHARGE IN

MANY WAYS, HOW DO YOU, AS AN INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS POWER-HOUSE, KEEP UP WITH YOUR BUSY LIFE? It’s all about balance and patience, both of which I’m working on and wish I could say I’ve mastered. Life gets in the way a lot and finding peace in the chaos is what helps

me stay sane. I try to make sure that I’m making me happy first, that way I can be happy with everyone else in my life.

Self awareness and a healthy balance of being selfish and selfless is what makes my life work.

WHAT IS IT YOU’D LOVE TO PURSUE MOVING

FORWARD? YOU’VE GOT AN AMAZING FORMAT FOR YOUR TV SHOW KITCHEN CRASHER, BUT GIVE US

MORE BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WOMAN WHO

ALSO HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD. WE NOTICED YOUR LOOKBOOK SERVICE. WE LOVE THE IDEA

AND WANT TO REALLY DIVE INTO THIS AS MUCH AS YOU CARE TO SHARE. The Alison Victoria LookBook is

a true DIY approach to design! It’s a more casual service from Alison Victoria Interiors that allows clients all over the country to create amazing spaces with a custom

feel without a traditional relationship with a designer.

The LookBook is a less expensive and less interactive relationship because the client orders items on their

own, finds their own contractors and executes the entire project. All communication is done over email and the

LookBook includes one floor plan, one color rendering,

samples, pictures and a full shopping list of all the items

we recommend for the space, along with a workbook, and usually arrives 6 weeks after we receive the questionnaire, homework and payment.

YOU’RE VERY FASHIONABLE BOTH ON THE JOB-

SITE AND OFF, CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT AND HOW IT

TRANSLATES INTO THE DESIGN INFLUENCES WE SEE IN YOUR WORK? I design each space the way I design

myself every morning. I mix my Louboutins with a T.J. Maxx dress. I mix vintage and modern. Fashion is what drives design and what drives my love for it.

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EMBARK WITH US ASIDE FROM DESIGN, CAN

YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR

PERSONAL HOBBIES, INTERESTS, OR THINGS YOU CURRENTLY SUPPORT AND PUSH FOR?

My love for animals has always

been a priority. I am on the board

for Paws Chicago which is the city’s

largest No Kill humane organization, focused on solutions to end the

killing of homeless pets. I am also involved with Windy City Habitat

for Humanity, Chicago Children’s

Charity (on the board) and whatever time is left I spend it with the people I love. My husband and I love to

travel and explore new places every year. I’ve been doing Crossfit for

the last 5 years and wish I had more time to work out.

YOU HAVE MANY FANS THAT LOVE YOU. ANY ADVICE FOR

UP-AND-COMING DESIGNERS

TO FOCUS ON AND PURSUE? The best piece or advice I’ve ever had

is to feel the fear, have the doubts and go for it anyway! I wouldn’t

be where I am today if I was afraid of failure. So many people view

it as negative, but failure to me is

what keeps me on the straight and narrow. You get up, dust yourself

off and stay focused on the ultimate goal, whatever that may be.

When it comes to design, go

with your heart, take risks and be confident. I’ve learned so much

from what not to do and it’s allowed me to take bigger risks and explore

creativity in a new light for each and every design endeavor.

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MAJE DRESS, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS BRACELET

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SAME CLOSET, MORE SPACE

BY NEAT METHOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHELLE DREWES NEAT METHOD SPECIALIZES IN HOME ORGANIZATION THAT BRINGS COMFORT, EFFICIENCY AND STYLE TO YOUR HOME. WE WILL SOON BE LOCATED IN A CITY NEAR YOU: WWW.NEATMETHOD.COM embark | THE STYLISH LIVING MAGAZINE | 47

EMBARK WITH US A closet re-design can be an overwhelming process.

It is important to remember that this is an exciting time because you are treating yourself to a newly organized space that you spend every day in.

To make the most out of your closet space, you need to have a closet filled with only the pieces that you

wear. Regardless of your closet size, it is all considered valuable real estate.

Next, decide what type of person you are. Are you

a shoe person? Are you a blouse person? What are you drawn to when you purchase clothing and ac-

cessories? Determine what your priority is and make that your focal point in the closet.

Last, decide if you are a hanger or a folder when

it comes to clothes. Then be sure to maximize on

hanging rods or shelving space depending on your preference.

PURCHASING SOLUTIONS There are many small purchases that you can make

to help create a more functional and well organized closet. Labeled bins and baskets, drawer inserts,

jewellery organizers, and matching hangers, can all be inexpensive purchases and can help facilitate maximum organization.

Clear shoe bins will allow you to know what you

have and wear it instead of purchasing more. While

matching hangers create a clean look to your space, and make it easy for the eye to scan the closet for a

particular garment. Also, if you want to live the NEAT life, your clothes should be color coded on your

hangers as well. Jewellery inserts allow you to not be left with a tangled mess of delicate necklace chains.

Inserts help every piece stay in its home.

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SPLASH THE

HOTTEST PAINT COLORS

ONTO YOUR

WALLS

BY ELENA MORGAN & ALISON VAN DELDEN OF GARISON HULINGER INTERIOR DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY BLACKSTONE EDGE

It’s no secret that a coat of paint is an easy way

to transform your home’s interiors, but it is also

one of the hardest decisions to land on because

everyone dreads the thought of painting, let alone painting walls the wrong color. Since the idea of

painting the walls of your home the “wrong” color is likely leaving you paralyzed from biting the

bullet, Sr. Interior Designer of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design, Alison Van Delden tells all about

her favorite go-to paint colors, so you feel confident in coating your walls in colorful hues! Roll up your sleeves and get your paint on!

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FAVORITE PAINT COLORS

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Cloud Cover Classic Trim Color

Mother Earth Pop of Citrine

GrĂŠge Avenue Neutral with purple undertones

Collingwood Classic go-to Gray

Woodlawn Blue Bathroom

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TOO SCARED TO MAKE THE WRONG PAINT SELECTION “Stay positive when

you start the selection

process,” Van Delden says to “remember that paint

is not permanent, per se, and is easier to change

than items such as a large

furniture pieces or lighting fixtures.” She continues on

to say, “stick to neutrals on

wall colors in larger spaces adding in your pops of

color and texture through accent furniture, pillows and accessories, that

are easier to change out after five years. This will

allow your style to remain timeless. It is better to

gravitate towards bolder & brighter wall colors or

wall coverings in smaller areas like powder baths

or mudrooms, because it

is easier (on the wallet) to change if and when you get tired of it.”

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HELPFUL HINT: Gravitate towards bolder & brighter wall colors or wallcoverings in smaller areas like powder baths or mudrooms. embark | THE STYLISH LIVING MAGAZINE | 55

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DON’T BE AFRAID OF GRAYS Gray is one of those

underdog colors that gets a bad reputation. Van Delden is here to tell you to “give

gray a chance as your next neutral color, but with that

being said, there are many hues and undertones that are important to keep in

mind when choosing the

perfect neutral gray.” You will notice that the two

neutrals showcased in Van

Delden’s favorite color picks are great examples of this.

Collingwood has a beige undertone, while Grege

Avenue has hints of purple.

Van Delden states that “these colors both will go well

together and add warmth to any environment, whether

it’s a light washed sunroom or a moody entertainment room.”

Did this give you the color confidence boost you

were looking for? Let us

know what other design

dilemmas have thrown a

wrench in your home project plans! Send email inquiries to marketingintern@

garrisonhullinger.com and your dilemma might help

shape our upcoming stories.

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HELPFUL HINT: When searching for a great neutral, look for warm grays that have beige or purple undertones.

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CRISPY LENTIL FRITTERS

needed. The batter may seem wet but it will hold together as you fry it.

Pour 3 inches or so of oil into a large

Lentil Hunter Featured Recipe ¦ 2014

soup pot or shallow skillet and bring to a

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE FRITTERS

candy thermometer to accurately judge

• 1 cup of water

counter top deep fat fryer.

• 1 cup of Canadian split red lentils • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1 freshly minced onion

• 1 tablespoon of peeled ginger root, finely chopped (about 1 inch)

• 1 handful of freshly chopped cilantro • vegetable oil for frying

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE FRITTERS

Stir the raw red lentils, water and salt

together, cover the works and soak them for an hour or two. They’ll rehydrate and

soften considerably as they absorb almost all of the moisture.

constant steady 365° F using a frying or

the temperature. Alternatively fire up your

Using two spoons – the first to scoop, the

second to release the batter – gently drop dollops of the batter into the hot oil. Stir

gently until the fritters cook through and lightly brown. Strain them out and rest

briefly on folded paper towel to absorb any extra oil.

LENTIL TIPS

Lentils are dried seeds. Red lentils are

further hulled and split, a process that removes their tough outer seed skin.

This allows red lentils soaking in water to

Transfer the lentils, water and onion to

more easily absorb moisture. Given time

until they’re smooth. Add the ginger and

rehydrate and tenderize, all without heat.

stir the works together. You can make this

to cook so quickly, in just minutes.

your food processor and puree them

– an hour or two, even overnight –they’ll

cilantro and process just long enough to

That’s why the lentils in the fritters are able

batter in advance and refrigerate until

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CHEF MICHAEL SMITH Food Network host, cookbook author,

nutrition activist, and food media producer, travels to France, Italy, Morocco, India, and Dubai to hunt for the best lentil recipes on the planet. www.lentilhunter.ca

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FRENCH LENTIL SOUFFLÉ WITH STAR ANISE Makes 6 light soufflés

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE SOUFFLÉ • 1 cup of Canadian French green lentils • 3 cups of water

• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar • 1/8 teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of star anise powder (nutmeg or cinnamon also work well) • 6 large eggs

• 1/4 cup of flour

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar

• 1/4 cup more of granulated sugar

While the lentils simmer separate the eggs carefully. It’s essential that not even one

small drop of yolk stray into the whites so

it’s best to work with one egg at a time. Use one bowl for the yolks, another bowl for

the one-at-a-time white from each egg and one bowl for all the previous whites.

Transfer almost all of the hot lentils to the bowl of your food processor reserving

a heaping spoonful for garnish. Add the

butter, lemon juice and vanilla. Puree the

works until the lentils are smooth and cool noticeably. Check the temperature with

your finger, it should be warm but not hot.

If its still steamy hot it will cook the egg yolks prematurely. If you can hold your

finger in for a few seconds or longer than you’re good to go.

Add the egg yolks and flour and puree

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE MOLDS

smooth again. Transfer to a large mixing

• 2 ounces of soft butter

for garnish. Rest at room temperature while

• six 6-ounce ramekins

bowl and stir in the reserved whole lentils

• 1/4 cup more of granulated sugar

you ready the remainder of the dessert.

HERE’S WHAT TO DO

Make sure the bowl of your stand mixer

in the lower third of the oven. Prepare the

lingers from previous use, just a drop will

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Position a rack inside and rim of the ramekins by brushing with a generous coat of soft butter then thoroughly sprinkling with white sugar,

about a teaspoon or so each. Tilt the mold around to evenly distribute the sugar then invert and tap out the excess.

Measure the lentils, sugar, water and salt

into a small sauce pot. Over highest heat,

is spotless. It’s essential that no oil or fat impede the whites rise. A few drops of

lemon juice or any vinegar and a vigorous

wipe with a paper towel will help. Add the whites and whip away at full speed until

they’re foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue whipping until soft peaks form.

Slowly add the sugar and continue until the peaks are stiff but not dry.

while stirring gently, bring the works to a

Using a large rubber spatula stir about 1/3

the pace to a slow steady simmer. Cover

fold the remainder of the whites into the

full furious boil. Adjust the heat lowering

and continue cooking until the lentils are tender and delicious, about 40 minutes.

Stir in the star anise preserving its aromatic flavour by adding it last.

of the whites into the lentil puree. Gently works. Pour the batter into each ramekin

and smooth and level the top with the back of the spatula blade.

Bake until the soufflés are risen and set, 15

to 20 minutes. Serve and share immediately with excellent vanilla ice cream!

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LAWRENCE PARK

BUILDER: SOUTH PARK DESIGN BUILD | DESIGNER: JILLIAN AIMS ARCHITECT: RICHARD LIBRACH

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EMBARK WITH US This home in Lawrence Park was a complete new build.

Before the existing bunga-

low was demolished, Habitat for Humanity came and

removed any interior finishes that could be salvaged and reused elsewhere.

The new house features a

modern design with stunning 14 foot high ceilings

on the main floor and high pocket doors to match.

The hardwood through-

out is quarter sawn white oak, finished with a clear

coat onsite. The kitchen by Dekla, features walkouts

to a private court yard on

the east side and an upper pool terrace on the west side. With floor to ceil-

ing cabinetry, there is no

shortage of storage space.

To achieve an open feel,

the builder installed a down draft hood fan which comes up out of the counter top.

The main floor open con-

cept design is complimented by the floor to ceiling

glass windows and sliding doors which circle around the perimeter. The music room/office on the main

floor is open to the second floor landing with a set of

four skylights above letting natural light flow down to the main floor below.

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On the second floor, each of the bedrooms have a

private ensuite bathroom, while the master bedroom features a custom built walk-in closet, and an ensuite complete with custom vanities, a steam shower, a

stand-alone tub, and a hidden television behind the vanity mirror.

In the basement, there is a home theatre, a workout

room, as well as a guest suite with a small kitchen and

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private bathroom. The basement features two walkouts to the backyard pool.

South Park Design Build drew on many strengths to

take this Lawrnce Park project from concept to completion. To get more details and explore further projects, please visit: www.southparkdesignbuild.com.

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SOUTH PARK DESIGN BUILD IS AN INTEGRATED DESIGN FIRM BASED IN TORONTO. OVER THE LAST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, ERIC ADELMAN, PRESIDENT AND OWNER OF SOUTH PARK DESIGN BUILD, HAS MANAGED HIS PROJECT PORTFOLIO WITH A COLLABORATIVE TEAM, CONSISTING OF THE MOST PROFICIENT AND SKILLED CRAFTSPEOPLE. THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, WITH: THE HIGHEST CALIBRE OF WORK, HAPPY TRADESPEOPLE, AND THRILLED CLIENTS.

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EMBARK WITH US LEAF PUMPKIN TEALIGHT HOLDER – PIER 1 IMPORTS $23.95

s e i r o s s e

acc

GIRAFFE GOLD OBJET – DWELL STUDIO $39

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KAVERI FLOWER-SHAPED MIRROR – PIER 1 IMPORTS $289

AUSTIN COLLAGE FRAME – URBAN BARN $69 Each frame has its own distinctive character and will add a vintage charm to any home décor.

EMBARK WITH US BLACK AND GOLD BIBLIOTHEQUE VASE – JUNG LEE $250

GASTOWN CLOCK – URBAN BARN $149 Large scale and colourful, this clock makes a strong statement.

LOOPA WALL CLOCK – UMBRA $50

LACEY VASE – LEKKER HOME $128

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A SMALL INDUSTRIAL SPACE

BY: GLEN PELOSO & JAMIE ALEXANDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LARRY ARNAL

Transformed spaces are very

were introduced in the toss

so to a younger set looking

and a metal coffee table to

appealing, and particularly

to have something different

from what their parents had.

This 580 sq ft condo was part of a church conversion and it was clear that this client

had a creative and dynamic

personality and was open to most things.

It’s wise to start the design process by selecting the

biggest pieces and working down to the smallest

elements to complete the space. Starting with the

bedroom, we selected a

fun wall paper with birds

and cages as a focal wall.

A modernized version of

a “construction” light with chrome dipped bulbs

added a pop of glamour

to the room. There was no

door between the bedroom and living space, so having a defined visual helped to

differentiate the two spaces.

In the living room a “flip” sofa, was added in a neutral dark grey colour. Pops of colour

cushions and accessories

keep the reclaimed feeling as well. The dining room chairs were found at a shop that

sells architectural salvage.

They were originally stacking chairs from a high school.

Now came time for the

smaller accessories. The

letters presented themselves and with a simple coat of

black paint they, became a strong and interesting

detail for the end wall. The

fantastic blue bicycle was her mode of transportation. The great colour and style of the bike was brilliant, especially

layered in front of the letters on the back wall.

Without breaking the bank, the client’s personality and

style were perfectly revealed in the space. It was a leap of faith for her as the process could notn’t be designed exactly, but more found along the way. On this

occasion the destination was well worth the journey.

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TIPS

1. Thinking outside of the box can not only make for

an interesting space, it can also be very eco-friendly.

You are reusing as opposed to buying new.

2. Getting the help of

a professional when you

have a very small space can be worth the expense, as

there is no room for error in either space or budget.

3. Work from the biggest pieces to the smallest

accessory to ensure you get the function out

of your home with the budget you have.

4. Use remnants of carpet and fabric to get the look

you want while keeping the costs in check.

5. Create a grouping of art by taping out a large section of a wall and

filling it in with a variety of

smaller frames until you are satisfied with the shape, then remove the tape.

6. You can use unusual items like hats, shoes

and hand bags, and, fix them to the walls. This

creates an art piece and not just storage.

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TRAVEL WITH NANCY LAZARUS: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SINGLE TO FLY SOLO.

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EMBARK WITH US hat if your friends can’t afford to get

First off, many hotels sell their rooms by the room, not

time with family or your mate has a

same room with no one to share the cost. But you do

away, decide to spend their vacation business obligation? Do you stay at

home dreaming of adventures yet sulk that life is passing you by when you don’t act? I used to do just that. I’d

plan trips and never take them because it all seemed so overwhelming. I was desperate to run away from home

but why didn’t I actually do it? Because I was stuck in the belief that going it alone meant all of the negatives we

associate to, well, being alone. And then there’s fear and of course money, which equates to fear.

It often seems easier to sit in fear than to take the bull so

to speak and get out of our own way. We have been conditioned from early on that going solo makes us an odd

creature. How many times have you sat in a restaurant noticing the person sitting alone and feeling sorry for them?

Yet we have no idea why this person is alone. Perhaps

they are taking a breather from a chaotic houseful of kids and simply want to a little time to enjoy themselves!

Years ago I took a respite to Cozumel. Whilst there, peo-

the # of people. So you don’t have to pay double for the need to do a little research to find the right hotels to fit

your budget. Think of it this way, the whole world doesn’t have a mate, and if they did chances are they’ve been

single at some point during their break-up or divorce!

And not everyone has kids (that’s not really a vacation

anyway is it?). Hotels finally seem to be catching on and today there are many more options to chose from that won’t keep your adventure all in your head.

As for sharing the moment, anyone heard of facebook,

instagram and twitter? In fact it’s now harder than ever to

really be alone since we spend so much time, sharing our every step, thought and idea. You’re on your own clock.

You don’t have to share the bathroom or fight over who

gets the hairdryer first. You eat what you want, when you

want. So enjoy that castle or train ride and share a picture to prove what a great time you’re having. Then enjoy as

the comments come streaming back from all your jealous friends.

ple told me they had been sitting around discussing the

Dining alone? What a great opportunity to meet people,

was recently divorced. In reality, I had just lost my mother

es, read up on your next day’s itinerary or just sit back,

possibilities of why I was alone. They settled on the idea I

and then my beloved pup. And for the first time in my life I had no one to answer to or take care of. I hadn’t felt that unencumbered since the days when everything I owned could fit in the back of my Honda Civic.

Until we stop caring about what other people think we will stay stuck in the stigma attached to going it alone.

We know why we are alone, so does it really matter what

anyone else thinks or surmises? Going it alone takes guts, planning but most of all it takes respecting ourselves to

fulfill our own dreams and not be dependent on others.

What’s so great about traveling solo? You get dinged on your hotel rate, you have no one to share the moment

with, you dine alone and it’s out and out lonely. Or is it?

ensconce yourself in the culture, learn a few native phraspeople watch and enjoy that glass of Pinot.

Truth be told, I have never felt lonely when traveling

alone because I am too busy taking in what’s around

me, and enjoying the flair of a different culture. When

we travel with someone else, how often do we engage

the locals, meet new people and make new friends? The answer, far less often than when we travel alone.

Once when I was afraid to spend money during a ten-

uous financial time, a friend said to me, “Go! If you end up being homeless you’ll be the best dressed bum out

there”. I went and I didn’t end up on the streets because of it. A little faith and a lot less fear can change your life!

So get out there, make a plan and get on your way.

Dream, Travel, Explore

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ATWELL PENDANT – CRATE & BARREL $449.00

CORAL PENDANT – LEKKER HOME $350 Made of natural bamboo ply.

lighting

KLIMT IN GOLD LAMP – DANA GIBSON $435.00

MAJOR TABLE LAMP – JAYSON HOME $600 The silky smooth lacquer finish and the touch of brass create a luxurious presentation.

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EMBARK WITH US MADRID CHANDELIER – JAYSON HOME $1,200

HALF MOON DESK LAMP – WEST ELM $199

ABNER TABLE LAMP – ARHAUS $459.00 Elegance and fashionable Industrial chic combine in this mixed-material accent

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ROOMS THAT MULTI-TASK YOUR HOME WITH @TONISABSTYLE

BY TONI SABATINO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIKKI SNYDER

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EMBARK WITH US It seems to me that multitasking has become a norm for a busy life. Juggling work, family, a

social life and special events

can be a challenge so having

a space that can multitask too

seems essential to holding it all together.

Since space is limited in this

Manhattan apartment that serves as a home away from home,

an entertaining space for both

family and business associates, a haven for visiting guests and a quiet place to recharge the

owners inner batteries, creating good multitasking spaces was key.

Originally a kitchen desk, the new kitchen bar area serves

gracefully as a breakfast bar, a coffee bar, a wine and

champagne bar or a place to set a buffet. The bistro table does

double duty for kids breakfast or enjoying a quiet glass of wine as night falls on the city and what

appears to be an armoire behind the dining table is actually a

Murphy bed in the event there

are some extra overnight guests.

Multitasking, yes, multitasking

is truly the key. I encourage you to think through how to get the most from your space when

planning your next remodel and make your space multitask just the way you do.

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MARCEL CHAIR – ARHAUS $1,699 This chair captures Mid-Century Modern with its hard edges and low profile silhouette that mix perfectly with the soft, deep indigo fabric and swooping curved detail.

NAVY BARGELLO CHEST – DANA GIBSON $1,500

furni

ture

WORKSHOP CABINET – ARHAUS $1,599

JACQUELINE SIDE TABLE – DWELL STUDIO $1,215

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RIVETED WHITEWASH TRUNK – PIER 1 IMPORTS $380

CLOVER COFFEE TABLE – WEST ELM $227

CLEVES CHAIR – ARHAUS $2,199 Add vintage charm to your room and tuck away some secrets inside Cleve’s hidden drawer lined with antique sheet music.

HONEYCOMB STOOL – JAYSON HOME $1,195 Hand crafted with bone tiles inlaid on a wood base. Perfect as a small drinks table or for additional seating.

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EMBARK WITH US TRIBE SOAP DISH – JAYSON HOME $42

MENU SOAP PUMP – CREATIVE DANES $59.95 Clean lines and simple functionality make the Soap Pump easy to clean and use.

WOODROW CAN MINT -- UMBRA $20.00

bathroom PAPER DISPENSER POT: AI COLLECTION – AHALIFE $39

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EMBARK WITH US SOLE DI CAPRI ROOM SPRAY – JUNG LEE $135 The scent captures the mixture of sea air and citrus trees.

LINDEN LEAVES BATH COLLECTION – JAYSON HOME $22

GADDIS BASKETS -- IKEA $5.99-12.99

BINCHOTAN CHARCOAL FACIAL PUFF – LEKKER HOME $19 All-natural sponge made with pure vegetable fibers and ultra-fine Binchotan charcoal powder.

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EMBARK WITH US An area rug is like a nice pair of shoes; it can

either make or break an outfit. It is that item that puts a finishing touch to any room. The right rug can turn a room from blah, into giving a

room that WOW factor. Selecting a rug involves making some design decisions from the onset.

It’s almost like selecting a work of art. You

should be looking for quality, style, pattern and colors. Don’t be afraid get to choose a rug. Get aboard and take a magic ride.

Quality rugs will last a long time, so choose carefully… craftsmanship over a machine produced area rug.

The most important fact is that you should love your rug. A good rug will usually outlive your wall color, decorative pillows, drapes, sofa, and your house

FINDING A PERFECT RUG FOR YOUR PERFECT AREA.

BY JOSEPH PUBILLONES

and even you….so don’t get all crazy matching

colors. Don’t get me wrong…your carpet should

complement your décor, but needn’t be an exact

color match. As a matter of fact, subtle variations of

color and patterns between rugs in a room are good as they lend your rooms an added layer of interest and sophistication.

Before heading out to purchase a rug, be clear in your mind about the intentions of the rug. Is it intended for your rug to make a bold statement or do you prefer something discreet and demure.

The size of a rug can make a room seem bigger or smaller depending on its dimensions. A

large rug can unify several seating areas as

one. Conversely, several smaller rugs can break a large room into a smaller more human scale.

My advice is to always buy the largest area rug that your current location will allow; however that doesn’t mean your rug needs to go from

wall to wall. Rugs can go from 6” to 24” off the wall perimeter to allow a sideboard or other small piece of furniture to sit off the rug.

Which rooms should get rugs? The answer is that almost any room can use a rug.

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EMBARK WITH US ABBOTT CONCRETE TOP SQUARE COFFEE TABLE – POTTERY BARN $1381.43 Industrial look of concrete is paired with warm, natural eucalyptus that’s hand finished with light distressing.

patio

OIL TORCH – HAUSER $45

GEORGIAN BAY TEAK CHAISE LOUNGE WITH CUSHION – HAUSER $1879.00

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What better place than an entry hall for an area rug?

Living Rooms or family rooms are perfect places to show

your home, but also to give warmth as you and your

the furniture on or off the rug? Either way is correct. I always

Rugs can help set the tone of dĂŠcor of the rest of guests arrive.

In a dining room, for example, the central portion of

a rug will be covered by the table therefore a center medallion type rug will not be visible, so choose accordingly. In addition, a rug in a dining room

will need at least 30� from the edge of the table all around, to accommodate a chair being pulled out.

Bedrooms also face a challenge. Most of the rug

will be covered by the bed, so only very little of the design is left visible. An alternate to the one rug

concept is to use two smaller area rugs on either side of the bed.

off a beautiful rug. A main concern is whether you place

prefer a larger rug that allows all furniture to be placed upon it. It is important to allow some breathing space around the perimeter of the room. A small rug with the furniture off

the rug is OK, but it might give the impression that you are

skimping out on a larger carpet because of budget or other reason, just make sure your rug is anchored by the furniture around it. Meaning that the front legs of each piece of furniture should just touch the edge of the rug.

Rugs do not need to be placed centered in the room. They can be placed off-centered to one side, yet underneath

a furniture grouping. Use these tips to guide you in your selection process, but above all remember to select a

rug that you love. Like a good pair of shoes, a nice fit will make it comfortable for your home.

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The Krups eA90 Turns you inTo a barisTa and your home inTo The finesT coffee bar.

A unique one-touch cappuccino machine with automatic steam nozzle cleaning.

Get the unique coffee experience at www.krups.ca

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ENCINO HILLS

BY ECOCENTRIX LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOHN FELDMAN

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ENCINO HILLS

BY ECOCENTRIX LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOHN FELDMAN

This home’s architecture is modest in its clean-lined design, yet hosts

fabulous contemporary interiors. The client desired that the new garden and landscape renovations would complement the interior design

and make for an inviting graphic,

sculptural, and spa-like experience while they entertain guests in their 96

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much enhanced home.

When one enters the home’s open

floor plan, they look through to the

rear yard. They are then confronted

by a brimming raised spa within the pool that glistens with iridescent

glass tile like a jewel box, and also

emanates a beautiful trickling sound

throughout the tranquil garden. The western sky with colorful sunsets

reflects from the generous surface of this luxurious pool. A simple

restrained palette of hard and soft

materials links this wonderful, watery space to the icy blue plant colors in the front entry dining garden.

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Whereas much of the original paving throughout the site was patterned in red brick, its new concrete

replacement provides powerfully controlled lines and forms strong

architectural planes in this landscape.

Plants are massed together to

“paint” their conspicuous locations

and boast sculptural forms that are quite dramatic.

The use of the Mexican Feather Grass in its long 100-foot swath beside the

pool is intended to catch the delicate

breeze and evoke a sense of cooling, even on the hottest days. Much like that of the native dune grasses that

sway by the sea, their movement is quite captivating and evokes

relaxation whether when viewed from inside the home or laying poolside.

The combination of these sensuous

grasses and inviting blue pool is quite iconic in this 1950’s retro inspired

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EMBARK WITH US like a carpeted room, with

a singular purple flowering Jacaranda Tree as its grace note. The tree punctuates

the lawn on bias to the spa, whose gesture also mimics the pool-enveloped spa.

The entry courtyard-dining

garden explores a cool color theme with blue succulents, blue grasses, a punch of

deep maroon tree foliage

and purple flowering vines woven on architectural

stainless steel hung lattices.

Specimen plants are used as living sculptures that

are back-lighted against a curved wall. This bold

garden is theatrical with this

being the main stage located immediately adjacent to the formal dining room for all

guests to revel in. The tree

in this radial layout is kin to

the needle on a phonograph and is placed carefully on its outermost ring.

Constructed glass and lumber gates, fixed

panels, and garage door are a contemporized

interpretation of craftsman style furniture. They

intentionally pair with a few of the key interior pieces in the owner’s collection

and help renew the exterior architecture.

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TEAL MIKO COLLECTION – URBAN BARN $5 - $12

LIZZY TEA POT – CB2 $15.95

REZA PALAMPORE NAPKINS – POTTERY BARN $28 Set of 4

kitchen

BYZANTINE MELAMINE COLLECTION—WILLIAMS-SONOMA

MENU DROPP! BOWL – CREATIVE DANES $64.95

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DRIFTIG DINNERWARE -- IKEA $3-5

MERIDIAN SPONGE HOLDER – UMBRA $5

MENU STITCHES PLATE – CREATIVE DANES $43.95

SMOKE CUBISM DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED – JUNG LEE $275

ZWILLING SENSATION 10-PIECE COOKWARE SET -- ZWILLING $1,450 Individual pieces starting at $130

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A COFFEE BREAK WITH THE NEW KRUPS BARISTA AMBASSADOR

ERIN THIBODEAU PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SCOTT

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EMBARK WITH US WHAT IS YOUR NAME, OCCUPATION, AGE AND PLACE OF LIVING? An easy one! Erin, 23 years old, Toronto. I work in Marketing for HOK, a design, architecture, engineering and planning firm.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR JAVA BACKGROUND? Though I’ve always loved the smell of coffee, I found

the actual taste an acquired one and started to drink

coffee in the form of a drink called a ‘Caramel Legato’

at a coffee shop in my hometown, it was a sickly sweet caramel latte with caramel drizzle but it masked the actual coffee taste and I loved it.

My first stint as a barista came about when I was living in England and needed a bit of extra cash. I got a part time in the campus coffee shop. It had affiliations with

the local brewhouse and served locally roasted beans and was very traditional – we pulled every shot by

hand and learned to be able to feel when milk for a latte went from heated to burned.

When I came back to Canada I wanted to continue to in the world of java, which I did for another year as

a Barista. Since then I’ve enjoyed making coffee for myself and friends.

WHAT MADE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN AMBASSADOR FOR KRUPS? KRUPS is a brand with such history – they started off making scales and other machinery in the 1800’s.

I think the importance of the machinery is often

overlooked; quality beans and water is integral to the brewing process absolutely, but there’s always a step involving some machinery and having a company

understand that, and make such incredible quality ones, is important.

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EMBARK WITH US WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE ABOUT COFFEE IN GENERAL? I love that it brings people together. “Let’s grab a coffee” has become such a staple of our society.

Coffee houses in general tend to have such a great atmosphere and you can sit for hours over coffee – catching up, having a meeting, or just people watching.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS AN AMBASSADOR WITH KRUPS CANADA ?

Tinkering with the EA9000 Barista (http://krupsvip. ca/ea9000/en/index.html) has been a super fun

experience; it’s given my mornings a solid routine - I can’t leave the house without a coffee from it now!

making our way to Agra in the evening we woke up very early to see the Taj Mahal at daybreak. After

wandering the grounds for several hours it was time for some breakfast and coffee. A friend and myself stopped in at the first roadside café we could find and had a light breakfast and ordered what was

quite possibly the worst coffee I’ve ever had! But we gulped it down anyways and just as we were setting up a camel walked lazily by the window of the café.

It stood out to me as a once in a lifetime experience - who knows if I’ll ever see the Taj in person again?

And though the coffee was weak, the memory is very dear to me and every time I think back to that day I remember the coffee and that camel!

Also being able to share my love and knowledge

COFFEE PET PEEVES?

about coffee culture and traditions between myself

tends to happen across a number of beverages, but

of coffee with others, it’s opened up new dialogue

I don’t know if this is a coffee pet peeve because it

and friends, colleagues, and even strangers.

I’m always pointing out continuity issues in films or TV

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE KIND OF COFFEE BEAN BEVERAGE? HOT/ COLD Iced Americano (with a touch of milk) on a hot day

and a Cortado on a cold one. Cortado in particular is the perfect ratio of espresso to milk.

WHAT MAKES A KRUPS CUP OF COFFEE, THE BEST CUP OF COFFEE? They’ve come a long way since scales and the

EA9000 Barista reflects a high standard of quality,

while giving the consumer a ton of choice – both in beverage options and bean options (as the user is free to pick their own espresso bean).

WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MOCHA MEMORY? Almost all my memories and experiences from

travelling have been punctuated by coffee – it’s such a staple beverage all over the world!

One experience that stands out is while I was

travelling through India. It was much easier to find

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where there’s no way a coffee cup can possibly have any liquid in it during the take. Like when the main

character is juggling a dog, purse, paper, a baby, and a phone plus a “full” coffee and it then tips over to a

50 degree angle and nothing falls out - not physically possible!

Also very watered down ice coffee (ie. When the

coffee isn’t brewed strongly enough to retain flavour and consistency), it really ruins the experience.

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EMBARKON

ARTWITH

PAULA ARCINIEGA For the past 10 years Paula has been weaving together two artistic paths; one as a vocalist and the other as a painter. Paula holds her Master Degree in vocal performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has performed with many San Francisco Bay area opera companies. As an artist Paula has sold her artwork across 4 continents and has installed “art-scapes” with several musical organizations including Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra with Maestro James Sommerville at the

art gallery of Hamilton and in Toronto with Group of 27 music director by Eric Paetkau. Paula interlaces her love of music with her distinctive style of painting. She delves deeply into the musical form of a composition and translates the essence of a work into a visual panorama. Paula moves effortlessly between the aural realm of musical gesture and the visual realm of shape & colour.

Read more about Paula Arciniega here: www.paulaarciniega.com

THOUGHTS FROM THE ARTIST:

As a trained musician and passionate artist I feel incredibly fortunate that I have been able to combine my two worlds. On the one hand, music provides a seemingly endless resource of inspirational content and painting is the perfect channel for my discovery therein. I would say my paintings oscillate between measured order and spontaneous chaos; mirroring music’s ability to possess the duality

of the secular and spiritual realms simultaneously. For me, the creation process has to happen in the “here and now” in order to capture the vitality of a work and communicate that energy in colour and shape. Just as in music I strive for my artwork to have movement so that when looking at a piece ones eye never rests in one place, but moves around the canvas absorbing details and mixtures of colour and depth.

In terms of my process, when working on an abstract piece, I intentionally avoid a predetermined narrative or formulated idea of imagery but prefer to allow the energy and essence of a work to emerge organically. If during the process of creating, the painting loses its spontaneous essence, or I find it no longer resonates with meaning or purpose I will dramatically alter the image with a stark line or geometric shape, thus disabling my assumption of control. I find this act to be a very necessary component of my creative process because it reminds me of my humble position as participant rather than instigator.

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EMBARKON ARTWITH EMBARKON

PAULA ARTWITH

PAULA ARCINIEGA ARCINIEGA

For the past 10 years Paula has been weaving together two artistic paths; one as a vocalist and the other as a painter. Paula holds her Master Degree in vocal performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has performed with many San Francisco Bay area opera companies. As an artist Paula has sold her artwork across 4 continents and has installed “art-scapes” with several musical organizations including Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra with Maestro James Sommerville at the art gallery of Hamilton and in Toronto with Group of 27 music director by Eric Paetkau. Paula interlaces her love of music with her distinctive style of painting. She delves deeply into the musical form of a composition and translates the essence of a work into a visual panorama. Paula moves effortlessly between the aural realm of musical gesture and the visual realm of shape & colour.

Read more about Paula Arciniega here: www.paulaarciniega.com

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THOUGHTS FROM THE ARTIST:

As a trained musician and passionate artist I feel incredibly fortunate that I have been able to combine my two worlds. On the one hand, music provides a seemingly endless resource of inspirational content and painting is the perfect channel for my discovery therein. I would say my paintings oscillate between measured order and spontaneous chaos; mirroring music’s ability to possess the duality of the secular and spiritual realms simultaneously. For me, the creation process has to happen in the “here and now” in order to capture the vitality of a work and communicate that energy in colour and shape. Just as in music I strive for my artwork to have movement so that when looking at a piece ones eye never rests in one place, but moves around the canvas absorbing details and mixtures of colour and depth.

In terms of my process, when working on an abstract piece, I intentionally avoid a predetermined narrative or formulated idea of imagery but prefer to allow the energy and essence of a work to emerge organically. If during the process of creating, the painting loses its spontaneous essence, or I find it no longer resonates with meaning or purpose I will dramatically alter the image with a stark line or geometric shape, thus disabling my assumption of control. I find this act to be a very necessary component of my creative process because it reminds me of my humble position as participant rather than instigator.

EMBARKON

ARTWITH

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PAULA ARCINIEGA

THE RITE OF SPRING – NEW STUDY OIL ON CANVAS | 48” X 48”

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EMBARKON

ARTWITH

PAULA ARCINIEGA

THE LORELEI OIL ON CANVAS | 60” X 54”

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PAULA ARCINIEGA

MAHLER V ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | 56” X 53 ½”

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EMBARKON

ARTWITH

PAULA ARCINIEGA

MAHLER II URLICHT | OIL ON CANVAS | 48” X 54”

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PAULA ARCINIEGA

INDIFFERENCE OIL ON CANVAS | 54” X 60”

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BEETLE JUICE

• 2 oz beet-infused dry gin or vodka • 1 oz beet and juniper berry shrub • ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice • 2 to 3 oz tonic water • 1 pickled beet, as garnish • 1 trimmed scallion, as garnish • Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste Fill an 8 to 10-ounce wine goblet or highball glass with medium ice cubes; add the beet-infused liquor, shrub, and lemon juice. Gently stir until just blended. Top with tonic water and stir gently.

Garnish with a pickled beet and scallion and season with a tiny pinch each of salt and pepper.

PHOTOS AND RECIPE CREDITS: EXCERPTED FROM CAESARS

BY CLINT PATTEMORE, PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SZULC. © 2014 CANADA DRY MOTT’S INC. EXCERPTED BY PERMISSION OF APPETITE BY RANDOM HOUSE, A DIVISION OF RANDOM HOUSE OF CANADA LTD. A PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PHOTO COURTESY OF ULYSSES PRESS/GREG HENRY

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Blackberry Lemon Caesar RIM

Celery salt or Mott’s Clamato Rimmer WHAT • 5 blackberries

• 2 lemon wedges

• 2 dashes jalapeño hot sauce

• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• 5 grinds fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 oz (30 mL) gin

• 4 oz (120 mL) Mott’s Clamato Cocktail

GARNISH Blackberries on a skewer HOW 1. In a mixing glass, muddle everything

but the gin and Mott’s Clamato Cocktail.

2. Add the gin and Mott’s Clamato Cocktail, and stir

well to mix and spread the flavours around.

3. Rim a highball glass

and fill to the top with ice.

4. Strain the mixture

into the highball glass, and garnish.

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Cucumber Infused Caesar RIM

Fresh cracked salt and black pepper WHAT • 4 slices cucumber • 2 dashes Tabasco pepper sauce

• 3 grinds fresh cracked salt and black pepper

• 1 oz (30 mL) gin

• 4 oz (120 mL) Mott’s Clamato Cocktail

GARNISH • Cucumber slice

• Fresh cracked salt and black pepper

HOW 1. In a mixing glass,

muddle everything but the gin and Mott’s Clamato Cocktail.

2. Add the gin and Mott’s Clamato Cocktail, and stir

well to mix and spread the flavours around.

3. Rim a highball glass

and fill to the top with ice.

4. Strain the mixture

into the highball glass, and garnish.

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Lobster Caesar RIM Celery salt with fresh

cracked black pepper WHAT • 1 oz (30 mL) lobster broth • 3 dashes hot sauce

• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• 3 sprigs fresh dill • 1 oz (30 mL) gin

• 3 oz (90 mL) Mott’s Clamato Cocktail

GARNISH • Poached lobster tail on a skewer

• Sprig fresh dill HOW 1. In a mixing glass,

muddle everything but the gin and Mott’s Clamato Cocktail.

2. Add the gin and Mott’s Clamato Cocktail, and stir

well to mix and spread the flavours around.

3. Rim a highball glass

and fill to the top with ice.

4. Strain the mixture into the highball glass, and garnish.

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