Modern Luxuria Vol 35 April 2023

BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.

FOUNDER

Elsa Amorim

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jelena Bojic

MANAGING EDITOR

Beryl Bacchus

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brandy Belitsky

COPY EDITOR

Lucie Oosterveld

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Gordana Bosiocic

CONTRIBUTORS

Mona Rose Butler

Twyla Campbell

Steven Hope

Francesca Roznicki

Tom Sedens

Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly.

For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com

No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.

Thank you

PUBLISHED

Photography by Steven Hope

Beryl Bacchus Managing Editor

Beryl Bacchus has had an extensive career with over 20 years in the fashion, events and entertainment worlds. Spending time in Montreal, Toronto and New York, she moved to Edmonton just over a decade ago and is excited to bring her passion for community to Modern Luxuria Magazine and help showcase the talent and vibrancy of Edmonton from a fresh perspective.

Contributors

Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two boys. Always passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't busy shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring the local real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping hot Americano.

Mona Rose Butler, originally from Vancouver, brings with her to Edmonton a background in lifestyle writing within the luxury realm. When not working or training for her next strongman competition, she can be found exploring the restaurants and coffee shops of Edmonton or taking her dog, Pixel, on adventures.

Steven Hope is an award winning creative, working in commercials and film around the world. He is not good at writing about himself in the form of a bio and would prefer we let the work speak for itself. The work would say something like “Hi reader, I’m the work, I’m humbly brilliant.”

Tom Sedens is a husband, father of 3, lover of pie and a world traveler that has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) who loves driving anything, anytime, anywhere.

Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer and food columnist for CBC Radio (Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveler who seeks unique destinations both local and abroad. A proud supporter of Canadian wine and sustainable food producers, Twyla is a regularly sought food panelist and judge for culinary competitions in Canada.

The second quarter of the year starts now, and we are excited to see the snow melted for the most part. We know there’s at least one snowstorm in the books before everything turns green, but it’s always great to hope that may not happen this year.

Just like spring, there are many entrepreneurs, businesses, and exciting projects in the city that you can’t keep from coming. Our Profile this month features Lorraine Bodnarek, a woman who’s making a significant contribution to downtown revitalization. With a sharp vision of what the city needs to look like, Lorraine went on quite an adventure completing the incredible restoration of the Pendennis building downtown. The process was challenging but also very rewarding. Today, this historical gem is available to Edmontonians for events, office spaces, and a part of the living history.

Fashion is all about spring this time of the year; bold colors, dresses, sandals, polo shirts and linen jackets… yes, it may be early, but we can get excited, right? It’s coming!

Paul van den Bijgaart, a glassworking artist, shows us his Liquid Landscapes, the explorations of ink painting with glass. These unusual glass paintings and other pieces are unique and allow you to explore the world of ‘ritualistic ways and consumption’.

Speaking of art, we had the pleasure of visiting Hayloft Steak + Fish, where chef Paul Shufelt gets to create his own art through exceptional food. It’s thoughtful, satisfying and delicious, as noted by Twyla Campbell. And since this is the month to start planning projects, you may be thinking of home renos. If that’s the case, Nicole Bird is your go-to. Her experience, knowledge and an eye for aesthetics make her a perfect guide for any home projects, as she will definitely deliver luxury and style straight to your home.

Enjoy this edition of Modern Luxuria, and we hope you will find your own luxuries around the city this month.

– Jelena

Specializing in interiors and fine furnishings

Hard Working and Generous to the Community

Lorraine Bodnarek living her authentic self in a city she loves

WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE

Born and raised in northern Alberta, Lorraine Bodnarek spent her childhood being involved in every sport possible, as well as many church and community initiatives. That’s what started this entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by strong, Alberta-made work ethics and a great sense of belonging to her community. With hard working parents whose background includes French, Cree, Scottish and English roots, Lorraine was raised in a family where work ethics, loyalty to family and friends, and faith were pillars of the house. Lorraine has 6 kids, 6 grandkids, keeps busy with work projects related to the Pendennis building, and sits on the board of St. Michael's Health Group.

What was your first job?

My first job was babysitting at 12 years old, and working at my dad’s garage in the summers. I also worked in fast food, as a waitress in high school after hours, and as a lifeguard and swim instructor for many years. I graduated from grade 12 at Concordia College at 17, and then attended Grant MacEwan College and graduated with a 2-year Business Diploma. I later returned to the University of Alberta to complete my Business Degree.

Where did your career take you?

My career has allowed me to work for some large corporations, including Project Manager for IBM for over 10 years, as Manager of Real Estate and IT for Finning Canada, and as VP of Commercial Development for Landrex Developers for over 10 years. During my years at Landrex, my husband and I started our own development company back in 2009, and partnered with Landrex (and still do) on commercial, multi-family and seniors’ developments. My husband and business partner (and his best friend) founded and built Delnor Construction Ltd. in 1983. They will be celebrating 40 years of business this June so our interests and backgrounds are very similar having met through work.

How did you decide to get into the restoration of the Pendennis building?

The Pendennis building was familiar to me when UCAMA was trying to redevelop it as a Ukrainian Canadian Archives Museum, as I was asked to step in and assist when the project went sideways and the funding ran out to complete the building. I tried to work with many of the local Ukrainian groups in

Edmonton together with John Chomiak (founder of Hemisphere Engineering) but we were unable to save the project, and the building then sat vacant and became unsafe and further dilapidated from 2015 to 2018. We purchased the building as a judicial sale as we knew of the beauty, the history, and the incredible potential of this amazing structure.

What was the most challenging part of that process?

We finished the majority of the redevelopment in 2020-2021 and were faced with a worldwide pandemic. Our business plan originally included a tenant from California who was creating a new IT concept and signed an Offer to Lease for the entire building. We also partnered with Douglas Cardinal and his team to relocate his Unceded – Voices of the Land Indigenous Exhibit from the Canadian Museum of History from Ottawa. The business plan was extremely exciting until Covid interrupted international travel, access to funding (from Canada/ USA) and the valid hesitation of the tenants’ investors who were primarily stateside.

In 2022, we had to pivot and determine we would concentrate on creating a PREMIUM Event space in Edmonton. Since May of 2022, we changed our marketing and focus to attract local corporations, not-for-profits, art shows, markets, and the music, fashion and film industry along with providing a space for smaller community, indigenous and minority groups to host events. We have also hosted multiple weddings, parties and private celebrations and attracted a highly reputable full-time tenant (Pendennis Weddings and Events Ltd.) who are hosting weddings, bridal parties, showers and celebrations on the 3rd and 4th floors.

What is your favorite thing about downtown Edmonton?

My favorite thing(s) about downtown are the small business community members, the amazing food experience, a growing music scene, and the small breweries popping up everywhere. We tend to support small independent businesses as much as possible and you will not ever see an Amazon delivery truck at my house. I love the owners who take pride in their stores and work very hard to attract new customers and keep the current ones. And I admire the dedication and heartbreak for so many who struggled through COVID as we have. My favorite part of Edmonton is our amazing river valley as we spend many hours walking, biking to many festivals and parties in and around downtown. We are lucky to live in the area adjacent to our river valley and take advantage whenever we can.

How do you spend your downtime?

My downtime is spent with family and friends, hanging at the cabin or around downtown in the summer. We travel to Arizona regularly and love to have our kids and grandkids join us as much as possible. We have been to Europe, and are off to Spain this May, and travel to see family in Toronto and the US a lot. My favorite place to be is always home; Edmonton, a city that has given us a lot!

Your top three luxuries?

My luxury things are my family, my friends and my faith. Without ALL THREE of these luxuries (and they are luxuries as not everyone has the good fortune to enjoy all), none of the other things we do each day would be worth the investment of our time or our financial commitment. My husband and I try to give back as much as possible to our community and to organizations that align with our morals and our belief that everyone needs a helping hand at times. Coupled with some hard work, a strong support system, and some love along the way, all things are possible.

We have worked hard but we have also had a lot of help, some luck, and a lot of support. We have endured many setbacks both personally and professionally, and each time we go back a few steps, we have to remember these things make us more humble, help make us better parents, better partners, better friends and community members, and more forgiving.

WWW.PENDENNISBUILDING.COM

Freshening Up Your Spring Flare

Bella Maas in Sherwood Park showcases the art of Spring with their eye-catching looks

WWW.BELLAMAAS.COM

Rails Stanton Blazer

FRNCH LUANA BLAZER

FRNCH Alienor Dress

FRNCH Faden Dress

Left to Right: Gentle Fawn Mariella Dress

FRNCH Emilie Cardigan

Elan Sloane Dress

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE AGENCY MODE MODELS INTERNATIONAL MODELS LACHLAN BROWNELL, KALE JONES, YEFERSON MARTINEZ

White button up polo Tagliatore

Double breasted stretch jacket

Eton

Floral pocket square Re-Hash

Cotton 5 pocket pant

Gran Sasso

Eleventy Washed grey denim jacket

Eton

Denim dress shirt

Re-Hash

Black selvedge denim

Eleventy Cream cotton stretch Sport jacket with tonal striped zip

Billy Reid

Garmnet dyed cotton with chest pocket

Eleventy Herringbone cotton chinos

Eleventy

Linen Cotton soft jacket

John Smedley

Sea island cotton t-shirt

Eleventy

Houndstooth pocket square

Jacob Cohen

Grey washed denim

Gran Sasso

Tobacco cotton

full button polo Luigi Bianchi

Double pleated wool trousers

Falling In Love With The Process

In reprioritizing the process, Robyn infuses playfulness and intuition into her craft

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

THErevelation occurred as most of the best ones do: by accident. While dealing with the frustrations of being a student of the arts and a perfectionist, Robyn Cornelius reluctantly attended a jewellery and bead show. Having signed up for a series of classes at random, she stumbled upon precisely what she needed…a place where she could create for the sake of creating, with no planning and no grades. Just exploration and the freedom to make mistakes and see where they lead you.

“From then on, I looked at how I made jewellery completely differently. I went back to school and learned the traditional German method of silversmithing, but incorporated the sense of play I had learned at that show. Now my work is more about the process; I stop a piece halfway done because I like what happened. I jump into projects with no design in mind, see what the materials want to do and go with it,” explained Robyn.

From this epiphany, her process was born. It may not be for everyone, but if someone has fallen in love with her style, the best thing they can do is step back from the reins of the commission and let Robyn create.

“The really fun ones are when people send me things, give me a vague idea and tell me to just play with it. This design process isn't for everyone, but I find that if I like the design and it feels intuitive to my style, they will like it too. If I'm trying to force a design that has been 100% pre-designed, I usually don't like it and the customer doesn't end up liking it either.”

Robyn doesn’t just create, she teaches all over North America as well. From conventions and tradeshows, to private homes and studios, she shares her love of the process with as many people as possible.

“Sometimes I am working out a design in my head, but it's not fast enough, so I make a class out of it and see what happens. I think I learn as much from my students as they do from me.” WWW.LITTLEROCKJEWELLERYSTUDIO.COM

Bold, alluring and luxurious - the all-new Lexus RX Craftsmanship. Perfected.

WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

The RX SUV has always been a mainstay for Lexus. You see a lot of them, including many of the original models that are now 4 generations old and a testament to Lexus’ reliability and longevity. The RX continues to be a popular choice in the highly competitive and crowded luxury SUV category because it ticks off all the right boxes for many buyers.

Completely redesigned from the wheels to the roof rails, the 5th generation RX embodies the transformation of the Lexus brand. Featuring a brand-new global platform, bold new exterior and completely re-envisioned cabin, it is a definitive and confident step into the future, while continuing to excel at all the things the world has come to love about the RX in the past.

While instantly recognizable, the fresh new RX design is at once sleek and sophisticated, while looking ready to pounce with its lower, more planted stance. The seamlessly integrated grille is striking and LED lighting all the way around is as eye-catching as it is effective. The honed body combines a flowing roofline and muscular, flared rear fenders into one cohesive shape, with stunning 21-inch rims filling the wheel wells.

Stepping into the RX cabin immediately evokes a sensation of luxury - world-class materials surround the driver and passengers and the fit and finish is nothing short of spectacular. Real leather upholstery (which is not as common as it used to be in the luxury space), laser-cut, open-pore wood trim, beautifully textured and stitched soft-touch panels - it all comes together in an elegant and simplified design that maximizes driver-focused functionality and the sublime comfort that Lexus is known for.

Incredibly comfortable and well-bolstered seats, heated and ventilated for both front and back passengers, are thrones as suitable for the commute as they are for cross-country trips. The massive 14-inch high-definition touchscreen uses the highly intuitive Lexus Interface and puts everything at the driver’s fingertips.

Rear passengers have ample space to stretch out in comfort and the huge panoramic roof overhead makes the spacious cabin seem even airier.

Under the hood, a more efficient turbocharged 2.4L engine puts out 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a buttery smooth 8-speed transmission, the powertrain balances performance and efficiency with ease - it accelerates quicker than the previous V6, yet uses less fuel in every driving situation. Two hybrid drivetrains are also available, including a remarkable 367 horsepower performance hybrid that will accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The RX’s suspension is tuned for comfort without giving up excellent handling. For an even more involved driving experience, the F Sport trims include an adaptive variable suspension that

continuously adjusts to the current situation to provide the best possible performance. A confidence inspiring all-wheel drive system is standard in all trims.

The RX can be driven in absolute confidence, knowing that the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 surrounds driver and passengers with a full suite of passive and active safety systems. Not only does it allow for complete peace of mind, the technology works beautifully without ever being noticeable.

Combining a bold, refined exterior with a world-class cabin that envelops driver and passengers with luxury, technology and comfort, the new RX is everything we’ve loved in the past and everything we expect from the future.

WWW.LEXUSOFEDMONTON.CA

Hayloft Steak + Fish: Commitment to Quality Pays Off

Paul Shufelt raises the bar by simply doing the right thing

WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY STEVEN HOPE

INits first year of business, Hayloft Steak + Fish landed itself on enRoute Magazine’s Top 30 Best New Restaurants list for 2022. For chef Paul Shufelt, owner of the Cameron Heights restaurant, the acknowledgment was both humbling and deeply appreciated.

“It was amazing to see Hayloft longlisted for enRoute. We really felt we were trying to create something special with Hayloft and it felt incredible for others to take notice.”

The “something special” he speaks of is worth noting because what he and his team are doing should be the industry standard, not a rarity. Shufelt’s tenets are three-fold: pay extra for quality product, commit

to lessening food waste, and avoid frilly, fancy, gimmicky trends.

On the beefy side of things, Shufelt sources Wagyu and Holstein beef raised by Jeff Nonay of Lakeside Farmstead, buying up to five whole carcasses a month and breaking them down into usable parts to be used at his six restaurants and catering service. At Hayloft, lesser-known cuts of steak like Denver, tri-tip and picanha are regularly featured which not only helps to use more of the animal, but it expands customers’ knowledge base about what is on an animal other than a ribeye or tenderloin. Many of the steaks are dry-aged 30 to 100 days, a process that involves a lower yield compared to wet-aging, but also a deeper, more robust flavour in the end.

Offering unconventional cuts is only one aspect of whole animal butchery. To truly make the most of these quality carcasses, Shufelt grinds some of the beef to make patties for his Woodshed Burgers restaurants. He renders the fat not only for deep frying but also to make candles and soap. Doing so allows him to divert nearly 300 pounds of beef fat from the landfill every two weeks.

Should you order fish at a steak restaurant? If it's Hayloft, yes. Especially when that fish (and seafood) comes from Effing Seafoods, the company owned by Rob Tryon, a man known as much for his gregarious personality as he is for bringing spectacular ocean delicacies to some of Edmonton’s top restaurants. The sablefish currently featured on the menu is divine as is the delicate scallop crudo and the prawn cocktail.

Food at Hayloft is thoughtful, satisfying, and delicious. Pop in for french fries and a glass of wine—you will not be judged; you might see me there doing the same. But if you go all in, make sure to order a side of silky bearnaise and some cheesy mashed potatoes to go along with that steak.

When he is not at Hayloft, Shufelt divides his time between Workshop Eatery and the other demands of his burgeoning restaurant group. On the nights he is elsewhere, chef Picho Velasquez takes charge of Hayloft’s kitchen, and on special nights, presents Mexican popup dinners along with tequila and mezcal tastings. If you see one advertised, grab tickets.

If tequila doesn’t turn your head, keep your eyes peeled for Thirsty Thursdays when oysters, beer and wine are on special. There is a good chance you will catch Rob Tryon and Paul Shufelt trying to out-shuck one another, all in good fun. Cocktails are worth the trip any day of the week, and Saturdays and Sundays offer decadent brunch offerings until 3 p.m.

Any day is a good day to make your way to Hayloft Steak + Fish. Find it at 639 Cameron Heights Drive NW, Edmonton.

WWW.ROBERTSPENCERHOSP.COM/HAYLOFT

Centuries of distinguished history in one flute of Segura Viudas Cava

WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Amongst the centuries of classic Spanish architecture, blue skies, rolling green hills, rivers, and rows of vineyards in Barcelona, Spain, you will find the estate of Can Esbert de Raïm, synonymous with the award winning Segura Viudas Cava brand.

A former embattled fortress to now an international enotourism destination, the beautiful stone manor with over ten centuries of history was bought by the Segura brothers in the 1950s. In 1969 they launched the iconic Heredad premium cava.

As french varieties of champagne had become fashionable around the world, it was forgotten that Spain is blessed with a variety of quality grapes indigenous to the region. By the mid 20th century, cava found its place on the international stage for sparkling wines.

Today the vineyard produces one of the most awarded cava brands internationally, using the traditional double fermentation process. This process has been used for centuries to produce sparkling wines, ensuring complexity and highly refined bubbles.

When planning your next gathering, the extravagant Cava options from Segura Viudas are essential. The brand's longstanding history and product versatility make hosting simple, and will leave guests admiring your taste.

Segura Viudas Heredad Reserva Brut Cava

To celebrate great moments in life, or to give a special gift to someone

Recently awarded Gold for the 2022 Wine & Spirits International Contest, Segura Viudas Heredad Reserva Brut Cava is a versatile option for your next gathering. Using only the first 50% of the juice pressed, the lightest pressing of grapes creates one of the most stylish, elegant and versatile sparkling wines. Aromas are light and smoky with accents of biscuit, honey fruit and flower petals. A blend of 75% Macabeo and 25% Chardonnay grapes combined with lees aging offers a luxury bouquet.

Pair with:

Cheese Platter Feta, Roquefort, Manchego, Pecorino

Romano with Hazelnuts, Figs and Apricots

Oysters with Mango Lime Salsa

Roasted Chicken with Currants and Carmelized Onions

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava

A welcoming aperitif, or to enjoy at your next dinner party

Fresh off a Gold Medal win in the 2022 Concours

Mondial de Bruxelles, Segura Viudas Brut Reserva is defined by fruitiness, freshness and complexity. A blend of 50% Macro, 30% Xarel-lo and 20% Parellada grapes, the vineyard explains, “The prime feature of Brut Reserva Segura Viudas is its elegant and persistent mousse.” Scents of light florals, with white and tropical fruits accent a full flavour palate with hints of lime and pineapple.

Pair with:

Lobster

Mushroom Risotto

Blue Cheese Omelette with Dates and Walnuts

Anchovy, Sun-dried Tomato and Apple Compote on Crostini

Segura Viudas Brut Rosé

For brunch or sunset at the beach with friends

Gold medalist at the Prennis Vinari, refreshing Brut Rosé is made from a blend of three black grape varieties: 40% Trepat, 20% Garnatxa and 40% Pinot Noir. The bright and beautiful light strawberry pink accented with salmon coloured tones, is picture perfect. Sophisticated fruitiness on both nose and palate, with once again a consistent mousse; you will taste cherry, fruit and some acidity.

Pair with:

Salmon with Dill and Avocado

Quiche Lorraine

Ginger Prawns

Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon

Discerning and treasurable, raise a glass to good company this spring with any of the Segura Viudas Cavas. It will impress those with even the most refined tastes.

Liquid Landscapes of Molten Glass

Challenging glassworking while honoring those who created the boundaries he pushes

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

PAUL

van den Bijgaart has traveled the world in the name of glass. Through Canada, the United States, and even China, he has pursued the guidance of masters in this medium which rekindled his artistic fire. All it took was the simple yet profound act of opening the furnace to change his career path forever.

Now in Virginia attending VCU, he is seeking out new influences as he develops his personal style as an artist.

“The professors here, their work is very experimental. It challenges the perception of the material and how people approach and utilize it.”

Painting doesn't initially come to mind when considering glass as an art medium. Still, this unique technique is what Paul has been exploring thanks to the mentorship of his professors and their unorthodox methods. It is featured heavily in his latest collection, ‘Liquid Landscapes’.

In his quest for the experimental, he also keeps glassworking's long history at the forefront of his creative process. In forging his own path, he also wants to honor those who have developed the techniques he is mastering, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries.

“I try to pull on the historical development of the craft, and recognize the lineage of craftspeople who have set the fundamentals and how people associate with it in ritualistic ways and consumption.”

His art has been largely inspired by his time spent in China, his exposure to the history of the craft within Chinese culture, and the use of handmade glass pieces in ritualistic consumption. Paul spent much time reflecting on the roots of glass worldwide; from tea ceremonies in China to the Venetian craftspeople in Italy and the creation of goblets. The body of work he developed most recently focuses on using a water-like ink painting effect that he could explore to capture fluidity and movement, like the liquids help in the tea sets and goblets that inspired him.

“Glass records your movements and motions. It’s evident within a finished piece, whether it looks like it's been tortured through the process, or a very elegant process. The hand of the maker is very prevalent even though you can never touch it with bare hands.”

With ‘Liquid Landscapes’, Paul spent time recalling his own history, the landscapes of his youth, and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the cultures that influence his work. Part of his studies, which is reflected in the collection, is the area in which eastern and western philosophies view the natural world in contrasting ways.

“It’s been a big inspiration for me to find harmony through the process of making, and use that to reflect on the landscapes I grew up in, like the Rocky Mountains. The work is very loose, and it’s open to interpretation, but my inspiration came from the mountains, waterfalls, and frozen landscapes.”

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/BIJGAARTWORK

Design Nirvana

Indulging in the ultimate experience with a one-stop design company

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

FORthe discerning homeowner who is planning a renovation or new build, Rsvp Design is a one-stop shop for all things in home design. Their expansive showroom is tucked away in south Edmonton and was started by Edmontonian Nicole Bird, who has extensive experience in the construction industry.

“I started out in the construction business working in a lumber yard at 14,” Nicole recalls. Always driven to succeed, Nicole worked with window manufacturer, Loewen Windows for 10 years before deciding that she wanted to be the first Canadian, and woman, to own her own Loewen Windows showroom. Nicole had to persuade the CEO of the company to come

and meet her to show him how serious she was. He did just that and the rest, as they say, is history.

Nicole initially wanted to expand the business to have other window brands, but she quickly realized that there were some missing pieces in order to create the holistic design experience she felt Edmontonians needed. Nicole recalls some early window design projects where she would be working with a standard kitchen template, and as they started to design the cabinetry in more detail, the windows would need to be adjusted. “Designing kitchens and cabinetry at the same time as also selecting windows and doors allowed us to be more proactive,” she says.

Nicole’s mission was simple: make it easy for homeowners to get what they want with just one visit. Upon walking through the doors, you will see both completely custom, locally manufactured kitchens as well as high end cabinetry that is designed and produced in Italy. Perusing through the showroom, clients find an extensive selection of high-quality cabinetry, unique and traditional hardware, countertops, windows, interior and exterior doors, and designer Italian furniture which allows customers to choose from a variety of styles, finishes, and materials to perfectly match their unique taste and preferences. With a dedicated Interior Design Technologist on staff, the team can draw up designs to communicate the vision with their clients.

For those looking to add an extra touch of luxury to their fully finished space, Rsvp Design’s custom Italian furniture collection features stunning pieces that are sure to impress. “Italian craftsmanship is absolutely unmatched,” Nicole says of one of her brands, Pizzolato, which uses ancient manual woodworking methods (while also keeping in mind sustainability), to create both traditional and contemporary wood furniture for clients across the globe.

Rsvp Design is located at 4552 - 99 Street NW.

WWW.RSVPDESIGN.CA