7 minute read
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
from oscmemhcger
A R T I S T
Designer Orsi Panos transforms tight quart- ers into an open airy abode with a Mid-Century Modern twist.
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TEXT SARA CATION
PHOTOGRAPHY VALERIE WILCOX I N R E S I D E N C E
Gallery walls can pose a bit of a puzzle – and even with designer Orsi Panos, framing expert Tara Gavin and artist and homeowner Janet Taylor on site, this one took the better part of a day to map out and hang up. But the efort was worth it: The rich mix of frames, shapes and styles delivers a layered look while disguising the television in plain sight.
DESIGN, Orsi Panos Interiors, orsipanosinteriors.ca; CONTRACTING, Lyons Construction; Extra White SW 7006 WALL PAINT (throughout), Sherwin-Williams; custom BUILT- INS, Olympic Kitchens; vintage ARMCHAIR, Solid Mobler; ARTWORK & PRINTS (clockwise from top left), resin Fragmented Memories #84 wall art, Katja van den Enden; Scene Setters (I) artwork, Kelly Richardson; Skull Drawing artwork, Nathan Turner; spray graphic print, blue shore graphic print, Household Art; Callanish Stones, Outer Hebrides artwork, Valda Bailey; small bird artwork by Kamal Swami, Maasa Miniature Art; resin Fragmented Memories #23 wall art, Katja van den Enden; Connections Make Us Whole artwork, Amantha Tsaros; wave graphic print, Household Art; custom FRAMING, On the Wall Framing; LUMBAR CUSHION, Tonic Living.
COME ALIVE.”
GREAT THINGS are born of great friendships – and the perfect design is a perfect example. That’s why designer Orsi Panos always interviews prospective clients before taking on a new project. “If we’re going to be in each other’s lives for more than a year, we have to like each other,” she says. “Designing a house for someone is really special and intim- ate, so my clients and I often become great friends by the end.”
That’s what happened with homeowners Janet Taylor – an artist – and her wife, who hired Orsi to design the main floor of their Toronto home after seeing how she transformed their neighbours’ house. Straying from the polished-yet-rustic look of the house
ABOVE “We wanted to include a fireplace for ambience, but we didn’t want it to be a main feature,” says Orsi. Set of to the side and surrounded by a wavy textured tile treatment, it has a look that is artistic yet subtle – the perfect pared-back counterpoint to the lively gallery of beautiful artwork beside it.
FIREPLACE SURROUND TILE, Cercan Tile; SECTIONAL, Gresham House Furniture; COFFEE TABLE, Crate and Barrel; RUG, Elte; PRINTS (far left, top and bottom), Household Art; TOSS CUSHIONS, THROW, Lief Huis.
next door, they wanted to open up the space and imbue it with a contemporary casual vibe. Though their design vision was drastically different from the example the couple saw, they knew Orsi was their match after one quick meeting. “We walked away saying, ‘This is someone we know we can work with,’” explains Janet.
She was right. “My main directive was to fill the house with light,” says Orsi, “which is perfect, because that’s my driving force in design, too. Natural light makes everything come alive.”
After knocking down walls to open up the main floor and allow light to flow through, Orsi set about switching up the layout to better reflect the home- owners’ lifestyle. Since they spend most of their time in the kitchen, Orsi kept it in the centre of the home and expanded the living room to the back, where the homeowners could lounge, entertain and best enjoy their beloved
ABOVE, LEFT & RIGHT The kitchen is a beautiful balance of colours and materials – as well as the requests of each homeowner. One wanted brass while the other favoured stain- less steel (hence the hardware mix), and while both wanted finishes in walnut and white, one really wanted blue. “Luckily, I managed to find the perfect backsplash tiles to pull it all together,” says Orsi.
Custom CABINETRY, Olympic Kitchens; CABINETRY HARDWARE, Upper Canada Specialty Hardware; Sea Serpent SW 7615 ISLAND BASE PAINT, Sherwin- Williams; DISHWASHER, Caplan’s Appliances; FAUCET, Roman Bath Centre; RUNNER, Elte Mkt.
LEFT Opening up the stairwell was among the main priorities for the couple who, above all, wanted to break down walls and let in more light. “If I could live in a warehouse, I would,” says Janet of her love for wide open spaces. The banister echoes the lines of the dining table while keeping the look airy.
“My wife and I are both pretty short,” says Janet. “And we wanted the kitchen items we use daily to be within easy reach.” That’s why Orsi planned for ample below-counter storage. “Everything except glassware is in those drawers,” says Janet. Avid collectors of artisanal pieces, the homeowners displayed their favourite ceramics on the open shelves up top.
APPLIANCES, Caplan’s Appliances; STOOLS, Shelter; BACKSPLASH TILES, Ciot.
In the dining area, a minimalist Parsons table, Mid-Century Modern chairs, contemporary artwork and an antique side- board compose an unexpected yet stylish mix that speaks to the homeowners’ artistic tastes.
DINING TABLE, Crate and Barrel; vin- tage CHANDELIER, Atomic Design; RUG, Elte; Watershed ARTWORK by Janet Taylor, Household Art.
AND READ MY MIND.”
garden. Orsi also replaced the seldom-used formal living-dining room with a spacious dining room that feels elegant yet inviting.
The decorating details came next, and Orsi was able to fulfill the homeowners’ requests for a pared-back Mid-Century Modern feel that incorporates heirloom furniture, a blend of warm woods and their extensive art collection. They were thrilled with the process. “Orsi would just show up and read my mind,” says Janet. In fact, it went so well that Orsi just finished designing the couple’s third floor – and both parties are confident their friendship will continue for many years to come.
RIGHT, TOP A mustard-toned throw on a bench in the dining room window proves a small pop of colour goes a long way.
SIDE TABLE, West Elm; BENCH, EQ3; THROW, Lief Huis.
RIGHT The built-in entryway bench serves several purposes: It ofers a place to sit when taking of boots, stores oftworn shoes and helps delineate the foyer from the adjacent dining area.
Custom BENCH, KWR Custom Cabinetry.
ST YLE AT HOME & CIOT PRESENT ba h r e n ds Gone are the days of boring bathrooms. Today, everyone craves a pleasing space in which to unwind and practise self care. To present the latest bath trends, we consulted established Canadian stone and tile retailer Ciot.
ALL ABOUT GEOMETRY
Hexagonal, octagonal, trapeze and textured tiles – geometric shapes are all the rage!
Grey Is the New White
Modern and soothing, grey stands out: “The colour is versatile, chic and industrial. Plus, grey finishes are easier to clean than white ones,” says Marie-Claude Fréchette, marketing director at Ciot. Light grey tiles and charcoal-toned bathroom fixtures are cool and contemporary, especially when combined with trendy black and brass metal finishes.
Nature Calls
On the hot list are tiles that imitate raw and organic textures and materials, such as wood, concrete and stone. “Stoneware tiles perfectly reproduce and imitate the essence of wood, the imperfections of natural stone and the texture of concrete,” says Marie-Claude.
Terrazzo Is Back
A stylish, solid and beautiful material, terrazzo is back and better than ever. To highlight its funky spotted pattern, pair it with streamlined white fixtures and minimal accessories.
Pa ern Play
Fun patterned tiles, such as those from Ciot’s Metro line, lend themselves to play- ful combinations – swirls complement chevrons, which in turn jibe with blocks. “A ordable simple tiles take on a graphic look when paired in unexpected ways,” says Marie-Claude. “To add depth, mix up matte and glossy finishes.”
Ciot, ciot.com.
SEPTEMBER 2018
PHOTOGRAPHY, TRACEY AYTON IN THE BALANCE
Ushering us from summer to fall, September calls for notions both cheerful and cozy, and the homes that follow nail that balance. Think: The flirty flounce of fresh-cut flowers combined with handsome accents in grounding black.
