Living Luxe Magazine - Autumn Issue 2019

Jeanne Beker on how art dramatically transforms our homes

TIM E OUT

– Metropolitan Glamour – Mystical Jewellery

Stately Mansions

MASTE R CLASS

Autumn Issue

MO D E R N T R ANS F O R MAT ION S

Tracy Moore invites us on

R ICH VAL E R EVIVAL Northern grandeur reimagined

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TORONTO EDITION

her staycation in the city

“A beautiful space starts from the ground up with a weavers art…” – Michael Pourvakil “A“Abeautiful beautifulspace spacestarts startsfrom fromthetheground groundupupwith witha weavers a weaversart…” art…”– –Michael Michael Pourvakil Pourvakil

Weavers Art has curated a collection of ten magnificent designs in contemporary palettes. Made from natural fibers, being pure wool

or combinations of silk and wool, our carpets are sophisticated and elegant to charm any space with glamour & practicality.

Weavers Weavers ArtArt hashas curated curated a collection a collection of of tenten magnificent magnificent designs designs in contemporary in contemporary palettes. palettes.

Made Made from from natural natural fibers, fibers, being being pure pure wool wool Icombinations would like to of personally invite you tocarpets our showroom, locatedand inand the hearttoofto the Castlefield Design District, this collection and or or combinations of silksilk and and wool, wool, our our carpets areare sophisticated sophisticated elegant elegant charm charm anyany space space with with glamour glamour &topracticality. &view practicality. be further inspired. Look forward to seeing you soon!

I would I would likelike to to personally personally invite invite youyou to to ourour showroom, showroom, located located in the in the heart heart of of thethe Castlefield Castlefield Design Design District, District, to to view view thisthis collection collection and and bebe further further inspired. inspired.

Look Look forward forward to to seeing seeing youyou soon! soon!

Top left to bottom right: Concrete Art, Spring Blossom, Acropolis, Broadway, Illusionist TopTop leftleft to bottom to bottom right: right: Concrete Concrete Art, Spring Spring Blossom, Blossom, Acropolis, Acropolis, Broadway, Broadway, Illusionist Illusionist Sutton Place, Art, Tundra 1550, Crossroads, Concrete Grid, Acropolis II Sutton Sutton Place, Place, Tundra Tundra 1550, 1550, Crossroads, Crossroads, Concrete Concrete Grid, Grid, Acropolis Acropolis II II

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A selection of subtle, delicate, fine textures, refined with crisp tight joints to resemble Europe’s finest eclectic masonry finishes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A RITZ REVOLUTION PG. 118

IN THIS ISSUE 35 Luxe Life 36 What’s New 42

The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

46

Jewel Box by Jeanne Beker

48 True Transformations 50

Contest

52

Revolutionizing How We Work

56

A Step Above

62

The Luxury of No

The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

64 Sisterhood 74

Luxury Down Under

PG. 42

78 Life-Changing 129

The Market

140

The Best: Flooring

26

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHANGE WILL DO YOU GOOD PG. 92

FEATURES 85

Fit For a Queen

92

Change Will Do You Good

98

Art Class

104

Making the Old New Again

110

Royal Change

118

A Ritz Revolution

IN EVERY ISSUE 30

Letter from Karine

32

Masthead/Contributors

144

Luxe to You

FIERCE METAMORPHOSIS 28

PG. 46

Feature Slug

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29

Contributors The theme of this issue is “Transformation,” so we asked our contributors to either define what the word means to them, or share a short anecdote about a time they “shifted” in their life/career. Here’s what they had to say.

CARLA LANCIT

MEREDITH HERON

FREELANCE WRITER

INTERIOR DESIGNER

“Back in the day, I quit my job, sold my house,

“Life is too short to spend it doing something that

and spent a year travelling through Asia. Risky

doesn’t make your heart soar. A month shy of my

for someone who is usually pragmatic, but the

30th birthday, I decided to make a career jump—

experience was transformative and it’s changed

from teacher to designer—and hoped the net

my perspective on everything since.”

would appear. It did, and I am eternally grateful.”

ALVARO GOVEIA

ALEXANDRA NARANJO

PHOTOGRAPHER

DESIGNER

“As a photographer, I am constantly

“The most precious adventure you will take in

transforming ideas into images, my own ideas

your life will be the one of self-transformation.

as well as collaborators’. Transformation on a

Frequently this is the scariest transformation

personal level means moving forward, adapting

because it requires the most changes, but the

and changing for the positive.”

rewards are often unimaginable.”

Volume 1, Number 2, Transformation 2019

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jeffrey Boro

PUBLISHING

EDITORIAL

CREATIVE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Jennifer Lipkowitz

EDITOR IN CHIEF Karine Ewart

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sandy Kim

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Anthony Sirianni

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jeanne Beker

DESIGN DIRECTOR Salina Vanderhorn

ASSISTANT TO THE C.O.O. Hana Rakovski

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jennifer Batler, Suzanne Dimma, Janette Ewen, Meredith Heron, Carla Lancit, Lisa van de Geyn, Joan Kelley Walker

Advertising rates, deadlines and information, email anthony@livingluxe.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS For inquires and address changes, email subscriptions@livingluxe.ca livingluxe.ca info@livingluxe.ca 7250 Keele St, Unit #40, Concord, ON L4K 1Z8

DIGITAL SPECIALIST Eugene Leiderman

LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY LIVING LUXE, INC. COPYRIGHT LIVING LUXE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY COPYING OR REPRODUCTION OF THIS CONTENT WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. PRINTED IN CANADA.

30

Feature Slug

Everyday • Luxury • Essentials

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GUELPH

Letter from Karine

I Like Change.

Growing up, I moved a lot. As a single parent raising three daughters, my mother worked very hard at her government job. Every time she would get a promotion, which was every few years, we would move to a nicer home. As I became an adult, this pattern continued: I lived in London, Ont., Montreal, Toronto and New York, all within a span of five years. When my husband, Jay, and I

Then we had our first child, Milla, and the way I felt about our “home” changed. I suddenly saw the walls around us as a safe haven to raise our family. (We had twin boys and another son after Milla.) And despite enjoying my nomad lifestyle, I realized I wanted to give my kids more stability.

The theme of this issue is “transformation” (thanks for the suggestion, Jeanne Beker!) and like Evanka Osmak (page 144), the biggest transformation in life for me was having kids.

When I was pregnant with our twin boys, our little two-bedroom brownstone suddenly became very tiny, so my husband and I decided to move back to the small town we grew up in (and where our parents still lived). But I knew our next home had to be our “forever” home.

Ironically, we bought the house Jay grew up in: His parents were ready to downsize so we purchased the house from my in-laws. That was 14 years ago and our house did provide the

LOVING LIVING LUXE Sending our thanks and appreciation to Paulette Doucette for sending us her Living Luxe selfie.

Follow us on Instagram @livingluxemagazine and send us a photo of you with Living Luxe and you could be featured on our insta story.

Send your picture to info@ livingluxe.ca. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

stability we wanted for our kids. I have to admit, though, because of my upbringing, I moved furniture constantly and switched the kids’ bedrooms just to change things up. Jay once came home to find I had moved our kitchen table into the sunroom and replaced it with two oversized sofas and a coffee table.

Now that Milla has gone off to university and our three teenage boys are getting older, I can’t suppress my desire for a change. We have been wanting to build a house in the country for years, and we are ready to take the plunge. The idea of building my dream home is very exciting; I just wonder how long it will take before I get antsy for change again.

OUR APOLOGIES In the inaugural issue of Living Luxe, we omitted Dr. Philip Solomon’s medical credentials.

The copy should have read: Dr. Philip Solomon, Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon Practicing in Facial Plastic Surgery. We regret the error.

Also, for the cover story with Jeanne Beker, we neglected to credit makeup artist Tricia Langenberg-Kealy and hairstylist Gregory Parvatan. We sincerely apologize.

32

PHOTO OF DOUCETTE , FRANK SIRIANNI.

in the Annex and a year after that we bought our first home at Yonge and Summerhill.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, ALENA ROMANOVSKAYA. MAKEUP, TRICIA LANGENBERG-KEALY. DRESS COURTESY OF JOAN KELLEY WALKER COLLECTION.

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35

Luxe Life / News

WHAT’S NEW

Cheers We love the retro vibe coming from Regulars Bar. The atmosphere is more upscale than one may expect, but, like the name suggests, the atmosphere is inviting, familiar and fun, thanks to the decor, which was inspired by 1920s casinos and Hollywood’s Golden Age. (And the $5 mimosas on the weekend brunch menu are delish.) regularsbar.ca.

Hair Therapy Collagen isn’t just for your lips. TO112 Mask for Damaged hair from Luis Pacheo and his team at Medulla & Co. (they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary in the city) delivers on its promise to help restore damaged hair and make it look and feel softer and shinier. (And the blend of oils, protein and ginseng root extract smell amazing.) to112.com.

It’s a Wrap With winter just around the corner, these luxurious Cambie blankets have arrived in the nick of time. They are made in a family-owned weaving mill in Lima, Peru, and the collection includes a variety of traditional Peruvian patterns and modern colour combinations.

You can find them at their Queen West boutique or online. cambiedesign.ca.

36

SOLOMON FACIAL PLASTIC

The Art Of Surgery Dr. Philip Solomon OTOLARYNGOLOGIST HEAD & NECK SURGEON PRACTICING IN FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

Rhinoplasty • Facelift • Facial Implants • Facial Feminization Blepharoplasty • Lip Lift • Hairline Lowering CONSULTATIONS ARE WELCOME. DAVENPORT/YORKVILLE: 416-864-6100

OLD THORNHILL: 905-764-7799

Luxe Life / News

A New Addition Hammam Spa by Céla opened its King Street location more than 15 years ago and people instantly fell in love with the transformative experiences they offer. We’re happy to share that they are opening a second 13,000-squarefoot location at Bayview Village this month. The two-storey space features a new offering: Hammam Medical Aesthetics.

Visit hammamspa.ca to keep tabs on their progress.

Sticky Business Award-winning cookbook author and food writer Amy Rosen has taken her cinnamon bun empire to the next level. She has partnered with Pusateri’s to offer her fans (i.e. everyone who has tried them) frozen buns in a take-home-and-bakeyourself form. rosensbuns.com.

Tech Beauty With the influx of technology, it’s surprising that someone hasn’t launched a product like this sooner: Screen Time Hydra-Mist from Volition Beauty protects your skin from blue light, the damaging wavelength light emitted by the sun and electronics. The main ingredient, marigold flower extract, contains the antioxidant-rich pigment, Lutein, which helps block the blue light emitted from screens. volitionbeauty.com.

Home Brew We all know the benefits of Kombucha, the effervescent sweet tea from Japan. Now you can brew your own at home, thanks to Mortier Pilon and the folks at Indigo.

This is the first-ever fermentation crock specifically for brewing Kombucha and it comes with a booklet of recipes you can use until you get the hang of it and start getting more creative. chapters.indigo.ca.

38

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Luxe Life / The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

BY CONTRAST True Stripes Handmade in Portugal, Casa Cubista terra cotta ceramics features painterly black-and-white stripes that bring lively energy to a table or wall display. Ray platter, 40 cm, Stripe dinner plate, 27 cm, Stepped vase, Casa Cubista, casacubista.com.

Not since the 1980s has the black-and-white palette featured so predominantly in the world of design and decor. This time, it’s less about the glamour and more about a sense of mod, industrial coolness.

We just can’t get enough.

Marble Trend Bianco Carrara adds rich pattern in shades of grey to a washroom or powder room.

We love it paired with a wall-mounted faucet and set on a table-style vanity. Claybrook Touch Basin, 24” x 16” x 6”, Ginger’s, gingers.com.

Calling The Kettle This two-tone whistling kettle in matte black is so stylish it demands to be kept on the stove every day. It features a two-litre capacity and a soft touch stay-cool silicone handle for easy pouring. Clyde Stovetop Kettle by Fellow, Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrel.com.

Pleasure Domes A mod 1970s-inspired shape and weighty marble base makes this two-in-one lamp a bold, grounding element in a living room or bedroom.

Domes Marble table, CB2, cb2.com

Criss Cross The Marx Stool by Gabriel Scott is as striking as it is multi-functional. This one features a stationary black steel base with brass hardware for a bit of sparkle. Hollace Cluny, hollacecluny.ca.

42

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Luxe Life / The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

Stacked Up Sometimes the classic chest of drawers is just what you need to complete a bedroom. We love the soft rounded corners and integrated recessed pulls on this deep matte-black-lacquered bureau that showcases the striking grain of white ash. Capsule Bureau, 32” W x 66” H x 18” D. Watney Design, watneydesign.com.

Well Slung Leather and oak marry beautifully in this striking coffee table design by Charuk & Ford. The low leather sling is perfect for stashing mags or remote controls. Charuk & Ford, Charukandford.com.

Avante Garde Part chair, part sculpture, the fibreglass Roly Poly dining chair from Salt sets an edgy and artful scene around a dining table.

Salt, saltbythecazaproject.com.

Go Organic The asymmetrical shape of this freestanding bathtub has a relaxed appeal. It’s made from reclaimed marble but feels like it’s been hand-formed out of clay.

Eigg bathtub, 71” x 39” x 21”, Ginger’s, gingers.com.

Culinary Art The Chateau 150 by La Cornue makes an indisputable statement in the kitchen, and is timeless in black with stainless steel trim. Each one is an original and numbered work by a La Cornue artisan and features two gas electric ovens and two large storage drawers, plus 10 stovetop configurations with options like gas burners, induction plates, French top or electric Teppanyaki grills.

La Cornue, lacornue.com.

In a Swirl A creative collaboration between Interior designer Kate Thornley Hall and Toronto fashion designer Izzy Camilleri, the mesmerizing cotton flat-weave Swirl Rug introduces a big hit of pattern underfoot. Also available as an outdoor rug made from recycled plastic water bottles.

Custom orders available in any size or colour through kate@katethornleyhall.com.

44

Inspire Create Perform

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Luxe Life / Jewel Box by Jeanne Beker

3 2

1 1. CHOPARD 18-karat white

gold “Happy Dreams” pendant with brilliant floating diamonds and Pavé diamonds.

2. JOERG HEINZ 18-karat white gold “Magic” pendant invented to give the owner three distinctive looks with the click of an invisible switch.

One with brilliant white Pavé diamonds, one with black Pavé diamonds and the third in pure yellow gold.

3. JOERG HEINZ 18-karat two-tone “Trias” foldable ring with three-hinged sections of white, rose and yellow gold set with brilliant white Pavé diamonds and one section set with black Pavé diamonds.

4. TAMARA COMOLLI 18-karat rose gold “Curriculum Vitae Wildberry” ring with princess cut sapphires in red, blue, purple and pink.

In keeping with this issue’s theme, lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker chooses pieces that literally transform before your eyes.

FIERCE METAMORPHOSIS

Photography by Tyler Boweditch Jewellery by Knar Jewellery

4

It’s been said that in life, the only

that will help tell your own personal

constant is change. And while some

story. These statement pieces are

shifts are hugely challenging, change

both precious and playful—from a

and transformation are often em-

striking white-gold pendant fea-

blematic of versatility and growth.

turing a quartet of dazzling circles

Show the world—and yourself—how

and a trio of floating diamonds, to

malleable and resilient you are by

a foldable pavé diamond ring com-

choosing a unique piece of jewellery

prised of separate bands that can

46

be configured to be worn in three

and-gold accent lariat, featuring

ways for different looks, to the

a bold dragon-head clasp. Or

exotic notion of a mystical dragon

empower your delicate hand with

wrapped around your wrist. Spin

the ornate, mythical monster—

a ring of multi-coloured sapphires

there’s no question this piece has

round your finger as you contem-

transformational qualities that

plate your next move. Turn the

will take you and your personal

centre ball of a sparkling pendant

style to a whole other level. And

to suit your moods or drip John

we’re certainly not forgetting the

Hardy dragon-scale teardrops

men in our lives: Who wouldn’t

from your earlobes to make a

savour a red tiger-eye beaded

statement about both strength and

bracelet adorned with silver skulls

vulnerability. Hardy encourages

as a symbol of immortality and

more whimsy with a silver-

transformation?

5

6

7

8

5. JOHN HARDY Sterling silver

and 18-karat yellow gold “Legends Naga Dragon” bracelet.

6. JOHN HARDY Sterling silver “Legends Naga Dragon” ring with black sapphire, black spinel and blue sapphire eyes.

7. JOHN HARDY Sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold woven lariat “Legends Naga Dragon” necklace with dragon head closure.

8. JOHN HARDY Sterling silver “Legends Naga Dragon” earrings on french wires.

9. WILLIAM HENRY Sterling silver “Skull Motivation” beaded bracelet with shimmering red tiger-eye beads.

9

47

Luxe Life / Q&A

TRUE TRANSFORMATIONS Toronto Surgeon Dr. Philip Solomon, an expert in facial aesthetic surgery, shares his insights into why—and how— he chooses to help people change their physical appearance in order to feel more like themselves.

How has your practice changed since you started?

would be one, and if you add them all up you get

Initially, I focused on reconstructive head and

are achieved with multiple applications. Working

neck surgery as well as cosmetic and reconstruc-

together with my patients is my ultimate goal to

Tell us what the impetus was for you to become a

tive facial plastic surgery. Over the past 2 decades

achieve the best results.

facial plastic surgeon?

I have chosen to narrow my practice to facial

Anyone who chooses to go into surgery as a pro-

aesthetic surgery including rhinoplasty surgery,

fession is results oriented and desires to be able

facelifts, blepharoplasty, facial implants and

While trends don’t necessarily dictate decisionmaking, being an expert in your field, what are some current surprises that you have noticed

to make change. Being an Otolaryngologist Head

transgender/facial feminization surgery.

people are embracing now?

and Neck Surgeon Practicing in Facial Plastic

My clinic has also grown to include a number

I think there is a trend in plastic surgery in

Surgery, allows me to express myself artistically

of anti-aging laser and skin technologies.

general toward achieving more natural results.

and I am also able to change people physically

a 10. Quite often, the most exceptional results

Take for example rhinoplasty (nose jobs). This

drawn to architecture as a profession as it has

This issue of Living Luxe is themed “Transformation.” How would you connect that to your niche and/or clients?

some similar elements. But like everything else

I have a very focused practice on facial plastic

change it with a more sculpted, up-turned nose.

in life, you get influenced by mentors that you

surgery. My staff and I want to help people

With facelift surgery, I think people are more

are fortunate enough to come across, and at the

make changes so they can feel their best. We

open to embarking on this procedure. Years

University of Toronto medical school I met some

are constantly adding to our portfolio acquiring

ago, it used to be taboo or something just the

real pioneers in Otolaryngology Head and Neck

the most cutting-edge technology so that we

rich and famous do. Here in Canada, the cost

Surgery and facial reconstructive and plastic

can provide world class treatments. We want to

of facelift surgery is very reasonable compared

surgery. They helped shape my path.

be one of the premiere destinations in Canada

to the U.S. We have excellent surgeons, more

How has the industry transformed since you

in facial plastics and facial rejuvenation. Many

advanced techniques and improved technology.

opened your doors?

of our clients come to us because they want to

I have personally have adopted the Deep Plane

Plastic surgery in general has evolved over

make physical changes that can have a positive

technique which offers longer lasting and more

the past 20 years. The field has become very

impact on their self-esteem.

natural results for my patients. With the advent

specialized where there’s a trend for surgeons to focus on a handful of procedures that they

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, it’s all about transformation for the patients. How do you deal

do frequently. I have focused on a narrow field

with their expectations about the results?

minded to embrace the experience.

exclusively of facial plastic cosmetic procedures

We try our best to communicate with, and edu-

And what insight do you have for the future of

which I believe has enhanced my patients’ care.

cate our patients in a way to meet their goals and

plastic surgery?

Furthermore, the industry has transformed with

provide realistic outcomes. There is no one fix for

I think society in general has embraced plastic

the evolution of technology and pharmaceuticals

all. Did I explain my 1 + 1 +1 = 10? If you have

surgery as mainstream. People realize that we

which have influenced how we approach and

surgery, that’s a “one,” a non-surgical treatment

are living longer and want to look and feel our

treat our patients.

like Botox is a “one” and then laser resurfacing

best no matter what our age.

but more importantly emotionally. I was initially

48

procedure has now shifted to clients wanting to preserve their look rather than completely

of the internet, more information is available to research and learn, making people more open

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Luxe Life / Contest

OUR FIRST LUXE GIVEAWAY

Nominate someone you adore for the chance to win this gorgeous Sapphira accent chair from Decorium.

As the holiday season approaches, we want to

someone who has been through adversity

show our thanks to one lucky reader by allowing

lately and should feel like a superstar. Tell us

you to surprise someone important in your life

their story and the editors will choose one

with a truly lovely gift.

fortunate winner.

Living Luxe partnered with Decorium for this incredible opportunity. Toronto’s largest furniture showroom, Decorium is known for their quality, style and selection. All you need to do is nominate someone you know who deserves a special present. Perhaps it’s

HOW TO ENTER: Follow us on Instagram (@livingluxemagazine) and tag someone who you feel should win the gorgeous chair.

Then DM us their story or email it to contest@livingluxe.ca. All entries must be received by midnight November 15th.

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

REVOLUTIONING HOW WE WORK

By Carla Lancit

Carly Nemtean is practically bouncing off the yet-to-be-built walls. The energy is palpable as she points out where the receptionist will sit, the future location of the “wellness room” and the size of the materials library.

We’re touring The Collective Workspace. On the day of my visit, the space isn’t open yet, but Nemtean and co-founder Rocco Verrillio are working furiously to be ready for their November launch. Framing is in place but the glass that will separate the private suites from the more public hub area hasn’t been installed. I have to watch my step because the flooring isn’t in.

Still, Nemtean and Verrillio’s vision is obvious. Walking through the space I can picture not only the office, but also the community they are intent on building.

The Collective Workspace is a co-working space dedicated to interior designers, architects, architectural landscapers—“anyone in the business of design,” as Nemtean says. “There are so many different aspects that come together, so this is a place for them to meet, have a community, look at materials and meet other like-minded people.”

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PHOTOS BY KIERAN DARCY. THECOLLECTIVETO.COM

An exciting concept.

A new beginning.

A big future.

Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

From left: Lisa Ceci, Gabi Eliasoph, Rocco Verrilli, Aletha Marshall, Carly Nemtean

Four membership levels cater to businesses of various sizes—from those content with club access and a hot desk all the way up to 375-square-foot offices with private kitchenettes.

With membership comes all of the amenities an office can provide—a receptionist, boardroom where members can meet with clients and storage for all the samples industry professionals lug around. All of this is usually out of reach for architects, designers and stagers—most of whom are small-business owners.

“It creates a level of professionalism that we can offer to small designers —they can come in here, and have the materials library, sit in a proper boardroom, have a receptionist, there’s water on the table. It looks like a larger-scale firm,” says Verrillio, “and it creates a community culture.”

For the co-founders, community culture is what The Collective is all about. There will be a café kitchen with bistro tables where members can grab a drink and bounce ideas off of colleagues, and a wellness room where they can attend workshops and meditation sessions.

The space will also feature a 3,000-square-foot library brimming with samples of tiles, fabrics, lighting—anything they might need when planning a project. A librarian will be there to assist and to connect members with various vendors.

“This is about community, sharing your ideas, helping the people in the space and looking for help,” says Verrillio. No wonder they chose “Let’s work together,” as their motto.

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

COMPANY NAME

Weavers Art

YEAR FOUNDED

2004

SPECIALTY

Hand-woven area rugs, carpets and hallway runners FOUNDER

Michael Pourvakil

A STEP ABOVE As the authority on carpets, this expert weighs in on what’s current now, what influenced these trends and what we can expect to see next.

“I started in the rug industry in 1988 and by 1991, I was in a partnership at a trade showroom in downtown Toronto serving the A & D community,” says Michael Pourvakil, president and owner of Weavers Art. He’s a veteran in the industry and knows of what he speaks. “By the mid 1990s, we opened our first retail/trade showroom on Yonge Street in Rosedale. We were exclusively carrying Persian rugs, as were most of the rug dealers of the time.

However, buying and selling the same style of rugs wasn’t challenging or satisfying, so I decided

By Karine Ewart

to step outside of my comfort zone. I travelled to Pakistan, India and Nepal in search of new ideas and product lines. In 1998, we opened our

56

Feature Slug

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

trade- only showroom in Designers Walk. By this time we had created our own exclusive collections that were finely handwoven in Nepal.”

At that time, designers were specifically looking for Persian rugs, as that was the trend.

However, by exposing their clients to new ideas RIGHT: Founder and president of Weavers Art, Michael Pourvakil.

BELOW: Hand-knotted pure wool rug, Acropolis II, available in a variety of sizes.

and designs, their mindsets slowly changed and they began appreciating the unique, awardwinning designs they had to offer.

“We began with Persian rugs then added decorative rugs with current colour palettes which designers could easily incorporate into their projects,” Pourvakil explains. “We then became a design house creating our own award-winning collections.”

As the use of technology increased and people had access to a broader selection Pourvakil realized that focusing only on their own collections would limit their ability to offer the best and the most diverse. “I began partnering with artists and rug designers from around the globe. We have collaborated with those in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, USA and of course Canada.

We launched 10 new designs in 2017 as we teamed up with OCAD University students.

We’ve also had the honor of working first hand with local artists Darlene Watson, Lorraine Tuson and Canada’s maven of interior design, Lori Morris of LMD in Toronto.”

In 2013, one of Canada’s top interior-design firms contacted them to produce a collection of rugs for the top two floors of a downtown skyscraper. They had 12 months to design, produce and complete the project. “However, by the time all the decision makers approved the drawings we only had five months remaining,” Pourvakil says.

“The difficulty was with the main two oversized

58

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

rugs of 16’ x 39’ and an unusually shaped rug that was 38’ x 27’. To make sure that we would meet the deadline, I conferred with our production team in Nepal as to whether they would be able to produce these hand-knotted masterpieces in time. They replied that they would need to have three sets of master weavers working on the looms in three shifts (24/7) to complete the job in time. This project was extremely stressful, as we had to have all the rugs installed by the company’s annual meeting. We received the carpets in time and installed the gorgeous rugs with one day to spare! In the end, I should say that it was worth the stress, as we learned how to manage large corporate jobs as well.”

As society has evolved, so have peoples’ tastes and lifestyles. “In the past people had very formal living rooms, whereas now family rooms, breakfast areas and kitchens have become one and are the heart of the home,” Pourvakil says.

“This is where most people and their friends gather and enjoy each others company, hence the lifestyle has become more casual and comfortable. Our variety of designs and product lines easily coordinate with the lifestyles and budgets of today’s clients.”

And looking to the future? Pourvaikil has this to say: “For the past five to 10 years, designers and clients have been asking for neutral tones and simple designs. I foresee a move towards more patterns and mid-tone colour palettes.

Also clients are more and more conscientious about the quality of the products they put in their homes. You can never go wrong with high-quality rugs with natural fibres. As English people would say, ‘We are not wealthy enough to buy cheap quality.’”

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Luxe Life / Wellness

FADE IN MODERN OPEN LOFT, DOWNTOWN Glen Gould’s 1955 recording of Bach resonates softly from the in-wall speakers while a Diptyque figuier candle competes with two white-labelled candles, scented like a bourbon-drinking grandfather.

CUT TO the “occasion” sits on an oblong coffee table next to a notepad filled with scribbling about expression and clarity.

A woman walks into the room, sits crosslegged on the rug, leans on to the coffee table and reaches for the glass of wine while glancing quickly at her notebook.

WOMAN: “Hello?”

MAN:

10 short months, I (a somewhat romantically cautious woman) agreed to move in with him evening following my decision, his behaviour rapidly changed. I was then “ghosted.” Any attempt to gain a sense of understanding was ignored. A week later, a text arrived from him: “I think it’s best we focus on ourselves right now. I want to get my diet and sleeping on track.” Shocked by his lack of empathy, I texted a brief response: an emoji thumbs up. A few days later, I was in Rome In my heart, I knew his behaviour was a toxic a power play. It had happened before, with men, people I worked with, friends…and I’d always just “taken it.” Yes, let’s be friends. Yes, I can do

“Hi Stranger.”

that. Yes, by all means. For all of my life I’d been

Awkward laugh

conditioned to say yes to everything. Yes, I can do

Silence MAN:

that for you. Yes! Good people say yes.

“You look great in your posts. I’ve missed

Not this time. This time: “No.”

you. Things are the same with me. Doing

I took a month off from people and worked on

my best.”

myself. Studying, researching and understanding WOMAN:

who I was and why I so easily said “yes” to others,

“Well. This is weird. Are we going to talk

even when I didn’t necessarily agree. I realized

about what’s going on?”

MAN:

that when we say “yes” when we want to say “no,”

“Going on? Oh don’t worry, it’s fine.”

WOMAN: “Fine?”

MAN: “Just know we will always be dear friends.

Life-long friends in fact. Always in each other’s lives. I’m friends with all my exes.”

WOMAN: “No.” MAN:

we change the course of our lives.

I decided to unleash the power of “no;” accept the willingness to be disagreeable, even disliked.

To find value in a hard, unwavering stop.

“No” has become a long overdue gift to myself.

I wrapped that call with MAN and felt happiness and inner strength. I didn’t have to be polite, consider this person’s feelings, worry why he behaved a certain way or fix try to him. I didn’t even have to care. I didn’t have to say “yes.” I felt like I had bought myself a pricey diamond necklace, maybe

Voice deepens “Wow you are a hell of a lot stronger than

a tiara as well. Actually, it felt even better.

Confidence and self-love allowed me to find

I thought.”

WOMAN: “Goodbye.”

my “no.” I encourage you to embrace “no.” Try it on for size, and experience the delicious, delecta-

She hangs up the phone

ble luxurious taste when you morph from “yes” to

FADE OUT

a self-confident “no.”

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PHOTO COLLAGE, JANETTE EWEN.

By Janette Ewen

right words were said, overtures made and after

pondering, “What the hell?”

Phone ringing

Join contributing editor Janette Ewen as she details her transformational journey from being a “yes” person to one who owns up to the word “no.” Trust us, it’s a story that may help you find your new path.

met a man (MAN). Like a 1950’s romance, all the

and consider marriage. While out for dinner the

A single glass of Stag’s Leap Cabernet, bought for

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WOMAN is me. One year prior to this call, I had

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

COMPANY NAME

Unique Art & Deco YEAR FOUNDED

2017

SPECIALTY

Home decor FOUNDERS

Maryam, Yasaman & Niloofar Yousefi

SISTERHOOD

These three siblings from Iran showcase why family can be your strongest ally.

By Lisa van de Geyn

It’s a common universal truth that not every set of siblings can handle working together, but the three sisters behind Toronto’s stunning Unique Art & Deco are really making a name for themselves.

The Yousefi sisters—Maryam, Yasaman and Niloofar—were born in Iran and came to Canada in 2005; they moved to Toronto. The eldest, Maryam, studied interior design when she arrived (and brought an MBA with her from Iran), which fit seamlessly with the family business.

(Her parents opened a furniture trading company a couple of years after relocating.) Decor and design are in the sisters’ DNA, so it makes sense that they decided to bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to their store, which opened in 2017. With degrees in civil engineering and IT management, Yasaman is very involved in the business side of Unique Art & Deco, while

64

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

Niloofar, who studied graphic design, handles communications and the company’s social media. Back then, says Yasaman, the sisters were “looking for a new concept when it came to decor stores—purchasing furniture through our unique business style with the customers.”

Their first store was located in the Yonge and Sheppard neighbourhood in Toronto’s north end.

“We were one of the few stores in the area to offer both luxury and affordable lines of furniture,” says Yasaman. “We also offered every style of design—transitional, traditional, contemporary and everything in between—as well as interior design services.”

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It wasn’t long before they moved to midtown, to a swanky location on Avenue Road. Customers come in looking for interesting pieces they aren’t going to find in other stores. “They usually come to us for art deco and unique things—everything from furniture to accessories, bedding to lighting, etc.,” says Yasaman, adding they carry a slew of impressive designer lines.

When it comes to the pieces they bring into the shop, it’s up to Maryam—who is inspired by more contemporary design—to watch the trends each season, and every year the sisters go to furniture markets in the US and Italy. “We help Maryam choose pieces but she uses her artistic talent and taste, as well as the taste of the Avenue Road community,” Yasaman says.

These days the sisters spend their time curating furniture and accessories, liaising with clients and, after two years, they’re still learning to be a successful team. “It’s amazing working with Maryam and Niloofar. Each of us is responsible for what we do best and we almost always cooperate,” Yasman says. “We rely on each other and it’s working.”

68

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Luxe Life / House Profile

LUXURY DOWN UNDER

Working with an unfinished space and a vision from the homeowners, this designer built the basement of his clients’ dreams.

By Lisa van de Geyn 74

Let’s face it: Basements aren’t always sexy—

they could relocate their entertaining down-

they’re too often seen as those dark, dingy

stairs—they enjoy spending time with family

spaces where there’s nothing but cobwebbed

and friends and hoped the space would serve

corners and unused items no longer needed

as an upgraded area to host gatherings. “The

in the primary living areas. But that’s where

owners really wanted to make it part of the

Diego Botia comes in. As an architect and the

house. They wanted something very unique—

head designer of Toronto’s Harmony Basements

open concept, a wet bar, gym, guest room,

for the last five years, Diego (he prefers to go by

bathroom and feature TV wall. Something

his first name) is in charge of changing clients’

modern to complement the style of the rest

perceptions of their basements—showing them

of the home,” he says.

what can be accomplished with careful plan-

That was Diego’s jumping-off point. In

ning, smart design work, quality craftsmanship

the course of six weeks, the basement was

and the support of homeowners who want

transformed into a space the homeowners

their basement to be an extension of their main

now can’t get enough of. “My inspiration was

living areas.

to take the client’s wish list and make the

That’s exactly what he did for a Toronto

room as unique as possible. I also wanted to

couple last year. Their five-year-old home’s

maximize their space. I’m a patient designer

1,500-square-foot basement was typical of

and I wanted to understand their main goals

most unfinished basements—dim, dusty and

and what they had in mind before finalizing

full of storage. It wasn’t treated as a function-

my planning.” Diego was able to show the

ing part of the home. Their hope was that

couple their floor plan in three-dimensional

renderings, which allowed them to get a good picture of the design and feel Diego was after.

From there, the construction team brought his vision to life. They installed barn doors in the guest bedroom and used them to cover the entrance of the furnace room; added pocket doors for the jack-and-jill bathroom; created a wet bar (with a stone travertine backsplash); spray-painted the ceiling in the gym to give it a more authentic feel; and created a feature wall for the TV (instead of placing it overtop the fireplace, where most people choose to hang it). Diego also added bold trim in the gym, pillars throughout the room and designed a new oak staircase to replace the original bare wood, and added matching shelving in the wet bar area and on the TV wall. He placed Torlys engineered vinyl on the flooring to replicate that same oak finish to pull the space together. “It really matches and adds consistency,” says Diego. (According to Diego, this flooring is better than laminate or hardwood because it’s waterproof and mold-proof, and as we all know, basements can be damp and are at risk for flooding.)

Needless to say, the design worked for the clients, who use the gym daily and spend a lot of time relaxing on their sofas in front of the TV. “We definitely worked together to ensure the space was exactly what they wanted. We were a great team,” he says. “And if I had a basement, it would absolutely be like this.”

75

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Luxe Life Feature / Philanthropy Slug

LIFE-CHANGING Contributing Editor Joan Kelley Walker explains why World Vision Canada means so much to her, her family and everyone they touch.

By Joan Kelley Walker

Philanthropy is a Greek term that, directly translated, means “love of mankind.” I take this very seriously because, for me, being a philanthropist means listening to your heart and choosing to make a difference in the world that you connect directly with in an intimate way, on a personal level. For me, this has always been the plight of women and children around the globe. When I became a mother, something transpired emotionally for me and connected me to something more; this call became even louder.

When I met my husband 23 years ago, I was introduced to the incredible work World Vision Canada does internationally. This was the beginning of a new chapter of my life that has given me great meaning and purpose. Giving back and philanthropic work is now deeply ingrained in our entire family. Together with our children, we sit down, plan, discuss and are The young girl in the centre of this photo is named Christine. I spent some time with her family, and when this photo was taken, she was waiting to be sponsored. I’m happy to report that Christine has since been sponsored.

78

ultimately guided by our hearts in choosing where to focus our time, energy and effort.

We have all had the opportunity to see how our donations are used to improve living conditions for women and children through World Vision Canada’s life-changing initiatives. I have personally been involved in the early stages of maternal and child health programs and others that have come further

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Luxe Life Feature / Philanthropy Slug

along establishing sustainable improvements in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Costa Rica, Mozambique, Cambodia and the Congo.

As of 2016, 5.9 million children under the age of five die of preventable causes each year. Malnutrition contributes to nearly half of child mortality, affecting millions of children. For those who do survive the extreme hunger, 156 million will suffer from stunting, “a serious and permanent condition that affects brain development and can have lingering effects on health into adult years,” says World Vision. I know these numbers are difficult to hear, but there’s positive news—something can be done about it. World Vision works with partners globally to achieve a sustainable development goal: zero hunger (and good health and wellbeing), which focuses on education,

and dedication by many. I’ve witnessed hope emerge

community-system strengthening, health-system

from desperation. I have even connected with some

strengthening and advocacy at individual, family,

of the mothers and I will never forget one woman’s

community and service-provider levels. One of the

words to me: “Thank you for the water well, because

flagship programs, Enrich (funded by Global Affairs

now I know my children will not die from water-

Canada), aims to reduce maternal and child mortali-

borne diseases.” The simplicity of this statement is

ty by addressing malnutrition and health in the first

etched in my memory. I can’t possibly imagine what

thousand days of life (conception to 24 months). This

these mothers feel on a daily basis, but I do know

program targets the poorest of the poor and we have

that we are all united because we share the most

committed a three-year pledge. My family also sup-

basic human needs. We want health, welfare, safety

ports a program called Starting Strong in Cambodia,

and freedom for ourselves and our families. The

which is aimed at similar goals.

smiles on both the mother’s and children’s faces are

As a parent, you can’t help but be deeply moved

why I do it. I feel like if you have the opportunity to

through this work and these experiences. I have seen

help someone in need, who isn’t as fortunate, you

the darkest places through the eyes of both mothers

really should what you can. Though there are many

and children in distress. On the other hand, I have

things that divide us, we can be united through

also seen how this good work takes effort, passion

philanthropy and love of mankind.

80

LEFT: A young boy smiling for the camera shares his artwork at a community centre in Cambodia.

We met with many children and families here and it was a joy to see how sponsorship programs improve their quality of life.

RIGHT: On a recent trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in April, I had the opportunity to connect with these beautiful and dynamic children outside of their church. The visit was impromptu and heartwarming.

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A Shift

We spent a day with Tracy Moore, who reminded us how important it is to put ourselves first.

Then, we toured some of the finest homes in the GTA to see how they are showcasing their own transformations.

85

into Autumn

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FIT FOR A QUEEN

Tracy Moore invites us on a luxurious staycation and fills us in on why being disciplined at work and play is her recipe for success.

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87

To say Tracy Moore wears many hats is an understatement. Everyone recognizes her as the host of Cityline, Canada’s longest-running daytime talk show for women. Then there is her clothing line she launched four years ago, Tracy Moore Designed by Freda’s, sold exclusively at TSC.ca, which means you can watch her on that show, too. Add in philanthropist, wife, mother, friend and world traveller and you see our point. And while each She feels good about her marriage, too. “Lio impresses me more and more

role is important, don’t ask her how she “does it all.”

“We all get this question, right: How do you balance? And my answer

each year. I never thought I’d be in such a healthy, thriving marriage,” she

is always, ‘I don’t!’" she says, laughing. “Nothing sums that up more than

says (you can hear her smile through the phone). “When I look around, a lot

my kids saying to me last night, ‘Hey, you took your makeup off. Aren’t

of my friends are getting divorced. This is like, the time, right?”

One of her secrets to marital success? A two-week vacation every year

you doing anything for TIFF?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not doing anything this week.’ And they both jumped up and cheered: ‘YAY!’ Can you imagine the

sans kids. “My parents love taking my kids and my kids love it, too,” she

guilt I felt?

says. “And every time we are alone, we always say, ‘Oh my gosh I forgot

“It’s a bit of a zero sum game,” she continues. “I wish we could all ‘have it all’ all of the time, but I have accepted the fact that that is just not going

how much I like you!’ I feel like that trip is healing for the marriage every year.

“My biggest transformation was becoming a mom and learning how to

to happen.”

Instead, Moore admits that she finds juggling work and home life really

take back time not just for my marriage, but also for myself,” Moore says.

challenging and learned the best way for her to handle it is to focus her en-

“And as each year goes on, I find that I am getting better and better at set-

ergy on one or the other. Which means if she is playing cards with her kids,

ting boundaries and creating a niche for myself for my own mental health.

(Sidney, 11, and Eva, 9) she tries to be in the moment and not be distracted

And that has transformed the way my brain works, my body works, the

with thoughts about work. “Obviously there are times when I am dying to

way I think about life and my perspective. And I am committed to that on

reach for my phone to check emails, and sometimes I do and my kids get

a daily basis.”

The obvious question is, how does she stay so committed? One way is

mad at me,” she says. “But I feel like this is life and my kids are going to have disappointments, I am going to have disappointments, my husband is going

that she’s not binging on Netflix. “I’ve never seen an episode of Game of

to have disappointments. Sometimes my work is going to get upset with me.

Thrones,” she says. “I didn’t watch the show where the guy is a drug dealer.

I just try to give my kids a healthy dose of reality. And to be honest, I have

According to my husband, they are incredible productions and I feel some-

pretty well-adjusted kids. When I step back and look at them through my

what left out. But because I covet my sleep so much, I am willing to forgo

lens, I feel really good.”

all of the cool pop culture that is happening in order to be in bed every night just after my children. I tuck them in between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and I am in bed by 9, at the latest.”

The main reason Moore goes to sleep early is because of her strict morning routine. (See sidebar.) She claims taking time for herself is key to her happiness and ability to handle her career. “If you don’t etch out time for yourself, and be militantly vigilant about it, it’s not going to happen,” she says, pointing out how important her fitness regime is. “It means more than just fitting into skinny jeans. I have always been into fitness, starting from

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Black/Red Plaid Fitted Blazer, Tracy Moore Designed by Freda’s, tsc.ca.

Red/Black Capri Pant, Tracy Moore Designed by Freda’s, tsc.ca. Black Tank, Freda’s.

Shoes, aldo.com.

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Red Turtleneck, Tracy Moore Designed

by Freda’s, tsc.ca. Faux Leather Topper, Tracy Moore Designed by Freda’s, tsc. ca. Red High Waist Pant, Tracy Moore Designed by Freda’s, tsc.ca. Shoes, samedelman.com.

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A Typical Day in Moore’s (Militantly Vigilant) Life 4:30 a.m. Wake up.

“I like to wake up early so that I don’t have to get out of bed like someone threw a bag of spiders on me.”

4:45 a.m. Get out of bed and head downstairs.

“Everything has been set out the night before: two glasses of lemon water, some chlorophyll, my daily supplements, kids lunches are made and in the fridge so I move them to their backpacks, my lunch I put in my backpack.”

5 a.m. Head to the basement.

“I brush my teeth, put on my gym clothes, I comb my hair, have my water and sit on the couch and I meditate for about 10 to 15 minutes.”

5:30 a.m. Jump into a cab and head to the gym.

“On the days that I don’t go to the gym in the morning, I leave the house around 5:15 a.m. and run with the dog.

I love doing that in the summer. It’s the best feeling. The dog is elated.

I’m elated. We are having this moment together before the sun has even risen.”

after I graduated university, but it took on a whole new meaning after I had kids. I suffered from postpartum depression after Sidney. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Lio was very worried and didn’t know what to do.

And as close as I am with my family, I didn’t feel comfortable speaking with them about it. I thought, ‘Who do you think you are? You just had a healthy baby. Smarten up, suck it up and get over it!’ " That isn’t an uncommon reaction for those with postpartum depression.

Thankfully, Moore’s midwife noticed she wasn’t leaving the house and suggested she start taking her newborn son for walks in the stoller or sling. “I

6:30 a.m. Back at the house to shower.

“I make my bulletproof coffee and wake the kids up and the day starts.”

started out slowly, nothing crazy, just walking for 10 minutes,” she recalls.

“Then I gradually increased the length of time, and added lunges and eventually jumping jacks. And I found that this helped my mental health so much. I had never used fitness as a tool for my brain before.”

It was this revelation that helped inspire Moore to launch Cityline's Annual Weight Loss Challenge, now in its 10th season. Sure, they have helped viewers from all over the world lose hundreds of thousands of pounds but for Moore, it’s more about helping her audience stay mentally well. “When I figured out that fitness equals mental health equals happy, it stuck with me. At 44 years of age, I don’t feel any depression whatsoever, so I am going to stick with the medicine that I know is going to work, and that’s fitness for me.”

Some people might look at Moore’s discipline and think its punitive. But

Special thanks to the team at the Shangri La Hotel, Toronto, Bosk restaurant and Miraj Hammam Spa.

for Moore, it’s taking preventative measures to stay healthy. “This is the best gift I can give myself.”

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By Meredith Heron Photography by Meredith Heron and Asa Weinstein

RIGHT: There is never a wrong place to ensure a cocktail is within reach.

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DO YOU GOOD

CHANGE WILL THIS PAGE: Performance fabrics on the sofa paired with wool on the chairs make for liveable luxury and easy family living.

A spilled glass of red wine has nothing on this sofa: It is easily picked up with a paper towel before it sets in.

Meredith Heron, contributing editor and interior designer extraordinaire, takes on a major redesign project: her own home.

I grew up just outside of Toronto, and am the granddaughter of a real estate agent who introduced my father to what we now know as “flipping houses.” We moved a lot but always within the same town. When I finished grade school, I started at a high school a town away with only a handful of friends accompanying me.

Five years later (I’m dating myself; high school was five years back then) I moved across the province to go to university, without knowing anyone there. I zigzagged across the province for a bit in my twenties but settled in downtown Toronto for good 18 years, and for the last 16, I’ve lived in the same house, which is remarkable given that for more than two-thirds of my life, houses were just houses and not homes. I was a nomad of sorts.

Working as a designer, I began to see how different my own upbringing and approach to this concept of “home” was compared to many of my clients. Home is sacred to many—it roots their family and has deep emotional bonds for them. As I grew as a designer, I soon realized that I’m really a

and elevated by this concept of home, which far exceeds walls and pretty

professional storyteller and I use the homes of my clients to tell their story,

pieces. It is more than just the backdrop for lives lived—home nurtures

so it was imperative to dive into what this means to them and understand

and cradles us.

it on a personal level. When my son was born, now 10 years ago, I saw for

Designers often neglect their own homes, too busy focusing on their

the first time in my life what home can mean to people on a visceral level.

work for others but after having my son, I realized that designing my own

I began to understand how milestones in the lives of a family are shaped

home was very much needed both personally and professionally. We

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LEFT: The wallpaper was selected for its over-scale proportions and has been the anchor to this space for almost eight years.

We transitioned the look by swapping the lampshades for a high-gloss lacquer in a bright blue to change the feel of the space.

ABOVE: Small kitchen? Upsize your range. We replaced our 30� range with a 36� Tecnogas Range and it doubled the visual space and integrates better with our counters, making the work area more useable.

TOP RIGHT: A glass-topped cocktail table with metal slat base helps you to see through the table, which is a great way to make a narrow space feel bigger.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Take your smartphone photos and have them blown up and printed on acrylic.

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THIS PAGE: Grasscloth paired with a handmade brass mirror have complementary textures that juxtapose beautifully with this polished sink console from DXV. RIGHT: Moody blues in the bedroom are the perfect backdrop for this coral headboard.

The emerald green bedside table is an unexpected burst of colour, which adds a dynamic twist to the complementary colour palette.

bigger? Our son was getting bigger and like his mom, he likes change— he’s forbidden us from ever moving…maybe it was time?

I spend so much time convincing others to invest in their homes, maybe it was time for me to walk the walk. We embarked on an ambitious eightweek (it felt like six-month) restoration. Ceilings and walls came down in the living and dining room. We redesigned the archway between our foyer and dining area to be something more Victorian and we decided to add back in plaster mouldings, but chose to leave the original in the foyer because it has too much character to change—not everything has to be perfect. Our other must-have was to remove laminate flooring on the main floor and replace with hardwood, herringbone specifically, and carry that into the kitchen as well.

We also decided it was time to replace much of our furniture and focus on livable luxury. We custom designed a new sofa with a 33-inch depth that was engineered to still be comfortable despite the reduced depth, initially embarked on a little refresh, some decorating, a new kitchen and

which you need when your living room is only nine feet wide. We also

main bath. I felt like I was finally an adult with this transition. Our house

custom designed a new buffet for our dining room that is only 12 inches

was built in 1856 and is a Victorian Row House. It had some catastrophic

deep but still packs a ton of needed storage into a very small space. I

renovations in the mid 1970s that saw ceilings lowered, plaster mould-

played with scale to increase the perception of space, oversized wallpa-

ings partially and completely covered by horrendous dry-wallers. We’re

per in our foyer is still there from our first decoration endeavour eight

pretty sure that when the house was initially built, drunken sailors were

years ago and I love it just as much as I did then. The paper has been long

on shore leave and decided to “help” build it. Nothing is square but there

discontinued but it still makes me smile. Our drapery in the living room is

are some original features like the staircase and a ceiling medallion in the

full height—our restored height is now 11 feet like the foyer. Our artwork

foyer, but at some point it became an illegal rooming house and that is

and use of patterns also falls under the more is more, bigger is better man-

how we came to find it 16 years ago.

tra, which I fully embrace.

The honeymoon period ended quickly for me after our initial refresh.

We finished the restoration four years ago and we haven’t stopped

Our ceiling in our living room had been dropped at least a foot, if not

changing things up because this zebra can’t really change her stripes.

more. The drywall openings were maddening to this Virgo and I fanta-

While I love the home we’ve created, I routinely change out rugs from our

sized nightly about restoring the main floor to what “could have been.”

Meredith Heron Collection and that usually necessitates my changing up

The house is 15 feet wide, the living room nine feet wide, and all I could

our decorative pillows and some accents. The evolution speaks to both my

think was that the ceiling in the foyer is 11 feet and what if the living

own growth as a designer and tells the story of our family, with exciting

room was the same—would that added volume make the house feel

new chapters still to come.

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ART CLASS Decorating the walls that envelope you can be daunting to many, many but it’s never too late to evolve. Learn some tricks of the trade from an industry expert.

By Jeanne Beker

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“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

—Pablo Picasso

jority of the work is paint on canvas or board, the gallery also offers a variety of mixed media, from glass and ceramics to soapstone and wood with encaustic. I spoke with Ritchie about how this modern gallery sources its art and how clients fall in love with it.

You represent such a wide and eclectic assortment of artists. When you go searching for great art for the gallery, what kinds of things are you looking for?

I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting artists and techniques. I have a deep interest in creative individuals and

Imagery runs rampant these days. Far beyond the natural beauty that

their work, being an artist myself, so I find it very natural keeping up with

surrounds us, technology relentlessly feeds us wildly eclectic pictures every

trends in the market. Our local collectors are often inspired by design

second, all the time, offering up infinite takes on society, our planet and the

trends and work with designers to create balance and harmony in their

cosmos beyond. It’s a wonder we aren’t desensitized to imagery by now!

homes and offices. These trends can influence the art and artists we pursue,

But what often keeps us hungry for more is the yearning to see life through

but not always. Often we’re looking to balance this need with a desire to

someone else’s lens. Besides, the art we put in our homes can transform our

represent current and unique styles—something we haven’t seen or don’t

environments dramatically. And when we discover those special images and

currently represent. The collaboration with our designer/art consultant

objects that speak to us louder than words, and move us in untold ways, we

partners offers us a lens through which we view artists’ work and come to

come to really appreciate art, and those who bravely put it out there.

conclusions as to whether it could be something that works for our clients,

Purchasing art for your environment can be at once exhilarating and

both international and local.

daunting. No matter how much we spend, it’s a commitment of sorts. Sure,

What would you say are some of the strongest, current “trends” in art?

if we don’t like the way something looks when we get it home, or if we tire

And how often do these art trends tend to shift? It would be sad to invest

of a piece we’ve lived with for too long, we can simply take it down. But

in a great piece of art that may seem dated before too long.

true art lovers pride themselves in the curation of their personal collections.

Trends in art can be anything from colour scheme to material to technique

It becomes a joyful, creative exercise. And while some adventurous souls

and everything in between. I’ve seen a lot of black and white. I’ve also seen

are adamant about travelling the globe—or at least the city—exploring

loud colour and text, glitter, unconventional use of materials, highly sexu-

galleries in search of just the right piece, many rely on the expertise of

alized content, juxtaposition of old masters work with current materials,

consultants or designers they’ve grown to trust to do all the legwork and

a vested interest in pattern or mark-making, maximalism and metallics.

present the options.

Colour trends affect our gallery’s market the most. We regularly work with

Enter Breann Ritchie. The 30-year-old art expert is director of Crescent Hill

clients that bring in colour samples and couch fabrics for a painting to

Gallery, a lush 5,000-square-foot emporium located in Mississauga, Ont., rep-

match. That being said, we also work with collectors who are more con-

resenting the work of 40 to 50 living artists, mostly Canadian. While the ma-

cerned about how the work will integrate into their larger collection

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“Untitled Abstract” by Maya Eventov.

Acrylic on Canvas, 60x60.

PREVIOUS PAGE: “La Borgata”

by Pietro Adamo. Mixed Media on Canvas, 48x60.

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“Nourishment”

by Beverley Hawksley.

Mixed Media on Canvas, 36 x 72.

or how it makes them feel. These days, trends come and go in the blink of an eye it seems. Social media has such a huge impact on this. For our gallery, we are looking for sophisticated imagery, composition and the artists’ dedication to their style.

Some art aficionados might cringe at the idea of buying a painting to match your couch. Do you find that a lot of folks are looking for art to go with their decor, or do you try to encourage people to go for art that simply speaks to them?

I am always encouraging clients to engage their senses and open their minds to new styles. That being said, some people prefer art to be mere decor and are in a position to procure original art for this purpose. I’m happy to meet either client. Everyone has different needs and as much as the art industry wants to deny it, it’s a business. The work we sell isn’t necessarily conceptual in nature. Conceptual art has a different purpose and is often not meant for display in a home environment. All artists are attempting to create narrative in their work, and whether it’s centred on colour or theme, is hidden or blatant, it’s always present. I make sure the stories of creation aren’t lost and give the client the information and tools to discover the narrative for themselves. The importance of it to the client can only be determined by them.

Do you find a lot of people are a little intimidated to just go out and start shopping for art if they haven’t done so before?

I think it can be very intimidating for people to approach a gallery—especially if they’ve had little to no exposure to the industry. We make it simple for people. We want our collectors to be inspired, uplifted and captivated by a piece of art. We want to evoke strong emotion. A lot of our clients will apologize for not liking a piece. I say “Tell me what else you hate!” I want to know it all so that I can help them find what they can live with every day.

In my mind, art should activate the mind and the soul. Educating the client on the technique and the background of the artist arms them with knowledge and starts to eradicate any fear they may have had walking in. I want it to be an easy decision for them to make. Love at first sight…if possible.

How do you "take people by the hand" and introduce them to different artists? It must seem a little dizzying at first for some.

It can be very overwhelming and a difficult task for someone who doesn't necessarily know what they’re looking for. I often start by talking to them about subjects they’re comfortable sharing. Their kids, their job, their

interests. That can be very revealing. It can indicate if they’re traditional, outspoken, independent, etc. From there, I ask them about the work they have currently.

Are they looking for something to work in conjunction with artwork they currently own, or something outside the box?

It’s all posed as conversation, but every little tidbit helps to “paint a picture.”

Then I start showing them different artists and explaining technique. At this stage, they’re comfortable enough to let me know what they like and what they don't. I ask poignant questions about what they don't like specifically, and this makes people consider compositional elements that affect them and what they think is important.

How do you suggest people best acquaint themselves with artists, and open up to all the amazing possibilities?

I suggest that they attend shows and don't be intimidated. Show interest.

Instagram, Saatchi Art and Artsy are huge online resources for discovering artists and their work. There are a lot of great resources out there. The art industry is a very social one. It’s about creating conversation, discussing opinion and zeitgeist. Curiosity! Just ask questions and engage.

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Perhaps you could give us a half-dozen or so of your most interesting or

piece has its own unique story. Lee is from South Africa but has lived all

most popular artists, and explain what their unique appeal is.

over the world. This has contributed to her style and visual influences, as

Maya Eventov—Maya is one of our most successful artists and has been

well as her world views. Her pieces are singular. Every one is very different

for 20 years or more. The true depth of colour in her work, along with the

but you can tell they were all painted by Lee.

intense amount of texture she includes, has contributed to this. She is also

Marie-Claude Boucher—Marie-Claude is a French-Canadian artist with

the most prolific painter I have ever heard of. Her style is adaptable so she

an energetic and incredibly bright personality. Her work is also very

paints in a variety of series such as abstract, figurative, landscape, still life.

bright and cheerfully rendered. She uses colours directly from the tube

Emilija Pasagic—Emilija’s work is experimental, spontaneous and pro-

with minimal blending done directly on the canvas. She tends to use

cess-driven. She uses materials such as epoxy, oil paint, acrylic paint and

only one or two brushes to complete a painting, giving her work a very

gesso in one painting. Many of these materials push against each other and

stylized look.

create separation and unique textures. She focuses her compositions on

Beverley Hawksley—Beverley lives in a remote area near Huntsville, Ont.

abstracted florals and appeals to current trends in terms of colour scheme.

Her work is characterized by female figures on neutral backgrounds. She

Harold Braul—Harold is interested in the mundane, everyday occurrences

includes a great amount of detail in every piece using collage to create

he encounters on the streets of Toronto. His cityscapes are concerned with

narrative and shift the eye of the viewer.

commuters going about their day, with tall windowed buildings and rainy

Peter Panov — Peter’s work offers a variety of juxtaposed imagery. His

moody afternoons. He often blends his backgrounds using his fingers to

pieces focus on movement and rhythm. They are figurative pieces that ref-

add to this moody ambiance.

erence music or fashion from the 1920s. His work indicates a multifaceted

Lee Lessem—Our newest artist, Lee works in abstract expressionism. Each

and nuanced approach to painting the figure and their narrative.

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Making the Old New Again

The family room is one of the homeowner’s favourite roooms in her palatial home and it’s no wonder why—the formal dining room is grand and features walnut wine cellar units. These are fully temperature-controlled for both red and white wines, and they’re conveniently located for easy perusal and access during meals.

A 12,000-square-foot home in Richvale gets the update it needs to help regain the neighbourhood’s title as one of the best areas to live in the GTA.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Jac Jacobson Photography

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There’s more than 100 years of history steeped in the Richvale community in Richmond Hill, Ont., but the last couple of decades especially have seen the neighbourhoods in the city’s south end truly bloom.

The enclaves of cottage-style houses just streets away from the bustling Yonge and Highway 7 urban centre have been revitalized, with new builds and new life breathed into the area. While there remain nods to Richmond Hill past—including a small, charming library dating back to the early 1980s—the area has transformed.

Drive down Westwood Lane, for example, with its mature trees, manicured lawns, spacious lots and palatial homes, and you’ll get a feel for how Richvale has evolved.

When Hammond Properties International introduced designer Flora Di Menna to a Westwood Lane home for sale, Di Menna instantly loved the well-established area. So much so, she bought it for herself. Di Menna, an interior designer with a booming business in neighbouring Vaughan, knew she’d tear down the existing home and rebuild. What stands now is her 12,300-square-foot dream home, with six bedrooms (each with an ensuite) and nine bathrooms. (The build was done

by Cumberland Luxury Homes, a company Di Menna entrusts with all of her luxury design builds.) It’s a contemporary manor that

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ABOVE: “The painting in the living room is

by Anne Marrec. She has a playful effect where she shows her line work then does not fully complete the painting, which gives it a mysterious feel. It makes you look deeper into the painting,” says Di Menna.

RIGHT: The grand entrance on Westwood Lane in Richmond Hill’s opulent Richvale neighbourhood.

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celebrates the best parts of modern design—rounded lines, natural elements, tone-on-tone palettes (with plenty of white), striking art, as well as hits of sleek chrome, stainless steel and glass. “It’s often a challenge to design for yourself, as I’m an interior designer who works for a range of clients in different areas of design, from luxury residential and hospitality to corporate and retirement homes. The variation in my design exposes me to a wide range of design ideas and options,” she says. “Although it may be somewhat challenging, I focus on lifestyle and work the design around that concept.”

This was indeed the inspiration behind the home. “The mandate was to make each space function individually and within the overall floor plan to ensure a smooth transition between formal and informal areas of the home,” Di Menna says. “I wanted a functional floor plan that would lead effortlessly through the home and garden from the front gate to the backyard oasis, proper space planning, appropriate lighting, substantial built-in cabinetry and a colour palette that was consistent throughout.”

She hoped to maintain a sense of grandeur that comes with a home of this size, but also wanted to create intimacy, which is no small feat when you’re dealing with 12-foot-high ceilings.

The opulent space is filled with countless impressive touches—no detail is overlooked. For example, Di Menna wanted the entry foyer to bring in plenty of light to filter into the front rooms, so walls were fitted and framed with eight-foot-high custom lattice panels in silver metallic, she says. “A custom-made plaster ceiling motif that mimics the lattice panel design is subtly highlighted by indirect LED lighting.” She also brought in a nature theme, which is carried throughout the abode. “The living room is used mainly during the day, so we chose white-lacquered panels cut out with a bird and branch design and placed over silver metallic back panels which flank the white Calcatta marble fireplace,” Di Menna says. The master bathroom plays on this theme, with a feature wall of mosaic tiles in a leaf-and-branch pattern of glass, stainless steel and white marble. (The triangular freestanding Hansgrohe Axor Massaud bathtub fits in beautifully.)

There’s so much to love in the home but the kitchen and family room are standouts for Di Menna. “They are located adjacent to the terrace, so they provide exceptional views of the lush backyard oasis with lap pool, gazebo and eternal flames urns that spill water into the pool.”

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Royal Change They may have five kids ages five to 18, but these homeowners weren’t about to sacrifice on style.

By Carla Lancit Photography By Arnal Photography

The two-storey great room is a showstopper.

Long silk drapes and an ornate mantle emphasize the room’s height, while an oversized silk Persian rug grounds the space.

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The formal dining room features a handcrafted table and stately chairs. A crystal chandelier, silk drapes and tone-on-tone wallpaper add to the air of elegance.

Who says a busy family home for seven can’t be luxurious?

“They have a traditional flair, very high-end,” says Rosalia Fazzari, principal designer of Tapestry Décor, who was tapped to transform the 8,000-squarefoot home in Aurora, Ont.’s Magna Estates.

With loads of silk draperies, custom furniture and crystal chandeliers, Fazzari delivered the opulence her clients were seeking without sacrificing the needs of a young family.

The hub of the home is a two-storey great room. An oversized Persian rug and silk drapery pull together the furniture’s rich blue, gold and wood tones.

Every detail in the room has been considered. Since it is visible from the front entrance, Fazzari chose a royal-blue chaise lounge for uninterrupted sight lines.

Across the room is a large sofa in a soft golden velvet accented with nailheads, and piled with contrasting velvet and silk pillows.

To anchor the room, Fazzari searched for the perfect coffee table. She landed on one the ideal size and shape, but the colour wasn’t quite right so she personally hand-painted the metal with no fewer than four shades of gold and silver.

As a sanctuary for the father, who loves to sit and listen to music, Fazzari outfitted a separate den with custom walnut panelling and an incredibly unique record player that’s practically an art piece.

When the family wants to relax, they head down to the fully renovated basement, which has a simpler, classic, hotel-style feel. A 16-foot sectional and theatre room can accommodate plenty of visitors and family movie nights. An upholstered ceiling and mini-lights mimic the look of the night sky.

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The true entertaining space, however, is the backyard. There, Fazzari created an oasis with a cabana, pool and top-of-the-line speakers and home automation. “They entertain a lot in the summer, especially for the Muslim holiday of Eid, when they can have up to 100 people in the backyard,” she says. Multiple seating areas mean that kids can be in one section and grownups in another. “It’s an amazing entertaining area.”

Living in a bustling household, it’s important to have a space of one’s own. Upstairs, each family member has his or her own retreat—soft pink and cream for the teenaged daughters; bright, fun rooms for the younger girls; and grey and navy for the couple’s young son.

For the parents, Fazzari designed a soothing room in muted greys and blues featuring a custom-made bed with dove-grey satin upholstery and a cozy seating area. To highlight the room’s architecture, Fazzari chose two types of wallpaper in silver and blue—one with a leaf pattern, the other a delicate silk texture. It’s luxurious yet practical. The perfect retreat for a couple with a lot on the go.

ABOVE: Luxurious touches like customupholstered chairs and carefully selected decorative objects lend to the opulent, traditional feel the homeowners requested.

RIGHT: A dramatic fireplace and wood panelling create a cozy spot for the family to relax.

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LEFT: The master bedroom is calm and tranquil, but gets visual interest from layers of texture in muted greys and blues.

ABOVE: A custom-made bed with satin upholstery is the highlight of the master bedroom. The leaf-pattern wallpaper and ornate woodwork add character.

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Design & Build Your Home Your Way Cresmark is a Full Service, Boutique Design-Build Firm specializing in high-end Residential Renovations, Additions and Custom Homes. With over 25 years of experience in design and construction, we are passionate about creating spaces that are beautiful, functional and timeless.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today.

416-639-6800 | cresmark.ca

The Market Buyer’s Guide & Market Directory

Make a statement with this exquisite Couture dining table that features an open-ended cylindrical base consisting of conjoined tubular stainless steel tubes of varying heights. Finished in polished nickel.

DECORIUM

363 Supertest Road, North York. decorium.com. 416-736-6120.

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This Couture writing desk is simply stunning—it features a tubular-plated stainless steel base composed of conjoining rods of varying heights.

Polished nickel finish.

The Market / Buyer’s Guide

Contemporary and sleek, this solid aluminum square handle and external pull for Lepage Millwork Lift & Slide Doors is available in matte black, silver, titanium and brown.

Made in Italy.

DECORIUM

363 Supertest Road, North York. decorium.com.

416-736-6120.

CHATEAU WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS

90 Tycos Drive, Suite 1, North York. chateauwindows.com. 416-783-3916.

Luxurious and expertly crafted, the Luxe sofa by American Leather is the perfect addition to any contemporary space. Upholstered in leather and fabric, it is available in many sizes and configurations.

CREATIVE AVENUES OF DESIGN INC.

378 Fairlawn Avenue, North York. creative-avenues.ca. 416-784-0220.

This premium hand-knotted rug in pure wool recalls the iconic Acropolis in Athens, Greece, hence the name, “Acropolis II.” The design takes its inspiration from the intricacies of rock strata and the texture of limestone, cast in the deep blues of the Aegean sea.

WEAVERS ART

1400 Castlefield Avenue, York. weaversart.com. 416-929-7929.

This restored, vintage polished Whit Waterfall sideboard features a unique modern sleek design.

It’s the perfect impact piece for a dining room or hallway.

CARROCEL INTERIORS

245 Bridgeland Avenue, North York. carrocel.com. 416-999 2525.

In creating this hand-knotted wool-andbamboo area rug named “Tundra 1550,” the weavers were moved by the magnificence of the Arctic Tundra. Just like that complex and ever-changing landscape, the shimmering hues in this rug shift depending on the light.

WEAVERS ART

1400 Castlefield Avenue, York. weaversart.com. 416-929-7929.

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Laqfoil Ltd, is the only North American Manufacturer of Stretch Ceiling and Custom Printed Wall murals. Our high-end products will enhance any surface to your imagination.

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W W W. L AQ F O I L .C O M

416-663-1708

2 0 M AG N E T I C D R . U N I T # 2

T O R O N T O, O N TA R I O

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The Market / Buyer’s Guide

The soft-as-a-lamb feel of the SFERRA Dorio Throw comes from pure, allnatural cotton expertly woven into one solid swath of luscious, textural colour. With its versatile, super-neutral palette, it’s a beautiful basic that is sure to become your go-to daily essential. Made in Portugal.

DAVID’S FINE LINENS

Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Avenue, North York. davidsfinelinens.com.

416-590-7311.

Regardless of your personal style, this company has a range of solutions to suit everyone’s needs, and each and every one of them guarantees top quality, durability, safety and luxury at affordable pricing.

EUROSTAR WINDOWS 55 Administrative Road, Unit 22-24, Concord. eurostarwindows.ca. 416-633-5921.

True functional art that can strike a pose in any entrance, dining or office setting, this streaked cabinet features an abstract, hand-painted design with a beautiful lacquer.

GUILD DESIGN GALLERY

Showroom 109, Toronto International Design Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga. guilddesigngallery.com.

905-678-4870.

Create a realistic, cozy and unique atmosphere in any residential or commercial space with a starry sky ceiling (or you can use any photograph of your choosing). This highly customisable ceiling has a straightforward installation process and comes with a 15-year warranty.

LAQFOIL

2-20 Magnetic Drive, North York. laqfoil.com. 416-663-1708.

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Fine Furniture & Accessories Boutique

Unique Art & Deco

uniqueartdeco.com

1762 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario M5M 3Y9, Tel 416 897 1818

sales@ uniqueartdeco.com

Unique Art & Deco

@unique_art_and_deco

The Market / Buyer’s Guide

This unique door is handcrafted in solid Chanul wood with metal decorative pieces. Every door designed by this company has its own custom pulls.

Original. Exceptional. Modern. Timeless.

ART BOULLE

7250 Keele Street West, Suite 41/42, Vaughan. artboulle.com. 905-878-6833.

Lee Lessem, “All That Glitters,” 40x40 inches, acrylic on canvas Rooted in abstract expressionism, this piece by Lee Lessem offers a highly contemporary flare. Every piece by Lee has its own original story.

CRESCENT HILL GALLERY

2575 Dundas Street West, Mississauga. crescenthill.com. 905-820-2233.

Capture the essence of elegance and passion with this stunning LuxFlowerBox of roses carefully put together by floral designers who know that every detail matters.

FLOWERS TIME

luxflowerbox.com. 416-790-0224.

Available in many sizes and finishes, this locally sourced Tiger Striped coursing from Northern Ontario is one of the most popular and widely used building stones for exteriors and accents around your home. Builders and designers alike keep coming back to the classic, timeless look of natural stone for homes.

This 10,000-square-foot designer gallery showroom, the largest in Ontario, showcases a comprehensive collection of hardwood, engineered and vinyl flooring products. Find your perfect floor from a selection of the latest products from around the world.

FIRST CLASS FLOORING

10 Marmac Drive, Etobicoke. firstclassflooring.ca.

416-740-6183.

BEAVER VALLEY STONE

8081 Woodbine Avenue, Markham. beavervalleystone.com. 905-886-5787.

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DESIGN SERVICES • RENOVATIONS • NEW BUILD • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • SPACE PLANNING CUSTOM DRAPERY, BLINDS, BEDDING AND SHADES • CUSTOM FURNITURE • IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS

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The Market / Buyer’s Guide

Flush-bottom track, soft-close mechanism, frameless modern look— Helio Sliding Doors for Kitchens are perfect for pantry or heavy pots.

Choose between highgloss, back-painted Lacobel glass or supermatte-etched glass, which can be combined to match the wood style.

KOMANDOR CLOSETS

863 Rangeview Road, Mississauga. komandor.ca. 416-251-1880.

This thermoformed glass countertop is the perfect accent piece in any interior. The textured glass represents the fusion of function and art. The raised bar is made of 1 1/2” Ultra Clear glass with an application of “Sandstorm” texture on the bottom side.

The combination of the LED light and custom texture creates a spectacular atmosphere.

CBD GLASS STUDIOS

1440 Whitehorse Road, North York. cbdglass.com. 416-398-6890.

This Florita Pattern Polished Marble Mosaic tile features white and grey natural marble with a touch of black in an elegant pattern. As a backsplash, Florita would look beautiful in kitchens and baths and in as a statement floor tile.

BRENTO TILE

1310 Dundas Street East, Unit 17-19, Mississauga. brentotile.com. 647-946-1441.

This Pembroke Rose Polished Marble Mosaic was created with high quality marble and Marfil material. The floral-like pattern will liven up—and lighten up—any space.

BRENTO TILE

1310 Dundas Street East, Unit 17-19, Mississauga. brentotile.com.

647-946-1441.

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We are the contractors of the digital world Web Development • Digital Marketing • Ad Campaigns

www.homeshowoff.com 137

The Market / Buyer’s Guide

Inspired by designer Osvaldo Borsani, the base of this console is a carved and reeded series of loops, which support the Crema Marfil marble top. 35”h x 70”w x 14”d.

UNIQUE ART & DECO

1762 Avenue Road, Toronto. uniqueartdeco.com.

416-897-1818.

Geometric, yet subtle. “Chevron’s” zigzag expresses a great look for stately interiors.

This enduring handmade flat weave is crafted in a wool-and-fine-polyester blend.

The rug’s elegant colour palette of ivory, beige, silver and grey make it a staple for well-dressed floors. When interior design calls for a gorgeous, versatile piece, “Chevron” answers the call loud and clear.

Stand in line for “Felicity.” Like the finest suit, “Felicity” is perfectly hand-tailored with subtle accent stripes. Its dense loop pile pair well with classic and eclectic decor.

Fashionable, natural-coloured yarns are made from polyester fibres that are nicely wearable. “Felicity” is the smart choice for city style and time-honoured interiors.

ALLAN RUG COMPANY

103 Miranda Avenue, York. allanrug.com. 416-787-1707.

Control4 is the only premium allin-one home-automation system that makes you the true master of your domain. Easily and intelligently control every aspect of your house, from lights, security, climate control, home theatre, music and more.

This classic, iconic sofa presents a graceful character, with two round cushions featuring handfinished tufted buttons that accentuate the comfy seating and the elegantly curved backrest. The brushed bronze base tops it off.

TRUTONE ELECTRONICS

UNIQUE ART & DECO

980 Dundas Street East, Mississauga. 844-980-3838.

1762 Avenue Road, Toronto. uniqueartdeco.com. 416-897-1818.

Allow us to introduce this beautiful, boyfriend-fit blazer and wide-leg trouser in super 110’s cream Italian wool. It features monochromatic horn buttons and cream stretch lining. Made to measure and made in Canada.

NICOLE BACH, LTD.

121 Richmond Street West, Toronto. nicolebach.ca.

Have you ever wished your lashes looked picture-perfect, 24/7? You can with this new Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions technique that creates fuller, thicker and longer-looking lashes with as much drama as you desire.

Every well-dressed woman knows that no outfit is complete without a stunning purse and matching gloves.

They make an elegant gift for someone special—like yourself.

THE HIDE HOUSE

HD BEAUTY

49 Eastern Avenue, Acton. hidehouse.ca. 519-853-1031.

87 Scollard Street, Toronto. hdpermanentmakeup.ca. 416-475-5820.

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Toronto Kickboxing & Muay Thai Academy opened its doors in July 2006. Now, with 3 locations, TKMT has grown to be Toronto’s largest Muay Thai gym. It boasts a wide range of programs for adults and youths including health & fitness, self-defence and a new social adventure.

TKMT has become a mainstay in the GTA/Muay Thai community.

WWW.TKMT.CA

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All the Best

Flooring

Considering they take the brunt of our everyday activities, floors are often the first thing in a home to show wear and tear. But since they also improve the design of each room by holding everything together, you shouldn’t skimp on

Bring on the porcelain. This is a favourite among homeowners because they’re beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Ceramic tiles come in pretty much any size, pattern and colour you can think of. And when you bring mosaics in, you’re looking at introducing a truly artistic element (full of stunning hues and impressive design work) that will breathe life into wall and floor tiles. Mosaics are super versatile and are most often made from glass, pebbles, metal and even real stone (marble and travertine). Installation is often costly, but it’s well worth the intricate detailing and custom look.

what you put under your feet.

By Lisa van de Geyn

Reclaimed Hardwood You’re opting for unique character when you choose reclaimed hardwood. This wood is aged and rare, not unlike a fine vintage. Look for antique oak, elm, pine, walnut and ash—each hardwood has a distinct look. What’s arguably the best part of choosing reclaimed wood (besides that retro feel) is that it’s eco-friendly—you can feel good knowing you’re using a fully recycled product.

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BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENTO TILE.

Ceramic Tiles and Mosaics

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All the Best

Hand-Scraped Hardwood If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain option (kids, pets) that still has charisma, consider hand-scraped hardwood. This hardwood has been made to look distressed and has a more vintage feel, thanks to the hand-scraping technique. The nice thing about this option is that there are lots of types of wood to choose from, including maple, beech, ash, birch, hickory, red and white oak and walnut.

Natural Stone This is truly the most lavish flooring, and it’s one of the pricier options because of the quarrying and transporting that’s required when using hard, heavy stone. There are lots of types to choose from and even more reasons to go this route. The best part, of course, is that no two floors will be the same—each piece has its own veining, porosity, crystallization and colour, so you’re guaranteed a unique look. Slabs of marble, slate, granite (the hardest and densest of them all), tumbled stone (which has an antique flair), limestone and travertine are popular because there are endless variations, which you’ll notice when you look at slabs. They add charm and that distinct individuality that’s worth the cost. When it comes to caring for natural stone, choose a grout that’s complementary and get well-versed on sealing procedures (sealing the stone makes floors more stain resistant and less porous).

Exotic Hardwood

TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRST CLASS FLOORING.

This isn’t your average hardwood. If you’re looking to differentiate your home from the neighbours’, lumber from other parts of the world like Africa (Acacia, Tigerwood from the Congo) and South America (think Brazilian Walnut and Brazilian Cherry) might be a suitable choice. Species from these parts of the world don’t come cheap, but you can rest easy knowing sustainable forestry practices are in place. (You’ll want to deal with reputable production companies—if the price is super low, you should consider getting other quotes.)

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Luxe to You

LESS IS MORE Evanka Osmak, anchor for Sportsnet, shares her definition of what living luxuriously means.

What does living luxuriously mean to you?

To be honest, this feels a little awkward to answer because I’m not one to indulge extravagantly. I don’t drink high-end Champagne, stay at over-the-top hotels or drive exotic sports cars.

I used to be the type of shopper who would buy whatever was in season, and I’d spend money on cheap items only to find they would fall apart in months or I’d grow disinterested even quicker. I’ve realized I’d rather have greatquality items that I value and will enjoy for years to come. Good quality never goes out of style. And when it comes to friendship, clothing, food and travel, it’s not quantity, but quality in my life. I think the most important thing for me on this topic is that living luxuriously is more than being able to list off a number of material items. For me it’s more of an overall feeling.

This especially applies to my family and friends. Now more than ever, I treasure the spare time I have so much and I want to be

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surrounded by wonderful humans. Even if that means only a handful instead of a long list of acquaintances.

What components (real or imagined) play a role in allowing you to live your best life?

Rest. I cannot function on little sleep. I feel myself breaking down emotionally and physically if I don’t get a quality night’s rest. If sleep isn’t an option, sometimes it’s enough for me to take a little time-out, even just for a few minutes (but more is always better): I just close my eyes or watch some reality TV. What does the theme of our issue, “transformation,” mean to you?

My biggest transformation has been becoming a mother. I have grown, matured and learned so much about myself since my son was born two years ago. I’ve learned how to be more patient (which is not easy for me), how to be responsible for another person, how to be dependable

I wanted to achieve and I made it happen. And

and mature. It has also made me aware that

I am really proud of it, especially when people

I need to take care of myself. If I’m not at my

notice it on the street or on air. It makes me

best, I cannot give my best.

appreciate where I came from and where I have

What objects do you surround yourself with to

gone because going into broadcasting wasn’t an

inspire/support your everyday growth and why?

easy decision. To be honest, my parents weren’t

My civil engineering ring. It’s a reminder to

happy about it. They got on board months later.

me that even though I’m not in engineering, it

It was foreign territory for all of us, including

was about working really hard for something

me, and they were just worried for me. So it was difficult but totally worth it.

What, if anything, would you tell others about living their most luxurious life and/or how to “shift” their expectations as they grow?

My best guidance here is to think about what makes you happy. Consider developing your own definition of luxury, whether that’s freedom from chores and obligations so you can read a good book, or an extravagant dinner with wine and dessert. Once you’ve thought through how you want to treat yourself from time to time, go make it happen! And remember, luxury might be closer within reach than you think.

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