The lauded celebrity chef’s latest offering of culinary and hospitality excellence—Nobu Hotel Toronto—is set to make its Canadian debut
BATHED IN ULTIMATE LUXURY
Designer Lori Morris on how to create an extravagant, bold and opulent style in a bathroom
MOODY, DRAMATIC AND WARM
Kitchen design is moving toward the use of metals, earth tones and curved lines
“Make your living space the topic of conversation with a weavers art...”
– Michael Pourvakil
Inspired by...
Agra the city of Taj Mahal has been one of the main centers of rug making in India since the 16th Century. This new piece embodies the classical motifs of the region and it’s flowing pattern combined with the latest colours, makes it extremely versatile for any setting.
Studio 502, is the latest addition to our Modern Art collection. Hand-knotted with pure Chinese silk and hand-spun wool it can truly set the mood for a contemporary space.
Agra in Espresso, Green
Studio 502 in Chatreuse
Tsuru(The Crane), has always been a strong symbol of success & good fortune in Japanese culture. Created with the finest Chinese silk & New Zealand wool, Tsuru will have a special place in your heart and home.
Tsuru in Original
No matter what the indulgence, your flooring will truly make your space a sanctuary worth coming home to.
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The Downsview cabinetr y collection is custom crafted in Nor th America and available exclusively through select kitchen design showrooms
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YORKVILLE DESIGN CENTRE
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“What is your favourite countertop appliance in your kitchen?”
HARVEY WISE
CO-FOUNDER WISE NADEL DESIGN
Our Breville Smart Toaster Oven. Since the Covid pandemic, we’ve prepared more meals at home, but with our busy schedules, this toaster oven has been a godsend. Whether we’re warming up breakfast, preparing meals for the kids or reheating leftovers, it makes for quick work.
SUSAN SEMENAK
WRITER AND ARTIST
I hate countertop clutter so I’ve stashed away my small appliances, except for one. My espresso maker, a commercial machine, is always out. I pad to the kitchen every morning and, even before turning on the lights, grind the coffee, tighten the brew head into place, and press the red button.
Volume 6, Number 2, Kitchen & Bath 2024
PUBLISHING
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Lipkowitz
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Anthony Sirianni
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Hana Rakovski
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Zoe Teufel
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
Eugene Leiderman
VIDEOGRAPHER
Frazier de Mesa
NATALIE PAPIA
OWNER / ZILLI HOME INTERIORS
My two favourite appliances are the popcorn maker and the apple slicer/corer/peeler. Both different but both remind me of family get-togethers and time in the kitchen with my kids. The popcorn maker makes nutritious popcorn for family movie nights. The apple slicer/corer/peeler means we are making apple pies together as a family.
ADAM PEARCE
HEAD WINE-MAKER, TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS
My favourite kitchen countertop appliance is my KitchenAid mixer with pasta roller attachment. I made a duck egg pasta last week that was absolutely fantastic! It provokes creativity, and homemade pasta provides an authenticity I find I don’t get from most store-bought pasta.
Susan Semenak, Valerie Simmons, Dr. Philip Solomon
CREATIVE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Douglas
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Stephanie Whittaker
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Jeanne Beker
Happy Everyone!Spring
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the delightful weather. We have almost finished organizing the Living Luxe Design Show. The countless hours, restless nights, and hard work from our team are finally coming to fruition. As I write this, the show is less than two weeks away, and I am simply ecstatic for everyone to witness the culmination of our team’s outstanding efforts.
We owe immense gratitude to our amazing sponsors, such as our presenting sponsor JennAir, and all of our sponsors whose unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing the Living Luxe Design Show to life. Another thank you goes to our exhibitors—who have demonstrated remarkable dedication in crafting stunning booths—and our media partners who have provided invaluable support. Special recognition goes to Diana Pires, our show partner, and my partner Anthony Sirianni; both are true powerhouses.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the show, we’ve also been involved in other events. Recently, we were honoured to be the media sponsor for Wellspring’s Well Dressed for Spring 2024, an event with a great cause that I am privileged to support. Additionally, we had the pleasure of judging an assignment for the Kitchen and Bath Design program at Georgian College, where we were impressed by forward-thinking students such as Vanessa Welch, whose vision board is showcased below.
I am humbled to share that I received the Women Who Inspire in Media award at the Women Who Inspire Awards. This recognition holds special significance for me as it serves as a testament to the strength and success that individuals can achieve when they wholeheartedly pursue their passions, something that I want to teach my children. Reflecting on this achievement, I am reminded that Mother’s Day is fast approaching. To my mother and to all mothers, I extend warm wishes. Motherhood, with its unique experiences, is truly a beautiful journey from which I am constantly learning, guided by the wisdom of my two wonderful children.
I also want to recognize another remarkable woman and mother: Marialisa De Gaspiris, my co-chair of City Couture. Alongside our dedicated committee members, we have spent the past few weeks focusing our collective efforts on creating this amazing event. The SickKids Foundation holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the foundation’s cause year after year. I extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Rogers, for their partnership, as well the donors, guests and Canadian designers who will showcase their talents on this memorable evening.
I want to thank everyone who joins us in each issue on this adventure, and I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Jennifer Lipkowitz Publisher
Vanessa Welch Vision Board
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e Heart of Our Homes
A few years ago, my husband and I threw a party attended by approximately 70 guests. At one point in the evening, I realized that about 25 of them were squashed into the kitchen, standing and chatting, with beverages and canapés in hand. Our kitchen is a spacious, farmhouse-style room, but accommodating that many people in it seemed a stretch to me. Nevertheless, everyone was happy to be there.
At every house party I’ve attended since, I’ve observed the same thing: Despite the presence of comfy armchairs and sofas in the living room, party-goers gravitate to the kitchen. Why? I’ve come to the conclusion that the lure of the kitchen is something that is buried deep in our DNA and our unconscious collective memories.
Think of life before the 20th century, before central heating. If people were not affluent, they practically lived in the kitchen, huddled around the hearth for warmth. While our lives have changed radically since then, the kitchen remains the centre of our homes. We associate it with comfort and nourishment. And that’s why we continue to gravitate to it.
Current kitchen design embraces this primal attraction in a big way. Throughout the post-war period, kitchens were functional spaces; dining was done in the dining room. But during the 1990s, there was a shift toward the kitchen becoming a home’s focal point, as highly designed as other rooms. No longer a utilitarian space for food preparation with the dining room playing the starring role, the kitchen acquired its own star status—enough that people were throwing dinner parties in their kitchens rather than the adjacent dining rooms. And some were integrating those dining rooms into their kitchen space during renovations. We continue to design kitchens that are as beautiful as they are practical.
The same goes for bathrooms. Once a serviceable, functional space, the bathroom is now a personal spa, the room we head to at the end of a long day when we need to decompress. With their rain shower heads, home saunas and deep soaker tubs, bathrooms offer balm for our souls as much as kitchens do.
In this issue, we take you into beautifully designed kitchens and bathrooms and explain how today’s designers are taking these spaces to new heights. We all need those sanctuaries in a world that is increasingly complex and over-stimulating. Maybe that’s why it was so easy to squash 25 party-goers into our warm and welcoming place.
Stephanie Whittaker Editor-in-Chief
WHAT’S NEW
A TOUCH OF BRASS
Known for high-quality ranges, Aga presents the Aga Elise, which combines a modern farmhouse style with European elegance. Available in either 36- or 48-inch sizes, this stove has both dual fuel and induction modes, making it perfect for baking, browning, broiling and conventional cooking. Versatile and—dare I say—sexy, the Elise is available in many shades and a range of bright colours and can now be customized with antique brass handle stanchions and knobs www.castlekitchens.ca
CUSTOMIZED COCKTAILS
By Tracey MacKenzie
TURN ME ON
It doesn’t get any sleeker than the latest version of Waterstone’s Industrial PLP pulldown faucet with the split finish of Graphite and Chardonnay. With its minimalist design and industrial flair, this faucet takes centre stage. Featuring diamond-cut knurling, it’s available in extended and standard reaches, and in many finishes. renoz.ca
IN THE PINK
IN THE PINK
A 50s vibe? Yes please! The pink, 1950s style Smeg stand mixer is a must-have for any cookie connoisseur. Stylish and fun, it’s the perfect addition to a home baker’s kitchen. Pretty enough to leave on the counter, this mixer comes in a variety of colours to suit all decors. smegshop.ca
The Bartesian Cocktail Maker will put the happy in your happy hour. Easy to use: just fill the cocktail maker with the spirit of your choice—vodka, tequila, gin, rum—and add the cocktail capsule for your desired beverage. Choose your preferred strength—light, regular or strong—and you’ll be happily sipping your perfectly crafted creation in 30 seconds or less. bartesian.com/en-ca.
SCRUMPTIOUS SALADS
Never has lettuce been so exciting as it is in one of Mandy’s gourmet salads. Home cooks can now produce the salads made popular by sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe, who founded their first salad restaurant in Montreal in 2004. With eight restaurants now in Montreal and three in Toronto, the sisters have many fans. Defined by their creative combinations and playful names, the salads are delicious and nutritious. Mandy’s Gourmet Salads (Random House) will show you how to recreate such favorites as “The Fave,” “Heartbeet” and “Endless Summer,” along with Mandy’s famous dressings. Hide the book and surprise your family with the gift of a gourmet salad for supper. Shhhhh, they don’t need to know. indigo.ca and amazon.ca.
TRENDS
SELF-CARE & PAMPERING
Now is a perfect time to turn our attention to taking good care of ourselves. Here’s how to do it.
By Natasha Koifman
In the realm of refined living, the sanctuaries of our homes—kitchens and bathrooms— hold the essence of luxury, blending functionality with aesthetic finesse. These spaces are thoughtfully crafted to blend our personal style, often with a designer’s touch. This edition of Living Luxe highlights a revered design-build firm known for such artistry, and a Chinese culinary gem setting its sights on Toronto. SMEG’s integrated appliances marry efficiency with style, while a premier medical beauty bar offers modern rejuvenation. Enjoy a recent trend in lavish hotel staycations, embodying a life of sophisticated ease. Dive into this celebration of fine living and tailored experiences. If you have a product you would like to submit for consideration in our Market Trends roundup, please DM me on Instagram at @natashankpr.
STAYCATION HOTEL TREND
My husband and I just returned from a two-week-stay at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The allure of luxury hotel staycations has seen a refined evolution, with discerning travelers forgoing a whirlwind of activities for the serene indulgence of prolonged stays at opulent resorts. Our own retreat at Zadún, along with a recent stay at Amangiri, stand as testaments to this trend, where the grandeur of the setting demands a leisurely pace. At The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, days unfolded with an unhurried rhythm, each moment steeped in bespoke service and understated elegance. Meanwhile, Amangiri’s stark, breathtaking beauty offered a tranquil sanctuary, harmonizing with the landscape to create a profound sense of place. These experiences underscore a growing desire for immersive luxury, where the richness of the stay itself becomes the journey. ritzcarlton.com / aman.com.
TRENDS WWW.NKPR.NET
Zadún, Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Amangiri, Colorado
Natasha Koifman President, NKPR
THE DESIGN-BUILD GROUP
When renovating your home or building a house, you want a contractor you can trust. That’s why I happily recommend The Design-Build Group Inc., a trusted source for luxury in residential construction, with a reputation built on impeccable quality. This boutique firm thrives on client collaboration, adopting a partnership that ensures every voice is heard and every detail meticulously addressed. Renowned for attention to complex design elements, the company’s success is also a tribute to the symbiotic relationships with master tradespeople and artisans, whose expertise is woven into each project. Clients engaging with The DesignBuild Group can expect transparent communication, detailed financial stewardship and a commitment to excellence from inception through to project completion www.designbuildgroup.com
SMEG
For me and many other owners of their appliances, SMEG is a paragon of Italian craftsmanship: a balance of design, performance, and meticulous detail. While the brand’s compact retro and design-coordinated products offer efficiency and charm, SMEG’s Professional Range Series exudes a timeless, chic aesthetic that has worked wonderfully in our home and NKPR’s office: combi speed oven, dual-fuel range, built-in coffee machine, fullyintegrated dishwasher, and a refrigerator from the Portofino Suite. Whether installed in a column or horizontally, these pieces form a bespoke culinary theatre while reflecting the brand’s iconic Italian legacy. smeg.ca
MOTT 32
When my husband asks what I want for dinner, my reply is often Chinese food! That’s why I’m excited to share that Mott 32, an internationally renowned culinary name, is opening in Toronto, its second location in Canada following Vancouver. Mott 32 is celebrated for award-winning Chinese cuisine in regional delicacies. It offers fresh seafood, Kobe and Wagyu beef, and the acclaimed 42-day applewood-roasted Peking duck. The interior—a fusion of New York industrial chic and Chinese motifs—sets the stage for innovative Cantonese dishes with Szechuan and Beijing influences. In the bar, signature cocktails are infused with such Asian flavours as osmanthus honey and ginseng root to offer a perfect complement to the vibrant menu. mott32.com
THE SCENE MEDICAL BEAUTY BAR
In recent times, the convergence of beauty and wellness has given rise to medical spas. The Scene Medical Beauty Bar, one of the first openair med spas of its kind, champions the narrative that seeking beauty enhancements is an act of self-love, not a secret to be hidden. Founded by registered nurse and beauty entrepreneur Samantha Foley, it has locations in Forest Hill and Leslieville. The Scene Medical Beauty Bar offers rapid, comprehensive services, ranging from the Forma facial to DiolazeXL laser hair removal. With cutting-edge InMode technology, The Scene is not just a med spa but a beauty authority that stands for educational, science-driven care within a vibrant, no-frills environment. scenebeauty.ca
GORGEOUS AND GLOWING
Jenna Bitove-Naumovich, Living Luxe’s contributing fashion editor and stylist, models Ines Di Santo’s gowns that will adorn stunning brides this season and continue to take our breath away for decades to come.
By Jenna Bitove-Naumovich
We are officially in wedding season. With all the planning complete—the venue, the guests, the meal, the honeymoon—it’s time to turn our attention to gowns. Canadian wedding dress designer Ines Di Santo mesmerizes with her fairy-tale gowns in the recent Modern Perspective Collection. On her special day, every bride wants to wear an unforgettable dress that will turn heads and be memorialized for years to come in photos and videos.
Here are 10 wedding gowns that combine opulent, soft hues and sumptuous fabrics to make the special day very special indeed. Here is my guide to selecting your happily-ever- after gown.
Portrait by Natasha Gerschon
Hair by Jenna Bitove-Naumovitch Makeup by Jessica Savedra
Jenna Bitove-Naumovich, wearing a pale blue satin gown by Ines Di Santo titled FACADE, with removable embroidered cape and sleeves. Its drop waist minimizes the middle.
RIGHT: OCULUS GOWN. Where would the wedding dress world be without tulle? This layered, voluminous cream-coloured tulle gown is dreamlike and yet also high-fashion. The corsetry—encrusted marvellously with woven crystal bows—heightens the style through its drop waist, which minimizes the middle.
LEFT: FINITE DRESS
This charming cocktail dress is sure to take any guest’s breath away with its pastel, airy feathers and crystal detailing. A “Creamsicle” of gorgeous soft hues that flow into a massive lavender chiffon bow in the back, leads to an exaggerated train. This short dress is nothing short of sweet.
RIGHT: Jenna Bitove-Naumovich wearing a pale pink corseted gown by Ines Di Santo, titled ARCH; it’s adorned with 3D pastel hue florals and crystals.
BELOW: CHEVET GOWN AND CAPE.
RIGHT: BASILICA GOWN
Here’s a twist on classic bridal wear in this stunning mermaid white-lace gown with massive floral organza appliqués. It’s topped with a gorgeous matching cape, an exaggerated train and massive bows, effortlessly slouching down off the shoulders.
LEFT: CUPOLA GOWN
This show-stopping gown is sure to make for a memorable celebration. Its mermaid-like shape, sweetheart neckline, cascading floral appliqué train and form-defining corset with powder blue appliqués, give an impression of wafting wind, willow branches and leaves.
RIGHT: CAPITAL DRESS
For the bride who just wants to party, this is perfect for a dinner party vibe, after-party look or an elopement to Las Vegas. This little whitelace mini dress is a nod to “something blue” with its delicate handmade blue appliqué flowers and crystals.
There’s something so old Hollywood glam and luxurious about white feathers. Especially when this spectacular white sheer feather cape is paired over a creamy white simple satin slip-like gown. It’s the perfect combination of sultry, romantic and high fashion. This is the look for a modern bride looking to making an elevated fashion statement. party, elopement
RIGHT: ATRIUM GOWN Bows are on trend this summer and you know what they say: The bigger the bow, the better the party. We’re smitten with the Atrium gown with its soft-pink silk and hand-painted flowers, in addition to the back with its stunning stacked bows and flowing train.
TOP: PALAZZO
There’s something effortlessly chic about a satin wedding gown. It’s the definition of timelessness and classic beauty. This gown is sure to have any bride looking back decades, still loving her wedding dress. The plunging neckline elevates the look into one of a modern and powerful bride.
FILLERS AND FACELIFT SURGERY
Each treatment has its own purpose, and in some circumstances, the two approaches can be combined.
At one time, average faceli patients were in their 60s; now the average age ranges from mid-40s to late-50s. Why the shi ? Online access to information and celebrity lifestyles has stimulated demand, in addition to the desire to maintain a youthful appearance in the workforce as a younger demographic starts to swoop in. And a society focused on active, healthy lifestyles has created a desire in people to look as young as they feel. Now, many start to address signs of aging at an early age—as early as their 20s—with injectable treatments. These treatments are o en e ective in delaying the need for surgery for many years. But how will they impact surgery for those who decide to have a faceli later in life?
Does filler complicate faceli surgery and its potential outcome? Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practising Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, discusses these two treatments.
By Dr. Philip Solomon & Nancie Heiber
Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC
“THERE CAN STILL BE SOME AREAS OF THE FACE THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM FILLER OR FAT GRAFTING TO JUST GIVE THE FACELIFT RESULTS AN ADDED WOW FACTOR.”
Living Luxe: Dr. Solomon, let’s start with a definition and description of fillers. What are they and how are they used?
Filler injections have become one of the most common anti-aging treatments in the past 20 years. The purpose of injecting dermal filler is to reduce facial folds and restore volume. The applications for filler have become broadened over the years, giving rise to the term “liquid facelift.” This term can be misleading as it doesn’t clinically lift tissue (skin) but adds volume. The most common filler is made of HA (hyaluronic acid), a sugar-based molecule that can be dissolved. There are other products that are longer lasting and have a different side effect profile; they must be injected by an experienced injector as it’s difficult to remove. In recent years, there are fillers that have been used as bio-stimulators that stimulate the body to produce collagen. Many surgeons have debated how these longer acting fillers can impact facelift surgery. I would say the general consensus is that temporary fillers have less of an impact on facelift surgery than the biostimulators. While biostimulators produce collagen, they can also produce scar tissue which can make surgery technically challenging.
LL: How do you know when to stop using filler and consider other treatment options?
The overuse of filler can have negative consequences, commonly called “filler fatigue.” When patients have used too much filler over many years, they can develop a puffy appearance, including a squared-off lower third of the face, a bluish hue under the eyes and over-inflated lips. It’s essential that a provider uses a conservative approach to filler and encourages patients to have an open mind to alternative therapies, such as facelift surgery, when needed.
LL: Does the use of filler for many years affect facelift surgery in any way?
We often see patients of 40 years and older who have had years of filler injections and now want facelift surgery to address the concerns that filler can’t address. However, they are concerned about whether their prior use of filler will impact their surgical outcome. It’s a terrific question, as specialists from across North America have varying opinions. In general, I like to dissolve the HA fillers to better assess the facial anatomy which will allow me to be most artistic
in my surgical approach. Dissolving of the filler is a simple office procedure but may require a few visits.
If we determine the patient may still need added volume, we offer facial fat grafting commonly with facelift surgery as it can be a very appealing option: a natural product with permanent results.
LL: Is it common for facelift patients to still require filler or fat-grafting injections after their facelift surgery?
Facelift surgery addresses many issues. However, it doesn’t always address everything, such as volume loss. A facelift repositions the soft tissue and muscle vertically, undoing what gravity has done over the years; however there can still be some areas of the face that can benefit from filler or fat grafting to just give the facelift results an added wow factor. The temples, deep naso-labial folds, lips and cheeks can often become quite depleted with aging. Filler or fat grafting can help restore volume loss while working in tandem with facelift surgery to provide a complete facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC
DINING OUT IN THE 6IX
Toronto is a foodie’s paradise with a vast choice of excellent restaurants that reflect the city’s vibrant cultural and ethnic mosaic.
If you’re considering dining out in Toronto today, you may be hard-pressed to choose a restaurant, given the dazzling number of superb eateries, offering every kind of dish imaginable from cultures around the world. The city boasts an exciting culinary scene that makes it a challenge to narrow down dining choices. Sometimes, the best way to find a great restaurant is by recommendation. We asked two experts in food and hospitality for their choices. Here are the recommendations of Nathan Marchio, vice-president of hospitality at the prominent Toronto public relations firm NKPR, and Halla Rafati, founder and president of Halo & Co., a full-service integrated communications agency specializing in lifestyle and luxury hospitality.
BARCHEF
MISS LIKKLEMORE’S
DREYFUS
BAR REYNA
GIULIETTA
Nathan Marchio VP Hospitality, NKPR
Halla Rafati President, Halo & Co.
HALLA RAFATI PICKS
MISS LIKKLEMORE’S
Chef Lonie Murdock, one of Toronto’s culinary sweethearts, is at the helm of Miss Likklemore’s. This restaurant combines each Caribbean-inspired dish with refined presentation along with flavours and spices from around the world. I go for the patties, and for brunch, I stay for the baked eggs, a delicious blend of Guyanese curry, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and goat gouda. misslikklemores.com
DARNA MIDDLE EASTERN KITCHEN
Being of Middle Eastern descent, I’m picky about Mediterranean food, but Darna perfectly emulates the flavours found across the Levant region. My favourite dish is the Kibbeh Lebanyeh. Stuffed with minced meat and walnuts in a garlic yogurt sauce topped with slivered almonds, it transports me to my grandmother’s home in Beirut. darnatoronto.ca
BAR REYNA
I’ve loved Bar Reyna since it opened in 2016. It’s the Lebanese tacos that keep me coming back for more. Available in chicken and falafel, there are two in an order, so I always get one of each. These, paired with the Greek fries topped with feta, are my go-to meal any time. barreyna.com
SAVOR
Savor is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets. Executive chef Art, who hails from Iron Chef Thailand, offers guests a culinary journey of Thai gastronomy with roots in the 13th century. You can indulge in traditional Thai classics, but the chef’s curated tasting menu is essential for first-time diners. savortoronto.ca
BARCHEF
No culinary journey is complete without the perfect cocktail. BarChef offers an immersive experience. A Toronto staple, Frankie Solarik introduced gastro-molecular mixology to the city years ago and continues redefining the art of the bar experience. My go-to is the Sailor’s Mojito. barchef.com
NATHAN MARCHIO PICKS
GREY GARDENS
Everyone needs a “go-to” spot and Grey Gardens is mine. With an always-changing seasonal menu of small plates (snacks, crudos, pastas) and an excellent wine list, it offers a vibrant dining room tucked away in Kensington Market. A seat at the chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen is a perfect place to spend an evening. greygardens.ca
RESTAURANT 20 VICTORIA
This Michelin-starred restaurant focuses largely on seafood and offers some of the best hospitality in the city. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely dinner over the seven-plus course tasting menu or ordering a la carte at the bar, 20 Victoria is not to be missed. exploretock.com/restaurant20victoria
DREYFUS
A taste of Montreal in Toronto, Dreyfus offers a French-style menu with an intimate dining room in the Harbord Village. Handwritten daily menus feature a mix of snacks and large plates showcasing the best in locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The pommes dauphine is a must-order. dreyfustoronto.com
DAILO
The ultimate spot for New-Asian cuisine, DaiLo’s elegant dining room is warm and welcoming with a hand-painted mural as its focal point. The chef’s menu is the perfect way to experience all of the flavours DaiLo has to offer. Don’t forget to order the Big Mac Bao. dailoto.com
GIULIETTA
Classics done right: Giulietta is my favourite restaurant to enjoy family-style dining with a group of friends. Rob Rossi’s menu offers some of the city’s best Italian cuisine, taking a fresh spin on classic dishes. From hand-crafted pasta to wood-fired pizzas, every meal at Giulietta feels like a special occasion. giu.ca
* To preserve neutrality,
FEELING AT HOME IN A CARIBBEAN PARADISE
Writer Tamara Moore
regularly returns to the idyllic island she loves— Providenciales, Turks and Caicos—to be surprised by new adventures.
By Tamara Moore
In the past 15 years, I’ve visited Turks & Caicos many times. For a while, I lived there. However, each time I return to this Caribbean paradise in the West Indies, the colour of the turquoise sea takes my breath away all over again.
During a recent trip, I stayed for the first time on Long Bay Beach on the south shore of Providenciales Island. I was pleased to find it as beautiful as the opposite shore’s Grace Bay Beach, but less crowded. The shallow water offers ideal swimming for children. A shipwreck in the distance teams with colourful fish and takes minutes to reach by jet ski.
My pied-à-terre was H2O, a resort founded in 2020 by Canadian hoteliers Rob Ayer and Nicolas Boucher. After living and working in Turks and Caicos for years, the business partners developed a luxurious wellness getaway offering activities to
guests with active lifestyles. Sustainably developed, the resort has 25 solar-powered suites, designed and furnished by Restoration Hardware, in sizes ranging from one to four bedrooms, with full kitchens, outdoor patios and terraces. It offers rooftop yoga, tennis, pickleball, basketball, paddle-boarding and a 24-hour fitness centre with available private training.
Guests can lounge poolside at the child-friendly pool or relax at the oceanfront infinity pool to enjoy exquisite views. A few steps from the beach is Hangtime, a bar where guests and locals mingle. Perhaps best of all is the pleasant breeze that accompanies the endless sunshine. The breeze is what makes Long Bay ideal for H2O’s Kiteboarding and Wing Foiling Academy—the first and only one of its kind in the Caribbean—that offers programs and lessons catering to beginners and experts alike.
After a day on the water, I enjoyed a massage on my terrace, the perfect way to unwind after kitesurfing. Later that evening, a private chef prepared a dinner of ceviche and lobster for friends and colleagues on the terrace of our beachfront suite. Teresa Brunner of Tropical Destinations decorated the table with bougainvillea and
driftwood. The resort does not have a restaurant; rather, private chefs are available for the duration of your stay or one-off meals.
Throughout my time, I was driven around by Jose Swann from Elite Empire Luxury Transportation.
Visitors who want to participate in “voluntourism” also have an opportunity here. Rob Ayers’s wife Wendy co-founded SNiP, a non-profit that provides free spayand-neuter clinics for the island’s neglected and abused dogs and cats. The clinics are run by volunteers and funded by donations. Visitors are invited to help by donating or transporting animals to the clinics.
Turks and Caicos is home to many restaurants in beautiful settings. One of our favorites includes SuiRen at The Shore Club, a five-minute beach walk from H2O. It offers sushi dishes and an extensive cocktail menu in an elegant, comfortable environment. No trip to Turks and Caicos is complete without a trip to the iconic Da Conch Shack, home to delicious conch fritters. Named one of the top beach bars in the world by CNN, it’s in Blue Hills and owned by charismatic Canadian transplant John D.C. Macdonald Jr. For a romantic evening out, it’s Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar, aptly named as the bar appears to stretch to meet the Caribbean. Set on the sands of Grace Bay with tiki-torch lighting, it’s a perfect spot to watch the sun set while dining.
While I was sad to see my stay at H2O end, I was excited that two of my three sons—ages 5 and 8—and my partner could join me for the final stretch of the trip, which included my first stay at an all-inclusive resort: Beaches Turks and Caicos. There are 20 restaurants to choose from, a variety of pools, water sports, activities and entertainment all set on a stunning stretch of beach. There’s no reason to leave the resort—and we didn’t. Our stay afforded us precious family time, but there were also opportunities for my partner and me to have adult moments that included a private beachfront dinner, thanks to the Kids Camp. They provided outdoor programs and activities for the children; mine had so much fun, they didn’t want to leave.
Provo, as Providenciales is called, is my second home and is special to my family: My oldest son followed in my footsteps, working on the island during his gap year before university. Friends I made while living there are still friends. We never say goodbye when I leave, knowing that I will return soon. Just after takeoff on my flight home, I follow this ritual: I look out the window at the cerulean water below and whisper, with immense gratitude “Thank you. Until next time.”
Philanthropist Amanda Alvaro is guided by her mother’s wisdom, who modelled how to give from the heart.
By Amanda Alvaro
I grew up in a middle-class home in London, Ontario where the closest thing to a gala I ever saw was the annual minor league hockey fundraiser. My parents worked hard and everything they made went to their children. We had all we needed but there wasn’t a lot left over for extras. The idea of a donation was reserved for bake sales, food drives and jumprope-for-heart-athons.
We were taught, however, that if you had a little to give, you give it. If that meant inviting someone to dinner, volunteering to coach the local team or collecting tickets for the community carnival, you did your part.
My mom loved having a full house and stretched her household budgets to ensure everyone was included and felt the specialness of the special occasion. She never waited for anyone else to get a job done. In our family,
IF YOU HAVE A LITTLE TO GIVE, GIVE IT
giving back had less to do with money and more to do with effort and heart. Growing up with her meant I was predisposed for active involvement. If there was a school event to plan, I’d throw my hand up. Her “get it done” philosophy was not just the credo of our home; it became the calling card of my life.
In 2007, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two years later, aged 57, she died, leaving us all reeling. In those early days of grief, I had an acute desire to find meaning and purpose in this unexpected loss. I needed the compass that would guide me into the next chapter, without her. Unsurprisingly, the things that were central to who she was and how she raised us became the rudder I sought. With a burgeoning career and a network of influential friends, my means allowed me to approach “giving back and getting it done” on a larger scale, starting with fundraisers and events, and eventually launching my own charity. Today, my philanthropy is varied and built on causes that matter to my family and me.
I’ve spent 15 years raising funds and awareness for Rethink Breast Cancer. Five
years ago, I became the chair and have witnessed the advancements made since my mom’s death. In 2011, I founded Artbound, which has raised more than $1 million dollars to fight poverty and empower youth through art. The organization has built schools, art programs and community infrastructure projects in Kenya, India, Guatemala, Haiti and Nicaragua, and most recently helped to fund the Indigenous-led Ballantyne Project in Canada. I serve on the fundraising committees of Toronto Public Library Foundation, ComKids, Telus Foundation, Writers’ Trust and National Ballet of Canada.
While I haven’t participated in school bake sales (yet), my annual baking day tradition brings 20 women to bake and decorate for Covenant House at Christmas. My mom would be proud of that!
While I love a good gala and fundraiser, the philosophy is the same: If you have a little extra to give, give it. If there’s a job to be done, do your part!
Amanda Alvaro, a mother of three, is the founder and president of Pomp & Circumstance Public Relations.
Amanda Alvaro Contributing Philanthropy Editor
LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS FEATURING ART BY TAKASHI MURAKAMI TAKASHI MURAKAMI
FREED HOTEL + RESIDENCES COMING SOON TO ADELAIDE & DUNCAN.
Experience the epitome of luxury and convenience at the corner of Adelaide and Duncan. Featuring a one-of-a-kind art integration by world renowned artist Takashi Murakami, “Together with the Flower Parent and Child,” inside the lobby of the first-ever Freed Hotel and Residences.
TOGETHER WITH THE FLOWER PARENT AND CHILD, 2021-2022
Kitchen appliances are no longer utilitarian workhorses to be hidden from view. Today’s appliances are beautiful, highly functional and technologically advanced.
Kitchens are taking centre stage in our homes as highly designed spaces. That means that our appliances are on show. We asked Mareike Greve, senior brand marketing and experience lead at Whirlpool Canada, to tell us about her company’s appliance trends that are transforming our kitchen spaces.
Living Luxe: Mareike, what are the newest trends and products that you and your team are excited about?
M.G.: We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our JennAir Leather Cuts Panel Collection in Canada. The premium leather refrigerator panels—exclusively for our line of JennAir Column
Refrigeration—are made of seductive Italian leather and come in four rich, dark hues: Carbon, Cognac, Croc and Caviar. These leather panels embody our commitment to pushing design boundaries. The JennAir Leather Cuts Panel Collection transforms the classic stainless-steel front of a refrigerator into something tactile and warm, bringing touchable textures into the kitchen. Each piece is meticulously designed and crafted to add depth and intrigue to your JennAir refrigeration.
Living Luxe: What sets JennAir appliances apart?
MG: Our integration and installation approach ensures our appliances seamlessly blend into any kitchen design while delivering top-tier performance. An example is our dishwasher lineup: JennAir is the quietest luxury dishwasher brand on the market* (*based on Normal Cycle). It’s a testament to our commitment to creating appliances that enhance your home environment without intruding on it. Our digital
innovations bring our appliances into the smart-home era, offering users an interface to control their appliances, receive alerts, and download new cooking modes. We push the boundaries of what’s possible in design, performance and technology.
Living Luxe: How can JennAir products be customized to meet a client’s needs?
MG: JennAir is offering a range of products designed to cater to diverse needs and aesthetics. Our lineup of stainless-steel appliances in two distinct design expressions—RISE and NOIR—is just the beginning. We offer integrated panel kits and an array of accessories, including handles, knobs, and toe kicks, allowing clients to add their unique flair to their design. This versatility ensures that our products can seamlessly integrate into any home or space, regardless of style.
Living Luxe: How important are aesthetics and the quality of finishings?
MG: Aesthetics shape our approach to every product we create. We believe that every detail matters and view each piece as an opportunity to make a statement. Our commitment to design and quality is evident, from the bold mixed metals of our RISE Design Expression to the sculptural stainless steel and edge-to-edge dark glass of our NOIR Design Expression. Our customers crave experiences that transcend the ordinary.
Living Luxe: What are the benefits of choosing high-end appliances?
MG: High-end appliances provide superior performance, state-of-theart design, and greater durability and longevity. They are often equipped with advanced features and technologies that enhance functionality and efficiency. Our high-end appliances feature high-quality materials and robust construction techniques, ensuring that they stand the test of time and provide long-term value for investment.
Living Luxe: How has the brand met recent industry challenges and changes?
M.G.: There’s little data on the demographics of interior designers in Canada, which shows that the challenge has not been well studied. However, the International Interior Design Association reports that only 36 per cent of newly licensed architects are women and of that, only 2 per cent are Black. This demonstrates a lack of diversity in the industry, which can stifle creativity and block new design perspectives from emerging. The team at JennAir brand has done research and spent time learning about the inequality in our industry and is committed to playing our part to drive change. In 2022, we launched the JennAir Disrupting Design program, which focuses on breaking down barriers for people studying and working in interior design. Working with our Advisory Board, we’re identifying opportunities for actionable change. This includes the JennAir Scholars Award in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University. The $375,000 scholarship supports Black, Indigenous and racialized students in the Bachelor of Interior Design program and the planned Master’s program over five years. In late 2023, we launched the JennAir Disrupting Design Mentorship Program, which connects emerging racialized design students with established professionals offering mentorship. We’re dedicated to amplifying the voices of racialized designers and creating platforms that highlight their perspectives. Our ongoing education about others’ lived experiences and the barriers hindering industries from achieving equity and inclusivity is pivotal in addressing these issues. Our goal is to disrupt the design industry by challenging the existing norms and driving meaningful progress toward change.
A CUT ABOVE
From premium, hand-picked stone to an attention-filled customer experience, Cava Surfaces offers a turnkey package.
By Wendy Helfenbaum
If you’ve ever been curious about the many varieties of stunning stone that can beautify your home—from marble and quartzite to onyx, granite and travertine—you might want to talk to Tariq Darwish. As the sales manager at Cava Surfaces, he’s not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the spectacular gifts of Mother Earth that can make any room look spectacular. “We specialize in catering to interior designers and discerning homeowners who want show-stopping surfaces to elevate their spaces,” Darwish says.
At its North York showroom, Cava Surfaces is committed to innovation, ensuring a constant influx of new and distinctive offerings. “Our mission is to provide continuous inspiration,” Darwish says. “Our dedication to product knowledge, exceptional service, and delivering value to our clients truly sets us apart.” In fact, far from simply sending clients into the company’s warehouse to select a slab, Cava’s experts are on hand to help guide them through every step of the process. “For over 15 years, we’ve embraced a personalized approach to thoroughly inform our clients, empowering them to make informed decisions,” he says.
Cava Surfaces boasts an impressive inventory of more than 350 distinct types of stone, ranging from timeless marble, travertine, and onyx to durable quartzite, quartz, and porcelain. Darwish has seen a shift among designers away from greys toward bold veining, warm golden tones and soft striations. “While quartz and porcelain once
“OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS INSPIRATION. OUR DEDICATION TO PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, AND DELIVERING VALUE TO OUR CLIENTS TRULY SETS US APART.”
dominated the scene, natural stone is making a resounding comeback, with quartzites gaining significant popularity due to their superior strength compared to marble,” he says. For those who are weary of marble, Darwish says there are new technologies that can add layers of protection to the ancient stone in the form of wraps and one-time
sealers. “This investment enhances your marble’s resistance to stains, etching, and heat, ensuring its longevity and preserving its beauty,” he says.
Darwish has also observed a growing trend among homeowners and designers to anchor entire spaces around exotic natural stone selections, drawing inspiration for cabinet, paint, tile and hardwood colours from the veining and tones inherent in the stone. “Quartzite, with its remarkable density and durability, has emerged as a favourite choice,” he says, “particularly those sourced from Brazilian quarries that offer vibrant hues such as blues, pinks, and oranges.”
The company remains at the forefront of innovation with the recent introduction of nano-ink quartz, a revolutionary technology that seamlessly prints real marble patterns onto a quartz base, enhancing authenticity while retaining the inherent benefits of quartz: resistance to etching and staining, and ease of installation, which reduces labour costs. While traditional styles of flecked granite have waned in popularity, Darwish advocates for the unique granite options offered by Cava Surfaces, citing such examples as the striking black Belvedere granite with golden-white veins, and the premium onyx available in captivating shades of pink, soft orange, blue, and green.
Dedicated to staying abreast of industry trends, the stone experts at Cava Surfaces provide regular updates to their clients, offering a weekly live inventory and sending out curated brochures to designers and homeowners in search of the perfect selection for their spaces. “Building or renovating a home can be overwhelming, but our interactive catalogue, which is akin to flipping through a magazine, streamlines the process, allowing clients to explore our offerings with ease before guiding them through their selection,” Darwish says.
NIUSHA WALKER | BROKER & MANAGING PARTNER
Redefining Luxury Living in York Region
Specializing in selling luxury homes, Niusha Walker is a real estate professional known for her expertise and proficiency in the housing market. With a knack for negotiation and a flair for powerful marketing strategies, she has consistently set herself apart in the competitive realm of real estate. Niusha’s commitment to excellence and her passion for helping clients find their dream homes have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate in the industry.
THE JOY OF JAVA
A wonderful, new-to-themarket espresso machine— the Rocket Appartamento TCA—is capturing the attention of serious co ee connoisseurs.
By Susan Semenak
First thing in the morning, Joe Di Donato ambles into the kitchen and makes himself a flat white. That’s a double shot of espresso with a little steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, Australian-style. Later in the day, he’ll opt for the unmitigated jolt of a short or medium espresso. It’s no stretch to say that Di Donato, vicepresident of operations for Faema Canada, the Toronto-based purveyor of espresso machines, is a coffee aficionado. Coffee is his family’s business. His father Mike, who started the company in 1958, is credited with introducing Italian espresso culture to Canada. But coffee is also Di Donato’s passion, and that’s true of his customers, too. “People who love coffee want to make quality coffee. They want the grind and the temperature just right. And like wine connoisseurs, they know
exactly what they like,” Di Donato says. “They are very hands-on when it comes to extracting the very best quality from their coffee.”
Di Donato is especially excited about a new espresso maker that has just arrived at Faema Canada’s four Toronto-area stores and its network of specialty dealers across Canada. It’s the Rocket Appartamento TCA, a sleek and compact home espresso machine recently introduced by Rocket, the Milan-based espresso machine manufacturer with a worldwide cult following. Rocket Appartamento espresso makers are semi-professional machines that are strong and sophisticated enough to create coffee worthy of a barista and compact enough for a modern home kitchen. Simply put, they make coffee buffs swoon over their beautiful design, their commercial-grade components and the sheer pleasure of using them. The new Appartamento TCA builds on the Rocket Appartamento’s reputation for great extraction, consistency of temperature, and for making espresso shots that are always impressively smooth.
It sells for about $3,000 and comes in five different colour combinations, including the classic stainless steel and contemporary matte-black bodies with white, black or copper side panel inserts featuring laser-cut circles which lend a three-dimensional look. It is meant to be used with a matching grinder, the Faustino, which sells for between $1,225 and $1,350.
Di Donato says design lovers will fall for the revamped look of
the Appartamento TCA, with its rounded corners and contoured lines, which echo the latest curve-forward trends in interior design. They’ll be equally enamoured, he says, with the machine’s new, improved features, which include a standby energysaving function that turns the machine off after 30 minutes, as well as boilerpressure improvements and a sensor that indicates when the machine is out of water. It also comes with a water-softening feature that improves the taste of the coffee while protecting the machine’s components. “It’s a beautiful machine,”Di Donato says.
ROSALIA FAZZARI
TURNING ON IMAGINATION
Vogt runs hot (and cold, in a good way) with colour accents, reimagined classics, and minimalist ease.
By Julie Gedeon
Opting for classic decor is always a wise long-term investment, but many of us also welcome some vibrancy over time to liven up those marbled whites and other muted tones. Vogt Industries has come to the rescue with an innovative line of faucets that homeowners can easily customize for everything from a conservative gold touch to surprising pops of Butterscotch or Lime Green as colours. “Things have been grey for so long that we’ve been aching for some colour, so why not in our faucets, too?” says the company’s co-founder and head of sales and marketing, Reka Kevsehi, adding that Vogt takes its cues from the world’s fashion runways as well as best home shows.
Called Mond, which is German for moon, to reflect the lunar inspiration, the faucets come in a chrome, brushed-gold or matteblack finish, as well as gunmetal, matte-white and stainless steel in select styles. You can buy a Mood Kit to easily change the top plate and ring to any of 16 distinctive colours—everything from
Sunshine Yellow to Midnight Blue. “We made it so you can have fun but not have to commit to a colour for 20 years,” Kevsehi says. “When your daughter outgrows the Barbie-inspired Rose Pink, you can use an Allen key to install a new colour or restore the original pieces.”
Having the Emerald Green or Cinnamon on all of a home’s fixtures and related accessories carries a customized richness throughout an abode. Other colours, such as Orange Burst, provide the finishing touches on a bold design or just the quieter hint of flair. A fluted option adds elegance while making handles easier for soapy hands to manage.
Meanwhile, timeless elegance abounds in the classic style of Vogt’s new Carinthia line. “We have the cross-style handles that have been popular forever, but also the single lever with or without a hexagonal finish for people seeking to blend traditional elements with contemporary trends,” Kevsehi explains. “People can also choose a more curved spout for a modern twist.” Available in chrome, brushed gold, and polished or brushed nickel, along with several duotone combinations, the Carinthia line adapts to a gamut of home styles. The line is defined throughout a home by the trio of indented rings at the base of each unit.
Yet another Vogt innovation is the Drau workstation. This all-in-one kitchen accessory is designed to facilitate daily food prep with sleek practicality. Equipped with a durable colander, grids, strainers and a
bamboo cutting board, the unit saves time and effort in one localized space. “It’s great for condo owners who have a smaller counter area,” Kevsehi says, “but popular with everyone looking to keep a counter or island free of clutter.”
PAIRING UP
Choosing the right wine for home dining can make your meals sublime. Here’s how to combine good food with good wines.
One of the great pleasures of life at home is entertaining friends and family over a lovingly prepared meal. Pairing a meal with the right wine is an art. Adam Pearce, head winemaker at Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offers his advice on pairing wine at home.
Living Luxe: Adam, what is the purpose behind pairing particular wines with foods?
For me, the purpose of taking the time to pair your wines with the food you are cooking and eating is to heighten the enjoyment of each. In a perfect pairing, the wine elevates the meal, and food helps the wine to shine.
Living Luxe: What are the basic rules in food and wine pairing? How can home cooks do it successfully?
While there are no set rules, I do follow some guidelines, such as trying to keep the flavours either complementary or contrasting. Complementary pairing is having common flavours between the dish and the wine. A contrasting example would be having something bright and acidic to contrast with a rich or fatty dish.
Living Luxe: Traditionally, the custom was to pair meats with a red wine and fish and poultry with a white wine. Are there exceptions to this rule?
Absolutely there are exceptions to the rule! You can definitely explore outside-the-box pairings. For example, sparkling wine is very versatile and can be paired with foods that run the gamut from light white fish up to rich ribeye steaks. While I wouldn’t pair a big Cabernet with fish or poultry, you can look to lighter-style reds such as Pinot Noir or Gamay to work nicely.
Living Luxe: What advice do you have for vegetarians and vegans who want to pair wine with their meat-free meals?
I would think of the sides and sauces that are accompanying the meal to develop the pairings. I have had some extremely successful pairings, such as our Two Sisters Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and a hearty carrot steak. It isn’t all that different paring veggie and vegan meals; you just have to focus on the base flavours.
Living Luxe: Can you suggest a few wines that you personally favour for pairing?
Our Two Sisters Vineyards Blanc de Franc is my all-time favourite wine to pair with food. The weight of the base wine gives it depth to stand up to heartier dishes and the fine delicate bubbles make it perfect for subtle pairings as well. It’s also perfect for sipping during meal prep. Our Cabernet Franc is my go-to for a red wine. Wonderful aromatics means it works well with fragrant dishes, and the great tannins and balanced acidity pair with most, if not all, proteins.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
For more than 35 years and two generations, Euro Tile & Stone has been a trendsetter, providing high-quality service to clients and treating them as family, while curating exquisite products.
By Wendy Helfenbaum
Working as a tile contractor in the 1980s, Ben Colasanti, along with his wife Sandra, found the industry’s approach to customer service and product selection lacking. In 1987, Ben and Sandra established Euro Ceramics—now known as Euro Tile & Stone—with a clear vision: To provide the best service and experience possible, treat their clients and staff like family, sell only the highest-quality
products, and work with people who share their drive to succeed. “From our humble beginnings as a small family business, we’ve expanded into a multicity company with more than 100 employees. My sister, Mattia, and I, both now in senior leadership positions, are excited about the direction the company is going in and what the future holds,” says COO Giancarlo Colasanti.
As the son of the founders, Colasanti notes that the company’s success stems from its unwavering commitment to personalized service and long-lasting relationships, both with its clients and its designers, architects, builders, and contractors. “Our journey has been marked by determination, innovation, and a commitment to excellence,” he says. “What I’m most proud of today is how we’ve stayed true to our values while being ahead of the market to deliver beyond our clients’ expectations. Despite our growth, we’ve maintained the personalized service and attention to detail that have always set us apart in the industry.”
Euro Tile & Stone curates exceptional products from around the world, most notably Italy, Spain, and Portugal. “We collaborate closely with our manufacturers’ R and D labs, ensuring only the highest quality and latest trends in innovation meet our standards,” explains Colasanti. “We always push the boundaries and have become trendsetters in the market. We continuously strive to stay ahead of the curve, embracing new technologies and design trends while maintaining our core values.”
For 2024, Colasanti sees several exciting trends in tile and stone, including the growing popularity of large-format tiles and slabs that create a sleek, seamless look while visually expanding a space. “We’re also seeing increased demand for porcelain slab countertops as a more functional alternative to natural stone and a more visually stunning and better-performing engineered surface compared to quartz,” he adds.
Euro Tile & Stone is predicting a rise in softer stone looks. The Shale collection bestows an elegant, refined look, while Elegance Pro offers a modern, minimalist vibe. The Ibla collection features an Old World,
Mediterranean flavour. “There’s a shift towards warmer, organic tones— earthy neutrals and terracottas—like the Mediterranea and Bejmat collections,” says Colasanti. “We’re also seeing more rich, saturated colours, especially greens, burgundys and blues from the Fargblock collection, which was designed by Swedish designer/colourist Tekla Evelina Severin.”
Looking out for the needs of their clientele and anticipating future demand has enabled this dynamic and forward-looking company to stay ahead of the design curve in the tile and stone market, and certainly create a few trends of its own in the process.
THE HEIGHT OF EXQUISITE DESIGN
Architect/designer Martha Franco makes innovative use of a home’s vertical possibilities.
By Julie Gedeon
Most of us regard our space as the distance between walls. But architect/designer Martha Franco is transforming that limiting perception. “We should envision the ceiling area as a third of our space with all its possibilities to expand our vertical perspective in ways that work optimally with our walls and floor areas,” explains the head of Martha Franco Architecture & Design.
As a high-end firm specializing in architecture, interior design, furniture creation and landscaping—a one-stop shop—the company takes a holistic view of a home’s expanse. Franco’s team looks at how to layer that higher realm with everything from coffered to vaulted ceilings, when possible, to crown mouldings and tiered lighting. The architect often chooses slender fulllength doors, panelling or framed mirrors to give an alcove or hallway greater elevation. “If there’s an interior balcony, it should be overlooking a wonderfully opened area that makes everyone want to run upstairs to appreciate that spacious dynamic,” she says.
More of us now consider our properties as getaway destinations and can’t wait to get home, according to Franco. Spending additional time in our abode is also prompting us to seek out more experiences at home, whether an upstairs theatre room or a basement bar and pool table. Franco’s team maps out these distinct areas to make each of them special and inviting by again considering the home’s horizontal and vertical flows. “In one of our recent projects, we installed this Frenchinspired staircase with a seductive movement that invites everyone to make use of the home’s four storeys,” Franco says.
Outdoors, vertical layering is likewise explored from steps leading down into a garden to the depths of a pool and back up to its surface with adjacent but sunken fireside seating. A few more downward stairs may open to an outdoor kitchen or go up to a dining hut where shiplap and beams aggrandize the fresh-air setting.
Clients are encouraged to be active members of Franco’s team in creating a coherent storyline for their entire home. “We can achieve any style— traditional to contemporary to French country— by ensuring that everything works cohesively,” Franco says. “What is the conversation between a home’s architecture and its furnishings, for example, or with its outdoor space?”
When renovating historical or heritage properties, her team establishes how to create a seamless dialogue between the past and present. “It’s like on a film set where nothing should feel out of place in how your home’s storyline extends everywhere, including the outdoor space.” Here again, verticality is considered in every aspect from a grassy knoll edged by boxwood shrubs and taller evergreens to the varying layers of a roofline. “Even the way the sunlight beams down into a home should be considered,” Franco says.
A PAINTERLY COLLABORATION
Toronto’s Weavers Art rug showroom to launch its latest artist-designed line of hand-knotted masterpieces, this time inspired by local painter Pietro Adamo.
By Susan Kelly
Interior designers have long treated rugs as fine art to grace the floor. Michael Pourvakil, president of Weavers Art, takes the tradition to the
next level: he commissions artists to create many of the designs found in his Toronto store. The latest collaboration is with Toronto artist Pietro Adamo, whose work Pourvakil first saw at Gallery Double T in Waterloo. “The moment I saw his beautiful contemporary paintings, I was awestruck by the movement and patterns, and the way he combines colours,” he says. “I knew we must find a way to work together.”
Adamo is best known for the spontaneity and organic brushwork of his fine abstract modern paintings. His work, which can be found in galleries and private collections throughout North America and Europe, challenges convention while reflecting the “unpredictable
“IT BEAUTIFULLY DEPICTS A CRANE, A SYMBOL OF GOOD LUCK AND LONGEVITY.”
and inexhaustible record of life.” He also is an art professor and the subject of a television series portraying important Italo-Canadian artists.
Ever innovating, for three decades Weavers Art has served as the go-to place for both the design industry and design devotees. Clients from the GTA and far beyond appreciate the award-winning creations. In addition to designing and creating carpets with one-of-a-kind painterly patterns, it is known for elegant renditions of classic mainstay styles, including transitional Persian rugs. In the other exclusive collections on display now, some rugs draw inspiration from modern art, others from traditional Persian designs. One called Tsuru, in the Signature series, is inspired by Japanese art. “It beautifully depicts a crane, a symbol of good luck and longevity,” Pourvakil says, “and the soft green and neutral palette used would complement many interior design styles.”
Since 2011, Weavers Art has carried rugs by famed rug designer Erbil Tezcan. Originally from Turkey, he creates designs that are inspired primarily by nature and contemporary art. Tezcan’s works are found in both homes and galleries, and 23 were displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from 2016 to 2017.
production team of master weavers in Nepal. Each masterpiece will be painstakingly crafted by hand, with a density of 22,500 knots per square foot.
For the latest Pietro Adamo collection, Pourvakil first brought together the artist and Weavers Art’s in-house rug designer Wan Ki An. Wool-and-silk being a much different medium than paint, the original creations had to be adapted and simplified. Yet all were keenly aware that the essence of the artist’s original works must be preserved. Two prototypes have been developed and are in the hands of the
Once they are tested and meet Pourvakil’s exacting standards, he will carry a collection of 10 Pietro Adamo-inspired designs in-house. Plans are in the works to showcase them in a gallery setting as well. “This exceptional collection will appeal to people who love art,” he says, “but also to anyone who wants a rare and distinctive statement rug worth collecting.”
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
Zilli Home Interiors stays true to its mission of curating stylish home comfort and nurturing client relationships.
unwind and pick up some ideas from our showcase,” says Natalie Papia, Zilli’s president. Zilli Home Interiors is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, a success based on prioritizing customer relationships over individual sales. “We really want people to be engaged, curious and inspired when they browse our store or online,” Papia says. “And when they’re ready, we’re here to help either in store or with an in-home consultation.”
By Julie Gedeon BY
Imagine just wandering inside your favourite home furnishings store to absorb the inviting warmth and attainable luxury. That’s what often happens at Zilli Home Interiors in Vaughan. “We consider it such a compliment when people simply want to roam around for a while to
Home furnishings are in Papia’s DNA. Her family has been in the upholstery manufacturing business for more than 50 years. “When I worked with my parents and brother, I was always visiting retail stores across Canada and the United States,” she recalls. “It’s my mother who
encouraged me to take what I learned to realize my own ideal retail setting.”
Papia uses her keen eye for innovative but enduring design to curate the items she chooses for the 22,000-square-foot store and extensive online catalogue. Her selections run the gamut from the intriguing balance of unexpected materials and forms in imported lines from around the world to local quality manufacturers producing custom comfort.
“I’m always looking at North American and European trends but also that unique element in terms of the lines or the way materials are put together,” Papia says, adding that neutral colour palettes are currently trending in sofas and chairs, which add to a home’s sanctuary vibe. Motion furniture—sofas that recline or have a lifting leg-rest component—is also enjoying popularity.
“Our customers are fashion-forward, so they know what they like, and just occasionally need some help to figure out how that works best in their space,” she says. “Our sales consultants, who are all designers by trade, can help with the layout, as well as selecting the best options based on lifestyles and budgets.” Papia acknowledges that the vast array of available items can become overwhelming, but the design staff is there with their expertise to guide customers. The Zilli team is also committed to informing customers through regular blogposts about everything from the newest product lines to how to furnish a first house, maintain a sofa, or survive a home reno.
Appreciating the investment in quality furnishings, Papia seeks
out products that stand the test of time in terms of look and wear. “I never lose sight of the fact that our company’s reputation accompanies every piece we sell,” she says. “For us, it’s about building that longterm relationship so that customers know we are a trustworthy source whether they want a new accessory for their fireplace mantel or have a whole house that has to be furnished.”
GOOD FOR BODY & SOUL
A visit to the luxurious Guerlain Spa at Hotel X is a soothing, rejuvenating experience.
By Phillipa Rispin
Toronto’s Hotel X has a special treat in store for guests and the discerning public alike: one of only two Guerlain Spas in all of Canada. France’s storied House of Guerlain has pursued the ultimate in the art of perfumery, cosmetics and aesthetics since 1828, and the Toronto spa offers authentic Guerlain treatments that include the French touch.
Jennifer Loyola, director of the Guerlain Spa at Hotel X (111 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto), explains the establishment’s approach: “What makes Guerlain Spas so different from all the other spas in Toronto is that we offer exclusive Guerlain treatments. These are very specific protocols that are created by our expert team in France and are specifically designed to create a luxurious experience. Unlike most spas, we don’t use machines, so it’s all the French touch—hands-on European-style treatments, the manual application of Guerlain protocols.” Loyola aptly describes the spa’s approach as elevated, five-star service for both women and men. Guerlain products are used in the treatments
and are also available for purchase in artisan-designed containers and packaging. Loyola adds that “we are one of the few luxury brands that are at minimum 95 per cent natural. We are working on becoming as sustainable as possible.”
One of life’s pleasures is not simply feeling good but, rather, positively basking in wellness—a focus of the Guerlain Spa. The protocols and treatments are specifically designed to help with relaxation, drainage and circulation. Moreover, “The experience will create that sense of nurturing and care that will help guests to unwind and leave everything at the door, knowing that they’re going to be very well taken care of,” says Loyola. “We are luxury, and we really want to pamper and take care of our guests.”
Guerlain approaches aesthetic treatments as enhancing a client’s natural beauty. But, even more, the Guerlain ethos promotes an inclusive idea of wellness, of psychological and physical well-being through self-care. “We have an opportunity to help people leave feeling better than when they came in,” says Loyola. “Overall and consistent self-care creates a more positive mindset.” Spa patrons, both male and female, can choose among various multi-sensory experiences and targeted treatments for face and body, including masques, scrubs, ointments, massages, gua sha and hot stones. One popular choice is the Royal Honey repair and renew treatment, a multi-step facial that benefits all skin types. The skin enrichment ingredients include honey and royal jelly in the approach to overall healing and repair. For even
more pampering, Loyola suggests The 8. This 80-minute face and body massage uses eighty specific techniques applied to eighty pressure points to leave the body feeling light, supple, stress-free, and energetic. These delights and more await patrons at the Guerlain Spa at Hotel X.
DRESSING UP TO HELP OTHERS
Well Dressed for Spring is an annual fashion show with a difference, raising much-needed funds for Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation. Photography By Ryan Emberly
The Well Dressed for Spring fashion show at Yorkville Village on March 27 raised more than $400,000 for Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation.
“We couldn’t have done this without our title sponsor, RBC Wealth Management, our donors, sponsors, volunteers, staff, members, and of course, our amazing models,” says Wellspring’s CEO Christina Smith.
Hosted by Canadian fashion icon Jeanne Beker and fashion stylist Kim Appelt, Well Dressed for Spring is an annual highfashion event, which this year featured 11 models who had been touched by cancer. “It was an emotional and incredibly inspiring evening,” Smith says. Funds raised will help Wellspring continue to provide free evidence-based programs and services to people living with cancer in our communities. To donate today: wellspring.ca.
1. JESSICA VALENTINE, SADIE PERFETTO, CORRINA HUARD, NICKY POWELL, JENNIFER HILLBORN 2. AMANDA PETROVIC, JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ, TAMARA BAHRY
JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ, TAMARA BAHRY, JOANNE SALLAY, MELYSSA HOLLISTER,
SERENITY NOW
What a soothing destination at the end of a long day. The seamless expanse of tiling from Euro Tile & Stone on floors and walls invites relaxation and tranquility in this spa-like bathroom.
DREAM A AND A TEAM
Youmight call Nobuyuki Matsuhisa the Drake of sushi chefs in that both are internationally renowned artists known by a single moniker. In his case, though, the name is “Nobu” and the artistry is culinary. Nobu’s eponymous restaurants now number some 55 locations across five continents. Many are located within a global chain of 19 luxury Nobu Hotels that are currently open, with an additional 19 hotels in various stages of development. These establishments are a collaborative effort between the renowned chef, Academy-Award-winning actor Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper.
And now Toronto will be the first Canadian city to have a Nobu restaurant and hotel, located downtown in the heart of the Entertainment District. As well, moving trucks are now rolling into the integrated 660-unit luxury residential tower. When all is complete, it will be the first-ever announced Nobu hotel, restaurant and residences in the world for the chain that blends modern swank with minimalist Japanese tradition.
The highly anticipated Nobu Hotel Toronto will soon make its Canadian debut. It will be the latest offering of the global culinary and hotel phenomenon, created by the lauded celebrity chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. In the lead-up to the opening, we talked to the renowned chef and restaurateur about the secrets to creating fabulous food, enjoying international success and triumphing over adversity along the way.
By Susan Kelly
THE CELEBRITIES’ CELEBRITY CHEF
Besides sublime sushi, Nobu restaurants are known for serving up celebrity sightings. At Nobu Malibu alone, the chances of spotting luminaries from Demi Lovato to Leonardo DiCaprio to George and Amal Clooney are high. The tradition likely will continue at the Hollywood North two-level bar and restaurant unless the famous choose to stay out of sight in one of the two private dining rooms there. Drake might appear on the terrace: the name "Nobu" appears six times in Jumpman, the rap song he co-wrote with rapper Future, suggesting he is a fan.
It was in the mid '90s that eminent fashion editor and television personality Jeanne Beker first sampled his cuisine at Nobu in New York, at the first Tribeca location that the chef had opened with De Niro and partners. "There was such an amazing buzz about the place," she remembers. "It was THE place to go—an haute Asian dining experience, where the art of sushi
Photography by Nobu Hospitality
was both savoured and celebrated. Getting a reservation was no easy feat, and people were claiming it was absolutely the best Japanese food they'd ever had, outside of Japan." Beker recalls that shortly before that experience, she had interviewed the late pop culture visionary Malcolm McLaren, the fashion designer once married to Vivienne Westwood and promoter and manager of such legendary punk bands as the Sex Pistols and the New York Dolls. “McLaren told me that he thought that the food scene was going to be the next big thing, and that chefs were going to be the next big celebrities, following in the footsteps of rockstars and designers,” Beker says. “Chef Nobu was most certainly in the eye of that particular storm, and my first Nobu outing confirmed McLaren's prediction. Chefs were indeed becoming superstars, and Nobu was leading the pack."
Since then, the globetrotting journalist has eaten at several Nobu locations around the world and never fails to be impressed by the experience. “Chef Nobu really turned us on to the fine dining aspect of sushi and Japanese cuisine in general,” she says. “Eating his food has been described by some as an almost religious experience! He is just that good.”
Soon Nobu will be the subject and namesake of a four-part
documentary series called Nobu. Matt Tyrnauer (Valentino: The Last Emperor, The Reagans) directs and has said that this is one of the most inspiring and interesting stories he’s ever told. Variety quoted Tyrnauer as saying, “Nobu's reinvention of a cuisine, his staggering success in redefining the food culture worldwide, and his push into the hotel business would be impressive and interesting enough for a series, but I am floored by the unknown story of the man. He's a study in perseverance and triumph over adversity.”
TWISTS AND TURNS ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
The chef and restaurateur’s story unfolds in unexpected and exotic locales, from Japan to Peru to Alaska, and contains some dramatic career highs and lows. The Nobu saga begins in Saitama, Japan, where he was born in 1949. His father died when he was eight, and so his mother and older brothers worked outside the home to support the family. He recalls being “always in the kitchen,” watching his grandmother cook. This was at a time when boys were not encouraged to do so.
When he was 12, an older brother took him to a traditional sushi restaurant in Tokyo. The future Nobu loved everything
about it: the sliding shoji, the ceremonial welcome, sitting at the counter. And as he watched the chef painstakingly prepare the sushi, anticipation building before biting into the first exquisitely crafted morsel, he had an epiphany. “It was ‘wow, this is it,’ ” Nobu says. “From that time on, it became my dream to be a sushi chef, to prepare really good food and see people enjoy it.” It was not a dream immediately realized. After dropping out of high school, he began, at 18, working at Matsuei-sushi, a family-run sushi bar in Tokyo. For the first two years, he was consigned to the roles of dishwasher, busboy and deliveries. He gradually worked his way up to apprentice chef. Even then, he was filled with a desire to experiment with new ideas. He claims to be the first to serve sardine and Pacific saury as sashimi at a time when few chefs served them raw.
This was also the time that he had two important realizations that still guide his work. First is his philosophy of “Put your heart into your work and cook with passion.” Second, he realized that beyond superior skills, a good sushi chef must pay attention to the customers and make them comfortable. The interaction with customers he learned at the sushi counter—watching their responses to his dishes, gauging what to offer next, timing the presentation—is something he carried with him throughout his career. Later, it would lead to some humorous moments when famous clients started frequenting his eateries. The chef did not recognize many, including future business partner De Niro when he first served him. But this inclusive approach is arguably part of his charm.
In 1972, he met his future wife Yoko, whom he married after a one-year courtship. He was not ready to settle down, though, as another dream beckoned. It first stirred after he learned that his father had travelled the world; he longed to do the same.
A regular customer of the sushi bar presented him with an opportunity to open a restaurant in Lima, Peru. The 23-year-old Nobu jumped at the chance.
He immediately experienced sushi culture shock. He had access to fresh seafood, but of different species than he was used to. And while Japan has sashimi, Peru had ceviche. Instead of soy sauce and wasabi, now there was lemon juice, chilis, garlic and cilantro, to which he first had an aversion. But that soon changed to fascination. To his surprise, using a ceviche sauce on seafood made it even more delicious and became a customer favourite.
He began to experiment, combining even more local flavours and techniques with the traditional Japanese. Some would call it fusion cuisine; its originator prefers “Nobu style,” which continues to evolve and adapt to new cultures with every restaurant opening around the world. Three years later, the business partnership ended less than amicably. Nobu and Yoko, then expecting their second daughter, moved back to Japan. But his sense of adventure was stirred in 1977 when a friend proposed opening a Japanese restaurant in Anchorage, Alaska.
It was to prove an unfortunate move. Two weeks after opening, an electrical problem ignited a fire that razed the restaurant to the ground. A stunned and disheartened Nobu fell into a profound depression. He faced a bleak future. “I was devastated, so much so that I was going to commit suicide,” he says. “In the end, I didn’t because people supported me, including my family. Now I try to do the same for others in my life and business.”
The next move for Nobu and his family was to Los Angeles in 1979, where he worked in a sushi restaurant. By 1987, he was ready to spread his entrepreneurial wings once more. A friend’s loan financed the opening of Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills, where he would introduce Hollywood’s elite to his signature style of Japanese cuisine. The menu featured his take on both classic dishes and locally inspired specialties. Today, the approach continues at every Nobu restaurant around the world—which means that in Toronto we may soon sample dishes born then, such as rock shrimp tempura, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, and king crab tempura, all Nobu classics. Other popular items for which the chef has become well-known include sushi tacos and miso-marinated black cod, which Robert De Niro first tasted at Matsuhisa in 1988. So enamoured was he with the dish and its creator that he suggested opening a second location in New York. The chef, though, was leery of entering another partnership. It would take until 1994, after years of urging from De Niro, for Nobu to open the first restaurant in New York's Financial District. This one, called Nobu, was a hit like its predecessor.
supported me over the years.” Six months in, the restaurant was garnering favourable reviews, and reservations became hard to get.
Two years later, Food & Wine magazine named him one of America’s 10 best new chefs, and in 1993, the New York Times selected Matsuhisa as one of the top 10 restaurant destinations in the world. An avalanche of accolades was to come.
The first Nobu Hotel opened in Las Vegas in 2013. The Toronto establishment will feature the sleek design aesthetic and exquisite attention to detail common to it and the other world locales. Guests will enjoy a private retreat in the Sakura Lounge, reserved for their exclusive use to enjoy breakfast and signature Nobu experiences. Also new at this hotel: an interactive Nobu Pilates room in partnership with the world’s only digital reformer by Canadian-owned FRAME Fitness, just one of the advanced amenities in the wellness centre.
PUT YOUR HEART INTO YOUR WORK AND COOK WITH PASSION.
Overseeing a global hospitality empire is infinitely more complex than having a few restaurants. Through it all, the chef has maintained his original guiding principles, almost Zen-like in their simplicity. From his autobiography, Nobu: A Memoir: “Good food means putting your heart into your cooking and using carefully selected ingredients. Good service means personal service, practising the Japanese art of perception to anticipate what each guest wants before they even say it. Teamwork means that everyone, from chefs to general managers, works together as equals.”
With this latest Toronto opening, the chef says there is the added challenge of expectation, as Nobu is a big reputation to live up to. “We have to build on that, which is why I like to assemble and activate the best team and make sure each member shares my philosophy,” he says. As in a recipe, each element must both stand out on its own and work together beautifully. Until the Nobu Toronto restaurant opens, at-home chefs can try executing a recipe or two thanks to his many cookbooks, including Nobu: The Cookbook, Nobu Now, or Nobu Miami: The Party Cookbook.
De Niro also helped him get a walk-on role in the movie Casino, and he would go on to make cameo appearances in two more feature films. The two men remain in touch. “We talk a lot,” Nobu says, “and even though he’s a famous actor, with me he’s a normal guy with a great sense of humour. He understands me and has really
At 75, Nobu shows no signs of slowing down and is often asked about the secret to his exceptional and global success. As he reflects in his memoir, “I have never thought of myself as ‘succeeding.’ Quite frankly, I’m still learning, and I don’t believe that there is any golden rule that guarantees success. I simply threw myself into my work and did my best to do the right thing.”
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The Freed Hotel and Residences will put a sparkle in the financial and entertainment districts, adding a unique architectural gem to Toronto’s skyline.
By Julie Gedeon
Renowned Toronto real-estate developer Peter Freed is bringing an exciting new architectural look and cultural energy to the city he’s loved all his life. The world’s first Freed Hotel and Residences will be an $800-million skyscraper with a diamondinspired tower and facades. “The way the project’s tall-building experts Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture are using the structural window glazing to create a clean but striking curtain wall is going to cast the building in a different light throughout the day, giving it a life of its own,” says Freed. “The diamond pattern that runs up the building will also distinguish it.”
Its location at Adelaide and Duncan Streets straddles the financial and entertainment districts. “The underground network is a block away, with the lake not far south and Queen Street just a bit north, all making this an ideal spot,” he adds. Freed, whose company Freed Developments has been transforming the face of the city for the past 30 years, also shares his excitement about
Portrait Photography by Natasha Gerschon
Grooming by Victoria DeSousa
The views of Lake Ontario and the city will be spectacular.
putting in 100 five-star hotel rooms with 400 luxury condominiums. “I’ve been obsessed with hotel living my whole life,” he says. “The diversity of people you come across in the lobby makes it a more interesting community, and the luxury of having a boutique spa, restaurants, bars and other amenities on the premises is something you just don’t get in most residential buildings.” The distinctive Sky Lobby on the 62nd floor has a grand staircase leading to the restaurant and bar another floor up where the sloping skylight is 70 feet high at its peak. “The views of Lake Ontario and the city will be spectacular,” Freed adds.
Sam Nazarian's Disruptive Group by sbe, a global leader in hospitality management, will open the firstever Canadian location of the internationally acclaimed Katsuya restaurant on the second floor. Celebrated in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dubai and the Bahamas, where Freed has often dined, Katsuya will feature Master Sushi
Chef Katsuya Uechi’s expertise in fusing modern elements with Japanese cuisine’s traditional elegance. Katsuya’s 12th location will also create dishes specifically for Toronto’s palate. “Our city has one of the best menus in the world thanks to all of its different cultures, but it still doesn’t have a culinary experience quite like Katsuya, which is one of my favourite restaurants,” Freed says. “I’m thrilled to have it as part of this project’s global appeal.”
The lobby will prominently feature artwork by Takashi Murakami who has long been admired by Freed and his sons. “We feel so fortunate to have enjoyed the rare opportunity to meet with Takashi Murakami and to associate this project with him through his incredible art,” Freed says. Murakami’s captivating Together with the Flower Parent and Child employs the artist’s most iconic flower motif standing in synchronicity with a young offspring as they hold hands. “The world can often be a dark place these days, but this artwork will give residents and guests positive energy whenever they walk through our lobby,” he predicts. The artwork is also indicative of the art, culture and entertainment that Freed Developments is planning to have regularly in amenities that
include private entertaining and dining spaces, a terrace, outdoor garden, theatre room, and fitness and yoga studio. “We’re investing a lot of capital into the top floor to create what I believe will be the number-one commercial space in Canada,” Freed says.
Taking its cues from Murakami’s artwork and the building’s contemporary lines, Toronto’s DesignAgency is creating interiors that embody art in creative ways with a promise to transport residents and visitors away from the everyday mundane. Condos will range from 270 square feet to upwards of 9,800 square feet. “The larger units will be on the higher floors, but we also want to offer a pied-à-terre to people who live an hour or two outside Toronto but often work or just spend time in the city,” Freed says.
A life-long resident, he is excited to launch his company’s firstever hotel/condo building in Toronto after 30 years of developing projects in the city. “Living in a place your whole life gives you a special intimacy with it,” he says. “I wanted to add a striking architectural element to Toronto’s skyline in a location with a great vibe and event opportunities with this flagship project.” The building is slated for completion in 2028.
MOODY DRAMATIC & WARM
Kitchen design is moving from cool whites and metals to earth tones and curved shapes, says this designer.
By Susan Semenak
Photography by Daniel Newcomb
Grey is out and stainless steel is receding. The warmth of wood beckons. These are just a few of the 2024 kitchen trends that the design team at Downsview Kitchens—manufacturer of luxury custom kitchens—had been noticing, even before heading to Milan, Italy this spring for the much-anticipated biennial EuroCucina, the international kitchen trade show, which presents the latest approaches in kitchen design, materials, concepts and technologies.
Downsview designer Sean Daigle says that even before he catches a glimpse of the most salient trends coming out of Milan, he can already see the new directions in which kitchen design is moving. He points to Downsview’s new Bold By Nature collection, which is featured in the company’s online showroom and is available through its network of more than 50 independent dealers across Canada and the United States. These are kitchens that
have moved away from the cool, sharp aesthetics that dominated kitchen design for so long. They feature the same timeless elegance for which Downsview is known: beautifully crafted cabinets, exquisitely veined stone backsplashes, dramatic light fixtures. But they also embrace a new love for warmth, drama and patina that is changing the look of home kitchens.
“You see much more brown and the warmth of wood,” Daigle says of the Bold by Nature aesthetic. “Five years ago, designers loved linen white, but now they’ve moved toward moody and dramatic looks.” Curves are huge, too. Countertop edges are rounded, cabinet corners are curved, mouldings are half-round. “All these curves have a way of softening things, of lending a timeless elegance,” he says.
The new details are just a recent iteration of the timeless sophistication for which Downsview Kitchens has come
EMBRACE A NEW LOVE FOR WARMTH, DRAMA AND PATINA THAT IS CHANGING THE LOOK OF HOME KITCHENS.
to be known in its almost 50 years of existence. It was 1967 when Mike D’Uva, a young cabinetmaker from Italy came to work at the company, named after the Toronto suburb where it was originally located. Within months he had become a co-owner. The company grew steadily, becoming a North American leader in luxurious and technologically advanced kitchen cabinetry. It is now run by two generations of D’Uva family entrepreneurs who oversee a team of more than 200 designers, technicians, craftsmen, finishers, artisans and other specialists working in over 300,000 square feet of atelier space.
Kitchen design is as diverse as the tastes and preferences of the people who live and cook and eat in them, Daigle says. All-white kitchens will never go out of style. But he says the new directions in kitchen design are toward less streamlined looks and more toward a mix of materials, patterns, patinas. Kitchens are no longer monochromatic. They might feature a stainless steel sink paired
with black faucets; a dark bronzed stainless steel cabinet with a light wood countertop; or flat-front cabinet doors with panelled ones.
The Bold by Nature look embraces dark and moody elements, but not at the expense of luminosity, he says. It features, for example, several glass doors that reveal their lit interiors for high-drama effect.
“You might not want glass doors right in the main cooking area, where hiding everyday contents is a good thing,” Daigle says. “But in a secondary area, such as a coffee nook or a butler’s pantry, a curated collection looks beautiful behind glass doors.” He adds that the Bold by Nature collection captures the new love homeowners are feeling for natural wood tones and warmer hues after a long love affair with cooler grey tones, stainless steel and all-white spaces.
“We are seeing things moving away from grey and moving toward browns. People are looking for warmer, more natural tones.”
The designer points to the brushed and polished bronzed stainless steel surfaces that he and his colleagues are incorporating into many of their designs. For example, in the Bold by Nature collection, the cabinet bases are made from a metal core coated with a vintage bronze finish that is repeated in the fan hood. The challenge is to balance the dark with light. One way they’ve achieved that effect is to cantilever a bleached walnut countertop over two dark bronzedsteel bases and to add a wall of bleached-walnut cabinet doors.
“Wooden countertops, protected with food-safe oils, are a warm and beautiful countertop option,” Daigle says. Glass, too, does its magic in lightening the mood. Industrial-style clear glass pendants hang above the island counters. “There are many popular trends that go in and out quickly,” he says. “Our job is to see beyond that, to find new ways of defining timeless looks.”
white Simply
Designer Harvey Wise shines a light on a white-hot trend in this high-end kitchen design that embraces beauty and
functionality.
By Adriana Ermter
Photography by Nicole Aubrey
Simplicity
in design can be a misleading notion. To take the simple and make it beautiful can be surprisingly complex. A case in point: when Harvey Wise embarked on the design of his clients' grand new home in mid-town Toronto, the scheme leaned heavily toward a transitional aesthetic. Zeroing in on the design for their new kitchen, the homeowners made what seemed a simple request. They wanted a bright and beautiful room that would serve as the heart of their new home, a gathering space for an ever-expanding family that shared a love of cooking and dining together.
“They wanted certain things to be very simple,” explains Wise. And yet, the co-founder of Wise Nadel Design—with Robin Nadel— knew that “simple” is a misnomer, and he was driven to deliver a kitchen design that would do justice to the home’s grandeur. “The question became, what can we do in terms of layout and materials that could give a predominantly white space both drama and interest, and still be very functional,” he says.
First proposed and developed by the home’s architect, Richard Wengle, Wise opted for a novel but increasingly popular approach amongst his clientele: he designed two kitchens. The first is an openconcept primary kitchen with an extended breakfast room adjacent to the family room and opening to the outdoors. The second: a fully appointed catering kitchen behind the primary one, connected to the mudroom. “This layout redefines how they live and use their
Where elegance can exist in the home, it should.
kitchen,” Wise says. “It’s not only a place to prep meals and serve food, but also a place to entertain and socialize. There’s a growing trend in high-end homes to have a second kitchen behind the primary kitchen, and it made perfect sense for this family. Now, when they entertain or when they're doing meal prep and don't want to clutter the main kitchen, they can do that in the catering kitchen.”
In the primary kitchen, Wise took the white aesthetic to a remarkable new level. It’s a large and sophisticated space where floor-to-ceiling white cabinetry contrasts with dark-stained oak floors. But it’s the Calacatta marble used in the surrounds and the stone-panelled backsplash and range hood that creates the excitement within the simplicity that Wise was striving for. “The Calacatta brought so much drama for us, and we just went for it,” he says. “Its veining captures an Old-World feel in a contemporary space, especially against the contrast of the oak floors that are stained a dark mahogany colour, and the catering kitchen’s mosaic tiles that are visible through the doorway. We just didn't want to ignore the opportunity to create exciting moments in this space.”
The room is a magnum opus of delightful elements, with many nods to the Art Deco style that Wise sought to interpret. From the four custommade stools at the sprawling island to its fluted pilasters, every detail is a hidden gem. And yet some gems are anything but hidden, including the three Gabriel Scott pendants that illuminate the island. Says Wise: “I
wanted to do something that was not so typical, that was a little hipper, a little more interesting. The pendants needed to be the final embellishment, but without taking away from anything else in the kitchen. They feel like, look like, pieces of gemstones.”
The catering kitchen, for all its practicality, is a warm, bright, and inviting space, an example of how a home’s functional area can be designed for comfort. Glass cabinetry, stainless steel hood, hardware and drawer accents, and, most important, the calculated presence of windows, keep things light and airy. “We intentionally placed windows in the catering kitchen to bring in the light and to create these wonderful vistas as you look through on both sides,” Wise says. The catering kitchen includes all the requisite amenities from Wolf and Sub-Zero, including dual gas ranges, two ovens, and a 36-inch fridge and freezer. There’s also a striking, oversized mosaic floor comprised of Nero Marquina, Oriental White, and Bleu de Savoie marbles. “Where elegance can exist in the home, it should,” he adds.
Through vision, attention to detail, and the application of thoughtful decor elements, Wise responded to a request for simplicity by delivering a work of art. “The design speaks for itself,” he says. “It has superior functionality. The main kitchen and the back kitchen are both separate and cohesive. It’s dramatic, high-contrast design, where everything works beautifully together.”
e ntly serene
Luxeme Kitchens crafts dream kitchens with a streamlined aesthetic, making it eff ortless to have a clutter-free space while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.
By Julie Gedeon Photography by Kia Moza ari
Calm and soothing were the primary desires of two busy professionals as they envisioned their new kitchen. They sought a serene environment where they could peacefully start their days with their coffee, free from distractions, before attending to their children's needs and embarking on their hectic schedules. Simultaneously, they desired a kitchen that would serve as an inviting space for entertaining family and friends. Luxeme Kitchens embraced this challenge with an elegant design, showcasing customized millwork in a clutter-free environment. ”This couple wanted a sleek, modern kitchen with no clutter whatsoever,” says lead designer and CEO Kamyar Shamohamadi. "We kept that vision in mind in every aspect of our cabinetry.”
The Luxeme team took on the responsibility of implementing the kitchen layout, originally conceptualized by Harmon Design. ”We meticulously planned every aspect of the kitchen to ensure a perfect
Where everything can be prepared without making a mess of the main kitchen
balance and alignment between all the panels,“ Kam relates. “And if you look closely, you’ll see that every single edge to everything meets perfectly, even where there are different materials coming together.” The minimalist design in a classic grey MDF panelling marries impeccably with the practical elegance of the slightly marbled porcelain chosen for the counters, island and backsplash.
“Everything has a finger-edge pull, so there are no handles or knobs
anywhere in this kitchen,” Kam points out. “And there’s abundant drawer, pantry and island storage, all hidden away.”
A row of ribbed MDF panelling over the range hood and adjacent cabinetry provides another sophisticated textural look and feel up to the recessed ceiling. “The ribbed MDF panelling has become so popular over the past couple of years because it’s a great way to add dimension and textural interest in a modern design that might
otherwise turn out to be too flat,” Kam says. The white oak finish on the cabinetry beneath the stove and on the kitchen table adds a touch of warmth to the cool colours of the space and resonates with the more abundant gold tones in the home’s other main living areas, where the Luxeme team also created the built-in cabinetry and decorative wall panelling.
By staining select higher elements in the room with a soft golden tone, the Luxeme team elevated the space to the white, well-lit ceiling without introducing a stark contrast. Additionally, small LED lights discreetly placed under the kitchen cabinets provide a gentle warmth to the countertop without being harsh. These lights also illuminate the showcase cabinetry concealed behind two doors, as well as some of the white oak drawers nestled behind the main panelling. “We continued this unique lighting element in other areas of the home, including the wine cellar on the main floor,” Kam adds.
The kitchen features a couple of clever “disappearing acts” with one of the panels leading to a mud room and out of the house and
the other opening the way to a smaller but fully equipped chef’s kitchen. “Here’s where everything can be prepared without making a mess of the main kitchen,” Kam reveals. “It allows this couple to enjoy the main kitchen space with their guests and deal with the dishes later.” All the major appliances were selected to have the least possible framing and knobs so they would align smoothly with the kitchen’s panelling. “We didn’t want anything protruding anywhere,” he adds.
Every detail was considered, including the gold in the main lighting fixture that dovetails with the lighter cabinetry and table, and the chairs that perfectly match the large porcelain tiles selected for the flooring. Even the built-in coffeemaker, hooked up to a convenient water supply, was customized to best suit the height of the homeowners. They were both so pleased with the design that they had Luxeme Kitchens also customize their bathroom vanities and ensuite walk-in closet. There again, the Luxeme team introduced elements of this showcase kitchen to give each room a unique look that also ties into this calm and soothing theme.
Bathed In Ultimate Luxury
Internationally acclaimed designer Lori Morris shares the secrets of creating the extravagant, bold, opulent style she is renowned
for in a smaller space: the bathroom.
By Susan Kelly
Photography by Brandon Barré & Edward James
Artist and vivacious free spirit at heart, Lori Morris counts among the world’s most sought-after interior designers. Clients crush on her inimitable work that combines Old-World grandeur with rock-star élan, haute glam with a soupçon of sexiness. Here, she gives us a glimpse of her process in bringing her special take on magnificent style to one of the smaller, more intimate rooms in a home: the bathroom.
Morris feels that too many homeowners find that the tiniest one—namely the half-bath or powder room— is the only place they feel completely free to take a decor risk. “There is no reason why the primary suite or secondary bathrooms can’t be sexy or elegant or whatever you want them to be,” the master designer says. “And my ‘no rules’ design philosophy absolutely applies when I’m designing them.” For one, toss the stricture about the bathroom aesthetic having to match
or complement what prevails in the rest of the house. After all, bathrooms are very private spaces, ones in which you get to shut the door on the outside world. As with the powder room, let it be a place where you feel free to inject your own personality.
Personality is something Lori Morris has built an illustrious career on. Since establishing the House of Lori Morris Design (LMD) in 1987, she has gone on to garner a slew of awards and has been recognized by numerous elite organizations. And through it all, she remains true to her eclectic and unique vision, a vision that continues to attract clients from across North America and beyond. But when designing for clients, what they envisage comes first. Every stunning palette, gorgeous marble or fixture or other lavish detail is selected to reflect their character and let it shine through in the finished bathroom.
Some past projects are showcased here, all
Designing is always about creating a feeling. It influences every design choice.
handpicked by Morris. Each beautifully reflects the homeowners’ different personalities and preferences—and evokes a range of emotions. “For me, designing is always about creating a feeling,” she says, “and it influences every design choice.” Most people yearn for a tranquil retreat, but others feel differently. They may want to be bathed in haute-couture elegance or be as invigorated as when they hit the shower to get ready for the day, for instance. Morris advises taking a moment to visualize what your ideal intimate oasis would look like. Is it a serene spa-like space lined with rich marble? Perhaps a Versailles-worthy sanctuary with floral wallpaper is more your thing. Or it could be something out of a boutique hotel, sleek black tiles punctuated with the glamour of gilt fixtures. The options are as endless as the imagination.
Another rule this design dynamo ignores involves colour choice. Monochromatic colour schemes are most conducive to feeling relaxed and calm. But she scoffs at the common design wisdom that the shades used must be soft neutral or pastel shades to get the effect. “Many people
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWARD JAMES (THIS IMAGE)
assume they won't feel that way if the walls and tiles are in stronger colours, like cobalt or navy blue or black,” she continues. “Because I have an artist’s eye, I know how to integrate almost any colour harmoniously into the design and make it magnificent.”
She also breaks from convention by exaggerating to inject some elegant and exquisite drama. For instance, natural stone is in vogue for bathrooms. Morris has been known to go all out and cover not just shower walls, but all walls and floors with marble to stunning effect. Or, for a client who likes mosaic tiles, she will take the look to an artistic extreme, covering a wall with them, arranged into a striking and original mural. Bold hardware and fixtures also can make strong design statements. However, in design, there is both good and bad drama, says the designer who virtually trademarked the good kind. “If a vibrant colour is used too freely or there are too many clashing design elements, you will feel under attack by the decor,” she advises. “Good drama is when you get a ‘wow’ and then the space subtly envelops you with a warm, soothing feeling.” Somewhat ironically, getting a scintillating and stunning Lori Morrisdesigned bathroom, the space where solace is sought, might involve leaving your comfort zone. “But if you’re in the hands of the right professional designer, doing so can take you to a place that is better and far beyond the one that you imagined,” she says. And the feeling will be sublime.
SMALL IS
beauti
...AND SUMPTUOUS, TOO
With the right design, a modest-sized bathroom can be as spectacular as a large one.
By
Stephanie Whittaker Photography by Vincent Lions and Barry MacKenzie
It may seem counterintuitive to equate a small space with sumptuousness. In bathrooms, for example, it’s the sprawling, spa-like space that’s associated with opulence. But Beverley Binns knows that small can be not only beautiful, but lavish, too. “For many of our clients in the Greater Toronto Area, it’s not uncommon for a bathroom to measure five by eight feet or five by 10,” says Binns, creative director and award-winning
designer at Binns kitchen + bath design. And yes, she adds, it’s absolutely possible to have a sumptuous bathroom in a modest space. “The idea is to not think small about it, but to play with colour and texture and find little focal points that draw attention,” she says, adding that one way of creating the impression of size in a small bathroom is to replace a bathtub with a glassedin shower to visually open the space. Removing
ful
“ A SMALL BATHROOM IS A PERSONAL SPACE AND IT SHOULD BE A REFLECTION OF YOURSELF, A PLACE OF RESPITE, FUN OR CALM.”
that five-foot tub can also free up space for a linen closet beside the shower.
Another trompe l’oeil effect is in the vanity’s design. Binns says that a floating vanity—one that doesn’t sit on the floor—creates visual continuity of the space under it. And while the trend in recent decades is to have double-sink vanities, there are ways to accommodate that in a modest space. “A double vanity is possible in a slightly larger bathroom than five-by-eight,” she says. “One thing I discuss with my clients about the double vanity option is whether two people are in the bathroom at the same time, using
two sinks. Two sinks monopolize a lot of space.” One solution is to install two faucets in a single trough-style sink, she says.
The choice of tiles can be as varied in a modest space as in a larger one, Binns notes, adding that small spaces don’t necessarily demand small tiles. “You can definitely use large tiles or slabs. Sometimes, having an entire wall clad in a slab, such as quartz, makes it a statement. And many people don’t want small tiles because of grout, which can create mold and mildew.” Moreover, small tiles can be decorative features.
Binns says one frequent request she gets from her clients who
“ SMALL CAN BE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL, BUT LAVISH, TOO.”
own small bathrooms is to increase storage space. “One of the tricks we use is utilizing space between walls. It’s more labour-intensive but if we recess cabinetry into walls, we can increase storage,” she says. “We can put niches in the shower for toiletries or borrow space from another room, such as a closet or laundry room.”
When privacy is not an issue, such as in an ensuite, changing the door swing frees space. “When a door opens into a bathroom, it can feel tight and crowded,” Binns says. “We can do recessed pocket doors.”
As for colour, there are no rules. “I don’t believe there are colours that should be avoided in a small bathroom,” she says. “If a colour speaks to someone—whether it’s royal blue, chartreuse or canary yellow—it can all work with thoughtful planning. Some clients want to go monochromatic—all white or beige—assuming that it makes things look bigger, but that can look institutional. All-white will not make your bathroom look bigger.”
The right lighting, too, is an element that can make a small space look lavish. “Lighting is one of the most overlooked and underused aspects in any space, big or small, but it’s very important,” says Binns. “In small bathrooms, you may find only one or two pot lights and they create shadows.” She recommends adding mirror lights and sconces to create a warm ambience. Moreover, lightbulbs that cast a warm glow rather than a sharp blue colour are ideal.
And it’s often the small things that create big impact. “Shower fixtures, vanity faucets, actuators
on a toilet: all these touch points become focal in a small space,” she says. “Are the faucets going to match? Do they have the same finish? Will we make a statement with them? Black and gold are popular fixture colours but I think gold is the one finish that might date itself. So, making it a special detail instead of doing everything in
gold or bronze could be preferable.”
Finally, Binns advises, have fun. “A small bathroom is a personal space and it should be a reflection of yourself, a place of respite, fun or calm,” she says. “It’s the first room we walk into in the morning and the last room in the evening. It should feel good to be in.”
SANCTUARY a Sumptuous
Nature lovers and people who like to entertain in a big way will find this Aurora estate a dream home. Hammond International Properties takes us on a tour of the luxurious property.
By Susan Kelly
Photography by Tyler McKeag
Imaginewaking up each morning in your own verdant oasis, surrounded by 36 acres of natural woodland beauty. The Sanctuary, as this stunning Aurora estate is appropriately named, also features magnificently appointed lawns and gardens with paved walkways that wind down to a private springfed pond. The five-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion at 130 St. John's Sideroad now awaits a new family to live the dream. “The setting is both picturesque and private, a very rare combination,” says Voula Argyropoulos, a broker and listing agent with Hammond International Properties. “Every effort is made to maximize enjoyment of nature inside and outside the home.”
Excitement builds from the moment one turns off the main road and past the gated entrance. A winding drive leads to a splendid circular motor court and porte-cochère. Visitors are immediately struck by the beauty and glamour of the two-storey home’s stately classical and timeless limestone and brick exterior capped by a cedar-shingle roof. “You feel like you're pulling up
to a diplomat’s house,” she says.
As an extra VIP touch, guests will find plenty of parking. As well, the home features a seven-car garage with extra ceiling height. Car lifts could be installed to double the capacity, perfect for car aficionados and collectors. It’s just one of the ways in which this spectacular 15,000-square-foot home, built by Treasure Hill Homes, is ideal for those who love to entertain, Argyropoulos notes. The estate is offered at $13.8 million.
As one enters the house, the eye is struck by its architectural flair. Exquisite details, such as coffered ceilings and intricate moldings, capture attention and delight. All combine to form a design masterpiece in soft neutral tones against warm wood tones in the hardwood flooring that runs throughout. The welcoming and cohesive look is set off with burnished gold accents on fixtures and hardware. “The effect is very chic, with touches of the California Cool Luxury trend,” says Argyropoulos, “very forward yet timeless.”
Lavishly luxe and sumptuous, yet also inviting and warm.
The palatial great room is embellished with a stately and imposing marble fireplace in the portion devoted to the living room. Open in concept, it flows into areas devoted to a dining room with glassencased wine storage and the kitchen. The epicurean’s dream features top-of-the-line appliances, a functional and beautiful island and adjacent service kitchen and breakfast nook. Although every room has distinctive features, the focal points in each are the views, for the home is designed to make the most of its pond-side location. “The massive windows frame the natural beauty and bring the outside in,” Argyropoulos says. “Sunshine resonates throughout the entire home and the effect is truly magical.”
The main level comprises the principal suite with its grand entrance, walk-in his-and-hers dressing rooms, a private office and a bar. Perhaps the unique part of this stately manor is that there are two spacious areas that might be used as primary bedroom suites: one on the main floor, the other on the second. The arrangement is ideal for families embracing the trend towards multi-generational living. All bedrooms have spalike ensuites and inspiring closets that perfectly complement the home’s grandeur. During walk-throughs, Argyropoulos has found that the cabinetry—all the work of renowned Toronto firm Napa Valley Kitchens—receives "wow" reviews, making it a feature unto itself.
The basement level is as lavish as the rest of the home. The open-concept space has room for home theatre and games rooms as well as a wellness gym. A walkout from the basement leads into the extraordinary pond-side backyard, perfect for resort-chic lounging or alfresco dining on the terrace. Or launch a kayak or paddleboard onto the 16-acre private waterway. “The builder is open to customizing the lower level to suit your needs,” Argyropoulos says, “either in separate, closed spaces or leaving them open. Adding an elevator for easy access to the upper floors also is possible.”
The estate is located in Aurora, a peaceful, affluent town in the Golden Horseshoe. A coveted haven for some of the GTA’s wealthiest citizens, it lies near some elite private schools, including St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School. It’s also home to some of the province’s top-rated golf and country clubs. “This estate keeps on giving, in that it offers the next owners more than they could have imagined,” Argyropoulos says. “It’s lavishly luxe and sumptuous, yet also inviting and warm—the perfect place to call home.”
Wowing With Wood
This showstopper kitchen from Cabernet Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry strikes the right balance between au naturel elegance and uptown chic for the newlywed homeowners.
By Susan Kelly
Photography by Kevin Gordon
The sophisticated kitchen was commissioned by the owners of a newly built detached home in Kleinburg, a village that is home to an important art gallery and luxurious homes. And perhaps not coincidentally, a forward aesthetic incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone was key in making it a masterpiece. The owners wanted their kitchen to reflect their sophisticated taste, says Valden Franso, owner of Cabernet Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry.
“At the same time, as part of their forever home it had to be highly functional, now and for many years to come,” he adds.
It was to be the first kitchen the two young professionals would share as newlyweds. Franso, on the other hand, over the years has helped hundreds of homeowners across the GTA create the custom kitchens, bathrooms and other cabinetry of their dreams. He grew up working in the custom cabinetry manufacturing business that his father, Mike Franso, founded 27 years ago. With a name change to Cabernet, the company expanded to handle every aspect of kitchen design, from initial sketch to final installation.
A kitchen’s design should blend seamlessly with the rest of the home’s aesthetic, this expert says. And the bones of this 4,500-square-foot house reflected the couple’s contemporary tastes. Stark white walls and angular architecture are punctuated by crisp black metal window frames and staircases. Rather than having more of the same in the kitchen, Franso proposed taking a bold and
A kitchen’s design should blend seamlessly with
the rest of the
home’s aesthetic.
completely different approach: cover almost every surface with either natural wood veneer or stone to create a warm oasis. The couple agreed.
A dramatic sweep of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry now covers most of the length of the kitchen and dining area. “We went with a rift-cut oak to complement the herringbone-patterned hardwood flooring of the same species,” Franso says. “They are stained similar warm tones to harmonize and create a uniform monochromatic effect that is both calming and inviting.” This is where Cabernet’s experience and expertise came into play: covering the large expanses meant every premium rift-cut oak board had to be carefully matched, because any variation in colour or the special texture of the wood could be obvious and mar the seamless look.
The homeowners also gravitated to Scandinavian design and not just for the use of natural materials. The style prioritizes functional layouts and minimizes visual clutter by caching everything behind closed doors. Besides ample cabinetry, this kitchen features some of the latest technology where it can’t be seen, such as soft-close hinges and drawer closings, so that all glide shut smoothly with a light touch. “There is also a unique pocket-door system used on the appliance garage,” Franso says. “It keeps things like coffee makers out of sight and off the countertop, is easy to open and becomes almost invisible when shut.”
Simple, unembellished hardware on the flat-front cabinetry in a black colour echoes the metal accents that appear throughout
the home. Lower cabinets were painted a deep charcoal. Doing so also helps define the kitchen as a distinct area while enhancing a moody ambience. As well, glass doors with black metal frames were installed in the adjacent servery or butler’s pantry. So even this convenient backstage area feels like an integral part of the kitchen.
To lighten the mood, Taj Mahal quartzite in a rich cream colour appears on the solid-piece backsplash and countertops. This luxe natural stone is prized for the exquisite patterns formed by subtle white veining. It was given a leathered, or slightly matte and textured, finish to further enhance the beauty of the pearlescent surface. Stone also was used to create one of the most critical yet often overlooked features in the kitchen: the range hood. For this kitchen, it was custom-crafted of quartzite in a deep charcoal shade. It forms a dramatic focal point, drawing the eye while harmonizing with the dark lower cabinets.
The most rewarding part of the project for Franso was when he saw the homeowners’ reaction upon seeing their dream kitchen. “In the end, we gave them something unique and luxurious,” he says, “that is also carefully crafted and proudly Canadian-made.”
Renovating or upgrading a bathroom or powder room can give a home a delightful design lift and offer its residents a spa experience.
By Julie Gedeon
Photography by Matt Jenkins, Larry Arnal and Judah Hernandez
Whether it’s a complete renovation or a decor refresh, giving new life to a bathroom or powder room rejuvenates an entire home with its uplifting vibe. While bathrooms have traditionally been practical rooms, they can also be exquisitely beautiful, nurturing spaces.
A litmus test of when an upgrade is needed is whether the bathroom is a welcoming place where you feel you can get away from it all for a while to relax, says Darlene Janeiro, principal designer at Darlene Janeiro Design Group in Oakville.
There are various ways we can create that sense of renewal in the smallest—but very important—room in the house, she says, adding that spa luxury is possible in bathrooms of any size. “You can enrich a space with a textured wallpaper, a rainhead for the shower, or heated flooring and towel racks,” Janeiro says. “We had someone come into our retail area the other day to buy the beautifully patterned Missoni towels in our window display, and she ended up ordering a mirror she loved, too.”
Janeiro says even homeowners with a classically designed bathroom can benefit from revitalizing the room with a new colour scheme and
WE TRAVEL THE WORLD TO RETURN WITH ACCESSORIES THAT ARE TRULY UNIQUE WITH LINES THAT ARE OFTEN EXCLUSIVE TO US IN CANADA
different lighting or faucets to keep it on trend. And when it comes to the powder room, it’s time for everyone to make a statement. “We’re much more adventurous with our powder rooms now, seeking that wow factor that guests enjoy, too,” Janeiro says. “And it’s easy to achieve with a dramatic wallpaper or a different counter on an existing vanity, along with a wonderful new piece of art.”
These days, numerous condo owners are seeking additional storage, especially if they’ve downsized from single-family homes. “In one case, we took a foot of space from a kitchen pantry that backed onto the bathroom,” Janeiro says, adding that her design team always checks a condominium’s regulations before embarking on any type of structural changes. She says condo owners are also requesting smaller standalone tubs so they can fit a walk-in shower
in their space. As it is with all of her design work, sustainability is an important factor for Janeiro. ”Sustainability is the new design. Some of our clients prefer to sustain key pieces, such as their parents’ dining room table being redesigned as a washroom vanity, giving it the mid-century look they love today,” she says.
Homes with two full bathrooms can have one tub replaced with a large walk-in shower. Understanding how a bathroom is used by the homeowners and guests is the first order of business, Janeiro says. “Today’s vanities maximize storage with people’s different organizational needs in mind. While some like to keep things compartmentalized in drawers, others want the flexibility of open shelving,” she says.
Ensuring an ensuite’s decor aligns with the main bedroom is
another consideration. “There needs to be a seamless flow between the bedroom and bath so that you feel like you’re in the same familiar and relaxing space,” Janeiro says. With more people living on their own these days, there’s a greater desire to make the bathroom off the main bedroom a truly personal space. “Here again, there is so much opportunity with accessories—everything from a more whimsical vanity chair to the various aromatic diffusers that can be chosen to reflect an individual’s preferences and lifestyle.”
When it comes to couples, it’s important to realize that what is viewed as an oasis or sanctuary for one person might not be what the other has in mind. “It’s so important to establish what appeals to both individuals,” Janeiro says. Her design firm regularly holds inspiration board workshops for no more than six people at a time so that individuals can discover the colours, textures and designs that most appeal to them. “This workshop is particularly helpful for people who’ll be sharing a space for the first time but have very
different styles,” she says. “It helps them to determine their common preferences and to find the right balance when there’s something one of them really wants.”
Basement bathrooms shouldn’t be overlooked, she adds. “Here again, you want a bathroom that suits your overnight visitors if there’s also a guest room, but you want to have some fun in this less formal area,” Janeiro says. Just back from the Maison&Objet design show in Paris, the Janeiro team had the Porto and Milan home shows next on their itinerary. “We travel the world to return with accessories that are truly unique with lines that are often exclusive to us in Canada,” she says.
As a full-service firm, the Darlene Janeiro Design Group can take a project from the design and renovation stages to the later selection of scent candles and plush bathmats as the finishing touches. “We help our clients engage all of their senses,” Janeiro says. “It’s why our tagline is 'Beyond Design.' ”
REPOSEFUL RETREAT B Y the Lake
Working with Nœud Atelier du Parquet, Julie Charbonneau Design (JCD) curates a calming and elegant cottage for a multigenerational family.
By Valerie Simmons
Photography by Larry Arnal
Abouta two-hour drive from Toronto, nestled among exclusive lakeside properties, is a newly designed and built cottage that overlooks a lake, offering sightlines that speak to the soul and heart.
Janinna Caverly, co-founder and partner in Julie Charbonneau Design (JCD), which oversaw the design of the aesthetic and sensuous 7,500-square-foot cottage, says: “We were looking forward to working with the homeowners, who are long-standing clients, and we’ve had the pleasure of designing several of their beautiful properties.” The homeowners, who are city dwellers, envisioned a family paradise for themselves, their four married children and nine grandchildren. “It was of the utmost importance to the owners that we created spaces within this home where the entire family could gather together,” she says.
As with most properties designed by JCD, the firm handled every aspect of the project, starting with the design and materials of the exterior and flowing through to the interiors and decor. “Space planning and selecting of the perfect floor plan that meets our clients’ needs and accommodates their big family was the biggest challenge in designing our project,” says Julie Charbonneau. “We curated an expansive kitchen and living spaces where the family gatherings would take place.” The design included seven primary bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
“For the grandchildren, who are cousins close in age, it was imperative for our design to foster and celebrate the essence of the family and further encourage future shared memories among them,” says Caverly. The children have their own wing that incorporates custom-designed bunk beds and plenty of space for shared activities and fun.
Responding to the family’s penchant for making a getaway en masse, the designers created a home with a soothing palette for cohesion and flow. They sourced the architectural hardwood flooring from Nœud Atelier du Parquet. “Knowing the entire family would utilize the property, it was important for the clients to have hardwood floors that are durable and low-maintenance and will withstand their lifestyle while meeting the technical specifics of the project,” explains Wissam Qassim, co-founder of Nœud Atelier du Parquet, an experiential showroom in Toronto’s Castlefield Design District that features curated collections of architectural engineered hardwood floors and parquet patterns.
The directive that Qassim received from the JCD team was for soft-white interiors to accentuate views of the lakeside property outdoors. “They did not want to see any pink or yellow undertones in the floors that can happen with lighter colour tones,” Qassim says, adding: “The homeowners invested in infloor heating throughout the property as the intent was to use and enjoy this
"WE HELPED CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL HOLD MOMENTS OF ADORED MEMORIES, JOY AND HEARTFELT GATHERINGS."
home all year ’round.” In-floor heating, typically operational during the dry winter months, exerts a lot of stress on hardwood floors, while the hot and humid summer weather leads to additional expansions of the wood.
Nœud’s Collection Four architectural hardwood floors offered the desired combination of aesthetics, customization options, and structural and technical performance. Caverly and Charbonneau selected flooring in the collection called n°4_TWELVE. The 9.5-inch-wide planks measure more than eight feet long. Furthermore, the n°4_TWELVE was ordered in a Nœud “calm grade.” The selection process of this grade is rigorous and does not allow for grain, tone, and other variations. It’s sourced from old-growth European white oak forests
and is made to order from Europe. Turning to other materials, JCD then selected rift-cut white oak for millwork and ceiling details, creating an eye-capturing flow. The heart of the home, the kitchen, boasts natural marble with subtle veining, supporting the quiet serenity in the design. Some interior architectural elements were incorporated to accentuate focal points and offer the eye a journey along the sightlines of the interiors.
“Experiencing our clients’ happiness and overall satisfaction with the project was immensely gratifying,” says Charbonneau. “By customizing the space to suit the entire family, we helped create an environment that will hold moments of adored memories, joy and heartfelt gatherings.”
Chateau Window & Door Systems has window styles to complement the style of any space. Check out the new showroom; book your appointment today.
CHATEAU WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS
170 Tycos Drive, North York
chateauwindows.com 416-783-3916
With a touch of a button, prepare authentic and trendy coffee drinks such as espresso, latte macchiato and flat white with the New Z10. Say hello to your personal barista. Coffee pleasure: freshly ground, not capsuled. Jura is the leader in producing super-automatic specialty coffee machines.
Casement Windows: Skilled services and a wide variety of quality products have increased property values, improved curb appeal, and enhanced energy efficiency for homeowners across the country for many years to come.
EUROSTAR WINDOWS
55 Administration Road, Unit 22-24, Concord eurostarwindows.ca 416-633-5921
The Dobra dining table: Wonderful for entertaining with its two table leaves that manually extend whenever you need a little extra length, the Dobra dining table’s contemporary and space-saving design can easily accommodate every occasion.
Hillcrest Drive: Indulge in the luxury of comfort with the Hillcrest Drive down-filled sofa, designed to last and made in Canada. Available in a wide range of exquisite fabrics. Elevate your relaxation and embrace personalized elegance.
DECORIUM
363 Supertest Road, North York decorium.com 416-736-6120
Step through the “Eastern Gate” into a realm of sophistication. Infused with the subtle hues of smoke and ivory, this hand-knotted wool and silk masterpiece comes in sizes ranging from 4’x6’ to 12’x15’, offering versatility and luxury in every dimension.
WEAVERS ART
2 - 120 Tycos Drive, North York weaversart.com 416-929-7929
The ultra-plush sheepskin, laid on the brass-plated frame with leather strips, will invite you to stay and relax on the Pisolini chaise. Dimensions: 24”W x 60”D x 34.5”H. x
DARLENE JANEIRO DESIGN
Village Paint & Wallpaper’s wall panels offer countless possibilities to creatively design your interiors with natural accents. The answer is yes, we can help! Seen here: Mia in the colour black.
VILLAGE PAINT & WALLPAPER
4949 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke villagepaintwindowcoverings.ca
416-231-2831
92A Dunn Street, Oakville darlenejaneirodesign.com 905-339-8118
This elegant mix of modern and retro elements is the perfect blend to create a minimalist look. It’s right on trend with white tiles, black grout and natural wood elements. Komandor can provide you with custom-designed cabinetry to fit your space and style and complete this look. Contact Komandor to learn more.
7-inch white oak classic grey: First Class Flooring is a retailer in Etobicoke that specializes in unique hardwood flooring typically sought by custom builders and designers. The company has a 10,000-square-foot showroom, a designer lounge and conference room, and virtual room kiosks to help customers with their flooring decisions. There is also knowledgeable staff on hand, qualified to answer any of your questions.
The Jacob & Co. Estribo Diamond Bangle, now available at KNAR. Inspired by Andalusian Stallions, and the ornate detailing of traditional Spanish tack, Jacob & Co.’s stirrup or “Estribo” collection, offers a bold, yet elegant take on the exquisite adornment practices of Spanish equestrians.
