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SUMMER ISSUE FIRE + H2O = WOW Spectacular backyard focal point
ESTABLISHING HER BRAND Homeowner designs her live / work space
BUYING ARTWORK ? Choose what you love www.torontohomemag.com
$5,95
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Original art... for the original you!
34, Saint-Paul west Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1Y8
T : 514.845.2525 F : 514.845.2124 info@galerielebourget.com
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Lynn GARCEAU L’allée aux bégonias, 24 x 48 in.
66, Saint-Paul west Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1Y8
T : 514.848.8944 F : 514.848.7230 info@leluxart.com
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VIGO Three Kings, 40 x 48 in.
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Weekly service to Toronto directly to your door
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JYPÉ Charles River, 23 3/4 x 36 in.
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T : 514.396.6670 F : 514.396.6674 info@galerieambiance.com
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MAHIN Autumn Trees, 24 x 48 in.
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COOPER BROS. 1185 Roselawn Ave. Toronto, ON 416-785-4330
SMART BLINDS & FLOORINGS 4632 Yonge Street North York, ON 416-546-5460
DECORATING ELEMENTS 1500 Royal York Road Etobicoke, ON 416-245-2522
GALLERY WINDOW FASHIONS www.gallerywindowfashions.com Oakville, ON 905-302-1876
DIRECT INTERIORS FURNITURE 2005 Clark Boulevard Brampton, ON 905-791-9660
TOTAL HOME DECOR totalhomedecorinc.ca Thornhill, ON 905-881-8828
ROSE SUN WINDOW COVERING 8888 Keele St., Unit 4 Concord, ON 905-760-2992
Q. DESIGN 23-3190 Ridgeway Dr. Mississauga, ON 905-607-1040
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torontohomemag.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
SUMMER OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON JUNE 21. For many of us, it arrives earlier – Victoria Day, perhaps, when we plant flowers or open the cottage in Muskoka or the Kawarthas. For me, too, summer begins in May. It’s when I realize that my neighbour’s peonies are half-developed, with stalks rising more than a foot above the ground. I can’t wait for the luscious, blowsy blooms with their heady scent to burst forth. And burst forth they have! Summer has definitely arrived, all around us and in the pages of our magazine. We offer you gardens and outdoor rooms aplenty. Take a look at a small urban backyard that functions like a living room and has a romantic little nook in one corner. There’s also a long, narrow backyard cleverly divided into a succession of rooms. If you’re interested in larger spaces, we show you a lush, terraced backyard that was inspired by the homeowner’s vacations in warmer climes. And then we offer you our pièce de résistance: a large backyard with a water feature aflame. Sometimes, when you’re in the heart of the city, all you have is a rooftop. We show a downtown townhouse with a cleverly designed rooftop terrace that packs several activity areas into a small space. At the other extreme, there’s a new-build Burlington condo with one of the largest and most lushly planted rooftop terraces we’ve ever featured. (Dare we call it the hanging gardens of Burlington?) If you’re planning your own outdoor room, take a look at our update on trends in outdoor furnishings. You’ll also find design maven Debbie Travis addressing al fresco décor in her column. And if it’s an indoor room that needs a pièce de résistance, we have advice from the experts on how to choose an artwork that will live with you forever. So pull up the chaise longue, tinkle the ice in your glass of lemonade, and take a look at the following pages.
PHILLIPA RISPIN Associate Editor rispin@torontohomemag.com
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www.decorium.com
363 Supertest Rd. Toronto t :POHF 4U 5PSPOUP t
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CONTRIBUTORS
LESLEY YOUNG For as long as Lesley Young can remember, she’s been obsessed with indoor (and outdoor) décor. Her husband can attest to this, after complaining about all of the closets stuffed with gorgeous throw pillows and beautiful lamp bases – just waiting to be tried out in different rooms. This obsession extends to the outdoors, where she likes to experiment with growing flowers that test the Ontario zone. Lesley Young is the former managing editor of Gardening Life, and health editor of Chatelaine. She’s been writing about health, lifestyle and design for 14 years for magazines including Canadian Living, JUICE, Glow, House & Home and Style at Home. MARGARET ANNE FEHR There’s a transformative quality to be gained from the downsize. It compels us to winnow out the superfluous, to re-evaluate what truly inspires and to determine what is essential for the journey into the future. For Margaret Anne, the Burlington condo feature embodies the best of those principles. For the last 10 years, Margaret Anne has had the good fortune to explore the territory of interior design in character homes, minimalist designs and those homes that defy categorization. She has made regular contributions to the Winnipeg Free Press Homestyles section as well as numerous industry magazines across the prairies. LAURA BOYD-CLOWES As a former landscaper, Laura Boyd-Clowes was drawn to the warmth and simplicity of Gordana Pavlovic’s backyard design. Besides working as a freelance writer and researcher, Laura spends her time bicycling, gardening and working on organic farming projects. This summer she is helping a local restaurant convert their rooftop into a site for vegetable production. Her lifelong passion for plants and natural beauty has informed much of her academic work in philosophy, politics, urbanism and ethnobotany; she will be pursuing a master’s degree in the latter this coming fall.
CORRECTION The editorial department of Toronto Home carefully reviews each issue. Occasionally, however, something is omitted. We apologize for any inconvenience these errors may have caused. In the Spring 2013 issue of Toronto Home, on page 68, in Builder Mom Does It All, we neglected to mention that styling accessories were provided by Pimlico Design Gallery, www. pimlicogallery.com. On page 52, in Home, Cottage, Castle, we neglected to mention that styling accessories were provided by Mjölk, www.mjolk.ca.
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Volume 3, number 3, Summer Issue 2013 Date of Issue: June, 2013
Publisher Leah Lipkowitz Assistant to the Publisher Hana Rakovski
1 Yonge Street Suite 1801 Toronto, On. m5e 1w7
Editor-in-Chief Bryan Demchinsky
Call 1-855-335-7745 torontohomemag.com sales@torontohomemag.com
Chief Operations Officer Jordan Zipkin
Associate Editor Phillipa Rispin
Operations Manager Jennifer Lipkowitz
Assistant Editor Philip Fine
Administrative Assistant Carys Harding-Jones
Editorial Assistant Emily Bitting Art Director Mark Ruzayk Graphic Designer Cheryl Groom Production Director Ashley Dana Web Editor Marlee Kostiner Photography Brandon Barré Contributors Jane Auster Anna Lee Boschetto Laura Boyd-Clowes Margaret Anne Fehr Dee Gibney
Accounting Shermeen Jiwani Director P.R. & Marketing Ariel Cozocaru Legal Deposit issn 1927-324x Toronto Home Magazine Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Toronto Home Magazine is strictly prohibited. Photography Aristea Rizakos Contributors Valerie Howes Susan Kelly Silvana Longo Megan Martin Lesley Young
Printed in Canada
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CONTENTS
ON THE COVER:
Fire and water create striking garden centrepiece
94 ESTABLISHING HER BRAND Homeowner designs her live/work space
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CANDY STORE OF DESIGN Debbie Travis goes to Milan exhibition
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CONTENTS
THIS JUST IN An array of new items for your home
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14 EDITOR’S LETTER
BUYING ARTWORK?
30 THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM
Choose what you love
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Owner trumps pros in redesigning her urban garden
58 THEIR NAME IN LIGHTS
A Royal Lighting luminaire – extraordinaire!
80 INSIDE TRACK ON OUTDOOR TRENDS
More living space, brighter colours out back
90 EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Floor displays eliminate décor guesswork
106 THE ALL-INCLUSIVE
Vacation memories inspire backyard retreat
112 AFTERMATH
Fallen branch ruins yard; measured design rejuvenates it
WHEN THE SKY’S YOUR CEILING POP!
Bold accents against a subdued backdrop
Rooftop retreat puts life on a higher plane
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Come visit our showroom at 315 Supertest Road Mon - Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm Sat & Sun by appointment only Tel: 647-242-2028 • www.bayden.ca
DESIGN
2. YOU’RE COVERED Weavers Art provides services for designers, architects, builders and other professionals. Their Perfect Match program is a preselection process in which pieces are chosen based on room size, colour swatches or design plans, and arranged for a gallery viewing. (The Wall in Spice colourway, pictured). ——— Weavers Art 348 Davenport Road, Toronto www.weaversart.com 416-929-7929
4. ROCK-SOLID BEAUTY Inspired by Italian Renaissance and Art Nouveau design, the new Belfiore mantel from Tartaruga was named for a charming little town near Florence. As lovely as it is stately, the mantel is cast in stone and finished in honed French limestone. ——— Tartaruga Design Inc. 43 Bertal Road, Toronto www.tartarugadesign.com 1-877-762-0418
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1. NATURALS IN NEUTRALS Wool, hemp, silk and banana silk are a few of the lovely natural materials used in Weavers Art area rugs. This Bourges, in a grey and sand colourway combines luxurious quality with edgy design. Custom sizes and colours can be ordered. ——— Weavers Art 348 Davenport Road, Toronto www.weaversart.com 416-929-7929
3. HAND PICKED Haul is a brand-new online boutique and by-appointment showroom with a carefully curated selection of internationally sourced housewares. Offerings range from repurposed industrial salvage to highly crafted textiles, smart vintage to contemporary design. A treasure trove of inspiration for home decor. ——— Showroom by appointment only, or buy online at www.haul.bigcartel.com
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Call for a free quote ARJUN KITCHEN DESIGN t Tel: 416-887-6878 t Email: arjundesign@hotmail.com t www.arjundesign.com
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Outdoor String Lights Exclusive to Living Lighting on King đ ąĉ "!!0 (+*# đ āĆ /+ '!0/ đ +**! 0 1, 0+ ą /0.%*#/
The Bier Market
Bathurst St
Portland St
Toronto’s Largest Collection of
Nostalgic Bulbs
Downtown’s Coolest Destination for the Hottest Lighting 416-364-9099 | 624 King Street West (east of Bathurst) www.livinglightingonking.com kingstreet@livinglighting.com
King St West
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1. BOTTOMS UP! An innovative garden alternative, the Boskke Sky Planter saves on space and makes an exciting visual statement. Hand-made in ceramic or recycled plastic, the planters are available in three sizes, and indoor/ outdoor options. The award-winning pots can be ceiling – or wall-mounted. ——— Available from www.boskke.com 2. TAYLOR-MADE The Setai Dining Chair by Lisa Taylor is framed in solid Canadian maple with metal caps and upholstered using high-density foam. Retain the gorgeous design and customize the style completely with your choice of upholstery. Shown in FWF3114 #616 fabric by Lee Jofa. ——— Chair Source 8305 Jane Street, Unit 4, Concord www.chairsource.ca 905-761-8790 3. STREAMLINED STORAGE The two finishes available for the Artigo sideboard by Gautier create different effects: a warm vintage feel from the smoked walnut, light and contemporary from the oak. Metal touches keep the design sleek. Made in France, it mixes with the rest of the beautifully convertible Gautier collection. ——— Gautier 230 Adelaide Street East, Toronto www.gautier.fr 416-777-9494 4. BREATH EASY New Freshtex fabric by Silent Gliss of Switzerland can contribute to the improvement of your indoor air quality. The fabric acts as a catalytic converter, guiding hazardous substances such as nicotine, formaldehyde, and ammonia through noble metals and breaking them down. Exclusively distributed by Brading in Canada. ——— Brading Speciality Shades 3206 Yonge Street, Toronto www.brading.com 1-866-BRADING (272-3464)
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From exterior siding to landscaping: Stones, Pavers, Bricks, Slabs and Walls provide a perfect balance.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 2013 ELECTRONIC CATALOGUES
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DESIGN
COMPLEX BUT
SIMPLE
Owner takes garden in hand and does it herself BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: BRANDON BARRÉ
THIRD TIME LUCKY – You might say that about Barbara Moses’s effort to get the backyard she wanted, but luck had nothing to do with it. The space is the result of two “professional” designs and a final well-considered but tweaked-many-times scheme of her own that ultimately produced a sophisticated yet simple, low-maintenance garden. The area is a relatively small patch (approximately 29 feet wide and 65 feet deep) behind an Arts-andCrafts-style house in the Summerhill neighbourhood. “Decorating” it wasn’t just a question of finding the right colours or favourite tree to plant. “With a small garden, you see everything at once,” Barbara pointed out. “You have to balance simplicity with complexity – simplicity, so your eye keeps on moving, but complexity also, so it will hold your attention.”
“With a small garden, you see everything at once.”
As with most aspects of life, finding the right balance took time. When Barbara (a worklife expert and best-selling author in her non-gardening life) and her husband, writer Andrew Weiner, moved in and had the house remodelled, their structural architect did a layout for the back garden, and a brick wall was erected to separate the garden from the laneway. Then they were on their own. “We hired someone to do the planting,” Barbara recounted, describing the result as unremarkable and uninspiring. “It was about 20 years ago, and I wasn’t nearly as knowledgeable then as I am now. But I knew there were gardening mistakes in terms of size, relationships, and how things would grow.” “We hired someone else five years later, and he decided – well, the back garden looked like Georgian Bay. He brought in all these boulders, for a small, refined city garden!” • In this urban garden, the tall brick wall that hides the back laneway wraps around a secluded corner with a built-in bench and wisteria-covered pergola, creating what one of the homeowner’s clients calls “the RSA – romantic seating area.”
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That was remedied in short order: “Not one of his plantings remained, and every rock disappeared. That’s when I decided I can do this on my own.” Barbara and Andrew were aiming for what she described as “structure and bones. Because you see 90 per cent of the back garden at once, it’s very challenging from a design point of view, because everything has to relate to everything else, from every possible angle. “This is not a garden in the traditional sense. Because of the size, it’s more like a living room. I spend the summer here, see clients here, eat here, read here.” In this, its third incarnation, the garden “room” is deceptively simple: a rectangular space with a deck at one end, a warm-coloured brick wall concealing a laneway at the other, and walls on either side. Within is a pleasing mix of straight lines and curves. Traffic flow from deck to laneway is handled by a path of rectangular pavers down one long side, enlivened by its basketweave pattern and further avoiding monotony with several jogs. The border of the flower bed that runs down most of the opposite side curves sinuously so that artfully placed plantings are revealed gradually as you traverse the length. “Nothing stops your eye from moving, having a sense of intimacy, a sense of a room,” said Barbara. “Your eye just keeps on going. “This garden is about contrasting colour and foliage, big colour statements: orange heucheras next to lime Japanese grass. Even when nothing is in bloom, it’s colourful and inviting and quiet. “I have no favourite time of year in the garden. At any time, there’s always a garden moment, one big statement, but not necessarily a drop-dead moment. It starts with huge pink fluff on the weeping cherry tree, followed by the wisteria, then rhododendrons, and roses. And then there’s the Japanese maple. It’s a constant; it doesn’t flower. It’s a magnificent mature tree with a beautiful colour that always provides structure and colour to the garden. “It’s not at all a quiet garden in the winter. It performs very well all year round.” •
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(Opposite, top) Barbara sees the small grassy area down the centre of the back garden as a functional design element: “The garden is a tapestry, and the grass is a way of enabling you to read the garden.” (Above) “What attracted me was the house’s situation,” said Barbara about her choice of home. “It felt very romantic and mysterious to be up so high on a hill and have fabulous views. You’re a 15-minute walk to Yonge and Bloor, yet when you’re here you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Walking up the stairs is like walking through a park.”
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MARKHAM 6 SH E DS CRT UN T 1 905.475.8353
M SS SSAUGA 100 AKESHORE RD E 905.990.5433
casualife.ca
Create a room unlike any other! Available only at DIRECT INTERIORS | 2005 Clark Blvd Brampton, ON | L6T 5P8 | 5FM t 'BY | www.directinteriors.com | email: info@directinteriors.com
torontohomemag.com
DESIGN
WAY BEYOND WICKER
Outdoor living in grand style BY DEBBIE TRAVIS WITH BARBARA DINGLE
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MY TRAVELS TAKE ME TO ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD for many reasons. It could be a family holiday, a girls’ getaway, filming abroad or one of the most important aspects of my many jobs: being on the hunt for the latest trends. I create a line of home products, from Christmas decorations to furniture to curtains. It’s imperative when you’re designing – be it fashion, home accessories or even cars – that you understand where trends are going and where they will be when your items actually get into the stores. We produce style guides, similar to gigantic scrap books, showing the colours, materials, textures and shapes that we see for the future. To fully understand that future, we visit the top trade shows around the world. When you pick up that fabulous patterned rug or stylish toothbrush holder, it may be just a quick trip to the store for you, but for me and my product developers it’s quite a journey. I recently attended Il Salone in Milan, the world’s largest furniture and design fair. It was like being in a giant candy store but, instead of sweets, they had on offer awe-inspiring furnishings and lighting for both indoors and out. I must have walked for miles through the red-carpeted aisles, checking out the best of the best in high-end furniture. After much note-taking, I present to you some of the most exciting products and ideas that Il Salone had to offer for outdoor living in grand style.
Dedon Nestrest
“On the hunt for the latest trends.”
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Dedon Orbit
“I was tempted to dream the day away.”
LUXURIOUS LOUNGES When I came upon Dedon’s fantastic lounging nests, I was tempted to simply slip into the cocoon-like seat, close my eyes and dream the day away. Dedon, with a superbly imaginative design team in tow, has capitalized on their high-quality synthetic fibre production to offer an enticing style for relaxing outdoors. Swingrest and Nestrest lounges hang from trees or other supports by a system of ropes and are available in natural and chalk colours that blend seamlessly with their environment. Dedon’s Orbit fits into both backyard and beach life with a cloth canopy that’s easily flipped up to protect you from wind and sun. And new this year is Fedro, a legless seat. Ergonomically designed, it balances on two narrow skids, allowing you to rock back and forth using your legs and feet to control the movement. It’s lightweight, portable, stackable and comfortable on the beach or at the cottage. Contemporary, sleek and refined, B&B Italia’s exciting style is purely organic. Sold under the Maxalto brand, the Link table and Papilio chairs make a stunning combo for dining al fresco. For porch or poolside lounging, the high-back sofa and table from the Canasta ’13 series share an old-fashioned, airy design with a modern twist. •
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left: Maxalto Canasta ’13. Right: Maxalto Link & Papilio
DESIGN SUMMER 2013
“Contemporary, sleek and refined”
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BRIGHT LIGHT SOURCES Today’s choice of indoor lighting is vast and immensely exciting. But outdoor lighting has its own flair, too. Torches, lanterns, and solar lights and tubes that snake around pathways artfully illuminate gardens and patios. For outdoor rooms with an indoor feeling, Bover has created Fora Mesa, a series of elegant weatherproof electric lamps that have a traditional indoor design. The light source is protected by a water-tight polyethylene globe. The shade is woven polyethylene, highly resistant to weathering while casting a pleasing, diffused light. Finishes and lampshades come in white, grey and brown. Foscarini’s Havana Mono series lights up pathways and garden features with a thoroughly modern look. The sleek polyethylene lamp is either mounted on a metal stand or suspended from a frame or beam. SHADY STYLE The familiar table umbrella has been raised to new heights with lightweight weatherproof fabric in whimsical designs by Tuuci. They all offer clean lines and cast shade in subtle shapes, providing protection from the sun in high style. If you’re lucky enough to own a yacht, Tuuci will set the tone perfectly. •
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Top: (left & centre) Havana Mono. (Right) Tuuci. Bottom: Bover Fora Mesa
“Outdoor lighting has its own flair.”
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STONE AND FIRE For steps and patios, the natural beauty of stone will always prevail. To add contrast or a softer feeling underfoot, brightly decorated outdoor carpets are now available in weaves and patterns that are cleverly designed to be both practical and stylish. Paola Lenti’s Zoe carpet features a series of spirals woven from Lenti’s signature synthetic materials Rope and Aquatech. You’ll discover a wide range of outdoor carpets (including Zoe) as well as a feast of other Italian products at Kiosk. Outdoor sources of warmth take on many faces, from the new bioethanol fireplaces to clay fire pits. Traditional brick and stone structures are modernized with natural gas inserts at Napoleon Fireplaces.
Paola Lenti
mentioned, see the Buyer’s Guide.
SEIZE THE SEASON After the long winter, we crave the summer months and the freedom to be outdoors as much as possible. You can extend this short season: fireplaces, lighting and furniture can help you enjoy your backyard Eden, lakeside retreat or beach house almost year ’round. See what you can find in-store or online that will enhance your outdoor living experience this summer. You don’t have to visit Italy to get the look, but if that’s an option, I heartily recommend it! •
For more information on the companies and products
Napoleon Fireplaces
“Extend summer’s short season.”
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As a manufacturer of fine custom cabinetry, Hampton Kitchens can assist you with all aspects of your project from design through fabrication and installation.
VISIT OUR DESIGN STUDIOS UPPER HAMILTON 1200 Stone Church Road East Hamilton, Ontario L8W 2C7
DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE 146 Lakeshore Road East Oakville, Ontario L6J 1H4
905-388-7293 hamilton@hamptonkitchens.ca
905-337-2865 oakville@hamptonkitchens.ca
www.hamptonkitchens.ca
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THOM ASVILLE BURLINGTON 18,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM 2269 Fairview St., Burlington 905.631.6000
ELIZABETH INTERIORS 50,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM 409 Brant St., Burlington 905.333.6670 | 1-888-846-7845 L AKEHOUSE DELIVERIES
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DESIGN
CONDO LIVING
LARGE
Downtown Burlington owner sees the upside to a downsize BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR PHOTOGRAPHY: DONNA GRIFFITH
WHEN IT COMES TO THE ART OF DOWNSIZING, Judith McCann could well conduct a master class. With years spent in land development and real estate in Florida and California, and presently operating an international business devoted to baby boomers attempting to distil essential items from a lifetime’s worth of possessions, Judith stands as a fount of knowledge and experience. When it came time for her own downsize, Judith chose a new build in downtown Burlington. Erected in 2008, the 12-unit complex was the creation of a Dundas builder who wanted to provide spacious proportions in contrast to other condo market inventory. The 2,700-square-foot floor plan presented Judith with a veritable tabula rasa ready to be writ upon with her unique style. After collaborating with JNSQ Design, she easily assumed the role of general contractor to execute her vision and create her brand. •
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Above the custom-built gas fireplace, an embellished mirror appears to hover while reflecting the rooftop terrace’s abundant flora. Baby boomers can be reluctant to downsize and lose outdoor living space, Judith said, but “this condo reveals you can have both. It is time developers understand the needs of this market segment.”
Discovering at one point that she could not give the project her full attention, Judith called on designer Robert Christopher for assistance (so successfully that they later became business partners and formed their interior-exterior design firm, McCann Christopher Group, with their office in Judith’s condo). The result of their initial collaboration is a spacious interior, along with a 1,600-square-foot rooftop terrace of private space, that provides an unfolding series of exquisite visual details.
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“It’s a virtual oasis that calms the mind and soothes the soul.” The entrance foyer transitions into a hallway The kitchen features design choices that allow leading directly to the living room at the back functional cabinetry to delineate the kitchen of the condo, where the focal point – a gas proper from the morning sitting area, with its fireplace with a detailed limestone surround two handsome china cabinets, where Judith and mantel – is topped with an East-Asian-in- and Robert invariably start the business day. fluenced art piece. The room is configured in “The two black free-standing cabinets are a square for conversation, with plush seating exact replicas of cabinets found in a home and occasional tables set within arm’s length. in Stromsund, Sweden that was about to be A crystal chandelier adds a touch of formality demolished,” said Robert. • and Old World splendour, while the commissioned art imbues a gallery ambiance.
Terrace plantings comprise a combination of boxwoods, yews, hostas, hydrangeas and redbuds chosen for their varying textures and shades of green.
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“I love good food, but Rob is the chef and enjoys cooking when our events are not catered.”
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In the kitchen itself, cabinets are constructed of horizontal-grained wenge wood with a custom dark stain. Bamboo-inspired steel hardware adorns the doors and drawers, imparting a satisfying, reflective contrast. The island is crowned with single-slab quartzite, a natural material chosen for its intriguing striations and colour. Double dishwashers, recycling compartments and an abundance of storage drawers round out the island’s functionality.
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A wall of cabinets conceals the central pantry and The kitchen is put to good use when McCann the Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and freezer. Christopher Group invites clients to dinner. A bank of Miele appliances, including convection “I have to bare my soul,” said Judith about her microwave, induction cooktop, and full-size oven culinary role on these occasions. “I love good and warming drawer map out the cooking space. food, but Rob is the chef and enjoys cooking The overall colour palette is restrained, but when our events are not catered.” • texture and iridescence provide visual interest in the porcelain floor tiles. Their flecks sparkle, The artwork over the fireplace can be slid away to reveal while the backsplash’s rough character gives the flatscreen television, “an element that is best seen and heard only when in use,” says Judith. the décor a masculine flavour.
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“It’s clean and tidy but it still operates like a downtown Toronto office.”
If presentation is one of the hallmarks of a memorable culinary event, then the business partners score twice when they host buffet-style dinner parties in Judith’s magnificent dining room. The table is crafted of beech, red alder and cherry veneer and seats a dozen guests. The chandelier is an Italian-made Terzani, meticulously handcrafted of nearly three miles of nickel chain. Robert noted, “We chose this particular chandelier because there’s crystal in the living room, and this room needed something complementary but equally strong.” The 12-foot custom-made buffet spans the length of the room. It’s capped with a fossilized granite slab that is slightly elevated to enhance presentation of the repast and to facilitate self-service. In lieu of conventional handles, bronze doorknockers spray-painted black and then hand-rubbed to achieve the right sheen complete this statement piece. The home office that Judith and Robert use displays the same design flair as the condo living space. “It’s clean and tidy but it still operates like a downtown Toronto office,” said Robert. “We have an entire server set up in one cabinet, and printer and fax in another.” •
The office maintains the calm and symmetry of the other rooms, belying the fact that it’s the McCann Christopher Group workplace. (Opposite) Living and dining rooms are designed for both Judith’s comfort and business entertaining.
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In her private quarters, Judith enjoys a master bathroom exuding pure spa essence thanks to five slabs of striated Cipollino marble flooring set against the white mini-crystal granite walls, countertop and surrounds. A playful art piece over the Kohler soaker bathtub is reflected in the vanity mirror for double the impact, while a wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinets with oversized satin nickel pulls keeps bathroom miscellany safely stowed. A steam shower, equipped with digital controls programmed for individual preferences, rounds out the luxury touches. The private rooftop terrace is what Judith calls “the crowning glory” of her home: “It’s a virtual oasis that calms the mind and soothes the soul.” This lush green space incorporates a pergola with a natural gas fireplace in stone, both custom designed. A retractable awning is operated remotely and contains lighting for evening entertaining. A terrace focal point is the water fountain orb, a custom piece with a black acid-wash finish that stands over five feet high. “It’s a stately piece that complements the straight and curved lines of the custom metal screens,” said Robert. Judith’s urban Eden and spacious condo interior suit her well and effectively represent the McCann Christopher Group brand. “It’s the feeling,” said Judith. “You have to go with what you’re passionate about and what comes easily to you. For us, that’s staying with the brand.” •
Mex, “the Lord of the Manor,” relaxes in the guest room after surveying his demesne. Opposite: The art piece over the soaker bathtub, with movement and colour both playful and contemporary, was discovered at a Hamilton gallery.
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LIGHTING THE WAY Royal Lighting makes sure Toronto shoppers are never in the dark BY JANE AUSTER
A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, when a customer requested lighting for a backyard theme park, complete with carnival rides, Royal Lighting general manager and partner Michael Gladstone didn’t bat an eye. “We recommended post lights and spotlights for his 50-acre lot,” said Michael. “This was probably our most unusual project.” More commonly, Royal Lighting finds lighting solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and other home renovations featuring a selection of products that change so often Michael boasts that a customer returning in a month will see at least 100 new items.
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Royal Lighting has been a fixture in the Law- was in; now it’s almost nonexistent,” he said. rence and Avenue Road area for nearly 25 years. “Chrome and brushed nickel are big right now, The first showroom opened in 1985 (under a but you couldn’t give them away 25 years ago.” different name) and quickly established itself Not only have the styles changed, but also as a beacon for the residents of North Toronto. the lighting technology, from the old incanIn the past quarter century, the lighting mecca descent bulbs to cfls, halogen lights, and leds. has expanded five times, from 3,000 to nearly Michael predicts an even brighter future for 10,000 square feet of showroom, with another led bulbs and fixtures because of led’s efficiency, brightness and longevity. 8,000 square feet of stock area. While Royal Lighting boasts a huge selecMichael has worked at Royal Lighting for most of its existence, watching the trends tion of lighting as well as ceiling fans from the come and go and keeping an eye on the top companies, including Minka Lavery Lightnext big thing. “Twenty-five years ago, brass ing, Casablanca and Monte Carlo, what really
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sets the store apart is its personal dedication to selling top quality. “If it isn’t worthy of being in our home, we wouldn’t sell it to a customer,” said Michael. “A few years ago we were shown a line of photocell exterior lights, which you don’t have to plug in since they get enough juice from the sun. I bought six different models and gave them to six of our people to take home and try. After two months, I got a report from my people, and they said the lights were not good. If we don’t want it, we’re not going to carry it.” The employees, many of whom have been with the store for 25 years, clearly imagine the
merchandise in their own homes, whether it’s lighting for gazebos, under kitchen cabinets, or bathrooms. “If it’s new and trendy, we’ll bring it in and try it,” said Michael. And that’s why Royal Lighting has been lighting up lives for over a quarter century. • Royal Lighting 1549 Avenue Road, Toronto 416-782-1129 www.royallighting.com
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ART FOR ART’S SAKE Know what you like. Go for it.
ART Summer 2013
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BY DEE GIBNEY
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Miriam Sheill Fine Art - Fournier - Interlude to Spring, 2013
MANHOLE COVERS ADORN a prominent wall in “What makes it art?” one might well ask. “How Scott Mullin’s city centre loft. Well, not exact- would a piece like that enhance my home?” ly the cast-iron 50-kilogram covers themselves “It’s less about decorating and more about but a large frottage, or rubbing, of nine actual the art standing on its own,” according to galgrates in three rows of three. The piece is by lery owner Daniel Faria, a leading light on the the late Gerald Ferguson, a renowned Can- Toronto art scene and dubbed a “Toronto tasteadian conceptual artist and the driving force maker” by The New York Times. “You want to who transformed the Nova Scotia College buy because it relates to other works you have of Art and Design into an internationally or because you love it so much.” famous school where he taught for 41 years. The piece cost $18,000.
“I want art that pops,” explained Mullin, who oversees the curators who select the 7,000 works of art the Toronto Dominion Bank features in its offices across Canada and the U.S. For his personal collection he leans towards strong geometric lines and bold imagery, choosing minimalist furnishings to showcase art that runs from primitive to ultramodern. •
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Ferguson - Drain Covers, 2006
Ferguson - Three Drain Covers, 2006
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“I don’t want massive uniformity because then it starts to look like a hotel lobby,” he said. “I can walk into someone’s home and know whether it’s an art collection they have personally assembled or whether it has been picked by an interior designer to match the pillows on the sofa,” said Mullin. So is tying art into the décor of the home a collecting faux pas? Perhaps you’re just starting out, making tentative steps towards developing your own personal style, and you’re not sure about what works and what doesn’t. Or you’ve just purchased a new home and find yourself surrounded by a lot of blank wall space staring back at you. “The greatest thing is that there is no right or wrong,” according to architect Shari Orenstein, who teaches Conversations From the Toronto Art World, a continuing studies course at the University of Toronto that’s designed to demystify the art world. Her sold-out class hosts a roster of 24 speakers drawn from the top gallery owners and artists in the city, attracting everyone from connoisseurs to people who have never set foot in a gallery. “I have young dot-com or banker or lawyer couples who have finally bought a home and have some money and now want to buy art. It’s the hottest luxury item anywhere in the world. “If I could have nothing in my home, no furniture, I would choose art. I would never look at art as decoration for the home. It’s about filling your home with pieces you love and that you want to live with for a long time. Art gives a certain energy to the space. It really adds something to the experience of the room. The minute you take it off the wall, that house seems so empty. It’s like removing personalities.” •
Olga Korper Gallery
“Buying art is an addiction.”
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Daniel Faria Gallery
“You want to buy because it relates to other works you have or because you love it so much.�
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AGO Art Rental + Sales Gallery images
“Fall in love, but you have to purchase intelligently as well.”
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Ask any gallery owner, employee or art consultant how to discover these “personalities” and they will invariably tell you to buy what you love, something that you feel a connection with, that “speaks” to you. And to begin by looking. “It’s very important to just look and look and look for as long as it takes,” Orenstein advised. “Go to galleries and educate yourself. Ask yourself, ‘What is my taste? What do I like? What kind of art do I want to live with?’ It’s a process. Developing a taste for something takes time and effort. You could hire an interior designer to buy you five paintings but you would miss all the joy in discovering them yourself, which would be a shame.” “Fall in love, but you have to purchase intelligently as well,” advised Elizabeth Petrova, coordinator of the Art Gallery of Ontario Art Rental and Sales Gallery. The gallery is a great place to start, she advised, because it’s like a miniature art fair where you’ll find the best of the city’s art galleries as well as the work of independent artists all in one place. “Go to museums, see shows, visit galleries, read about art on the Internet. Our art consultants can take you to different galleries, all of which have different personalities and areas of specialization. We even do home consultations. And there is no cost. We look at your décor, talk about your preferences and actually put together a personalized proposal of art work for you. “Definitely fine art is an integral aspect of interior design, and no home is complete without original work,” Petrova emphasized. “It’s one of the greatest sources of enjoyment for people. It’s something that can grow with you and that you can pass on to your family. I think art work is the first thing you should purchase, because it can dictate the feel of a whole home.” •
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Mira Godard Gallery - Stephen Hutchings paintings
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Arta Gallery. Photography by Misha Masek
“Elements of surprise are amazing – like an old home with modern art.”
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Choosing art can be so overwhelming for some people that they either do nothing or make a bad decision, according to Erin Perri, an interior designer who visits galleries to source art for her clients. “As a designer you do some of the leg work. You read the client and get a sense of their aesthetic. You collect information and narrow it down. But they still need to be a part of the process. People who are avid art collectors want the art to speak, so they want a toned-down space. But for others the art may not be their focus; they may simply want it to finish a space. Still, I think they should try to make it something they love, otherwise they’ll tire of it quickly.” “Art, furniture and architecture all need to work together to create a unified space,” according to gallery owner and art consultant Manny Neubacher. “Art is an important part of design in curating your space,” he said. “But art also needs to be elevated to its own space. The art piece should transcend trends. “Elements of surprise are amazing – like an old home with modern art. It’s a wonderful collision. Old and new in design makes sense – a modern house with a traditional painting, for example. It adds a certain amount of sophistication. It’s the future and the past. And it can all work together if done properly.” If budget is a concern, many galleries offer payment plans. “You can always hone your search to something you can afford,” Neubacher added. “Artists who do large expensive canvases also do sketches. There are works on paper, etchings and pieces that are not extremely expensive. I think once you are out of university you should move past having posters on your wall – unless it’s a collection, like old movie posters.” Toronto, Mullin said, is a major city with a major art scene so the challenge, as well as the opportunity, is that there is so much to choose from. And once you start collecting, it seems, there is no turning back. “Be warned,” Orenstein said with a laugh. “Buying art is an addiction.” •
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Neubacher Shor Contemporary Gallery
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DESIGN
SUNBATHING AND
STARGAZING Small space, several activity zones BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: BRANDON BARRÉ
THE OWNERS OF THIS QUEEN STREET TOWNHOUSE LOVE the great outdoors, yet they had only a modest rooftop space from which to appreciate it. “We really needed a place to catch the last rays of the sun after work and breathe a little,” said Sean St. John. “And maybe stay to watch the stars come out.” Of course, once the couple considered how much they entertain, the wish list quickly grew. The first challenge for designer Lisa Aiken, owner of Terra Firma Home & Terrace Design: how to make it all fit the scant 250 square feet available. Homeowners today expect a lot from an outdoor space, she finds. “Even with a small one, it’s important to break it up into activity zones, and to think of what the space will be used for, today and in the future.”
“It’s such a welcoming space.”
Her far-seeing design incorporates an outdoor kitchen, a nook for cocktails or breakfast, and a sun-tanning area. The latter is instantly defined and made distinctive with sleek, spa-inspired lounge chairs. For a wow factor, Aiken added a luxurious touch of custom cabinetry in ipê, the resilient Brazilian hardwood that’s understandably trendy. “It’s an exceptionally beautiful wood, and you never have to sand or re-stain it,” she said. It was used to accent the roof, cover a door and house the barbecue and sink. •
People who live in small outdoor spaces should think vertically, says designer Lisa Aiken. The soaring pergola adds a new dimension to the lounge area and covers practical considerations such as shade and privacy.
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High-low flair: Low-slung St. Tropez chaises by Kingsley-Bate provide a chic cabana touch with teak wood frames and high-tech water-shedding fabric. The elevated bar table doubles as a breakfast nook or cocktail area.
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“We really needed a place to catch the last rays of the sun after work and breathe a little.” The cabinets help create the storage that was another must-have for the area. With the indoor kitchen three flights of stairs below, there’s ample space to stash condiments, mixers, serving dishes or whatever else is needed for a party. The designer had to find a way to create privacy, so the seating area was given a slatted fence and open pergola above to let light in but keep the neighbours’ eyes out. Both are constructed of pressure-treated wood, stained to cleverly blend with the pricier ipê.
The accent is on little to no maintenance with materials that repel sun and rain, from the artificial greenery above to the rugs underfoot, and including furniture and cushions. The St. Johns have moved on and are now working with Aiken on a new outdoor design. They have fond memories of hanging out on their former rooftop terrace, whether en famille with Sienna the boxer or with a gathering of friends. “It’s such a welcoming space,” said Sean. “Even though it’s a bit of a
hike to get there, once you open the door you just want to stay. It’s stunning.” • With ingenuity and careful planning, you can have everything – including the (outdoor) kitchen sink, here tucked under the roof feature to save space. The stylish ipê custom cabinet provides ample storage.
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DESIGN Summer 2013
FROM PATIO TO OUTDOOR ROOM The hottest summer trends BY MEGAN MARTIN
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Photo courtesy of Roche Bobois
AS CANADIANS, we spend enough time bundled up all winter long. Summers, no matter how short they can be, are for enjoying the outdoors. Whether you pass the time strolling along waterways, taking in local green spaces or simply soaking up some sun, there’s nothing quite like the warmer months in our country’s metropolitan centres and suburbs. A comfortable outdoor space on your property can be the best venue to relax and enjoy the weather. But creating one can be a challenge for any homeowner. Whether you reside in a highrise condominium building or a single-family home, there are many ways in which you can create a liveable and trendy outdoor space. When designing an outdoor living area, the first thing to consider is the amount of space you’re working with. “There are a lot of options for people with smaller balconies or patios, so having an apartment or condo doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style,” said Jill Schwartzentruber, business manager at Casualife Outdoor Living. “Small pieces are very popular now,” affirmed Myrlene Sundberg, co-founder and ceo of Urban Mode, a modern furniture boutique. “People are really making the most of the space they have by incorporating small furniture items and unique accessories.” Once you’ve determined your spatial needs, you also need to decide how functional you want your area to be. “As outdoor furniture becomes more durable, people are creating full living spaces now as opposed to simply having a patio table and chairs,” Schwartzentruber said. “It has become popular to have full sectionals and lounging areas.” •
“Small pieces are very popular now.”
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Deep-seated sectionals complete with cushions are among the season’s top trends. “People are now prepared to eat as well as relax in their deep-seat sets, so we’re seeing a decline in the need for traditional patio tables,” said David Reburn, owner of outdoor furniture company Deck & Dock. Instead, tables with leaves are growing in popularity for their efficiency and functionality. In particular, butterfly or drop-leaf tables that seat six or 10 when fully extended don’t take up space unnecessarily but do allow people to easily accommodate guests. In keeping with the open-seating concept created by sectionals, cantilevered umbrellas are selling well as they don’t need to be in the middle of a seating area or table to work effectively. “They’ve been around for years but are very popular now,” Reburn said. “They rotate 360 degrees and most have a tilt function. Without a centre pole they’re not in the way.” Moreover, they provide full coverage from the sun: an 11-foot cantilevered umbrella can provide an area of roughly 22 feet with shade. Provided you have space, patio fire pits are another welcome addition to an outdoor living area. “They take on a molded concrete look and are quite clean and contemporary,” said Reburn. “The trendiest models are made of granite, stone or faux stone, and buyers can choose between round, square or rectangular shapes to complement their seating areas.” Evaluating your home’s exterior design is essential in picking the details of your patio furniture and accessories. “Look at the colours and textures of your home’s exterior and use them as a guide,” Schwartzentruber said. “All of these elements will help you determine how to blend outdoor furniture into your backyard or patio.” •
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Photos courtesy of Casualife Outdoor Furniture
“Look at the colours and textures of your home’s exterior and use them as a guide.”
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Photo courtesy of Roche Bobois
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Photos courtesy of Roche Bobois
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“Chaises are always in demand. For lounging, they seem to be pretty much irreplaceable. Photo courtesy of ARB Teak
Photos courtesy of Roche Bobois
People are moving away from dark shades such as grey and black, which had been very popular for furniture in previous years, Sundberg noted. “Instead, brighter colours are very in this season,” she said. There are still many buyers who opt to go with somewhat natural colours inspired by the outdoors. This translates into more warm shades and tones of green and brown. “Consumers are also going for clean and minimal patterns on their outdoor upholstery,” Schwartzentruber said. “Anything that’s natural-themed or rustic with wood tones is popular now.” As people create more liveable outdoor spaces, they’re also investing more in their patio furniture. “About 50 to 60 per cent of our business now consists of custom orders,” Reburn said. “People have so much choice nowadays in terms of fabrics and frames, and prices and delivery times on custom furniture have come down considerably.” In addition, with sophisticated technology creating more durable products, buyers don’t mind spending slightly more on an item that can last upwards of 10 years, he added. Once the major pieces, fabrics and set-up have been established, it’s time to think of the accessories that always add a decorative touch to any outdoor space. “There are some great light-up planters that work on any size of patio,” Sundberg said. “They’re a lot of fun and create a very interesting look.” Colourful cushions and lanterns are another easy way to add a pop of brightness. “And accenting with funky stools, bamboo and flowers is very trendy as well,” Schwartzentruber said. While this season’s fashions offer numerous options for outdoor living and décor, several classic pieces are maintaining their popularity. “Chaises are always in demand,” Reburn said. “For lounging, they seem to be pretty much irreplaceable. Even though the fabrics and materials used to create them have evolved over the years, their basic design is somewhat timeless.” Regardless of your taste, the patio furniture market is so healthy that it’s easy for you to find items and themes that match both your home and your vision for a backyard or terrace oasis. •
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INTERIOR DELIGHTS Direct Interiors offers a one-stop shop for décor devotees BY JANE AUSTER
NESTLED JUST NORTH OF TORONTO is a treasure trove for customers seeking ideas and inspiration for their interiors. Direct Interiors was founded more than three decades ago, but the original idea grew out of one woman’s love of décor long before that. Angela Caputo began her career by selling furniture by appointment only through in-home consultations. As her love and knowledge grew, so too did her need for space to display the wares of the burgeoning number of quality suppliers. The original Direct Interiors was an unassuming 1,200-square-foot unit in Brampton.
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Today the store, still located in Brampton, carries more than 200 leading manufacturers. Its 50,000-square-foot showroom, with an additional 30,000 square feet of storage, features furniture from traditional to modern to contemporary and all stops in between. What started as a one-woman business has become a family affair: Husband Saverio (Sav) left his job as a manager at Cara Foods to be vice-president, and daughter Vanessa Di Girolamo left her teaching position eight years ago to become interior stylist and buyer for Direct Interiors.
In the 33 years since Angela opened the doors, Direct Interiors has evolved to now offer customers one-stop shopping for their interiors as well as “lifestyle experiences” to help them create spaces that look like magazine spreads. “We like to offer the latest trends so customers can see what they see in magazines. We like to make our floor displays so someone can come in and say, ‘I love the way this is all put together; this is what I want in my room’. ” said Vanessa, who can offer clients traditional, rustic, modern, classic or contemporary, “so you can identify what style you are.”
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You won’t see any large, matching bedroom sets in the showroom, the type that can carry up to seven pieces. “Instead, you’ll see a bedroom, but not necessarily matching pieces.” One of Direct Interiors’ newest lines (and exclusive to the store) is Dorya Interiors, from Turkey. Vanessa finds the designs, with their solid mahogany workmanship, impeccable. “It’s like nothing we have seen before.” The biggest trend the Direct Interiors family is keeping an eye on is the move to more neutral spaces, but ones that are infused with bold colours, like emerald green. These extend through
the rugs, curtains and accessories. “Here in Toronto we’re starting to go towards the lighter furniture, which has been very popular in Europe,” said Vanessa. “We were a little slow to jump on that trend. Everything was dark, mostly espresso in stain. Now we’re seeing lighter wood tones, grey-stained pieces and an assortment of lacquer hues.” While most of Direct Interiors’ business comes from residential and institutional customers – condos, model homes, commercial buildings and nursing homes – there are also those extra-special clients. The company was
asked to furnish the cottage and condo where Pope John Paul II stayed when he was in Ontario for World Youth Day in 2002. And what does a pope request? Firm sofa and mattress, chairs of a certain height, and a very neutral palette. • Direct Interiors 2005 Clark Blvd., Brampton 905-791-9660 www.directinteriors.com
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Floor Fashion Without Borders
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We’ve all asked that question before at some point when walking by a street kid. Why can’t they just get off the street? Why can’t they grow up and take some responsibility by going to school and getting a job? Well, imagine being that street kid for a second. Getting a life is not a simple snap of the fingers. It isn’t easy to just get a job or an education. And they can’t always just go home. For street kids, every day is survival. Their life is based on simply getting through it. Finding food and shelter is their job, and even overcoming that doesn’t put them in any kind of position to find stability in their lives. Getting off the street is just the beginning. So let’s start from the beginning. We’ll call this kid Steve. Steve’s day starts at sunrise in a public park. The sun hits him dead in the eye and he wakes up shivering. Steve springs up from the bench that he slept on to make sure his stuff is still under it. It’s almost nothing, a backpack with a couple of sweaters and a thermos in it, but two nights ago he almost got beat up for it. He was walking through a different park across town when three guys sitting on a bench asked him if he had a cigarette. Steve ignored them and kept walking, but he knew they weren’t through with him yet. After verbally harassing him, they stood up and moved to surround Steve. He began to shake with fear. Steve told them again that he didn’t have anything, but they didn’t care anymore. They weren’t going to leave without something. They began to step closer to Steve. And closer. One pulled out a knife from his back pocket. Just as another guy tried to grab Steve’s backpack, Steve darted through an opening just out of their reach. They chased him for a few steps, but Steve was already far away, his backpack still in his possession. This morning, Steve’s exhausted and he needs to get out of the wind. He picks up his backpack and spends the next two hours looking for an alleyway. Hopefully he can find one that’s quiet, and, if possible, has boxes or newspapers that he can use to protect himself from the biting chill. Steve scours the alleyways in his area and finally settles on one. It seems perfect and he can’t remember why he doesn’t sleep there more often. He finds a spot, puts his head down and begins to doze off. The sounds of the city fade. He falls asleep. He dreams. In this fleeting moment, everything is OK. He’s in his old home, in a warm bed, everyone’s calm and there’s breakfast waiting for him when he decides to – “Get up, kid,” says the police officer standing over Steve. Steve opens his eyes as the officer informs him that he needs to clear out immediately. Steve rubs his eyes. Now he remembers the problem with this alleyway. He stands, picks up his things and starts his day again. Steve can’t stop thinking about his dream. But that’s all it was. Nothing like his actual life at home. He can still feel the pain from his father’s fists. Hear his mother’s screams. Things had been getting worse and worse at home since his father lost his job. It all started when his father came home drunk from the bar one night. Steve remembers the red mark on his mother’s face the next morning and refusing to believe what was unfolding around him. But that refusal only made things worse, because Steve could never convince his father that he needed help. So it continued, one incident after another until one night, it wasn’t just Steve’s mother that was on the receiving end of it. It was him. His mother screamed louder when Steve was being beaten than when she was, and those are the sounds that haunt Steve every single day. The bruises are gone now, but the mental scarring never will be. Steve manages to snap back into reality, but reality isn’t any better. Steve has not only had very little sleep in the past couple days, but also very little food. He really doesn’t feel like rummaging through a garbage can this morning. That means it’s time to go onto the street and beg for change. He’ll never get used to doing this, but he’s had to learn fast. Having to decide which street corner to sit on and beg strangers for change isn’t something he ever envisioned doing. He decides on a busy corner downtown and begins the hike in that direction. He hopes that the long walk is worth the extra money he’ll receive for being in a busier area. At least it isn’t winter yet. The very thought of spending all winter on the street sends chills down Steve’s spine. He’s felt a Canadian winter before. He can’t still be out here by then…can he? When Steve finally arrives, he sits down on the street corner and takes off his toque. He eyes the people walking by and begins to beg. “Change please?” is what he usually says, but today he’s a little more desperate. He’s painfully hungry and it shows in the anguish in his voice. Steve always tries his best to not worry about what other people are thinking, but it’s hard. He can see the way they look at him. People are either scared of him, disgusted by him or they ignore him altogether. He’s not sure which one is worse, but sometimes it feels like everyone hates him for one reason or another. Today, one person in particular is very aggressive when Steve asks him for change. He tells him that he’s a loser and that he should get a job. After a few hours and thousands of passersby later, Steve has $7.24, just enough for a burger combo. After waiting for a few moments, Steve slowly picks up the change in his toque. He stares at it, scared of what he might do with it. It takes him all the strength he has to not use the money for something else. Two weeks ago, someone else on the street started giving him free “samples.” When you’re in a dark enough place, sometimes you’ll do whatever people tell you will make you feel better. It doesn’t matter who that person is. It doesn’t matter if deep down you know that what they’re offering isn’t a way out at all, but another anchor to keep you drowning. On these dark days, hope is replaced by distraction. Steve is constantly tempted to just let go and get away, but today he somehow fights that temptation off. He gets up and makes his way towards the restaurant. When he gets to the front of the line, Steve dumps the change on the counter before ordering. The annoyed cashier counts it as the people in line behind start to get restless. Steve tries to recall the last time he didn’t have to pay for something in change, but can’t. It’s always embarrassing, especially when the line is as long as this. He asks the cashier if she can unlock the bathroom for him and she hesitates. Steve is rarely allowed to use a public bathroom, even as a paying customer. But today, the cashier doesn’t want to keep the other customers waiting so she unlocks the door. Steve splashes water onto his dirty face inside the bathroom. He studies his reflection in the mirror. How long can he keep doing this for? When will this nightmare end? No kid should have to live like this. As he rinses, he begins to daydream. He thinks about the feeling of having a nice, long shower in a real bathroom. He steps out onto the cool floor and dries himself off with a soft, fresh towel. Steve is snapped out of his daydream by the sound of a knock. He opens the door to find the manager. He has to leave now. Steve puts his head down, grabs his food and heads outside. Later, with his hunger temporarily gone, Steve is back in his only home – the street. Back where he has no hope. There have been days when the shame has been too much, when Steve tried to find a way out. Steve recalls a time a few months earlier when he first started living on the street. He had woken up with a sense of hope that day he never felt before. He had slept in an abandoned warehouse another guy told him about and managed to split some breakfast with someone else staying there. That day, Steve was allowed to have something on his mind besides finding food, finding somewhere to sleep and trying not to get mugged. So, he wanted to do what so many strangers have told him to do before – get a job. Steve was walking down the street when he noticed a convenience store with a “Help Wanted” sign in front of it. Steve took a deep breath and walked into the store. He went straight to the cashier at the front and asked about the sign. But all he got back were insults. The owner told Steve that he sees him on the streets every day. He told him his clothes were a mess. That he must have been insane to think anyone would hire a stupid, lazy homeless kid. Steve slunk out and glanced back behind him at the “Help Wanted” sign. This had happened before. He didn’t understand why no one would give him a chance. He doubted himself to the point where he began to wonder if he would even be able to trust the person who did. That was the day that Steve realized that the hill he had to climb was actually a mountain. Steve hears a car’s honk that snaps him back to an all too familiar reality. He’s out of money again. He has no place to go. He feels physically and mentally beaten. And soon it will be nightfall. Soon he’ll be back at the bottom of the mountain once again. This is just a glimpse into Steve’s struggle and the struggle that so many homeless youth face. There is no living, only surviving. And when you’re trying to survive on the street, every little thing is an obstacle. Every time you beg for change, every time you go to the bathroom, every time you want to sleep, eat or drink – nothing comes easy. For many kids like Steve who want a way out, the struggle to meet basic needs is only the beginning. The coming days, weeks and months provide hurdles even harder to overcome. The physical pain may lessen in leaving the street behind but the mental anguish is constant when trying to forge a new life. Getting an education, applying for a job, admitting that you need counselling – these are hard for anyone. When you have to do all these things from scratch, the frustration can mount as fast as the confidence can fade. From learning how to stay warm in that first winter on the street, to the first day back at school, from deciding whether to steal food or pass out from hunger, to deciding where to get a shirt to wear for that first job interview, there are endless obstacles for homeless youth.
It’s also why we exist. Please visit CovenantHouseToronto.ca to donate.
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ELEMENTALLY REFINED Fire and water create striking garden centrepiece BY ANNA LEE BOSCHETTO PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF McNEIL
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FROM PATIO PARTIES AND BACKYARD BARBECUES to stargazing and campfires, Canadians can hardly wait for summertime to make the most of outdoor living. At heart, creating an outdoor oasis is all about establishing harmony – striking a balance between a place to retreat and one that offers ample space for social gatherings. According to The Landmark Group’s design and client services manager Darren Bosch, “In good landscaping you always want multiple destination points.” Witness this garden, which Landmark calls Fire On Water. It offers four destinations: a sun-tanning “lounge,” a spacious hot tub area, an upper deck and a peaceful meditation space that’s also perfect for reading. With three daughters, the homeowners were keen to have several places for social gatherings while keeping the need for maintenance to a minimum. “We wanted an outdoor living space that we could enjoy all the time but wouldn’t be a maintenance ordeal,” explained the wife. When it came to the design, the couple were willing to push boundaries in an effort to establish an outdoor space that was as sophisticated as it was comfortable. •
“In good landscaping you always want multiple destination points.”
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A variety of stone provides additional texture. Sleek rectangular-cut flagstone makes up the patio, while unfinished stone is used for retaining walls and stairs. (Opposite) A mix of metals and wood makes a strong design statement next to the stunning sight of fire erupting from the water feature.
For such an extensive outdoor project, the owners understood they needed a solid relationship with their design team to obtain optimal results. As project leader, Bosch also affirmed that success hinged on effective collaboration. “With their appreciation for design, they really sank their teeth into this project,” he said, adding that without that openness he would never have achieved such impeccable results. After gaining an understanding of the homeowners’ creative vision along with their spatial needs, Bosch initially suggested the idea of a focal point that included a reflecting pool with seating areas on opposite sides. Sculptured metalwork found throughout the home’s interior further inspired Bosch to come up with the concept of combining fire and water for that focal point. •
“With their appreciation for design, they really sank their teeth into this project.”
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“It’s so peaceful because you can hear the water bubbling beneath the flames.”
A holistic design approach ensures that each destination point advances the homeowner’s vision: a relaxing, contemporary retreat.
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“Using the similarly styled metal in both spaces gives the sense that the home doesn’t have boundaries.” “With most landscapes the staples are fire, water and lighting, so we brought the idea of having a fire feature above it,” he said. In this case, the fire feature is spectacular, with flames appearing to erupt from the reflective pool. After months in the design and development stage, the fire-on-water element was established as the garden’s signature feature. Bosch was also inspired to use metalwork in the garden as a contrast to natural elements such as the adjacent forest. “Using the similarly styled metal in both spaces gives the sense that the home doesn’t have boundaries,” explained Bosch. This blurring of boundaries also aligned with the vision of the home’s architect, who aimed to bring the forest ambience indoors. The homeowners enjoy the tranquility that comes from bringing in natural elements. “We really wanted to incorporate a look that blended from the inside out,” the wife explained. “We wanted clean lines.” Metal privacy panels and vibrant, lush plantings contrast with the ruggedness of the custom-cut, eight-foot by eight-foot flagstones and smaller cobblestone patio details to create the relaxing atmosphere the owners were looking for. •
Blooming planters offer a splash of colour in a quiet area. A trio of stools marks a spot for conversation, reading or meditation.
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As evening sets in, the patio is illuminated by gently glowing lanterns. Clear sightlines provide a view of the breathtaking fire and water feature from every vantage point.
By creating continuity among materials, sightlines and motifs, Bosch was able to achieve an atmosphere that simultaneously offers a distinct outdoor living space with the appeal of a continuous indoor-outdoor environment. Adding to a sense of refinement is the designer’s keen eye for finishing details, including textured glass panels and brushed nickel fixtures. The fire fountain is the garden feature that really stands out for the husband. “It’s so peaceful because you can hear the water bubbling beneath the flames,” the husband said, marking his patio season not with barbecues and table parasols but with a sense of calm. •
“We wanted clean lines.”
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BIB_Advertising_F.pdf
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We’re thrilled to announce the re-launch of our website, www.torontohomemag.com. The redesign involves a fresh look and new web content. We’re proud to join forces with some of Canada’s most influential companies and experts in home design:
The Canadian Decorators’ Association will offer their expertise in design with features, profiles and videos.
The Gift Network is an online registry and shopping destination that features unique products from more than 200 independent boutiques across Canada. Every week, we will hand-select and spotlight their best home-furnishing items.
We are also excited to announce that we are giving away three gift cards from the Gift Network, worth $100 each, which can be redeemed at any of their partner boutiques. For details on how to win, visit our website: www.torontohomemag.com
MEET OUR EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
Andrew Downward Divine Design on HGTV
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Sarah Glynn Steven & Chris on CBC Income Property on HGTV
Rebecca Mitchell Montreal-based designer for 15 years
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DESIGN
BACKYARD RESORT
Luxuriant plantings impart a tropical feeling BY LAURA BOYD-CLOWES PHOTOGRAPHY: BRANDON BARRÉ
FROM THE TOP OF HER HOME’S WIDE, gently curved stone steps, Gordana Pavlovic’s backyard appears to be a tropical oasis. Thick foliage climbs down the sand-coloured patio bricks as cheerful f lowers nestle among conifer shrubs. Stone-terraced planter beds descend toward an inviting pool, which is lined by deck chairs and shady umbrellas. Next to these sits a pool house, with large glass doors and windows, and furnished with comfortable wood seats and two large pots standing guard with overflowing bright flowers. An avid traveller, Gordana says that her backyard was inspired by her favourite vacation resort experiences. Given our short Canadian summers, she wanted the design to serve as a permanent reminder of that feeling of warmth, relaxation and sense of retreat. To contrast it against the forest that surrounds the property, Gordana has filled the poolside and garden with colour. Each year she chooses a new matching scheme for flowers, furniture and other features. •
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To maintain the easy, carefree feeling, Gordana has planted plenty of hydrangeas, producing large, exuberant umbels, along with other bright, hardy flowers (both annuals and perennials), all of which are selected for their ability to thrive in the southern Ontario climate. There are also many shrubs to fill out the beds, lending a sense of lush greenness all year round. The stone and brickwork allow for a variety of landscaping ideas such as borders, draping ground cover and pedestal planters. For convenience, the beds and planters are watered by an underground irrigation system of piping and sprinklers that Gordana’s handy husband, Steve, designed and installed. The entire family appreciates and contributes to the space. Gordana’s three sons and their friends frequently enjoy the water, patio and pool house. The Pavlovic family often spends time on their boat on the nearby lake but, when at home, likes to maintain that easy summer feeling. For this reason, the pool house is furnished with a changing room and chairs, not to mention a fridge to facilitate seasonal recreation. •
The creative stonework creates an attractive dynamic between house and yard; terraces provide structure for beds, resulting in numerous planting possibilities.
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The shaded path from the main house curves invitingly down to the bright pool area. Why head for the beach when you have a resort in your own backyard?
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Stylish outdoor furniture complements the surrounding greenery, a mix of indigenous and planted shrubs and trees.
The elegant pool house, recreating the style of the main dwelling in miniature, is well used (and was even more so when the children were younger). It was constructed on a previously barren plot of land in the back corner of the property. The family likes to joke that, as small as the pool house is, its location near the water and trees would make it, rather than the bedrooms in the house, the preferable sleeping spot for hot summer nights. Although it might seem to have been an overwhelming project, Gordana said that designing her own backyard brought with it little stress. She enjoys the entire process of design, from early brainstorming and planning to bringing ideas to fruition. Of course, the part where she has the most fun is when it comes time to go shopping. To keep things fresh and interesting, she finds a new colour scheme to work with each season, purchasing most of her annuals from nearby Terra Greenhouses. Requiring little maintenance but producing lots of colour, this backyard offers up a hidden sanctuary in an increasingly dense and hectic part of the Greater Toronto Area. •
(Opposite) At one end of the pool are large, rough-hewn blocks of stone that can be used as tables or benches.
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GEOMETRY TO THE
RESCUE
Right angles and straight lines redeem ruined yard BY LESLEY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY: BRANDON BARRÉ
SOMETIMES BIG MESSES turn out to be little blessings. For the Brcic family living in North Toronto, it happened in 2008 when a neighbour’s giant tree branch snapped off and crashed into their backyard, igniting a spirit-lifting renewal. “It totally destroyed our patio furniture,” said homeowner Branimir Brcic. He eyed the disaster, took a deep breath, and called in Toronto’s Earth Inc. to finally put to paper all the dreams they’d had about renovating the backyard. “We’d been watching Earth Inc.’s tv show Dirty Business (no longer airing) and liked their work,” said Branimir. “Our main goal for the garden was that it had to fit the aesthetic of the house.”
“This is truly a special garden for us.
The Brcic’s home stands out on the street for its modular brick and steel construction, explained James Dale, landscape designer and owner/partner of Earth Inc. The family had admired its unique Modern architecture from up close for years (they lived right behind it) and snatched up the place when it went on the market. Content with their interior renovations, they still had a sore spot: the backyard. •
Imagine this garden without the strategic plantings – it would not be as appealing. Here mass groupings of broadleaf euonymus and astilbe, as well as a double French lilac shrub, soften the hard edges to create a welcoming, verdant space. In a garden renovation like this, one or two of the fully grown trees can be preserved. The draping tips of a mature evergreen (foreground) bring a touch of history to this garden’s modern design.
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“To be perfectly honest,” said Dale, “the backyard was horrific. The deck was rotting, the softscaping was far too traditional, and the hardscaping was a dog’s breakfast.” The only existing component Dale incorporated into his design was the concrete walkout balcony, because it matched the home’s exterior. But he added stainless steel and glass railings that preserve the view, and open-tread ipê stairs that create a floating effect, softening the lines of the hardscaping. Because of the long rectangular lot (190 feet by 25 feet), Dale created a procession of three outdoor rooms: upper and lower outdoor lounge areas with powerful architectural focal points, and a dining room within a strong geometric pergola to mimic the right angles of the house. •
Careful attention was given to sight lines from every angle, including from inside the home. A clear glass balcony suits the modern look and ensures an unobstructed view.
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The high-end dining set reflects the garden’s strong lines, according to James Dale, who says that not only is the mesh physically comfortable to sit on, but on hot days it keeps guests feeling cool. Mesh dining chairs also eliminate the need for high-maintenance cushions.
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Privacy is cleverly provided with unique screens constructed of cedar timbers and a series of frosted glass panels interrupted by one bold orange acrylic panel on either side. Not only do the screens offer a pop of colour in the day, they are all backlit at night, casting magical, dancing silhouettes of the shrubs behind them into the lounge and dining areas. “Because the plants change every season, the effect creates different moods in the garden,” Branimir pointed out. “This is truly a special garden for us. We found great happiness and focus once we finally tackled it. Now we feel totally relaxed in it and appreciate how its California vibe suits the house. We read out there. We entertain a fair bit. We simply cherish the beautiful space and all the comfort and joy it offers,” said Branimir. •
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The bold outlines of all-weather resin furniture provide that sense of boutique hotel or beach resort that’s trendy in garden design today, Dale noted. Orange accent pillows tie in with the orange panel pictured on page 115.
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1 Yonge Street, suite 1801 Toronto, On. M5E 1W7
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ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
Coloured details work with simple backdrop to bring out boldness BY VALERIE HOWES PHOTOGRAPHY: ARISTEA RIZAKOS STYLING: LAURIE CLARK
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WHEN THE HOMEOWNER TOOK POSSESSION of this three-storey property on a ravine two years ago, she essentially got to start with a clean slate. The contemporary house, surrounded by parkland, had just been built from the ground up. After fitting the kitchen and bathrooms, the seller left the midtown property raw-walled and ready for customization. Working with designer Erin Jones of Carey Mudford Interior Design, the new homeowner created a monochromatic scheme to act as a backdrop to the lively punches of colour found throughout the house. The starting point for
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the brights was a cowhide piece in acid orange, found at Elte. The rug-turned-wall-hanging informed everything from the fabrics in the living room to the stairway’s bold orange and gold wall covering. “I’m originally from Montreal, and I wanted my home to be bold, modern and fun,” said the homeowner. “We went through about three different schemes before we ended up going with pink and tangerine,” said Jones. Reserving colours for the accessories and accents meant that they could be switched easily over time. Although the homeowner was considering a purple
sofa, Jones advised a more neutral option. The brown leather sectional she ended up choosing was practical enough for any future scenarios and large enough to seat numerous guests; it could also offer a warm tie-in with the mahogany-coloured kitchen cupboards in the open-plan room. To achieve a perfect mix – balancing textures, patterns, shapes, sizes and colours – Jones sketched the sectional to imagine how the custom cushions would be positioned on it as an ensemble. “They’re still laid out exactly as I drew them,” she said. “The homeowner kept that sketch!” •
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The dining room chairs are remakes of a classic Eames design. Their simple Mid-century Modern lines and dark colour create interesting contrast with the rustic and pale reclaimed barn-door tabletop.
Flow is important throughout the home, and several elements reappear on different storeys. The grey marble of the kitchen countertops, for instance, is repeated in the bathrooms, powder room and living room. When the homeowner had the fireplace built, she was left with large enough off-cuts to have custom marble-and-steel side tables made, too. The modern kitchen – equipped with Miele dishwasher, Jenn-Air gas stove, Thermador electric stove and microwave, and Sub-Zero refrigerator – was a key selling point for this house. “Everywhere else I looked, I would have wanted to rip the more traditional kitchen out,” said the homeowner. “All I had to do here was paint a wall.” She quickly became a fan of the oversized sink, which is set directly opposite the gas stove and able to hold large loads of dishes, and is framed by an easy-to-clean sparkling, tiled backsplash. •
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In lieu of balusters, a glass panel supports the stairway’s handrail – another well-conceived element that creates a sense of openness and flow among the different areas in the home.
“I wanted my home to be bold, modern and fun.”
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The sectional sofa is low-backed to avoid obstructing the view of the ravine. When the trees are in full leaf, the urban living space feels like a forest retreat. (Opposite) Instead of searching for art on a scale that would work in the tall stairwell, the homeowner made a statement with bold graphic wallpaper.
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“We went through about three different schemes before we ended up going with pink and tangerine.” The practical space with its clean lines is softened with sculpted glass vases, ceramic bowls and one-of-a-kind pieces that the homeowner has collected at craft shows and on her travels. They’re housed on shelves by the Mid-century Modern breakfast nook table from The Art Shoppe. Meals are eaten in this cosy spot daily, although morning meals and coffee are taken outside on the deck, which overlooks the ravine. For holidays and dinner parties, the formal dining table is set. This repurposed barn-doortopped piece shipped in from California by Elte seats 12. The high-gloss pale-blue sideboard was custom designed by Jones to hold platters at serving height. Its cool, chromefinished legs were selected to tie in with the dining table base. By day, the Illumina silver wall covering in this room is pale and discreet; by the soft light of evening, it shimmers. Statement silver lighting from Amarynth Glass Gallery completes the glitzy look. The formal sitting room just off the dining room was the last space to be completed, so high-end and more economic purchases were brought together to keep the whole project on budget. The Elte chairs, for which the homeowner had matching footstools made, were a splurge, whereas the sofa was Crate & Barrel. “We dressed it up with custom cushions in Schumacher fabrics,” said Jones. Everything in this room was inspired by the framed, handstitched and bejewelled elephant wall hanging, a gift from the homeowner’s brother from his travels in Thailand. Its gold threads play off the dark grey accent work around the fireplace. •
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At right angles to the vanity mirror, a full-length dark-framed mirror ties in with the cabinetry and helps reflect the natural light that floods in through the large bathroom window.
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“We picked it because it was soothing.”
While an injection of colour is the impact felt upstairs, the more subtle effect is of a serene sleeping and bathing environment. The master bathroom is painted soft, mossy green. Bright and functional, it has a Neptune soaker bath and rain showerhead with multiple jets and functions. The large window by the tub lets in an abundance of natural light. Most of the master bedroom’s far wall is windowed, creating a sense of sleeping among the treetops. To keep the focus on the natural environment, the room is painted a slightly darker shade than the colour in the ensuite. Softer flashes of reds, yellows and blues can be picked out in the Indian hand-crafted rug on the floor, keeping things lively but in a somewhat gentler spirit than downstairs. The wall art suspended above the headboard consists of three stark, wintry scenes by a Turkish photographer and purchased at Elte. “We picked it because it was soothing,” said the homeowner. One of the fun touches in this room is the Urban Barn “hairy” cushions, set on the low Italian bed. With all her artistic flair and boldly colourful statements, the homeowner always leaves room for the playful. •
Simple details such as colourful candles, a raspberry-red throw and patterned cushions add a note of fun in a soothing and relaxing bedroom space.
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BUYER’S GUIDE SUMMER 2013
WAY BEYOND WICKER DEBBIE TRAVIS www.debbietravis.com
JNSQ DESIGN www.jnsq.ca 416-944-3106
B&B ITALIA / MAXALTO www.bebitalia.it
HIGH ART JANET ROSENBERG & STUDIO www.jrala.ca 416-656-6665
BOVER www.bover.es DEDON www.dedon.de FOSCARINI www.foscarini.com KIOSK www.kioskdesign.ca NAPOLEON FIREPLACES www.napoleonfireplaces.com TUUCI www.tuuci.com FROM PATIO TO OUTDOOR ROOM URBAN MODE www.urbanmode.com 416-591-8834 CASUALIFE OUTDOOR LIVING www.casualife.ca 905-475-8353 905-990-5433 DECK & DOCK www.deckanddock.ca 1-866-523-4887 SUNBATHING AND STARGAZING TERRA FIRMA HOME AND TERRACE DESIGN www.terrafirmadesign.ca 416-881-7739 REAL-LIFE RENO JANE LOCKHART INTERIOR DESIGN www.janelockhart.com 416-762-2493 ELTE www.elte.com 888-276-3583 CONDO LIVING LARGE PORTER & BEST www.porterandbest.com 855-632-2888
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AD LIST SUMMER 2013
ART FOR ART’S SAKE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES Course 2597 – Conversations from the Toronto Art World Taught by Shari Orenstein www.learn.utoronto.ca/courses/ conversations-from-the-toronto-artworld AGO ART RENTAL AND SALES GALLERY www.ago.net/artrental/ 416-977-4654 DANIEL FARIA GALLERY www.danielfariagallery.com 416-538-1880 NEUBACHER SHOR CONTEMPORARY www.neubachershor.com 416-546-3683 BACKYARD RESORT TERRA GREENHOUSES www.terragreenhouses.com ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Erin Jones, Senior Designer CAREY MUDFORD INTERIOR DESIGN www.cmidesign.ca 416-362-3305 THE ART SHOPPE www.theartshoppe.com 416-487-3211 AMARYNTH GLASS GALLERY www.amarynth.com 416-515-9191
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Amati
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Arjun Kitchen Design
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Barroso Homes
21
Bayden
71
Betz Pools
12
Binns Kitchen + Bath Design
4 34 119 13 93 119
Cameo Kitchens Casualife Outdoor Living CDECA Chair Source Covenant House Deck & Dock
15
Decorium
35
Direct Interiors
92
Dominion Rug & Home
45
Elizabeth Interiors
6
Galerie Le Bourget
89
Garage Living
78
Gautier
60
Glassworks Studio
44
Hampton Kitchens Inc.
10
Hunter Douglas
56
Irene G. Interior Solutions
118
Joanne C. Personal Trainer
17
Jura
29
Ken Shaw Lexus
25
Living Lighting
28
Lori Morris Design
79
Marvin Windows and Doors
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Organized Interiors
70
Palazzetti
27
Permacon
8 57
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Rinox Simply Closets
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Sonoma Forge
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The Gracious Living Centre
11
Tiltco
61
Village Paint
2
Weavers Art
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X-Tile Canada
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York Fabrica
ELEMENTALLY REFINED THE LANDMARK GROUP www.thelandmarkgroup.ca 519-599-2957 GEOMETRY TO THE RESCUE EARTH INC. www.earthinc.com 416-216-0378
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IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
With our next issue, prepare to re-think your idea of what Country Home really means. We’ll showcase rural homes that span the design spectrum from rustic-chic to contemporary minimalist. We’ll feature a home in the French country style with opulence to spare, and a charming property where a family lives and works as dinner theatre performers. From Tiny Township to Bright, and from Keswick to Cottage Country, take a leisurely stroll with us. On newsstands in August.
WATERBRIDGE IN RUSTIC COPPER
SONOMA FORGE DESIGNER FAUCETS
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ENERGIZE YOUR IMAGINATION WITH OUR EXQUISITE SHOWROOM 105 Doncaster Avenue, Thornhill, ON (905) 709-0881
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