Montreal Home - Autumn 2018

AUTUMN ISSUE

GREAT CANADIAN COTTAGES Colin and Justin on their new TV show

CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY Montreal architects update older homes in a new vernacular

A TASTE OF TOFINO

BATHROOMS

The latest design trends

West Coast dining at its best

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

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A tour of wineries in the Okanagan

SOFAS AND ARMCHAIRS

BATHROOM FIXTURES

STUNNING STAIRCASES

RECOVER YOUR INNER FORM

Contact us to learn more about the different treatments and surgeries.

MAKING SENSE OF TUMMY-TUCKS

E. Hashim, Plastic Surgeon

MD,CM, M.Sc, FRCS(C), FACS • First Prize in Surgery at McGill University • Diplomate of American Board of Plastic Surgery (United States) • Fellow in Plastic Surgery (Royal College of Surgeons Canada) FRCSC • Fellow in Plastic Surgery (American College of Surgeons, U.S) FACS • MSc.(Experimental Surgery) McGill University

After weight-loss, pregnancy, or following the hormonal changes with age, women often are left with a loose, flaccid abdomen. This is particularly cruel following childbirth where the price to pay for a beautiful child is a sad abdomen. The cause of this is not a simple blame on loose skin. There may be a muscular component where the muscles of the ‘six-pack’ become stretched and separated.

There may also be an issue with the overlying skin, which may have lost its elasticity and its normally tight connections to the muscle, causing it to hang loosely. Because of these changes, the correction (called an abdominoplasty or ‘tummy-tuck’) often requires the surgeon to address both the muscles and the overlying skin. The resulting scar can often be hidden in the ‘bikini-line’, allowing you to wear that 2-piece bathing suit again! The associated pain is not too bad (generally no more painful than a Caesarian) and easily controlled with medications. With a recovery time of about 3 weeks, you are not bedridden and should walk around the house normally. Heavy exercise should be avoided for a good 6-8 weeks to allow the muscle repair to heal solidly. Don’t be fooled by the allure of liposuction: liposuction will only suction the fat and not deal with the damaged, stretched skin or the changes in the muscle.

Women often come to the office ashamed of their abdomen and hide their tummy from their husband for years. They choose their clothing to best cover their shame and often harbor a subconscious resentment toward their pregnancies despite having beautiful children. After surgery, these same women smile more, gain more confidence and dress more to show their bodies, all translating to better sex appeal!

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EDITOR’S LETTER

I AM FASCINATED BY CREATIVE PEOPLE – the folks who appear to effortlessly manifest innovation and beauty. Of course, many creative endeavours are anything but effortless. They require hard work and a lot of planning, and they can be accompanied by plenty of frustration.

In my position as editor, I have the pleasure of encountering many creative people. They’re interior designers and architects who can visualize the transformation of a derelict building into a cozy, welcoming home. Artists who can convert a tube of oil paint into a captivating canvas that is enjoyed for years. Landscape architects who can transmute a patch of weeds into a horticultural oasis. Where there was once nothing, there is suddenly beauty. These are the people I am privileged to meet in my work.

There is no shortage of creative people profiled in this issue. West Coast fashion designer Dorothy Grant comes to mind. She uses the symbols of her Haida culture – orcas, ravens, hummingbirds – in the clothing she designs.

TV’s Colin and Justin, who know creative architecture and interior design when they see it, give us a sneak peak at their new television show, Great Canadian Cottages, which will be broadcast on Cottage Life this autumn. The program takes viewers into some spectacular vacation homes in cottage country, each different from the others.

I love the work being done by Trois Rivièresbased Martin Bättig, whose design team is

There are several ways you can stay in touch with us: @movatohome @movatohome @movatohome

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creating unusual staircases in commercial and residential settings. The company built the glass-and-steel staircase for the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. And there are plans for plenty of unusually creative endeavours ahead.

Then there’s artist Anicko, whose depictions of people are reminiscent of stained glass windows. The individual pieces in her works represent the emotional layers that accumulate in our lives over time.

Of course, creativity is manifested in many ways. Writer Julie Gedeon shows us how creative the chefs of Tofino are in her feature about where to eat in the Vancouver Island town, which welcomes hordes of foodies every year. If you’re planning to travel this autumn, Tofino might just be the destination your taste buds are craving.

We also focus on trends in bathroom design in this issue. Prepare to be wowed by the impressive work being done by some very creative interior designers.

Finally, the creativity of the many British Columbians who work in the burgeoning wine industry is celebrated on these pages. These folks are turning the Okanagan into a magnet for visitors who want to sip great wines, eat great food, and stare at great views. Another great reason to travel west.

Creative people make the world a better – and more beautiful – place for the rest of us.

STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@movatohome.com

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2 SIDED SHOWER DOOR ALSO FEATURING: LUNA SUNRIZE LIGHTED MIRROR / LUNA MERIDIAN PETITE VANITY

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR BATHROOM

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CONTRIBUTORS

KAREN SEIDMAN “In the contemporary and minimalistic Villeray home that I profiled for this issue, orange is the new black. Or white. Or grey. It’s an accent colour that is used in several ways for eye-popping, dramatic effect,” says contributor Karen Seidman. She found the strong colour a refreshing change from many of today’s home renovations that feature a monochromatic look. “The simple lines and backdrop of natural wood and white contrasted with the gutsy orange bursts of colour to make for a memorable home,” Karen says. “Cleverly, the architects made sure all the orange could be painted over one day, should the family tire of their choice. Bold, yet pragmatic.”

JIM TOBLER Jim Tobler is a writer, editor and industry consultant. He was the editor of NUVO magazine from 2000 to 2006 and of MONTECRISTO magazine from 2008 to 2017. He was also senior editor of Wine Access, and has written, with chefs, four cookbooks. His feature for this issue about the Okanagan Valley’s wineries is based on his almost two decades of tours and interviews in the region, which is fast becoming a world-class wine-tourism destination.

JULIE GEDEON Writer Julie Gedeon yearns to return to Tofino, on Vancouver Island, after spending a week not only hiking the lush Pacific rainforest trails, but indulging in the resort town’s fabulous farm- and dock-to-table food. A staunch fan of West Coast fare, Julie notes that Tofino - thanks in large part to the Wickaninnish Inn - has cultivated extraordinary culinary talent and is redefining West Coast cuisine. She reports on her findings for readers contemplating a visit to the region, which tourists visit almost year-round.

SUSAN KELLY The power of myth was brought home to regular contributor Susan Kelly in the two features she wrote for this issue. “It was such an honour to interview Haida fabric artist and designer Dorothy Grant,” she says, “and learn more about how this highly revered artist weaves such empowering symbols into her work.” As well, the very private designer provided some insight into her personal journey in becoming an artist. Switching gears for her regular horoscope feature, Susan explores how the ancient imagery of the zodiac might be reflected in current home decor trends. “They are, after all, the signs that decorate the walls of our universe, each deeply rooted in myth,” she says.

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Volume 10, number 5, Autumn Issue 2018 Date of Issue: September, 2018

6100 TransCanada Highway Suite 100, Pointe-Claire Quebec H9R 1B9

1-866-846-1640 movatohome.com sales@movatohome.com

PUBLISHER Dr. Sharon Azrieli CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Stanley Kirsh

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carmen Lefebvre ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Neve Foltz CONTRIBUTORS Cheryl Cornacchia Julie Gedeon Elisabeth Kalbfuss Susan Kelly Tracey MacKenzie Colin McAllister Brenda O’Farrell Phillipa Rispin Justin Ryan Karen Seidman Jim Tobler PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry Arnal Maxime Brouillet Donna Griffith Joshua Lawrence Assaf Pinchuk Raphaël Thibodeau Valerie Wilcox STYLISTS Ashley Barrey Nicola Hockin Rania Ismail-Cherry Tracey MacKenzie Kirsten Marshall Leanne McKeachie Natalie Venalainen

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Azrieli PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper CONTROLLER Jenny Marques DIRECTOR OF SALES - NATIONAL Kelly Chicoine For sales inquiries, please email Kelly Chicoine: kelly@movatohome.com

LEGAL DEPOSIT 1920-1370 Montreal Home magazine Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Montreal Home magazine is strictly prohibited.

Publication # 41959020 issn

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CONTENTS

16 ON THE COVER SOPHISTICATION WITH A FAMILY VIBE A Villeray duplex is designed and renovated to be contemporary and minimalist but warm and welcoming for children

GREAT CANADIAN COTTAGES

Colin and Justin’s new TV show takes viewers inside unique vacation homes in Canada’s cottage country

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BON APPÉTIT

Tofino is a magnet for foodies thanks to its excellent restaurants that are creating a new West Coast cuisine

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CUBED AND SQUARED

An architect designs box-shaped extensions to a century-old home

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CONTENTS

SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN

Celadon’s new &tradition line celebrates cutting-edge Danish design in furnishings and accessories

6 EDITOR’S LETTER 14 THIS JUST IN

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An array of new products for your home

28 THE SUITE LIFE The third floor of a Toronto rowhouse is transformed into an ensuite bathroom and bedroom

36 VERY VICTORIAN A bathroom in a historic home in Victoria, B.C. is restored in its original style

44 LIFE IN PIECES Figurative portraits by Quebec artist Anicko borrow from the aesthetic of stained glass to depict the many parts and layers of life

54 HEAVEN KNOWS As stars and planets align and misalign this season, our decor choices are influenced by their movements

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66 GETTING OUR FIXTURES FIX Montreal Home’s guide to the latest bathroom fixtures on the market

CONTEXT COUNTS

82 WATER WORKS Today’s bathrooms are sophisticated sanctuaries thanks to new technologies, materials and fixtures

Thanks to a clever architectural sleight of hand, a contemporary home integrates well with neighbouring traditional Quebec-village houses

106 THE POWER OF LEGEND Fashion designer Dorothy Grant creates clothing that interprets Haida culture

110 RAISE YOUR GLASS The Okanagan Valley’s wineries beckon as a destination for oenophiles

118 A STEP AHEAD OF THE TRENDS Bättig Design creates avant-garde staircases for commercial and residential interiors

132 CHILL OUT AND CURL UP A guide to the latest in sofas and armchairs

148 UPGRADING WORK ENVIRONMENTS This Montreal company provides employers with functional furniture for a clean, modern look

150 FINDING THE FOREVER HOME A 1910 house is redesigned as a perfect long-term abode for a young family

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140 NEW HOTEL IN AN ANCIENT LAND The Orient Jerusalem Hotel offers luxe accommodations in a historic, sacred place

Canada’s Ultimate Destination Today’s Finest Contemporary & Most Up-to-Date Collections

Bedding Bath Decor Kitchen Gifts Electrics Tabletop Glass & Barware Mattress

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DESIGN

1. ANGLING FOR COMPLIMENTS Two pieces sold separately — a mirror and a dimensional shelf – match handily for a wall-hung design element. The storage space is practical for small objects and decorative trinkets. Made of wood.

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3. FOR THE LOVE OF LINEN The comfort and quality of our sleep affects our moods and health. For that reason, bedding (sheets, duvets, pillows, duvet covers) should be made only of natural fibres. Linen is the most eco-friendly fibre and it boasts exceptional durability. Ellie is a new collection of Italian sateen-woven 100-per-cent linen bedding, available at Qui Dort Dine. Sweet dreams.

Qui Dort Dine 4393 St. Denis St., Montreal 514-288-3836 www.quidortdine.ca

2. BEAR HUG Stay warm and toasty this autumn. Enjoy a hot beverage and keep your hands cozy by wrapping them around this delightful bear-shaped mug.

You can nestle your hand inside the glove-like handle for extra warmth.

Stoneware with 14-ounce capacity.

Linen Chest www.linenchest.com

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4393 St Denis St, Montreal, QC H2J 2L2 t:514-288-3836 f: 514-288-8984 www.quidortdine.ca

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DESIGN

COOL & CONTEMPORARY

W I T H A FA M I LY A M B I EN C E A Villeray duplex is redesigned to be sophisticated and edgy but also child-friendly

BY KAREN SEIDMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY: MAXIME BROUILLET

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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DESIGN

LET THERE BE LIGHT. That was a goal behind the renovation of this funky Villeray duplex, bought by a Montreal couple with two young children with the goal of creating a home that would be bright, contemporary and have a “family ambience.�

When the couple bought the house near the bustling Jean Talon Market, the interior was a warren of small, dark rooms, while the exterior had been poorly renovated and stood out in stark contrast to the rest of the brick duplexes in the neighbourhood.

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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La SHED, the Plateau-based architecture firm hired by the couple to transform the space, wanted to give the family the home they wanted while also restoring the look of the structure to suit its surroundings, says Renée Mailhot, one of the founding architects of the hip firm. La SHED’s philosophy is to provide interior design along with architecture to create a cohesive project.

“You need to have sensitivity to a home’s context,” says Mailhot. “The front facade was not traditional, but the back was. We transformed the back to bring more light into the house and to create a better connection to the outdoors. We also wanted a front facade that would integrate the home into the neighbourhood.” •

The striking orange staircase is a focal point of the living area and is a “masterpiece of composition,” as it is seen from everywhere in the house. Vertical wooden slats act both as a handrail and a wall to support shelving.

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DESIGN

To achieve that goal, Mailhot used textured red brick, creating a pattern at the top tier of the building that reflected others in the neighbourhood.

At the rear of the house, however, is where la SHED’s funky approach is on full display with what Mailhot describes as a “Montreal alley kind of look.” That’s where a courtyard with a solitary, striking tree dominates the view from the main level, and where an upstairs niched roof terrace provides a cool outdoor space, and where the old garage doors were restored and painted orange to provide a dazzling entrance to a storage shed. •

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The front of the home was designed to better reflect the neighbourhood, while the back has many funky elements, including a roof terrace and a shed, which was given an arresting entrance with bright orange doors.

DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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The L-shaped duplex has a beautiful courtyard punctuated by a solitary tree and is connected to the kitchen and dining area. The architects say the layout and the connection of living spaces, both interior and exterior, give the house its family ambience.

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DESIGN

Inside, to get the airiness the couple wanted, la SHED had to gut much of what was there.

In its place, the team of architects created an open-concept design with a sleek kitchen at the heart of the home and everything connected to that important epicentre. Floorto-ceiling windows and doors bring in the desired light (as well as a skylight in the one upstairs bathroom that has no windows).

The brightness is enhanced by the natural ash floors and wood trim. White walls and white cabinetry also contribute to the airy feel of the home. All of that lightness has a powerful counterpoint, which is the use of bright orange splashes of colour, most impressively on a two-storey-high wall and on the home’s main staircase.

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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In Mailhot’s opinion, those orange stairs are the pièce de résistance of the house.

“Everyone talks about the orange staircase,” she says. “It’s a masterpiece of composition it was placed so it’s seen from everywhere in house. It’s very unusual.” The architect wisely ensured that all the orange accents could be repainted one day should the family tire of the colour.

There’s a lot going on around those stairs.

Vertical slats of wood create a guardrail for the staircase, and bookshelves are integrated into that unique wood structure. All of that forms a kind of interior courtyard that echoes the exterior one, with the soaring orange wall accentuating the space. It opens to a catwalk on the second level for even more dramatic effect. •

(Top) A skylight brightens a bathroom in which there are no windows.

(Above, right) The children’s playroom includes a hidden crawlspace behind the staircase that is covered in chalkboard. (Opposite) An upstairs catwalk accentuates the high ceiling and drama of the living room.

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DESIGN

The kitchen was important to the homeowners because they love to cook and they wanted it to be “a convivial, warm place” that connects all of the main-level rooms. Matte lacquered white panels, matching the walls, are accentuated with a small inlay of natural wood on the two islands. Mailhot loves the “restaurant vibe” of the kitchen, with its stainless steel countertops and integrated stainless sink. “The stainless is very durable so you can do anything on those counters,” she says.

The homeowners love to cook so the kitchen, positioned at the centre of the house, is the home’s focal area.

The two islands afford plenty of prep space, while the stainless-steel countertops are practical and give the kitchen a restaurant look.

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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While the house is unquestionably streamlined, Mailhot says the team strived to create a “somewhat minimalistic look, but not intensely so.” The couple definitely wanted some warmth, she says, which was provided by the wood throughout the house and the orange accents.

“The warmth also comes from the layout,” she says. “The textures, the wood and the colour are important. But so is the fact that all the living areas are connected – that makes it comfy and warm for a family with children to live there.” •

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DESIGN

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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A SUITE OF ONE’S OWN The expanded top floor of a rowhouse becomes the parents’ realm

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: NATALIE VENALAINEN

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DESIGN

LIFE IN THE CITY USUALLY MEANS living in proximity – often very close proximity – to one’s neighbours. If you need more space but like your home and don’t want to move, what do you do? You build up – which is exactly what the owners of this rowhouse in the Bathurst and Queen area did.

In their two-storey house, which had two small rooms making up a tiny third storey, the owners didn’t have a true master suite, so that was on their wish list. The husband

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also worked at home, with his office in one of those two rooms. A better office was definitely on the list.

Designer Keith O’Brien provided the couple with an expanded third floor that now covers the same area as the floor below.

It contains the master bedroom (11 feet by 16 feet) and bathroom (9.5 feet by 10.5 feet), two walk-in closets, and an office. In short, the entire third floor is a suite for husband and wife.

When it came to interior details, “the aesthetic was decided from the get-go. The floor tile was the major driving factor in the bathroom design,” says Natalie Venalainen, senior designer in the interior design department of Men At Work Design Build, which oversaw the transformation of the space.

“The husband and wife are in creative fields,” Venalainen says. “They are pretty decisive. They made decisions quickly and they knew what they wanted.” •

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DESIGN

With the concrete f loor tiles being such a strong presence, homeowners and designer dialed down the impact of the furnishings for both the bathroom and bedroom. The long bathroom vanity and the linen tower were custom-made by Allwood Carpentry Manufacturing and finished in walnut veneer. The countertop and backsplash were clad with Caesarstone quartz in the Fresh Concrete colour.

The sleek furniture, an intriguingly shaped mirror above the vanity, and the globe sconce lights on each side give the room a hint of a Mid-century Modern aesthetic. “I think the mirror plays off well with the globes and the pendant lights,” Venalainen says. “There’s a bit of tension happening.”

The mid-century vibe is carried into the bedroom, too. The handmade bed and pair of night tables in walnut were custom-made

by Objets Mécaniques. They are clean-lined, unfussy. Since the bedside tables have a relatively small top surface, Venalainen opted to use wall sconces rather than tabletop lamps for lighting.

A rug with a subdued geometric pattern doesn’t clash with the bathroom tiles visible from the bedroom. The rug’s subtle orange tones reference the walnut furniture, and the bedding in purple and mauve is a quiet colour complement. A comfortable chair in a neutral beige colour makes for a reading nook by the large window.

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

“That reading nook is about bringing light in,” says Venalainen. Because the row house has no windows on either side, except in a jog down the wall against which the bed is placed, the back window is as large as possible. There is a transom window above the bathroom mirror that captures light from the hallway skylight.

A similar transom above the bed provides light from the jog while ensuring privacy.

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The number-one element at the top of her clients’ wish lists was “We need more light,” Venalainen says. “Natural light affects daily mood so much. One common thread throughout all our projects is natural light.

It makes this space so much better.” •

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At our Firm, our primary goal is to convert real estate challenges into solutions for developers, landlords, and managers so that they can focus on optimizing and protecting their returns on investment.

1255 Robert Bourassa, Suite 401, Montreal, Quebec, E: mail@davidghavitian.com P: 514-882-2920 www.davidghavitian.com

DESIGN

TIME TRAVEL Century-old bathroom is lovingly restored

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSHUA LAWRENCE STYLING: LEANNE MCKEACHIE

THERE ARE REALLY ONLY two ways to update heritage homes: Use contemporary materials and products that keep to the spirit of the original design, or be totally anarchic by ignoring tradition and going with an aesthetic that suits your fancy. The worst approach is a pastiche of old style with a few jarring contemporary or wrong-period or poorly done, quaint items. •

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DESIGN

This bathroom in a heritage house in Victoria, B.C. on the edge of Oak Bay is a fine example of the first approach. Indeed, interior designer Leanne McKeachie of Leanne McKeachie Design even used brand new floor tiles that almost exactly replicate the original hex-anddot pattern.

The 115-square-foot bathroom is part of a luxury rental apartment on the top floor of a two-storey house. The ground floor is commercial space, and the basement contains another rental apartment.

“Originally, we were going to make this into a more functional bathroom by just adding a shower,” McKeachie says. “But as happens with a lot of renovations, it blossomed.” The bathroom update turned into a complete gut job.

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“The owner said ‘If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right. Make it a showpiece,’ ” McKeachie recalls. “He wanted to be true to the original architect’s design intent. In fact, when years ago he had painted the house, he chose colours from a historical palette from that era to be sure the colours were on point.

“Our biggest challenge was trying to figure out how to refurbish the cast iron tub,” she says. “It had lived a long life, being salvaged from the Empress Hotel years ago.” The contractor on the project searched diligently to find trades that could re-enamel the tub, replate the brass feet, and cover old holes and drill new ones for the plumbing fixtures. •

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

People were shorter a century ago, and the original pedestal sink was rather low. It too was refurbished, and then it was given an addition to the base to raise it. “These are beautiful antique pieces, part of the character of the house,” McKeachie says.

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One of the room’s very welcome features is a heated floor that extends into the curbless shower. There was no shower in the bathroom’s original incarnation, and the enclosure itself is about as contemporary as you can get. However, being glass and frameless, it lets the shower recede in prominence and the room keep its sense of spaciousness.

The major architectural change in the room was the annexation of an area about two feet by two feet from an adjacent hallway to make space for built-in storage and a pullout laundry-sorting shelf. No matter how charming a traditional century-old bathroom can be, we don’t want to live without our modern conveniences, do we? •

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353-363 rue St-Paul E., Old Montreal $7,000,000+TX

5 Place d’Anjou, Estérel $3,995,000

426 rue Ste-Hélène #500, Old Montreal $3,800,000

250-255 Ch. Fyon, Ivry-sur-le-Lac $2,598,000

55 av. Courcelette, Outremont $2,450,000

663 av. Davaar, Outremont $1,595,000

6100 Deacon #12L, Le Sanctuaire, CDN $1,098,000

4917 av. de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Plateau Mont-Royal $849,000

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©2018 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Independently owned and operated. If your property is already listed, please disregard this ad. Real estate broker, real estate agency, Engel & Völkers Montréal / Québec.

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ART

PUTTING THE PIECES Artist Anicko paints portraits that depict the human psyche as stained-glass fragments

BY JULIE GEDEON

TOGETHER

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ART MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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ART

ARISTOTLE’S IDEA OF the whole being greater than the sum of its parts is what Anicko – a.k.a. Anick Bouchard – explores in her portraits.

The mixed-media artist, whose work is exhibited by Galerie d’art Le Bourget in Old Montreal, takes the notion a step further by delving into how fragments of our lives – encounters, experiences, errors, ecstasies – miraculously come together to form our personalities like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

“I’m interested in how we piece together a new existence for ourselves every time we move to a new place, start a new job, fall in love…” she says.

Anicko delineates each of these aspects with the definitive lines and various colours reminiscent of stained glass. “I use colour and shapes to show how even small changes in our exterior world affect us internally,” she explains. “And brilliant elements reflect the parts of us that always shine, even in darker times.”

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ART MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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The various textures in her work represent the emotional layers that accumulate over time, strengthening us while we remain quite fragile in spots.

“I focus on positive women because that’s the energy that I want to put into the world,” Anicko says. “I want the people who buy my art to live with that positivity every day.”

Anicko studies as many as 50 different photographs of each of her canvases to scrutinize every angle. “The distance afforded by the photographic images helps me to see things in my art that I don’t always notice directly,” she says. •

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ART

Her artistry first emerged in music. She left her native La Baie in the Saguenay as a teenager to study vocal technique for pop and jazz at Montreal’s Collège Lionel-Groulx.

Some Quebecers are familiar with her singing/song-writing abilities from her days with the Caniche Hara-Kiri group that she co-founded in 2004. “That’s also when I

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really started to get into stage makeup and costumes,” she says. Anicko so adored the transformative power of artistic makeup that she studied it at Montreal’s Collège Inter-Dec and then spent a decade collaborating with photographers and filmmakers as a professional makeup artist.

ART MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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“I still feel I’m doing the makeup of my subjects but to reveal their inner beauty,” she says, adding that in her visual art she is raising the same sort of internal identity questions that she expressed with her music.

This comes across in the lighter visage of La Mise à Nu, which gives the distinct impression of an emotional mask having been removed to lay bare the force and fragility of a woman’s face.

Upon returning to the Saguenay, Anicko studied Art at l’Université de Chicoutimi and started to have her work exhibited upon graduation three years later. She can hardly keep up with the demand for her original works and limited prints now.

“I try always to be very mindful of my own mood when I’m in my studio because I know that it comes across in my art,” she says. “It’s why I’ve changed my way of life significantly in recent years – to convey and champion a positive outlook of the human spirit instead of the earlier chaos I lived.” •

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ART

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ART MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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Admirers of Anicko’s work have noted that the subjects in a number of her paintings resemble her. In some cases, she may have subconsciously painted one of her three sisters who looks like her. In others, she acknowledges that aspects of herself may have unknowingly emerged in the powerful women whom she wants to portray from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The geisha in Battement Dailes emerged during a particularly amorous period of her life. However, she’s uncertain of the origins of the aboriginal spirit found in Le Sentier, except that it portrays a woman who is clear about her life path.

“It’s difficult for me to discuss my art because I’m no longer in that frame of mind or mood once a piece is done,” she says.

With the exception of a man resembling her brother-in-law in Nous, all of her portraits to date have been of women. “And I really hope to feature women from yet other cultures,” she says.

“I’m thinking of painting children next,” she adds. “I’m curious about how the ‘jigsaw’ pieces of a child with a pure, instinctive outlook on life might look.” • Anicko’s work can be viewed at Galerie d’art Le Bourget: www.galerielebourget.com and on the artist’s website: www.anicko.net.

Galerie d’art Le Bourget 34 St. Paul St. W., Montreal 514-845-2525

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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LIFESTYLE

MAKE A PLANETARY PLAN FOR YOUR DECOR Let astrology guide you in interior design choices that will take you into 2019

BY SUSAN KELLY

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LIFESTYLE MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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AUTUMN CAN BE AN AWKWARD TIME, decor trend-wise. With more time spent indoors, it’s natural to crave an interior refresh. And yet the trend reports for 2019 won’t be out for months. How to know which will have staying power? Will those funky fringed lampshades that are the darlings of Instagram now be next year’s chevron print (RIP)?

I believe astrology may help us to make future-proof design choices.

Home decor trends go through cycles, after all. And astrology is the study of cycles, as signified by the planets as they orbit and switch signs. A planet is said to be “in a sign” if, when viewed from earth, the orb appears to line up with it in the zodiac. Each planet proceeds at its own pace, sometimes spending years in a given sign. And every time one enters a new sign, it’s as if it embraces a whole new colour scheme, fresh upholstery and flooring.

When it comes to trends, astrologers look to the slower moving planets, the pack from Jupiter on out. Those planets indicate what resonates with the collective consciousness, the zeitgeist. Just for fun, let’s look at Pluto (which astrologers stubbornly still call a planet) and colour. From the late 1990s and for a dozen years, it was in the warmth-craving fire sign of Sagittarius. Then most decorators would

MOODY VERSUS BOLD COLOUR SCHEMES: Countering the sombre Capricorn palette is an emerging trend for very bright, in-your-face colours. This one seems to belong to Jupiter, now in the extreme and intense sign of Scorpio. It never does anything by halves, and I find clients of that sign prefer lots of black with punches of red — colours trending strongly for late 2018. And on November 9, Jupiter will enter the rollicking and exuberant sign of Sagittarius for a year. I find historically, this sign brings a riotous circus of colour, pure primary shades of yellow, red and blue.

MAXIMALISM AND SUPERSIZING: Thanks also to two planets in ascetic Capricorn, minimalism will be around for a while, I think. But some of us find it boring, and a growing “maximalist” trend is emerging. This movement towards a return to lots of colour, pattern and personality I put squarely on the aforesaid Jupiter. That planet is all about “more is more.” It also likes exaggeration, and so statement sofas are in, the bigger the better.

Chandeliers, likewise, are taking on epic proportions. I believe these trends will continue through 2019.

have advised “warm neutral colours, shades of beige” as the way to go.

But by 2008, every colour expert I interviewed said grey would be the new neutral. I scoffed — then I checked my ephemeris. That same year, Pluto moved to Capricorn, a sober sign traditionally associated with the colour grey — which lo, has been the neutral du jour since.

This sign tends to view things in black and white, which may also associate it with the ongoing trend for all-white interior colour schemes.

Now Saturn has joined Pluto in the sign of the Goat. Given its reputation for a brooding moodiness, I find it not surprising that forecasters talk of how subdued or even sombre today’s colour choices are. Even everyone’s new favourite material, marble, is going from white to dark grey or black. This pairing lasts another two years, so painting the walls charcoal, dark grey or purple, or any deep shade of blue, especially navy, should feel right. Many find these shades give a sense of safety and stability in an uncertain world, a very Capricornian attribute.

So what do the planets have to say about other major trends for 2018? Here is a look at six through the lens of astrology.

TEXTURE AND MORE TEXTURE: Last May, the planet Uranus packed up the moving truck and moved into Taurus for a seven-year stay. This is the most sensual of signs, so going forward, homes must appeal not only to the eye. Ambient sounds and scents will take on new significance. And de rigueur will be things that give tactile delight: woods with distressed surfaces, tiles with extreme 3D effects, furniture with a handmade feel or of rattan, and so on. And you can blame this planet for touchable velvet being the “it” fabric now.

CONTEMPORARY FARMHOUSE: The down-home look just might be the new black. This trend will have long-term traction, I think, due to the earth sign concentration and especially Uranus in Taurus. Uranus is about being forward-looking, inventive, even revolutionary, while Taurus loves tradition and authenticity.

Several pundits feel this look works best when edited, stripped down to the essence. Apron sinks, warm wood Shaker-style cabinetry, and such details as handmade tiles played against antique white walls.

GREENERY: Uranus in Taurus joins two planets in Capricorn, making it an earth-sign troika for the next two years and a bit. These signs aim to be the salt of terra firma. Practical, grounded and dependable, they value nature.

And so, houseplants — so long banished from contemporary schemes — have made a huge comeback in interiors of all styles. Especially trendy are colourful and hardy plants or those with intriguing patterned leaves. As well, some people green their spaces by applying olive green or chartreuse paint colour to walls, or perhaps a bold botanical-print wallpaper or fabric.

GO GLOBAL: People have always brought back treasures from their travels and have looked for ways to display them. But this trend calls for building an interior around that impulse, incorporating shapes, textures and designs from other cultures. This approach seems to work best in informal, even eclectic interiors. Think clay and terracotta tiles and global-inspired prints such as ikat. Accessories might be of rattan, shells or jute. This is one trend that might pick up steam as the year progresses, really taking off when Jupiter enters the sign of the traveller, Sagittarius, come November.

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DESIGN

Photo: Discovery Dream Homes

ICONIC HOMES IN THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

Colin and Justin’s new TV show takes viewers inside some unique vacation homes in Canada’s cottage country

BY COLIN MCALLISTER AND JUSTIN RYAN

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Photo: Jeremy Kohm

DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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DESIGN

(Previous left page) A modernist retreat designed by Peterborough-based Discovery Dream Homes,

(Previous right page) Opening doors all over cottage country: Colin and Justin

sits proudly atop a heavily veined granite outcropping overlooking Stoney Lake. The wood-and-glass

survey the landscape from the breezeway at the lakeside home of architect

structure reinterprets the traditional post-and-beam architectural style in a modern idiom.

Vanessa Fong and her husband, Ryan Taylor.

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

Photos: Sandy MacKay

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(Left) A “Scottish Longhouse,” the Ontario home of Scott and Lynn Young references a traditional style found in remote parts of Scotland. Wood-clad and roofed with steel, the vernacular has been updated for a contemporary lifestyle.

(Above) The metal backsplash and integrated appliances bring a “heavy metal” edge to this contemporary kitchen.

FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN REMEMBER, we’ve been inspired by beautiful homes. Whether we are designing and subsequently writing about or filming gorgeous abodes, home - as we see it – is where the heart resides.

And it’s that heartbeat that propels us.

During our 20-year career, we’ve crafted dream nests for politicians and rock stars, rejigged homes across Australia, fashioned grand villas in the Middle East, and catalogued, for fine shelter publications, dozens of domestic spaces in North America, Britain, France, Spain, and elsewhere.

And, as we write, our style passport awaits its next stamp; this time, we’re en route to South Africa, where we’ll kick off

a large residential project. We relish every minute of our multi-continental journey.

It’s seldom a chore.

But can we whisper something, sotto voce?

Our latest show, Great Canadian Cottages, isn’t actually a makeover series. For once, we won’t be rolling up our sleeves in an attempt to erase the decorative misadventures of others. For once, we can breathe.

Our all-new docu-series positively groans with glossy inspiration, but this series is all about the “after.” In short, it chases the socalled money shot without the time-consuming reno run-up. Great Canadian Cottages takes viewers into 24 homes, each of which boasts fascinating architecture. •

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DESIGN

Acres of glass and pristine white lines make the live/work space of

One such domicile is the live/work space of photographer Larry Williams. A spectacle of glass and metal, it’s not typical of Peterborough’s architectural vernacular. The Stoney Lake “box,” envisioned by architects GH3, sits stealth-like atop the ubiquitous granite of this robust landscape.

The blizzard-white cottage has excellent flow thanks to its open-concept design, and is bathed in natural light, courtesy of large window blinds that open and close at the touch of a button.

In the living room, a leather sectional sofa is perpendicular: one arm faces the lake and the other the white kitchen. Flat kitchen cabinet doors ensure the aesthetic remains uncomplicated, while seamless (virtually indestructible) Corian clads the island.

Art and sculpture bestow shots of colour and the view of Mother Nature adds more.

“It’s a constant evolution,” says the homeowner. “The marriage of climate and landscape with water and sky, provides endless interest. No two days are the same.”

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Photos: Larry Williams

photographer Larry Williams a temple of style and practicality.

All white on the night: a house that boasts “get up and glow.” As darkness settles in, the studio becomes a beacon against the night sky.

DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

Blackbirch is the dramatic Haliburton hideaway of Chris and Susan Meiorin. A square indoor table meets year-round dining needs, while a second dining table, in the screened porch area, is used for

Photos: Stamp Architecture

semi-alfresco meals in warm weather. A pale wood floor, grey-washed wall cladding, and industrial lighting bestow a cozy ambience on the hallway at Blackbirch; a wall-hung HBC blanket adds texture.

Another cabin featured in the series is Blackbirch, the black-roofed retreat of Chris and Susan Meiorin, their daughters Rachel and Taylor, and the family’s beloved dog, a Vizsla called Mia. Chris and Susan are owners of Euro Vinyl Windows; little wonder, then, that the fenestration is so on point.

Overlooking Drag Lake, Haliburton’s finest body of water, the 2,400-square-foot, tri-level rectilinear home boasts three ground floor

bedrooms, a cavernous living/dining/kitchen area, and a master suite accessed via glasssided stairs that appear to float against a barn board wall.

Nothing feels contrived in this home, designed by Toronto’s STAMP Architecture.

Every object within the post-and-beam structure was chosen by the family or is a gift from friends. This is where the Meiorin clan decompresses.

“We adore Toronto,” explains Chris as our film crew bustles around, “but when we travel north, that’s when the magic happens.” Susan adds: “This place is our sanctuary. Chris rarely stops working, but coming here lets him recharge.”

Blackbirch is a magical environment, a thoroughly cool world. Tune in to explore further when our new show launches. •

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DESIGN

At one with nature – The Georgian Bay vacation retreat of architect Charles Gane and his wife Robin.

Next on our extensive cottage tour is the Georgian Bay retreat of architect Charles Gane. Wandering the space with its passionate creator, we learn a little of the project’s history. Charles, his wife Robin and their family, spent the first season camping on the rock face, as the build progressed. Safe under canvas, they dreamed of the majesty that would emerge from the softly undulating typography. And boy, has it emerged.

But this wasn’t an easy build. Given the cottage’s remote location, all materials, Charles explains, had to be shipped by barge.

“When you’re working on the mainland and suddenly need an ancillary component, it’s easy to grab what you need. But when you have only water access, the rules are different: you can’t simply dash to a supplier on a whim.

Planning is critical.”

Photos: Paul Orenstein

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Like a spirit level measuring nature, the stretched lines of this stunning home are a counterpoint to the undulating granite shoreline.

Colin and Justin’s new docu-series airs on Cottage Life beginning in October. Check listings for details.

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Photo: Jeremy Kohm

Photos: Paul Orenstein

Measuring 2,125 square feet, the cottage was built on a framework of Douglas fir. All timbers were prefabricated off-site, with most interior finishes left untreated to enrich the patina. Exterior surfaces, on the other hand, were protected with a clear, penetrating sealer to add visual warmth. As viewed from the lake, the rectilinear cottage – for all its drama and scale – appears to recede, thanks to a combination of honey and grey tones that ensure it doesn’t dominate the landscape.

Now you’ve glimpsed a few of the vacation retreats we visited, we hope you’ll tune in. Bear in mind that while each home we profile is different from the others, they all share one aspect in common: they’re all Great Canadian Cottages. •

T hingS wOrk bE T T Er whEn T hE y F iT. which is why we adapt hospital care to a child’s needs.

Funds raised by OpĂŠration Enfant Soleil are used to acquire the latest medical equipment and to create a better healing environment for sick children. operation enfant soleil.ca

Stories and Contributions of the Jewish Community

Exhibition until November 11, 2018

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DESIGN

BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDE

Photo courtesy of Batimat

If a bathroom or powder room renovation is in your immediate future, you’ll want to explore products that are on the market: faucets, tubs, vanities and toilets. Here is a guide to help you find the right products for your bathroom.

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BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDE 2018 A FRESH IDEA The Fresk FR08 is a new bathroom faucet with push drain by Riobel. Eight inches high, this faucet is also available in single hole, single hole lavatory and single hole lavatory without drain. Available finishes are brushed nickel and chrome.

Available at Riobel www.riobel.ca

SHUI SWAY Rustic style meets modern sleekness in the Shui Comfort collection, designed by Paolo d’Arrigo for Cielo. The harmonious, soft shapes of the washbasins, bathtub and sanitary wares combined with the natural warmth of the wood and black accessories make for a winning combination.

Available at Batimat www.batimat.net

SPACE SAVER The Barcelona 2 from Victoria + Albert Baths is compact and easy to install in bathrooms in which space is at a premium. A void space under the tub conceals waste plumbing, making it a smart choice for remodeling projects in which you do not want to disturb the existing flooring. Still roomy enough to relax in, this tub has plenty of wow factor. Shown in Anthracite colour.

Available at Victoria + Albert Baths www.vandabaths.com

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DESIGN

BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDE 2018

PAINT A KANVAS Part of the Aquabrass Kanvas Collection, the Graffiti free-standing bathtub is handpainted stone resin. The interior has a glossy white finish with press pop-up drains. Sure to be a conversation starter, this bathtub is a work of art in the bathroom.

Available at Batimat www.batimat.net

FUNCTION AND FASHION The Hutton extra-wide vanity from Restoration Hardware can be sold with your choice of a honed-marble or quartz countertop or without the countertop. The top centre drawer is decorative, while all other drawers and cabinet doors are functional and adorned with brass hardware.

Available at Restoration Hardware www.restorationhardware.com

FASHIONABLE FAUCET The 1Art lavatory is a contemporary faucet set that’s available in a myriad of finishes and accents. Mix and match the finishes online to view all the possibilities. Shown here in a red finish with antique matte brass accents.

Available at The Rubinet Faucet Company www.rubinet.com

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DESIGN MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDE 2018 GET A HANDLE The high-end Ikon single-handle bathroom faucet from MaestroBath is a masterpiece of Spanish design. Complete with complex geometric lines, it has been manufactured with the utmost attention to detail. It has a fixed height to accommodate integrated or drop-in sinks. Shown in polished gold, this faucet also comes in polished chrome, black and white.

Available at Wayfair www.wayfair.ca

STAINLESS AND STUNNING The Soriano collection from Victoria + Albert Baths is a new line of stainless steel fixtures. Italian-made, these contemporary-style fixtures have a sleek silhouette and a simple design. Available in four configurations to complement sinks, tubs and vanities.

Available at Victoria + Albert Baths www.vandabaths.com

STREAMLINED SILHOUETTE A combination of neutral colours and textures defines Scavolini’s DeLinea vanity (Design by Vuesse). The cabinetry has a streamlined silhouette thanks to doors with a recessed profile. The base is wall-mounted and the unit features a dedicated line of accessories, including matching faucets, shelves and towel rails. Available in white, brass or aluminum finish.

Available at Scavolini www.scavolini.com

TUBULAR BRASS The Metallo washstand from Victoria + Albert Baths has a tubular brass construction with a practical towel bar and a shelf for storage. Equally at home in a traditional or industrial-inspired bathroom, it’s available in two sizes. Shown here is the Metallo 113 in black.

Available at Victoria + Albert Baths www.vandabaths.com

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DESIGN

BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDE 2018 SHOWER POWER The Momenti three-way system by Riobel has a hand shower rail, shower head and spout. It comes in chrome, chrome/black, brushed nickel, brushed nickel/black, polished nickel and polished nickel/black finishes.

Available at Riobel www.riobel.ca

GOLD GLEAM The clean lines of the elegant Caso wall-mount bathroom faucet from MaestroBath were inspired by the abstract designs of modern architecture. Combining rectangle and circle shapes, this faucet has an easy-to-use single handle control. Shown here in a brushed gold colour but also available in polished chrome and polished gold.

Available at Wayfair www.wayfair.ca

LEAD-FREE LUXURY This two-piece Italian-made waterfall bathroom faucet by MaestroBath is a focal point in any bathroom. It has an adjustable height to accommodate any type of sink and is easy to install. Made of lead-free brass, this faucet will be at home in both traditional and contemporary decor.

Available at Wayfair www.wayfair.ca

SIMPLE STYLING Simple geometric shapes define the Scavolini Juno Collection (Design by Vuesse), which balances design and functionality.

Superior quality, a wide range of accessories, and enhanced modularity guarantee style and originality in the bathroom.

Available at Scavolini www.scavolini.com

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BATHROOM FIXTURE GUIDE 2018 BRASS BLING Channeling the aesthetic of the 1950s, the Hudson metal double washstand was created with an open-back sink and matching storage space. The washstand is sold as a set with your choice of a honed-marble or quartz countertop. Many finish options are available, and the Hudson also comes in single, extra-wide single and powder room washstand models.

Available at Restoration Hardware www.restorationhardware.com

FEEL THE QI The Scavolini Qi bathroom line (Design by Nendo) offers a spare, contemporary aesthetic. The Qi Cristalplant floor-standing washbasin, along with slanted, backlit mirror, large shelves in decorative melamine, and white containers create a simple but strong visual impact.

Available at Scavolini www.scavoli.com

WORK OUT AND WASH Perfect for doing a quick workout, this small-space combo called Gym Space, designed for Scavolini by Mattia Pareschi Design, merges the gym with the bathroom. A reinterpretation of the gymnastics bars is used as a base onto which such sports equipment as benches, elastic training bands and TRX systems may be added. Use the bars also to secure bathroom accessories such as lights, soap dishes, shelves, storage elements and a mirror.

Available at Scavolini www.scavolini.com

ADD COLOUR TO THE BATHROOM This pressure-balance shower valve with stops and two-way diverter was designed by Matthew Quinn and is available in various finishes and accent finishes. Mix and match the finishes online to see the possibilities. We show it here in Blu Jean finish with red accents.

Available at The Rubinet Faucet Company www.rubinet.com

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TRAVEL

The Vancouver Island town is a magnet for foodies thanks to restaurants that are creating a new West Coast cuisine

Photos: Ramdy Laybourne

BY JULIE GEDEON

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TRAVEL

I KNEW A COUPLE OF SPECIAL RESTAURANTS awaited me in Tofino, but expected to eat fish and chips most days while visiting the Vancouver Island community.

Boy, was I wrong! Tofino, nestled among lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and hiking trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is a culinary magnet where I never ate the same dish twice or anything deep-fried during the entire week.

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The exquisite food is increasingly why Tofino, with its population of 1,876, welcomes an estimated million visitors annually, according to Nancy Cameron, Tourism Tofino’s executive director. “People are treated to phenomenal culinary experiences by renowned chefs excited by the farm-, forest- and dock-to-table opportunities here,” she says.

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Photos courtesy of The Pointe Restaurant

TRAVEL MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

Everything I’d read and heard about The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn made it a dinner must and it surpassed expectations. I don’t remember the last time an establishment bothered to learn every guest’s name.

Our window seats overlooking the waves pounding The Pointe’s rocks and the evening’s surfers farther on Chesterman Beach made for a superb view. Every dish has Chef Warren Barr’s signature elements, such as Nootka rose with the dressed beets, strawberries and nasturtium accompanying the salmon tartare, and the sea asparagus in the chicken mole.

“We strive to offer the best of what is uniquely West Coast,” says Charles McDiarmid, the “Wick Inn’s” managing director.

“For instance, our chef achieves a citrusy f lavour with the spruce and hemlock tips gathered every spring.”

The Pointe offers diners such haute-degamme options as the Northern Divine caviar service and a memorable bottle from its renowned wine cellar. A new tasting menu with wine pairings is set every Saturday.

Yet there are choices for a special family dinner, too. The Wickaninnish Cookbook documents how the resort put Tofino on the culinary map.

Out of necessity as much as commitment to excellence, the Wickaninnish has always made its own bread, croissants, butter, desserts and even ginger beer. “When we opened this location in 1996, we were lucky to get one city delivery a week,” McDiarmid recalls. “As a result, we’ve attracted young people who know they can learn everything about the restaurant/hotel business at our relatively small operation.” •

The Wickaninnish Inn has celebrated its contribution to the farm-, forest- and boat-to-table cuisine with a cookbook outlining the first 20 years of its culinary history.

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Nicholas Nutting and Jorge Barandiaran worked several years at “The Wick” before they opened the Wolf in the Fog as the chef and manager respectively; they promptly won enRoute magazine’s Best New Restaurant in Canada award in 2014.

They serve everything from vacation brunch, to quick lunchtime burgers and salads, after-school desserts, all the way to fine dining. “You choose your experience here,” says Barandiaran.

Everything receives chef Nutting’s Tofino touch, whether it’s the rhubarb granola or seaweed salad for brunch, chili squid and pork jowl for dinner, or Dark Chocolate Blackout dessert.

The Wolf in the Fog has done a modern take on traditional longhouse inspirations with several different wood textures including the magnificent chandeliers fashioned from Douglas fir shavings.

Photos courtesy of Wolf in the Fog

“Nick loves big f lavours,” Barandiaran says. “He borrows from global cultures to showcase local harvests and constantly push the boundaries of West Coast cuisine.”

The restaurant’s strong relationship with the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild has led to such dishes as Hakurei Turnips and Perogies when turnips are harvested. “And when the chanterelles pop up in fall, we feature them as much as possible because they’re so aromatic,” Barandiaran adds. “The Guild are food artisans who want the best showcase for their produce.”

Always innovating, the Wolf’s kitchen has prepared a different Green Soul vegetarian plate every day since the place opened. And a block from the docks, the restaurant serves fish caught earlier the same day.

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Photos courtesy of SoBo

TRAVEL MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

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Chef Lisa Ahier at nearby SoBo (short for sophisticated bohemian) has also caused a culinary buzz with her minimalist approach to fresh ingredients to balance tastes above all else. “I want people to remember our fewer choices deliciously, creatively put together, so they can’t wait to have that dish again,” she says.

Her “taste the love: fresh food from here and there” mission is emphasized by her suppliers being credited on SoBo’s website.

Those long-term relationships result in black garlic, seasonal pickles, Nostrala cheese and other special ingredients figuring into SoBo’s vegetarian, meat and fish selections.

Ahier’s inventive but accessible dishes are featured in The SoBo Cookbook. “I wanted people to actually use it,” she says. Its popularity has led to SoBo Specials being slated for a 2020 publication.

SoBo’s cookie/pie counter and freezer stocked with chowders and ice cream sandwiches make it difficult to leave without getting something to go. •

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TRAVEL

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The Ice House Oyster Bar is still one of the two remaining ice houses in Tofino and a fish buying station, making the restaurant’s produce as

Location, location turned Alan Beesley into the Ice House Oyster Bar’s owner. “Initially, I just planned to modernize the ice house and fish-buying station, but then I realized the cold storage room had one of the best West Coast views I’d ever seen and it would be magical for a restaurant,” he says.

The Ice House has Tofino’s best sunset-watching but even on dreary days, the inlet’s tranquil waters and frolicking seals make it idyllic. Shucker Paul Bradley couldn’t be more knowledgeable about oysters, while Chef David Provençale knowingly applies French-style techniques to bring out the best in sustainable dock-to-dish fare. The locally caught halibut wrapped in seaweed is divine.

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Photos courtesy of Ice House Oyster Bar

fresh as possible.

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Photos courtesy of Kuma

A nightly lineup outside Kuma lured us to its Japanese comfort food. Mitsumi Kawai and Rob Leadley opened it three years ago with recipes from her restaurateur parents and culinary inventions by Chef Simon Burch.

The mound of “Bear” Tuna featuring local albacore with ponzu, ginger, garlic, green onion and crackers makes it difficult not to return. The Goma Eggplant tempura with sesame dressing is likewise delicious.

“Everyone is encouraged to taste different things by sharing the small and large plates,” Kawai says. •

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We actually planned one day around lunch at the Sea Monster Noodle Bar when I saw how packed it was and learned it closed at 6:30 p.m. The place is obviously a local favourite. “There wasn’t really a lunch spot when we opened in May 2016,” says owner Cam Young. “I wanted to fill that niche but still have personal time.” He and sous chef Thor Magnusson created their menu based on Magnusson’s extensive Asian palette and what Tofino residents sought as food when out of town.

While experimentation continues, there are some constants. “There’d be a revolt if we removed the Dan Dan,” Young says, referencing the Szechuan ground pork, gai lan, wheat noodle, peanut, green onion and cilantro combo. I personally adored the fish curry while regulars at other tables consumed the Pork Udon Soup or the Sticky Buns filled with pork or tuna.

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Photos courtesy of Sea Monster Noodle Bar

TRAVEL

TRAVEL MONTREAL AUTUMN 2018

Even Industrial Way is an epicurean adventure with smoked, candied or tartare salmon at The Fish Store, hand-crafted loaves from the new Summit Bread Company, and a popular blonde ale or the kelp stout from the Tofino Brewing Company.

Back in or near town, there’s the Tofino Coffee Roasting Company, Chocolate Tofino, The Candy Jar, and other eateries. So little time, so much to sample … Oh, Tofino, I hope to return soon.

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To avoid disappointment, check the hours and seating/reservation policy of each restaurant ahead of time. Some take only online reservations, while others have a first-come, first-served policy. •

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WATER WORKS Today’s bathrooms are sophisticated sanctuaries thanks to new technologies, materials and fixtures

BY CHERYL CORNACCHIA

TORONTO INTERIOR DESIGNER DVIRA OVADIA recently designed a Toronto home with seven bathrooms, and to each of them she gave its own distinct style. The current vast range of materials and fixtures makes that task easier than it would have been a few decades ago.

The bathroom, once an afterthought in interior design, is now as much a showpiece as any other room in the house. New materials and the introduction of technology have helped to transform this once-humble space into a sanctuary. •

Photo courtesy of Fleurco

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From new composite materials such as marble-like porcelain to such fixtures as wall-mounted toilets, technological advances are making their mark on the emerging 21st century bathroom.

Then, there’s marble. An engineered porcelain alternative to this venerable, old stone is less expensive, more versatile and requires no maintenance. It comes in standard tile sizes, such as 12-by-12 inches or 12-by-24 inches, as well as in large sheets measuring three-by-five feet or even six-by-five. Large sheets allow for a seamless look, an aesthetic now in vogue that once was possible only with standard marble slabs. Especially popular in the large sheets are porcelain substitutes for Calacatta Oro marble as well as Statuario Venato, says Anthony Gaudio, general manager of Amati Canada, a bathroom and kitchen design shop in Thornhill, Ont. “You can’t tell the difference from the real McCoy,” he says.

Technology has also had an impact on the design of toilets, showers and bathtubs, opening up new possibilities for customization. There are new digital shower systems that can be preprogrammed for each member of the family and controlled remotely with an app; toilets with built-in bidet functions; and wall-mounted toilets that look positively space-age.

The Geberit in-wall carrier system allows for the hanging of a toilet bowl on the wall at one’s desired height. The tank is concealed in the wall, creating a minimalist look that’s ideal for small bathrooms. (The average toilet tank measures 12 inches from the wall, bringing the fixture out 28 to 30 inches).

European-style bidets have always been a niche market in North America but technology is changing that, too. The Toto Neorest and the Duravit SensoWash are among the new cutting-edge toilets with washing and drying functions – even heating functions built into the seat.

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Photo courtesy of Cantu

“Some people find it a little much when they see it,” says Francesca Pietrobon, showroom manager at Muti Kitchen and Bath in Toronto. “They joke ‘Will it make my coffee, too?’ ” However, travellers passing through Tokyo’s Narita International Airport will see Toto’s smart toilet installed there in the public washrooms.

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Photo courtesy of Cantu

Even showers are multi-tasking fixtures.

Digital technology means that showers can now double as steam rooms, Turkish baths, hammams and saunas – all of which can be controlled from a panel on a wall or remotely. Some systems even offer aromatherapy, chromatherapy and music functions.

Mr. Steam, Steamist, Effegibi of Italy and Kohler are among the manufacturers of these digital-control steam and shower systems.

Ashley Watson, assistant showroom manager at Cantu Bathrooms and Hardware in Vancouver, says having technology in your home is a must-have.

“Health and wellness is of great importance on the West Coast,” Watson says. “Incorporating a steam shower in your home is a great way to provide self-care in our oftenbusy lives. The combination of steam with aromatherapy allows you to relax after a long day at the office by adding some lavender, and can help you fight off a cold with eucalyptus.

After playing soccer in the rain, from the convenience of an app, you can remotely set your steam shower to be ready when you arrive home. It’s an incredible health benefit.”

Photo courtesy of Batimat

The fact that they can be pre-programmed for different users is especially appealing, adds Karine Perreault of Batimat, a high-end plumbing supply shop serving the Montreal market.

Another factor influencing shower design is new linear drains, such as those offered by ACO Canada. These shower-floor drains allow designers to create unique shower rooms and spaces. There’s no longer a need for a shower base or curb. •

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DESIGN

Not surprisingly, as the shower has become the preferred way to wash, bathtubs have declined in regular use. But, like landline telephones, many people assume they need one. This has repurposed the bathtub from a functional item to a showcase piece, a work of sculptural art. Built-in or drop-in tubs have given way to standalone soaker tubs in a vast array of styles. They are often installed as a focus of the bathroom.

Photo courtesy of Fleurco

Photo courtesy of Amati

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Photo courtesy of Muti Kitchen & Bath

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Photo courtesy of Dvira Ovadia

Photo courtesy of Fleurco

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Photo courtesy of Muti Kitchen & Bath

Innovative accessories are also available.

Vanity lighting has moved away from wall sconces and bar lights to pendant lighting, although chandeliers continue to be popular when paired with ornate vanity mirrors.

Va n it ies a re now more f requently wall-mounted and off the floor. And small is big. Rather than an 80-inch vanity of yesteryear, the norm is now two smaller vanities, often placed side-by-side but not exclusively.

Erin Brick, marketing manager at Fleurco, a Montreal-based manufacturer of high-end shower doors, tubs and other bathroom fixtures, says floating vanities are especially popular because they make a bathroom feel more spacious. And while bathrooms may be shrinking in size, the need for storage has stayed constant. For that reason, Brick says, Fleurco has brought back the medicine cabinet. The company’s updated version is mirrored, and can be mounted or recessed, bevelled or flat-edged. “Functionality is required for smaller bathrooms,” says Brick. “It has a modern, clean look.” •

Photo courtesy of Muti Kitchen & Bath

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Photo courtesy of Dvira Ovadia

Photo courtesy of Fleurco

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Photo courtesy of Fleurco

Recessed shelving remains in fashion, too, especially in the shower where it keeps things looking clean. And cocktail tables are the new cool thing, usually placed beside a soaker tub.

The colour palette hasn’t changed much; neutral and natural greys, whites and beiges continue to dominate. Espresso-coloured millwork is out; lacquered white and neutral tones are being used on bathroom cabinetry.

Muted earth tones are slowly bringing colour back into style. Simas of Italy has unveiled a collection of coloured ceramic bathroom fixtures in browns, blacks, greens and blues.

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Photo courtesy of Amati

Photo courtesy of Cantu

After years of chrome faucets, rain heads and slide bars, brass and gold-tone plumbing fixtures are making a comeback alongside the stalwart matte black. Totally new is textured finishes on chrome plumbing fixtures, an engineered 3D-look we will likely see more of in the next few years.

To be sure, many changes in the bathroom are being driven by technology but demographics is also exerting its influence. Higher toilets, such as Kohler’s comfort-height versions, cater to anyone with back problems or bad knees. Showers without curbs, meanwhile, are an offspring of the U.S. federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

All in all, there has never been a better time to make over and personalize the bathroom, says Ovadia, of the eponymously named Dvira Interiors. “Today’s design fits with today’s culture. People want things cheap, low maintenance, carefree and to look luxurious,” she says.

Whether a bathroom is large or small, Ovadia says, she likes to take the wall behind the vanity and make it a design feature. “It’s one of my signatures,” she says. “It adds another layer. That’s the wall you are facing all the time. It should be special.”

Photo courtesy of Batimat

Photo courtesy of Cantu

Ovadia says a pearlized mosaic accent wall behind a white lacquered vanity was one she recently designed that she particularly loved.

She says it showed off everything in the room, especially the mix of brushed brass, crystal and chrome plumbing fixtures, lighting accessories and vanity pulls and knobs. “The all-over look was both modern and classic,” she says. And it garnered a NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) award for her design company. •

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A FRESH TAKE ON MODERN SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN Celadon’s new &tradition line celebrates cutting-edge Danish design in furnishings and accessories

BY SUSAN KELLY

THE CATCH CHAIR, IT WOULD SEEM, is aptly named.

The puckish shape suggests a waiting embrace to fall into, and the forward take on Danish Modern design by Spanish designer Jaime Hayón is eye-catching.

Plus, it is but one of the items of furniture, lighting and accessories with the &tradition label capturing attention at the Celadon showroom in the heart of the Griffintown design district.

Catch chair with Palette table

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Flower Pot lights

What caught the expert eye of JeanMichel Gadoua, creative director at Celadon: “&tradition has a flair for re-editing designs of the past that strikes just the right note today,” he says. “It takes the Nordic tradition of solid handicraft and modern design and reinvents both.”

The Danish company began by producing select and celebrated designs by influential furniture designers Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen. Until today, Panton’s exquisite iconic Flower Pot light, designed in 1969, remains a top seller. &tradition also casts a wide net for talent and works with both emerging and established international designers. The long and impressive list includes Luca Nichetto and Space Copenhagen.

Since the line’s launch at Celadon in May, business has been brisk for the &tradition Bianco Carrara marble and clear glass pendants designed by Studio Vif and available in five sizes. Also a hit with customers is designer Sami Kallio’s sleek take on Danish contemporary: the In Between dining table.

“We’re giving the line even more floor space this fall,” Gadoua says, “because we’ve added exciting new pieces.” Such as the Mezcla — which means “mixture” en español — table by Spanish designer Jaime Hayón. It artfully combines contrasting materials and finishes, such as walnut with brass, travertine with chrome, and so on. It comes in two sizes, a larger dining table and a smaller version that can serve as a side or coffee table. &tradition furniture is crafted in Denmark and made to last, Gadoua notes. •

“The way they incorporate classic lines with a contemporary edge makes them not only fashion-forward, but a good fit with either modern or traditional decors.”

In Between tables

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Hardwoods, largely oak and oak veneer, are used for the frames. Upholstered pieces are treated to top-of-the-line fabrics from esteemed textile purveyor Kvadrat, which works with some of the top designers in Europe. Not only fashion-forward, the company’s fabrics tailor beautifully and are highly resistant to stains and abrasions. Bonus: the line is quite affordable, with lighting that starts at $300.

On the high end, a luxuriously upholstered sofa may cost upwards of $5,000.

Little Petra chair

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Bellevue lamp, Fly sofa, chair and table

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Major sofas, Palette table, Copenhagen lamp

And you don’t have to be a fan of the classic Danish contemporary look to love this line.

Because the designs are so unique, they easily integrate with almost any decor, says Gadoua.

“The way they incorporate classic lines with a contemporary edge makes them not only fashion-forward, but a good fit with either modern or traditional decors,” he says. •

Celadon 170 Peel St., Montreal 514-932-3306 www.celadoncollection.com

Pavilion chairs, In Between table, Flower Pot lights

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CONTEXT

COUNTS

Thanks to a clever architectural sleight of hand, a contemporary home integrates well with neighbouring traditional Quebec-village houses

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: MAXIME BROUILLET

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TAKE A QUICK GLANCE at this home as you drive along the road following the shoreline of Lac St-Pierre in the Mauricie region. It probably registers as similar to the other homes lining the road. It appears to be two separate 1.5-storey buildings, simple rectangles with pitched roofs.

But if you slow down, differences become obvious: the two buildings have monochromatic exteriors, non-obvious main entrances, and far less detail and ornamentation than their neighbours. They look somewhat enigmatic.

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If you approach from the lake, however, you instantly see the home’s true nature, that it’s two connected two-storey volumes – two sections – and much larger than it seems from the road.

The look of separation between the two sections is fostered by having no connection between their upper storeys, and their connected lower storeys are barely visible from street level. The home’s main entrance is mostly below street level, accessed by an exterior stairway leading down from the front yard to a vestibule at the same level as the black section’s top floor.

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The building is the home of a family of four, and it was designed by la SHED Architecture of Montreal. Speaking on behalf of the team at la SHED, architect Renée Mailhot explains that context is nearly everything when it came to designing the envelope of the house.

“We aimed for something contemporary but well integrated into the region,” she says.

“The local houses are not so big. We worked to divide the house into two small ones. Two volumes made it easier to integrate the house in scale and style.” •

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The design of the house was also dictated by the topology of its site. The lot is wide but shallow, between the shore road and the lake.

It also slopes towards the lake.

“We worked with the slope,” Mailhot says. La SHED built the lower floor of the main volume tucked behind a cement wall running along the street edge of the lot. The lower floor sits mostly below street level and no higher than the top of the wall, hidden

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within its surroundings so that the pale second storey above it looks like a single storey from the road.

The two-storey black section is also deceptive. It sits partway down the slope, looking smaller than it actually is. The home’s two sections provide a total area of 3,900 square feet.

The home’s design is sensitive not only to its context vis-à-vis the surrounding buildings

and land but also to the lake view; thus the wall of glass panels running along the lake side of the larger section’s lower storey and the generous fenestration of the second storey.

“The site is really important because of the view,” Mailhot says. “We wanted you to feel the connection to the lake, to both integrate the house with its surroundings and accentuate the view. The lake is so big that it’s almost like being beside the ocean.” •

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Blocks of natural maple cabinetry offer a warm touch on the ground floor. “The blocks define various areas,” architect Renée Mailhot says. “It’s a simple concept, but they are what makes a nice impression of space and defines one room from the other.”

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(Top left) The sightline from the playroom traverses the sheltered patio, with picnic table, and extends to the far end of the dining/kitchen/living space. (Bottom right) the view from the sheltered patio.

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It’s necessary to remember, however, that this is a home, and not simply an exercise in contextual design, and a home must respond to its occupants’ needs. The homeowners had seen other la SHED projects and were inspired by its approach to contemporary style, believing that it could address their concerns about the narrowness of the lot. They wanted their home separated from the street but not closed off.

They also asked for plenty of open space, with living areas connected to each other. It was important that their two young children have a playroom, and that they be visible from all the common living areas. La SHED placed most of the family spaces in the pale section, with the black section being mostly garage in the top storey, and with office, full bathroom and guest room at ground level. •

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The exterior design is a stylized version of the local architectural vernacular, but the interior is nothing like those of the surrounding Quebecois village houses. In the pale section (the family living section), the interior of the ground floor is one long space with a blank concrete wall running along the street side and almost exclusively glass on the lake side.

Any tendency for it to look like a bowling alley is firmly negated by blocks of closed-in areas in pale natural maple.

The run of the ground floor is also punctuated by an indented space between the dining end of the living area and the children’s playroom. This sheltered patio is open to the elements on the lake side and protected above by the overhanging second storey.

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(Opposite page) The master bedroom. The picture at top left shows the upper floor as seen from the corridor-like entrance to the master suite, with closets on each side.

Privacy is provided by a pocket door. (This page, above) The children’s bathroom.

Upstairs is more divided. There are separate, more intimate spaces for two children’s bedrooms, a bathroom, and the master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. All rooms, including the bedrooms, face the lake with its sweeping views.

Over-all, the home is minimalist and functional. The austerity of a concrete floor and back wall is tempered by the warmth of the maple wood interior structures, the light flooding in, and abundant evidence of a busy family life.

And, of course, there’s the magnificent view providing a wide-open horizon. •

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THE POWER OF LEGEND Fashion designer Dorothy Grant creates clothing that interprets Haida culture

BY SUSAN KELLY

VANCOUVER FASHION DESIGNER DOROTHY GRANT has been interpreting Haida legends through haute couture — and was the first to do so — for more than three decades. And she seems to be on the way to becoming a legend herself.

Surviving in the ultra-competitive world of fashion for that long might be enough to qualify her. But how many designers can say their unique pieces are found not only heading down major fashion runways but also on display at 16 museums around the world, including the National Gallery of Canada?

Among the many awards on her wall is a 2015 Order of Canada for her “contributions to the fashion industry as an artist, designer and mentor.”

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The symbols that appear on her work — ravens, hummingbirds, orcas — may be particular to the Haida culture. Yet Grant has discovered that they have universal power.

“I call my work’s appeal multinational,” she says, “because it’s not just about the First Nations. I always talk about Yaagudaang, a Haida word for having respect for all things

and, more importantly, yourself. It’s something I want people to feel when they wear my work or see it in a show or museum.”

It’s a feeling many celebrities have resonated with over the years. Grant designed the tuxedo that Duane Howard, an actor in The Revenant, wore to the 2016 Oscars ceremony: an impeccably tailored form-skimming suit

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“But sometimes you have to stand in your power and proclaim: ‘I was born to do this.’ ”

with raven and eagle motifs embroidered in silk on the lapels. “I remember vividly the great pride I felt when wearing it,” he says. “Everyone backstage kept asking who designed it. It had even more meaning for me because she worked in my family crest; I’m of the Nuu-chah-nulth nation.” Grant watched from Mexico on the big night, keeping an eye on the online likes and shares, which hit a half-million in one day.

Non-celebrities, both women and men, also enjoy the feeling of empowerment her designs give them. The lucky ones go to the

Tsawwassen studio she calls her second home for a final fitting. When we caught up with her, she was completing a bespoke suit for a male client in Alaska who finds it difficult to find clothing that fits his six-foot-nine frame, and a wedding dress for a woman in Hawaii.

Grant was also putting the finishing touches on five dresses to be shown at the Santa Fe Indian Market. That major showcase for indigenous fashion is but one of many shows she participates in each year.

And yet the designer’s life might have taken a very different turn. She was reminded

of this fact while preparing a speech accepting an honorary doctorate from Simon Fraser University last June. She thought of the students who would hear her, and the many choices before them. And how when she was their age in the early 1970s she was determined to become a computer programmer in a secure and lucrative career. Yet she abruptly walked away from that path to pursue a passion for Haida art. “I have sacrificed a lot to get to where I am today,” Grant says. “But sometimes you have to stand in your power and proclaim: ‘I was born to do this.’ ” •

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She went on to study at the Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design, dabbling with fabric art and designing dance costumes.

She fell in with a group of artists, including the renowned Bill Reid, who provided the seed idea. She had a vision of how Haida art might translate into fashion. But it couldn’t be static; it had to fit the body and flow with it as it moves.

Today, Grant continues to work in her own way. She remains aloof to fashion trends, preferring to follow her own artistic instincts, and unlike other designers, does not produce collections. Every garment in her Feastwear and Gold Label lines of womenswear and the men’s suits is made to measure for clients who approach her, usually through her dorothygrant.com website; only the handbags, shawls and scarves are off-the-rack.

She designs her own fabrics; a New York City company has them printed for her overseas. And she uses the fabrics exclusively for her garments.

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The trouble with legends is they are often open to embellishment. To ensure her own story gets a true telling, she has started working on an autobiography. The need to get her life and work on paper was brought home to her two years ago while she was at a National Art Gallery exhibit in Ottawa.

A young student asked for her autograph, saying she was studying Grant and her work in a course at Carleton University. The designer suddenly realized that, since she has turned down numerous offers to write her

story over the decades, they likely had scant information to fill the curriculum.

With three chapters completed so far, she has found the writing process an introspective one. “It has made me think about my cause and effect,” Grant says. “What I do, my art, is my cause. Until now, I never really realized the effect it has on thousands of people who are watching. And that gives me more incentive to continue with the book. Because it’s my story, my history.” •

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MANY REASONS TO RAISE A GLASS A fast-developing wine-producing region, the Okanagan Valley is a magnet for those who love the grape

BY JIM TOBLER

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PHIL MCGAHAN WANDERS AMONG orderly rows of vines, showing a visitor his vineyard. One side of the vineyard is nestled against a 15-metrehigh rocky bank, ref lecting summer heat onto the plants. Above the bank is a pasture, home to a herd of wild horses. “They come down here for a visit once in a while, usually in the early morning,” says McGahan, winemaker and general manager of CheckMate Artisanal Winery in Oliver, B.C. “This really is a spiritual place.”

Spiritual, yes. But also, a place that is fast developing as an attractive tourism destination, thanks to its burgeoning wine industry.

Four hours by automobile, 50 minutes by airplane, but seemingly a world away from Vancouver, the Okanagan Valley is a small but formidable wine-producing region in a rain shadow between the Coastal and Monashee mountain ranges, carved out by receding Ice Age glaciers. The region drew 3.5 million visitors last year, and tourism here employs 15,000 people.

Photo courtesy of Painted Rock by Jon Adrian

“The diversity of microclimates in this area is really remarkable,” says McGahan. “It means we can make some completely distinctive, high-quality wines.”

The region’s wineries now number almost 200; many have restaurants to accompany the nearly ubiquitous tasting rooms, and accommodations for visitors who want to stay. From Kelowna in the north to Osoyoos in the south, vast stretches of finely groomed vineyards are evidence of an industry in full bloom.

Photo courtesy of Painted Rock by Jon Adrian

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Photo courtesy of Summerhill by Kevin Trowbridge

Drew MacIntyre, who owns Lake Breeze Winery and MacIntyre Heritage Reserve, agrees that the region is evolving. “We probably could not have made our Heritage wines a few years ago,” he says. “But as we learn more about the soils and what the fruit can be, we can really elevate the quality.”

MacIntyre is not afraid to pour Okanagan wines in tastings with iconic vintages from Bordeaux, Tuscany, or Sonoma. “We are not competing against those guys. We’re just saying there is pretty fantastic wine here in the Okanagan,” he says.

The climate is predominantly cool, which is an advantage in an era of global warming that is affecting wine regions around the world. Microclimates abound and are a distinguishing feature of the region.

In the north, where Mission Hill Family Estate forged a reputation for quality, there is plenty of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Such establishments as Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Winery offer dining as well as tasting rooms that boast magnificent views to savour as you sip and swirl.

Summerhill’s proprietor Ezra Cipes notes that when his father, Stephen, first considered making high-end sparkling wines here, “most people thought he was crazy. But over time, and with fully sustainable practices, the wines now are even better than we thought they could be.” •

Photo courtesy of Summerhill by Kevin Trowbridge

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Farther south, in Penticton and Naramata Bench, with its cluster of high-quality wineries, the region’s climatic diversity is obvious.

Here, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, even Syrah have started to appear in tasting rooms, such as those at Poplar Grove Winery, where house-made cheeses win awards alongside the wines. Lake Breeze Vineyards, Hillside Winery, Serendipity Winery, Van Westen Vineyards, and even an extraordinary fruit-wine establishment – Elephant Island Winery – are all part of the neighbourhood.

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In nearby Summerland, the innovative Haywire, with its custom-made egg-shaped fermenting tanks, foudres, and organic farming principles, is turning heads.

Farther south is first Okanagan Falls, then Oliver. Here, the northern tip of the Sonora Desert, which begins in Mexico and stretches into B.C., shows another aspect of how this wine-producing region has developed so quickly, going from good to great. Features of the climate include low rainfall, more daylight in June and July than in the Napa Valley, and large diurnal swings in temperature, especially in the crucial autumn growing season.

Photos courtesy of Poplar Grove Winery

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Photos courtesy of Burrowing Owl Estate by Gord Wylie

This means that such grapes as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah can achieve maturity with soft tannins and sumptuous fruit to produce wines that are enjoyable at a young age, while there is still potential for aging. The Black Sage Bench is gaining more international acclaim for its microclimate that makes Bordeaux-style wines a reality.

In Oliver, nestled against a stark, heat-distributing rock face, is Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, long a leader in quality and, along with Mission Hill Family Estate, one of the first to gain international recognition. Yes, real burrowing owls live in the nearby hills, beneficiaries of an ecological stewardship program funded by the winery. Big red wines are the specialty; and as vines mature and techniques evolve, these are sought after and often sold out far in advance of September.

The tasting room is augmented by the splendid Sonora Room, a restaurant known for fine dining. There are eight sumptuous guest bedrooms as well, so this is a place to take a leisurely stroll under the stars as you make your way from dinner to bed. •

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Photo courtesy of Liquidity by Lionel Trudel Bottom photos courtesy of Painted Rock by Jon Adrian

In Okanagan Falls is Liquidity Wines, where founder and owner Ian McDonald has decorated his winery, restaurant, and serene guest room with fine art. “I wanted to make it clear that this region belongs on the world stage for quality of wine but also for wine and food experiences,” MacDonald says. “We are situated in the midst of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Our winery should reflect that.”

Painted Rock Estate Winery, also in this area, offers a beautiful tasting room, event facility, and bountiful red wines. At a recent dinner in Stockholm, King Olaf of Sweden rose from his seat and proclaimed that he loved the Painted Rock Merlot, and hoped it was available for purchase in Sweden. Owner John Skinner explains the king’s enthusiasm: “That Merlot really started to take off in the 2009 vintage. It has got better with each vintage, and I believe as a region, we are breaking through.”

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Middle photos courtesy of Liquidity by Jon Adrian

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Photos courtesy of Le Vieux Pin Winery

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Following the sale of his first winery business, Canadian wine industry icon Don Triggs started Culmina Family Estate Winery in the province’s first sub-appellation, located south of Oliver on the valley’s west side. The land here features ancient riverbed soils unique to the new “Golden Mile Bench” sub-appellation. Culmina is a boutique winery dedicated to making highest-quality wines. “We could have built a winery almost anywhere in the world,” says Triggs. “But I knew this was the place – the place where we could grow the exceptional fruit required to make distinctive, great wines.”

Finally, Osoyoos: the southernmost part of the valley ends at the 49th parallel. Significantly warmer than in the north, this is where the red varieties can achieve full ripeness consistently, and over a wide swath of territory. It underscores the diversity of the Okanagan’s climate, with microclimates giving winemakers many options.

At Le Vieux Pin Winery in Oliver, Rasoul Salehi says “it took us some time to really understand these soils, but over time, with plenty of experimenting and study, we are now able to make wines that express the place they are grown in. We are proud to pour our wines at any table, anywhere in the world.”

As grape varieties improve and are matched to ideal soil types, or terroirs, the wines will continue to improve.

The recreational opportunities in the Okanagan – from golf through cycling and water sports on the lakes – mean visitors can find a range of activities in addition to wining and dining. And those who prefer to cook for themselves will find local produce to create their own haute cuisine.

This is a region in which to explore and expand your wine palate in breath-taking scenery, where attention to detail and passion for wine promise visitors a memorable stay. •

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DESIGN

ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE TRENDS Bättig Design creates avant-garde staircases for commercial and residential interiors

BY SUSAN KELLY

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A STAIRCASE PAS COMME LES AUTRES, even extraordinaire is the dream of many a homeowner.

And it is exactly the effect Martin Bättig, founder and president of Bättig Design in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, is after. “While we can’t completely reinvent the staircase, I’m all about pushing the design envelope as far as possible,” he says.

The look of Bättig’s company’s staircases is cutting-edge contemporary, although it still turns a hand to traditional wroughtiron versions on occasion. Perhaps the most dramatic examples of the Bättig team’s work are on display in the multi-million-dollar revamp of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in downtown Montreal. The majestic black glass-and-steel main staircase was manufactured and installed by Bättig Design, which

also consulted with architect Pascal Beauchemin of Sid Lee Architecture.

Marin Bättig started out 24 years ago designing furniture for himself and a few friends while completing an MBA. Word of his unique design approach spread until it became a lucrative sideline. He soon started tinkering with stairs, intrigued by the combination of form and structural function.

Today, his company produces staircases, railings and fencing. A showroom, off ices and production are housed in a 14,000-square-foot facility in Trois-Rivières.

When he founded the company in 1998, 90 per cent of staircases were constructed of steel. Today, he reckons only 30 percent are purely of that material; the rest integrate wood, tempered glass, acrylic or concrete.

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Bättig’s approach has won him a loyal following among homeowners, architects, designers and builders. And word is spreading fast. The client list now includes people based outside of the province of Quebec, largely in New York City and Toronto. Home ow ner s anywhere can select an existing design from an idea book or commission a completely custom look. The Bättig Design team then assists with design choices and logistics such as measuring, sending quotations and 3D drawings via email.

And though Bättig never shies away from a design challenge, he insists that the result appear effortless. Take what is called a central- or mono-stringer staircase, which has a single ‘beam–like’ support in the centre of the treads. Bättig Design’s variations are

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invariably seamless and clean. The company works in scrupulously laser-cut metals with welding that is virtually invisible to the eye.

“Our focus has always been on simplicity,” he says. “The fewer details you see, the better.

That’s what gives a contemporary edge.”

What’s on the drawing board now? Bättig’s team is looking at updated versions of all-glass staircases that appear to float in the air. And the coming months will see brainstorming among the team with an eye to embedding not only lighting but television and other technology into a staircase. “We want to be ahead of the trend on this one,” Bättig says,” and ready to offer something truly different.” •

Bättig Design 1383 Laviolette St. Trois-Rivières, Quebec 1-800-818-4434 ~ 819-374-4434 www.battigdesign.com

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SQUARED

An architect designs box-shaped extensions to a century-old home

BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: RAPHAËL THIBODEAU STYLING: TRACEY M ACKENZIE

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THEY CALL IT “THE BLACK BOX II.” It’s a rear extension, in two asymmetrical cubes, attached to a classic semi-detached home on the border between Westmount and Montreal.

It’s the second time architect Natalie Dionne has played with adding smaller, contrasting-colour extensions to traditional homes.

The first one, in Notre Dame de Grace, was nicknamed the Black Box (la Boîte Noire) in reference to the homeowner’s work as a photographer. The name, and theme, stuck.

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This latest project came about when this home’s owners returned to Montreal after living abroad for about 15 years. They had rented out their house as they relocated for business, living across Europe in such cities as Oslo and Barcelona. When it was time to return and settle down, they wanted their century-old home to have more than just a basic renovation - they wanted to give it a contemporary makeover. As well, they wanted a little more space on both the main and second floors. •

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Dionne, owner of Natalie Dionne Architecture, says she discussed several options with the owners on where to place the extensions.

“On each floor, we said, ‘Do we put it on the left or the right of the house?’ ” Dionne says. They settled on enlarging the kitchen on one side, and the upstairs bedroom floor on the other.

“It transformed everything. It’s more interesting,” she says. “When you build something that is clean and neutral, it leaves space for the original architecture. It doesn’t compete with it.”

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Together, the extensions add 180 square feet of living space. Downstairs, it allows for an eating area in the kitchen; upstairs it creates a larger master bedroom with a loggia, a gallery that’s open to the garden. The overhang creates a covered, outdoor eating area lined with cedar next to the kitchen. Floorto-ceiling three-panel folding windows on both the upper and lower storeys are meant to extend the living space into the backyard.

“People want to be able to enjoy their gardens and the outdoors,” Dionne says. “To bring them in as part of their home.” •

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Downstairs, the extension makes room for an eat-in area in the kitchen.

The large open windows are meant to extend the living space out into the garden.

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They’re very different from the typical NDG or Westmount rear extensions, both in terms of design and construction. “You can see extensions in the neighbourhood that were built in the 1980s,” Dionne says. “They’re clad in PVC or aluminum, have small windows; many are badly built and badly insulated.”

Creating the large openings did require some engineering work and steel reinforcements. Once built, the extensions were clad with fibre cement board. That same board, perforated with large and small holes, was used to create a railing around the upstairs loggia, an extension of the walls. The owners could have opted for a less expensive railing, Dionne says, but this one adds more to the final look. •

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The home’s original white oak floors were restored, and the same wood was used as wall panelling at the back of the kitchen, as well as for the island and eating area. Cabinetry: by Pixel et Scie.

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The architect added two dark cubes inside the house, dividing the kitchen from the living room area. One has kitchen cabinetry on one side and a powder room on the other; the second houses the kitchen pantry on one side and a hall closet on the other. The rest of the kitchen is finished in contrasting white oak, including a centre island and eating area. The upstairs master bathroom also has solid oak cabinetry. •

For continuity, Dionne used the same colours and materials in the master bathroom: white oak cabinetry and anthracite-coloured slate tiles.

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DESIGN

Dionne left space between the indoor cubes to allow some of the light from the front of the house into the kitchen. Because most urban architecture wasn’t built to maximize natural light, she says, it’s a creative way to get around that. She added a skylight in the kitchen, as well as a tall narrow window that catches late afternoon/early evening sun.

Yes, there will be a Black Box III. Dionne is already working on another project in the neighbourhood. “It’s become an approach that pleases a lot of people,” she says. •

The extension adds square footage to the upstairs master bedroom, and creates a loggia, or covered gallery.

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LIFESTYLE

COME AND SIT A SPELL

LO F T L I FE The Udine modular couch brings whimsical design to loft living. The modules come in a choice of fabrics and can be configured as you wish so you can create your own unique look. Available at Maison Corbeil. www.maisoncorbeil.com

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This season’s sofas and armchairs encourage you to put your feet up and relax

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

K

ick off your shoes and plunk yourself down into a comfortable sofa or armchair. The great indoors beckons as cool weather sets in. Here is our guide on where to find some of the most attractive sofas and comfy chairs on the market that will make your living room or den the go-to spot in which to chill.

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C O O L A N D C O N T EM P O R A R Y Designed by Michel Ducaroy, the famous Togo sofa from Ligne Roset is still the company’s most popular sofa since its debut in 1973. With an ergonomic design, foam construction and quilted covers, it stands the test of time. Available at Ligne Roset. www.ligneroset.com

O U T S I D E T H E B OX The low-profile Bowen chair from Anthropologie has a plush seat, T-shaped cushions and brass-finished legs. A less-is-more, understated design is sure to be popular with minimalists. Available from Anthropologie in nine fabrics and two leathers. www.anthropologie.com

S M O OT H S W I V EL A dissatisfaction with the quality and functionality of products on the market drove Niels Bendtsen to create smart and thoughtful designs, as shown in this U-Turn swivel chair (2013). Featuring a discreet tapered base and smooth swiveling mechanism, it comes in both fabric and leather upholstery and in a variety of colours. Available at www.bensen.ca.

P LU M P P ER FEC T I O N A re-edition of the iconic Plumy Collection, originally designed by Annie HiĂŠronimus in 1980, will beckon to the couch potato in you. With seat and back cushions filled with goose feathers, which can be unfolded to facilitate various seating positions, the Plumy adapts to its environment. Comes in various sizes for both chair and settee. Available at Ligne Roset. www.ligneroset.com

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M O D ER N A N D M O D U L A R The LC3 Grand Modèle armchair, designed by Le Corbusier, was a modernist response to the traditional club chair.

G R EEN W I C H T I M E

With its externalized tubular frame and thick pillows, it’s

The Greenwich modular sofa features grey patterned fabric with caramel-

as relevant today as it was almost 90 years ago. Each chair

coloured leather to create the sofa that’s perfect for you. Choice of

is signed and numbered. Manufactured by Cassina and

configurations available to suit any room. Available at Maison Corbeil.

available at Design Within Reach.

www.maisoncorbeil.com

www.dwr.com

N OT F O R T H E FA I N T O F H E A R T A weathered finish highlights the hand-carved detailing on this 19th century-style French Empire fainting chaise. Originally designed for Victorian women wearing restrictive corsets, this chaise is now better used for relaxing and reading. Available in 142 special-order fabrics, it comes with two square pillows and a bolster. From Restoration Hardware. www.restorationhardware.com

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LO U N G E O N L E AT H ER The Library Leather chair from Restoration Hardware is a take on those found in the great reading rooms and libraries of Europe. Boasting antiqued-brass nailhead trim, a low-slung profile, and a deep seat with down-feather fill, this chair comes in a variety of colours and fabrics. www.restorationhardware.com

U N D ER S TAT ED EL EGA N C E Available in a variety of fabrics and metal colours, the Sara armchair boasts an understated, elegant shape. Shown here in velour, this chair is perfect for a tête-à-tête with a friend, and is made in Quebec. Available at Maison Corbeil. www.maisoncorbeil.com

S ER P EN T I N E S EC T I O N A L The Grace serpentine sectional sofa pays homage to

B LU E V ELV E T

one of Vladimir Kagan’s most iconic designs. Soft and

The Sven tufted velvet sofa is a modern take on a mid-century

sinuous, the feminine curves of this sofa offer ample

classic. Featuring crisp lines, luxuriously stuffed back cushions,

seating for ease of conversation and solid metal legs in

and a tufted bench seat, it has two matching round bolster

brass for a touch of luxe. Various colours available.

cushions to complete the look. Available in both loveseat and

www.anthropologie.com

sectional sizes, it’s also available from Article in four colours. www.article.com

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R EC L I N E A N D R EL A X The Milo Baughman Recliner 74 is a simple design with a lasting impact. First designed in 1966, this chair has now been brought back into production. It has three positions from upright, to feet up, to full recline. Available from Design Within Reach in both fabric and leather upholstery, and in a variety of colours. www.dwr.com

B EN C H B E AU T Y The minimalist Edlyn bench with its velour upholstery and brass legs adds glamour to your decor. Perfect for taking a much-needed break or for donning shoes, this bench is ideal in an entry foyer or bedroom and is available from Anthropologie in a variety of colours. www.anthropologie.com

S I X T I ES S EN S I B I L I T Y The Worthington sofa is Mid-Century Modern luxe at its best. Stately proportions and vintage leather with natural colour variations and creases make it a stand-out piece. Available in Oxford-black and brown at Article. www.article.com

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CL ASSIC CHAISE Classic features combined with clean lines make the Sven daybed a popular choice. Natural leather that weathers over time makes this tufted chaise with its matching bolster a beautiful addition to any room.

Available at Article. www.article.com

S C A L LO PED S E AT I N G Popular in the 1940s, the scalloped-shaped chair is making a comeback. The sinuous contours and brass legs of the Tulip chair add a touch of feminine flair to a boudoir or office. Available from Anthropologie in seven fabrics. www.anthropologie.com

FA S H I O N A B L E A N D FR EE - F O R M The Ploum sofa from the Ligne Roset Collection is a conversation starter. An asymmetrical construction and ample dimensions allow for comfort and visual interest. Available from Ligne Roset in a variety of dimensions and fabrics. www.ligneroset.com

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T H E L A I D B AC K L I FE The Cloud modular sofa is both versatile and comfortable. With its relaxed silhouette, low back, and sink-in cushions, this sofa is perfect for lounging. It’s also easy to customize with three slipcovered cubes – corner, armless and ottoman – and is available in a choice of three depths, 23 stocked fabrics and 161 special-order fabrics. From Restoration Hardware. www.restorationhardware.com

T I M EL ES S A N D T U F T ED Add soft colour to your living space with the Parmelee wingback chair.

Its design is timeless and elegant, and its nailhead trim and button-tufted upholstery make it an excellent piece for both living room and bedroom.

In a variety of colours. Available at Wayfair. www.wayfair.ca

C O M F O R TA B L E C LO U D Hit the hay in style on the Cloud sofa bed with its luxuriously tufted pillow and simple design. Easy to use, just lower the back and you’re good to go. Comes in red or charcoalcoloured fabric. Available at Maison Corbeil. www.maisoncorbeil.com

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AV I AT I O N A P P E A L Restoration Hardware’s Aviator swivel chair is reminiscent of Second World War fighter planes. With a leather seat surrounded by aluminum, and dotted with exposed steel screws, it’s the perfect addition to any fly boy’s or fly girl’s home. Also available in non-swivel format. www.restorationhardware.com

C L A S S I C C H ES T ER FI EL D The Kensington sofa, designed by Timothy Oulton, is a reproduction of the classic chesterfield design. Deep hand-tufting, rolled arms and solid oak feet fitted with antique brass casters accentuate the look.

Available in a variety of depths, lengths and fabric colours, cushions come in both standard or down-feather fill. www.restorationhardware.com

C O O L C O N T EM P O R A R Y The contemporary Como sectional sofa, designed by Timothy Oulton, is as versatile as it is sleek. Chunky cushions are perfectly proportioned for maximum comfort and support. The modular components allow you to create the configuration best suited to your room. Available at Restoration Hardware in two depths and 42 colours. www.restorationhardware.com

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TRAVEL

A NEW HOTEL IN AN ANCIENT LAND The Orient Jerusalem Hotel offers luxe modern accommodations in a historic, sacred place

BY SHARON AZRIELI • PHOTOGRAPHY: ASSAF PINCHUK

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WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES, ANCIENT HISTORY, and all the politics you’d ever want to discuss. They all meet here.

These are some of the elements you will find at the Orient Jerusalem Hotel. During my stay there, some of the world’s greatest thinkers and Nobel Prize winners were convening on one of the subterranean floors for a conference on neuroscience with the health sciences branch of the government of Israel. At the same time, a wedding was taking place on the hotel’s roof, affording guests a spectacular view of the old and new cities of Jerusalem.

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This juxtaposition is a metaphor that captures well the diversity of this tiny country and the lovely Orient Jerusalem Hotel itself. The hotel is the newest of Isrotel’s chain of 19 across the country, including those in the Ramon crater, the Dead Sea, the Royal Beach Tel Aviv, Eilat, Carmel Forest, and Mitzpe Hayamim.

This one recently opened after four years of construction. Located in the heart of Emek Refaim, the old German Colony, it is across the street from Israel’s first train station, built by the British in 1892. The huge hangar-like space has been transformed into a cool hang-out for shows, ice cream stores and food trucks. •

Photo by Ori Ackerma

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Photos by Ori Ackerma

Because the Orient had to fit into such a compact urban area in West Jerusalem and is within walking distance of the Old City and main tourist sites, hotel staff offer a high-quality “Jerusalem experience” for their guests.

The typical lavish Israeli breakfast, served for a wonderfully longer time than usual to allow guests to sleep in, and representing foods from the city’s various neighbourhoods, is served on an underground f loor called “minus two,” and outside in a lovely, sunny and airy courtyard.

The hotel’s main building descends two storeys below-ground and is 11 storeys aboveground in a relatively narrow space that permits it to fit in with the surrounding urban landscape. It’s a marvel of architectural complexity and beautiful interior design choices. The design’s oriental theme features a Moroccan look in tiles and fixtures, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the old and new cities, underground conference centres and an indoor spa, which has another pool.

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The lobby and the bar (which is an extension of the lobby and open to the public) feature the colours, materials and crafts of Jerusalem. The drama of the building’s grand atrium of glass and Jerusalem stone is amplified by accents of mosaic tiles.

The 243 guest rooms feel American.

They’re not as small as their European counterparts, and each has a balcony.

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The furnishings are attractive and include huge studded headboards and colourful ceramic lamps, olive-wood table tops and original Israeli art.

The copper sinks and tiled floors in the Orient’s bathrooms are luxurious by Israeli standards; original ceramic pieces are incorporated as holders for soap and toothbrushes.

There are also separate shower stalls and bathtubs. •

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Photo by Ori Ackerma

IF YOU GO: • Take a pair of sturdy closed walking shoes (the streets are cobblestone and it is hot).

• For spa treatments, book in advance.

• Choose a season other than summer, which is very hot.

• Pack water and fruit for sightseeing.

For visitors seeking accommodations in historic structures, there are the 39 rooms in the two 19th-century Templer buildings just outside the hotel, where families can reserve entire f loors and be treated to the arched windows, wrought-iron bed frames, copper-clad bathtubs and blue-and-ivory palette that harken back to Templer times. Members of the Templer sect – Christians who broke from the Protestant church and settled in the Holy Land to prepare for Messianic salvation – came to Jerusalem in 1873 from Württemberg, Germany. They bought a tract of land in the Refaim Valley – hence the name of the main street of the German Colony – Emek Refaim, or Valley of the Spirits – where the hotel is located.

The Isrotel chain wanted to connect the new hotel to the German Colony neighborhood, notable for the historic Templer buildings. The company was meticulous in its preservation of original facades, says Eyal Ziv, the architect who oversaw the project’s preservation and restoration details.

No efforts were spared in the construction and design here of the new and the preservation of the old. The Orient Jerusalem feels like a fine hotel in Europe or the U.S. •

Orient Jerusalem Hotel www.isrotel.com/orient

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WORK ENVIRONMENTS THAT LOOK PROFESSIONAL This company specializes in providing sleek office furnishings that elevate a workplace’s look

BY BRENDA O’FARRELL

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AT WORK, THE AIM IS TO BE ON TOP OF THINGS – keep everything organized, juggle the priorities with skill and efficiency. And look good doing it, because looking good speaks to professionalism.

Looking good, though, is not limited to people. More and more companies want their office spaces to exude the same sleek, clean and organized style. It’s all part of doing business in 2018.

Clean, functional, modern office space is not merely part of Suzie Shaffer’s work. It is the central theme. Shaffer is the vice-president of design and sales at L’Office Mobilier, a premium provider of office furniture based in Montreal. Her company offers a wide variety of work space amenities – from executive,

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administrative and station set-ups to reception, boardroom and lounges with hundreds of seating options.

“We can offer products from our Private Collection you’re not going to see everywhere else,” Shaffer says. “That is what makes us unique. That is, in part, what makes us successful.

“We cater predominantly to businesses looking to furnish or change their space,” she explains. And the trend she sees is toward creating open, collaborative work spaces. The days of high cubicles is quickly disappearing.

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Companies are opting for sleek, contemporary set-ups. Lacquers and glass finishes are also in demand.

L’Office has a long list of major companies that have turned to the L’Office team to appoint their corporate headquarters, including Brother Canada, Thinkmax Consulting, American Iron, Puma, Rolls Royce, and L’Oreal Canada, as well as many others throughout North America.

The company’s showroom in the Town of Mount Royal features 20,000 square feet of options. Dozens of configurations from

Canada’s top furniture manufacturers are on display, along with L’Office’s own highend line.

“We have pretty much a sampling of each of our offerings on the floor,” Shaffer says, explaining how customers can see and touch all items while making their selections.

L’Office also offers the service of a design team that helps plan the layout and look of any office space.

“If someone is looking for some guidance or help, we can actually draw it for them, render it for them and have a complete visual of what it will look like before they commit to it,” Shaffer says, adding that these services are offered free to customers.

In addition, L’Office offers a wide selection of artwork to adorn walls.

“We pride ourselves on being able to offer a lot of variety,” Shaffer says. “We’re able to accommodate one office to hundreds of work stations. Quality service is essential and we make sure that when we have completed our project, that everything is perfect.” •

L’Office 4300 Cote de Liesse Rd., Town of Mount Royal 514-345-0909 www.loffice.com

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FINDING THE FOREVER HOME A 1910 house is redesigned as a perfect long-term abode for a young family

BY BRENDA O’FARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY: DONNA GRIFFITH STYLING: KIRSTEN MARSHALL, ASHLEY BARREY AND NICOLA HOCKIN

IN A HOME RENOVATION PROJECT, there are many moving parts, but only two fundamental elements: planning and design. Each is a separate, yet dependent activity. And neither should be given short shrift, for when they come together flawlessly, as in a symphony, perfectly performed, they reveal themselves to be what they truly are – sister arts. These two sibling crafts are at the centre of the story of the re-imagining of this three-storey house in Toronto’s Little Italy district.

This tale begins with a young couple who were planning to start a family, but before they did, set out in search of what they called their “forever home.” •

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The fireplace surround in the living room is a black powder-coated steel sheet framed by a thick slab of black honed granite.

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“We were looking for a house that felt like home,” explains Nicola Hockin. It was a simple objective, yet one that was difficult to quantify.

That is, of course, until they found it.

“It was dated and mish-mashy, but it felt like home,” Nicola says. “The spaces were good. We could see the potential. It had all the right bits and pieces.”

What it didn’t have was a functional basement, nor the right layout and look on the main and upper floors. Perhaps to some, these hurdles may have proven too cumbersome to overcome. But not for these two. They had a plan. And they had a team.

That is where designer Kirsten Marshall and contractor Nuno Teixeira came in. So the planning and designing began.

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Built around 1910 on a prominent old street in Toronto’s Bathurst and Bloor area, the house had already undergone a major renovation in the 1990s. “A lot of the ornate character had been removed,” says Marshall, the principal at Palmerston Design.

The first order of business was digging out the basement because no one taller than 5-foot-6 could stand upright in the space. In the basement, they then installed a gym, and a laundry area and now have space for a den.

Then, they turned their attention to the main living areas.

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Despite the earlier renovations, the space was still separated into individual rooms, Marshall explains. “They wanted to open it up.”

“We re-planned the main floor and we re-planned the second floor,” Marshall says.

“It was a complete gut. The only thing that we maintained was the front door, and even that was not original.”

Removing several walls necessitated reframing much of the structure with large steel beams, says general contractor Teixeira, the owner of Caliber Group, which oversaw all the work. •

The main-floor family room is a few steps below the dining room. It boasts wide sliding glass doors, custom-made storage space and a gas fireplace set in a concrete floor-to-ceiling surround.

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White oak floors extend into the dining room, which has a steel-framed table finished with white oak, purchased at Calligaris. The Nelson Bubble Light above the table is from DWR.

(Opposite) The window in the kitchen was changed to accommodate a new linear configuration, giving the space a sleek look.

The countertop and waterfall island are clad in Caesarstone quartz. Black faucet: Brizo; stools: Urban Mode.

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On the list of must-haves were an open main floor space to give the house a good flow, a walk-in closet for each of the owners, a master ensuite bathroom, and a nursery.

What they ended up with is a clean-lined modern home with a unique timeless charm, and a stately exterior. It is a place that now not only feels like home, but looks the part, too.

With more than 3,500 square feet of living space, the new look offers plenty of room for everyone to have a different favourite spot. “I love the living room,” says Marshall, who then gets more specific: “The elevated fireplace.” The old brick fireplace, which had been painted in a previous renovation, was replaced with an elevated hearth made of honed granite, suspended off the firebox. The hearth also doubles as a bench. The surround is a stunning to-the-ceiling sheet of matte-black powder-coated steel. •

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(Left and right) The third-floor guest bedroom features a small sunroom and skylight. This space was simply reframed and carpeted.

“I like the drama it gives the room,” she continues. “I also like the fact it’s functional.

You can sit in front of the fire, and it gave our client space to display some stuff. It’s a gracious living room.”

For Nicola, who has given birth to their first child since moving in, she is torn between the back family room and the third-f loor bathroom when asked to cite her favourite spot. “The back family room really came together,” she says. “We opened the back wall with these gorgeous sliding doors. It’s where we spend so much time as a family.”

Those “gorgeous doors” are nothing short of spectacular. They are custom-built 10-foothigh panes that run the complete 20-foot width of the back wall. Teixeira describes them simply as “epic.”

And the third-floor bathroom? It has the look that Nicola has wanted for years. In fact, the theatre stage manager who describes herself as the kind of person who “redecorated her bedroom 30,000 times as a child,” had an image of what she wanted her bathroom to look like, which she had saved on Pinterest. “I had it pinned for years,” she says, “an image of a beautiful tub like this against a wall of dark tile.” •

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The office features an antique banker’s desk that is a family heirloom and a spectacular floor-to-ceiling bookcase that was custom-made by Norcab.

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The bathroom on the second floor features a pure white Caeserstone countertop, gold light fixtures from West Elm and Cercan floor tiles. The black plumbing fixtures are by Baril, from Roman Bath.

The man of the house is not without his favourite spot, too. The upstairs office, with its custom floor-to-ceiling showpiece bookcase is designed to almost exact specifications to how Nicola’s husband, Mark, envisioned it.

“He came to us with an image of a bookcase that he loved,” Marshall says. And that is how it was designed, right down to how each shelf should be subdivided.

The makeover of the house, from beginning to end, took about 10 months to complete.

“It has this old Victorian-style presence with a modern feel as soon as you walk in,” Teixeira says.

“It’s beautiful,” Nicola adds, reflecting on how it all turned out. “It’s our dream home.

And we got to get it pretty early, which is pretty great for us. We certainly think of this as a 20-plus-year home.”

When they moved in, Nicola was five months pregnant with their son. “The timing was perfect,” she says, explaining how that gave them time to settle in and set up the nursery. “And be here for his whole life,” she says before quickly adding, “which is the plan.”

Planning and design: sister arts that flawlessly work together. • The large master bedroom was reconfigured to provide two walk-in closets, including one behind the bed that does not have a door, allowing the existing window to remain.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

FINDING THE FOREVER HOME Palmerston Design www.palmerston.ca 416-924-3800 Caliber Group Ltd. www.caliberbuilds.com 416-629-4489 ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE TRENDS Bättig Design www.battigdesign.com 800-818-4434 ~ 819-374-4434 TIME TRAVEL Leanne McKeachie Design www.leannemckeachie.com 250-891-3306 THE POWER OF LEGEND Dorothy Grant www.dorothygrant.com 604-425-1427 A TASTE OF TOFINO Wickaninnish Inn www.wickinn.com 250-725-3100 Wolf in the Fog www.wolfinthefog.com 250-725-9653 The Ice House Oyster Bar www.icehousetofino.ca 250-725-4239 Kuma Tofino www.kumatofino.com 250-725-2215

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Sea Monster Noodle Bar www.seamonsternoodle.com 250-725-1280

Culmina Family Estate Winery www.culmina.ca 250-498-0789

Sobo www.sobo.ca 250-725-2341

Le Vieux Pin Winery www.levieuxpin.ca 250-498-8388

A NEW HOTEL IN AN ANCIENT LAND Orient Jerusalem Hotel www.isrotel.com/orient

WATER WORKS Dvira Interiors www.dvira.com 416-457-8827

MANY REASONS TO RAISE A GLASS Checkmate Artisanal Winery www.checkmatewinery.com 250-707-2299

Fleurco www.fleurco.com 514-326-2222 ~ 1-800-993-0033

Lake Breeze Winery www.lakebreeze.ca 250-496-5659 Summerhill Pyramid Winery www.summerhill.bc.ca 250-764-8000 Haywire www.okanagancrushpad.com 250-494-4445 Burrowing Owl Estate Winery www.burrowingowlwine.ca 877-498-0620 Liquidity Wines www.liquiditywines.com 778-515-5500 Painted Rock Estate Winery www.paintedrock.ca 250-493-6809

Amati Canada www.amaticanada.com 905-709-0881 Muti Kitchen and Bath www.mutikb.com 905-844-3773 Cantu Bathrooms and Hardware www.cantubathrooms.com 604-688-1252 Batimat www.batimat.net 514-735-5747 PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Galerie d’art Le Bourget www.galerielebourget.com 514-848-2525 Anicko www.anicko.net

COOL & CONTEMPORARY WITH A FAMILY AMBIENCE la SHED www.lashedarchitecture.com 514-277-6897 WORK ENVIRONMENTS THAT LOOK PROFESSIONAL L’Office www.loffice.com 514-345-0909 A FRESH TAKE ON MODERN SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN Celadon www.celadoncollection.com 514-932-3306 CUBED AND SQUARED Natalie Dionne Architecture www.ndarchitecture.net 514-525-1265 CONTEXT COUNTS la SHED www.lashedarchitecture.com 514-277-6897 A SUITE OF ONE’S OWN Men At Work Design Build www.menatwork.ca 416-763-0763

AD LIST

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Porto Windows and Doors Qui Dort Dine Scavolini Sylvie Menard Vicostone Zytco

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

The days are getting shorter as we move closer to the winter solstice. While it may be dark and cold outside, we are surrounded by warmth indoors. In our upcoming Winter issue, we’ll show you ways of brightening the interiors of your home for the dark months ahead. And don’t miss our holiday gift guide, which will give you some excellent suggestions on how to find perfect presents for those you love.

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TORONTO

MONTRÉAL

VANCOUVER

I’M NOT THE ONE IN THE FAMILY WITH A PASSION FOR BOOKS, SO TELL ME, WHY IS THIS MY FAVORITE ROOM?

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LOEWEN CENTER OF MONTREAL 7290 ST. JACQUES SUITE 100 MONTREAL, QC H4B 1W1 514-484-6203 www.porto.ca

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