Home In Canada - Montreal - Winter 2019

MONTRÉAL

Sharon Azrieli presents

CANADIAN BY DESIGN

WINTER

MOSHE SAFDIE

ISSUE

A RCH ITECT

LAND OF THE PHARAOHS

MOUNTAIN MAGIC

A rustic-chic home in Banff

Travel to Egypt

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

LIGHT TOUCH

Inviting homes across Canada

New lighting fixtures for your home

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

$6.95

BEAUTIFUL BEDDING

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FENG SHUI FOR WINTER

When furniture becomes a work of art

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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Dear readers, It is now more than 50 years since Moshe Safdie was invited to create Habitat ’67, with its utopian ideals, geometric shapes, and a garden for every resident on every corner and storey. It caused an international stir then, helped to put the city of Montreal on the architectural map, and continues to fascinate us to this day.

Designed by Safdie when he was only in his mid-20s, the experiment in urban living is as prescient now as it was when it was built for the Expo ’67 World’s Fair.

I recently had the thrill of visiting Habitat, including Safdie’s own personal apartment, when it was temporarily opened for guided tours. On a warm summer’s day, with brilliant sunlight flooding the concrete modular boxes and showing off the bright blue of the St. Lawrence River that flows past it, a group of us – including tourists from abroad – marveled at its Safdie’s visionary design.

Every square inch of Habitat is a study in impressive engineering feats, of Safdie’s deep regard for humanity, and of how we can live in harmony with each other and the urban environment.

After intense research, none of which could ever possibly suffice, I met Moshe Safdie in his Boston office to discuss his long, illustrious career and the work that he continues to do. His latest project, which he especially wanted to discuss with us, is Jewel Changi Airport. Built between 2014 and 2019 in Singapore, this project is every bit as utopian in concept as was Habitat ’67. At its centre is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by a forest.

While an airport hub may seem quite dissimilar to a “before-its-time” modular urban housing development, there is a thread that binds these two projects with all the others that Safdie has designed. Idealism, coupled with the human element, is in everything this architect does.

Airports are utilitarian environments. Jewel Changi is so much more, drawing 300,000 people per day.

Likewise, the idea of Habitat far transcends its 354 modular housing cubes.

Moshe Safdie, like all the great Canadians in my series of interviews, is a visionary, philosopher, optimist and humanitarian. It was a pleasure and honour to interview him. You can read all about it on page 24.

SHARON AZRIELI Publisher

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A Little Something For The Holidays!

With the holiday season coming, it is important to plan ahead and look great in all those photos and videos. We see ourselves in our routine lives much different than what we see of ourselves on camera. With the right preparation, though, many of the things that are noticeable can be managed with your plastic surgeon. Those little lines around the lips can be treated with an injection of Hyaluronic Acid, giving plump, lipstick-hugging lips that can last up 9-12 months. The forehead worry-lines and the ever-so noticeable Crow’s Feet can be treated with a simple injection of Botox®. This can be done so discretely that many patients come during their lunch break and return to work right after. Botox can take about 7 days to work and lasts 3-4 month, so plan ahead.

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So for this holiday season, along with beautiful clothing, professional make-up and hair styles, think how much better the pictures will be after visiting your plastic surgeon!

Happy Holidays!

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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IF YOU’VE EVER MOVED HOUSE, you’re no doubt familiar with that strange feeling of observing empty rooms after the movers have packed up your stuff and set off for the new digs. “This was a cozy home,” you think to yourself. Now, stripped down to its essentials – floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows – it’s more of a house than a home.

So, what was it that made your house a home? Was it the furniture? The rugs?

The building materials? It was likely all of those things and much more. I believe that the sense of “home” comes from the many elements that are layered on once the large pieces of furniture are in place: lighting, books, window coverings, wallpaper, paintings and objets d’art, cushions and wool throws, the treasures we tote home from vacations. It’s also the colours and the quality of the light in each room at various times of day. In fact, it’s a meshing together of many elements along with the human energy that we pour into our spaces.

Good designers understand how to orchestrate all of those elements into a cohesive whole. They know exactly how to configure rooms so that the inhabitants feel comfortable, cozy, and proprietary about their homes.

They understand how to create visual flow between the rooms. Good designers have a strong sense of their clients’ preferences.

You’ll meet several of those very competent designers in this issue as we take you into nine distinct homes that are beloved by their owners because of that magical coalescence of elements and energy.

We also tell you about those extra essentials that can transform a house into a home.

Writer Elisabeth Kalbfuss writes about a new generation of wallpaper that creates a strong wow effect. Tracey MacKenzie shows us the latest lighting fixtures just in time for winter, the darkest season of the year. We also include features about how to select the right coffee machine, how to accessorize your bathroom and where to find luxurious bed linens.

It’s all about the details, the features that transform a basic house into a beloved home.

STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@homeincanadamagazine.ca There are several ways you can stay in touch with us: @homeincanada @athomeincanada @athomeincanada

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INVEST

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OUR SERVICES Personal and Corporate Insurance Investments Strategies and Concepts Succession

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CONTRIBUTORS

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SUSAN SCHWARTZ Writer Susan Schwartz has long been interested in what’s important to people about the spaces they inhabit: What makes a house a home, anyway? “Toronto-based designer Vanessa Emam was an absolute dream to interview about the house she designed for herself, her husband and their two sons,” Susan says. “She had a clear vision for the space: She knew she wanted it to look and feel modern but also to have character and warmth. And with her designer’s creativity and skill, she was able to translate that vision into reality and to produce for her family not just a house but a home.”

DONNA NEBENZAHL Montrealer Donna Nebenzahl, a former newspaper writer and editor, has been following the work of the young architects at La Shed Architecture since they started their company more than a decade ago. Now focusing on magazine assignments and sustainable food projects, Donna was delighted to be able to write about a La Shed renovation project in her own Montreal neighbourhood of Notre Dame de Grace. “Somehow they seamlessly blend the contemporary addition into the stately frame of an older home,” she says.

CHERYL CORNACCIA In this issue, writer Cheryl Cornacchia takes us inside a downtown Toronto penthouse, recently redesigned to showcase the Asian art collection of its owners. After more than 25 years of travelling in Asia for work, the condo owners wanted to be surrounded by the sculptures, prints and other artifacts they had brought home to Canada while importing a hint of the Japanese aesthetic they came to love. The condo, designed by Toronto designer Sheree Stuart, has just been awarded two coveted international design awards.

LA CARMINA La Carmina is a travel journalist and TV host, best known for her appearances on “Bizarre Foods” and “No Reservations.”

Long fascinated by mysterious civilizations, she was thrilled to cross Egypt off her bucket list. “There’s nothing like seeing these ancient ruins in the flesh, to fully appreciate the grandeur of the architecture,” she says. “I was floored to learn how advanced the Egyptians were. My group saw carvings of helicopters – how could they have known all this centuries ago?”

La Carmina is next heading to Mexico to investigate Aztec pyramids. You can find her @lacarmina on Instagram, and on her site: www.lacarmina.com.

JULIE GEDEON Seasoned writer/editor Julie Gedeon is all too familiar with the plethora of Canadiana-style homes built in the Montreal region during the 1980s building boom. In this issue, she explores what one homeowner did to take such a house into a contemporary existence while enhancing its original warmth. Also, for those in search of the perfect cup of coffee, Julie tells us how to navigate the often-confusing market of coffee machines.

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Montreal Edition Volume 11, number 6; Winter issue 2019/2020 Date of Issue: November, 2019 6100 TransCanada Highway Suite 100, Pointe-Claire Quebec H9R 1B9

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Nader Meleika CONSULTING ART DIRECTOR Kelly Litzenberger EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carmen Lefebvre CONTRIBUTORS Cheryl Cornacchia Julie Gedeon Elisabeth Kalbfuss Susan Kelly La Carmina Tracey MacKenzie Donna Nebenzahl Phillipa Rispin Susan Schwartz Karen Seidman Nadine Thomson PHOTOGRAPHY Jamie Anholt Larry Arnal Maxime Brouillet Stephani Buchman Drew Hadley Ken Hunt Gillian Jackson Kurt Jawinski La Carmina STYLING Majida Devani Vanessa Emam Kelly Morrison Denise Palisaitis Sheree Stuart

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Azrieli CONTROLLER Jenny Marques DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Artur Kozyra ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Neve Foltz DIRECTOR OF SALES - NATIONAL Kelly Chicoine For sales inquiries, please email Kelly Chicoine: kelly@homeincanadamagazine.ca LEGAL DEPOSIT 1927-324x Home In Canada Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Home In Canada is strictly prohibited. issn

TRANSLATOR Marie-Josée Paradis

© 2019 GLORIA BASS DESIGN INC

LARA FABIAN

CONTENTS

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24 ON THE COVER SAVING THE WORLD, ONE GARDEN AT A TIME

Architect Moshe Safdie infuses the idealistic spirit of Habitat ’67 into all of his work Portrait: Joyelle West. Building: Han Min T

38 INTEGRATION OF OLD AND NEW

Original elements in a century-old home are preserved while the structure is updated for contemporary life

52 MOUNTAIN MAGIC

Rustic details and contemporary touches marry well in a Banff home

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THAT’S ANCIENT HISTORY

A trip to Egypt is a fascinating visit to a mysterious past

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

linenchest.com

32 stores

Canadian owned

CONTENTS

6

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

8

EDITOR’S LETTER

16

THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home

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TOTALLY OFF THE WALL Today’s stunning wall coverings and murals are not your grandma’s wallpaper

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THE FEELING OF FOLDING A Quebec artist creates unique folded canvases that are three-dimensional

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WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE Coffee lovers have the choice of many new and improved brewing options on the market

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LIKE LIVING IN THE COUNTRY An Ile Bizard home seems like a rural escape despite its suburban location

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THE FINE ART OF FINE JEWELRY Jeweller Gloria Bass creates a dazzling array of unusual signature pieces

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PRESENT THEM WITH BEAUTIFUL GIFTS Our holiday gift guide makes it easy THE SPA LOOK AT HOME Fleurco’s collections of accessories for the bathroom offer beauty and function

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LICENCE TO CHILL Add yang elements to your decor to balance out the season’s yin energy

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MORE THAN FURNISHINGS Avenue Design offers its clients a broad range of home design services

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ENLIGHTENED VIEWS The latest pendant lights, chandeliers and table lamps make it easy to create warm, cozy rooms

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WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN How the sign of Capricorn will change your life and style heading into 2020

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PAIRING HOMES WITH PEOPLE Real estate broker Tina Baer loves finding the right homes for her clients

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BEDROOM BEFORE AND AFTER A makeover in this country home includes serene sleeping quarters and an ensuite bathroom

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ASIAN INFLUENCE A recently renovated Toronto penthouse features subtle Japanese design elements

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SWEET DREAMS This online store specializes in premium bedding

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SPACE IN THE CITY A historic home in downtown Montreal has an unusually large backyard

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ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS A surgeon discusses aesthetic plastic surgery

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96

CALM, CONTEMPORARY, COHESIVE

A Toronto home is holistically designed with a light and airy aesthetic

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DARING DESIGN

The owners of a Calgary design-build company test interesting concepts when creating their own home

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BLURRED LINES AND SURPRISES

A designer creates a home for her family, giving it continuity between the indoors and outdoors

FALL-WINTER COLLECTION I SUPERNOVA SOFA

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT:

DESIGN

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T H IS JUST IN

CONCRETE CREATIONS Amalgame Béton sinks are designed and built with a deep respect for Nature. Made of concrete, they are sealed with a food-certified sealant, which is resistant to abrasions and does not yellow or flake. Add a touch of elegance to your environment with one of Amalgame Béton’s unique creations.

Amalgame Béton 1-833-766-2386 www.amalgamebeton.com

SLEEK SILHOUETTE With its mid-century-inspired design and lounge-like ease, the Supernova sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is a high-style statement piece. The sculptural silhouette is combined with three lavish seat cushions and stylized wood feet.

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

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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • WINTER 2019

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STACK THEM UP One is gorgeous, but several clustered together are spectacular.

These diamond-studded eternity bands are available in platinum and 18kt white gold.

Gloria Bass Design 1361-1 Greene Ave., Westmount 514-933-7062 www.gloriabassdesign.com

PERIDOT PERFECTION This lovely necklace with its exquisite peridot beads and hammered 18kt yellow gold clasp, is all about simplicity coupled with elegance.

Gloria Bass Design 1361-1 Greene Ave., Westmount 514-933-7062 www.gloriabassdesign.com

BLACK AND WHITE AND RED ALL OVER These “make-a-strong-statement” earrings feature quartz cabachons with iron, red spinel and white and black diamonds, set in 18kt white gold.

Gloria Bass Design 1361-1 Greene Ave., Westmount 514-933-7062 www.gloriabassdesign.com

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DESIGN

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DO SOMETHING GOOD WITH SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL Art editions and the Pose & Prose calendar by Francis Pelletier transcend practical use and home decor. They are designed to create an impact on those who view or use them. The goal is to comfort, inspire, encourage travel, and get a smile. The ready-to-dream collections are available at Les Pelleteurs de nuages.

Les Pelleteurs de nuages inc.

819 293-2259 www.lespelleteursdenuages.com

Schedule your shades with Powerview Motorization...

Your Scene, Your Time, Your Device

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BASIC BLACK

SEA-COLOURED SIGNET

The combination of black druzy quartz, jasper and diamonds makes for an elegant contrast in these earrings, which are set in 18kt gold.

Aquamarine, a blue-green gemstone named from the Latin term meaning “sea water� is the show-off gem in this striking signet ring. Set in 18kt yellow gold.

Gloria Bass Design 1361-1 Greene Ave., Westmount 514-933-7062 www.gloriabassdesign.com

Gloria Bass Design 1361-1 Greene Ave., Westmount 514-933-7062 www.gloriabassdesign.com

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# my te s s

SHOWROOM

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WEBSITE

www.maisontess.com

@maisontess.com

DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • WINTER 2019

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BOHEMIAN CHIC Make a statement with these bold and stylish bracelets. They include a mix of deep green agate, soothing blue sodalite, soft peach moonstones, and beautiful preciosa Czech beads. And for that gorgeous sparkle: rose gold or silver-plated rhinestones. This custom-made jewelry was designed to impress and to bestow a sophisticated and chic allure.

Solazur Jewelry www.solazurjewelry.com

STYLISH AND SOPHISTICATED UGG brings its sophisticated designer touch to the bedroom.

Made with 100 per cent brushed cotton, the Hyland bedding collection features a stylish duvet cover and a euro sham, sold separately. It’s the ultimate in comfort and luxury and is exclusively available at Linen Chest.

Linen Chest www.linenchest.com

COOL BREW The Dinamica TrueBrew Over Ice™ by DeLonghi is the first and only fully automatic espresso and cappuccino machine with TrueBrew Over Ice™ technology. The TrueBrew patented process delivers smooth, full-bodied iced coffee that is never watered down. Enjoy coffee shop quality beverages at the push of a button.

Linen Chest www.linenchest.com

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coming soon

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR BATHROOM

www.fleurco.com

DESIGN

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GENEROUSLY SIZED

Galerie d’art Céleste

This painting by internationally renowned artist Chantal Malek measures 30 by 40 inches and is available at the Galerie d’art Céleste.

285 rue Principale, St. Sauveur, Quebec 450-227-0333 www.galeriedartceleste.comv

BERRY DELICIOUS Le Ricaneux is a family business that has been producing wine since 1988. The McIssac family was inspired by the coureurs des bois of history to create Le Portageur, a fortified wine made from berries and aged seven years. It has woody notes and is characterized by a maple aroma. Sulphite-free.

WOOD BEAUTY Like a kaleidoscopic sunburst, this coffee table is a marriage of various inspirations. Made of walnut, it has metallic edges that provide a beautiful contrast. Each Repetti-Cecchi creation is unique, numbered and signed.

Meubles signature Repetti-Cecchi Ebéniste d’art 1679 rue Labonté, St. Bonaventure, Quebec 819-396-2000 www.ebenistedart.ca

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Le Ricaneux 5540 rang Sud-Est, St. Charles de Bellechasse, Quebec 418-887-3789 www.ricaneux.com

FABRICS|DRAPERIES|BEDDING|BLINDS|ACCENTS Custom-made|Ready-made

7 LOCATIONS IN MONTREAL : PARE and DECARIE | DORVAL | GALERIES LAVAL | LASALLE | ST-BRUNO | GREENFIELD PARK | PLACE VERSAILLES SHOP AT HOME SERVICE : MONTREAL | LAVAL | SOUTH SHORE: 1-855-5DECOR5 (533-2675) • SHOP ONLINE WWW.FABRICVILLE.COM

ARCHITECTURE

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SAVING THE WORLD ONE GARDEN AT A TIME Architect Moshe Safdie has infused the idealistic spirit of Habitat ’67 into all of his life’s work

BY SHARON AZRIELI PHOTOGRAPHY: JOYELLE WEST

WITH A HOLISTIC VISION for architecture that began before he achieved world fame as the young man who created Habitat ’67, Moshe Safdie – in his white shirt and black blazer – shines as brilliantly as the colours of the bright fall day on which we meet in his Boston offices.

Thank goodness! Is it because, at 81, Safdie is as busy and optimistic as ever? Is it because the world has finally caught up with his futuristic and ergonomic thinking that, 52 years ago, was so incredibly ahead of its time?

Safdie has left his mark on the earth, figuratively, literally, and philosophically – worldwide, and on every continent. –>

Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Photo courtesy of Timothy Hursley

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ARCHITECTURE • HOME IN CANADA • WINTER 2019

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ARCHITECTURE

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Vancouver Library

He was born in Haifa, Israel in 1938 to parents who created a successful garment business once they arrived in Canada in the early 1950s. They gave him a hard time about studying architecture at McGill University, and he had to divide his student days between his studies and working for the family business.

He came to world attention as the wunderkind who was awarded, at age 26, the contract to design Habitat ’67, the major theme exhibition of the 1967 Montreal World Exposition.

Habitat pioneered a vision for urban housing using the technology of pre-fabricated construction, and a design that incorporated dwellings, gardens and commercial spaces.

His legacy includes airports, museums,

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libraries, government buildings, and entire communities of housing and mixed-use structures. He likes to say that his practice has resisted specialization (except for his penchant for saving the world with Habitat-like urban designs, which we will get to later).

“After we did Vancouver Library, we were stereotyped as specialists, which meant we went on to do Salt Lake City Library and now Boise Library, but generally, I prefer to work on many building types. One project I would like to do still … is a stadium,” he says.

As we sit down, Safdie, an excellent teacher from his days at Harvard University, explains how post-Modernist architecture became, as he describes it, “precious” design. I remark: “I have never heard that term used before.” He quips: “That’s because I haven’t used it!”

“But I tend to think now more in terms of ‘form follows purpose.’ “

ARCHITECTURE • HOME IN CANADA • WINTER 2019

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Photos courtesy of Timothy Hursley

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United States Institute of Peace

He continues, saying that styling was “a noble and elegant side of architecture that followed the Modernist movement of the Second World War.” “Some of us didn’t give up,” he says, “I consider myself part of that group who did not embrace Post Modernism and did not go for this kind of sculptural formalism. And what’s interesting is that one separates objectives and ethics from results. This doesn’t mean that the ethical framework was wrong.

But I tend to think now more in terms of ‘form follows purpose.’ Is the interaction of the space fabulous for its intended purposes?

This philosophy can apply to all spaces and all intended functions. It’s making an architecture that uplifts people’s spirits and at the same time, fulfills their basic needs.”

Safdie insists that it’s important to deal with the full spectrum of sustainability, of comfort, and of resources, while at the same time having the “sublime objective” of meeting both needs and beauty. –>

Habitat ’67

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ARCHITECTURE

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When the Home in Canada team recently visited Habitat ’67 (because the original apartment that still belongs to Safdie was on view to the public), I noted that those cubes and gardens do not seem futuristic, but homey. The small touches of elegance that for 1967 were incredibly forward-thinking are now de rigueur in any new build.

The touches of homeliness, such as space in front of each home for plants, and checks in walls for privacy, are incredibly well thought out. Safdie had many utopian ideas, such as deliberately excluding odd-numbered floors from all elevators to require residents to reach their homes by the stairs, and placing cars far from their owners’ apartments to ensure that community members encounter each other.

These have unfortunately not become part of the next generation’s zeitgeist.

Sharon Azrieli at Habitat ’67

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ARCHITECTURE • HOME IN CANADA • WINTER 2019

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“The notion of garden is both literal and metaphorical, and has guided my work in a profound way.”

Habitat ’67 Photo courtesy of James Brittain

“Did I set out at Habitat to create a work of art? To me, that’s an absurd starting point!”

Safdie says. “I set out to solve a housing issue.

Most architects today think that they have licence to do whatever they feel like. I personally feel like architects should have much more exacting missions than that. When an architect embraces that (philosophy), it is doomed to failure because architecture is not sculpture and it is not art in the sense of ‘anything goes.’ ” There were attempts at other Habitat-style concepts, and some larger ones. A Habitat project in Puerto Rico in 1968 was abandoned and now lies in ruins. The New City of Modi’in in Israel is a success. But in the 1970s, Safdie says, “there was a big recessive moment in which urban development was not the focus” and he did not have the opportunity to do many more projects like Habitat. –>

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ARCHITECTURE

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Raffles City Chongqing

Photo courtesy of HEZHENHUAN

Marina Bay Sands Photo courtesy of MBS Visuals

It seems that the world has finally come around to his way of thinking and seeing.

Demand in countries with enormous populations, such as China and India, has created an understanding of the need for his brand of thinking. Now he has huge projects, such as Raffles City Chongqing and Habitat Qinghuangdao.

These complexes have tree-lined streets many storeys up as well as on the ground, and high-end to low-end commercial centres within them. Depending on the size of the urban areas, there are libraries, swimming pools and parks – all of the elements that

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Safdie had initially envisioned for Habitat ’67 that were never built. He has designed, finally, his dream cities of the future. In my opinion he was always more of an idealistic urban planner, and architecture was his craft to that end. Now the world’s needs are catching up with his vision, enabling it to be more fully expressed.

During our interview, we discussed one of my favourite of his projects, which I had the pleasure of visiting last year: The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. There, I met with one of his team of architects and I swam in the famous 146-metre-long rooftop pool.

This is the amazing public space that put Singapore on people’s radar.

Completed in 2011, the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort was a competition launched by the government of Singapore. Safdie won the competition through an ingenious response to the limited land available, which caused him to place the hotel’s pool and park atop the sail-like hotel structure. He created windows to the sky instead of a wall of buildings, including a gorgeous lotus-like-shaped museum that allows light in through the tops of its soft petals, and a show-stopping glamorous retail promenade on the water from

ARCHITECTURE • HOME IN CANADA • WINTER 2019

athomeincanada.ca

Marina Bay Sands Photo courtesy of Timothy Hursley

“There’s a direct link of responsibility to the impact on the life of those you design for.”

Photo courtesy of MBS Visuals

which fireworks are seen every night over the bay. He changed the city’s image, created a tourist destination. The city adores him.

The first time Safdie conceived of an indoor waterfall was for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, completed in 2004. “For one thing, it shows you how architects evolve ideas from project to project,” he says. “They learn from them. In Ben Gurion, there was the idea to have a rotunda and I thought, how banal! So I thought, what if I did a dish and I suspended

that dish column free over a gathering place from which you go to your plane? And then, of course, once you do a dish, it collects water at the bottom. And what are you going to do with it? So, I said: ‘let’s make a waterfall.’ And they all thought I was crazy. But we addressed the technical issues. In fact, this was the first waterfall in a public space in Israel and, as you know, water is very precious in Israel, and it was very meaningful.” –>

Photo courtesy of CHIA Ming Chien

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Jewel Changi Airport Photos courtesy of Timothy Hursley

His second waterfall, a public art installation called the “Rain Oculus,” is a large dynamic whirlpool created in collaboration with artist Ned Kahn. As part of the Art Path at Marina Bay Sands, it was designed to engage people along the promenade, and acts as both skylight and rain collector, showering water into the enclosed retail space below.

And then, he did it again! He has now designed, for the third time, a fabulous waterfall in a building. This time, it’s in Singapore’s airport, and is called Jewel Changi Airport. In 2014, Safdie won the international

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competition to design the airport’s transportation hub. Under construction for five years, Jewel Changi Airport, which opened in the spring of 2019, is linked to three passenger terminals. The indoor waterfall – called the Rain Vortex – is the centrepiece that is surrounded by a forest. Jewel also has gardens, a hotel, and more than 300 retail outlets and dining facilities.

“It has a massive positive impact on air conditioning, on climate control; the garden is absolutely lush. Hundreds of thousands of people a day are coming into that building.

It’s just caught the public imagination in a way that I’ve never experienced, not even with Habitat. It’s very satisfying,” Safdie says of Jewel.

Take a naturally occurring rain, or condensation, in a place where the weather creates this phenomenon, and use it to the advantage of the architecture to create a unique architectural feature. That is Safdie, bestowing his vision upon the world. –>

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“When an architect does his job well, in a profound sense, what comes out you can call art.”

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Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Photo courtesy of Timothy Hursley

“When I design a major commercial centre for the airport, I end up making it one of the most famous gardens in the world, which doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a great marketplace,” he says. Side by side, there’s nature and the bazaar.

“I think if you set out to create art, it’s going to be a fiasco. Architecture is a physical environment. If the architect does it well, materials come together: the space, the light, everything that constitutes architecture. The word art is very complicated for me because it is subject to a lot of interpretation. When an architect does his job well, in a profound sense, what comes out you can call art.”

As our interview draws to a close, Safdie looks at me and says: “I used to think: Why can’t Mozart just sit down and write a string quartet? But no, he had to have it commissioned by this or that. And I think architecture is that way too. If I was to design my own project, I would probably go back to the original Habitat. We only built a small piece of it; the mixed use was never realized.

In some ways, I’ve addressed that in Chongqing and other projects, but to do it in a more holistic way, a village? That would be great for a finale.”

“The challenge is not just to architects but to planners and our leaders.”

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Photo courtesy of Timothy Hursley

National Gallery of Canada

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Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Photo courtesy of Timothy Hursley

I muse: “If I dare say, what you’re saying is: Let’s create a better world, basically what you have been trying to design since Habitat?”

And Safdie, an optimist, just like all the great designers, creators, dreamers and visionaries that I have had the honour and privilege to meet in this amazing series, says to me: “Well.

I guess that is part of it. There are days when I am distressed, but I never give up because I am an optimist. I walk though some cities and I say ‘Why? Why this ugliness? Why this congestion? Why this irrationality?’ The challenge is not just to architects but to planners and our leaders.”

I hope that with the great visions and plans already shown to us by Moshe Safdie in so many beautiful spaces and places, we can all at least imagine what the world can be like in the future.

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SLEEK INTEGRATION OF OLD AND NEW Original elements in a century-old home are preserved while the structure is updated for contemporary life

BY DONNA NEBENZAHL PHOTOGRAPHY: MAXIME BROUILLET

THE CENTURY-OLD SEMI-DETACHED house in Montreal’s Notre Dame de Grace neighbourhood was solid and comfortable.

But the interiors were a warren of small, dark rooms when the homeowners approached the architects at la SHED Architecture about reimagining it. The couple wanted more natural light and a sense of expansiveness for themselves and their three children, all young adults.

“They have many memories in this house,” says architect Sébastien Parent, of the la SHED team. “They wanted to preserve the spirit of their home, but they also wanted change.” –>

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Change is what they got, in the form of glass walls and railings, contemporary red oak flooring and staircases to match the original walls and floors, custom-designed bathroom fixtures, and a massive, light-filled kitchen that delights the family and visitors. It was a major job, says Parent, whose Montreal-based firm has award-winning expertise in the transformation of the city’s older row houses and duplexes. “When the house was finished, they saw that it was another house, but it had integrated the original elements of the period,” he says.

Limestone stairs link the lower and upper terraces while the new stucco facade meets original brick taken from the back of the house.

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It began with the fine woodwork, which was restored by hand and, whenever possible, repurposed in another space. The “masterpiece” of the house, the Arts and Crafts staircase with its fine bannister details and solid columns, floats onto the main floor and is mirrored in the simple red-oak risers leading to the lower floor. Custom-made glass partitions allow the staircase to be viewed from the home’s new section, while thick slatted flooring, also in red oak, marks the entry and invites light into the upper and lower floors.

The floating staircase connects the elements, which include simple oak moldings around the doors as well as the large window at the end of the dining room. The room’s impressive panelling was carefully restored, and the window was installed to give the impression that there is no frame. “We wanted to give a contemporary intervention here,” Parent says, “at the same time offering texture, like the original elements of the house.” –>

The Arts and Crafts staircase, a centrepiece of the house, is echoed by a new minimalist version that descends to the basement level.

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DESIG N

(Above) The kitchen island, clad in Corian and designed by la SHED, extends into a large table and mirrors the sleek lines of the cabinetry. All appliances: Miele.

“The beauty of this project is the uniformity of material.�

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(Right) The small bathroom marries minimalist material with a century-old red-oak built-in closet, repurposed from the second-floor hallway.

The colour palette also combines old and new, including Carrara marble flooring adjacent to red oak, and soft whites throughout. A small bathroom exemplifies the connection; here a contemporary sink and tiled walls contrast with a red-oak linen closet, moved from another floor of the home.

The extra-large kitchen is put to good use by the homeowner, who is an expert cook and often entertains. No handles are visible on the minimalist cabinetry, designed by la SHED in wood overlaid with aluminum. A Corian countertop extends into a large, sleek table.

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A central hub of the house, the kitchen features floors in hexagonal Carrara marble tiles, like those in the entryway. It offers great views of the back-courtyard garden.

Bathroom fixtures were also designed by la SHED, which created a trademark large window. It gives new meaning to the expression “bathed in light.”

“That is actually a window in the large bedroom beside that bathroom, so if the sliding door between the rooms is closed, there’s no view from the bathroom to the exterior,” Parent says. “If it’s open, then the light comes in, lots of light.” –>

The master bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling window creates a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. Custom-made bed: la SHED; Nelson Coconut chair: Vitra.

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The staircase to the basement, painted wood with red oak steps and risers, opens into another expansive space, with under-heated concrete floors and a small piazza for viewing the back garden. The homeowner wanted to use the basement as a place for games and fun, Parent says, so it includes a pool table and television. “We wanted to give the impression of another complete floor of the house,� he says. A small soaking pool just outside the tall glass doors is a magical place, offering a basin for quiet reflection.

(Below) Glass walls with recessed frames invite the outdoors in on the basement level, which has its own outdoor terrace and small office.

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In the backyard, the architects optimized the sensation of a lot of greenery, the design bringing to mind an English courtyard with soft plantings punctuated by limestone stairs, and a walkway in red cedar to recall the grid patterns in the house.

Covering the new sections of the house in pale stucco brought a textured element to the structure. It accentuates the contrast between old and new while linking the two with a

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terrace and walls that incorporate original bricks from the back of the house. In the front, the original brick facade was cleaned and the original doors, windows and balcony were restored.

All of the custom-made pieces, fixtures, woodwork and furniture were designed carefully to complement the aspects of the home that were conserved, Parent says. “The beauty of this project is the uniformity of

material.” Their vision was also appreciated by the architectural community: in 2017, the home received an award from the Order of Architects of Quebec; in 2018, it won the Grand Prix du Design from a jury “charmed by the elegance of the design and its great respect to heritage and value.”

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WALLFLOWERS NO MORE Thanks to new technologies, today’s wallpapers are artistic and original, and they make dazzling design statements

BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN HUNT

Murals, especially those with large floral motifs, have become increasingly popular. (Above) Blush Floral, a pattern by Anewall, is installed in a dining room. (Right) Katie Hunt installs a Phillip Jeffries pattern, Blur, a digital print on manila hemp grasscloth, on a bedroom accent wall.

FOR A COUPLE OF DECADES, wallpaper was the home-decor equivalent of the schoolyard outcast: snubbed and ignored, and spending most of its time hiding out at grandma’s house. Since then, wallpaper has had a gradual and serious makeover, suddenly becoming the most popular, best-dressed kid in class. Think hand-painted, artisanal, designer. Think Gucci.

Just as technological advances remake our smartphones every year, they’ve led to similar upgrades in wall coverings. “European technology has really changed the way we wallpaper today,” says Katie Hunt, a wallpaper

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installer and the owner of Toronto-based Katie’s Wallpaper Installation. “The technology behind it has drawn it to the forefront.”

There are two main reasons. New substrates – the “paper” in wallpaper, the material that the designs are printed on – have come on the market made of multiple fibres and layers, making a whole new range of design effects possible. The second reason is the rise of digital printing. “You see lots of murals now, things that are custom, not like rolls of wallpaper sitting in a warehouse,” Hunt says. “You can print on demand and ship worldwide.”

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Because of their modest dimensions, powder rooms and foyers are a great place to start experimenting with wallpaper, says Katie Hunt of Katie’s Wallpaper Installation. (Top, left) River, by Emma Hayes.

(Top, right) Foggy Hills, by Anewall. (Bottom, left) The entryway panel is by de Gournay; it’s a hand-painted design called Badminton on white-gold leaf.

It’s led to an explosion of new designs, materials, textures: grasscloths made of natural fibres, metallics, geometrics, florals, murals – across all price-points, from the big box stores and online home retailers to specialty workshops that hand-paint designs to order and ship them worldwide. That easy ability to order custom, one-of-a-kind looks or iconic fashion-house designs, such as Gucci’s tiger, has made wallpaper especially popular with designers.

“Florals have made this gigantic comeback,” Hunt says. Especially popular are large floral murals, often on black or dark backgrounds, or more monochromatic

f loral-inspired murals with a watercolour-wash effect, brands such as Ellie Cashman, Anewall, Emma Hayes. “This is not your grandmother’s wallpaper.”

Contemporary designs are very artsy, she says. “They use watercolours, they layer paper, it has so much more depth and character that old papering just couldn’t do. Digital printing brings so much lifelikeness to them.”

Choosing a wallpaper can be a jumping off point for the design of a whole room: setting a mood, inspiring other colour and fabric choices. “You can build your whole colour scheme just from the sample, pick a blue or a soft pink out of it,” Hunt says. –>

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Geometric designs are also in high demand. Prismatic (above), is a metallic design by York Wallcoverings on a kitchen accent wall. (Top, right) Gold Rivets by Phillip Jeffries, is manila hemp grasscloth featuring raised gold rivets. (Right) Nuvolette, a Cole and Son wallpaper is based on a design by Italian design atelier Fornasetti.

Another advantage of the new technologies, she adds, is that most wallpapers are washable, easy to clean, non-flammable, odourless, nontoxic, and VOC-free, a concern for clients who want to use wallpaper in a nursery or their young children’s rooms.

If you’re looking at online designs, Hunt recommends ordering a sample first, if it’s available, just to be sure. If you’re feeling tentative, she suggests starting small, doing a powder room or foyer, or one accent wall.

Many of the clients and designers she works with are going bold now, she says, doing whole rooms, entire houses in wallpaper. It’s also showing up in places it never used to be – on ceilings, for example. “Ceilings are one of the places where I think we’ll see more (wallpapering),” she says. “Not everything will work on a ceiling though.”

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Ellie Cashman wallpaper is known for its large-scale florals on dark backgrounds. The design on the top left is Dark Floral, shown in an entryway. A powder room, (top, right) has a vinyl wall covering by Phillip Jeffries called Gold Emblem. (Bottom) Katie Hunt chose another Phillip Jeffries design, Wood Veneer, for her own front entry.

As someone who spends her days and makes her living installing wallpaper, Hunt says there are advantages to having a professional do it for you. Those oversize patterns and murals can make installation tricky – they come in numbered rolls and there aren’t any pattern repeats; messing up can cost you.

Older-style products still come pre-pasted and need to be soaked, making it difficult to hide seams. The European-style substrates go on more seamlessly, but the paste must be applied to the wall first, then paper added.

Wall preparation is also important: in new construction, walls need a primer and at least two coats of paint first. Using a sealer will make eventual removal much easier. Some companies make tintable primers specifically for coloured wallpapers.

There are professional hazards to hanging wallpaper for a living, Hunt says, it can get addictive. She often gets tempted by new designs she sees and regularly repapers rooms in her own home. She put her latest find, a Phillip Jeffries wood-veneer geometric pattern, in her foyer. “Yes,” she laughs. “My whole house is papered.”

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DESIGN

MOUNTAIN M E E T S

MODERN Rustic details and contemporary touches marry well in a Banff home

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE ANHOLT STYLING: KELLY MORRISON

MIKE Mendelman and JOLENE Brewster have good taste. That statement can be taken literally: Mike is a restaurateur with 15 restaurants in Banff, and Jolene has her own company importing and blending teas.

But it’s also demonstrated figuratively in the attractive yet relaxed and unpretentious decor of their most recent home in Banff, achieved with the help of FRANK Architecture & Interiors.

When the couple, their two young children and Blu, their black German shepherd, needed to move two years ago, their choice of houses was limited. The housing market in Banff is unique, governed by a “need to reside” policy, since the town is within the confines of a national park.

As a result, says Mike, “there are no holiday homes, no second and third homes owned by [non-residents]. The market is driven by people who live and work in Banff. There’s a rental market for those who work in the hospitality industry, but [when it comes to ownership] most properties are generational.

They don’t often hit the market; instead, they get passed down. –>

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“When Jolene and I were looking, there were few very nice recently built single homes in Banff, and only three or four streets that offer single-family homes,” Mike says. This house was built in the 1990s with a design aesthetic of that period — in a word, it was dated. But they could see beyond the surface.

“We walked around this house probably 10 times,” he says. “We really do like the bones, and I love the feel of this property. It checked a lot of boxes, for good views, good location, not being a teardown.”

The house might not have been a teardown in the strictest sense but, while the exterior was left barely changed during the renovation, the interior’s 3,000 square feet

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were gutted and rebuilt with more efficient heating and infrastructure. In its newest incarnation, the home has three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms upstairs. The bi-level main floor is comprised of a great room, kitchen, and guest bedroom. The walkout basement features a small rec room.

To propel their newly purchased home’s design into the current millennium, Mike and Jolene turned to Kelly Morrison, principle and founding partner of Calgary-based FRANK Architecture & Interiors. The company had designed Mike’s last four restaurants. “We have a really good working relationship,” says Mike. “They really listen. I think they produce great work.”

One end of the great room hosts a comfortable seating area for conversation. Blu, the family’s beloved German shepherd, lounges near the fireplace.

“The home is an eclectic space, very Banff, not pristine and polished,”

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Morrison and team were tasked with producing a home in what Mike and Jolene call “mountain modern style.” The designer trod a careful line: honouring the couples’ wishes for a contemporary Banff style while avoiding the clichés of traditional Western decor, all the while incorporating elements that reference their backgrounds and lifestyle. –>

(Below left) The electric fireplace features patinated metal below the mantel, and plaster above. These smooth surfaces make a striking contrast with the vintage skis and rough-hewn mantel.

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Morrison’s design doesn’t entirely eschew classic architectural details from the area. The great room is long and linear, with wooden beams to define areas. These are rustic timber accents, but they’re not the standard pale, peeled-pine poles; rather, they’re squared-off dark-stained wood. “The construction crew hand-sawed those posts to get a textured, rugged finish,” Morrison says. Mike adds, “A very talented European craftsman worked for [what seemed like] 100 days in a row, eight to 10 hours a day, chiselling away at squaring the logs.”

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There’s more texture underfoot from deeply grooved old flooring salvaged from Montana. At Jolene’s instigation, a chair with a curvy frame hangs in one corner of the great room. Fake-fur pillows are scattered on various sofas and chairs.

In the kitchen, the black La Cornue stove’s trim is a striking element, while pulls and doors have a tactile finish for a rustic feeling.

The dining room banquette is upholstered with a textured Pendleton blanket, and the dining table has rabbeted joints and a rustic-looking finish. –>

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At the other end of the great room is what Morrison calls “a library space, somewhere for quiet moments.” The pony wall stretching beyond the fireplace, separating the living area and the raised kitchen, is a feature from the house’s original design. It provides a convenient place to accommodate the television.

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There’s no Western-style overkill, however.

For instance, in the stairwell, the white-painted shiplap walls share their linear effect with the stairway’s handrail and balusters, but the stairway elements are square, black powder-coated metal.

This black-and-white scheme continues, in a slight departure from the public rooms’ aesthetic, in the master bathroom. Here the style is sparer, brighter and high-contrast.

Nonetheless, it does have touches that tie in nicely with the rest of the home. The black plumbing fixtures reference the La Cornue stove downstairs and have just enough curves and detail to hark back to more traditional styles. The substantial vanity is wood, which, along with slightly retro-looking sconces, warms up the room.

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(Opposite) The kitchen’s ventilation hood was custom-made to complement the La Cornue range. “We seem to spend 100 per cent of our life in the kitchen,” Mike says. “It’s so easy to hang out there, to cook, be social.”

(Left) The ensuite master bathroom carries on the blackand-white theme. Hexagonal Carrara marble floor tiles provide a luxurious touch against the rugged surface of the vanity. (Above) The dining room banquette is upholstered with a textured Pendleton blanket.

“The home is an eclectic space, very Banff, not pristine and polished,” Morrison says.

Mike adds, “Design is something Jolene and I are both passionate about. In Banff there are very few modern takes on mountain homes.”

Referencing the details such as the dark squared-off posts in the great room, he says, “It’s a highlight, that juxtaposition of warm mountain aesthetic married with modern.

Without that, I don’t think the project would have been so successful.”

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ART

THE FEELING OF FOLDING A Quebec artist creates unique folded canvases that are three-dimensional

BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS

DURING THE YEARS when Mélanie Giguère worked as a fashion designer, it was her finearts background that inspired her colours, shapes and style. Now, as a full-time painter, it’s her history with fashion that shapes her paintings: folded canvases that play with light and colour.

Giguère started out studying art in Quebec City, but when she graduated, she thought it was time to put her artistic dreams aside, to grow up and find a real career, one that would pay the rent and support her. She enrolled in a fashion course, and then spent the next decade working as a designer at Simons. And in her free time, she painted. She painted until she knew that it was the only thing she really wanted to do. –>

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Photo credit: Isabelle Morneau

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As her style developed, she tried to translate some of the feeling of working with fabrics into a language she could use on the canvas.

“I was looking to create the same volume that I had in working with clothing, a 3-D effect,” she says. “Even when I tried different texture techniques, I was never satisfied. It wasn’t what I had in my head.” Then she hit on the idea of manipulating the actual canvas: painting it and then folding it to create the volume and lines she wanted before she put it on its wooden frame.

It’s a technique she’s dubbed “foldart” – literally, “folding your art.” She creates her lines and paints the loose canvas, then folds it before putting it on its wooden frame. Then, because the paint will crack or get marred during the framing, she paints it again.

“Sometimes, I have to correct the colours because it becomes unbalanced, or a line I had in my head was straight and in the folding it’s become crooked,” Giguère says. Because the folding reduces the size, she starts with canvas pieces that are three or four times larger than her finished piece will be. The result – contemporary-style sculptural paintings, or maybe painted sculptures.

(Above) Un bonheur si simple, 36˝ x 36˝ (Below) À chacun sa couleur, 30˝ x 60˝

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Relaxation, 40˝ x 40˝

“A lot of people say, ‘You’re lucky to be a (paid) artist.’ It didn’t just happen.”

Sentiment de liberté, 60˝ x 20˝

For years, Giguère painted with saturated colours, lots of bright blues, reds, greens, yellows, mostly on white backgrounds. “My kids adore my canvasses that are very coloured,” she says. “I always loved colours, even while I was studying, while I was designing clothes. I was always trying to come up with new colour stories, to mix new colours. Colours are at the centre of my artistic process.”

The artist says that many of her colour choices have been inspired by her travels. A recent ski trip to western Canada, with its white mountains and intense blue skies led her to do a number of works in just those white and blue tones. –>

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Rêve à Mykonos, 24˝ x 24˝

“Now I’ve started making canvases that are all white, like a vision of eternity. They’re very airy,” she says. “I secretly always wanted to have the guts to do a white canvas. My kids

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thought that made no sense: ‘Mom, you can’t do a canvas with no colour.’ ” Then a client commissioned one. “I was so happy. That gave me the push I needed to make more.”

In the past year, she’s has been using more white, grey, beige. “It’s really the texture that you see. It all changes depending on where the light comes from. The 3-D effect is most visible on canvases that are white.

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Métamorphose, 48˝ x 48˝

Le printemps de ma vie, 60˝ x 18˝

Another direction she’s looking at is swapping her canvas for other fabric, possibly linen or even velour. “It’s a technique that opens many possibilities for the future,” Giguère says. “A lot of people say, ‘You’re lucky to be a (paid) artist.’ It didn’t just happen.” When she realized there were other artists with successful careers, she knew that if she worked hard and if she distinguished herself and her work stood out, she could earn a living as an artist. It’s a message she’d pass along to young artists who find themselves in the same position she was in. “Life is too short to waste time working in a field you don’t like.

I’d tell them to stay connected to themselves, be open to critiques, to always try to evolve and learn. That’s the key,” she says. “I’d say, yes, it’s possible to live on art.”

Mélanie Giguère is represented by Galerie Le Bourget, 34 St. Paul St. W., Suite B, Montreal 514-845-2525. Her work can be viewed at: www.galerielebourget.com

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LIFESTYLE

COFFEE KLATCH

Consider these new and improved brewing options before buying a coffee maker

BY JULIE GEDEON

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OUR LARGE COFFEEMAKER seemed a good idea at half price a few years ago, but it collects more dust than it brews espressos or cappuccinos for our household or guests.

Truth be told, I’m not a morning person; I need my coffee without having to think about its preparation. And the machine’s novelty has worn off for my once barista-wannabe spouse.

I now wish I had explored all of the options before making any purchase, which is exactly what Isabelle Harvey, the director of regional sales at the Linen Chest, advises. “There’s a wide range of quality choices, but it really depends on your needs and preferences,” she says.

The first thing to consider is the amount of coffee a household or office actually consumes. “Coffeemakers that use capsules are really popular because they’re so fast and convenient, but they become expensive if you drink more than three cups daily,” Harvey says.

With costs ranging from almost $6 to $11 for 10 to 12 capsules, coffee purchases can add up to more than $50 a pound. “You could end up spending $1,500 yearly if you’re not careful,” she warns. “However, the convenience is worth it to those who want that one perfect cup on the run in the morning, or a variety of good coffee always at the ready in seconds for visitors.”

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For others, it’s a question of not only budget but tastes. “Do you just want a nicely filtered coffee?” Harvey asks. “Or do you want the ability to whip up some milk for a cappuccino or macchiato?”

If you have time and inclination, handpressed filter coffee pots make the most of good quality, freshly ground beans. “They’re for people who enjoy lounging in the morning over a newspaper or regard coffee as important as the wine they serve during a special meal,” Harvey says. “They’re also the most environmentally friendly option.”

For those with a less artisanal lifestyle, push-of-a-button options have come a long way in terms of improved technology. You want a quick filtered cup? You’ve got it! You’d prefer a latte, or perhaps a hot chocolate, or even tea? No problem.

“These multifaceted units take up more space but do almost everything,” Harvey says. “They also have conveniences such as removable containers to refrigerate frothed milk for later use.”

Another consideration is how easy the better machines are to clean. All of this is explained in detail by Harvey and her Linen Chest associates.

She also made me realize that we’re not wedded to one coffeemaker. I can save my existing machine for when the barista spirit recaptures my husband’s inclinations, but I can also shop for a push-of-a-button model to face mornings. And a hand-pressed filter pot would be nice for book club.

Linen Chest www.linenchest.com

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DESIGN

RETREAT

FROM

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LIFE

An Ile Bizard home seems like a rural escape despite its suburban location

BY JULIE GEDEON PHOTOGRAPHY: KURT JAWINSKI

WHAT TO DO when your spouse is hellbent on buying a home that you don’t like as much? Anthony Fantin faced that dilemma in purchasing a 1981 waterfront property in Ile Bizard. “My wife fell totally in love with this Canadiana-style home with its dormer windows and stone facade,” he recalls. “I finally agreed to buy it, but only if she agreed to the renovations that I had in mind to do over time.”

The result is a bright open home that belies its quaint exterior with an expansive indoor mix of richly varied wood surfaces that reflect its forested setting. “The quality that has gone into this house is indisputable,” says Sylvie Menard, the real estate broker who has listed the property for sale. “The home is now worth 10 times its original price.” –>

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(Above) The homeowners added a foyer with new windows on each wall and a 22-foot-high ceiling to create a grander entrance. The result is more natural light and space for everyone to remove coats and boots without being cramped against the stairwell as had originally been the case.

Sloped rooflines had initially made for dark interiors. A solarium company was hired to install windows to make the family room a sunnier retreat. White oak engineered flooring and a hickory finish on the wall that has one of the home’s three gas fireplaces add visual warmth.

A tiny entranceway became a grand foyer through the removal of a second-storey room, which heightens the space. “There’s now a 22-foot ceiling and more natural lighting through the additional windows that were installed,” Anthony says. “And people aren’t up against the stairs the minute they step inside the house.”

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The already unique stairwell makes a stronger design statement thanks to the addition of dark wainscoting. A herringbone design puts the porcelain flooring on an equally impressive footing in the foyer. “Everyone thinks it’s marble or natural stone,” Anthony says.

As for the room that was removed ... no one misses it. The addition of a four-car garage facilitated the creation of a large master suite above it that includes an ensuite bathroom, a large walk-in closet, and extensively windowed living space overlooking the waterfront. There’s also a nook for a desk. “We made it so that we could live in this master if we just added a fridge,” Anthony says. “And the gas fireplace is lovely in the wintertime.” –>

A solarium company created a glassed wall that adds geometric interest. The fireplace has a hickory surround.

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(Left): Original brick and natural wood surfaces lend warmth to the home’s otherwise minimalist lines. A built-in coffee station and a pop-up drawer for a toaster are part of the homeowner’s penchant for having a proper place to store everything.

The house boasts two ensuite bathrooms.

Storage abounds throughout. “I like having the space to keep everything hidden away,” Anthony says.

Other conveniences include the kitchenette with its instant access to stored china, cutlery and linens. “There’s also a built-in coffee station,” Menard says. “And it’s so neat how when you roll up the storage unit’s ‘garage’ door, you can slide out the toaster and/or toaster oven from a pull-out drawer.”

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The kitchen’s finishes complement the hickory featured in the family room. The waterfall island has a pure white quartz surface with an induction heating element. “I didn’t want a hood or anything to obstruct the island’s surface,” Anthony says. “Ten or 12 people easily gather around this counter during parties.” –>

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Going against the current open-concept trend a bit, the homeowners opted to have a partial wall between the kitchen and its casual dining area to keep pots and pans out of sight while they entertain.

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(Opposite, top) The laundry room was designed with enough counter space to allow a couple of sweaters to dry flat on the surface along with plenty of room to fold everything else. The homeowners’ preference for natural wood prompted them to keep the original oak doors. (Opposite, below, and this page) The backyard is an urban oasis with several patio areas for the adults to lounge while children swim or run around in a grassed area. The property includes a stretch of waterfront but the house is set back from the river.

While most kitchens these days are fully opened to adjacent rooms during renovations, the homeowners opted for a partial wall so that any mess after cooking would be out of sight while they entertain guests in the other spaces.

No area has been overlooked. “We made the basement laundry area big enough to be able to dry sweaters flat on the counter and have space to fold everything,” Anthony says.

“And that basement shower is great when you get up really early and you don’t want to wake up the rest of the house.”

The backyard features a heated swimming pool and several deck areas that lend themselves to relaxed outdoor living, along with enough lawn for children to run around under supervision.

While close to Montreal, the property seems more like a rural oasis, having some 50 feet of waterfront and bordering protected woodlands. “I don’t see or hear any neighbours,” Anthony says. “Just the birds singing and other wildlife.”

This home can be viewed online at www.sylviemenard.com.

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THE FINE ART OF FINE JEWELRYY Jeweller Gloria Bass creates a dazzling array of unusual and signature pieces

BY CHERYL CORNACCHIA

FOR DECADES, Montreal jeweller Gloria Bass has been a name in the male-dominated field of jewelry design. Her signature inter-changeable stacking rings, intricately woven coil pieces, baroque pearls and chunky gemstone rings and bracelets are easily recognizable as “Gloria Bass designs.”

Bass has been building her reputation and brand since the late 1970s, when she returned to Montreal from a sojourn in California, where her husband was furthering his studies and she was exploring the creative arts that eventually led her to jewelry making. The store and workshop that she opened in the

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late 1980s on Greene Avenue in Westmount (after six years on Queen Mary Road), is a go-to destination for anyone who appreciates fine jewelry design.

Although she no longer does bench work – she supervises jewellers onsite who do that – she is as busy as ever designing new collections and custom pieces. These typically include contemporary-style necklaces and earrings; 18-karat gold (yellow, white and rose) stacking rings; chunky rings and multi-textured bracelets; and intricately woven coil pieces that are among her signatures.

She loves gemstones and uses them all: sapphires (blue as well as pink, yellow and orange), rubies, emeralds, diamonds and dozens of others, in all shapes and cuts. She smiles: “They have to inspire lust.”

More than 50 per cent of Bass’s work is custom-made jewelry, and she just launched an online store at www.gloriabassdesign.com.

“I like to push the envelope…and, then, push a little more,” she says. The word “retirement” is not in her vocabulary. “I am closed on Mondays,” Bass says. “That’s my homage to retirement. I have a list a mile long of pieces I want to make.”

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Her success dates back to her time in San Diego in the late 1970s and a used book she bought toward the end of her two-year stay there. The book showcased the work of artists using textile techniques to create jewelry. She was so taken with the work of one of the artists that she tracked him down and persuaded him to give her private lessons. “A lot of his work was in coil,” she recalls. “It was right up my alley. It changed the course of my life.”

She went from there to study jewelry-making and metal work at the renowned Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. When she returned to Montreal, she set up a work bench

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in her home and started experimenting with coil work. She also began designing her own pieces for private clients. When a member of the Bronfman family bought one of her coil pieces slated to be part of a joint exhibition at the Canadian Guild of Crafts before the show had even opened, she knew she was doing what she was meant to do. Bass taught jewelry-making and was head of the jewelry department at the Saidye Bronfman Centre for 12 years. She went on to apprentice with famed Montreal jeweller Johnny Blackwood, who insisted she work in gold, refining her skills even more. “I stayed with him for six

years, and absorbed it all, before going out on my own,” Bass says.

Over the more than 40 years she has been designing jewelry, trends have come and gone. Today, she says, people are dressing up less, and that can be a challenge when it comes to them wearing jewelry. But she is grateful for her success, both past and ongoing.

“What’s really wonderful is when people tell me ‘It’s a Gloria Bass’,” she says. “It’s still a thrill when I go to charity events or galas and I see something I have made.”

Gloria Bass Design 1361-1 Greene Ave., Westmount 514-933-7062 www.gloriabassdesign.com

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HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE Find the right presents for those you love

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

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WHILE THE HOLIDAY SEASON is a magical time when we get together with family and friends, it can also be stressful. We want to bestow the right gifts on our loved ones, but finding them can be a challenge. Here’s a guide to help simplify your search.

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GI F T GU I DE

HOMEWARD BOUND The book Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave shows us how to assess our own design aesthetic to create a home that reflects our personalities. Author Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame gives readers an in-depth look at how to implement various styles room by room. Whether you’re a novice decorator or a seasoned pro, this book has tips for upping your style game.

Available at Indigo. www.indigo.ca

DOGGIE DNA If you’re interested in your pup’s past and pedigree, the Embark Breed + Health Kit, a dog DNA test, enables you to learn your dog’s breed, ancestry and health with a simple swab of its cheek. Find long-lost relatives using the canine relative finder, free with the purchase of this doggie DNA kit.

Available at Embark. www.embarkvet.com

JOY TO THE WORLD JOY, the new fragrance by Dior, has a warm floral scent combining keynotes of mandarin, sandalwood and white musk. Not too floral and not too sweet, this soft, uplifting scent is perfect for that special woman in your life.

Available at Sephora and The Bay. www.sephora.com, www.thebay.com

DAILY GRIND Elevate your morning coffee from ordinary to wow with the Bodum Bistro coffee grinder. Fully adjustable with 12 settings ranging from coarse to fine and a static-free borosilicate glass container to catch the grounds, this grinder will make your cup of joe one to remember.

Available at The Bay. www.thebay.com

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INTUITIVE INSTRUCTION Has your inner voice gone and left you without direction? Enter the Inner Compass cards by Neel van Lierop. This powerful deck of cards is designed around 49 life themes, incorporating Mayan culture, Buddhism, Taoism and the I Ching, to help you tap into your intuition. Select your cards and read the messages for guidance. Use the guidebook for an expanded explanation.

Available at Goop. www.goop.com

TIMELY GIFT Furthering the obsession with fitness watches, the new Apple Watch Series 4 has curved corners to allow for a larger and more efficient display. It’s perfect to help you become more active, healthy, and connected. Other features, such as the advanced heart-rate sensor, a crystal-clear display, and a GPS are sure to make this watch a favorite this holiday season.

Available at Apple. www.apple.com

CUSTOMIZABLE COLLECTION The new Gucci DIY collection allows you to customize your shoes with letter appliqués. Removable, individually constructed patches, come in a mix of colours and fabrics and may be personalized with your initials. Perfect for the fashionistas in your life. Shown is the DIY women’s Ace sneaker.

Available at Gucci. www.gucci.com

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ROSY RIEDEL The Amadeo Rosa decanter, designed by Stefan Umdasch, was introduced in 2006 and has since become one of the icons of Riedel’s collection.

Mouth-blown from crystal glass, the pink colour has been applied to a large portion of the decanter, giving it a new and contemporary design.

Perfect for wine lovers, this decanter also comes in Mento (a shade of green) and Grigio (grey).

Available at Linen Chest. www.linenchest.com

CHECKERED CHUM Nothing says Canada like a 12-inch moose plush toy hugging a red-check throw. Perfect for children and adults alike, this throw will add a touch of warmth to any family room. The throw measures 50 by 60 inches.

Available at Linen Chest. www.linenchest.com

SPIRITUAL SCENT The Edition 03 incense-scented candle from Goop will lift your spirits with a blend of mystical resins and forbidden spices. Frankincense is combined with juniper, black pepper, cardamom and cedar to form a one-of-a-kind mystical experience reminiscent of ancient times.

Available to Goop. www.goop.com

SPOT ON The Echo Spot is everything that you love about Alexa, housed in a new contemporary design with visual display. Not only can you ask Alexa for the weather, get the news, view your calendar or set an alarm, the Spot can also be personalized with a collection of clock faces and can make video calls to anyone with an Echo Spot or the Alexa app. There are built-in layers of protection and privacy controls, including a “microphone/camera off” button to electronically disconnect the microphones and camera.

Available at Amazon. www.amazon.ca

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HEART’S DESIRE The Lovebox Spinning Heart Messenger was designed by Jean Gregoire to send heartfelt messages to his fiancée in Paris while he was studying in the USA. Use the app to send your loved one a message, and the heart on the box will spin to alert them. Open the box to display the message. Return the virtual embrace by spinning the heart to send a shower of digital hearts to the sender’s screen.

Available at Uncommon Goods. www.uncommongoods.com

GOLF GUIDANCE Measuring distance to any point on the golf course (or off!) is easy with the Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors. Developed in partnership with Microsoft, Arccos Caddie offers artificial intelligence to provide advice based on your performance. Hands-free and fully automatic, this system is perfect for the golfer who wants to up his game.

Available at Amazon. www.amazon.ca

DIAMOND DOUBLE CUFFS Celebrate your love with these exquisite yellow gold, pear-shaped, diamond double cuff earrings. As easily paired with an elegant black dress as with a ball gown, these earrings will make a statement.

Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

CONVECTION COOKING Heat up your leftover pizza with the Cuisinart Chef’s convection countertop oven. Boasting a non-stick interior, 15 cooking functions, speed settings and a heating power of 1875 watts, this oven will make preparing homemade meals a breeze. Big enough to accommodate a nine-pound chicken or a 13-inch pizza, it’s a convenient addition to a cook’s kitchen appliances.

Available at Walmart and The Bay. www.walmart.ca and www.thebay.com

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EMERALD ENVY These beautiful yellow gold, diamond and emerald drop earrings will make your special someone the object of envy. Perfect for an evening out with friends or a date night for two.

Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

NOTEWORTHY NECKLACE Elegant and timeless, this yellow gold necklace with round and baguette diamonds will make you sparkle this holiday season.

Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

LINKED LUXURY This attention-getting 18kt yellow gold and diamond link bracelet is as unique as it is eye-catching. Fine craftmanship and flawless design make it a signature piece.

Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

THE MORE, THE MERRIER Beautifully cut, white gold and diamond rings really are a girl’s best friend – especially when they are in multiples. Wear them stacked or alone for a glamorous effect.

Available at Gloria Bass Design. www.gloriabassdesign.com

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TOP BRASS

TEXTURED AND TRENDY

These brass oval coasters by Slash Objects feature recycled rubber bases

This contemporary, textured bracelet by Gloria Bass is made of 18kt yellow

and may be used on both sides. Perfect for your glass and a small hors

gold and is accentuated with a small diamond circle for an added touch of

d’oeuvre or coffee and a spoon, these coasters are sure to make a splash.

sparkle.

The set of four is packaged in a beautiful matte black box with gold

Available at Gloria Bass Design.

lettering, ready for gifting.

www.gloriabassdesign.com

Available at Celadon Collection. www.celadoncollection.com

SCULPTURAL STONES This set of stackable Rock Candle Holders by Tom Dixon can be reconfigured to make a personalized sculptural design. Made of marble, each piece is as unique as it is beautiful. Comes in three sizes.

Available at Celadon Collection. www.celadoncollection.com

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SWEET DREAMS Inspired by travel and exploration, the newest collection from Maison Tess is an invitation to wander off to uncharted territory. Made from a blend of 45 per cent premium cotton and 55 per cent pure flax linen, this comfortable bedding is also Oeko-Tex-certified, hypoallergenic, part of the BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), and woven in Portugal.

Available at Maison Tess. www.maisontess.com

LOVELY LATTE The Caffitaly latte and milk frother allows you to prepare your favourite cappuccinos and lattes. You can also use it to make excellent iced coffees and iced cappuccinos with the cold-frothing function. Its unique magnetic drive system provides ease of use and ease of care. Made of non-stick stainless steel, it’s also available in black or white.

Available at Caffitaly Canada. www.caffitalycanada.com

COTTON COMFORTS Known to be the most breathable type of cotton, Maison Tess’s 100 per cent premium muslin cotton bedding is pre-washed, very breathable and deliciously soft. It’s the perfect addition to a cozy bed in winter.

Available at Maison Tess. www.maisontess.com

MERRY AND BRIGHT These holiday lights are designed to bring joy to all who behold them. The colourful LED balls are available in three sizes and 16 colours. The snowflake-shaped ones measure 30 inches in diameter and are also available in 16 colours. Made of high-quality polyethylene resin, they’re UV-resistant, recyclable, and made in Quebec.

Available from Twist Production www.twistproduction.com

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EXPLORING THE SANDS OF TIME Egypt is an enigmatic travel destination, replete with mysterious ancient history and monuments TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LA CARMINA

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I’VE BEEN FASCINATED by Egypt since childhood. Tales of the ancient civilization – a land of cunning queens, cat worship and mummies – grabbed my imagination. After decades of dreaming, I took the leap and booked a flight to Cairo.

A few friends expressed concern about the safety of my upcoming adventure. I assured them I was minimizing risks by joining a group tour and sticking to the ancient wonders along the Nile River. From the moment I arrived in the country, I felt secure at all times.

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From a viewpoint at Muhammad Ali Mosque, you can spot the Pyramids of Giza rising above Cairo. The Nile River Valley has been inhabited for 8,000 years, creating a vivid contrast between the ancient structures and urban sprawl, populated by 9.5 million.

I recommend flying to Cairo and joining a one- or two-week tour of such major sites as Luxor and Aswan. I booked a 12-day journey with Travel Talk Tours that included hotels, bus transportion and entry fees. Travellers might also opt to cruise along the Nile, or hire a private guide and driver.

In the winter and spring, Egypt is pleasantly warm and the archeological sites are not teeming with tourists. Temperatures dropped at night, making me glad I had packed a jacket.

On the first day, my group travelled from Cairo to nearby Saqqara, where we gazed at one of the earliest pyramids. Built for Pharaoh Djoser, the impressive stepped structure has survived more than 4,500 years. –>

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Onward to the Pyramids of Giza, where I was dazzled by the sight of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure rising from the sand. To this day, archaeologists aren’t certain how the millions of stones, each as tall as my shoulders, were moved into place. Inside Khufu, the largest of the pyramids, I scuttled up steep ramps that led to a chamber containing a sarcophagus.

I’ve seen the Great Sphinx many times in photos, but nothing comes close to meeting the mythical man-lion in person. He’s lost his nose over the centuries, and his lips remain sealed as to why he was sculpted and by whom.

I could feel a palpable energy at the Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The triangular shape represents the sun’s rays, or the primordial mound from which Egyptians believe life originated.

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Back in Cairo, I was eager to visit the Museum of Antiquities, which houses 120,000 relics. My fascination with mummification grew when I encountered rows of sarcophagi with carved faces, and canopic jars for the viscera of the dead. In the Mummy Room, I saw the shriveled but remarkably preserved bodies of Seti I, Akhenaten and other rulers.

–>

“I felt as if I had travelled back in time. “

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My group drove south to Luxor, Egypt’s capital in the Middle and New Kingdoms. Everyone was entranced by Karnak, a sprawling temple for Amun-Re. Strolling past ram-headed sphinxes and walls of ankhs, I felt as if I had travelled back in time. Across the Nile at Hatshepsut’s mortuary, I admired portraits of the revolutionary queen who wore a false beard, and held the crook and flail.

Luxor Temple is best viewed at night, when the colossal statues are hauntingly illuminated against the dark sky. It’s remarkable that the ancients could execute such impressive architecture, including a courtyard framed by towering likenesses of Ramses II.

In ancient Egypt, art served the purpose of honouring gods and rulers, and easing the dead’s journey to the afterlife. Today, we can appreciate these exquisite sculptures and bas reliefs for art’s sake.

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In the Valley of the Kings, the tombs are decorated with vivid scenes of daily life, as well as the pantheon of gods. Scholars were unable to read hieroglyphics until the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799. Today, we know how each symbol corresponds to a sound; the owl represents “M” for example.

Be sure to visit the Valley of the Kings: more than 60 tombs, including that of King Tutankhamun, lie beneath the mountains.

Most of us think of hieroglyphics as colourless, but as I explored these burial chambers, I discovered they were originally painted in brilliant shades.

In the passageways of the dead, I saw the full pantheon of Egypt’s strange gods.

Many of us can identify Horus the falcon and jackal-headed Anubis of the underworld.

However, I was astonished by Khepri, who has an eerie black scarab for a head, and Khnum the ram, whose horns inspired the depiction of Baphomet. –>

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Further south in Aswan, my group learned about the Ptolemaic era, which ended with the death of Cleopatra VII and the fall of Egypt to Rome. At Philae and Edfu temples, I noted the Hellenistic influence in the fluted columns and voluptuous carvings of Egyptian goddesses. At Kom Ombo, I was astonished by a collection of mummified crocodiles baring sharp teeth, in honor of the god Sobek.

It was worth waking up at 3:30 a.m. to reach Abu Simbel before sunrise. This otherworldly temple was carved into the side of a mountain, and was lost to the sands until a boy rediscovered it in the early 1800s. I felt as small as a mouse, beneath four gargantuan seated statues of the great Ramses II. Next door, a smaller temple for queen Nefertari was decorated floor-to-ceiling with elegant paintings of goddesses.

I also rose before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over Luxor. From up in the air, I could see temple ruins illuminated by the rising sun, and stretches of desert reminiscent of an alien planet. I spent that afternoon sailing the Nile in a felucca, or traditional wood boat, just as sailors did in ancient times.

(Below) Abu Simbel was originally carved from the side of a mountain in the 13th century BCE. In the 1960s, the kingly statues were at risk of being submerged during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Archaeologists carefully relocated the entire complex to higher ground, where it stands today.

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2019

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Throughout the trip, I enjoyed simple local meals, such as kofta kebabs, harira lentil soup with lemon slices, and falafel with fresh pita, parsley and tomatoes. My most memorable dinner was home-cooked by a family of Nubians, or descendants of the people of southern Egypt and Sudan. It was a joy to learn about their distinct traditions while feasting on curries with okra and herbs, and bite-sized mandazi doughnuts.

Egypt is an extraordinary destination for anyone who adores history, archeology and culture. To this day, researchers are digging up baffling treasures, and discovering new depths to the knowledge of the ancients.

Although we may never unlock all of Egypt’s mysteries, a journey here will leave you in awe at the possibilities.

IF YOU GO Getting There: Toronto has a direct flight to Cairo on EgyptAir. Departures from Montreal require a stop in a European city, such as London, Paris or Frankfurt. Tickets cost between $1,100 and $1,350 CDN, with a flight time of 14-21 hours, depending on the city of origin.

Canadians must purchase a $25 USD visa on arrival at the airport.

Ground Travel: I recommend joining a guided group tour, for the sake of ease and safety. Travel Talk Tours’s 12-day journey has an average base price of $1,200 CDN that includes hotels, transportation and 16 meals.

Accommodation: In Cairo, a mid-range hotel room costs between $70 and $120 CDN. The luxurious Marriott Mena House, which has a poolside view of the Giza Pyramids, is $180 CDN per night.

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CREATING THE SPA LOOK Fleurco’s Veritas Premiere and Mod collections of accessories for the bathroom offer beauty and function

THINK OF THEM as the finishing touches, the small but important – and practical – elements that transform a bathroom into a welcoming spa. Once you’ve installed your new vanity, shower, tub, toilet and faucets, it’s time to consider the accessories that add sparkle and are oh-so-necessary for comfort and beauty. Fleurco, a Montreal-based company that specializes in the design, manufacturing and distribution of high-end glass shower doors, bathtubs, lighted mirrors and accessories, has created the Veritas Premiere and Mod collections, designed to enhance the look and function of a bathroom. Here are the items that add wow to your bathroom sanctuary:

RELAX AND PUT YOUR FEET UP Built for a corner of the shower, this footrest is stylish and functional and is equipped with an anti-slip covering. Made of plated brass and insulated plastic.

Premiere. Available now.

SETTING THE BAR This 135-degree grab rail for the shower or bathtub is stylish and practical, and can be easily installed at any height. Made of chrome-plated brass, it is ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) and offers added mobility to seniors.

Premiere. Available now.

SOAP SAVVY The Veritas Premiere soap rack can be installed at any height, and is slotted for water drainage. The glass shelf is removable for easy cleaning.

Made of chrome-plated brass and six-millimetre-thick tempered mist glass.

Premiere. Available now.

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ALL-IN-ONE Beauty and practicality come together in this multi-function towel bar with mix-and-match compatible accessories (sold separately): soap dispenser, tumbler and soap dish. Available in two sizes, the bar can be installed vertically for towel storage. Towel bar: brass, zinc; accessories: mist glass, brass. Finishes available: chrome or matte black.

Mod. Available end of November.

HAVE A SEAT Made for inside or outside the shower, this sturdy stool is made of polypropylene and aluminum, and has a rubber grip under its feet to prevent slipping. It can withstand up to 1,500 pounds.

Premiere. Available now.

VERY VERSATILE The Veritas shelf can hold a small towel or liquid-soap dispenser and tumbler. This versatile accessory can be installed at any height.

Made of aluminum, mist glass and brass, it comes in a chrome or matte-black finish.

Mod. Available end of November.

RAISING THE BAR This striking Veritas towel bar is sleek and stylish, designed to enhance the beauty of any bathroom. Made of aluminum – in a chrome or matte black finish – it’s available in two sizes.

Mod. Available end of November.

Fleurco www.fleurco.com

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COOL, CALM,

CONTEMPORARY AND

COHESIVE

A Toronto home is holistically designed with a light and airy aesthetic

BY KAREN SEIDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANI BUCHMAN

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DESIGN

(Above) The wall-hung cabinetry creates a light, contemporary aesthetic, according to designer Sara Bederman. The custom-made mirror and shelf combination is flanked by a linear lighting fixture from Cedar and Moss in Oregon.

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VISITORS ARE SWEPT UP into an oasis of crisp, calming spaces when they walk into this renovated semi-detached house in the South Hill area of Toronto. Neutral tones prevail, yes, but it is the attention to detail that distinguishes this home, meticulously designed

by Sara Bederman of Sara Bederman Design, for a young family with two children.

Bederman calls the decor “soft modern,” accentuating clean lines but with warmth and coziness to soften the look and feel of the home. “All the materials are natural, which keeps that organic feeling throughout the house,” she says.

The consistent finishes – the same wood and marble throughout – create cohesiveness in the design, which is what Bederman believes produces the serenity the clients desired.

Cohesiveness may be simple to create, but making a homogenous and somewhat monotone space interesting was the challenge for this designer. “It can be boring if all the finishes are the same,” she says. “My job was to find ways to electrify the space just a bit while keeping that cohesive feeling.”

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She did that with some small details and a few powerful design elements that she believes generate excitement. That excitement begins at the entrance, where the contemporary-style staircase becomes a focal point for the home – the white oak steps are seemingly free-floating in a translucent glass and stainless-steel balustrade. Hexagonal marble tiles, feathered into the wood floor, lead from the main entry to the staircase and the main living area.

“There’s a real wow factor when you walk in,” Bederman says. “The staircase design is very architectural.” And that is further underscored by the archway to the nearby living area, which is accentuated with white oak to match the engineered hardwood floors.

It creates a beautiful framework for the space.

The sense of openness created by the remodeled staircase was critical to the whole project. The clients wanted an open and airy ambience, choosing the largest windows they could have wherever possible. “One of their objectives was to achieve that inside/outside feeling,” Bederman explains. –>

The dramatic staircase is a focal point of the home, with “a huge wow factor,” says the designer. She likes its architectural look, framed by a white oak archway, and the hexagonal marble tiles that are feathered into the wood floor. All of it is embellished by a contemporary light fixture from Nuevo Living in Toronto.

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The consistent use of white oak and marble creates fluidity and continuity throughout the home’s design. The custom kitchen cabinetry from Millworx in Mississauga features white oak and white lacquer, which is repeated in the master bathroom.

The house was enlarged with an extension off the back that goes from the basement to the second floor, and the interior was then gutted and reconfigured, all with the goal of optimizing the openness the clients wanted.

The custom cabinetry is wall-hung to keep the feeling light and contemporary.

The only item remaining from the original house is a stained-glass window in the double-height foyer. But that is far from the only artistic flourish in the home; even the coat-hook board in the entrance is a custom piece intended to be functional art. The transition from the kitchen to the living room includes open bookshelves and wine storage that is both functional and a striking design feature, adding interest in a long wall without removing function.

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The dining table is a family heirloom which was refinished to eliminate its reddish hue. A wood-burning fireplace brings warmth and elegant style to the room. The light fixture from hollis+morris in Toronto was customized to marry with the overall design of the home.

The dining room, which is the main eating area, features a family heirloom table in cherry wood, which was red and brown and had to be painstakingly refinished to achieve an appropriate shade of grey. Sitting on a polished stainless-steel base, the table is simply but dramatically punctuated by the unusual light fixture above, and the cool marble fireplace beside it.

The family room features a fireplace surround clad in Oriental white marble tiles. Flanking it, custom-built white lacquer cabinetry boasts oak details and matte black hardware. Because of the large space, Bederman ensured the fireplace would be offset to add a little asymmetry and make the TV area a better proportion. –>

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The sloping ceiling of the master bathroom was a design challenge. The herringbone mosaic tiles in the shower are among the most striking design elements. Matte black hardware: Myoh.

The white lacquer and white oak theme continues into the adjacent kitchen with its sleek cabinets and marble countertops. The white porcelain-tile backsplash is contemporary and the high-end appliances (Miele and a Sub-Zero fridge) are meant to last. The kitchen was designed for convenience and cooking: cabinets by Millworx have touch-latch doors, the faucets feature touch technology, and there’s a walk-in pantry.

“I really tried to highlight certain areas without making it feel fussy,” Bederman says of the project. “It was a huge challenge but I think we succeeded in creating the Scandinavian-inspired style with an injection of warmth that they wanted.”

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LICENCE TO CHILL Add yang elements to your decor to balance out the season’s yin energy

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

DURING OUR COLD, DARK winters, it’s easy to feel a lack of enthusiasm towards life and work. When the light levels drop around the winter solstice, many people in the northern hemisphere suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is known by its all-too-appropriate acronym “SAD.” A vacation in the tropics can provide a short-term fix. But there is a more permanent solution which can be applied to your home that promises to make you feel peppier during the cold season.

According to the ancient art of feng shui, developed more than 5,000 years ago in China, “yin” and “yang” play an important

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role in our health and well-being. These two opposing forces keep our bodies, minds and homes in harmony with the Universal energy (chi) that permeates the Earth. When they are out of sync (one is stronger than the other) we feel misaligned.

In feng shui philosophy, winter and summer are considered the major seasons while spring and autumn are transitional. Winter corresponds to yin energy (cold, dark, and inactive) and summer corresponds to yang energy (warm, bright, and active). Decorating for these two seasons requires a balancing act between yin and yang forces. We do this by

To offset the all-too-familiar seasonal blahs, our homes can be modified with elements that are bright and warm (yang) to balance out the dark, cold (yin) energy of winter.

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adapting our decor to the season we’re in.

In fact, the practice of changing a home’s decor for the seasons long predates the popularization of feng shui in Western cultures.

Even now, many people adhere to this practice without quite understanding why.

Since the winter months in the northern hemisphere are cold and dark (yin), they can be offset by augmenting the level of warmth and light (yang) in the environment to restore balance. In your home, you can do this by adding warm lighting (no white lights) and/ or candlelight, by lighting the fireplace if

you have one (we have a primal attraction to fire), putting textured fur or wool blankets on seating, and layering carpets over wood floors in corridors and other rooms. Textures that are soft to the touch, combined with warm lighting, or the glow of a fireplace, make a room cozy, and balance the cold darkness of the outdoors. A centrepiece of succulents on your dining room table or a terrarium filled with the same will add some greenery to your home. Bringing nature indoors when the plants are dormant outside elevates our mood. –>

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(Left) Warm lighting, cushy pillows and soft linens make a bedroom cozy and inviting during the winter season, when we often spend more time in bed than during the summer. (Below) Warm foods, such as soup and hot chocolate, are yang in nature and offer the body an antidote to the yin energy of the season’s cold.

Bedrooms should also be made a priority during the winter months. We spend more time sleeping and loafing in bed during the winter. Putting quality linen or cotton sheets on your bed will help you sleep better.

Pillows and throws should also be added for additional warmth and comfort. And candles are a definite plus for a cozy AND romantic environment.

Our bodies also need to be brought into a state of balance during the cold winter months, when the surplus of yin energy can weaken our life force (chi). Drinking warm, spiced beverages such as cardamom hot chocolate or chai tea, as well as eating foods that

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contain a variety of spices and peppers, such as Indian and Mexican dishes, which are yang, will help ward off the internal cold. You will notice that many Indian dishes are served alongside a bowl of cucumber raita. The raita is the cooling dish required to balance the heat of some of the spicier fare.

When the outdoor picture is dreary and most of nature is asleep, we, too, want to cocoon. But just as the northern Europeans first added candles to their fir trees to bring cheer to the darkened landscape and to celebrate Christmas, we must add light and warmth and happiness to our homes to increase our life force (chi).

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(Right) The polyphenols in hot chocolate can elevate your mood; use dark chocolate for best results. (Below) Putting down rugs warms the floors underfoot.

Here is a winter checklist to get you started: * Candles * Soft lighting – think dimmers * Light the fireplace if you have one * Knitted wool blankets * Faux-fur blankets * Fluffy pillows * Centrepiece or terrarium of succulent plants * Carpets/runners * Warm and spicy beverages * Spicy foods * Getting together with friends.

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ONE-ST0P SHOP Avenue Design offers its clients an A-to-Z range of home design services

BY WENDY HELFENBAUM

FROM ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS as a fabric store in Ville St. Laurent back in 1989, Avenue Design has forged a reputation as an upscale furniture emporium, offering turnkey design assistance and exceptional customer service.

“We’ve been continuously evolving since we started 30 years ago, getting into window treatments, re-upholstery, and then launching our own furniture production, adding on case goods, lighting, accessories, carpeting and artwork,” says Avenue Design president

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Dino Bonomo. “Our collections have become more fashionable and interesting, and our product line has expanded drastically in the past two years. We have eight designers on staff with extensive furniture industry background, and we offer white glove treatment as an added value to our product line.”

The company has two warehouses close to headquarters, and is currently expanding to double the store’s square footage to 18,000 square feet. Bonomo notes that despite the trend to source and shop online, the brickand-mortar experience remains very popular, especially with busy young professionals who don’t want to waste time when they’re ready to furnish their homes.

“People looking for high-quality products want to be served by or consult with a professional who knows their product and who’s up to date about furniture and design trends,” he explains. “Our store has experienced designers to guide you, and you’re able to see and touch the product live. We also have warehouse and delivery teams who know how to handle high-end furniture. That has a value that can’t be reproduced online, and this is part of the reason we’re going through the expansion.”

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While Avenue Design stays on top of current design trends, it also produces classic, contemporary pieces in neutral palettes that don’t go out of style. “It’s a young, fresh look; we call it liveable luxury – products that look good and wear well, so you can keep your base decor in place and just change up pillows, carpets or artwork,” Bonomo says.

“We provide a lot of bang for the buck. We have price guarantees on anything that competes with other stores, but half our collection is custom-made products.”

With more people perusing Pinterest and Instagram, Bonomo says, his team is seeing more clients having already done extensive research. “The clientele is more fun to work with, because there’s an interaction with our designers; we’re not imposing ideas on them,” he says. “We’ll work up floor plans and colour palettes together; we’re really having a good time.”

After-sales service also ensures Avenue Design clients return, he adds, because they know they’ll be well taken care of.

“We stand behind our product, but we also have the workrooms and teams in place to resolve the problems if they do come up,” Bonomo says. “That’s been a big factor in our growth over the past few years. We consider furniture an investment, and people’s homes their reward for a fast-paced life. They come home at night, enter a room that we did, and feel terrific. And that’s our goal.”

Avenue Design 3425 Cote Vertu Blvd. W., Ville St. Laurent 514- 340-9351 www.avenuedesigncanada.com

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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

The latest pendants, chandeliers and table lamps make it easy to create warm, light interiors

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

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WELCOME TO WINTER. Shorter days leave many of us yearning for the light. While there is less natural light at this time of year, we can certainly illuminate the interiors of our homes by choosing beautiful light fixtures.

Here is a sampling of some of the latest pendants, chandeliers, sconces and table lamps on the market. They offer us an opportunity to boost our indoor light levels stylishly.

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LIGHTING GUIDE 2019

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD

MINIMALIST AND MATTE

Modern design combined with a dramatic flair makes the Vida chandelier

With its sleek design of matte-black metal combined with either chrome or

eye-catching. A burnished gold finish and crystal accents make this piece as

aged brass accents, the Lineare chandelier is perfect for a minimalist decor.

luxurious as it is beautiful.

Discreetly integrated LED lights further enhance the design.

Available at Royal Lighting

Available at Royal Lighting

www.royallighting.com

www.royallighting.com

CROWNING GLORY

TROPICAL TENDENCIES

The Apollo chandelier takes its name from Greek mythology. The laur-

The Tropical floor lamp with its oversized palm

el-leaf crown that defines its design is associated with the ancient deity.

fronds crafted in a vintage brass finish will add an

With its gold leaf motif and a painted finish, this wrought-iron chandelier is

island vibe to any room it’s placed in. Perfectly at

also available as a wall sconce.

home in both a traditional or contemporary decor.

Available at Import Temptations

Available at Import Temptations

www.import-temptations.com

www.import-temptations.com

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LIGHTING GUIDE 2019

GLASS GLOBES Originally created to house Tim Burton’s movie characters in his Prague exhibition, the TIM pendant lights are made of hand-blown glass crystal and are available in three sizes. Perfect for the kitchen and dining room, the simple beauty of these clear globes makes them a conversation starter.

Available at AM Studio www.amstudio.ca

CUBED The Sunburst Collection chandelier is reminiscent of a supernova starburst that occurs in space. Satin-brass, hollow rods, which form a sunburst pattern, are enclosed inside a matte black cube to form a stunning geometric light.

Available at Concept Lighting www.conceptlighting.ca

ORGANIC ORIGINS With a design that is similar to a molecular structure, the Organic light’s shape may be changed to your desired configuration. Dimpled glassware is suspended on a multi-directional black frame for added impact. It also comes with a straight hang for sloped ceilings.

Available at Concept Lighting www.conceptlighting.ca

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LIGHTING GUIDE 2019

LINEAR LUXURY Suspended, criss-crossed satin brass rods make this Linear chandelier geometrically fascinating. Contemporary and artful, the rectangular white canopy will blend easily into your decor while the 10 LED lights add ambience with their soft illumination. Available in two sizes. Lights included.

Available at Union Lighting and Furnishings www.unionlightingandfurnishings.com

COASTAL CHIC Antiqued black metal hardware combined with distressed wood gives the Lexi chandelier a rustic, coastal feel. Equally suited for the entrance or kitchen, this chandelier is reminiscent of historic fixtures.

Available at Accents for Living www.accentsforliving.ca

OPULENT OVALS Beautiful glass ovals hang like jewels that punctuate this inverted-triangle chandelier, which boasts a black iron finish and eight lights. Perfect for adding a little bling to any room in your home.

Available at Union Lighting and Furnishings www.unionlightingandfurnishings.com

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LIGHTING GUIDE 2019

HEAVENLY HALO Antique brass and clear acrylic combine to form the stunning halo of the Haskell chandelier. Thirty clear acrylic pillars surround eight lights for maximum shine. Perfect for the entrance foyer or dining room, this chandelier may also be hung outdoors in a covered area.

Available at Cocoon Furnishings www.cocoonfurnishings.ca

NATURALLY NEUTRAL A snow marble base with white striations sets the tone for this beautiful Sidney table lamp from Arteriors. This double socket lamp has decorative brass pull chains and a putty-coloured fabric shade with cream cotton lining.

Available at Cocoon Furnishings www.cocoonfurnishings.ca

BEAUTIFUL BASKETRY Made of Finnish birch plywood, the Basket Collection, which includes the Leaf, Crystal and Wave designs, reproduces nature’s patterns in its subtle shapes. The lancewood tree, ice formations and flowing water are all represented in the design of these sustainably manufactured lights.

Available at David Trubridge www.davidtrubridge.com

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LIGHTING GUIDE 2019

BALANCING ACT Inspired by hanging kinetic mobiles, the Phase chandelier interprets the circle three ways. Built from the bottom up, a sphere, a disc and a melted semi-circle are placed in various positions along a steel pipe and weighted before being attached to the arm for perfect balance and parallel lines.

Available at Anony www.anony.ca

MIRRORED MOSAIC The hand-crafted Regatta wall sconce

by Corbett has three mirrored octagons bordered by a mosaic of shells with a silver leaf finish. Elegant and understated, it casts a beautiful glow.

Available at Sescolite www.sescolite.com

ELECTRIFYING The BOLT hanging lamp by Hollis+Morris is hand-made of solid walnut. Its design is inspired by nature’s most powerful electrical force: lightning. Bold and elegant, the simple style of this fixture is contemporary and minimalist.

Available online at Simons www.simons.ca

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DELIGHTFULLY DARING DESIGN The owners of a Calgary design-build company test-drive some original concepts when creating their own home

BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE ANHOLT STYLING: MAJIDA DEVANI

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THE BEST IDEAS for designing indoor spaces sometimes come from time spent outdoors. For Majida Devani, the creative lead at Rndsqr home builders in Calgary, that spark came on a family holiday to Japan, visiting the bamboo forests near Kyoto.

As she was planning the build that was to become her own family’s new home, Majida wanted to try something new, to create a bright and inviting opening, like in a bamboo forest, from the second floor to the first. She surrounded that opening with a railing of long, narrow, tightly spaced slats, topped with metal. “We did it in cedar, instead of bamboo,” she says, “and we get the light dancing through the main floor.”

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Rndsqr, an award-winning building and development company owned and run by Devani’s husband and his brother, Alkarim and Afshin Devani, specializes in inner city, multi-family projects. “One of the things we always like to do is experiment,” says Majida, “To try new things and make sure they work out in our own homes first, before we do it anywhere else.”

That opening was just one of the new things they tried in the Bridgeland semi-detached home where the Devanis live with their eight-year-old daughter and one-year-old baby.

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Majida wanted a grey kitchen, and matched the cabinetry to the concrete panels and island that were custom-made by 2Stone, the Calgary concrete company. She likes the practicality of glass upper cabinets. “It makes life easier,” she says. “You can see where everything is.” The table top is custom-made in maple; the armchairs are by Muuto.

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Family and friends visit often, and so Majida put a lot of planning into the kitchen design. She wanted to use concrete to create the island – but only if it could be crafted as a single piece without seams. “When we have an idea, we say, ‘Can you make this work?’ ” The concrete company she works with, 2Stone Designer Concrete, at first tried to persuade her to go with two pieces, but she persuaded them to try. The first model failed – it split in the middle; the second worked perfectly. “We had to crane the whole thing into the house through the patio doors and then build the kitchen around that,” she says. The island has two tiers: the concrete countertop and a second wooden tier at table height, which is the family’s main eating area.

Lighting the area over the island was also a consideration. “We thought it would be nice if we could dangle garden lights, but wondered how could we do this and not make it look messy,” Majida says. In the end, they created a fixture using a large board, cut out circles to add rows of diamond LED lights, and worked with their electrician to set it up. “If we don’t know how to do something, we have someone who will know how to put it together or work out the technical part,” she says. –>

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There are two living spaces on the open-concept main floor.

For the front living room, under the opening to the second floor, Majida chose a grey Montauk sofa (shown on page 116), an Eames lounger from Kit Interior Objects, a Noguchi coffee table, and a carpet, like the kitchen runner, from House of Persian Rugs.

The second flex space at the back of the house could be used as a dining room; instead it’s become a family room where the family gathers to play and read together. The fireplace surround is custom-made Corten, the steel that colours as it oxidizes. The sofa and the Hecks ottoman trays by Blu Dot are both from Kit Interior Objects.

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The second floor is given over to the family’s two children. Majida’s eight-year-old daughter helped choose the green wall colour, wallpaper and other fixtures in her bedroom. Accessories and pillows are from Home Sense and EQ3. The front room is where she hangs out with her friends, and is her main play space for music, crafts, and relaxing and reading on the Cirque du Soleil net. String shelving unit: Kit Interior Objects.

But the “new thing” that Majida’s family, especially her older daughter, has the most fun with, is a play net on the second floor that hangs right over the home’s front hall.

That second floor is pretty much given over to her children – her daughters’ bedrooms and bathroom are there, along with a large play area at the front of the house, surrounding that cedar railing. Beside the railing, hangs a hammock-like net, made by Cirque du Soleil, held firmly in place with metal beams. “I think it’s over-engineered,” Majida says, “But it’s super-safe.” When visitors come in the front door, they can often see her daughter’s silhouette above them as she lies there to read.

Another family holiday, this time to Chile’s Atacama Desert, also influenced the home’s design. One of the hotels the family stayed at was designed with a lot of earth tones, Majida says. Since many of the older homes in her new neighbourhood are built with red brick, those tones seemed to fit in with the new house. To mimic those colours, but without using the brick, she chose Corten, the weathering steel that turns reddish as it oxidizes. A second-storey bump-out at the front of the house is clad in the steel, and it’s used again inside the house as a fireplace surround. –>

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The master bedroom, walk-in closet and master bath take up the third floor of the 3,000-square-foot home. A large, white-oakframed window overlooks the stairs. The Dodu bed by Blu Dot is from Kit Interior Objects.

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Majida used a wall of wooden slats to create privacy for the toilet area, and chose a light-coloured wood for the vanity as well. The green wall tiles are by Mutina, the brand she uses most often. “They’re very architectural and playful,” she says. She also chose a Mutina tile, this time in white, for the girls’ bathroom and used black matte Brizo faucets in both bathrooms.

To create warmth, she used textures, art and wood. The floors are white oak, laid in a chevron pattern. Wall niches are clad in wood.

And solid wood railings, also in white oak but stained dark, zigzag up, down and across the stairways from the basement up to the master retreat on the third floor.

Majida added a lot of wood in the master bathroom, too. A wall of wooden slats hides the water closet, and green tiles with a geometric pattern line the walls. The colour choice was influenced by the park beside their home, Majida says. She originally planned to use them on the floor, but fearing they weren’t strong enough, decided they’d be perfect on the walls.

“We like textures, earthy colours, warm aesthetics. People say, ‘Oh, you have a modern house.’ When I hear that I think it feels a little cold,” she says. “So maybe we’d call it transitional.”

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WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN THE 1980S ARE HAVING A MOMENT in home decor. Brass or gold faucets are here to stay, as are florals running riot over walls and beds. And the resurrected Memphis design trend with its bold colours and patterns originated in that era.

Back then, the heavens were home to a rare concentration of major planets in Capricorn. And it’s happening again as a new decade dawns. Jupiter will enter the sign in early December 2019, joining long-time residents Saturn and Pluto.

The planetary players have changed since the ’80s, but the sign they share remains the same. Because the planets now involved have to do with universal energies, it affects us all. And since the home is a template for our selves, our being, it has important implications for how we both live and decorate.

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How the sign of Capricorn will change your life and style heading into 2020

BY SUSAN KELLY

2020: Major Renovation Ahead But wait, there’s more! On January 12, 2020, Pluto and Saturn will exactly conjoin at the same degree of Capricorn in the sky. Every New Year brings a desire to make a fresh start; this conjunction turbocharges the impulse.

And the desire for change will come from a deep level.

The year 2019 marked the lead-up or preparation for this powerful and potent cosmic alignment. While it impacts everyone differently, I find most folks can easily point to one life area screaming for a tidy up if not more drastic action. For many of us, this conjunction will bring an Aha! moment, making it a transformative and perhaps even life-altering new year.

Many people will change residence or give their homes a big refresh. And since

Capricorn is associated with architecture and construction, you might consider a big structural change now. The trend in 2020 is for even more open, versatile spaces, so think moving walls. Beyond aesthetics, it’s also a good time to make sure your home sits on a solid foundation. And with Pluto involved, to perhaps have the plumbing system inspected.

Unfortunately, the conjunction also portends huge shifts on the global level. Both astrological forecasters and economists warn of a possible short-term economic crisis or recession. For this reason, it’s probably not a good idea to over-extend in financing any home or life changes. A wait-and-see approach might be wisest for the first six months at least. Fortunately, Capricorn is good on taking the long view and can help us all exercise patience and persistence to reach our goals.

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Capricorn and Style Home design trends reflect the zeitgeist, our collective consciousness, which in 2020 will have a strong Capricorn influence. Try mindfully incorporating some style that honours the sign’s higher qualities. In doing so, you can work some astrological feng shui and throw down the welcome mat for the positive and constructive change that lies ahead.

Some Capricorn-inspired design trends that will take us into 2020: Embrace the dark: Capricorn coincides with the darkest time of year.

Traditionally it is associated with black, which colour therapists consider a protective, calming and grounding hue. The 2019 trend for all-noir colour schemes in kitchens or bathrooms is forecast to remain strong.

Other sign-appropriate choices for any room: deep indigo or navy.

Reach for the light: The sign also marks the all-important winter solstice and the promise of lighter days ahead. The trend towards wider windows, even floor-to-ceiling, is slated to continue. Or evoke natural light with a pale neutral overall colour scheme, especially warm whites. As accent shades, consider uplifting tones of pink, blue or green.

Work it: There’s a new work-life fusion happening in the home, which is off the charts for 2020, forecasters say. This trend is very much in keeping with the industrious Goat who lives for career and achievement. What’s newest: fully integrating the home office into living areas, such as workstations on kitchen islands or built-in cabinets with folding desks.

Make it concrete: Capricorn likes to keep it real and build solid accomplishments. The trend for incorporating concrete, be it countertop, floor or tiles, is appropriate. So is adding various types of natural stone, with low-sheen leathered or honed finishes.

Repurpose with purpose: Capricorn is an earth sign and has a natural affinity for saving the planet. Big on tradition, it loves to honour the ancestors by finding a new use for family heirlooms. For the new, the plethora of sustainable decor materials makes many responsible options available.

Get a high Q: Marie Kondo rose to bestseller and YouTube success under Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. This sign is all about doing less with more to the point of austerity. And it will choose (high) quality over quantity every time, with a passion for a status label.

Where will you see the light in 2020? Here is a brief sign-by-sign guide.

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19) Streamline your home life so you can focus on your career. Does it represent your true goals, your calling? Time to find out.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUGUST 22) You’re working harder than ever now. Prioritize work and wellness space over entertaining — in style, of course!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21) Overhaul your approach to what you value, be it your paycheque or possessions. Make sure it sparks joy.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20) You need a bigger window on life, at least figuratively. Widen your outlook on life and embrace previously verboten views.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22) There has to be more to life! Make room in your home to pursue a project or pastime you’re passionate about.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19) Even the smallest home makeover will reflect the dramatic inner transformation underway.

Consider downsizing or streamlining.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20) Your close relationships and finances are under renovation. Embrace a more sophisticated approach to resources and assets.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22) Aesthetics alone do not a home make. It’s time to prioritize family, and make changes that reflect that.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18) Examine and eliminate any unconscious patterns or fears that are holding you back.

Renovate mindfully.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22) Time to clear away outmoded attitudes about relationships and build afresh. You might move or renovate to accommodate a new partner.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21) The big reveal: no home is an island. You may move to a better neighbourhood or to shorten the commute.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20) Stop merely dreaming of a better world.

Carve out space in your home to work for a cause that is dear to your heart.

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THE RIGHT FIT

Real estate broker Tina Baer specializes in successfully pairing homes and people

BY SUSAN KELLY

FINDING THE IDEAL HOME can feel like a match made in heaven. And such divine matchmaking is what Montreal real estate agent Tina Baer specializes in. “I just love bringing people together to create the best outcome,” she says. “And after 30 years in the business, it never gets old.”

Baer matches prospective buyers with the perfect property in the Westmount, Hampstead and downtown-Montreal areas. And, of course, vice versa for those looking to sell.

These days the homes she handles range from luxury condos to quaint bungalows to sprawling mansions. And since Montreal’s real estate market is red hot, it can be a challenge for agents to stay on top of developments.

“That’s where my association with Profusion Immobilier gives me an edge,” she says.

“It has both a strong local network and is the exclusive Montreal affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, long established and well respected in the luxury home market.”

As well, Profusion is a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, present in more than 70 countries. These associations add global reach to Baer’s local network and knowledge.

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Raised in Westmount, she previously worked in human resources as an executive recruiter, fitting the right person in the right position. Then a single mother of one daughter, she discovered that real estate, with its flexible hours, was an ideal fit. And, since her father also was in the real estate business, it was in her DNA. There may be a secret to her longevity and success. “Concierge” service, which involves the agent as a go-to resource and problem solver, has become an industry buzzword of late. Yet it is something Baer has always provided for her clients. Early on, she saw how stressful the many tasks surrounding a change of residence can be for them. She then set out to do everything she could to ensure the buying or selling process is as smooth and seamless as possible. “I call it white-glove service,” she says. “And I am at their side from start to finish. I never delegate.” –>

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A big part of this broker’s service involves tuning into her clients’ needs and then connecting them with well-vetted business owners and service providers. Here again, it’s about finding the right match of client with trustworthy professionals to handle such things as interior design, land surveying, home repairs and upgrades.

Her connections are most appreciated by buyers relocating from out of the province or overseas. Their needs might include help with school applications, advice on where to shop or where to find the best nanny or housekeeper. If need be, Baer is happy to serve as tour guide, giving them an insider’s view of the virtues of a prospective neighbourhood.

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“When I show my own listings, I take enormous pride in ensuring that the potential client sees the house at its best. Often, the clients say that I seem more like the homeowner than the broker because I’m so enthusiastic and positive,” she says.

First-time buyers or those looking for a second home, people upgrading or downsizing — her client list is long and varied. Most come to her based on a referral. These days it’s not uncommon to get a call from the offspring of a client from her early days. Included are some very prominent names, even celebrities. But Baer’s discretion is absolute, a quality her clients appreciate the most.

“It really is all about them, my clients,” she says, “and the fit. It has to be the right one: right people, right neighbourhood, right home.”

Tina Baer, Real Estate Broker tbaer@profusion.global C 514-603-9870 T 514-935-3337

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BLURRED LINES AND SURPRISES A designer creates a home for her family full of delights and gives it continuity between the indoors and outdoors

BY SUSAN SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: VANESSA EMAM

DESIGNER VANESSA EMAM and her husband knew what they wanted in their new home and their guidelines for the architect, Arcica Architectural Design Studio, were clear: They wanted the lines between indoor and outdoor “blurred,” as Vanessa puts it.

“Direct access to outside was one of the requests – and lots of big, big windows,” she says.

They also wanted a clean, minimalist look – and a house that would surprise. They got what they wanted.

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(Above) The credenza in the entry hall adds warmth and character. Open staircase risers allow light to pour in. The exposed brick wall includes vintage bricks in a design nod to the nearby Don Valley Brick Works, a former Toronto brick company that has been transformed into a public space.

From the outside, the two-storey structure, finished in smooth white stucco, looks “simple and square.” When people enter, “that is where the surprise is,” says Vanessa, a designer and principal at V+R Design Studio.

The house is a new build by builder Lawrence Park Development, but an exposed brick wall includes vintage bricks. It’s a nod to the nearby Don Valley Brick Works, a former Toronto brickyard that has been transformed into a public space, Vanessa explains, and it’s one way to introduce character to the space.

Another is through the judicious use of wood, from the wood-framed German tilt-and-turn windows throughout to the

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reclaimed wood flooring on the upper level.

Plants wherever the eye is trained add texture.

“I love modernity, but I need to bring some history and warmth into the design,” Vanessa says. “I really wanted to show that a modern home can be warm.”

A few steps lead down from the foyer into a great room with 11-and-a-half-foot ceilings.

“The idea was for it to be a loft style,” she says.

“That was our inspiration. We wanted a big room where everything happens: kitchen, dining, opening to the outside. We use this room all the time.”

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Floors on the main level are poured concrete, covered with a surfacing product to prevent cracking and to add warmth and texture. The homeowners had it coloured a soft grey.

A pair of rounded leather sofas adds curves to the great room space, as do an orb-shaped wood-burning fireplace suspended from the ceiling and a captivating round portrait created from magazine cutouts by artist Tad Biernot on the wall behind the dining table. “I really wanted round,” Vanessa says.

“We have this big box and we needed to bring in some circles.” –>

(Above) A pair of curved leather sofas by Roche Bobois and a large round portrait by artist Tad Biernot soften the room’s angular dimensions. The loft-style great room, with its 11-and-a-half-foot ceilings is “where everything happens. We use this room all the time,” says designer and homeowner Vanessa Emam. Floor-to-ceiling fenestration by Tiltco creates a seamlessness between the indoors and the exterior room, with its seating and dining areas. The poured concrete floors, in soft grey, are covered with a Pandomo floorsurfacing system by Ardex.

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The kitchen island is clad in Corian (Glacier White) and the cabinetry is by Scavolini.

A glass table and transparent Lucite chairs in the dining area are anchored by two end chairs upholstered in delightful fabrics referencing the cities of Milan and Shanghai. A little surprise. In her design work, “I try to have end chairs in the dining area different from the rest of the chairs,” she says.

The kitchen space where Vanessa, her husband and their two sons take most of their meals features easy-care cork stools from Portugal. A wall of black, featuring cabinets and cooking area, stands at right angles to a bank of white cabinetry. The designer likes to feature two colours in the kitchens she designs. The white is repeated in the solid-surface island, the black in the durable porcelain around the cooking area.

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Along the wall of black cabinets, a camouflaged door leads to a mud room. “People in the great room see us going through the door and think we’re going into the kitchen cabinet,” Vanessa laughs.

Indeed, surprises abound and delight throughout – from a Japanese garden between the boys’ bedrooms upstairs and a second-floor family room featuring a wood ceiling and small torch fireplace – “Our cozy cocoon room,” Vanessa calls it – to an ingenious leather towel strap in the powder room created by the designer with her shoemaker.

When clients see it, “they want the same,” she says. “I like surprises with interior design – the unveiling, step by step, of different things.” –> (Above, left) A leather towel strap in the powder room was created by designer Vanessa Emam and her shoemaker.

(Above, right) The master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and dressing area.

(Below) The boys’ rooms face each other across a Japanese garden. Each room features a custom-built triangular melamine desk, the legs of which are the same reclaimed oak as the floor planks from Northern Wide Plank.

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For the railings of the floating staircase, with its three-inch-thick slabs of white oak, another designer might have used glass. “I didn’t want a glass railing,” Vanessa says. “Everyone has one. My husband and I are big fans of anything metal, so we decided to create a mesh railing for the staircase: It’s just as seethrough as glass.”

Another surprise lies beneath the skylight at the top of the stairwell, where strips of LED lights in aluminum channels illuminate the space. “We needed to light it up,” Vanessa says, “and I think it’s a cliché to have a chandelier.”

Strips of LED lighting were applied to aluminum channels to light the staircase. Architectural metal staircase: Elite Iron Design, Mississauga.

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(Above) The suspended wood-burning fireplace by Fireorb is both practical and attractive. (Left) A gabion wall – a cage filled with rocks, stones or other materials to create an opaque barrier – provides privacy and is an eye-catching design element.

At the back of the expansive great room, wide doors that run almost to the ceiling lead directly to an exterior room complete with sofa, armchairs and dining area. Lines between the indoor and outdoor living spaces are blurred – just as the homeowners requested.

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BEDROOM BEFORE AND AFTER A sanctuary space in this Quebec country home includes serene sleeping quarters and an ensuite bathroom

BY NADINE THOMSON INTERIOR DESIGNER

This four-season home sits on the bank of a river, a one-hour drive south of Montreal, and it’s a refuge for the owner, who operates a busy office from her primary residence. She bought the property to allow her family and friends to unwind and enjoy each other’s company on weekends and holidays. Although the space is barely over 1,800 square feet, it can sleep 10 people without seeming cramped.

BEFORE

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3 The homeowner and I spent a lot of time laying out bedrooms and optimizing every nook, even finding space to install bunkbeds in the upstairs closet for young nieces and nephews.

One of the goals of the renovation was to give the homeowner a sanctuary to which she could retreat when the downstairs becomes hectic. The upstairs was designed with the look of a boutique hotel in mind. It would feature spaces for lounging from which the homeowner could watch passing boats. There would also be a harmonious colour scheme to evoke a sense of peace and serenity. Here is what we did on the second floor to create this “space within a space”:

BEFORE

1. The outdated TV wall was occupying needed space that was awkwardly accessed through the bathroom. We were able to create sleeping quarters for nieces and nephews by adding a double bed with an upper single bunk bed.

The contractor devised a wall-mounted peg ladder off to the side that children love to climb and is so discreet, it’s barely noticeable.

2. We enlarged the bathroom by removing the angled wall and squaring off the entrance into it. This created much-needed square footage to accommodate the bunk bed nook.

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3. We installed the same light natural hardwood flooring upstairs as we did on the main level to create continuity throughout the house and imbue the space with a warm look.

4. The upstairs is used mainly by the homeowner. We created an inviting bathroom here that includes a bath and shower. The client indulged in heated floors, but economized by choosing standard shower doors and a shower base pan. We created a custom look by tiling the walls in the shower and behind the standalone bathtub. Another cost-saver was the purchase of an Ikea floating cabinet (Godmorgon), which has a countertop and integrated sink. These vanity cabinets give big bang for the buck, look great, and stand the test of time. They also provide a sight line under the sink, creating the illusion of more space and an airy feeling in an otherwise tight room.

5. The original entrance into the master bedroom was through the bathroom around a toilet. The client wanted to create a morning view of the river. So, it was an obvious fix to close off the entrance from the bathroom and add a five-foot-wide opening with sliding barn doors.

The doors slide along the inside bedroom walls because there wasn’t enough wall space outside the room to allow them to open completely. However, this is hardly noticeable since they remain open most of the time.

They also add visual interest in the bedroom.

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6. By keeping the upstairs palette in a “river rock” colour scheme, we achieved a soothing atmosphere and a boutique hotel-like aesthetic. We used several paint shades by Benjamin Moore. The walls in the lounge were painted Calm (21117-70) and the master bedroom was painted in Marilyn’s Dress (2125-60). The trim and moldings are Oxford White (CC-30) and the ceiling is Chantilly Lace (OC-65).

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INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE A recently renovated Toronto penthouse features subtle Japanese design elements

BY CHERYL CORNACCHIA PHOTOGRAPHY: GILLIAN JACKSON STYLING: SHEREE STUART

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After living in the United States for nearly 25 years, Geoffrey Ashby and Patricia Hastings wanted the penthouse they’d bought in downtown Toronto to be their retirement home, where they would reconnect with extended family. They also wanted to be able to enjoy the objets d’art and other artifacts they had collected while travelling the world for work.

Asia had become their favourite go-to place on the other side of the globe during their careers.

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The couple renovated the outdated two-bedroom penthouse, transforming it into a show-stopping, newly designed home that stretches over the top two levels of a 14-storey boutique condominium building located in the city’s financial district. From the windows, there are spectacular views of Toronto’s cityscapes, including the CN Tower and Lake Ontario. The space is imbued with a subtle hint of Japanese style, so subtle that visitors find themselves admiring individual elements of the design as they move from one room to the next but are unable to put a label on the condo’s look and feel.

A subtle hint of Japanese aesthetic takes this Toronto penthouse’s design to new heights. Key are the Japaneseinspired cabinet knobs, a custom-made bench and Asian artifacts. Warmth is added by the Valor Gas fireplace, set within a floor-to-ceiling steel hearth with a blue, grey and brown patina.

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“Sheree really hit the hammer on the head of the nail,” says Geoffrey of the condo’s discreet Japanese aesthetic, created by Toronto design firm Sheree Stuart Design, headed by owner and principal designer Sheree Stuart.

“People can’t quite put their finger on it (the provenance of the design), which is what we wanted,” says Geoffrey. “She has created a vibe that is calming and comfortable and at the same time, sophisticated. It’s functional elegance. We can dress the place up if we are having guests, or flop down and put up our feet.”

The renovation, completed in May of 2019, saw the condo stripped down to the concrete floors, walls and ceilings. Fortunately, there was already an open-concept layout on the upper level where the main living space is located; the concrete load-bearing walls prevented any major changes to the room configuration, says Stuart. –>

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(Above) Handblown-glass light bulbs, shaped like water droplets in various colours – clear, teal, brown, grey and copper – draw the eye upwards and illuminate the dining area. The custom-made light fixture plays off the industrial look of the concrete ceiling.

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What made it easier for the designer to personalize the 1,700-square-foot penthouse, which won an International Property Award for Americas in the apartment category and a 2019 International Design & Architecture Award, was the working relationship she had with the owners (“Geoffrey is very keen on design”), a generous budget for customized lighting, millwork and made-to-measure furniture, and the project’s extended timeline.

The renovation was completed in three phases over three winters while the owners were away at their second home in Florida.

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Stuart says the stop-and-go renovation schedule provided time for reflection and for the design to evolve. For example, the couple loved the burnt-orange-and-teal Jean Paul Gaultier upholstery fabric used on accent pieces in the open-concept living and dining space. When it came time to redo the master bedroom on the lower level, she says, they asked that the same Jean Paul Gaultier “Mousson” leaf pattern – albeit in a citron and teal – be used on the fabric-covered headboard and wall behind the bed. “The result is something unique to the client.”

“If you don’t have the lighting right, you are just killing your design.”

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(Left) One stool: two functions. Burnt orange upholstery on this walnut stool adds a splash of colour to the main living area (far left). It can also be used as an extra seat at the head of the marble-topped dining table.

Being able to customize the furniture was another big advantage, the designer says. “We had a size and scale issue,” she explains. The penthouse was relatively small as penthouses go. Today’s oversized furniture pieces would not have fit well. By customizing the furniture, Stuart says, “we got exactly what we wanted – the right size, scale, and made for the client. It all fits perfectly.” A case in point, she says, is the one-of-a-kind Japanese-inspired bench that sits in front of the windows overlooking the terrace and cityscape beyond. –>

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All of this careful attention to detail produced a wonderful marriage of form and function.

However, the lighting that Stuart incorporated into the condo has tied it all together, making it more impressive than the sum of its parts. “If you don’t have the lighting right, you are just killing your design,” she says.

In the ensuite master bathroom, for example, under-cabinet lighting shows off the floating vanity. In the dining room, an eclectic bouquet of blown-glass pendant light bulbs, shaped like water droplets, are suspended from the ceiling. Their colours – teal, grey and copper – echo the penthouse’s palette. The kitchen is outfitted with task lighting over the peninsula and LED lighting above and below the cabinets to show off their lines.

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Custom walnut millwork and creative lighting define this one-of-a-kind media room. The backlighting shimmers off pewter-coloured Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and illuminates the shelves, which display the homeowners’ collection of Asian objets d’art.

But it is in the media room where the lighting makes its brightest signature statement.

Adjacent to the condo unit’s doorway, the media room was once dark and unimpressive; it has no windows. Stuart created a unique way to bring in light. She placed the room’s entertainment unit/display cabinets two inches from the wall where they are located, and covered that wall with pewter-leaf wallpaper.

She then installed LED lighting on the back side of all the shelves in the wall unit. The result is a glowing light that reflects off the shimmering wall and ceiling. The designer employed the same technique to highlight dropped wood beams extending out from the entertainment unit across the ceiling.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with how it has all turned out,” says Geoffrey. “We are now 95 per cent done (with the redesign). The onus is now on us to collect more artwork.”

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SWEET DREAMS Maison Tess is an online store specializing in premium bedding

BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS

LAURA NEZRI DIDN’T KNOW EXACTLY what kind of business she wanted to start, but she did know she wanted it to add enjoyment to people’s homes and that it should strive to be what she calls “authentic.”

“Home is relevant to everybody,” she says. “Everybody comes back home after a long day, and home is where we are most authentic.”

Nezri settled on linen bed sheets, and Maison Tess, an online bedding company based in Montreal, was born. In keeping with that drive for authenticity, it was important to the company’s founder that her products be environmentally sustainable and that the manufacturer operated, as Nezri says, “in a way that was acceptable to me.”

After a lot of research, she found a small, family-run mill in Portugal that met her criteria, and she placed her first orders. Now her company sells three kinds of sheets:

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washed linen, coco linen (a blend of cotton and linen), percale cotton, and recently introduced waff le-linen towels. They’re designed in Montreal and manufactured in Portugal. She named the company after her family: T for Thomas, her husband, E for her son Elie, and double S for her daughter Sasha. Four base solid colours – white, sand, rose and chrome – are always available, and seasonal “trend” colours are introduced two or three times a year.

Her products have Oeko Tex certification and the company belongs to the Better Cotton Initiative, both organizations that promote sustainable cotton growing and

textile production. “These are things that speak to the consumer of today,” Nezri says.

A lot of the positive reviews her products get are based on that profile, she adds. “Consumers want to know where they’re buying from, who they’re buying from, especially the millennial age group.”

There’s a demand for all three types of sheets, she says, but washed linen is her favourite. “People who start sleeping in washed linen rarely go back to cotton. It adapts to your body temperature, and the quality is quite outstanding.”

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She recently introduced the linen-cotton blend for customers unfamiliar with linen and who might balk at its higher price. “It’s a halfway point for people to touch and feel it, and if they like it, to move up to a full linen set.”

There are benefits to selling online. “It doesn’t matter where you are, people know

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you exist,” Nezri says. “The challenging part is that you’re a tiny fish in a pool of huge sharks. It demands a lot of strategies to differentiate yourself. We’re still in the first phase of having people discover us.

That relationship keeps growing.”

The company’s next move will be to set up pop-up shops across the country to

showcase its products to a wider market.

Another move will be to add a children’s line, Nezri says. But don’t look for the stereotypical dinosaur/ballerina children’s patterns. “I’m a huge fan of basic solid colours; I think it’s really nice,” Nezri says.

“When you have nice tones, you don’t need a print.”

Maison Tess 1155 Guy St., Montreal 514-934-5550 www.maisontess.com

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BREATHING SPACE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT This historic home in downtown Montreal has an unusually spacious backyard

BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: DREW HADLEY STYLING: DENISE PALISAITIS

FEW CITY HOMES CAN BOAS T a backyard as large and impressive as the one at Yannick Côté’s home in the Village in downtown Montreal. Fewer still can claim that horse stables used to stand on roughly the same space as the outdoor dining table or firepit.

Yannick isn’t completely sure about the stables or other details of the 140-year-old home’s history; none of the old records has survived. But he has heard its lore from older neighbours who’ve lived in the area most of their lives. Originally built as a three-storey home, it was later converted to a triplex and then, several decades ago, transformed back into a single-family home.

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(Above) The outdoor space measures 50 by 85 feet, leaving lots of room for flowers as well as various living spaces, including a seating area with a firepit and a table for al fresco dining. All outdoor furniture: Jardin de Ville.

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Yannick and his partner Mike love the convenience of living in such a central location.

They’re close to the Metro, walking distance to Old Montreal, downtown and the Plateau Mont Royal. But that amazing outdoor space was one of the things Yannick and Mike liked best when they moved in. In addition to the garden and outdoor space, there are two decks: one off the second-floor den, another off the master bedroom on the third floor.

When they bought the house, all the major structural renovations and restorations had been carried out, including the exposing of original ceiling beams. All they had to do was decorate it.

While they were both in sync when it came to the outdoors, tackling the inside of the house was a little more challenging. They have very different styles. “Everything that’s shiny, like the chrome light fixture in the den, the glass table, that’s him,” Yannick says. “The raw fibres and matte finishes, that’s more me.”

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Designer/homeowner Yannick Côté chose pieces and colours that he felt would integrate his extensive art collection into the decor. Combining his own tastes with those of his partner led to a transitional style, featuring a combination of mostly contemporary and mid-century pieces. Grey leather chair: Maison Corbeil.

At the beginning, it was a challenge to find common ground, he recalls, until they spotted some grey leather chairs at Maison Corbeil, and things started to fall into place.

“That’s how it all started,” Yannick says. “We just fell in love with them.” It was the details on those chairs that won them both over: the channels on the seat, the honeycomb-patterned back, the metal frame. “And it’s comfortable,” he adds. “It’s not just a pretty chair.

I love comfort and want furniture to be practical. Mike is not so much about practicality, but about the look.”

A designer with his own firm, Yannick also drew inspiration from his art collection, pieces he’s owned for years, purchased back when he worked in art galleries, and others he collected on his travels. Many of those colours found their way into sofas and accent pillows, as he worked to integrate them into the decor.

–>

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The heavy renovation work in the kitchen and bathrooms was done by previous owners. Yannick chose pieces, such as the green dining room chairs from Mobilia, that would complement the reddish wood tones used in the kitchen cabinetry. The bathroom vanities are the same colour.

“To entertain in that yard in the summer is quite special,” He also wanted to play to the home’s historic features, such as the dark ceiling beams, and to incorporate elements from the kitchen and bathroom renovations. “The kitchen has a reddish tone, we used that,” he says.

“We wanted to really integrate the existing architectural elements, the features that were already there.” The end result is something he considers a transitional style, with an emphasis on mid-century pieces.

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“For day-to-day living, it’s very cozy,” Yannick says of his home. “It’s on three levels, but it feels very connected.” On the main floor there is a formal living room, along with the kitchen and dining areas. The living room is right next to the sidewalk; so to have more privacy, they converted one of the two bedrooms on the second floor into a den where they relax and watch TV. A large outdoor terrace off the den also has sofas, chairs and space to unwind. The master bedroom and bath are on the top floor, with an open-area tub right at the top of the stairs. That was designed by the previous owners, Yannick says. At first, they considered changing it, but gradually got used to it. “It’s kind of an awkward feature,” he concedes. “It’s not for everybody.” –>

Yannick’s partner Mike brought the chandelier with him when he moved from Vancouver.

Grey sectional: MA.

The master bedroom and ensuite bathroom are on the top floor, with an open bathtub area right at the top of the stairs. That took a little getting used to, the homeowner says. Double doors lead out to another outdoor deck.

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That large yard they fell in love with is the main reason they’ve just sold the house; there was just too much upkeep involved, he says. But the times spent in that space is what he’ll remember most about this house.

“We had some very nice barbecues with close friends and family; there’s a lot of space for everybody. To entertain in that yard in the summer is quite special,” Yannick says. “If we could find the same house but on a different lot with no maintenance, that would be amazing.”

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THE QUESTION OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY The best way to decide is to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon

The decision of whether to have aesthetic plastic surgery is a deeply personal one. And given the broad range of services and treatments available, anyone who is considering aesthetic plastic surgery has many questions about it. We asked Dr. Ezat Hashim for answers to some of those questions.

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QUESTION: Dr. Hashim, what should we know before considering aesthetic plastic surgery?

ANSWER: Probably the most important thing is to figure out exactly what issues bother you before seeking a consultation. At some point in your life, there may be some physical problem that becomes bothersome, and you should not feel guilty about seeking professional help from a plastic surgeon. It is completely normal to want to seek improvement.

A: In the age of continuous Internet connectivity, it is easy to seek answers online. The problem with this approach is that oftentimes the sources of information can be suspect and come from marketing efforts and other lessthan-sincere sources. You should make sure that the professional is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and not just someone who “does plastic surgery.” The best reference has always been and will always be by word of mouth.

Q: What about the “who?” How do I go about selecting the right surgeon to perform aesthetic plastic surgery?

Q: What aesthetic plastic surgeries are most popular in your practice?

A: Patients come to my office primarily for facelifts, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks and breast surgery.

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Q: How does age factor into one’s decision to have aesthetic plastic surgery?

A: Like anything in life, needs and desires change as we get older. For example, someone in their 20s might seek out rhinoplasty or breast enhancement surgery. Women in their 30s and 40s might wish to manage the changes in breast and abdomen that might have occurred from bearing children. Beyond that phase, facial rejuvenation for eyelids and neckline are very popular.

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Q: What is your opinion on injectables?

A: Injectables are a great adjunct to aesthetic surgery but cannot replace the rejuvenating power of a good facelift. Neuromodulators such as Botox® and Dysport® can be used to weaken muscles and soften harsh wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to plump up such areas as the lips and cheeks.

You should be careful not to overuse fillers since they will give a rubbery, unreal look to the skin.

Q: Are there any contraindications in having aesthetic plastic surgery?

A: Severe health issues might prevent you from being a good candidate for aesthetic surgery, and such issues should be discussed with your plastic surgeon. The ideal patient should have a clear idea of what issues are to be corrected, be in good health, and be able to take time for proper recovery.

Clinique de Chirurgie Plastique de Montréal 2381, Gouin Blvd. W., Montreal www.ccpmtl.com 514-277-6644

THE WINTER ISSUE

159

BUYERS’ GUIDE

SAVING THE WORLD

DELIGHTFULLY DARING DESIGN

Dimplex

ONE GARDEN AT A TIME

RNDSQR

www.dimplex.com

Safdie Architects

www.rndsqr.ca

www.safdiearchitects.com

403-444-9000 BLURRED LINES AND SURPRISES

617-629-2100 Kit Interior Objects

V + R Design Studio

SWEET DREAMS

www.kitinteriorobjects.com

www.vplusrdesign.com

Maison Tess

403-508-2533

416-930-3407 ~ 647-883-0872

2Stone Designer Concrete

Arcica Architectural Design Studio

www.2stone.ca

www.arcica.com

403-236-3657

416-821-3960 ~ 647-705-3234

www.maisontess.com 514-934-5550 ONE-ST0P SHOP Avenue Design www.avenuedesigncanada.com

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

MOUNTAIN MEETS MODERN

514-340-9351

Susan Kelly Astrology

FRANK Architecture & Interiors

www.susankellyastrology.com

www.frankarchitecture.ca

THE QUESTION OF

587-316-5200

AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

BEDROOM BEFORE AND AFTER

Clinique de Chirurgie Plastique de Montréal

Nadine Thomson Interior Design

CREATING THE SPA LOOK

www.ccpmtl.com

www.nadinethomson.com

Fleurco

514-277-6644

514-775-2259

www.fleurco.com

THE FINE ART OF FINE JEWELRY

COOL, CALM, CONTEMPORARY

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE

Gloria Bass Design

AND COHESIVE

Sheree Stuart Design

www.gloriabassdesign.com

Sara Bederman Design

www.shereestuart.com

514-933-7062

www.sarabederman.com

647-558-4458

416-792-7594 THE RIGHT FIT

Valor

Tina Baer, Real Estate Broker

Millworx

tbaer@profusion.global

www.millworx.ca

C: 514-603-9870 T: 514-935-3337

905-670-9001

www.valorfireplaces.com Phillip Jeffries www.phillipjeffries.com

RETREAT FROM URBAN LIFE

Nuevo Living

Sylvie Ménard, Real Estate Broker

www.nuevoliving.com

www.sylviemenard.com

416-781-6362

514-827-6200

IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT Maison Corbeil

hollis + morris THE FEELING OF FOLDING

www.hollisandmorris.com

Galerie Le Bourget

647-970-9616

www.galerielebourget.com 514-845-2525

BREATHING SPACE

www.maisoncorbeil.com Jardin de Ville www.jardindeville.com

SENTIMENTALLY DESIGNED

450-435-6046

Phase2Design COFFEE KLATCH

www.phase2design.ca

SLEEK INTEGRATION

Linen Chest

647-261-6550

OF OLD AND NEW

Kakoz Kitchens

www.lashedarchitecture.com

www.kakozkitchens.com

514-277-6897

www.linenchest.com

La Shed

416-315-9229 ~ 905-670-9229

160

THE WINTER ISSUE

AD LIST

164 15 7 36 4

Avenue Design Celadon Mitchell Gold Clinique de Chirurgie Plastique Club Cuisine BCBG Ebeniste D’art

23

Fabricville

21

Fleurco

162 2 47 11 9

Galerie D’art Celeste Galerie le Bourget Gendron Chocolate Gloria Bass Design Life Group Rosenthal

13

Linen Chest

19

Maison Tess

46

OCAD

5

Sylvie Menard

37

Zytco Solarium

NEXT ISSUE

What’s cooking? In our next issue – Kitchen & Bath Trends – we’ll tell you about current developments in the design of bathrooms, powder rooms and kitchens: from flooring and fixtures to counters and cabinetry. As always, we’ll take you into some superbly designed spaces that will inspire you. Be sure to get your issue of Kitchen & Bath Trends 2020: on sale in February.

THE WINTER ISSUE

161

Chantal Malek, DĂŠsir, 48x30 po

Raymond Quenneville, Nous partirons, 48x36 po

Lyse Paquette, Muse, 30x40 po

Chantal Malek, Vent du sud, 30x60 po

Chantal Malek, Folie d’automne, 40x48 po

Chantal Malek, Hiver précoce, 48x36 po

Art Restoration Internationally renowned artists and others in the gallery 285 Rue Principale Saint-Sauveur, QC J0R 1R0 galeriedartceleste.com (450) 227-0333

Josée Forest, Boisy, 48x40 po

Michel Dion, Au fond de la baie, 30x40 po

FURNITURE • LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES 3425 de la Côte-Vertu St-Laurent, Qc. 514-340-9351 avenuedesigncanada.com