Toronto Home - Kitchens 2018

COLOUR IN THE KITCHEN DESIGN THAT INCORPORATES JOYFUL HUES

FINE FURNITURE A guide to kitchen furnishings

FAMILY-FRIENDLY Kitchens that are designed to welcome everyone

HIS AND HERS A kitchen is enlarged so a

THE WELLEQUIPPED CHEF

couple can cook together

Get cooking with these culinary aids $7.99

THE ART OF SHAWN O’KEEFE

THE LATEST MATERIALS AND FIXTURES

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“Great design will forever change your perspective...”

– Michael Pourvakil, President

Weavers Art has curated a collection of ten magnificent rug designs with a twist! The movement, patterns and subtle hints of colour, give way to a new perspective of sophisticated rugs suitable for transitional and contemporary living spaces. These designs are hand-knotted in silk and wool fibers by our expert team of weavers.

I would like to personally invite you to our showroom to view this magnificent collection in our gallery setting. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Top left to bottom right Reflections 26 Visions 94 Concrete Forest Concrete City American Falls Lower Manhattan Legacy 69 Vibrazione Concrete Wall Cumulus

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WELCOME TO YOUR NEW BACKYARDâ„¢

CELEBRATING

39 Years

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EDITOR’S LETTER

I THINK OF IT AS the perfect strand of pearls on the perfect little black dress.

I am referring to the perfect kitchen element, be it a pendant light above an island, a stunning range hood, or counter stools that seem to urge guests to “sit a spell.”

In any kitchen renovation, there are big decisions to be made. Quartz countertops or marble? Lacquered cabinetry or wood laminate? Porcelain flooring or hardwood?

But we’ve observed that designers and homeowners are dedicating as much thought to those little added touches that enhance the space as they are to materials, volume and shape. These are the touches that become the wow factor, the metaphorical perfect string of pearls.

A case in point is the Toronto kitchen of homeowners Mira and Michael Kolm, profiled in this issue. Three bell-shaped Tom Dixon copper pendant lights hang above an island that has a bar made of parota wood. These are the eye-catching elements that play the stringof-pearls role in this design.

Likewise in a North York kitchen created by designer Eliana Diamond and architect Thomas Tampold. Blue dining chairs and counter stools are as visually arresting as the sparkling pendants that light the island. These are thoughtful touches that add a strong wow factor to an already show-stopping kitchen.

When homeowner Anne Turcic planned the design of her own Hamilton kitchen, she chose a pink Lacanche range. Pink is Anne’s favourite colour, and is perfect for her traditional-style space.

And then there’s the homeowner who updated the kitchen of the house in which he had grown up. He wanted a strong design statement.

So he chose red-orange dining chairs to reflect the vibrant colours in a large abstract painting that has pride of place in the dining area.

Through colours, materials and shapes, homeowners are putting their personal stamps on their kitchens.

If you’re wondering how to choose items that will enhance your own kitchen, look no further than two special features we’ve included in this issue. Our guide to the best in kitchen furnishings will help you find the right chairs, counter stools and light fixtures that will add a zap of wow to your space. And if you love cooking as much as I do, you’ll want to consult our guide to the latest culinary aids on the market.

Whether you go big with a bells-and-whistles cappuccino machine for your counter, or discreet with a single crystal pendant over your dining table, it’s these extra touches that make a beautifully designed kitchen spectacular.

Just like the perfect pearls on that little black dress.

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

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

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CONTRIBUTORS

SUSAN KELLY Susan Kelly likes to think that as a writer, she wears many hats. But she doffs them all to the multitasking master she profiles in this issue, Victoria artist Shawn O’Keefe. She was fascinated to explore the complexity of thought and technique behind the tranquil surfaces of his exquisite landscape paintings. “Calling him and his work ‘multidimensional’ is to understate the case,” she says. “Yet somehow, he fuses his many facets into something wonderful.”

Susan is a frequent contributor who specializes in style and decor.

HEATHER PENGELLEY Butting elbows in the kitchen tests the best of partnerships, says writer Heather Pengelley, who profiles a Toronto kitchen that was designed to give a couple space in which to work together. A well-conceptualized kitchen renovation takes into account the role that each partner plays in creating memorable meals and entertaining events for family and friends, she says. “Finding a designer who can realize that dream in a workable way is the key to harmony and happiness in the heart of the home.”

BRENDA O’FARRELL Writer, editor and journalist Brenda O’Farrell cherishes the vintage serving dishes that her mother once used when welcoming guests into the family home. She remembers how her mother would use them only “when company” was coming. So she could empathize with the owner of a house in Markham who inherited his childhood home from his parents and set to the task of modernizing the kitchen that once was his mother’s domain.

SARAH B. HOOD Sarah B. Hood covers culture and lifestyle topics for such outlets as Spacing, The National Post and TVOntario. As the owner of a 100-year-old home herself, she was intrigued to write about a kitchen transformation that shows how much can be done in a small footprint to create both beauty and functionality.

TRACEY MacKENZIE Tracey MacKenzie says she likes kitchen gadgets, “especially the ones that make my life easier.” Two of her favorites are Breville’s custom bread maker, which allows for the addition of nuts and fruit to homemade bread, and the Tri-Blade spiral vegetable slicer by World Cuisine, which makes spirals of carrots, zucchini and beets. “And when it comes to furniture, I love the trend of adding a banquette to a dining table. I first did this in my home in 2001 with an armless, high-backed chaise, and everyone thought I was crazy. I’m thankful the trend has moved to more streamlined versions.” For this issue, Tracey wrote a guide to kitchen furnishings and one that highlights the hottest kitchen gadgets on the market.

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Volume 8, Number 1, Kitchens Issue 2018 Date of Issue: February, 2018

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

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

PUBLISHER Sharon Azrieli CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Stanley Kirsh

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne EDITORIAL MANAGER Tracey MacKenzie ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Carmen Lefebvre CONTRIBUTORS Cheryl Cornacchia Julie Gedeon Sarah B. Hood Susan Kelly Brenda O’Farrell Heather Pengelley Karen Seidman PHOTOGRAPHY Larry Arnal Leslie Goodwin Kelly Horkoff Vincent Lions Lisa Petrole Ricardo Teixeira Rhonda Thornton Valerie Wilcox STYLING Ashley Barrey Beverley Binns Jack Creasy Erika dela Cruz Eliana Diamond Kirsten Marshall Barbara Milner Dvira Ovadia Darlene Shaw Anne Turcic

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Azrieli PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper

CONTROLLER Jenny Marques DIRECTOR OF SALES - NATIONAL Kelly Chicoine DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SALES - ONTARIO Grant Wells ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Trudy Kerman FOUNDER Leah Lipkowitz LEGAL DEPOSIT 1927-324x Toronto Home Magazine Inc. 2018.

All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Toronto Home Magazine is strictly prohibited. issn

Expression of excellence

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CONTENTS

32 ON THE COVER UNIQUELY SPECTACULAR An unusual use of materials, design and colour make this North York kitchen impressive

WORTH THE WAIT

Homeowners inhabit their Victorian-era home for a decade before tackling a kitchen reno

40 48 VERY VERSATILE

Artist Shawn O’Keefe’s work reveals the broad sweep of his talent

60 SPACE SAVER

A clever redesign of a Cabbagetown home frees up room in the kitchen

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Coffee pleasure -

freshly ground, not capsuled.

JURA Z6 with Cup Warmer and Cool Control 0.6L

One-Touch Automatic Barista solution and all the accessories that you need to produce the perfect espresso, caffe latte or cappuccino at the touch of a button.

Providing Quality Equipment and Service for 60 years.

672 Dupont Street Toronto, ON M6G 1Z6 - Tel: 416.535.1555 - Toll Free: 877.323.6226 Toronto - Sherway Gardens - Vaughan - Mississauga - Hamilton FAEMA.CA

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CONTENTS

NO SMALL FEAT

Designer Barbara Milner makes the most of her kitchen, despite its modest dimensions

86 12 EDITOR’S LETTER 20 THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home

28 GLITTER AND GLOW The latest in exquisite jewelry

68 TRUE BLUE Designer Dvira Ovadia uses rich colour on a kitchen’s island and accents

94 GATHERING PLACE A family gravitates to their attractively renovated kitchen

102 IN THE PINK A Hamilton designer renovates her own kitchen, using an unusual colour she loves

76 THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

Our annual guide on how to find the best furnishings for your kitchen

110 ROOM TO MOVE A renovation gives a couple their own kitchen zones for cooking and entertaining

116 THE WELL-EQUIPPED KITCHEN Cook your most creative meals ever with these helpful kitchen gadgets

124 A SERENDIPITOUS PURCHASE While buying furnishings for her home, this entrepreneur decides to buy the whole store

126 GOING HOME A man moves back to his childhood home and redesigns the kitchen for his lifestyle

138 A CHANGE OF PLANS What begins as a renovation becomes a new build with a spectacular kitchen

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SLEEK ITALIAN DESIGN

Scavolini’s new Caraterre line offers homeowners the perfect dream kitchen

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DESIGN

1. MIXOLOGIST’S MINI MARVEL Here’s the perfect cocktail of style and function: the Corridor bar cabinet. Double louvered doors open fully, providing easy access to everything a well-stocked bar needs. Stained solid wood, satin-etched tempered glass, hardwood veneer, powder-coated steel. 36˝ W x 18.5˝ D x 41˝ H. Barrymore Furniture 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto 416-532-2891 www.barrymorefurniture.com 2

1 3

3. TOUGH ENOUGH Kitchen floors must stand up to heavy use. Luxury vinyl planks are an excellent choice, being waterproof, durable, and easy to install. They come in a wide range of colours and patterns that mimic hardwood, ceramics, and stone so that, while tough enough for commercial use, they’re also beautiful enough for your home.

Allan Rug 103 Miranda Ave., Toronto 416-787-1707 www.allanrug.com

2. A WELCOME EMBRACE The tufted Palmira accent chair offers comfort and good looks. Its lightly distressed wood frame features a glossy black finish for quietly elegant style.

Decorium 363 Supertest Rd., Toronto ~ 416-736-6120 1212 Yonge St., Toronto ~ 416-515-1212 www.decorium.com

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Cold Outside... Warm Inside New in Electric, the Toasty Comfort of Runtal Radiators Can Now Be Enjoyed by All!

Wall Panels

Towel Radiators

Baseboards

has long been world-renowned as the premium manufacturer of Euro-style radiators for hot water and steam heating systems.

We are pleased to introduce a Runtal Electric line that includes Wall Panel, Towel Radiator and Baseboard designs.

Suitable for both retro-fit and new construction, Runtal Electric products provide a very efficient and comfortable radiant heat.

They are an excellent source of primary or supplemental heat and a problem-solver for areas needing additional heat.

They are attractive (available in over 100 colors), durable, quiet and easy to install.

To view Runtal’s complete line of heating products, please visit our showroom in Oakville, Ontario Canada; M-F 9-5 or by appointment and online at: www.runtalnorthamerica.com.

Our Showroom is located at: 2861 Sherwood Heights Drive, Unit 21, Oakville, Ontario Canada. Tel: 905-829-4943

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DESIGN

1. ADD SOME PEP TO YOUR DAY The Jura One Touch coffeemaker uses a pulse extraction process (P.E.P.), the Aroma G3 grinder, and internally filtered water to produce any of 13 specialties at the touch of a button.

Always in good taste, the design features a blue crystal rotary switch, a glass cup grille, and chrome-plated spouts.

Faema 672 Dupont St., Toronto 416-535-1555

2. WARM GLOW

www.faema.ca

Gingko leaves? finely pleated fans? Either way you look at this Olivier wall lamp, you’ll see style. In polished brass, it’s also available as a table lamp.

24 cm W x 13 cm D x 42 cm H. Import Temptations 188 Bentworth Ave., North York 416-256-3150 www.import-temptations.com

1 3

2 4

3. INTERSECTION ABSTRACTION

4. BLUE BEAUTY

The Intersect rug displays a captivating sequence of soft and

The William chair offers casual refinement with an elegantly rounded

hard lines in the finest wool. Hints of silk are woven in to

back, three perfectly placed buttons, lightly flared arms, and seating as

create a sheen that adds to the illusion of intersecting lines.

comfortable as only bench-made can create. Handcrafted, it features a kiln-dried hardwood frame, double-dowelled and corner-blocked

Weavers Art

joinery, eight-way hand-tied springs, real cotton felt, high-density soy-

1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929

based seating foam, and impeccable pattern matching.

162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929

Barrymore Furniture

www.weaversart.com

1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto 416-532-2891 www.barrymorefurniture.com

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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6. DOOR DECOR Patio doors get an infusion of contemporary style with hardware from Lepage Millwork’s Prestige Collection.

The sleek lines of this Dallas handle are offered in three finishes: Noir, Oil-rub Bronze, and Satin Nickel.

Chateau Window & Door Systems 2700 Dufferin St., #12, North York 416-783-3916 www.chateauwindows.com

5. MIX IT UP The charming Choices porcelain tableware collection from Portmeirion features a variety of plates, bowls, mugs, and cups and saucers in three soft pastel colourways: white, green, and blue. Mix or match them with other green or blue dishes to create a delightful table setting.

Linen Chest www.linenchest.com 6

5 7

7. MAKE YOUR OWN MOSAICQ Linero MosaicQ is a wall-mounted anodizedaluminum rail storage system, offered with all Störmer German kitchens. It’s multifunctional and supports a choice of such elements as shelves, hooks, knife block, paper towel holder, herb pots, and message board for customizable configurations. It can be glued or screwed to a wall, making it ideal for glass backsplashes, too.

O.NIX Design Boutique – Kitchens & Living 550 Queen St. E. #G121, Toronto 647-499-1150 www.onixdesigns.ca

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DESIGN

2. WARMTH UNDERFOOT Caramel and grey tones are thoughtfully woven into the Art Day 74 rug to create an

1. CROSS YOUR HEART

energetic pattern. Its hues

You’ll fall in love with the glints of light from this small dining

are warm yet neutral to

table. The glass top (available in several sizes) sits on a solid steel

complement many colour

base with a superior chrome finish. Also available with wooden

schemes.

base. Made by hand in Quebec. 42˝ W. Weavers Art Barrymore Furniture

1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929

1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto

162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929

416-532-2891

255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929

www.barrymorefurniture.com

www.weaversart.com 1 3

2 4

3. SUPERIOR SINK

4. CLEAN AND CLASSIC LOOKS

This undermount kitchen sink by Franke is stainless steel, a classic

Stressless is a brand well known for style and comfort.

material that handles any temperature, is hygienic, and offers a timeless

The Air sofa, part of the Stressless Lounge series that features

aesthetic. Franke’s deep bowls don’t compromise on strength. Their heat

Scandinavian design influences, continues the tradition

and sound insulation reduce the sound of water running into the bowl

with its slim frame, fitted cushions, and elegant legs.

and keep water warmer for longer.

Decorium Canaroma Bath & Tile

363 Supertest Rd., Toronto ~ 416-736-6120

7979 Weston Rd., Vaughan

1212 Yonge St., Toronto ~ 416-515-1212

905-856-7979

www.decorium.com

www.canaroma.com

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INTERIOR | EXTERIOR | KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FULL HOME ARCHITECTURE | DESIGN

Yorkville Village | Toronto 87 Avenue Road | 416 . 922 . 6620 www.yorkvilledesigncentre.ca Find us on Houzz and Facebook

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DESIGN

1. FROM FOREST TO DINING ROOM The Godfrey dining table features

Decorium

warm wood tones for a robust

363 Supertest Rd., Toronto ~

semblance of Nature combined

416-736-6120

with the comforts of home.

1212 Yonge St., Toronto ~

Custom finish and size options

416-515-1212

available.

www.decorium.com

2. GOLDEN TOUCH The Swank serveware collection by Maxwell & Williams offers a choice of black or white bowls, plates, and platters rimmed with gold. On any occasion, this matte-finish porcelain serveware will add an air of sophistication to your tablescape.

Linen Chest www.linenchest.com 2

1 3

3. HURRAH FOR HEXAGONS This hexagonal-patterned wall covering offers the look of natural slate in ceramic tiles. Unique tone changes cause a play of light and shadow that complements any interior atmosphere.

Canaroma Bath & Tile 7979 Weston Rd., Vaughan 905-856-7979 www.canaroma.com

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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4. JOIN THE JET SET

5. MAKE HEADS TURN

Now boarding for Mid-century

Barrymore Furniture

The good looks of the Alix counter stool will catch attention, while such

Modern style: the Jet Set tall tray

1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto

features as memory swivel and a steel frame will please your practical

table. This handy side table with

416-532-2891

side. Custom fabrics and finishes available. Also available in bar height.

a lacquered tray in a Storm Silver

www.barrymorefurniture.com

finish features a stainless-steel

Decorium

floating Ellipsis gallery, with steel

363 Supertest Rd., Toronto ~ 416-736-6120

legs in a Vintage Pewter finish.

1212 Yonge St., Toronto ~ 416-515-1212

32˝ W x 21˝ D x 31˝ H.

www.decorium.com 4 6

5 7

6. GENTLY GEOMETRIC The barest hint of traditional design is offered in the Post Modern rug. This hypnotic and subtle pattern is offered in a neutral palette, intricately woven from the finest silk and wool fibres.

Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com

7. CIGARETTE SLIM This Juliet cigarette table has presence with its slim vertical details and inset mirror top. Made of stainless steel, it’s shown here with a matte gold finish, acrylic trim, and walnut veneer base. A large variety of other colours and finishes is also available. 24.25˝ W x 13.75˝ D x 27.75˝ H. Import Temptations 188 Bentworth Ave., North York 416-256-3150 www.import-temptations.com

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LIFESTYLE

W O L G & GLITTER 2. BANGLE BEAUTY Any style of fashion will get an extra boost from the quiet elegance of this bangle. Within a circle of 14-kt rose gold nestle five diamonds for a total of 0.38 carats.

Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~

1. WELL SAID

416-256-5229

An engagement is a statement

Mark Lash

9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~

of love. Make that an emphatic

480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~

905-881-5229

declaration with this stunning

416-256-5229

www.marklash.com

platinum engagement ring set

9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~

with three oval diamonds.

905-881-5229 www.marklash.com 1 3

2 4

4. INFINITE LOVE A circle has no beginning and no end: infinity. The infinite nature of love is understood with the timeless style of this

3. LISTEN UP!

eternity ring of diamonds set in rose gold.

This pair of earrings makes a strong fashion statement. Two 18-kt white gold hoops feature

Mark Lash

a total of 5.93 carats of diamonds, 55 gems on each hoop.

480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229

Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229 www.marklash.com

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www.marklash.com

1168 Caledonia Road Toronto North of Lawrence Avenue 416-532-2891 barrymorefurniture.com Handmade in Toronto

有中文服务

CLASSIC IN A NEW COMPOSITION Timeless Elegance in Kitchen Interior Design

Kitchen Interior Design www.siematic.com

1055 Bay Street, Toronto 416-286-2222

available at www.binns.net

333 Kingston Road, Pickering 905-509-5555

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DESIGN

UNIQUELY SPECTACULAR An unusual use of materials, design and colour make this North York kitchen impressive

BY BRENDA O’FARRELL • PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL • STYLING: ELIANA DIAMOND

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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DESIGN

Sophisticated and modern: These are the words used to describe this kitchen. But it is the blue colour – in the quartzite counters, the island

TORONTO ARCHITECT THOMAS TAMPOLD describes this uniquely spectacular kitchen simply: “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he says.

And he isn’t exaggerating.

Its design causes visitors to pause and take stock.

“It has a dreamy quality,” says Eliana Diamond, the designer behind its design. “It feels like you’re in another world. You feel a sense of class.”

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Indeed, this space within a single-family home just north of midtown Toronto has elegance, style, size, surprises and dreamy blue quartzite countertops. Then, there are the details.

“This is probably the most elaborate kitchen I’ve ever done,” says Diamond, the owner of emd Design. “When I look at this kitchen, I look at it as a whole, inhabited sculpture. It is a piece of sculpture.”

stools, the dining chairs, and the subtle veins in the porcelain floor tiles – that provides a coherent element of uniqueness. The pendant lights are in a traditional glam style.

DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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And like a piece of art, finding the right words to describe it is a challenge. There is a lot of kitchen here. But before we get down to the form and function, let’s talk about the colour.

A request of one of the owners at the outset of this renovation was blue countertops.

It’s not a common must-have, so it required some research. Diamond came up with this light stone surface – quartzite – with intricate white veining. It is also used on the backsplash behind the range and along the wall in the bar area.

Then, Diamond explains, she wanted to add something grey. And that is when she turned to Tampold, architect and owner of Yorkville Design Centre, an exclusive retailer of Downsview Kitchens.

The cabinets were custom-built by Downsview Kitchens. But they are unique in more ways than the word “custom” suggests. They are covered in plastic laminate panels, but instead of using the lacquered finish, Tampold reversed the cladding. What is seen – the matte grey with the white veined pattern – is actually the backside of the plastic laminate.

“It gave it a softer look with the matte finish, an interesting look,” explains Tampold. The president of Downsview Kitchens personally approved the use of the product in this out-of-the-ordinary way, he adds. •

The countertop is discreetly integrated into the tall open cabinet unit next to the windows, giving a little added detail to the layout.

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DESIGN

The grey cabinets were then complemented with high-gloss lacquered cabinetry, adding a sense of sophistication. And all three elements – the white, the grey and the blue – interact throughout the entire space.

And space is another way this kitchen defines itself. Covering an area that is more than 1,080 square feet, the room comes complete with three refrigerators, four sinks, two ovens, a bar area, large display cabinets, a desk nook equipped with a wall-mounted f lat-screen television, and eight separate counter areas.

(Right) An open floor-to-ceiling unit finished in the grey reversed plastic laminate and appointed with glass and chrome shelves serves as a liquor cabinet that would not look out of place in an upscale restaurant.

The size alone presented a design challenge. “I really studied the space. It was quite challenging to fill the whole space. It was like I was playing Tetris, or a crossword puzzle,” Diamond says, explaining the process of putting all the pieces together. “I played for hours. I wanted to give it grandeur but make it feel intimate at the same time.”

This grandeur that Diamond refers to reveals itself in waves. It is not evident all at once. A walk to the rear of the kitchen, toward the bar area, reveals the custom display units – an open floor-to-ceiling cabinet finished in the grey reversed plastic laminate and appointed with glass and chrome shelves that serves as a liquor cabinet. It would not look out of place in an upscale restaurant, with its three full-length chrome-framed glass doors, interior lighting and storage drawers.

There are other details, too – exquisite and surprising ones.

At the back of the kitchen, display cabinets add sophistication and grandeur to the space.

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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The blue quartzite on the counters is also found on the walls under the high-gloss white lacquered upper cabinets.

“There were a ton of details in this kitchen,” Diamond says with emphasis, citing the peninsula counter that is integrated into the cabinetry unit beside the window, and the Italian glass vessel sink on a small counter space just before the bar area. “It’s the overall and it’s the details,” the designer says. “It’s so integral to the wholeness of the kitchen.”

A kitchen, in Tampold’s words, like nothing you’ve ever seen. •

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Closets • Doors • Cabinets Glass Partition Walls

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www.komandor.ca

DESIGN

DELAYED GRATIFICATION Renovated kitchen was a long time coming PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA PETROLE STYLING: KIRSTEN MARSHALL AND ASHLEY BARREY

IT’S A RENOVATION TRUISM that one – if not the best – way to find out what you really need in your new kitchen is to live for a while with the one you’ve already got. It worked for the owner of this semi-detached Victorian in The Annex, although she waited perhaps a bit longer than is desirable.

“When we purchased the house, it was divided into apartments,” says the homeowner.

While the entire house was gutted and rebuilt, “I wanted to live with [the old kitchen] a little bit, but ended up living with it a long time, almost 10 years,” she says. “It was one of the last changes we made.” •

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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Double doors by Loewen were installed on the back wall and flood the room with light; stainless steel frame fabricated by Danbre. The pendant lamp over the island is from CB2. “I was fairly adamant that we find one fixture that did the job,” Marshall says. “I love the weight of the big fixture –, its weight and scale in that space.”

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DESIGN

“I wanted the room very serene, with a lack of visual clutter.”

She estimates that the old kitchen had last been renovated in the 1990s, and describes the result as “a really bad country kitchen with green Formica countertops and large terracotta tiles underfoot.” Her vision for the new kitchen was radically different, and she had plenty of time to perfect it. When renovation time finally arrived, she turned

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to interior designer Kirsten Marshall, owner of Palmerston Design Consultants, to make the dream a reality.

“Kirsten and I have been friends for years,” the homeowner says. “She knows how I live; she had an idea of where we would want to go with it.”

“There was never any doubt that I would want a big island to sit at,” says the homeowner. “It’s great for the family; we eat a lot of meals there.” The double doors leading to the rest of the home are painted in Farrow & Ball Off-Black No.57.

DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

Marshall says, “The bones of the house were still there, but . . . lots of horrible things had happened to it. And when the kitchen had been renovated, it looked nothing like the rest of the house. What we were trying to do was to bring the architecture back to fit the rest of the house.”

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“One thing that I told Kirsten specifically was that I wanted symmetry,” says the homeowner, which led Marshall to bookend the Bosch induction cooktop with a custom-built pantry on one side and a panelled Thermador fridge on the other. Adds the homeowner, “I wanted the room very serene, with a lack of visual clutter.” •

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DESIGN

The butler’s pantry, with its coffee station and microwave oven, can be hidden behind doors that close flush with the wall. Pivot hinges: Century Hardware; porcelain floor tiles: Statuario from Stonetile.

With that in mind, Marshall introduced a streamlined aesthetic with a black-and-white palette that blends harmoniously with the rest of the house. Although the Ikea cabinetry has clean, modern lines, the room acknowledges the home’s history with plaster crown molding, and the doorway leading into the rest of the house has traditional wood casing that agilely provides an aesthetic transition.

The large island incorporates both oven and dishwasher, by Bosch. “I don’t love to see appliances; I wanted everything tucked away as much as possible,” the homeowner says.

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“This [reno] is like childbirth. You kind of forget all the bad stuff.”

Working with her contractor, Caliber Group, Marshall made several enormous changes within the space. They demolished the old full-size bathroom that had been added to the kitchen when the house was carved up into apartments. This expanded the kitchen area to 248 square feet from 161.

Another major change was to use the place where a small window had been to install double doors leading to the back garden. • As with most Victorian houses, this one has a back stairway that descends from what used to be servants’ quarters. Into the volume under the stairs Marshall tucked both a butler’s pantry and a chef’s desk. She also expanded functionality by converting a barely used connecting side porch into a mudroom, adding another 75 square feet of usable space.

All visions of the old kitchen and the muss and fuss of renovation have now had three years to fade in the homeowner’s mind. “This [reno] is like childbirth,” she says. “You kind of forget all the bad stuff.”

She, her husband, and their three children are busy enjoying their light and bright space – and so are visitors: “It’s a great party kitchen,” the homeowner says. “Often, people don’t want to move out.” •

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Carpet • Area Rugs • Hardwood • Luxury Vinyl • Laminate • Cork • Window Coverings

103 Miranda Ave. Toronto, ON. M6B 3W8 Tel: 416-787-1707 • www.allanrug.com • email: info@allanrug.com

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ART

KEEPING BUSY

Artist Shawn O’Keefe creates his landscape paintings after his workday is done

BY SUSAN KELLY

VICTORIA ARTIST SHAWN O’KEEFE is best known for his paintings of exquisitely tranquil landscapes that depict the many moods of Vancouver Island’s forests and coastline. But their serene surfaces belie the frenetic pace of the artist’s work life.

By day, O’Keefe oversees art direction and graphic design for a craft brewery in Victoria.

He also owns his own graphic design firm, Artificial Flavour Graphic Engineering, which handles projects ranging from magazine illustration and logo design to designing skateboard and surf graphics for a variety of lifestyle brands. And he’s part of an art collective that produces experimental artworks.

“I’m a little all over the place,” he says with a self-deprecating laugh, “but it keeps both life and my work exciting.” •

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ART

Through it all, over the past 15 years he has developed his own focused approach to painting. A search for manmade structures or people in these works is in vain; the artist intentionally omits them. Freed from the limitations of any pre-set narrative, viewers are freer to evoke their own memories or be open to new experiences.

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O’Keefe reduces forms to their essential geometry, using big colour blocks to reference their essential shapes. He also injects a more freeform and improvisatory style that features a bold use of colour. “I’m always impressed when I see painting that can capture the essence with only a few strokes,” he says.

“In my own work, I try to get the most I can out of the least number of strokes.” •

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ART

Canada’s legendary Group of Seven painters were “definitely a huge influence.” Having studied graphic design at Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University, O’Keefe says he feels an affinity with founding member Tom Thomson and colleagues. The Group of Seven painters also worked as graphic artists early in their careers. O’Keefe credits this background for his use of strong, spare lines.

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ART TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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The artist grew up in the 1970s on a little farm in the Cowichan Valley with parents who encouraged his artistic leanings. He was surrounded by art. His mother ran a hairdressing business inside the family home.

Between appointments, she would work on a painting or drawing, and encourage her son to do the same. Inspired by Mad magazine, O’Keefe dabbled in cartooning, too. And he was exposed to the “hippie arts-crafts movement” by his parents’ friends from the San Francisco Bay area, who would bring books and magazines when visiting. •

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ART

By the late 1990s, he was experimenting with graffiti art, and learned to use spray paint. He continues to use it today along with the more traditional acrylic paints he generally works with. He occasionally executes landscapes on canvas, but prefers twoby-three-foot maple or birch-wood panels.

And although he likes the idea of painting en plein air, he finds it more practical to make sketches and studies while on hiking or camping trips with his family. “My wife Susan is more into outdoor activities, such as mountaineering, rock-climbing and surfing, than I am,” he says, “but I do love being out, immersed in nature.”

The sketches are turned into paintings at night and on weekends after his day jobs. He has carved a light-filled studio out of a converted carport in the couple’s Maplewood-area home. A collection of guitars, electronic equipment, and a drum kit are also stored there. In the rare moments he gets to unwind, he likes to sit in on jam sessions with the couple’s two sons, Graeme, 16, and Ian, 14.

Two or three evenings per week, the artist also can be found in a separate studio space above a record store in downtown Victoria.

There, he and two other artists, Blythe Hailey and Sean McLaughlin, stretch their own canvasses and work on large collaborative paintings. Known as the Woodpile Collective, they have developed a process since 2003 in which they sometimes work together; at other times, they each tackle a work in sequence. •

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ART

“It’s a very crazy, free approach, and lots of fun,” O’Keefe says. “We start with no sketches, no concept. We just paint.” Colour palettes tend to be on the wild side and very little is held sacred when it comes to creating these works. Often one artist will take the work in one direction only to have another take it in a new one — even painting over a previous effort.

Some of this improvisational style carries over into O’Keefe’s solo landscape paintings.

In them, he sometimes becomes quite aggressive with the spray paint and purposely leaves evidence of its use. He believes this crossover approach has widened the appeal of his work.

Often the younger crowd who view the Woodpile Collective’s quirky graffiti-filled canvasses linger to view O’Keefe’s landscapes.

His works have been shown in a number of shows, both big and small, over the years.

These days, he also occasionally holds pop-up exhibits in local coffee shops or other venues.

He sells his paintings mainly online through his website, www.Trust36.com, and can be reached directly for sales and commissioned works at shawnokeefeart@mail.com.

O’Keefe’s plans for 2018 include some forays with his family, deep into British Columbia’s interior, sketchbook in hand. “And I’m hoping my schedule will allow more time for painting, which I really love,” he says. •

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905 335 0808

DESIGN • SUPPLY • INSTALL

1515 North Service Rd., Unit A Burlington, ON L7P 0A2 www.conceptkandb.com

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DESIGN

SPACE SAVER

A clever redesign of a small Cabbagetown home frees up plenty of room in the kitchen

BY KAREN SEIDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA PETROLE STYLING: ASHLEY BARREY AND KIRSTEN MARSHALL

TURNING A SMALL VICTORIAN CABBAGETOWN HOUSE, with a floor plan that could best be described as a rabbit warren, into an open-concept home with a functional chef’s kitchen required some ingenuity on the part of interior designer Kirsten Marshall. The old kitchen was so small it didn’t even have a full-size refrigerator, she says. •

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The fabulous “faux” concrete floors underscore the industrial-chic look of the redesign. But the heart of this modern kitchen is the ingenious, flexible island and the “octopus” fixture above it, creating a unique and funky focal point for the room. “The redesign gave us a ton of space we didn’t have before,” says the homeowner.

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Marshall and her colleague, Ashley Barrey, from Palmerston Design Consultants in Toronto, devised an innovative table/island design that addressed the space challenges of the project while meeting the industrial-chic aesthetic desired by their clients. The homeowners, who had received several “old ladyish” design bids, believed Marshall’s approach was a notch above – literally and figuratively, as the design hinged on a groove carved into the walnut wood island to stow away part of the table, and a collapsible bench - both of which kept the space required by the table for everyday purposes to a minimum, while also allowing the couple to roll out the table, flip open the bench and host dinner parties.

Marshall says she was thrilled when furniture maker Julian Villasenor said he could build something to their specifications. The custom island was critical to maximizing the space for the couple, who love to entertain.

Moreover, the dark wood used for it was a nice contrast to the white IKEA kitchen cabinets.

“The island they designed was the key to the whole room,” says the homeowner. “It gave us this dining room table, which can easily seat 10, but when pushed back doesn’t take up much space. It gave us a ton of space we didn’t have before.” •

The custom-made walnut table fits neatly into a groove in the island, which allows it to take up less space when the homeowners are home alone. For entertaining, the table rolls out, and a bench folds down from the island, allowing seating for as many as 10 people.

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DESIGN

Without a logical place to end a backsplash and no upper cabinets, designer Kirsten Marshall thought it best to cover the entire rear wall in subway tile. The IKEA cabinets are topped with Caesarstone (4120 Raven) quartz countertops. They’re left clutter-free with utensils and condiments stored in wall caddies.

The owners ripped out the wood floors on the home’s main level to install oversized “concrete” tiles, which are actually porcelain, and which complement the charcoal-grey Caesarstone countertops. The tiles have fooled many a contractor, according to Marshall. Any concerns about the floor being cold were eliminated with the decision to remove the heating system and use in-floor radiant heat under the tile. “The heated floors are great, even on the coldest days,” says the homeowner.

As much as the clever design of the island was integral to the room, the “octopus” lighting fixture above the table and island is perhaps the room’s most striking feature.

Marshall retooled the light to include an assortment of bare bulbs and some which are caged. Set against the white subway-tile backdrop, it lends to the “Brooklyn loft” ambience of the home, the construction of which dates to 1900.

Bright red open shelving provides some much-needed space for both functional and decorative pieces, as well as a focal point for the long wall that joins the kitchen and living room. “We think they did a great job in giving us a really timeless feel,” says the homeowner.

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The homeowner appreciates the “timeless” feel of the room and was delighted that Marshall could articulate what the couple wanted, which was that “concrete, industrial feeling.”

What’s more, when the contractor, Caliber Group, didn’t run into any unexpected surprises during the five-month renovation, the

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homeowners were able to redo an upstairs bathroom in addition to reconfiguring the main level. “We have gained so much from this innovative renovation,” says the homeowner. “Now we just love cooking in our kitchen and entertaining there.” •

The idea behind this redesign was to open up the house. Even after removing walls, however, there were remaining space challenges that the Palmerston Design Consultants had to overcome. They created an adaptable centre island that would leave more space for everyday living, but still provide a dining table for entertaining.

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KITCHEN E4.40 PORCELANA MATE / ROBLE PURO FLOOR TILES SOHO ACERO AND PAR-KER® MANHATTAN NATURAL LIGHTING CHARLES

170 STEELWELL ROAD, UNIT 102, BRAMPTON, ONTARIO L6T 5T3

7979 WESTON RD, VAUGHAN ON L4L 1A6

905.454.1053

905.856.7979

www.porcelanosa.ca

www.canaroma.com

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DESIGN

A COZIER COMFORT ZONE A kitchen is redesigned to be functional, beautiful and cozy PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: DVIRA OVADIA

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IT SEEMS TO BE the rare kitchen renovation that doesn’t involve the removal of walls.

This kitchen is one of those rarities, illustrating what can be done within its existing 350-square-foot bounds.

After five years of living in her traditional-style home, the homeowner was dissatisfied with the look and functionality of the kitchen, but a move to open-concept living was not in her plans.

“She wanted to keep the enclosed kitchen that was separated from the rest of the space,

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so we kept the integrity of the footprint without having to take down walls,” says Dvira Ovadia, principal designer of Dvira Interiors, who masterminded the kitchen’s redesign.

The house is fairly large, and the homeowner could afford the luxury of separate spaces for various household functions. The new kitchen remains a room, a cozy space where children gather while their mother cooks and, as in most kitchens, plenty of family life takes place.

The homeowner’s original idea had been essentially a redecoration and updating of the space, but Ovadia persuaded her to rethink the project. “The layout of appliances was quite awkward,” Ovadia says. “It originally had a cooktop on the island with a non-functioning downdraft. This took away a lot of prep space, which is not ideal. It’s nice to have the island clear and free.” The problem was compounded by the fact that a hood vent to replace the downdraft would be far too intrusive in the middle of the room. •

The cabinetry is by Dvira Interiors and uses three finishes: a classic Benjamin Moore white paint (White Dove - OC17), a rich blue by Benjamin Moore (Newburyport Blue - HC155), and bleached white oak, which is a cool counterpoint to the walnut-stained oak floor.

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“We had to convince the client that it was a poor layout that didn’t maximize the space,” says Ovadia. “This kind of change requires getting someone out of their comfort zone.”

Once the designer was able to demonstrate that the cooktop had to be relocated away from the centre island, and that it wouldn’t shift too many architectural elements, the homeowner was a convert.

The room’s outline has stayed the same, but nearly everything else in the renovated kitchen has changed. Ovadia moved all the appliances around. The fridges are now in the pantry wall, which is farther away from the main cooking area but offers room for large appliances. The wall ovens and small island cooktop are gone, replaced by a single 36-inch-wide Wolf range that sits where the fridges and wall ovens used to be, making room for ample storage in the island. And above that range is a custom-made hood fan.

Ovadia chose the pendants over the island for their Moroccan styling. She loves how, “when they’re lit, their perforations cast a beautiful glow throughout the room.”

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(Above) Ovadia’s favourite element is the chef’s desk with its striking brasstoned pendant light and bevelled-tile backsplash, which she finds “quaint and pretty. I wanted that desk to feel different and unique. To continue the pale wall would be boring and mundane.”

(Bottom left) Ovadia is pleased with how the back of the island, with its glass knobs, looks like an apothecary cabinet. “We did a lot of mixing and matching of cabinetry hardware that worked together,” she says. Choosing the hardware “was like adding the final accessories to a little black dress.”

“The hood was desired by the client to be the focal point,” says Ovadia. “She wanted an accent, something unique. She saw a project that I had done and really loved the brass details.” Those details are echoed in such small touches around the room as the edge trim on the island and the pendant lamps over the island and the chef’s desk.

Ovadia also revamped the seating for the table in the bay window. “Adding a banquette allowed us to create ample seating and storage below, and the existing bentwood chairs bring in a vintage quality,” she says. “It allows the kids to gather to do homework, typical of Old-World kitchens where families gather.

This space now feels much cozier.” •

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DESIGN

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

T

Photo courtesy of Bouclair

oday’s kitchens have relatively few pieces of furniture in them. Central islands have assumed the starring role once played by tables. That’s why it’s important to carefully select the few pieces of furniture that we do add to our kitchens. Read on for guidance on where to find fabulous chairs, counter stools, benches, lighting fixtures and drinks cabinets to enhance your kitchen.

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HAVE A SEAT The Vig barstool with its Scandinavian design will add a streamlined look to your kitchen. Angled walnut legs combined with a black lacquered seat make eating at the counter a pleasure. $349. Available at BoConcept. www.boconcept.com

BENCHED The Linea bench, crafted of suar wood, is unique because each piece of wood differs from the others. It’s perfect alone or teamed up with a dining table as seating. $799. Available at Artemano. www.artemano.com

LIGHT LINES Be the perfect host by serving your guests drinks from the Line wine bar, designed by Singaporean designer Nathan Yong. It has space for 24 bottles of wine along with two storage racks for stemware, an open cubby, and two drawers with leather pulls. Available from Design Within Reach. www.dwr.com

HEAVENLY CONSTELLATION Like a cluster of stars, the Ellio pendant lamp’s glass globes seem to float above their metallic frame, casting a soft glow. $699. Available at Mobilia. www.mobilia.ca

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AROUND THE GLOBE The Globe pendant light from BoConcept is a Modernist’s dream.

With its acrylic globe and futuristic design, it’s an eye-catcher and a conversation piece. $3,619.

Available at BoConcept. www.boconcept.com

CURVACEOUS COMFORT The Caddell dining room chair, shown here in Cinnamon, is available in a multitude of colours and fabrics. Its barrel seat and dipped arms make it ideal for long evenings at the table with friends.

Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.ca

TIMELESS TROLLEY Designed in 1952, the iconic Møller Trolley has been brought back into production. Made of hand-polished walnut, it doubles as a bar or serving table. It’s all about timeless design, combined with superior craftsmanship. Available at Design Within Reach. www.dwr.com

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VELVET VOGUE The Zolna chair is available in many colours and fabrics. Shown here in turquoise velvet, it’s a comfortable addition to the kitchen or dining room. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.ca

BOLD AND BRASSY A wire-brushed wood finish in black, combined with brass legs, make the Oscuro cabinet a must-have. This modern cabinet features two swinging doors and a removable wine rack for added space. Available at Article.

ETERNALLY EAMES

www.article.com

The Eames stool by Herman Miller is part of the Eames molded shell collection (19502015) that was originally designed nearly seven decades ago. Still a favourite today, this stool bestows a touch of Modernist elegance to a kitchen island. Available at Design Within Reach. www.dwr.com

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COOL CREDENZA The Envelo sideboard is encased in brilliant white lacquer. Its walnut doors and drawers are equipped with stylish leather pulls. Available at Article. www.article.com

GREAT SHADE OF GREY A sculptural forged-iron look, combined with a wooden seat, gives this adjustable stool an industrial look of yesteryear.

Available at Bouclair. www.bouclair.com

PENDANT POWER The Grain pendant is hand-turned, making it unique.

Crafted from solid wood, its natural look comes from an oil finish. It’s powered by a LED light bulb for energy-efficiency. Available at Room & Board. www.roomandboard.com

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GILDED GEOMETRY The Neiva pendant is a study in intricate geometry. It boasts a complex design and bronze tones, and requires one 150-watt halogen bulb. $359. Available at Mobilia. www.mobilia.ca

RED ALERT The Caprice dining chair adds a wow factor to the kitchen or dining room. Reminiscent of the best of 1960s design, its shape is enhanced by its bold colour and glossy, durable seat. Choose from a chrome, white, grey or matching painted steel base. These chairs are also stackable. Available at Room & Board www.roomandboard.com

MARBLE MUST-HAVE The Seaford pedestal dining table is as simple as it is lovely. A white marble top is inset into a polished brass ring, which sits on a brass-plated stainless-steel base. Perfect for a kitchen alcove or small dining room, it comfortably seats four but fits up to six. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.ca

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DESIGN

SWIVEL AND SWIRL Its simplicity gives this wood and metal bar stool a vintage look that puts it right at home in a log cabin or contemporary home. It boasts an adjustable steel base, footrest and smooth wooden seat. Available at Bouclair. www.bouclair.com

DIVINE DIVAN FOR DINING The Ava leather bench makes an interesting change from dining chairs. Plush upholstery, combined with tapered legs, makes this seating elegant enough for the dining room. Also at home in an entryway or foyer, it’s available in a variety of colours and can also be custom-made. Available at Room & Board. www.roomandboard.com

SPACE AGE More than just a pendant light, the Astra chandelier is a strong conversation piece. Available in both silver and brass finishes, this Mid-century Modern-style fixture has a ’60s vibe. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.ca

RETRO REVIVAL The Sareen buffet is the perfect blend of Mid-century Modern hipness and modern, sleek design. A walnut veneer frame surrounds a matte grey body, making it perfect for the living room, dining room, or office. $899. Available at Mobilia. www.mobilia.ca

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BANKING ON BANQUETTE BEAUTY

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COOL STOOL

The Elowen banquette is upholstered in plush velvet, and has brass legs that are reminiscent of an Italian classic. Use it in the dining room for comfy seating. It also features two brass handles for easy lifting. Available at Anthropologie.

The Collins stool with its leather seat is versatile and functional.

The seat is available in white, grey or black leather but the base is available in a multitude of colours for those who want to make a statement or add a touch of whimsy to their decor. In counter, bar and low heights. Available at Room & Board.

www.anthropologie.ca

www.roomandboard.com

FORM AND FUNCTION The Pike chair is not only functional and stylish, but comfortable too. Its molded plywood seat offers comfort and support during lengthy conversations, and the tapered legs make it attractive enough for both kitchen and dining room. Available at Room & Board www.roomandboard.com

SPIN CYCLE The Jamaica barstool from Knoll was designed by renowned Spanish designer Pepe Cortes. The contoured seat, which spins 360 degrees, rests atop tapered tubular legs. The perfect perch for a kitchen island. Available at Knoll. www.knoll.com

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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TECHNOLOGY, TRADITION & QUALITY GERMAN KITCHENS

SHOWROOM (by appointment only) 550 Queen St. E, #G121, Toronto

647-499-1150 | info@onixdesigns.com | www.onixdesigns.ca

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT

DESIGN

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NO

SM A L L

FEAT

A Toronto designer makes the most of a modest space in her own home’s kitchen

BY JULIE GEDEON PHOTOGRAPHY: LESLIE GOODWIN STYLING: BARBARA MILNER

A SMALL KITCHEN can be made to feel spacious, bright and sophisticated with the right choices, as interior designer Barbara Milner recently proved in her own house.

“I wanted my kitchen to be kissed with sunshiny rays of happiness that I think I achieved through small bursts of yellow and brass, along with playful faucets, and a few other unexpected but restrained elements,” says the owner of South Hills Interiors in Toronto. “For instance, brass pulls are all the rage now, but I chose quieter black and chrome handles instead.”

She was drawn to the modest home in the Casa Loma neighbourhood because its treed yard makes it feel like a cozy cottage in the city. While respecting the home’s traditional character, Barbara introduced contemporary twists to open and lighten the 11-by-nine-foot kitchen space.•

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A Roman blind with bursts of yellow, along with brass pendant lighting give the kitchen its sunshiny disposition. These elements contrast with the navy blue cabinetry. Light fixtures: FLOS Lighting’s IC series.

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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A small area is no reason to shy away from colour as long as it’s used sparingly or is effectively contrasted. “I chose blue to ground the space; but the white everywhere else, along with the light floors, maintains the overall airiness,” she says. “The white quartz countertop and waterfall give the lower cabinetry a bright, modern edge.”

Planning began with the professional gas range that Barbara had to have. “I knew a 36inch range was large for the space, but decided to make it the kitchen’s showpiece, adding the commercial-grade hood as well.”

To give the stove and hood centre stage, Barbara removed all the upper cabinetry from that wall and installed subway tile to the ceiling. “I had to get rid of a few things, but gladly did so to eliminate that corner’s former shadowy boxiness.”

A sleek fridge complements the stove, while the dishwasher is panelled to prevent a look of choppiness. Barbara also tucked a ventless washer-dryer under the island so she wouldn’t have to head for the basement laundry room. •

The designer/homeowner made her must-have gas range the kitchen’s pièce de résistance by showcasing it along with its hood and a pot-filler against plain and practical white subway tiles. Range: Bertazzoni fiveburner gas range (Master Series, MAS365GASXE); refrigerator: Liebherr.

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DESIGN

White subway tiles on the walls and quartz counters make this small kitchen feel bright and airy. Stools: Olsen by Jofran; lower cabinets’ colour: Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy (HC-154).; faucets and pot-filler: Rubinet H20 series; cabinetry pulls: Richelieu Hardware; sinks: Gemini.

M.C. Kitchen Industrial in Markham custom-built the doors on the lower cabinets with timeless Shaker insets, while the upper cabinet doors are flush. “We wanted a fresh take on traditional warmth,” Barbara says.

“When you’re already paying for a custom-built kitchen, you can explore different options rather than have everything match – and it’s those subtle differences that really make a kitchen stand out as unique.”

The faucets, sinks and cabinetry hardware are all Canadian brands. “Ordering local products supports the economy, cuts down on shipping time and costs, prevents border delays, and makes it easier if something has to be replaced,” Barbara says. “Plus, there’s less of an environmental impact, which is very important to me.”

By allowing the walls’ subway tiles to shine through the glass-fronted upper cabinetry, the designer added an element of interest that pays tribute to yesteryear while making the space feel as open as possible.

She took her time deciding on the Roman blind, ultimately selecting fabric that had caught her attention months earlier. “The watercolour pattern has a bit of a ’70s retro feel to it but with a round spin that goes with the pendant lighting,” she says. “And I just fell in love with the contemporary slant to the otherwise simple orbs.”

Barbara integrated some of the natural wood elements that she loves in every kitchen, albeit in an unconventional way. She chose walnut counter stools. “They stand out because of their simplicity but still have that warm grain,” she says. “By keeping my choices simple, I let each feature have its moment without competing with other elements.” •

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.ca

B10 - 996 Westport Crescent, Mississauga, ON www.royaldecks.ca | 905.901.3560

Creating Backyard dreams...

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WARM & COOL Wood and copper complement a fresh white kitchen

BY SARAH B. HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: RICARDO TEIXEIRA STYLING: ERIKA DELA CRUZ

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THE CONTRAST OF CRISP WHITE SURFACES against natural copper and wood was the key to updating a small kitchen in the Toronto home of Mira and Michael Kolm and their two young children.

“The kitchen is the centre of our home; it is our gathering place,” says Mira, who lived with an outdated traditional look for about seven years before approaching designer Erika dela Cruz, owner of O.NIX Design Boutique, for an update that would accommodate family meals and homework times. “We were looking for something more modern that reflected our lifestyle and aesthetic,” she says.

There were several challenges. All the walls were load-bearing, so there was no flexibility in the floor plan. Built-in columns stole usable space from three of four corners.

Also, the family wanted to add an island, so the redesign called for maximum ingenuity.

“A white, modern kitchen was the main goal,” says dela Cruz. “Another objective was to increase their storage space.” She worked collaboratively with Mira and Michael in choosing finishes and fixtures, including the contrasting finishes of German-made Störmer cabinetry. The high-gloss “Snow White” lacquer provides a fresh, clean finish in most of the room, while the “Thermo Pine” structured laminate, which features strong horizontal wood-look bands varying from blonde to chocolate, gives character to a capacious storage wall. •

Sleek white expanses complement the rich wood grains, the warm reflective gleam of copper pendant lamps and the sparkle of a cherished glassware and ceramics collection.

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Dela Cruz also incorporated storage space into the central island. Using sleek heavy-duty drawer slides by German manufacturer Blum, she was able to install very large drawers.

Everyday dishes are stored low for convenience and ergonomic efficiency, and cutlery nestles in elegant Italian walnut inserts by Barredo. The handle-free drawers are opened with wrap-around aluminum grooves.

The dynamic interplay between smooth, lustrous metallic textures and natural wood grains is even echoed inside this elegant and efficient custom-made cutlery drawer.

Placing everyday dishes and cutlery below counter height is not only convenient, but also ergonomically effective.

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The focal feature of the island is an arresting L-shaped f loating bar designed by O.NIX and fabricated from parota wood by Of Earth Furniture. “It was exposed from the living room side,” dela Cruz says. “So we recommended introducing wood tones into the island to connect to all the wood in the rest of the room.”

DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

(Above) Because the family loves coffee, the coffeemaker inhabits its own niche with a pull-out shelf and storage area for cups.

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Other finishes were kept simple. The flooring is a marble-look porcelain tile from Rivalda, while the countertops and backsplash are Caesarstone’s neutral “Statuario Maximus” tiles, which were extended into the adjacent bathroom to offer visual continuity between the two spaces.

Against this peaceful backdrop, touches of colour that express the family’s personality come to the fore. Mira fell in love with Tom Dixon’s pendant lights, so a trio of outspoken copper bells overhangs the island, while a less assertive white geometric lamp lights the sink area.

Dela Cruz created spaces for Mira’s treasured tableware and glass art. A glass-fronted cabinet in the storage wall is illuminated with energy-efficient, built-in LED strip lighting that lies flush to the cabinet interior. “There’s an aluminum profile attached to it, which gives a glow to all of the glass shelves, but without glare,” she says.

The project was “like a journey that we went on together,” says Mira. “The kitchen was functional before, but now it’s inspiring, both aesthetically and functionally.” •

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mega Mantels, an industry leader, has been manufacturing exclusive custom cast stone products for over 35 years.

Let us help you design and create your very own custom Fireplace Mantel or Kitchen Hood.

www.omegamantels.com • info@omegamantels.com

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IN THE PINK

A Hamilton designer renovates her own kitchen, using an unusual colour she loves

BY CHERYL CORNACCHIA PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: ANNE TURCIC

IT WAS NATURAL THAT ANNE TURCIC, a wedding and event designer in Hamilton, known for her love of romantic baroque style, would turn to that style when her husband promised her the kitchen of her dreams for their 25th wedding anniversary.

She grew up with three older brothers.

Today she has two sons. Her older brothers and her husband’s brothers all have sons and no daughters, making her an aunt to 11 more boys. When the opportunity came to redesign the kitchen of the family’s 40-year-old Stoney Creek home, she thought this was the perfect moment for pink. •

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The storybook kitchen renovation with its pinks, gold and whites, ornate cabinetry and crystal chandeliers is a dream come true for Anne. “I’ve liked pink since I was 10 and decorated my bike with pink crepe paper and streamers,” she says. “I’ve always loved it.”

She admits her husband Dave got “a lot of

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heckling” from his hockey buddies: “What do you mean, a pink stove?” But now, she says, he and their sons feel just as at home in the new kitchen as she does. When picking the paint for a ceiling medallion above one of the chandeliers, she says, they all picked pink over white. But then again, she notes: “They do have their man cave.”

The project took 18 months to complete and, when all was said and done, it exceeded its original $100,000 budget, demonstrating once again that few renovations ever go as expected. The relaxed ceramic subway tiles on the wall behind the rose-coloured Lacanche gas range had to be taken down and reinstalled to fix a leak in the water pipe running to the pull-out brass faucet for filling pots. •

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Pink is used sparingly, so it stands out but doesn’t overpower the new kitchen. A five-burner Lacanche range and Le Crueset’s whistling kettle

“Our cabinetry people went above and beyond to make it the kitchen of my dreams.”

are two of the pieces Anne chose to bring her favourite colour into her dream kitchen.

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And then other parts of the project were delayed because some of the new appliances, although purchased from Canadian suppliers, were manufactured in Europe and held up because of transportation issues and other reasons. Such was the case with the two tall, narrow stainless-steel Liebherr fridges, imported from Germany, that are panelled, armoire-style.

“The French Barn arranged to fly our stove from France,” Anne says. “And our cabinetry people went above and beyond to make it the kitchen of my dreams. Despite many complications along the way, it was working alongside Cromade Cabinetry and QuartzCo that made it all worthwhile.”

(Left) Kohler’s apron sink marries well with the island’s quartz countertop. (Above) A generous amount of counter space and a built-in serving station facilitate entertaining.

Anne is a perfectionist. She went to the United States to buy the brass faucet, and she painted and distressed all the hardware and drawer pulls herself so they would match the antique white of the kitchen cabinets perfectly. “I want what I want,” she says, reflecting a single-mindedness that has made her a success at organizing weddings, parties and other events. “In my mind, it all made sense.”

The nine-foot-long 18th-century Chippendale hand-carved table and china cabinet were imported from Paris. Anne bought them on a Facebook page called Junk in da Trunk. She sourced the vintage brass chandelier at Vineland Antiques.

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The ornate design of the kitchen cabinetry is repeated in the adjoining dining area. Anne found the ninefoot-long, hand-carved 18th-century Chippendale table and china cabinet on a Facebook page called Junk in da Trunk. She repainted and distressed the set, which is originally from France, to match her kitchen cabinetry.

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The new kitchen is a full one-third larger than the old one. The old dining room was folded into the new 500-square-foot kitchen space, now perfect for the entertaining she likes to do. She took advantage of the extended renovation time to go through her own pretty things: vintage china, crystal, mirrors, antique furniture. It’s inventory she has collected over the years for her business, Anne & Co., a photography studio and small event space, where she also sells custom-made, painted furniture.

At times, she says, some of the contractors she was working with were skeptical about her vision, particularly whether the whites,

creams, pinks and golds would match. But that’s where her years of loving colour, going right back to her childhood, served her well.

Anne says she knew how to match undertones so that all the colours would harmonize.

And, she adds, she couldn’t be happier with the end result. Three months after the kitchen was completed, she and her husband went to Europe for the first time. Of course, Anne stopped in at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris to see its famous romantic baroque design. She could see that Louis XIV set the design bar very high: “Thank God, I didn’t go there first!” she says. •

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Every ThinkGlass countertops are unique including several. customized texture and tickness options.

The world leader in innovative glass applications

DESIGN

WELCOME TO OUR HOME A newly renovated kitchen allows a couple to entertain large groups of friends and family

BY HEATHER PENGELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY HORKOFF STYLING: DARLENE SHAW

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BRENDA AND RUSS ANDREW RECALL getting ready for breakfast, along with their adult daughter, in their newly renovated kitchen. “We could all be in there, doing whatever we needed to do, without tripping on each other. It was perfect,� Brenda says.

Before the renovation, the family had a small, u-shaped kitchen outfitted with bleached oak cabinetry, which had faded to salmon-pink. One end of the counter had a raised serving area but no stools. The kitchen opened onto a dinette that had a window seat.

Brenda, an executive recruiter and trainer, and Russ, a recently retired banking executive, love to entertain. They routinely host groups of between 19 and 24 family members and friends. Brenda loves to cook; Russ serves beverages.

The previous kitchen had no room for maneuvering. If Russ walked in to fetch wine glasses while Brenda was transferring pots from stove to counter, they would inevitably collide. The workable space totalled about three feet. There was limited storage and no good lighting.

Matteo Lighting pendants from Concept Lighting Group and recessed LED lighting brighten the workspaces. Underfoot, Pietra Lavica Italian full-body porcelain tiles have a warm shimmer.

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“The space was not functional. Russ and I could not operate in the kitchen together,” Brenda says. “It drove me nuts.”

An Internet search led Brenda to designer Darlene Shaw at Concept Kitchen & Bath, a one-stop shop that manages projects: designing, building, supplying, and installing what clients need.

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“She really understood what I needed for space and how I wanted to move around the kitchen,” Brenda says.

Says Shaw: “It’s really important, as a designer, to listen to your client, impart your advice and give them the benefit of your experience, but work with what they want, because, at the end of the day, it’s their home.

As beautiful as it may be, if it isn’t functional, they’re not going to be happy.” •

Sleek, seamless Venatino quartz from Vicostone tops the 11-foot-long island.

Brenda’s prep area has a stainless-steel Franke sink.

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Random strips of Carrara marble form a distinctive backsplash behind the matte-black Brizo Solna articulating faucet with SmartTouch technology.

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The de sig ner elon g ated t he k itchen, extending cabinetry along the length of the room. She eliminated a window on the back wall and removed the dinette and window seat.

“You gain a lot of storage within the same footprint, when a kitchen is designed correctly,” she says.

Shaw’s goal was to create separate work zones in which Brenda and Russ could peacefully coexist while entertaining. For Russ, a beverage service zone at one end of the kitchen contains a wine fridge, slide-out drawers for liquor storage, and cupboards to hold

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glasses, corkscrews and sundries. Brenda’s food prep, cooking and clean-up zones are at the opposite end.

The island extends into the freed-up dining space. It has seating for six guests, perfect for family meals or playing cards.

“People hesitate to remove a table and chairs,” Shaw says. “In my experience, when you’ve got an island, that’s where people want to sit, because it’s closer to whoever is cooking.”

Brenda wanted a black-and-white kitchen with clean, sleek lines. Matte black on the island, a touchless faucet, and glass-fronted

A stainless-steel-accented range hood from Concept Kitchen & Bath vents the Wolf induction cooktop.

upper cupboards break up the sterility of white cabinetry. Dark porcelain floor tiles, warmed by under-floor heating, unify the space. “Matte black is gaining in popularity,” Shaw says. “We’re at the beginning of the trend.”

And given the ease of movement that the space now permits, “it’s exactly what we wanted,” says Brenda. •

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THE WELL-EQUIPPED KITCHEN A wide range of gadgets on the market makes food preparation a joy for foodies

BY TRACEY MacKENZIE

C

ooks will attest to the delight that comes from creating magical meals. And when a kitchen is well-endowed with the right cookware and appliances, the cooking process is even more joyful. Get cooking. Our annual guide shows you where to find the perfect gadgets for your kitchen.

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T H E 2 018 K I T C H E N G A D G E T G U I D E

C OOL T R E AT S The fast-freezing Zoku Quick Pop Maker freezes liquids in as little as seven minutes. Store the base in the freezer to create ice-pops fast. It’s also BPA- and phthalate-free.

Available at Zoku Home. $49.99. www.zokuhome.com

WAT C HF UL W I T C H Boil, boil, bubble and brew. The Agatha spoon holder and steam releaser will help you brew a stew. Agatha, who is made of silicone, holds a spoon and by propping open a lid, allows steam to escape from a bubbling pot. Free shipping worldwide. Available from Animi Causa. $13.99. www.animicausa.com

M A R IN AT E IN MINU T E S Vacu Vin’s instant marinating container marinates food in minutes. It comes with a secure-fitting lid and a large pump to extract air. The 2.5-quart container may also be used for food storage. Dishwasher safe. $42.59. Available at Amazon.ca. www.amazon.ca

C L E A R A S GL A S S Cuisinart’s CookFresh digital glass steamer delivers steam from the top down to cook food fast and evenly.

The glass pot is also oven-safe at temperatures up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The five-litre cooking pot is dishwasher-safe, and its glass lid features a steel rim and handle. Available at Hudson’s Bay. $299. www.thebay.com

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S L IC E D A N D D IC E D Amco’s Dial-A-Slice adjustable apple corer and slicer cuts apples into either eight thick or 16 thin slices, making it perfect for snacks and baking pies. It’s easy to use and its blades are stainless steel. $28. Available from Amazon.ca. www.amazon.ca

M A K ING T HE C U T Perfect for the cyclist in your life, the TOUR de PIZZA bicycle-shaped pizza cutter will cut your pie with ease.

Both front and back wheels are made of stainless steel, and it comes with a stand for easy display. Money-back guarantee.

Available at Amazon.com. Ships to Canada. $19.95. www.amazon.com

UN D E R P R E S S UR E The PC8-Precision stovetop pressure cooker by All-Clad features a two-part cooking process with four programmable settings (including ones for grains and seafood) to maximize texture and flavour. The easy-to-set smart timer lets you know with audible sounds when the right pressure has been achieved and released. Available at Amazon.ca. $349.99. www.amazon.ca

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R IG H T T O T HE C OR E OF T HE M AT T E R Simple Living’s stainless-steel pineapple peel ‘n’ core cutter makes quick work of peeling a pineapple. Its ergonomic grip and detachable handle, combined with a sharp serrated blade, cores and cuts with ease. Bonus: serve pina coladas in the leftover pineapple hull. Rum not included. Available at Amazon.com. Ships to Canada. www.amazon.com

C U S T OM C U T T ING BO A R D Create your own custom cutting board at Words with Boards. Personalize with your name, a symbol, or both.

Each board is made of sustainably forested American hard maple. Available in various sizes from Words with Boards. $149USD. www.wordswithboards.com

M A IN S QUE E Z E Smeg’s CJF01 Citrus Juicer has a retro look and comes in funky colours. But this juicer is also high on functionality. Insert oranges and the machine automatically starts to work its magic, creating O.J. within seconds. Available at Amazon.ca. $199. www.amazon.ca

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C H IL L OU T

F E A R L E S S F R Y ING The Frywall by Gowanus Kitchen Lab offers ultimate splatter protection. The BPA-free silicone cone acts as a splatter guard so you may cook bacon and french fries without splashing oil on your stovetop, counters or you.

Comes in red, lime green, black and orange. Available from Frywall. $28.08. www.frywall.com

K I T C HE N HE L P For consistent baking results, the Drop Scale and Recipe App is your personal kitchen helper. It rescales quantities, substitutes ingredients, offers tips and shares recipes and photos online. It’s the virtual baking assistant we’ve always wanted. Available at Amazon.ca. $153.64. www.amazon.ca

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Insert the Ravi Solution Instant Wine Chiller into a wine bottle’s neck and pour. Wine is instantly chilled as it passes through the inner frozen tube. A valve controls the rate of flow to regulate the temperature of the wine. Store in freezer when not in use.

Available at Amazon.ca. $138.27. www.amazon.ca

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MULT I - C OL OUR E D MI X E R S It’s perfect for those who love large mixers but don’t have a lot of space. KitchenAid has launched the Artisan Mini 3.5-quart stand mixer in a variety of colours. Space-saving and powerful, this mixer has a tilt-head design and 10-speed settings to ensure recipes come out right. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond. $399.99. www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

S MOK E - F R E E S UC C UL E NC E Miss barbecuing in the winter? Get the taste of outdoor cooking with the Philips smokeless indoor grill. Using infrared heat technology, it cooks with constant heat for perfect browning, and reduces smoke by 80 per cent. Sear meat with minimal splattering without setting a foot outdoors. The non-stick grid provides barbecue grill marks. Available at Hudson’s Bay. $379.99. www.thebay.com

M Y T Y P E OF WA F F L E Workaholics will appreciate this one-of-a-kind Keyboard Waffle Iron from Uncommon Goods.

Sure to start your day on a positive note, this waffle maker is an unusual gift item. Available online at UncommonGoods and Amazon.com. www.uncommongoods.com www.amazon.com

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T HE HE AT I S ON Cooking meat to perfection is easy, thanks to the iGrill2 Bluetooth thermometer. It can track more than one temperature at a time and can use pre-set or custom temperature alarms. Added features include a 200-hour battery life with a 150-foot Bluetooth range, and a magnetic mounting system with illuminated display, for quick viewing of the temperature progression. Available at Amazon.ca. $125.70. www.amazon.ca

L O A F ING A R OUN D Forget tiresome kneading. Breville’s custom-loaf bread maker allows you to add fruit, seeds and nuts to bread. You can also program it to have fresh bread when you want it. Available from Breville online and at Hudson’s Bay. www.breville.ca www.thebay.com

M AY T HE T O A S T BE W I T H Y OU The Darth Vader Cool Wall two-slice toaster will please Star Wars fans. Comes in Storm Trooper and Death Star motifs. Toast not included. Available at Best Buy. $39.99. www.bestbuy.ca

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C HU R N I T OU T Make your own dairy-fresh butter in minutes with the Kilner Butter Churner. Just add heavy cream and start churning. Great project for kids who want to help out in the kitchen. Available from Kilner online.

HE A R T Y BR E A K F A S T

www.kilnerjar.co.uk

Make a breakfast sandwich in five minutes or less with Hamilton Beach’s Digital Breakfast Sandwich Maker. It includes two griddle pans for stacking ingredients, is dishwasher-safe, and is available as a dual sandwich maker. Available at Hudson’s Bay. $39.99. www.thebay.com

GOOD G A R N I S HE S Put away the kitchen knives. The World Cuisine Tri-blade spiral vegetable slicer makes quick work of slicing and dicing vegetables.

It also transforms ordinary vegetables into beautiful garnishes or salad toppings in minutes. Make curly fries or create carb-free pasta by “spiralizing” zucchini. Available at Amazon.ca. $51.56. www.amazon.ca

K E E P E R OF T HE S E C R E T S The Astro Fruit and Veggie keeper from Ototo Design keeps produce fresh while adding a touch of whimsy to a fridge. Dishwasher safe, it comes in red, green or blue-gray. Available from Ototo. $16. www.ototodesign.com

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BEAUTY IN THE UNEXPECTED A search for furniture and window treatments led this retailer to establish her own boutique

DON’T YOU LOVE WALKING into a store and finding exactly what you’re looking for? That exquisitely stunning, uniquely beautiful treasure that creates a statement?

Linda Dolman-Weddel knows what that is like. She discovered it when she walked into a store in Aberfoyle, near Guelph, Ont., looking for furniture and window treatments.

She had just moved into a new home in the area and was hoping to create something exceptional.

While in the store, she met the owner, who mentioned she was looking to sell her business. Dolman-Weddel browsed and then made her purchase. In a moment of serendipity, she bought the furniture and the window treatments – and the store’s inventory.

It was not quite that simple, of course. But not far off. With a 15-year career in corporate human resources, she was ready to switch it up. On Sept. 9, 1999, she opened her first boutique: Accents for Living, which specializes in home furnishings and interior design.

“It was a great opportunity to have a change,” she says. “I wasn’t looking for a change, but an opportunity landed in my lap.”

Now, almost 20 years later, Dolman-Weddel has just opened her second boutique, on Navy Street in Oakville. Today, she employs 18 designers, has a staff of 25, and caters to a growing clientele across southwestern Ontario.

The product lines are wide-ranging: from

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furniture for every room in the house to accessories, rugs, bedding, wallcoverings, tableware, lighting, window coverings and art.

Dolman-Weddel’s success was built from the simple thrust that sent her out looking for furnishings shortly after moving into her new home: “We truly want people to have a lovely home,” she says. “We are passionate about creating beautiful spaces, and our number one priority is to give outstanding customer service.”

And both locations ref lect that. There is nothing big-box store about Accents for

Living. The Oakville location is a two-storey brick house with a peaked roof and wraparound veranda.

About a year after launching her business in Aberfoyle, Dolman-Weddel bought the building it was in. Seven years later, she gave it a major renovation, tripling its size.

She looked to create the same charming atmosphere in her Oakville location, where the boutique is housed in the former home of the town’s first mayor; it was built in the 1840s.

Accents for Living 8 Brock Rd. N., Guelph ~ 519-822-2929 85 Navy St.. Oakville ~ 905-849-8537 www.accentsforliving.ca

“We’ve been so welcomed by the community,” she says.

The Oakville showroom came about, she explains, because about 30 per cent of her clientele is from the Oakville-Burlington area.

Dolman-Weddel and her team, which now includes her two daughters, continue to gain a growing following. In fact, the company founder still consults for many of her original clients. “I’m still doing homes for clients from 1999 and their children’s homes now,” she says.

The approach is simple: “We can meet any of your design needs,” she says. “We’re pretty cutting edge, with fabulous suppliers from across North America and Europe. Our style is classic with a bit of an edge. We follow trends, but we’re not trendy.”

It’s a place to find exactly what you are looking for: that exquisitely stunning, uniquely beautiful treasure that creates a statement. •

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GOING HOME A man moves back to his childhood home and creates a new kitchen that suits his lifestyle

BY BRENDA O’FARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY: VINCENT LIONS STYLING: BEVERLEY BINNS

UPDATING THE HOME ONE GREW UP IN is not always an easy task. For example, how do you take your mother’s kitchen and make it your own?

That was the challenge facing the owner of this two-storey home in Markham. After inheriting the house from his parents, he wanted to modernize the kitchen, to make it more contemporary. A single man who frequently hosts family gatherings and poker nights with friends, he set out to re-imagine his kitchen space. •

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DESIGN

He turned to designer Linnea Lions of Binns kitchen + bath design. Together, they transformed what was a dated and divided eat-in kitchen and living room into an open-concept space that showcases colourful art, a masculine style, and a little modern-day tech.

Lions describes the result: “It’s contemporary suburban chic.”

It’s also quite different from what it used to be. “I had a pretty blank slate,” Lions says, explaining how the process began. Aside from wanting to modernize and open up the enclosed kitchen, the only item on the owner’s “must-have” list was an island.

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“He wanted an island, a big island, with a sink,” Lions says. Then, he wanted to add a table. But even after knocking down a wall, which expanded the kitchen area, the space to navigate around these two items would be tight.

“My solution to that was to integrate the table into the island in a nice and unique way,” Lions explains.

That unique way saw the custom walnut tabletop inserted into the quartz waterfall edge of the island. “I wanted to create more of a sculptured piece. I offset the table to the island a bit,” she says. “It really gives the island a sculptured feel to it.”

Lions also liked the way the features of the two materials – the warmth of the wood and the cold crispness of the white Brittanicca quartz from Cambria – play off each other, while the outside edge of the table is supported by a custom-designed stainless-steel leg.

Then the owner asked about adding a touch of colour, mentioning he had a large abstract painting that might work in the space. The artwork features bold blues and blacks along with white and yellow tones, set on a bright orange background. The designers coordinated it with the molded Eiffel chairs on each side of the table. •

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The custom walnut tabletop was fitted into the quartz waterfall edge of the island.

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DESIGN

Lions admits that many of her clients are afraid to use colour, but “here we incorporated it in the art and the furniture. It definitely enhances the kitchen.”

Using colour in this way also makes it easy to update the space – by changing the art and switching up the chairs – without too much expense or trouble, she adds.

Lions also gave the space a contemporary masculine style. This included painting the stone fireplace in the now-adjacent living room charcoal grey, and integrating all the appliances within the new cabinetry, including the range hood. This is also where the little dash of modern tech comes in.

(Bottom) The floating cabinets along the back wall are equipped with drives, which flip; the front panels open and close automatically. The back wall is clad in square tiles that come in various designs.

A convection oven and steam oven are mounted in a wall off to the side of the main kitchen area.

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The kitchen now opens directly onto the living room, which was given a small update when the stone fireplace surround was painted a dark charcoal grey for a masculine look.

To incorporate the range hood in the row of floating cabinets along the back wall, Lions had to design the storage space using three 36-inch-wide panels. The central panel houses the range hood, while the two outer panels are cabinets, each with matching 36-inch-wide doors that are finished in high-gloss light-grey lacquer. Because of the width, the cupboards do not open with side-swing doors. Rather, they are fitted with flip-up panels equipped with drives for easy opening and closing.

By pushing the cabinet slightly inward, the mechanized drive opens the panel. To close it, a button located on the inner frame is depressed, which automatically brings the panel back down. These custom cabinets are sold directly through Binns kitchen + bath design.

Nothing says modern quite like convenience at the touch of a button. No, this is certainly not the kitchen the homeowner grew up in. But wouldn’t his mother be impressed! •

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DESIGN TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

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THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT DREAM KITCHEN

This Italian manufacturer is on the cutting edge of kitchen design

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DESIGN

IF YOU LOVE TO COOK and create with food, you have probably found yourself dreaming of the perfect luxurious custom kitchen. Even if you are not a chef, and instead have earned a reputation as a take-out champion, a dream kitchen might still be something you long for.

Regardless of the category you find yourself in, here is a word you should know: Scavolini.

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It is the name in designer kitchens.

When you take the step from dreaming of the perfect luxurious kitchen to planning it, look into Scavolini’s Carattere line. It gives a kitchen a distinctive designer look, with sleek lines and elegant sophistication. And it will up your game by providing more functionality than you could even imagine.

Caraterre’s signature look is the framed cabinet door. It combines classic lines with clean-cut form. It is the essence of contemporary styling. And the doors come with a choice of handles: pulls that highlight the size of the frame or built-in grips that are as refined as they are architecturally innovative. •

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DESIGN

Caraterre’s modular design allows a maximization of space, where space is at a premium; it also enhances larger areas. The Caraterre line includes a choice of range hoods, a feature that adds a wow factor.

Then, there are the personalized options …. because when it comes to designing, who doesn’t want options?

Let’s start with colour. Scavolini’s Caraterre line features matte-lacquered cabinets in a range of colours, including Prestige White, Dove Grey and Iron Grey. Veneered cabinets have an alternative range of hues, including Cotton Ash, the distinctive Ashes Ash and three shades of Walnut.

There are also countertop options. The signature Stoneware tops are available in a series of colours, including Extra White, Amber Avenue, London Grey, Blanc Breeze quartz, Pearl Breeze quartz, and Steel.

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And don’t forget the accessories – such as steel shelves supported by tie-rods fixed to the ceiling, illuminated magnetic wall panels and switch cupboards, a unit that will help keep a kitchen organized. Think of it as a container – equipped with shelves, drawers and space – that will hold everything: utensils, plates,

accessories, books and appliances, all out of the way, neatly tucked out of view.

Models come with retractable doors and can contain up to four appliances, including ovens, a dishwasher and a wine fridge.

It’s for those who dream of having a luxurious kitchen. •

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A STEP FURTHER

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A renovation becomes a new build with fine details PHOTOGRAPHY: RHONDA THORNTON STYLING: JACK CREASY

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Calacatta marble tile from Stone Tile gives the stove’s backsplash a subtle pattern. Counter and island tops are Calacatta Lincoln honed marble with a custom-made edge profile from Select Granite Tops.

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DESIGN

IT STARTED AS A GRAND IDEA, part of a large addition to an existing home. However, the addition was not feasible due to site conditions.

The homeowners explored other options with their architect, Kent Taylor of Taylor Group in King City, and ultimately chose to build a new home, which went up in record time on a nearby lot with rolling hills and beautiful views of horse country north of Toronto.

“The homeowner was able to build this scale of project in record time due to the work of builders John and Johnny Custodio of Dellfina Homes,” says Jack Creasy, senior designer and project manager with Bloomsbury Fine

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Cabinetry, who was along for the ride from the very beginning. “This kitchen is reminiscent of the design from the renovation plans but, now that we were dealing with a new build and not a renovation, we were able to expand the possibilities and take the design of the space a step further.”

Bloomsbury had initially been awarded the contract for such key rooms as the kitchen and master suite. However, the homeowner was so pleased with the approach and work of Creasy, company owner Rhonda Thornton, and the rest of the team that she awarded the remainder of the millwork to Bloomsbury.

Flooring throughout the kitchen, servery, and dish pantry is white oak with a custom-made dark stain. The framed inset cabinetry is painted in Bloomsbury’s custom-blended crisp white with the company’s signature hand-painted finish.

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Relying on one designer and team who understood her vision allowed for a consistent flow throughout the home and also simplified the design process and coordination of details.

The kitchen was a key room for the homeowner – so key, says Creasy, that “we designed the kitchen as the starting point of what the rest of the home would feel like.” This kitchen dictates the flow and, to a certain extent, the design aesthetic throughout the rest of the house. It’s almost literally the heart of the home.

Creasy says that having the design team – architect, builder and kitchen designer working together from the beginning, meant that any changes were made on paper before construction started.

The family is small: two adults and one child. The kitchen is the hub of day-to-day life and the site of intimate family dinners.

But the family also entertains or hosts events with sometimes 60 guests or more. Thus, the kitchen was designed to serve daily family needs but also to function as an attractive yet efficient space for caterers and guests.

The servery provides a transition from the kitchen to more public areas such as dining and living rooms. The homeowner juxtaposed the soft wall and countertop colours with a custom dark blue high-gloss lacquer finish on the cabinetry. “This is a nice way of having a contemporary vibe but on a grand level that goes with this home,” says Creasy.

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Walnut butler’s trays can be stored out of sight in a vertical undercounter slot.

Bloomsbury and the homeowner designed the kitchen to function within three rooms (350 square feet of kitchen, plus 160 square feet of servery and dish pantry). The space is full of details, both big and small, that facilitate activities ranging from cooking homey family meals to hosting big catered events.

The large island (seven feet wide and just over nine feet long) has knee space for custom-made Bloomsbury Signature stools on not just one but three sides. This allows the family to eat and converse comfortably and also serves as seating for guests during parties.

The adjoining servery and dish pantry offer functional overflow space and connect into the formal dining room.

Appliances must accommodate the needs of this busy family and their large gatherings.

There are two 36-inch stainless steel Sub-Zero fridges with freezer drawers, flanking a 30-inch-wide Sub-Zero wine column that accommodates 146 bottles, all encased by Bloomsbury’s custom cabinetry. The servery features a panelled 24-inch Sub-Zero undercounter beverage fridge to keep drinks neatly organized and easily accessible.

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Cooking takes place on that Wolf dual-fuel range, and a 24-inch Wolf microwave drawer is nearby. When it’s time for cleanup, two integrated Miele dishwashers, also in matching cabinetry, flank the large double sink.

A plethora of thoughtful features makes this a delightful workspace. There’s a fourbin waste/recycling centre by the main sink and a similar two-bin centre in the island, which has its own double sink. Drawers feature a custom-made wooden knife block and wooden inserts for cutlery, cooking utensils, and spices. Servery drawers have velvet-lined anti-tarnish inserts for silverware. The side columns in the range hood have drawers and pullouts for storing oils, vinegars, and other ingredients.

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All this functionality is provided within a design aesthetic that has a touch of grandeur but is warm and inviting. “It’s a timeless look that will always feel relevant and current,” says Creasy. “The furniture-style framed inset cabinetry has a classic English aesthetic that is refined and elegant. We understood the homeowner’s vision, and she had a great eye for furniture and accessories to complete the space.”

Creasy calls his team the homeowner’s “sounding board” in regard to such elements as light fixtures. “We were another set of eyes for her,” he says. “She knew what she liked. She had a clear vision and just needed the right people around her to bring it to reality.” •

(Left) The dish pantry is at the front of the house but is tucked away from the large window so that storage is conveniently open but not visible from outside.

The cabinetry is full of deluxe touches such as this maple knife block within a drawer with walnut trim.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE TORONTO KITCHENS 2018

KEEPING BUSY Artist Shawn O’Keefe www.Trust36.com shawnokeefeart@mail.com

A COZIER COMFORT ZONE Dvira Ovadia www.dvira.com 416-562-2252

A STEP FURTHER Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry www.bloomsburykitchens.com 416-782-7900

THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT DREAM KITCHEN Scavolini www.siema.ca/scavolini 604-569-1530

NO SMALL FEAT South Hill Interiors www.southhillinteriors.com 416-970-1703

Dellfina Homes Inc. www.dellfinahomes.com 416-892-8150

DELAYED GRATIFICATION Palmerston Design Consultants www.palmerston.ca 416-924-3800

WARM AND COOL O.NIX Design Boutique Kitchens & Living www.onixdesigns.ca 647-499-1150

WELCOME TO OUR HOME Concept Kitchen & Bath www.conceptkandb.com 905-335-0808

SPACE SAVER Palmerston Design Consultants www.palmerston.ca 416-924-3800

Vicostone Canada www.vicostone.ca 905-760-7888

IN THE PINK CroMade Cabinetry www.cromade.ca 905-688-6222

emd Design eliana@emddesign.ca 647-285-5444 GOING HOME Binns kitchen + bathroom design www.binns.net 416-286-2222 BEAUTY IN THE UNEXPECTED Accents for Living www.accentsforliving.ca Guelph ~ 519-822-2929 Oakville ~ 905-849-8537

QuartzCo www.quartzco.ca 905-892-0395 UNIQUELY SPECTACULAR Yorkville Design Centre www.yorkvilledesigncentre.ca 416-922-6620

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD DESIGN

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONLY $19.99 www.movatohome.com

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IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

It’s time to throw open windows and allow the warm spring air to fill our homes. And while we’re at it, we may want to declutter and reorganize our spaces. The Spring issue of Toronto Home shows you how to clean and clear winter-weary rooms, so you can spend plenty of time enjoying the warm weather ahead.

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IMPORT-TEMPTATIONS.COM Import Temptations Inc. 188 Bentworth Avenue.

Toronto, Ontario M6A 1P8 T: 416 . 256. 3150 F: 416.256 . 9204 Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm

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