TORONTO
KITCHEN AND BATH
TRENDS ISLAND PARADISE Kitchens designed for social gatherings
SPACIOUS SPAS
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
Bathrooms transformed into soothing retreats
GOOD VIBES
Learn how to make your own bread
Feng shui for home sales
TASTEFUL RESTAURANT DESIGN
$7.95
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Beautiful interiors and delicious eats
PIZZA-MAKING COURSES
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
KITCHEN ACCESSORIES
A not to be missed event! To find your perfect rug please bring room photo, measurements & fabric swatches.
Rugs left to right: Cemento, Akkadian, Financial City, Spectrum DD, Flamingo III, Stratus, Bellezza Water Colour 1
Design Living Centre
The Village at Vaughan Mills
1400 Castlefield Avenue Toronto, ON 416.929.7929
255 Bass Pro Mills Drive Vaughan, ON 905.660.7929
30%OFF-70%OFF every rug in stock! TRADE DATES Tuesday February 12 to Thursday February 28th
PUBLIC DATES Friday March 1st to Sunday March 10th
This sale applies to all in stock inventory. Does not include previously placed orders or custom orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers.
Follow us on Instagram for product sale announcements! #AnnualSale #OnlyHappensOnceAYear #BuyYourDreamRugNow
www.weaversart.com
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
Showroom: 185 Trowers Rd, Unit 8, Woodbridge, ON. L4L 5Z5
EDITOR’S LETTER
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WE’VE ARRIVED! Welcome to the debut issue of Home in Canada - Toronto edition. As reported in our Winter issue, Toronto Home is being transformed into a vibrant new national publication. Because this is the Toronto edition of Home in Canada, we will continue to bring you all of the local and regional features you have come to love. As Home in Canada, we will extend our editorial reach much farther to give you engaging stories from across our country. From the Maritimes to the West Coast and everywhere in between, Home in Canada will profile the best of design in Canada. We are also broadening the scope of our lifestyle features. A new element in this issue is a column by feng shui master Tracey MacKenzie. As we move into the spring real estate market, she says, it’s important for home sellers to know how to use the ancient Chinese principles of feng shui to make their homes appealing to would-be buyers. Tracey’s column is on page 120. Have you considered baking your own bread? If so, you’ll enjoy Julie Gedeon’s feature about bread-making classes. These courses are the best way to learn about this ancient science, which is also an art. Having baked a few loaves in my own kitchen that can best be described as yeast-filled cannon balls, I think it’s time I enrolled in a bread-making class, and I know my family will thank me.
There are several ways you can stay in touch with us: @homeincanada @athomeincanada @movatohome @movatohome
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Faema Canada, known in Toronto for selling espresso machines, pizza ovens, pasta machines and gelato makers, recently opened a culinary academy to teach home cooks how to prepare pizza, craft gelato or make a fabulous cup of coffee. It’s another opportunity for Torontonians to polish their kitchen skills. This is our annual Kitchen and Bath Trends issue. As you’ll see from the beautiful kitchens in this issue, the trend toward making this room the centre of the home continues. Several of the kitchens profiled here were created after homeowners demolished walls that separated their kitchens from enclosed dining rooms to construct open-plan spaces for entertaining. The bathrooms featured in this issue all have one thing in common: they are designed to be soothing sanctuaries. Some, such as the master bathroom designed for Calgary resident Aly Sumar, are spa-like, thanks to the addition of a steam bath, heated towel racks and atmospheric lighting. What wonderful rooms we are creating to welcome us home at day’s end with a chat around the kitchen island or a soak in an elegant bathtub. In the months ahead, we will have many more fascinating stories about innovative design across Canada to inspire and engage you. Welcome to Home in Canada.
STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@movatohome.com
GEMINI PLUS 2 SIDED SHOWER / LUNA HALO LIGHTED MIRROR / LUNA MERIDIAN VANITY / ARIA VOCE BATHTUB
A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR BATHROOM
www.fleurco.com
CONTRIBUTORS
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SARAH B. HOOD Toronto writer Sarah B. Hood has written about design and culture for such publications as The National Post, Movie Entertainment and Canadian Business. She has been shortlisted for Canada’s National Magazine Awards, the Canadian Business Media Awards and Taste Canada Food Writing Awards. She enjoys spaces that combine a contemporary approach with traditional touches, such as the bathroom remodel she profiled for this issue. SUZANNE WINTROB For Toronto-based journalist Suzanne Wintrob, snagging a profile of a kitchen in a “modern farmhouse” was an ideal assignment. “I’ve always wanted to live by a lake but, alas, life took me on a different path,” she says. “So when I saw how designer Barbara Milner gave this small city kitchen a delightful town-and-country feel, I was smitten.” Besides writing about intriguing homes and new condo developments, Suzanne weaves words about royals and celebrities for Hello! Canada and chronicles her travels at @newsyoucansuz. LARRY ARNAL While Toronto photographer Larry Arnal was photographing one of the spaces featured in this issue, the homeowner remarked to him: “You must go into a lot of homes and wonder what they were thinking.” Larry’s response: “No, I actually don’t look at spaces that way, but I do notice cool features or interesting use of materials and the sorts of things that I might like to have in my own home.” Larry hopes you will find inspiration for your home, too, in the spaces he photographed for this issue. ROSE BARROSO Toronto builder Rose Barroso has made a career of building and designing homes and, along the way, has acquired a lot of knowledge about all things home-related. For this issue, Rose tells us how to get the best outdoor lighting and how to do it in an environmentally respectful way that doesn’t add to the growing problem of light pollution. JULIE GEDEON Writer/editor Julie Gedeon worked up an appetite for her story about bread-making courses across the country for this issue. She appreciated the cornucopia of options when it comes to learning kitchen skills. Julie was also reminded about the commitment required to keep a sourdough starter thriving and now wonders if she wants to be involved in that kind of “feed me” relationship. When Julie isn’t exploring food and decor, she’s writing about environmental issues or teaching others to convey their stories in her inviting writers’ kitchen.
Toronto Edition Volume 9, Number 1, Kitchen and Bath Trends Issue 2019 Date of Issue: February, 2019 6100 TransCanada Highway Suite 100, Pointe-Claire Quebec H9R 1B9
Call 1-866-846-1640 athomeincanada.ca sales@movatohome.com
PUBLISHER Dr. Sharon Azrieli CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Stanley Kirsh
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carmen Lefebvre ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Neve Foltz CONTRIBUTORS Rose Barroso Cheryl Cornacchia Julie Gedeon Sarah B. Hood Elisabeth Kalbfuss Susan Kelly Tracey MacKenzie Heather Pengelley Phillipa Rispin Karen Seidman Suzanne Wintrob PHOTOGRAPHY Lori Andrews Kassandra Arbour Larry Arnal Tracey Ayton Mike Chajecki Leslie Goodwin Scott Norsworthy Colin Perry Lisa Petrole Valerie Wilcox
STYLING Elena Del Bucchia Vanessa Ferro Krista Flaschner Hali Gallerno Erica Gelman Laura Goard Elena Gouchtchina Tanya McLean Barbara Milner Negar Reihani Nichole Skladan Cynthia Soda Natalie Venalainen Genevieve Wiseman CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Azrieli CONTROLLER Jenny Marques DIRECTOR OF SALES NATIONAL Kelly Chicoine DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SALES - ONTARIO Grant Wells For sales inquiries, please email Grant Wells: gwells@movatohome.com
LEGAL DEPOSIT 1927-324x Home In Canada Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Home In Canada is strictly prohibited.
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CONTENTS
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28 ON THE COVER MAJOR TRANSFORMATION
A down-at-heel rental property in Newmarket is given a new lease on life with a complete makeover
DESIGNING DUO
A homeowner and her friend combine their talents as designers to create a spectacular kitchen
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REPURPOSED TEAK CABINET
A bathroom redesign begins with an old wood vanity found on Craigslist
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112
BELOVED BY THE CHILDREN A designer creates her ideal ensuite bathroom at home, and her children also love to use it
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Expression of excellence
WHEN INTRODUCING THE "X" FACTOR INTO A PREDOMINANT "Y" BUSINESS WORLD, THE RESULTS ARE BOUNDLESS. The build is no longer just a build. It is a creation that is born with endless possibilities. All senses are considered. All possibilities are taken and the true essence of your vision is born.
"I take pride in being a strong woman in a traditionally male dominated industry." C: (416) 723.9984 | barroso@bell.net
barrosohomes.com
CONTENTS
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EDITOR’S LETTER
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THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home
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BOUTIQUE HOTEL LOOK A Calgary bathroom is designed with luxurious amenities that recall those in top-quality hotels
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BRING THE BEACH HOME A High Park-area kitchen is designed with colours that recall Floridian shores
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LEAVING A LEGACY Joseph Binns created a family business that is now being run by the third generation
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EVERYTHING, INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK A guide to this year’s best kitchenware
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GATHER 'ROUND THE DINNER TABLE Astrological influences boost the kitchen’s importance as the centre of the home
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BRIGHT, FUNCTIONAL AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY A kitchen in an 1882 home is transformed into a light-filled space that offers cozy comfort
102
THREE’S COMPANY Three bathrooms in a home are designed to be similar but individually distinctive
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TURN ON THE LIGHTS Outdoor lighting can enhance a garden, even in an environmentally benign way
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GOOD VIBES FOR SALE Houses sell faster when their owners apply a few feng shui techniques
124
VIRTUAL DESIGN Fleurco’s new shower door is made to minimize cleaning time and maximize a stylish look
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A SERENDIPITOUS KITCHEN RENO Various styles and ready-made parts come together beautifully in this kitchen
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FABULOUS FEATURE WALLS A vast array of materials for kitchen backsplashes ensures both practicality and beauty
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PIZZA PROGRAMS Students in Faema Culinary Academy’s courses learn new cooking skills
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BIG IMPROVEMENT FROM SMALL ADDITION A modest extension to a 1912 house results in a major wow factor in the kitchen
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JUST WHAT THEY WANTED Architect Bill Hicks designs in many styles to give his clients exactly what they desire
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CREATING A COHERENT LAYOUT Odd angles and a dated look in a Port Perry bathroom are replaced with a contemporary design
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BLUE AND BLACK, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Spectacular wallpaper is the creative jumping-off point for the redesign of this Beaches-area kitchen
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NEW AND IMPROVED After a fire, a rebuilt kitchen is the same – only better
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ISLAND PARADISE A cramped kitchen in Oshawa is enlarged and given two islands
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PRO-CALIBRE CUISINE A professional-style kitchen at home
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TASTEFUL DESIGN
A new Vancouver restaurant is designed to engage the senses
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134
TRUE BLUE
Plans for a white kitchen take a turn to a beautiful cobalt colour
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
Bread-making classes across Canada are becoming increasingly popular
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DESIGN
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T H IS JUST IN
RECLINE AND RELAX Barrymore’s Cluny chaise features clean lines, an elegantly sloping track arm, high tapered legs, and box cushions enclosed in a high padded back. Deep seating and ample proportions make for comfort and style. Barrymore Furniture Galleries 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto 416-532-2891 www.barrymorefurniture.com
WOVEN WONDER The Seville rug is available in a variety of patterns and colours to suit all types of interior spaces. The lure of Seville is its flat-weave texture, woven in wool. Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416–929-7929 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com
GATHER ‘ROUND The Savannah fire-pit table allows you to enjoy your outdoor room, even in cool weather. The quartz-concrete-mixture table top sits atop a powdercoated cast aluminum base. The burner can produce 75,000 BTU from a propane tank or 90,000 BTU with natural gas. The table is 20 inches high. General Products 160 East Beaver Creek Rd. #25-28, Richmond Hill 905-709-1162 www.gppatio.com
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DESIGN
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CURLED AND COILED Designed to draw attention, this spiral wrap ring by Mark Lash is made of 14kt white gold and boasts .64ct of diamonds. Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229 www.marklash.com
GOING TO EXTREMES It resembles wood, but Pergo Extreme is a durable luxury vinyl floor with the look, protection, and guarantee you would expect from a high-performance floor. Available exclusively at Allan Rug. Allan Rug Co. Carpet & Flooring 103 Miranda Ave., Toronto 416-787-1707 www.allanrug.com
GOOD AS GOLD The Valencia armchair features straight lines with a curved back and a generously proportioned seat. A sophisticated lacquer finish and leather upholstery give this piece an elegant Art Deco look. Barrymore Furniture Galleries 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto 416-532-2891 www.barrymorefurniture.com
BLAST FROM THE PAST The Swan collection of retro-inspired kitchen essentials with chrome-plated detailing bestows a nostalgic touch on the kitchen. The collection includes a kettle, slow cooker, mug tree, towel pole, a set of three canisters, bread bin and two-slice and four-slice toasters. All items are available in red, black, grey and blue. Linen Chest www.linenchest.com
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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EARTH TONES Inspired by the Ikat pattern, Farangi is a hand-knotted rug made of 100 per cent pure wool. A lively colour palette conveys a light-hearted feel. Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416–929-7929 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com
STYLISH SUN SHELTER The Canyon gazebo features aluminum posts, a curved roof, PVC mosquito netting and privacy curtains. It boasts the strength of steel and the anti-corrosion quality of aluminum. The finish on the frame is available in black or anthracite and the privacy curtains in five colours. There is also a two-rail system that allows mosquito netting and curtains to operate separately. General Products 160 East Beaver Creek Rd. #25-28, Richmond Hill 905-709-1162 www.gppatio.com
ALL CHARGED UP This silver and gold decorative charger plate measures 20 inches in diameter. It can be displayed on a stand (not included) or laid flat. Designed to beautify any room where it’s displayed, it’s available at Import Temptations. Import Temptations 188 Bentworth Ave., Toronto 416-256-3150 www.import-temptations.com
WARM WOOD AND COOL CONCRETE Zeyko, in collaboration with Mutschler-Winkler Design, presents Woodline. one, a design for kitchens that combines innovative function, ergonomics, materials, sustainability, colour and finish. Using horizontal lines cut into oak and aligned, it combines the warmth of wood with the coolness of concrete. Woodline.one is available as a door finish option for Zeyko kitchens. O.NIX Design Boutique – Kitchens & Living 130 Queens Quay E., #1016 W Tower, Toronto www.onixdesigns.ca 647-499-1150
KITCHEN & BATH
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DESIGN
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DAZZLING DIAMOND Add a touch of glamour and elegance to your bathroom with the Diamond line of bathroom accessories. Each piece features beaded details for a contemporary twist. The collection includes a lotion dispenser, toothbrush holder, tumbler, soap dish and toilet brush holder. Linen Chest www.linenchest.com
COMFORT AND BEAUTY Barrymore’s Fauteuil chair, covered in a gorgeous Trend fabric, highlights its refined Empire-style and elegant hand-carved Italian bergère frame. Barrymore Furniture Galleries 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto 416-532-2891 www.barrymorefurniture.com
A STUDY OF GEOMETRY The geometric design of these 14kt yellow-gold earrings is a perfect accompaniment to that lovely little black dress. With .32ct in diamonds, they bring a sparkle to the wearer. Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229 www.marklash.com
ATTENTION-GRABBING ANTIQUE This 120-year-old area rug is part of the antique collection at Imperial Rug Galleries. A stunning example of a Caucasian Kazak rug, it features natural dyes used to brilliant effect. Imperial Rug Galleries 232 King St. E., Toronto ~ 416-777-0304 346 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ~ 905-845-1305 www.imperialrug.ca
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Canada’s Ultimate Destination Today’s Finest Contemporary & Most Up-to-Date Collections Bedding Bath Decor Kitchen Gifts Electrics Tabletop Glass & Barware Mattress
29 stores
linenchest.com
Canadian owned
Leaside Village (Toronto) 416-425-0533 • Richmond (Toronto) 416-260-2158 • Stockyards (Toronto) 416-760-9704 • Erin Mills Power Centre (Mississauga) 905-828-4449 Heartland Town Centre (Mississauga) 905-502-5399 • Colossus Power Centre (Vaughan) 905-856-6430 • Westwood Power Center (London) 519-680-2615
DESIGN
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FOR A RELAXING SOAK
PRETTY PEDESTAL
The Madrigal freestanding bathtub from Fleurco’s Opus collection
This sleek pedestal has a stain-
is made of high-quality acrylic sheet and boasts a white gloss finish.
less-steel frame. Each of its legs is
Body-hugging, its Victorian-inspired design is perfect for classic,
accented with a circular detail in
Art Deco and contemporary decors. It has a clean-slotted overflow, a
which a clear acrylic ball is affixed.
10-year limited warranty, is easy to clean, and available in two sizes.
The top and bottom surfaces are black tempered glass. The simple
Fleurco Products Inc.
design lends itself to any decor style;
4575 Boul. Poirier, Montreal
it can be placed in an entryway,
514-326-2222 ~ 1-800-993-0033
hallway, living room or anywhere you
www.fleurco.com
need a table. 14˝ diameter x 36˝ high. Additional sizes available. Import Temptations 188 Bentworth Ave., Toronto 416-256-3150 www.import-temptations.com
LOVELY LINKS Adorn your neck with this 14kt rose-gold link necklace with .07ct of baguette and round diamonds. Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229 www.marklash.com
A BEAUTIFUL AURA Imperial Rug Galleries presents the Aura collection, featuring modern designs that exude warmth, style and a silky sheen. Handwoven in wool and silk, the colourways on these rugs are perfectly suited to today’s decors. Imperial Rug Galleries 232 King St. E., Toronto ~ 416-777-0304 346 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ~ 905-845-1305 www.imperialrug.ca
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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CLOUDS FLOATING BY Aurora is a sophisticated interpretation of clouds, woven into this rug in serene hues of ice, blush, mauve and eggplant. Available at Weavers Art. Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416–929-7929 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com
OPEN A NEW WINDOW These Lepage Millwork push-out casement windows in stained dark-brown pine with black oil-rubbed hardware, feature an unexpected trend for kitchens: different colours of windows, trims and cabinets in a single room. Available with matching retractable screens for an instant breeze or the clearest view all day long. Available from Chateau Window & Door Systems. Chateau Window & Door Systems 90 Tycos Dr., Suite 1, North York 416-783-3916 www.chateauwindows.com
RAISING THE BAR This silvered, églomisé bar cabinet features a rectangular top above lozenge-panelled sides and fluted, tapering javelin legs. Two doors flank three drawers, and the interior is natural sycamore. Barrymore Furniture Galleries 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto 416-532-2891 www.barrymorefurniture.com
COLOUR WHEEL Add a little colour to your life. Emeralds are the dazzling stones and 14kt gold is the metal in these elegant and eye-catching rings. Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229 www.marklash.com
KITCHEN & BATH
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Vignette® Rolling with PowerView® Motorization
drapery, blinds, carpet, upholstery, bedding, wallpaper
Silhouette® with EasyRise
Duette® with PowerView®Motorization
Design Studio™ Roman Shades
8481 Keele St. Concord 905.660.7290 & 12967 Keele St. King City 905.833.5464 mapledrapery.com
DESIGN
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FROM DOWN-AT-HEEL TO DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS A former century-old rental property in Newmarket is given a new lease on life with a complete makeover BY SUZANNE WINTROB PHOTOGRAPHY: LESLIE GOODWIN STYLING: BARBARA MILNER
BARBAR A MILNER KNE W SHE HAD stumbled upon something special as soon as she stepped into the century-old, three-bedroom home in downtown Newmarket. Despite being in what she calls “a state of disarray” from a trail of rental tenants, the house had terrific bones and an endearing town-and-country feel. No doubt it was ripe for a full-blown renovation, but the designer couldn’t imagine doing anything that would intrude on the home’s warmth, character and charm. –>
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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“It had been sitting for some time after experiencing quite a bit of wear and tear,” explains Milner, principal at Toronto-based South Hill Interiors and a real estate agent with Forest Hill Yorkville. “But the decision was made that it’s in a fabulous area so let’s invest in a full-gut renovation. It was stripped down to the bare beams – all new layout, new framing. So what you get is a brand new home with the original bones. It’s quite lovely that way. You have all the modern luxuries and finishes and aesthetics but also feel very much that you’re in a historic century home.”
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A visual person by nature, Milner could clearly envision the home’s occupants and how they’d move through the space. At under 2,000 square feet and with a picturesque backyard, it would be the perfect starter home for a young professional couple, perhaps with a small child. The 400-square-foot kitchen would be their preferred hangout, whether for eating, chatting, doing homework or entertaining. But being fairly small, the kitchen needed as much bang for the buck as Milner could give it while retaining what she calls the “modern farmhouse” fuss-free flavour. –>
Dating back to 1886, this small, centre-plan house needed a complete overhaul to make it attractive to buyers. But designer Barbara Milner still wanted to cling to its old-fashioned ambience. She accomplished this through the use of intriguing colours and textures, as well as reasonably priced furnishings and fixtures – such as the hanging glass-and-jute-rope lighting that appears hand-blown and pricey but was sourced at HomeSense. Says Milner: “You have to know what days to go!” Faucet: American Standard; pillows, chairs, stools and lighting: HomeSense; flooring: Quality Sterling Group.
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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The simplicity of the cabinetry and door handles creates clean lines, while the choice of Farrow & Ball’s timeless Hague Blue hue adds drama. “I wanted to get away from that builder-box look,” says Milner. Cabinetry: Niico Millwork Group. KITCHEN & BATH
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The backsplash’s blue, brown and beige porcelain tile (Carpet Vestige by Aparici from SS Tile & Stone) adds understated pizzazz. “The colours are very organic and drawn from nature,” says Milner. “The patina is what I really like. It looks like it’s done over time. It’s a very interesting, striking and soft look and not overpowering. You won’t tire of it. It sits quietly.”
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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With such adjectives as “airy,” “inviting” and “functional” swimming in her head, Milner got busy. First up: maximize seating options while infusing a swoosh of style. Rather than outfitting the eating area with an ordinary table with chairs around it, the kitchen’s cozy breakfast nook with its comfy wood bench seating is tucked along the window wall and anchored with a glass table that’s supported by custom-built pillars. Barn-like wood-andiron chairs can be pulled up alongside the table, with matching stools tucked under the stone island. Though the $20,000 kitchen possesses all the modern conveniences of today (and at affordable prices, too!), the yesteryear aspects are what make it stand out. From the blue cabinets and the white oak floor, which seems hand-scraped, to the backsplash of subway tiles, the intriguing patina on the feature wall and the rustic lighting fixtures, a sense of calmness prevails throughout the carefully planned space. Much to Milner’s delight, the kitchen now has the pitter-patter of little feet. New parents bought the home and love the flow of the room where they spend so many of their waking hours. “I’m so pleased that a tiny human is in there and able to grow up there and have it be their kitchen, their home, where they’ll formulate a lot of memories,” says Milner. “That’s super special! To me it’s very much a practical family kitchen with a lot of heart. It photographs well, too, so their family photos will look great. Their Instagram will be marvellous!” A $200 custom-cut glass tabletop with custom-made concrete supports keeps the breakfast nook airy and open and complements the glass-fronted cabinets above the seafoam-blue velvet bench cushion. Peacock-adorned curtains: The Sewing Shop in Caledon, Ont.
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FULL STEAM AHEAD
A Calgary bathroom is designed with luxurious amenities that recall those in top-quality hotels BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: LORI ANDREWS STYLING: ELENA DEL BUCCHIA
A LY S U M A R TR AV E L S – a lot . Th i s hard-working banker has had the opportunity to stay in top-quality hotels, and he wanted similar low-key luxury in his new home in the Altadore neighbourhood of Calgary. Aly asked his friend, interior designer Elena Del Bucchia, principal of elena del bucchia DESIGN, for help in getting exactly the look and feel he wanted. He had discovered this home in the process of being built, so he and Del Bucchia were able to design it almost from the drywall up before he moved in just over two years ago. –>
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Aly has a Google Home device in the bathroom. “It’s easy to turn on the radio, check the route to work while I’m shaving, and I use it to turn off and turn on the lights if I need to,” he says, adding “Because of the skylights, often I use only the undercabinet lighting, not the overheads.”
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
Aly didn’t give Del Bucchia a lot of specifics when discussing the design of the ensuite master bathroom except that he wanted to feel as though he were in a luxurious hotel. “I relied a lot on Elena to help with ideas,” he says. “We tore apart a lot of different concepts, but I did know I like a modern aesthetic.” Says Del Bucchia, “I asked him ‘Is there a specific way you want your space to look, feel and function?’ and he said ‘Not really. I trust you and you know what I like.’ He likes high-end things and referred to ‘subtle luxury.’ He recognizes craftsmanship and quality of materials.”
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In terms of colour, “he kept saying ‘I am not sure,’ ” Del Bucchia recounts. “But he always has a suit and tie on, so I said ‘I know you like suits and shoes; why don’t we refer to them? We’ll give the bathroom more masculine features – plaid and monochromatic – but it will feel like a spa.” Aly, however, was very decided about the room’s function. In the space (10 feet wide and 20.5 feet long) he wanted a heated towel rack, natural light, and the water closet separated with a door. But the big thing was steam: he wanted a steam shower, and the builder accommodated with a large space. –>
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In the shower, Del Bucchia kept the room’s monochromatic colour scheme and then added a shower bench clad in oak-look tiles, which is a nod to the custom-made oak cabinetry in the room. The floating vanity reinforces the European sauna look, with an undermount trough sink and wall-mounted faucets. The marble-look countertop is durable Dekton, which is practical and needs neither a stain nor sealing. On the floor, 24-inch-square porcelain tiles that resemble concrete sit atop an underfloor heating system. Similar but smaller tiles are used on the shower floor. To counter all the smooth surfaces in the room, Del Bucchia provided a natural sheepskin rug. To add more texture, “I suggested wallpaper, something he can also see in the mirror,” she says. “It has a soothing look of captivating clouds.” In addition, an extra skylight was added to the bathroom. While appreciating the room’s sleek, unfussy style, Aly finds it warm in both tone and temperature. “There’s lots of natural light,” he says. “I rarely need to turn on the lights. “But my favourite aspect is the combination of steam shower, heated towels and heated tiles. Especially coming home from a long dog walk in the dead of winter. My first steam was amazing. It’s a place to let go of thoughts and unwind for the evening.”
Florina Varese tile (2˝ x 4˝) in Cenere, from Tierra Sol, gives a cool, subtle pattern to the shower floor. The walls here and in most of the room are covered in one-inch hexagonal tiles from the Contract Mosaic Mosaico series.
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Florina Varese tiles (24˝ x 24˝) also cover the bathroom floor. The Ilusa tub is by Mirolin. The Natura Venere side table in cedar by Rival 1920, from Le Belle Arti, makes a warm connection with the cabinetry , which was custom-designed by elena del bucchia DESIGN and built by Marvel Cabinetry.
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DESIGN
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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TASTEFUL D E S I G N A new Vancouver restaurant is designed to engage the senses BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN PERRY STYLING: NEGAR REIHANI
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THE DESIGN OF M8 RESTAURANT, a chic eatery on Vancouver’s Seawall, is more than a simple amuse-bouche, according to Negar Reihani, founder and principal designer at Space Harmony interior design studio in Vancouver. “I wanted to provide a visual feast, to not only build anticipation for the meal to come but give something for the eye to explore while waiting to be served or lingering over a digestif,” she says. Owner and head chef Xin Mao wanted a decor that would be sophisticated enough to say fine dining, but laid-back enough so customers could enjoy the experience. Reihani, who was hired to oversee the design, was
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purposely theatrical in layering and juxtaposing various textures. There is a hint of an industrial look as hard surfaces are played against soft ones, cool tones against warm. It sets the stage for the main attraction: the Asian-inspired menu. “I’m from the north of China, a region big on dumplings and noodles, but you won’t find any dishes typical of that cuisine on the menu,” Mao says. He also served up Italian-inspired dishes as co-owner of MoMa Contemporary Bistro in Richmond, and has worked under some of Vancouver’s top Italian chefs at Cincin Ristorante and Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill.
Interior designer Negar Reihani deftly used textures to extend seating options: wicker chairs at tables, plush velvet cushions on banquettes and leather bar stools. Wicker chairs: Four Hands.
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
“The colour and sparkle make a dark corner livelier and inviting, while the distressed finishes are elegant but not overly formal.”
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Though both ethnic influences are evident in the food he prepares, this chef does not like the term “fusion cuisine.” “I do combine elements of Chinese and Italian cuisine, two of the oldest and finest in the world,” he says. “But I think what I do is more conceptual, more of a deconstruction.” He also strives for an element of surprise and fun, using only in-season ingredients gathered from local farms or the small garden behind the restaurant. –>
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Reihani began by giving some of the restaurant’s original features an update. For some industrial edge, the off-white concrete floors were polished, and the high ceilings given a coat of black paint to minimize exposed ducts and pipes. The walls were softened with a velvety layer of Venetian plaster. When an imposing old-school cherrywood pub bar proved immovable, she gave it a chic makeover, cladding it in marble. The adjacent mammoth 23-foot-long banquette was also a permanent feature. But the black leather with which it was covered, an effect the designer described as “very dark and a little scary,” would go. She reupholstered it in a rich and striking turquoise velvet in a variegated dye. On the wall above are panels of acid-washed mirror arranged to resemble a city skyline. “The
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colour and sparkle make a dark corner livelier and inviting, while the distressed finishes are elegant but not overly formal,” she says. The designer also added a 13-foot-long table in the centre made entirely of live-edge mango wood. The table’s shape and elaborate veining give a sculptural effect while the natural finish adds warmth to the space. Seating up to 12, it encourages communal dining. It has proved a popular spot for locals who drop in as singles or couples for an opportunity to meet and mingle with their neighbours. The chairs that surround it took a great deal of thought for Reihani. She weighed hundreds of options before deciding on contemporary wicker. They make just the right statement, she says: Asian and modern, casual and welcoming. –>
The imposing 23-foot-long banquette gets added drama with rich turquoise velvet upholstery. Acid-washed mirrors in various lengths form a cityscape feature overhead.
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If she had to choose a favourite finishing touch, it might be the highly original alabaster and brass light fixtures by Randy Zieber, a Vancouver artist turned lighting designer. “Each of the stones is hand-carved and polished,” she says. “They are so original and add a warm, natural ambience.” Customers’ most-requested spot when reserving is the small lounge area toward the front, Mao says. Tables are set up in front of a comfy cushion-topped bench from which diners enjoy the sea view beyond. On the wall behind them is one of his favourite elements of the restaurant’s design: a striking graphic panel that echoes a similar one on the ceiling over the bar area.
Mango-wood-topped tables and unique brass-and-alabaster chandeliers add warmth to the small lounge, a favourite spot for customers. Chandeliers: Randy Zieber.
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An impactful graphic and touch of greenery overhead make the chic bar area infinitely inviting. Graphic design: Aimee Kang.
For these original creations, freelance graphic designer Aimee Kang rendered intricate drawings of classic Peking Opera characters on a black background, punctuating them with bright colour. One warrior’s spear is puckishly replaced with a vegetable stalk; for the other, spatulas take the place of swords. Mao says it took a lot of back-and-forth communication to strike just the right note. “In the end, I think the entire decor whets the customers’ appetites and lets them know they can expect something surprising when they eat here,” he says.
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BRINGING THE BEACH
HOME A High Park-area kitchen is designed with colours that recall Floridian shores BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: GENEVIEVE WISEMAN
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EVERY CLIENT BRINGS a wish list to a renovation project. For the owners of a century home near High Park, their list of wants for their new kitchen wasn’t limited to such tangible items as high-end cabinets, soft-close drawers and new appliances. It was also about evoking emotion. A family with two older teenagers, they spend a lot of time preparing and sharing meals in the kitchen, says Yanic Simard, owner and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. “They still eat dinner together every night. She (the mother of the family) cooks a lot and wanted to feel happy when she’s in the kitchen,” he says.
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That kitchen hadn’t been updated in decades when the owners hired Simard to give it a makeover. To get to know the family and determine the direction in which to steer the renovation, Simard started by having the owners answer a questionnaire to learn everything from their preferred colours to favourite travel destinations. He describes the homeowners as happy people who like to live in the moment. As a family, they take adventure vacations, so the designer felt comfortable suggesting bold designs. “They were willing to try something so the end result was so different and something they could never get otherwise,” Simard says. –>
Leading was added to the back window to make it resemble the original windows at the front of the house. The homeowners wanted to have shelves near the workspace to hold some of their favourite cookbooks.
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The mural, custom-made in Spain, was specially designed to complement the cabinet colour. Additional storage space is concealed behind the mural wall in a pantry area that also houses the microwave oven.
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Beach hues inspired the colour selection for the custom cabinetry, a Benjamin Moore shade called Florida Keys Blue (2050-40). It’s an unconventional choice for a kitchen, and to complement that, Simard commissioned a firm in Spain to create a mural for the opposite wall. The bright yellow and red birds against the background of leafy greens are the perfect match, he says. A lot of thought and care went into choosing colours and the design, and made the project more challenging than working in a palette of cream, beige or grey. “Colour like this is so strong, you need to balance it or it would have looked like a circus,” he says. “To balance, we used the pennytile flooring, the custom island and top.”
That island is a rolling cart on wheels that can easily be moved around. With its marble top, it can function both as additional work space or a dining table. Along with the cabinetry, it was designed and custom-made by Simard’s firm. “We design, build and furnish all under one roof,” he says. On the practical side, a large stainless-steel apron sink facilitates clean-ups, and small shelves hold the most frequently used cookbooks. A pantry is tucked in behind the mural wall, providing storage and space for the wine
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fridge, microwave and other small appliances, as well as more shelves for the rest of the cookbook collection. Simard describes the new design as “eclectic,” with a bit of an updated retro look, in keeping with the character of the 1910 home. The house still has many original architectural features, including leaded-glass windows at the front. To achieve a more striking look for the kitchen, the designer took one to a glass specialist to create a similar leaded window at the back.
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The cabinet colour, in a shade called Florida Keys Blue by Benjamin Moore, was inspired by Atlantic Ocean beaches. The cabinets were designed by Toronto Interior Design Group and custom-made. Black stainless steel appliances: Samsung.
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Since the kitchen renovation, the family has hired the firm to redesign other rooms, including the basement, attic and living room. The latest project will be to enclose the exterior porch and turn it into a vestibule that can be used year-round.
Given the cost involved in renovating kitchens, creating a look that endures is important, Simard says. “Projects we did 10 years ago still look timeless. We don’t want our clients in 10 years to look back and feel, ‘Ugh, it’s out of date.’ I think in a few years this will still look fun and updated.” Photos courtesy of Toronto Interior Design Group.
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Modern + Handcrafted + Tradition
Mamluk Collection King East Design District
Downtown Oakville
232 King Street East Toronto, ON, M5A 1K1 (416) 777-0304
346 Lakeshore Road East Oakville, ON, L6J 1J6 (905) 845-1305
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With aspiring clients and commiied builders we listen, analyze, design and collaborate to deliver compelling and appropriate architecture. 295 Robinson Street, Suite 200 Oakville, ON, L6J 1G7 hicksdesignstudio.ca 905 339 1212 info@hicksdesignstudio.ca
MEMORIAL
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LEAVING A LEGACY The late Joseph Binns put his family in charge of the successful kitchen-design firm he founded in 1963 BY STEPHANIE WHITTAKER
LIKE SOME OF THE BEST STORIES of hard work, perseverance and success, this one begins with an ocean voyage. An Englishman – Joseph Binns – immigrated to Canada with his wife and children in 1957, a year of great migration from Great Britain. Joseph had been a bricklayer in England and wanted a new life in Canada. The family put down roots in Toronto, and Joseph, unable to find work in his métier, took on a variety of jobs: washing windows, delivering bread and cleaning a bank in the evenings.
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Eventually, he landed a position with a contracting firm, of which he soon became foreman and partner, and within a couple of years, he had launched his own contracting company. In December, Joseph died at age 96. He had spawned a company that is now being run by the third generation of his family. Binns kitchen + bath design, which has made its mark in the Greater Toronto Area for the mid-to-high-end kitchens and bathrooms it creates, began in 1963, when Joseph launched it as Beverley Home Improvements. He named it after the Yorkshire town he had left.
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A 1970s Beckermann kitchen.
Joseph and Vera Binns
“The company began as a general home improvement firm before moving into kitchen renovations in the early 1970s,” says Keith Binns, Joseph’s grandson and the company’s director of business development. It was a twist of serendipity that led the company into its current vocation as a specialist in kitchen design. “Dishwashers had come onto the market,” says Keith. “People wanted their dishwashers to be retrofitted into their kitchen cabinetry. That’s how our business moved into that sphere.” By then, Joseph had been joined in the business by his three sons:
Joseph and Vera Binns
Brian, Anthony and Raymond (Keith’s father). They eventually renamed the company The Kitchen Place, and later, The Kitchen and Bathroom Place. The Binns team was subcontracted by the now-defunct department stores Eaton’s and Simpson’s to install dishwashers. Keith says his grandfather also did something that would give the company a market niche. “They wanted to import European kitchens to Canada,” he says. “Specifically, they brought in Beckermann kitchens from Germany. We sell SieMatic kitchens today.”
The company’s name also changed. “Other companies were calling themselves the Kitchen Place or the Bathroom Place. So, we began using the family name and it’s been that way ever since,” Keith says. The company is family-run. After Joseph and his wife Vera had run it during the formative years, their sons joined them. Brian’s wife, Christine, worked as the bookkeeper. Raymond’s wife Janet worked in the administration. Keith’s cousin, Shaun Binns, also worked in the company. Today, Keith’s sister Beverley, is the company’s chief designer. –>
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Three years ago, Anthony Binns launched his own company, selling Eggersmann Kitchens in Toronto. And Brian Binns owns The Kitchen Place in Oshawa, which he runs with his son, David. Many family businesses fail after two generations; Keith believes that the secret to Binns kitchen + bath design’s longevity is “the closeness of the family members.” “We are all close and we understand the others’ differences and strengths,” he says. “I come from the business side and my sister comes from the design side. We leverage our talents and strengths.”
SieMatic kitchen 2018
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Binns family, mid-2000s
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SieMatic classic
Anthony, Joseph, Raymond, Vera and Brian Binns
Moreover, he adds, each family member entering the company is required to start at the bottom. “When I worked here as a teenager, I swept floors, drove trucks and delivered kitchen components,” he says. Keith also attributes the company’s success to the fact that none of the family members was ever pressured to join the business. “I attended business school and then did a degree in political science,” he says. “My sister studied interior design at Ryerson. This was never done with a view to working in the
Dickie Moore kitchen
family business. But ultimately, we saw it as an opportunity.” Will there be a fourth generation to run Joseph’s company? “I don’t know,” says Keith, adding that he’s not pressuring his children to join the business. “If anything,” he adds, laughing, “I might encourage my daughters to become astronauts.” At age 55, Joseph Binns retired from the company he had worked so hard to create to spend his winters in Florida and his summers at a cottage in the Kawartha Lakes.
Keith, who spoke at his grandfather’s funeral, says that one of the elements that made Joseph’s life so happy was his joyful spirit. “He was a joker,” says Keith. “He was very social, very outgoing. I believe the fact that he had so many social connections allowed him to live a long, happy life. And for us, he left a legacy. He created a company and a family that has been involved in the design life of the GTA.”
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N E H KITC S T R O F M O C e cooks m o h r fo ol tools o c o t e A guid MACK ACEY BY TR
ENZIE
TIMELESS TRIBUTE Perfect for Star Wars fans, the Star Wars Death Star kitchen timer works for as long as 60 minutes and emits a green super laser along with sound when the time runs out. It measures approximately five inches in diameter. Batteries included. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
TRENDY TOASTER Inspired by traditional Sicilian design, this toaster from the Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg collection is adorned with iconography featuring various types of birds, roosters and sailboats. Colourful artwork, two extra-wide slots, and a removable stainless-steel crumb tray make this toaster both practical and pretty. Available at The Bay www.thebay.com
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A CUT ABOVE THE REST This premium herb-scissors set by Chefast transforms the task of cutting herbs from tedious to terrific. Perfect for the budding chef, the set includes chopper/cutter shears with five stainless-steel blades, two bags, a safety cover and a cleaning comb. Packed in a stylish box. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
GOLDEN PINEAPPLE Made of heavyweight 100-per-cent cotton, the Pineapple chef’s apron from Now Designs will soon become your favorite. Woven on an oversized loom, this apron is six inches wider than the standard to ensure a perfect fit. Available at Ares www.arescuisine.com
MONSTER MASH The Spaghetti Monster Colander by OTOTO with its two protruding eyeballs is sure to make children laugh while they help prepare dinner. Designed to hold the contents of one box of spaghetti, this colander is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. Available at Moorhead Glass Art. www.moorheadglassart.ca
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PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE The Ceramic Baker by Staub cookware is loved by professional chefs and home cooks alike for its exceptional performance and exquisite craftsmanship. Rooted in French culinary heritage, it prevents foods from drying out during the cooking process. The Baker also transitions from oven to table beautifully and is microwave-, freezer-,
HERB HOTEL
broiler-, and oven-safe up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Herb Saver by Prepara
Available at The Bay
keeps herbs fresh. With a refill-
www.thebay.com
able reservoir and removable cap, it fits handily into all standard refrigerator doors. Dishwasher-safe and-BPA free. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
HANG IN THERE The bright-orange monkey peeler by Boston Warehouse is sure to get everyone - including children – into peeling vegetables. Its ergonomic, non-slip handle is shaped like a monkey with upraised arms to add an element of fun to an otherwise mundane task. Dishwasher-safe. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
BEST BREW A favorite of Oprah Winfrey, the Asobu Coldbrew insulated portable brewer combines coarse coffee grounds with cold water and a long steeping time to achieve lower acidity and a deep, naturally sweet taste. Both the mug and the brewer are compatible for hot coffee and tea. Stays cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 and has a leak-proof lid. Hand-wash. Available at Chapters Indigo www.chapters.indigo.ca
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BREAKFAST IS SERVED The Oster Duraceramic titanium-infused griddle with warming tray and non-stick ceramic coating cooks up to 30 per cent faster than ordinary non-stick surfaces. PFOA-free (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PTFE-free (polytetrafluoroethylene), it ensures that breakfast is always served warm. Exclusive to The Bay www.thebay.com
BAKED BRIE This French-country-inspired ceramic brie baker from Wildly Delicious bakes brie to perfection. Top with your favorite compote to indulge your senses. Oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Available at Wildly Delicious ca.wildlydelicious.com
DON’T SPILL THE WINE This set of two crystal bottle stoppers by Indigo is an elegant way to reseal opened bottles of wine. Each stopper is topped by a faceted crystal sphere – one pink and one white – and has a silicone ring that creates an airtight seal. Each is four inches tall. Hand-wash. Available at Chapters Indigo www.chapters.indigo.ca K I TC
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QUICKER COFFEE Getting your morning coffee has never been easier. The Jura Z6 espresso machine is fully automated, and has a built-in grinder that allows you to prepare barista-quality cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos and even flat whites in one touch. Â Available at Faema Canada (Toronto showroom) www.faema.ca
NO MORE TEARS The onion/vegetable/fruit chopper from Mueller Austria reduces onion vapours to minimize your tears. It holds up to four cups or 1.2 litres, and is made of BPA-free, professional-grade ABS for superior break-resistance. Two ultra-sharp stainless-steel discs chop even hard vegetables with one easy motion. Dishwasher-safe. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
CARAT CUBES This silicone ice cube tray with diamond-shaped compartments by TrueZoo is perfect for ice cubes, jelly shots, chocolates and much more. The compartments produce jewel-shaped ice to cool your celebratory drinks. Added bonus: they melt more slowly than traditional cubes. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
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COOL AND COMPACT Cool and compact, the Cool Control milk fridge is the perfect companion to the Jura Z6 espresso machine. This compact fridge keeps your milk cold and is controllable via Bluetooth to notify users when it needs to be refilled. Available at Faema Canada (Toronto showroom) www.faema.ca
TROPICAL TWIST This acacia and marble serving board by Danesco adds a tropical flair to a gathering. Add canapés and use as a centerpiece on the kitchen island or table. Serving board measures 13˝ X 7˝. Hand-wash. Available at Ares www.arescuisine.com
NICE RICE Perfectly steamed rice is easy to achieve with the Ricardo Rice Cooker. It has seven automatic functions to cook various kinds of rice (white, brown, sushi, basmati and pilaf) along with quinoa. It boasts a 10-cup uncooked-rice capacity (20-cup cooked) and an automatic shift to the warm setting once cooking is finished. Available at Linen Chest www.linenchest.com
BAKERS’ BIBLE Redpath Sugar, a staple in Canadian kitchens since 1854, has published The Redpath Canadian Bake Book, which features more than 200 recipes for cakes, breads, desserts and more. Filled with advice and tips for stress-free baking. Available at Chapters Indigo www.chapters.indigo.ca K I TC
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THE PERFECT BLEND The Delonghi Perfecta espresso and cappuccino machine in silver has a single-touch latte, cappuccino, Italian macchiato and hot-milk system. Among other features, there are five settings for coffee strength, and the 27-ounce milk container can produce steamed milk, frothed milk and plain hot milk. The container may also be detached and refrigerated. Available at Linen Chest www.linenchest.com
DIGITAL DIRECTION The digital kitchen/food scale by Greater Goods is ultra-slim and easy to clean. With touch-sensitive buttons, an easy-to-read, high-contrast LCD display and a weighing surface of six by six inches, it makes measuring easy. A portion of all sales goes to the Global Orphan Project to care for children in need. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
INNOVATIVE INFUSER The Breville Smart Tea Infuser kettle features various temperatures and strength settings that allow you to customize your tea. The stainless-steel tea basket is attached magnetically to the kettle and automatically lowers into the water when the ideal temperature is reached, rising at the right time to prevent over-steeping. Available at Linen chest www.linenchest.com
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SPACE-SAVING STRAINER The silicone Snap ’N Strain strainer by Kitchen Gizmo has specially designed clips that fit around most pots and bowls. It’s easy to use, BPA-free, made of top-quality silicone, and dishwasher-safe. Available at Amazon www.amazon.ca
EDIBLE EMOJIS Children love the Smiley Face Pancake Pan from Gourmia, which produces happy-looking pancakes and makes breakfast fun. Made of die-cast aluminum with a double layer of non-stick coating, this pan requires little butter or oil and is PFOA-free (perfluorooctanoic acid). Return to room temperature and wash by hand. Available at Home Depot Canada www.homedepot.ca
BUTTER BEWARE Cold butter? No problem. This innovative, heat-conducting, serrated-edge knife from That! is designed to soften cold butter quickly and easily using body heat. No electricity or batteries required, and it’s dishwasher safe. Available at Uncommongoods www.uncommongoods.com
COLOURFUL KETTLES The late style icon Kate Spade transformed the ordinary kettle into a stylish statement piece for the stove. Made of enamel-coated steel, these kettles hold up to 2.5 quarts. Hand-wash. Available at Linen Chest www.Linenchest.com K I TC
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FURNITURE & DESIGN
85 Navy Street, Oakville 905.849.8537 8 Brock Road, Guelph 519.822.2929 accentsforliving.ca
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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DESIGNING DUO A homeowner and her friend combine their talents as designers to create a spectacular kitchen BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: KASSANDRA ARBOUR STYLING: VANESSA FERRO AND HALI GALLERNO
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A MAJOR HOME RENOVATION can be stressful, and can put a strain on any relationship. But what happens when two designers – a homeowner and her friend – work together on a project? Professional know-how and friendship prevailed in the case of this makeover in King Township. Harmony and synergy are the watchwords for the combination of homeowner Vanessa Ferro and her friend Hali Gallerno, senior designer and project manager at Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry, a family-owned company that specializes in handmade framed cabinetry. Vanessa, the principal of Vanessa Ferro Design, worked with Gallerno on a project four
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years ago, so the two were confident that this collaboration would go equally smoothly. “She’s much more detail-oriented than most of my clients,” says Gallerno. “I saw the home with Vanessa before they purchased it, and we were excited to get our hands on this kitchen. We saw great potential. For me, it was just helping to put it together to function. We bounce ideas off each other well. It was up to me to take those ideas and bring them to life.” The house was built in the 1980s, and although it had never been renovated, it boasts 10-foot-high ceilings and good bones. Vanessa bought the house two years ago.
The home’s traditional exterior dictated the decor. The kitchen, spacious at 17.5 feet by 15 feet (excluding the breakfast area), boasts 10-foot-high ceilings. The walls are covered with minutely patterned wallpaper, and dark grout makes the white subway tiles behind the range stand out.
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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“From the outside, it reminds you of a historic New England home,” she says. “I wanted to make the kitchen fit with the traditional bones of the home.” When it came to choosing the decor, she says, the house left her with no choice. “There was only one way to go: very traditional. The house decided for me.” As for the colour in the kitchen, Vanessa had no hesitation in deciding: “The first time I walked into it, I looked at the light streaming in through the large Gothic windows, and could picture only a powder-blue kitchen,” she says. “I wanted a black La Cornue range, and black and white details such as the vintage-look hexagonal tiles used on the floor.” –>
Sunlight streaming through Gothic-style windows in the breakfast area inspired
“There was only one way to go: very traditional. The house decided for me.”
homeowner Vanessa Ferro to choose a soft blue as the main colour for the kitchen. The La Cornue range and small hexagonal tiles on the floor are a perfect aesthetic fit with the old-style cabinetry.
–Vanessa Ferro
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“This kitchen was meant to look like a collection of beautiful things rather than completely new.” –Hali Gallerno
Old-fashioned trim such as corbels, panelling and deep crown molding add a traditional ambience to the room. Small apothecary-type drawers on the bottom of the towers flanking the range add interesting detail and function as one drawer. Cabinet interiors are a stained beech, which designer Hali Gallerno sees as a nice contrast to the soft blue exterior.
Gallerno suggested applying a stain as a base coat to the poplar cabinets before painting over it. Once the cabinets had been artfully distressed in just the right places, the warmth of the wood came through the paint colour. Benjamin Moore’s Wedgewood Gray is used as the main cabinetry colour.
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Gallerno says that the kitchen’s style could be described as a combination of “English country manor meets Parisian bistro. This kitchen was meant to look like a collection of beautiful things rather than completely new.”
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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A standout feature in the kitchen is the large black pantry cabinet, featuring doors inset with antiqued mirrors. The mirrors were the perfect inspiration for designing the home’s pantry to look like a piece of vintage furniture from a French brasserie. The kitchen is arranged with the time-honoured work triangle of sink, range, and refrigerator, but there’s nothing old-time about the appliances except the look of the La Cornue range, which has a century-old aesthetic and modern-day technology. –>
As in the rest of the room, the handsome black pantry’s exposed hinges in antique brass give it an aged look. This is complemented by additional finishing done by Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry’s Barb Partridge, which gives the cabinetry a seemingly authentic, worn aspect.
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“Every day, walking into this home, I feel a sense of calm and peacefulness.” –Vanessa Ferro, homeowner
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The island’s style is reminiscent of a traditional kitchen table. Three-inch turned legs on the seating side are a little more delicate than typical island posts, which tend to be chunkier.
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The other appliances and fixtures also suit the look of the room. The island showcases a large apron sink with a Waterstone faucet in an antique brass finish, and a matching pot-filler above the range. Fridge and freezer columns by Miele are integrated into the cabinetry, as is the Miele dishwasher in the island. A Miele speed oven tucked under a countertop rounds out the appliance list. The actual design and construction happened surprisingly fast. Planning took approximately two months, and installation and finishing about eight weeks. Vanessa chose Bloomsbury because she knew that the hand-crafted cabinetry would be of high
quality, showing great attention to detail. “You’ll notice the little corbels under the crown molding that were cut and sanded by hand, or the decorative bead board on the ends of the island,” Gallerno says. Vanessa also relied on Bloomsbury to keep on schedule, as the company did. “The kitchen was delivered on time and the installation team was great,” she says. “I love it,” she adds. “That black cabinet is my favourite piece and when I look at my powder-blue kitchen cabinetry, I just smile. Every day, walking into this home, I feel a sense of calm and peacefulness.”
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LIFESTYLE
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GATHER ‘ROUND THE DINNER TABLE Astrological influences boost the kitchen’s importance as the centre of the home BY SUSAN KELLY
TRENDS COME, TRENDS GO, but the kitchen remains the most important room in the home. Hang onto your spatulas, because in 2019, it is poised for a cosmic boost in significance. I have observed the lunar nodes often coincide with decor trends that resonate deeply. (Technical stuff: The nodes are the two opposing points that mark the Moon’s orbit as it crosses the Sun’s path.) They provide clues as to collective karma and growth, and they underwent a sign shift last November. And that takes us to the kitchen. For the next 18 months, the nodes embrace the two most family-oriented signs going: Cancer and
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Capricorn. Studies show the kitchen is where we spend the great majority of our waking hours chez nous. It’s where everyone comes together to share food and a laugh, talk about their day, do homework or fire off some emails. This sign polarity also moves work-life balance to the front burner. For Capricorn, it’s all about what we strive for, the things we do to pay for the kitchen. Career, status and reputation are priorities, and can become an obsession, what with the planets Saturn and Pluto also in this sign. More concerned with rules than the heart, we miss out on a lot, such as skipping family dinners to meet work deadlines.
This is where Cancer, the aspirational end, comes in. Astrology lore says reaching for it at this time will bring not only emotional fulfilment, but soothe our souls as well. The wisest course may be to emulate people born under this sign, whose natural habitat is the kitchen, the steadily beating heart of the home. They instinctively know how important a bonding ritual such as sharing a meal is, and that everyone needs a place to come home to, where they feel rooted, safe and nurtured. If the real family is dysfunctional, they create a surrogate one of friends.
LIFESTYLE • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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To make like a Moon Child, try working a little astrological feng shui. Here are six kitchen trends for 2019 that can help inject that sign’s positive qualities into your decor: Show your roots: Since the sign of Cancer is all about ancestry, embrace the vintage trend. Give grandma’s sideboard, breadmaking bowl or another heirloom pride of place. Or frame some family photos or post them on the fridge. If you’re a little bit country, farmhouse chic might add the right homey touch. • Cultivate the heart of a child: People born with this nodal polarity – such as Michelle Obama, Maria Montessori and Brad Pitt – have a natural affinity for children. Prioritize fun and whimsy. Liven up a white colour scheme with hits of colour, perhaps bright Crayola hues. Try them on accent walls, accessories, backsplash motifs; the possibilities are endless. • Dining nooks: They’re back and are perfect for the sign of the Crab, which prefers being cozy in its shell to exposure to wide-open spaces at the kitchen counter. Besides, a table and chairs tucked in a corner encourage lingering over both food and conversation.
• White on white: This lunar-inspired neutral, beloved of the Moon Child, remains the most popular choice for kitchens. Avoid harsh, overly glossy finishes, though; go for softer shades. And don’t forget to add some textural interest and perhaps a sheen reminiscent of the pearls the sign favours. • Round objects: Cancer is about softness and rounded shapes. Take the edge off linear cabinetry with decorative objects shaped like the night-sky orb, preferably with a silvery tone. Incorporate furniture and appliances with rounded corners. A retro-inspired refrigerator such as those made by Smeg would be ideal. • Covet clutter: The Capricorn side of the nodes can draw us to minimalism, but to the point of becoming cold and austere. A growing number of studies say too much organization stifles the free flow of ideas and creativity. Aim for just enough mess to be relaxed without overdoing it. What’s in store for you around the kitchen table in 2019? A sign-by-sign roundup:
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) A banner year for career and finances is on hand. And yet there lurks a nagging doubt there should be something more. Round the kitchen table is where you just might find the answer.
LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22) Your ambitions are honed and ready for primetime. But attention must be paid to what’s going on backstage. The folks at the kitchen table can provide important insights, though not all will be sugar-coated.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) It really is all about you in 2019. But all the growth is taking you way outside of your comfort zone. Head to the kitchen regularly to make your favourite treats or crafts. It will keep you anchored and connected.
VIRGO (AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22) You’re going to need a bigger kitchen table or island. This is your year to view your life through a wider lens. And expanding your network can help you find a new passion or, if you’re eligible, a soul mate.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) Love or money? You want both this year and are willing to put in the effort to achieve your heart’s desire. But exercise extra caution in January, June and September, when over-optimism can trip you up.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22) Home and family are a source of joy and challenge. Some relationships undergo major changes, and kitchen confabs help hash out any differences and achieve the harmony you seek.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) Make the kitchen your power zone in 2019. Rather than a place to hide, it is where your battle plans will be drawn up. Your best shield: a positive attitude in the face of rapid change.
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 21) Carve out a desk area in your kitchen. Because your agenda is filled with activities that involve learning, teaching and mentoring this year. Expand your mind, and new possibilities will follow.
S A G I T TA R I U S ( N O V E M B E R 2 2 DECEMBER 21) This is your year of living large, larger, largest. Jupiter in your sign brings tons of opportunities in all areas of your life. Take it easy in January, June and September lest you go from frying pan to fire. CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19) All work and very little play make you a rather dull if wildly successful Goat in 2019. No matter, because such simple pleasures as sharing meal preparation with the family bring the most joy. AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18) You come into your own, playing a bigger role in your community and the wider society. The kitchen takes on importance as a retreat for mindful activities, such as preparing only responsibly produced food. PISCES (FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20) If you’re looking for new love or to renew the spark, the kitchen is the place. Deep bonding can occur around the cutting board. Do check in often with the office, though, where you’re being considered for a bigger role.
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Clockwise from left: Andersen® 400 Series awning, casement and picture windows with prefinished White interiors; Pictured at right (top and bottom): Architectural Collection E-Series picture and transom windows with painted White interiors; 400 Series awning and picture windows with prefinished Black interiors
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RECLAIMING MID-CENTURY DESIGN
A piece of vintage furniture is repurposed as a vanity in this East Vancouver bathroom
BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: TRACEY AYTON STYLING: TANYA MCLEAN AND NICHOLE SKLADAN
THE TEAK CABINET THAT popped up on Craigslist looked perfect, just the kind of piece the homeowners wanted to repurpose as a bathroom vanity for their East Vancouver home. “It was on everyone’s wish list to find a vintage piece of mid-century furniture,” says Tanya McLean, owner and creative director of mango design co., who oversaw the redesign of the bathroom. “This would add some history and authentic style to the space while producing one less item.” –>
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Finding a mid-century cabinet to use as a vanity was a must for the homeowners. This piece was repaired and refinished, with a Duravit Vero sink and Kohler Purist wall-mount faucets with cross handles in brushed gold. Toilet: Kohler; wall sconce: George Kovacs for Minka.
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“The teak millwork and brushed gold details speak to their lifestyle and aesthetic.”
Once they had taken it home, however, it turned out to be less perfect than it looked: the sides and top were a thin veneer and couldn’t be refinished; the gables were edgetaped with a plastic laminate. To make it work, the carpenter had to replace the top and sides with solid teak, and add height to the legs. Then the whole piece was sanded, stained and sealed for water resistance. Finally, it was exactly what the homeowners had been seeking. Another large piece of teak was used to create a similar-style tub apron, also sealed for water and moisture resistance. “Don’t think that converting an old piece of furniture is necessarily going to save you money,” McLean says. “Think of it as a cool, reclaimed statement piece.” This guest bathroom is part of a larger basement renovation that included a new music studio, guest room and den. McLean’s clients were old friends, whom she describes as Mid-century Modern enthusiasts and musicians who love rock ’n’ roll. “The teak millwork and brushed gold details speak to their lifestyle and aesthetic,” she says, “While the brightness and lightness of the space provide serenity.” –>
mango design co. custom-designed the teak tub apron as a flat panel. It was crafted by the carpenter and sealed to be moisture-resistant.
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To make the bathroom larger and more functional, the designer extended the wall one foot into the hallway. Additional insulation was needed on the exterior wall to meet building code requirements, forcing the tub and toilet to shift. The bulkhead was right over the bath and limited the shower height; it couldn’t be moved, but it was reconfigured to be narrower and deeper to gain that much-needed height for the shower. The heat register that had been in the bulkhead was removed, replaced by in-floor heating. A pocket door was built into the new wall to create a feeling of extra space in the bathroom.
Wall subway tiles were laid in a 90-degree herringbone pattern to make the design look less traditional. A three-quarter-inch hexagonal tile was used on the floor, with a charcoal-coloured grout. Both tiles are matte white from Creekside Tile.
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McLean says she advises clients who want to repurpose a vanity to find it ahead of time, then design the space around it, since the dimensions of the piece will determine the size and positioning of the sink, as well as the faucet height. “It’s not the first time we’ve done this and I’m sure it won’t be the last, but using found furniture as a vanity is not always the easiest process,” McLean says. “In the end, it looks fantastic and definitely has the character we were after.”
The tub is the Starck by Duravit with an integrated back rest; the shower system is Stillness by Kohler in brushed gold with Purist valve trim and tub spout. Designer Tanya McLean says choosing gold fixtures adds some unexpected rock ’n’ roll glamour to this basement guest bathroom. Shower curtain: Simons.
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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BRIGHT, FUNCTIONAL AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY A kitchen in an 1882 home is transformed into a light-filled space that offers cozy comfort
BY KAREN SEIDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOTT NORSWORTHY
ONE OF THE THINGS Toronto architect and designer Wanda Ely likes best about her job is “capturing people’s characters in their own unique space.” She is the first to admit that it’s a complex process to achieve that. But when the hundreds of decisions required in a home-renovation project have been made and the finished product does represent that family’s unique aesthetic, it is immensely gratifying, she says. Consider the family of Linda Petersen and Mark Unger, a couple with three young children who wanted to modernize and expand their semi-detached home in downtown Toronto. In particular, they wanted to create a functional and bright kitchen with an eat-in area so they could stop relying on a tiny table that required them to eat in shifts. –>
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From Ely’s perspective, there were many considerations in addition to the normal restrictions of city bylaws and budgets. The project would entail transforming a circa-1882 house into a modern home. The couple wanted it to be both light and contemporary, but also “hyggelig” – the Danish word for “cozy” that Linda, who is Danish, wanted to incorporate into her gleaming new kitchen. Linda wanted that classic Scandinavian look: lots of white and light wood. She wanted deep window sills, as were common in her homeland, to display plants and curios. She wanted a ground floor laundry room so the family could easily hang clothes outside to dry. And the couple wanted a back entrance that would adjoin the property of the next-door neighbour, who happens to be Mark’s sister.
The white oak oiled floors, in a herringbone pattern, are a traditional touch in this contemporary kitchen. “When you use minimal materials, varying the pattern is nice to do,” says architect and designer Wanda Ely.
The oiled white oak floors, in a striking herringbone pattern, helped establish the hyggelig. In fact, the simplicity of the white Ikea kitchen is offset by the distinctive floors and some warm details, such as brass pulls on the cabinet doors and an interesting wood light fixture above the table. Ely installed French doors with sidelights at the rear of the kitchen to highlight the pretty garden and brighten the space. Then she created a cozy nook in the form of a banquette that would give the family a place to eat and convene – their absolute favourite spot, according to Mark. –>
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(Above, right) The butler’s pantry, between the kitchen and dining areas, is an entry area that gives the family a convenient place to put down mail and keys, as well as providing additional serving space for entertaining.
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“We wanted the kitchen to be modern with a focus on lots of natural light,” he says. “The banquette was one of the major design elements and it worked out very well. It’s fantastic!” But the pièce de résistance, they all agree, is the eye-catching tiled backsplash in shades of blue that is a design focal point of the kitchen. “They wanted something that was not generic and was striking,” Ely says. “In an otherwise muted palette, it is a nice visual balance to have the backsplash in a dynamic colour.”
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So Ely got to work, literally planning the design from scratch and mapping out every tile until her geometric design was perfect. It went a long way toward creating the unique look the couple wanted. “The way you dry your laundry, or how you want to connect with your extended family next door, or the fact that you cook a ton – that should all be reflected in the design and personality of the space,” she says.
The kitchen’s striking backsplash is one of its most unique design elements. Ely mapped the layout of every tile to achieve the desired result and calls it “a nice visual balance” in an otherwise muted palette.
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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The snug nook with a banquette for dining is the most popular gathering spot for the young family. The owner calls the bright and comfortable area “genius” for providing more space for dining while also achieving the coziness the owners desired.
That’s why she has chosen to be both architect and interior designer on her projects – it is simply the best way to ensure all the decisions are cohesive: “There’s always something lost in translation if you’re not involved the whole way,” Ely says. Mark says the couple was thrilled that Ely was able to so accurately decipher their thoughts and dreams and turn them into their new reality. “She definitely gave us the hyggelig we wanted,” he says.
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ALL IN THE FAMILY Three bathrooms in a home are designed to be similar but individually distinctive BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: ERICA GELMAN
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FAMILY MEMBERS SHARE TRAITS, yet each also possesses a distinct personality. “The same holds true with the renovated bathrooms in this three-storey family home,” says Erica Gelman, owner and principal designer at Erica Gelman Design in Thornhill. They were part of the update of the entire four-bedroom house. Because it is in The Beaches area, the designer evoked a coastal look by keeping details on the laid-back and uncomplicated side. At the same time, she wanted a contemporary design in sync with the urban setting. A neutral colour scheme — Benjamin Moore’s ash-tinted Intense White on the walls accented with driftwood greys — helps set the tone. Originally, the second-floor master bedroom shared a bathroom with the adjacent bedroom. The floor plan was reconfigured to create two bathrooms: an ensuite for the second bedroom and a 10-by-12-foot master. A third bathroom on the top level received a makeover as well.
Floor tiles contribute the wow factor to the master bathroom’s design, thanks to a deft mix of materials and a skilled installer. Tile installation: Modern Flooring; white tiles: Sarana Tile; accent tiles: Saltillo Imports. 104
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The master bathroom’s matte brass fixtures add luxurious warmth to the cool tones of the coastal-contemporary design. Brass shower system and tub filler: Rubinet; tub: Acritech; niche tiles: Saltillo Imports.
Each of the bathrooms has its own wow factor. For the master bath, distinctive hexagonal floor tiles fulfill this mission. “Pictures posted of it on social media have generated more response than anything else I’ve done,” says Gelman, “and I’ve been designing for over 14 years.” She wanted to add the luxurious look of marble without the high cost. Her solution: purchase 24-inch square porcelain tiles and have her installer slice the corners off. Then, long rectangular tiles were cut to frame them. A marble mosaic insert in the shower area echoes the motif.
Brushed brass fixtures ramp up the luxury factor, something the designer tries to do with each project, while also being on-trend. The warm metal finish on the shower’s four jets and handheld and rain showerheads pops against the cool-toned tiles. And it makes the standalone tub even more of a distinctive feature. To keep within budget, Gelman installed an off-the-shelf vanity with a beachy weathered finish rather than a custom version. –>
Finding the perfect off-the-shelf vanity helped designer Erica Gelman to stay on budget. The mix of metal finishes, brass faucets and sconces with brushed metal handles, also is on-trend. Vanity: Moscone; hexagonal mirrors: Fab.
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Good design is worth repeating. Using the same vanity, faucet and mirror combination in the second-floor main (above left) and third-floor (above right) bathrooms creates a common design thread. Marble-top vanity: Interstone; faucet: Kingston Brass; mirror: Umbra.
The hexagon theme was carried into the adjacent ensuite bathroom. The focal feature was created in the bathtub and shower area. Subway tiles were laid in bands of three colours, shading from dark grey at the base to medium grey to white at the top for an ombre effect. Black was used on the mirror over the sink and faucet atop the elegant marble-topped contemporary vanity.
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“Many people think that if you do, say, chrome fixtures in one bathroom, you have to do the same throughout the house,” says Brittney Marino, design project manager at Erica Gelman Design. “You absolutely can mix them, as long as you do it in the right way.” The black and chrome touches in this bathroom diverge from the brass used in the master bathroom adjacent. But the similar colour palette and hexagon theme create cohesiveness. A completely different approach to finishes was taken for the third-floor bathroom, which is shared by two bedrooms. Because it’s under the eaves, interesting ceiling angles were formed. The designers emphasized them by covering the wall underneath with white subway tiles. Underfoot, porcelain tiles
that mimic hardwood in a driftwood-grey colour with a warm undertone were laid in a herringbone pattern. The toilet, originally facing anyone entering the bathroom, was moved. A wall was erected to cordon off the shower area. As well, it provides visual impact, thanks to simulated-wood tiles, this time in a warm walnut tone arranged in a cross-and-chevron pattern. “We went with the same marble vanity and black faucet and mirror used on the second-floor bathroom here,” says Marino. “This helped create a relationship between the two floors.”
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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Wood-look porcelain tiles create design interest in the third-floor bathroom. Floor tiles resembling driftwood continue the beach theme while walnut-toned wall tiles are a dark contrast to adjacent white subway tiles. Woodlook tiles: Sarana; subway tiles: Dynamic Tile.
In the end, each of the three bathrooms has a distinct personality and contributes to the overall design. “It shows you can have individual rooms with different identities, yet each can still feel like part of same space,” says Gelman.
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LIGHT THE WAY
Outdoor lighting can enhance the experience of the garden, even in an environmentally benign way CANADIANS HAVE DISCOVERED the joys of outdoor rooms. Many of us have transformed our backyards into comfortable living spaces that rival the indoors, with seating areas, patio kitchens, fireplaces and televisions. Given the importance accorded the outdoors now and the length of time homeowners spend in their outdoor rooms, it’s essential to get various design elements correct. We asked builder Rose Barroso, owner of Barroso Homes, for her input on how to light the outdoors.
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QUESTION: Rose, is outdoor lighting different from its indoor counterpart? If so, how? ANSWER: While it’s generally safe to use an exterior light fixture indoors, the reverse isn’t true. You should not use indoor light fixtures outdoors in wet locations. They aren’t sealed against moisture and stop working during the first heavy rain. Moreover, they aren’t corrosion-resistant and could become an electrocution hazard if the parts that cover the electrical connections deteriorate. However, you may be able to use certain interior fixtures, which are UL-rated as “damp,” in covered porches or other outdoor areas that are shielded from the elements.
Q: Where and how should outdoor lighting be installed? A: Lighting is not merely functional; it is a vital part of creating atmosphere and making a home feel welcoming. For example, clever use of architectural lighting produces pools of light and shadow that complement the overall aesthetic of the exterior. The best way to start is by walking around your garden at night to understand where you want the lighting to be: a pathway, your front door, eating areas? Also, what features would you like to highlight so that you can see them from inside the house?
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• Select a bulb type and wattage that will supply you with the correct amount of light (LEDs) • Automate your exterior lights to turn off in the middle of the night. Turn them off when they’re not needed.
Use up-lighters to highlight small trees and tall feature plants. Fit down-lighters on fences and walls. Always use LEDs to save energy, and choose solar-charged lighting wherever possible. Q: As we become increasingly environmentally aware, we have become concerned about light pollution. How can we light our outdoor rooms without contributing to light pollution? A: Light pollution happens when there is an over-saturation of light, which happens especially in cities. It can be caused by too much street lighting, business spotlighting, and electronic billboards.
In the past 20 years, we have collectively taken steps to reduce overall energy consumption, but light pollution has increased globally. It can have negative effects on our biological clocks, impeding sleep cycles and leading to sleep disorders, anxiety, and increased cranial pressure. By minimizing up-lighting in our designs, we can take steps to be Dark-Sky-Friendly. Things to consider: • Decide what needs to be lit. • Determine how much light you require. • Select fixtures that direct light where you need or want it.
Q: What new outdoor lighting innovations are on the market? A: I think the days of structured, simple lighting are over. Instead, imaginative lighting that blends in with and enhances a garden is the way forward. Think about shadows, natural textures, and whimsical details to create a cozy garden. A technological shift to LEDs has had a major impact on the outdoor-lighting market. Colour-changing lighting offers nuances. And LED products offer better architectural integration and concealment. They also require less maintenance due to their longer-rated life and can, with controls, add seasonal-colour effects and timer capabilities. –>
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As more energy regulations are adopted, it will become increasingly difficult to justify the use of halogen or incandescent lamps for landscape lighting. Current LED solutions – with their high-energy efficiency, low-maintenance costs, optical performance and intelligent control integration – will take over. Moreover, as outdoor lighting fixtures become part of the Internet of Things, they will be able to be programmed to vary the light level based on projected activity, events and weather conditions to further reduce our outdoor-lighting-energy footprint. Q: How much can one expect to spend on lighting for the outdoors? A: First, establish a budget. As with any home-improvement project, chances are you will spend a bit more than you originally intended. Entry-level systems can start at $10,000. If you wish to have a more elaborate backyard, expect the price to rise accordingly. Second, prioritize. Decide which elements of the lighting design will be most important. Is security the main priority? Is it most important to have functional lighting for outdoor living? Third, meet with a professional lighting designer. It’s easy to design a lighting system when there aren’t any budget restraints, but this is rarely the case. Advise your lighting designer of your budget.
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LANDSCAPE • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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Q: Our indoor and outdoor spaces have become increasingly seamless, thanks to materials that can clad indoor floors and outdoor patios and to large accordion doors that open indoor spaces to the outdoors. How does lighting figure into this? A: With our prime focus on our indoor lighting and decor, our gardens can often become neglected, especially during the winter. I like the idea of up-lighting a tree, bush or topiary. The way plants glow at night and subtly illuminate the garden feels chic and glamorous, reminding me of hotel
courtyards. Spike lights are fairly cheap, widely available and easy to use. Push them into the ground and point them toward the plants you want to illuminate – maximum impact with minimum input. Outdoor lighting not only extends alfresco hours; its shadowy glow creates a sensuous mood that can be used to highlight features that may not be so prominent during the day. Essential for entertaining on a summer’s evening, it is certainly worth the investment.
All Photos courtesy of in-lite.ca
Barroso Homes www.barrosohomes.com 416-723-9984
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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PERFECT FOR THE W HOLE FAMILY
A designer creates her ideal ensuite bathroom at home, which her children also love to use
BY CHERYL CORNACCHIA PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE CHAJECKI STYLING: CYNTHIA SODA
IT’S NOT NECESSARY TO GIVE UP style when redesigning your home just because you have children, says Toronto interior designer Cynthia Soda. A mother of four, Cynthia renovated the master ensuite bathroom in her Stouffville home, northeast of Toronto, creating a chic sanctuary that her children also quickly came to love. Using new high-tech fittings and fixtures, bold contrasting colours - notably black and white - and an array of durable materials, such as porcelain tiles, Cynthia, owner of Soda Pop Design Inc., transformed what was once a generic bathroom into a signature space that her whole family has been able to use and enjoy. And while redoing the room, she took the opportunity to add a heated floor. –>
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“You just modify the style to meet your growing needs,” says Cynthia of the family-friendly, contemporary style she has used throughout the house and more recently carried into the master bathroom. She says the 5.5-by-3.5-foot (19.3 square feet) walk-in shower features double Hansgrohe rain heads that are a hit with her children; so, too, is the quirky bathroom pendant light fixture that resembles suspended bubbles. “The kids just come in and out. They think the room is theirs,” Cynthia says. “That’s how we live our life. It all just makes sense.”
Adding interest to the space is porcelain tile in three textures, all of them resembling marble. Mosaic tile delineates the area around the bathtub; textured tile on the wall plays with light and shadow; sheet tiles on the floor give the room a classic feel.
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The principle design challenge was how to use the room’s 125 square feet as efficiently as possible. To that end, she says, she chose a wall-mounted double-sink vanity that boasts plenty of storage but still has a light appearance. The bathtub looks like a standalone model but actually abuts a wall. The shower door is on a roller system to conserve space. And the shower was given a built-in bench and shelving for further space-saving. “When I’m not held back, I get the best results,” Cynthia says. –>
The whiteness of the porcelain tiles on the walls and floor is accentuated by the matte black framing on the shower doors. Curbless shower: Industria line by Doors and More.
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(Left) Benjamin Moore’s Black (2132-10) makes a bold statement that is reflected in a lighted mirror from LumiDesign Inc. Making the statement even bolder is the contrasting Caesarstone (4011 Cloudburst) vanity countertop and the porcelain-clad walls and flooring. (Above) A bubble chandelier from Premiere Luminaire adds whimsy to the room.
In this case, she adds, the big gamble was painting one wall in Benjamin Moore’s Black (2132-10). The classic black highlights the porcelain accent wall behind the double vanity as well as the floor, and draws the eye to the black metal framing of the curbless glass shower enclosure. “I try to take as many liberties as possible even with my clients but I don’t think I could convince many to go for black walls,” she says of the project. “I enjoyed the freedom. Black is a neutral colour. I love it.”
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GOOD ENERGY FOR SALE
The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui can help make your home appealing to potential buyers
BY TRACEY MACKENZIE
WHY DO WE FEEL GOOD in one house but uncomfortable in another? Why do some places attract us while others repel? What makes one house sell faster than another? These are all questions that I have been asked repeatedly, which can be answered through the ancient art of feng shui. Developed in China more than 5,000 years ago, feng shui (pronounced fung shway), is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, and was originally called “kan yu.” Kan signified heaven and yu, the Earth. The relationship between humans and these two energies became the study known today as feng shui. Literally translated, feng shui means “wind and water.” In ancient China, a site was considered auspicious if it was sheltered from the wind and could benefit from slow-moving water. A common usage of feng shui was its application vis-à-vis the dead. The ancient feng shui masters took great care in choosing grave sites because they believed that a badly chosen one would affect the prosperity of the deceased’s descendants.
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Feng shui has since evolved and is now used to locate auspicious sites for the construction of businesses or homes, and to harmonize the interiors of buildings.
It is also used to help sell houses. Applying a few simple feng shui remedies to your property could mean the difference between a quick sale or watching your house languish on the real estate market for months without so much as a nibble.
LIFESTYLE • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
Curb-appeal is as important in feng shui as it is in the real estate industry; however, in a feng shui practice, the main entrance is regarded as key. It’s considered the mouth of “chi,” which is the Chinese term for ubiquitous “life-force energy.” The chi entering your house through the main entrance is what determines how lucky your home will be. The energy of the entrance should be “yang,” hence vibrant and filled with life. Yang chi, which is active and outward-seeking, is
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the masculine energy associated with the sun. It’s uplifting, like sunshine. You’ll notice that you are always motivated to do things when the sun is shining. For a home, this translates into a clear pathway to the front door that is well-landscaped with flowers, has a clean, fresh-looking porch or landing, and a doorbell that works. If you do not have a walkway, one remedy is to flank your main entrance door with an urn filled with colourful flowers. Yin energy, associated with the moon, is
considered feminine, impelling an inward focus and a sense of calm and balance. If the entrance is yin, it lacks energy. Yin is low energy, such as we experience during the darkness of the winter months. You’ll notice a drop in your energy during the winter. For a home, this translates into an entrance that is dark and lacking landscaping, or has overgrown vegetation, peeling paint, cobwebs and a broken doorbell. Basically, it’s unappealing to potential home buyers.
Good feng shui: yang energy. Flowers flank this home’s stairs; the veranda is
Bad feng shui: yin energy. Although the walkway on this house is curved, which is
clean and devoid of detritus; and there is greenery on both sides of the landing.
favourable, according to feng shui principles, the home does not look inviting. Pulling
The home is inviting.
the weeds, trimming the shrubs, and adding colourful flowers along the walkway would cheer this place up.
Go outside and observe your house while you stand in the street. What do you see? Is your entrance yin or yang? Would you consider buying your home? The main entrance should be immediately identifiable. Moreover, it should not be obscured by vegetation. This is considered to be quite unlucky in feng shui, because it prevents the chi from making its way inside, which could lead to stagnant energy, resulting in financial loss, health problems and other misfortune. –>
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Photo: Tracey MacKenzie
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Bad feng shui: yin energy. What is behind the greenery, which appears to be
Bad feng shui: yin energy. Even a house that doesn’t have its main entrance door hidden
eating the house? Also, the entrance is totally obscured.
can be affected by a lack of energy. Almost every window on the main floor of this house has a tree or a shrub in front of it. Trimming the vegetation will make the house seem larger, rendering it brighter on the inside, which is attractive to potential buyers.
Once the exterior has been taken care of, you will need to look at the inside of your home. When you open your main entrance door, where is the energy flowing? Visualize the energy as a wave of water. Is the water flowing unimpeded throughout your home or is it being stopped every few feet by clutter and too much furniture? Nothing makes a buyer run away faster than a cluttered home.
(Above) Bad feng shui: This dining room wall is decorated with plants, but it’s untidy and chaotic. The plants are taking over the space. (Left) Good feng shui: By contrast, this dining room is decorated with plants that are displayed in an orderly fashion and occupy much less visual room. They are not overwhelming. Bad feng shui: A tall tree strategically placed can fill a corner beautifully and can keep stagnant energy at bay, but a tropical forest indoors is a sure turnoff. Not only does it take up valuable space, it suffocates the energy and makes the room seem messy and small.
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Bold colours can also be a turnoff as they are too yang. If prospective buyers cannot visualize themselves or their furniture in your home, the house will not sell. The same goes for too many patterns or styles combined in one room.
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Bad feng shui: Too many competing design styles. The decor in this room is eclectic and visually busy, so is not buyer-friendly.
Good feng shui: neutral and cozy decor.
Keep the decor simple with one style. Better to be boring than brazen. Try to keep things neutral but not empty. You don’t want your home to look as if it’s uninhabited. Keep the living room uncluttered but add throw pillows and a knitted blanket to make it look and feel cozy.
Fresh flowers elevate the energy of a home. And never underestimate the power of scent. Spritz your rooms with a soft, fragrant linen spray prior to any visit from prospective buyers, or have a scented candle or two burning. And remember, pets are good feng shui as long as you can’t smell them!
Good feng shui: kitty sleeping in the corner.
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DESIGN
VIRTUAL DESIGN
Fleurco’s new shower door is made to minimize cleaning time while maximizing a great industrial-style look
BY SUSAN KELLY
A VIRTUAL-GRID SHOWER DOOR may sound ephemeral, but it marks a very real innovation, says Samantha Bock, marketing director at Fleurco, a Montreal-based company that has designed and made shower doors for more than 50 years. “Our new Latitude line provides the very au courant look of a grid shower door with none of the inconvenience,” she says. The design excitement over grid shower doors is going full steam in 2019. It’s a fresh new take, with most versions involving a web of solid-aluminum framing around glass. Striking to the eye, but the numerous panes make cleaning labour-intensive. Plus, the frame’s many corners and ledges allow soap residue, mould and bacteria to accumulate.
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Fleurco’s Latitude virtual-grid shower doors, launching in early spring 2019, offer an ingenious solution. The illusion of a grid is created by silk-screening the image onto one thin pane of tempered glass, placing another one on top, and fusing them together. “That way, there is really only a solid pane of glass,” says Bock. “And because it is coated with our exclusive Microtek finish, water forms beads on the glass, which are easy to squeegee off.” Like all Fleurco shower products, Latitude doors are easy to install. And it is possible to create various configurations. Ideas and specifications are on the company’s new website, www.fleurco.com. Latitude virtual-grid shower doors are framed in solid aluminum with a special matte black coating. The 79-inch-tall panels slide open and closed along an unobtrusive hidden rolling track. A simple and sleek vertical handle keeps the look clean and contemporary. And each door is protected by the company’s 10-year limited warranty.
Fleurco’s new line is designed to add a distinctive accent to bathrooms with either classic or contemporary decor. The look of the virtual-grid shower doors is urban and edgy, yet slightly retro. Because of this, designers are also adding them to Art Deco-style bathrooms. And many also find that they complement bathrooms that have a modern-industrial look, coordinating beautifully with natural wood and marble accents. To stylishly complete the look of a new virtual-grid shower door, Bock suggests pairing it with Fleurco’s Aurora shower base. Made of marble-resin, these durable bases have a natural-looking textured finish that emulates wood, slate or stone. “And it comes in a matte black colour that perfectly matches that of the Latitude shower doors,” she says.
Fleurco www.fleurco.com
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DESIGN
A SERENDIPITOUS KITCHEN RENO Various styles and ready-made parts come together beautifully in this kitchen BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: KRISTA FLASCHNER
SERENDIPITY WAS AT WORK in this kitchen renovation, according to designer Krista Flaschner. Her design incorporated birch cabinetry from Ikea; she discovered that the style had been discontinued, but she was “just able” to get all the pieces she needed by visiting four stores in the GTA. The ceiling height was such that there was “just enough” room to slide custom-made wine racks between two vertical elements of the countertop cabinets. The window was enlarged and left “just enough” clearance for the lift-up top door in one cabinetry stack to clear the lights over the sink. The drawers atop the counter “just miss” the windowsill. –>
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“It was nice that these tight-fitting things just worked out, Flaschner says. “We had just enough space to make all those decisions.” But, of course, there was more to it than “just” chance. Flaschner, who is the principal of KF Design, didn’t simply use ready-made parts that just happened to fit nicely in the space. She spent several months with her client, Lori-Anne Keith, discussing the design, and figuring out functionality and aesthetics. Lori-Anne, her husband and their two adolescent children live in a century-old home in the Upper Beach neighbourhood. “When we purchased the house, we knew we would need to overhaul the kitchen,” Lori-Anne says. “It was very dated.” She characterizes the room’s style as “a lovely blend, a tribute to four decades” of untouched decor.
(Preceding pages, this page) “I like the way we were able to fit cabinets to flank the oven and the hooded vent, and were able to fit custom-made wine racks between the cabinets,” says designer Krista Flaschner. “The symmetry worked out well with the size of the space.”
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Lori-Anne had very definite ideas for the makeover. She and her husband “did not want a room that looked like a model kitchen,” she says. “We wanted something that felt organic in terms of materials. We wanted something different but not so different that people would be aghast. We didn’t want it to look dated in 10 years.”
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“I love how the light from the skylight floods the entire kitchen. The two-tone cabinetry is sophisticated-looking.”
The window above the sink was enlarged, making the room brighter. Flaschner is pleased that “the space looks fresh and funky, just like the people who live there.” Sconces: Hinkley.
The new room also had to fit exactly in the original footprint of the old kitchen (9.5 feet wide and 12.25 feet long) and its adjoining mudroom (6.3 feet by 9.0 feet). The existing kitchen wall was left intact. “If we were to remove the main wall that separates the kitchen from the living and dining space, we would have a difficult time placing our furniture with regard to any future project,” Lori-Anne says. “Another reason we chose not to go for the ever-popular open-concept kitchen is because we plan to have large banquette-style seating against the wall that separates the dining room from the kitchen. The wall will be useful as it will support the banquette, bookshelves and art, and it will create a wonderfully intimate dining nook. This is our next project.” –>
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Lori-Anne felt quite comfortable leaving the project in Flaschner’s hands, as the two had been friends for some time before the project began. “I chose Krista because I love her sense of style and sense of design,” she says. “Everything she’s done incorporates elements I like that use her design savvy.” Flaschner says, “Lori-Anne has a funky, playful, whimsical style, and something super-familiar was not going to work for her. I thought ‘How do I hold the essence of the people using the kitchen?’ The kitchen layout lent itself to two different colours, and they like wood.” With her contractor, Rena Swartz, Flaschner has produced a striking kitchen and adjoining mudroom that use two colours and styles of elements for the basic cabinetry, with many custom touches. The pale lacquered cabinets are in the classic Shaker style, and the smooth-faced lower cabinets are a matte black that is also used to frame the lacquered birch cabinets.
Lori-Anne and her husband usually host one of the more important holiday meals of the year, and they also like to give small dinner parties. The new kitchen is up to the challenge. “I now have a ton of cupboard space,” Lori-Anne says.
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The revamped mudroom is warmer and more attractive than the old one. It’s also highly functional. “In the mudroom, everyone has their own locker,” Lori-Anne says with delight. “Everything is up and off the floor.”
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Quartz countertops have subtle veining that complements the grey hexagonal porcelain floor tiles, whose pattern is echoed in the smaller Moonstone marble tiles of the backsplash, which goes all the way to the ceiling. The faucet by Aquabrass and the pewter-finish brass hardware from Lee Valley are sleek. The style carries into the mudroom, formerly a closed-off unheated space between the kitchen and back door. The door connecting to the kitchen was removed, the
space was insulated, and now each of the four family members has a locker. Several of the mudroom and kitchen features give Lori-Anne particular pleasure. “I adore my Japanese blue-wave wallpaper,” she says. “I love how the light from the skylight floods the entire kitchen. The two-tone cabinetry is sophisticated-looking. The hardware choices are spot on.” In short, she adds, “I wouldn’t change anything about it.”
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FUNCTIONAL AND FABULOUS FOCAL WALLS A vast array of materials for kitchen backsplashes ensures both practicality and beauty
KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES DO MORE than just protect walls from spatters. They can also create a design statement through the use of decorative elements. And those elements now run the gamut from a variety of natural stone tiles to various man-made materials that embrace everything from porcelain and ceramic to stainless steel. Kristina Panzera, vice-president of marketing and ceramic buyer at Ciot, a family-run business that imports and retails tiles, slabs and custom mosaics, is a keen observer of trends in backsplash materials. “We’re seeing everything on backsplashes,” she says. “From a single slab of natural stone or porcelain to every size and look in tiles.” Marble continues to be au courant, she says, adding that because this venerable stone is porous and, therefore, vulnerable to stains, homeowners understand that it must be sealed. “You have to know your lifestyle and what you’re willing to live with,” Panzera says. “That first scratch is annoying, but eventually, marble acquires a natural patina.” Another natural stone that is gaining in popularly is quartzite. Its appeal, she says, includes its low porousness, light colours, and a hardness that exceeds that of granite.
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Porcelain is a man-made tile that can be made to mimic the look of natural stone, notably marble. “I sometimes have to check it when I see it in a restaurant,” Panzera says. The slabs are large, which can create a seamless look on a wall or floor. Subway tiles have never gone out of style for backsplashes, she adds. These classic three-by-six-inch tiles originated more than a century ago as cladding for the New York City subway. Today’s most-popular version, says Panzera, is bevelled rather than flush. “And we’re seeing a lot of reverse bevelling,” she adds.
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Homeowners also continue their love affair with metro tiles. Ceramic versions have eclipsed glass varieties. “We’re seeing generally less glass now,” she says. “The glass that we are seeing for backsplashes is small, often mixed with metal, and shaped like arabesques, hexagons or scales.” About three years ago, three-dimensional tiles hit the market. “There was finally the machinery to produce them in Spain and Italy,” says Panzera. “Otherwise, they had to be hand-cut, which made them pricey.”
In the use of colour, she adds “people are more daring these days: pinks, peaches, mints, greens and blues are back. People tend to turn to colour after an economic downturn is over.” Ciot also offers custom-made mosaic backsplashes, which are hand-crafted as unique projects in the company’s studio. Any material is available – natural stone, ceramic, glass, metal and porcelain – to create any shape and size, in any colour, to custom-fit a space. Design possibilities are many and can transform a kitchen backsplash into a work of art. Looking ahead at the up-and-coming top picks, Panzera says, forecasts point toward many diverse designs that range from rustic and cozy to three-dimensional. Finishes will include shiny and matte, with colours that span the range: blues, reds, greens, pinks. “In other words, consumers will have lots of choice and opportunities to be bold,” she says. “We don’t see the same shifts in flooring,” Panzera adds. “The floor is a big surface so people are less willing to experiment there.” Not so with a backsplash. “It’s a place where people aren’t afraid to experiment,” she says. “It changes the whole look of a kitchen.”
Ciot www.ciot.com
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SINGIN’ THE [HAPPY] BLUES Plans for a white kitchen turn a beautiful cobalt colour BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: LAURA GOARD
LESLIE RAY WANTED a white kitchen. “I wanted something bright and light,” she says. But she wasn’t going to get it with this kitchen in the state it was in when she and her husband, David Kennedy, bought the house. The cabinetry was dark, the countertops were black, and the floor in the work area was green tiles that did not complement the surrounding narrow-plank hardwood floor. Leslie and David nonetheless recognized that this house in Newcastle had good bones and, by gutting the back of the building, they could get the open-plan kitchen and family room they wanted. –>
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Leslie is a chartered professional accountant with her own business, Ray & Co. One of her offices, in Ajax, is beside that of Square Footage Inc., a design firm whose motto is “clever kitchens.” It seemed natural to turn to Square Footage’s creative director, Frankie Castro, for her expertise. “Leslie and David had downsized dramatically to move into this house,” Castro says. “They still wanted the grand feeling they were used to, but this house had three small rooms: kitchen, dining room, and breakfast nook.” The 280-square-foot kitchen was dysfunctional, she says. The work area was a little U shape, with an old-fashioned peninsula, not the island that Leslie and David wanted for when they entertain. The sliding doors to the backyard were awkwardly placed in the centre of the breakfast nook’s bay. The dining room was isolated, and Leslie knew that they’d seldom, if ever, use it. A total gut, down to the studs, was called for. David, who’s in the commercial flooring business, did the demolition. Then Castro and her team radically redesigned the space. They knocked down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to extend the kitchen, now a comfortable 450 square feet. They also relocated the sliding doors to a corner of the kitchen, leaving behind a bow window that could accommodate a fitted banquette and dining table. –>
The Carpet Vestige tiles behind the range inspired the choice of colours throughout the room. Clever details such as three slightly different doors on the cabinetry add a special touch to the decor: Shaker style for the lower cabinets, Shaker style with a bead for the uppers on the stove wall, and raised panels on the refrigerator wall opposite the island sink. Backsplash tiles: Mettro Source.
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Details of the redesign were left up to Castro. “We told Frankie we wanted a more open concept with lots of counter space,” Leslie says. “It had to be bright. We also knew for sure that we wanted to be able to access the backyard from the end of the house, where we have a covered deck, and we wanted a beverage bar. And we also mentioned having a built-in fridge. Otherwise, we left it quite open.” Castro made the initial selections in terms of style, appliances and furnishings, giving Leslie and David a few options from which to choose whenever a decision had to be made. One of the biggest decisions was the tiles used as a backsplash behind the stove.
The exit to the backyard was originally situated in the middle of the bow in the dining area. Designer Frankie Castro moved the exit to a corner of the room, making way for a generously sized window and window seat in the bow. Silestone countertops (perimeter: Eternal Calacatta Gold; island: Eternal Charcoal Soapstone) coordinate with the colour scheme.
There’s always a jumping-off point in every project, Castro notes. “The tiles were our idea,” she says. “They’re so decadent. We found the tiles and said ‘We have to work with that.’ They’re 20 inches by 40 inches and are challenging to work with, but the effect is well worth it. We just love the colours in them.” Indeed, the tiles inspired the room’s colour scheme, combining white and blue cabinetry with the pale but warm colours of the floor and the furniture at the end of the island. “When we picked the blue, I had no idea that blue was [David’s] favourite colour,” Castro says. “It makes a very bold statement but is tempered well with a lot of white, so it was easier for [Leslie] to adopt the blue. The colour scheme is obvious but not in your face.”
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For Leslie’s part, the backsplash behind the stove is one of the kitchen’s highlights. “I love it with the natural wood effects,” she says. But it’s the breakfast nook, now made into a fullfledged dining area, that really excites her: “My window seat – I love it there,” she says. “The sun comes in in the morning and I love sitting there.” The lights over the island and the dining table are also noteworthy: Leslie and David couldn’t get them shipped to Canada, so on a family trip to the United States, they made
a point of finding them and bringing them back. There are numerous other amenities and special touches that Leslie likes: the casedin fridge and dishwasher, the microwave oven in a drawer, the instant hot water available from the beverage bar tap. And “the cupboard space is great,” Leslie says. “I’m having a matching cupboard built in the mudroom as an overflow pantry. “I still have to pinch myself that it’s our kitchen. There’s nothing in it I would change.”
The beverage bar provides storage as well as such luxuries as a bar fridge and instant hot water. The pendant lights above the island and chandelier above the dining table are from Anthropologie. The cabinetry by Miralis in Super White and the saturated Bilberry colour pair comfortably with the 7.5-inch-wide planks of engineered flooring in French white oak from Nadurra.
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INTERIOR | EXTERIOR | KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FULL HOME ARCHITECTURE | DESIGN
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LIFESTYLE
COURSES IN THE KITCHEN Faema Canada’s new culinary school teaches people to cook everything from pizza to pasta and more BY KAREN SEIDMAN
PIZZA ISN’T JUST DOUGH slathered in tomato sauce and cheese at the new Faema Culinary Academy in Toronto. It’s an art. A science, in fact, which requires studying and perfecting – and that is the goal of the family-owned business’s new state-of-the-art cooking school. Faema Canada has long been established as an importer and distributor of retail and commercial espresso makers. As the company has branched out into pizza ovens, pasta machines and gelato makers, Joe Di Donato, the company’s vice president of operations, has seen more of a need for providing training on the commercial side and teaching on the consumer side so both chefs and home cooks can get the most out of their equipment. That is what led to the creation of the Faema Culinary Academy, which offers classes on making pizza, pasta and gelato, and will soon offer a separate training area for baristas to perfect their coffee-making skills. But you don’t have to have purchased equipment from Faema Canada to sign up for classes; the consumer cooking classes are just a great way to spend an evening, a date night, or a team-building event, says Di Donato.
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“Who wouldn’t like to learn how to make pizza while they’re sipping on some wine, and then cook it and eat it,” he says. “It’s just fun.” Students get hands-on training with a focus on traditional techniques and the science behind them. Most people don’t realize how much is involved in making quality pizza, Di Donato adds. “You have to know to use the right flour, which has to mature properly by sitting in the fridge for one to three days. If you try to fast-track it, it’s never as good. You learn which tomatoes to use for sauce, what portion of sauce and cheese to use, which is the best mozzarella. It’s really just a way to bring Italian culinary culture to people.” The school boasts various types of pizza ovens: wood, electric and gas. On the commercial side, these ovens range from about $2,900 to $35,000. Recently, there’s been a
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surge in people buying pizza ovens for their backyards or kitchens, and those typically range from $3,000 to $5,000. “When remodeling their kitchens, people are putting in top-notch equipment but they don’t know how to properly use it,” says Di Donato. “Sometimes, we bring in celebrity chefs from the many local restaurants in the city of Toronto because people really want to learn how to prepare the best food from a professional.” Classes for home cooks start at about $125 per session and include mastering such skills as dough-stretching, topping techniques and the science of yeast. The whole purpose, says Di Donato, is to showcase the company’s equipment and give both professional and home chefs an opportunity to “test drive” it.
He sees it becoming increasingly popular on the consumer side and expects to keep adding classes as the academy gains traction. “It’s truly eye-opening to see how different pizzas come out of different ovens,” he says.
For information on cooking classes, go to www.faemaculinaryacademy.ca.
Faema Culinary Academy 672 Dupont St., Toronto 416-535-1555 www.faema.ca
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SMALL
ADDITION;
HUGE
IMPROVEMENT A modest extension to a 1912 Arts and Crafts house results in a major wow factor in the kitchen
BY ELISABETH KALBFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA PETROLE STYLING: NATALIE VENALAINEN
IT WAS A SMALL ADDITION to the back of the house – adding just two feet, five inches in length – but it was enough to create a big change in the kitchen and living space of a home in Roncesvalles. Kristi Gourlay and Jim Falconer loved the Arts and Crafts details in their 1912 house when they bought it about a dozen years ago, but disliked the kitchen, and, after some false starts, assumed that when they got around to it, it would be a fairly straightforward renovation. So they took the plunge and hired the team from Men At Work to enlarge and reconfigure the back of the house, including the kitchen and the combined laundry/powder room. –>
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It didn’t take long to discover there would be some extra challenges along the way: the existing rear addition that previous owners had built wasn’t properly supported and roofed; there were issues with the previous building permits; the under-floor heating tubes had been punctured; there was moisture behind the drywall from the leaking roof; and there was a lot of mould. In addition, three plumbing stacks were discovered behind the drywall in the middle of the space. “There were,” in Jim’s words, “a few bumps along the road.”
There was a particular shade of blue, green and grey that owner Kristi Gourlay wanted for the backsplash. She found it in a tile made by Pratt & Larson. She chose a different Pratt & Larson subway tile for the fireplace surround.
The island is on Kristi’s list of favourite elements about the renovation and she describes it as “functional, practical, with space for display.”
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The back of the house has a southern exposure, so building designer Keith O’Brien enlarged the windows to take advantage of the natural light. The back window is cantilevered to create extra space for the window seat.
While the work crew tackled the structural problems, building designer Keith O’Brien revised the floor plan. He put the laundry on one side of the kitchen entrance, a separate powder room on the other. He flipped the fireplace and seating area from the west wall to the east, and reconfigured the windows and door at the back of the house to take advantage of the natural light. Adding the extra length to the addition gave the owners more continuous wall cabinetry, a longer island and counter, and a small area for dining that includes a window seat. Both Kristi and Jim were keen to have the new parts of their home fit seamlessly with the style of the rest of the building. “We bought an old house not to gut it and turn it into something new,” Jim says. “There was enough character and we wanted to preserve that.” –>
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The existing hallway from the dining room to the kitchen featured an archway, and because the older design details were so important to the owners, O’Brien created a second one, on the other side of the new laundry and powder room. “They pick up on the character of the house,” he says. “It defines the kitchen and dining room and hides the laundry and powder rooms. It was a way to give this space a little separation and privacy, using the archways to tie the two together.” From there, Kristi and Jim decided to do the rest of the designing and decorating themselves. “We’re a couple of detail-oriented people and we’re also kind of particular,” says Jim.
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Kristi tackled the cabinetry, finding a door sample she liked at Merlo Woodworking, and sourcing other fixtures. “I didn’t just sketch out plans for the kitchen, I went through a pad of graph paper designing the space to the last inch,” she says. She was also relentless in her pursuit of what she calls “the colour” – a hunt for tiles for the backsplash in just the right combination of soft blue, grey, green and aqua that she had in mind. She finally found one that matched her ideal from a supplier in Oregon that specializes in handcrafted vintage-look tiles, but only after she’d dragged Jim to just about every tile store in the GTA. She picked a similar, lighter colour for the fireplace surround.
The couple love how the kitchen’s style fits with the rest of the house. They also love the comfortable window seat at the back where Kristi sits with the cats. One of the few things she might change, she says, is to add an extra light there for reading. Looking back, they’re glad they took on the design “It was something creative and we would have full control and it would be exactly what we wanted,” Kristi says. “If anything went wrong, the responsibility would be on me.”
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Owner Kristi Gourlay says she saw a cabinet door among other samples at Merlo Woodworking, and while it proved not to be a sample, but one left by another client, she knew it was the one she wanted. It wasn’t one of the company’s standard designs, but Merlo created it and called it “The Kristi.”
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INTERPRETING THEIR DESIRES Architect Bill Hicks designs in many styles to give his clients exactly what they want
BY SUSAN KELLY
DESIGNING WHAT WAS ONCE Canada’s largest and priciest mansion can be a hard act to follow. The 47,000-square-foot Chelster Hall on the Oakville waterfront (original price tag: $65 million) was a massive undertaking for architect Bill Hicks, who used England’s historic Blickling Hall as inspiration at the request of friends Hugo and Tracy Powell. “Since then, we find some people are reluctant to bring smaller projects to us,” Hicks admits. “But I am equally as passionate about smaller projects.” Over close to 40 years, the owner and managing partner at Hicks Design Studio in Oakville has designed some 3,000 projects. And some were positively diminutive, such as the boiler room and garage on an old estate on Dale Avenue in Toronto, which together totalled 800 square feet. The client had purchased them with hopes of converting them to his main residence. The architect’s design for two floors with a small attic space would go on to win several awards. And the client enjoyed living in it for more than two decades.
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Hicks has practiced architecture since graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1979. He credits his wife of 44 years, Pamela, with giving him the courage to apply to the program. “She saw something in me that I didn’t know was there,” he says. “I had no portfolio, and in one month had to learn how to sketch!” Today, his artful drawings, each meticulously rendered by hand, have become a hallmark. He submits them to clients along with the elevations and other technical depictions generated by computer. But they report that it is his sketches that provide the truest sense
of what the finished project will look like. And so, the architect carves out time at 4 a.m. every day – a peaceful hour for him – to painstakingly craft them all to scale. Throughout his career, Hicks has focused primarily on residential projects, which account for 80 per cent of his firm’s business today. He and his staff of 15 take on mostly single-family homes varying in size from 2,500 to 20,000 square feet. But Hicks Design Studio has added a growing number of condominium projects to the mix, from tall towers to smaller, more exclusive developments.
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Hicks also has become somewhat of a specialist in designing a type of commercial project that involves one of his passions in life. An avid golfer since age 10, he has served as architect for 60 golf course clubhouses across Canada. The latest entails the restoration and renovation of a stately old clubhouse at the Capilano Golf and Country Club in West Vancouver, B.C. “I take a completely different approach with each,” he says. “Instead of one client, I have to think about who the potential members will be and what they would most appreciate.”
He says his design style is difficult to pin down. His body of work runs the gamut from highly traditional restorations to sleek contemporary new builds. Rather than imposing his own vision, he believes his job is to interpret each client’s wish list for the perfect home. All want the same basic things these days – open floor plan, great room, beautiful kitchen and so forth – but what makes a home unique depends on the people who eventually inhabit it.
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“My job is to interpret dreams and craft them into a piece of architecture,” Hicks says. “My dream is to have all my clients feel they are living in a work of art that we create for them and, as have so many, live there happily for many years.”
Hicks Design Studio 295 Robinson St., Suite 200, Oakville 905-339-1212 www.hicksdesignstudio.ca
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D R A W K W A
NO MORE Odd angles and a dated look in this Port Perry bathroom are replaced with a new spa-like contemporary design
BY SARAH B. HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: LAURA GOARD
TAKE A CLEAN, WHITE CANVAS and add accents of gold. For designer Laura Goard, that was the key to transforming a cramped 1980s bathroom into a spa-like contemporary retreat. From its dated wallpaper to its oppressive grey and burgundy tiles, the original space was confined and cluttered. “It was a very awkward space,” says Goard, senior designer at Square Footage Inc. in Ajax, Ontario. “The whole corner of the bathroom was taken by a giant Jacuzzi tub. The space was divided; it didn’t make a lot of sense. There was also a walk-in closet with a lot of weird angled walls. And there was no door — so no privacy!” –>
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The homeowners hoped for light, space and better storage. “The main goal was to update and brighten the space,” says Goard. The refit was made easier by the fact that the home is a bungalow with an unfinished basement, so there was no barrier to rearranging the plumbing. The first step was the removal of dividing walls, which were taking up too much space, to gut the walk-in closet and to move the closet entrance to the side facing the new bathtub. “That allowed us to put in that nice tall cabinet for storage, and we also put in a laundry hamper,” Goard says. The key to the redesign was the choice of the Bistrot line of porcelain floor tiles from Céragrès. Although the palette is restrained, at 19 inches square, they’re big and bold, with a plank design that’s installed to resemble a basket-weave pattern. “That was definitely the inspiration for the look and the feel of the bathroom,” Goard says. “It’s a unique tile, and that was a jumping-off point. It was great when we had the design meeting and [the clients] fell in love with it; it was exciting.” –>
The Mirolin Cruz freestanding tub from Watermarks has plenty of impact, but it’s the tiles that make the room, from the bold Bistrot floor tiles to the Ascot wall tiles (also from Céragrès) and the shower-floor mosaic from Saltillo Tile.
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The single sink allows for generous counter space. The stately Venetian Beaded Mirror from Restoration Hardware is flanked by Bryant wall sconces in Antique Brass from Circa Lighting.
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Luxe touches include custom pillows in a low-key floral print, along with such simple fixtures as the antique brass Etoile robe hooks from Anthropologie with glass details and the rounded Aspen drawer pulls in German Bronze from Top Knobs.
After that, “Everything else just fell into place,” she adds. “It was such a beautiful tile, with that light, whitewashed feel, that warm look where that natural cognac colour shows through. The tile has an Old-World feel; we played on that by using gold fixtures on the cabinetry and the lighting.”
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From the antique brass Etoile robe hooks from Anthropologie to the on-trend geometric Morris Medium lantern in gilded iron, and antique-brass Bryant sconces from Circa Lighting, touches of bright metal offer an up-to-themoment statement with traditional charm.
Opposite: The Morris Medium lantern chandelier in gilded iron from Circa Lighting adds geometric interest to the space while it warms the room’s cool whites and suggests the antique charm of candlelit illumination.
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PERSONALIZED DESIGNS
WORLD CLASS CRAFTSMANSHIP
Zeyko Flybridge | Woodline.one & Forum Stucco
NEW SHOWROOM LOCATION 130 Queens Quay E, #1016, Toronto, ON, M5A 3Y5 647-499-1150 | By appointment only www.onixdesigns.ca
DESIGN
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BLUE AND BLACK, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Spectacular wallpaper is the creative jumping-off point for the redesign of this Beaches-area kitchen BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: ELENA GOUCHTCHINA
WALLPAPER MAY BE an afterthought for some. But it provided a starting point for the style update of this kitchen in The Beaches area, says designer Elena Gouchtchina, founder and design principal at Maison Interiors. “The kitchen island overlooks a big empty wall in the dining area,” she says. “I wanted to fill it with something that would look like a giant painting and inject colour and pattern.” Her choice: Leo wallpaper from the venerable Parisian fabric house Pierre Frey. Designed in conjunction with the iconic ceramic studio Atelier Buffile in Aix-en-Provence, its splattered glaze pattern has an abstract look that evokes the works of Jackson Pollock. The colours used inspired the kitchen’s white, black and blue scheme. –>
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With the new layout, the homeowners now have the storage they need and room to sit at the island. Custom cabinetry: DK&More; walnut counter stools: Taburet from Shelter Furniture; range: Bosch.
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For design punch, white walls and cabinetry are punctuated with black accents, including black-framed doors and windows. Stainless steel sink: Vog; faucet: Brizo; range: Bosch.
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The interior designer already had an idea of the homeowners’ tastes. Squash coach Greg Rowe and his wife Jen, a power company executive, had hired Gouchtchina the previous year to revamp the living room of their three-storey home. They loved its new contemporary look with a nod to Mid-century Modern design. Yet Gouchtchina worried they might find the wallpaper “over-the-top.” To her relief, the couple were immediately onboard. The designer first addressed the more practical concern of a new layout. The awkwardly placed refrigerator was moved and the halfmoon-shaped island, a conversation piece that proved impractical to work at, was removed. So were the two-decades-old yellowish-beige
builder’s basic cabinets and black countertops. By placing all cabinetry along one wall, it was possible to install a rectangular six-foot long island. A pantry was also enlarged and equipped with space-saving pullout shelving. “After we toured the showrooms, the homeowners decided they loved the look of a white kitchen,” Gouchtchina says. “And minimizing clutter was also a big issue.” To ensure a seamless visual flow, the designer had the flat-front cabinet doors painted the same shade of warm white as the walls, and topped the island and counters with white quartz. Textural interest is provided by the hexagonal backsplash tiles made of recycled glass that resemble Statuario marble. –>
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Gouchtchina judiciously placed wood accents to inject some much-needed warmth. To echo the living room shelving, two small open shelves in the kitchen are lined with walnut as are both sides of the island. A walnut shelf was added to a formerly awkward open niche feature, which now serves to display decorative objects. As well, the original hardwood floors were retained over the entire main floor. But the combination of red and white oak posed a challenge for the designer. A uniform light stain was key to the look she wanted. After darker areas were bleached, the right custom golden oak stain was applied.
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Chic elements such as the Pierre Frey wallpaper and Panton chairs coordinate artfully with the gallery wall of family photos. Pendants: Union Lighting & Furnishings.
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The little touches are what really made the kitchen’s design special for the homeowner, especially the whimsical bird clock and blue vase, gifts to the family from their designer. Blue ceramic vase: MA-Zone.
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For drama, the wall behind the cabinets was painted a midnight blue, and the windows were framed in black. A matte black faucet is teamed with a stainless steel sink. “At first we were nervous about the dark accents,” says homeowner Greg Rowe. “But they are perfect with the wallpaper, which is my favourite part of the kitchen.” The spot his wife and daughters – Natasha, 20, and Chloe, 17 – gravitate to most is the 82-inch-long bench, placed under the window. They find its comfy cushions the perfect spot to sit on and gaze out at the backyard
on one side, or interact with people in the kitchen on the other. Three large storage drawers hold such things as towels for when the family uses the outdoor hot tub. Jen especially loves to curl up on the bench on Saturday mornings with a mug of tea. In the end, the family enjoys all aspects of their new kitchen. “It’s functional and beautiful, and a real pleasure to hang out in,” Greg says. “The style is contemporary but there are so many fun, personal touches that really make it us.”
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NEW and IMPROVED After a fire, a rebuilt kitchen is the same – only better
BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: LOREN SMARDA
THE YEAR 2017 BEGAN horribly for Joanna Marraffino, her husband, and their two children. While they were out one January day, a faulty heat exchanger in their North Toronto home caught fire, and the house burned. “It was completely, utterly devastating because of the loss of our dog and cat rather than the actual house and contents,” Joanna says. I knew everything could be replaced and rebuilt. But I wanted Albert and Mylo to have survived.” The house was subsequently gutted down to the external studs, she says. But this determined woman and her family were not to be defeated. By February, they were planning to rebuild on the same lot with the same footprint. Joanna had been the contractor in 2004– 2005 when the home was originally built, and she was not daunted by the idea of rebuilding. However, she wanted professional advice on some aspects of the plans, so she sought assistance at Yorkville Design Centre, owned by architect Thomas Tampold, an acquaintance of her husband. –>
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Interior designer David Neff and designer Viktoriya Dacosta began consulting with her in February of 2017, construction began in the spring, and the house was liveable by Christmas that year, although it wasn’t fully finished until April 2018. Neff and Dacosta worked with Joanna on the ground f loor as well as several other spaces in the house. The construction was done by Battiston Construction. Unlike most “new” builds, the concept for this one didn’t start from scratch. “The house looks larger than the old one, but it isn’t,” says Joanna. “I kept it the same as the old one, because the footprint worked for me.” She also kept the same basic layout in the kitchen with regard to work surfaces, appliance locations, and plumbing, but tweaked some aspects. “When you live in a house for 10 years, you understand what you like and what you would have done over if you had the opportunity,” she says. “Well, that opportunity arose.” Neff and Dacosta helped with the fine-tuning. “She had an idea; it was just making the space work for her,” Neff says.
Avorio, an engineered quartz from Vicostone, makes the island top, the countertops and the ceiling-height backsplash easy to care for. The dining room entrance is between the two tall black cabinets, the one on the left concealing a KitchenAid fridge, and the one on the right housing the Bosch double wall ovens.
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Joanna loves pullout drawers instead of cabinets: “You can see all the platters, all the pots. You can visualize everything,” she says. Stainless steel appliances, including a Miele gas cooktop, blend well with cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Black Beauty (2128-10).
Joanna made one major change. Before, there was a wall between the kitchen and the family room, and the kitchen was open to the dining room. “We’re huge entertainers,” Joanna says. “Every time I sat in the dining room and I’d look into the kitchen, if I saw the dishes were not done, I would always get up and leave the table to go do something.” That temptation is now gone; there is an open kitchen-family room and a closed dining room. Some other tweaks include a larger island with an integrated beverage fridge, wall ovens and a cooktop instead of a range, hardwood rather than tiled floors, more drawers and fewer cabinets, and lighter work surfaces combined with dark cabinetry. –>
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The design team was happy to be working with their knowledgeable and decisive client. “She knew what she wanted,” says Dacosta. “It was really refreshing, working with someone like that.” Neff says, “She’s very smart in this area and knew a lot and was able to make a lot of good decisions quite fast and easy. We loved the colours she chose. It’s not often that you get a client who wants a black kitchen. And her choice of hardware was excellent. She has a good design sense.” All the cabinetry was made to order by Downsview Kitchens and installed by Peter Choi, whom Joanna terms “a master.” Cabinet interiors are walnut. “I love the walnut, Joanna says. “It looks very modern but gives a traditional warm feeling.” That L-word comes up often when Joanna discusses her kitchen: “I love it,” she says. I love my home. I love being home. I love entertaining. If people suggest we go out to dinner, I’d rather stay home and cook.”
The island features a Marvel beverage fridge on one side and, on the side opposite the sink, a garbage/composting/recycling centre. Engineered wood flooring in London Fog, from the Kafé collection at Stone Tile, provides warm tones to cover the kitchen’s 335 square feet and also runs into the family room, which is to the left of the island and breakfast nook.
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RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Bread-making classes across Canada are becoming increasingly popular and are well worth the dough BY JULIE GEDEON
FEW CULINARY EXPERIENCES surpass the sweet, somewhat malty aroma of freshly baked bread. The smell transports us back to childhood, when such homemade or bakery goodness made us salivate. Food scientist Amalia Scannell and her team at University College Dublin have identified the nearly 20 volatile compounds that give bread its aromatic notes and prompt the “odour-cued memories” that make us nostalgic. Of course, there’s milk, butter and yeast, but also undercurrents of baked onions, grapefruit, cooked spaghetti, green olives, and even flint. The overall scent is a strong trigger because our smelling faculties are closely linked to the parts of our brain that deal with memory and emotion. Plus, bread is such a childhood staple. In a survey by the same UDC team, 89 per cent of 1,000 respondents said the aroma of bread made them happy – 63 per cent related that it evoked happy memories. No wonder folks are flocking to bread-making courses. –>
With her team at University College Dublin, Dr. Amalia Scannell, a food and sensory scientist, determined the smells that cue our memories in a study done for Ireland’s National Bread Week “Love your Loaf” campaign.
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Photos courtesy of Cook Culture
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Classes ranging from lunch-and-learn sessions to full-day workshops promptly sell out at the Depanneur in Toronto. “People increasingly appreciate the meditative qualities of working with their hands to create wonderful food,” says Leo Baduria, one of many artisans whom the Depanneur features in food-related events. He became passionate about bread while living in Montreal where boulangeries abound. He later upped his skills at bakeries in France and Italy. The Depanneur’s lunchtime sessions demonstrate how to make focaccia, fougasse and other delicious flatbreads from scratch. “Everyone’s amazed that we make pizza Margherita and tarte flambée so fast and get to eat it right away,” says Baduria, whose workshops include artisanal bread and croissant classes.
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The full-day workshop covers everything from the flatbreads to baguettes and brioches. “We show how to make and handle the different types of dough,” Baduria says. “Students practice folding, kneading and shaping to know how to gently help a dough to develop to its full potential.” Baduria and his team share such tricks as how to make the epi cuts in a crust reminiscent of wheat spikes. Everyone is encouraged to subsequently post their home efforts on social media. “Our students definitely gain a greater appreciation of what goes into making artisanal bread,” Baduria says. “They understand why a baker’s sourdough costs $8 when you can pick up commercial loaves for $2.” –> Photos by Leo Baduria, The Depanneur
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The ability to determine what goes into our food is part of what drives people to classes at Prairie Boy Bread in Toronto. “People are reassessing what they eat and how it’s made,” says co-owner Grant MacPherson, a former organic vegetable farmer now committed to wholesome baking. He uses only organic grain and flour grown and milled in Ontario from producers he personally knows. MacPherson began giving courses two years ago in response to customer requests. “I saw it as an opportunity to convey information and dispel myths,” says the former Winnipegger. “For instance, bleaching has nothing to do with a flour’s whiteness but the processes used to stabilize it.” He says that the wild yeast and lactobacillus bacteria culture “we use is technically the same thing as a sourdough starter, but we take great pains to ensure it’s never ‘sour.’ ” Each class is shown steps that allow students to capitalize on time. “After we discuss the grains and other basic ingredients that should and shouldn’t be in bread, we shape the dough for a ‘country white,’ our most
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popular loaf, that was mixed earlier and proofed overnight,” MacPherson says. “About half-way through the class, this dough is done proofing and the students can bake it before they leave.” Next, they learn to make a mother dough/ starter and can take a portion home to bake future loaves. “Then from a leaven that we already started to mix, we prepare a dough that everyone can also take home to bake the next day,” he adds. The entire process is explained so that students can work backwards to know how long ahead of time they should start preparing a loaf for a special meal. Some of us might already be wondering if it’s worth all this effort.
“I always joke that my students learn from my class why it’s easier to pay me to bake their bread,” MacPherson says. “Even if people do it just this one time, they have a greater appreciation for artisanal food.” For those who persevere, the reward is warm bread with a rich texture and superb flavour. “Fermented bread is also easier to digest and improves our microbiome health, making it easier to absorb the nutrients from other food.” Nevertheless, that mother dough can be a handful. “Websites for sourdough enthusiasts constantly feature recipes for pancakes and muffins, because home bakers are constantly looking for ways to use excess starter,” MacPherson says. “We tell our students to email us for a bit of starter if they’re occasionally baking.” –>
Photos courtesy of Lainie Knox/Prairie Boy Bread
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Otherwise, it’s like owning a goldfish, warns Jed Grieve, the owner/founder of Cook Culture in Vancouver and Victoria. “You can’t go away for the weekend because it needs to be fed some flour regularly,” he explains. If a starter is too cold in the fridge, the yeast falls dormant, he adds. Too warm, it becomes overactive. Grieve learned to appreciate the art of baking from his mother who prepared loaves at home when she wasn’t creating pottery. “Both look simple but take effort to master,” he says.
Cook Culture started out as a kitchenware store where classes were held so that people could discover how to use equipment to improve their preparation of locally grown food. “We’re geographically the largest culinary educator in British Columbia now, teaching more than 25,000 people a year to cook better,” he says. The bread-making courses are in high demand. “People are embracing this challenge, because the bread is so delicious and healthy,” Grieve says.
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Cook Culture helps people to achieve success at home by explaining the tools of the trade. “For baguettes, a couche – a muslin cloth packed with flour – proofs dough beautifully,” Grieve says. “A ceramic breadloaf maker captures enough of a dough’s moisture in a standard electric oven to replicate the lovely crust but moist interior of a baker’s loaf.” These expert bakers won’t lie: perfecting bread takes practice, but courses eliminate a lot of frustrating trial and error. Plus, they’re sliced up to be fun. Photos courtesy of Cooks Culture
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I S LAND PARADISE
A cramped 1980s-style kitchen in Oshawa is enlarged and made both practical and beautiful BY HEATHER PENGELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: LAURA GOARD
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HITE KITCHENS CAN LOOK STERILE, EVEN CLINICAL. “But there’s none of that sterility in this kitchen,” says Frankie Castro of a kitchen in Oshawa that she designed. “Frankie knocked it out of the park by incorporating the warmth of wood and the clean, modern style that we like,” says homeowner Steve Brain. “We had a small, cramped, classic 80s-style kitchen. It was dark and closed off. We really wanted to open it up and make it brighter.” –>
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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The former kitchen had laminated countertops, whitewashed cabinets, vinyl flooring and no windows. There was a three-by-three-foot food pass-through in the back wall to a long, narrow dining room so isolated from other living areas that the owners had converted it into a music room. A large pantry was located in a long hallway outside the kitchen. “It just wasn’t working for us,” says Steve. Castro, the creative director of Square Footage Custom Kitchens & Bath Inc., added warmth to the kitchen, which won her a National Kitchen and Bath Association award, by choosing walnut wide-plank flooring, a barn door, a behind-the-bar feature wall, and accent strips on a colossal range hood.
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“Multi-panelling adds richness,” Castro says. Shaker-style cabinetry was custom-designed with three panels in the uppers and flat or extra-wide panels in the lowers. The white ceramic backsplash incorporates four textures, and two colours of quartz countertops were used. “For me, it is really about functionality and ergonomics, and then the beauty of the space,” Castro says. “In a super-large kitchen, are you going to walk a mile from your fridge to your cooktop? Design is a practical process. How it’s going to look is the last thing to consider.” –>
Thorpe pendant lights from Restoration Hardware illuminate two four-by-eight-foot islands, topped with Cirrus quartz slabs from Viatera. Leather counter stools: CB2.
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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The marble-like White Experience ceramic tiles on the backsplash are a mélange of various textures: raised, shiny, matte, and flamed. Square Footage built the dark six-foot-long hood over the Thermador gas range to contrast with the cloud-white Miralis cabinetry. Backsplash tiles: Céragrès; convection steam oven: Thermador.
The island in the cooking area has prep space, a dishwasher, a garbage and recycling centre, and storage. Sink: Prolific by Kohler; articulating faucet: Brizo Artesso collection.
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A focal point for entertaining, the bar contains a Marvel wine fridge and a sink. The cabinets boast soft leather pulls that add warmth and sophistication.
But adding some colour and texture to a white kitchen makes it “a bit more interesting,” she admits. Square Footage removed two walls to expand the kitchen to 460 square feet from 215. A three-panel window introduced plenty of natural light. Castro brightened the space further by adding recessed ceiling lights, pendants, and under-cabinetry lighting. The Brains love to entertain. Steve, who collects vintage crystal decanters, wanted a bar. So Castro recommended dark cabinetry on the bar and islands to contrast with the white storage cabinets.
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Cocktail hour! The walnut feature wall showcases crystal glassware, including Steve’s collection of vintage decanters.
DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
A KitchenAid refrigerator is recessed beside the ample-sized pantry. Charcoalcoloured quartz countertops contrast with the white cabinetry.
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The couple had requested two large islands: a functional workspace and an entertainment area to seat at least six. During installation, it became apparent that the slender legs and metal underbracing on the entertainment island weren’t sturdy enough to hold the large, one-and-a-quarter-inch-thick quartz slab. Square Footage re-engineered the table, attaching the legs directly to under-floor joists for additional support.
Steve, Rebecca and their 16-year-old daughter love the bright, spacious kitchen. While Steve mixes a cocktail, Rebecca and their daughter sit at the island, finishing business and schoolwork. Their daughter has embraced baking with a passion. Visiting guests gather around the counterheight table or lean on the island to chat with family chefs, busily preparing meals. “The kitchen has always been the hub but even more so now,” Steve says. “Even if it’s just the three of us, it’s a warm, super comfortable, happy place to be.”
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PRO-CALIBRE CUISINE A professional-style kitchen at home
COOKING AS ENTERTAINMENT, cooking as passion, cooking as nurturance, cooking as meditation: there are many reasons we prepare food. For professionals and amateurs alike, having the right equipment is always important. Although much can be done with just fresh ingredients, a well-sharpened knife and a good-quality pan, it’s exciting to have access to professional-style techniques. That possibility is a little closer with the advent of the Mia by Carlo Cracco kitchen. It’s the result of a partnership between Italian design firm Scavolini and Milanese chef Carlo Cracco (perhaps you’ve seen him on the Netflix show The Final Table). Scavolini characterizes Mia by Carlo Cracco as a domestic interpretation of the professional kitchen, distinguished by a significant technological component.
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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There are three major modules involved: a large preparation module that can stand as an island or be placed against a wall, wall panels that can accommodate shelves and hanging racks, and larder units. Some of the technology to make a home cook’s heart quicken includes a vacuum drawer with a marinating function, a food-warming lamp, and a professional-calibre extraction fan and hood in an overhead dishrack. –>
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The preparation module and appliances are clad with a sturdy and hard-wearing stainless-steel finish, with a five-centimetre-thick worktop. A cover can be slid over the washing area while cooking occurs, and vice versa. At one end of the island is a snack area, distinguished by a three-centimetre-thick slab of Pietra D’Iseo engineered stone in a tone-on-tone warm grey called Ceppo. Larder cabinetry is available in several warm hues, with and without durable Stopsol glass doors.
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DESIGN • HOME IN CANADA • KITCHEN & BATH 2019
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The over-all sleekness of the cabinetry design is emphasized by recessed handle grips conveniently positioned horizontally in the base units and vertically in the tall units. Base units are a comfortable 80 centimetres high, set on a seven-centimetre-high plinth. Style and functionality: they’re two ingredients to satisfy the chef in anyone, professional and amateur alike.
Find a Scavolini dealer at: www.scavolini.design/Company/Search_dealers
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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017
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THE KITCHEN ISSUE
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BUYERS’ GUIDE
BRINGING THE BEACH HOME Toronto Interior Design Group Inc. www.tidg.ca 416-927-8744
SMALL ADDITION; HUGE IMPROVEMENT Men at Work Design Build www.menatwork.ca 416-763-0763
LIGHT THE WAY Barroso Homes www.barrosohomes.com 416-723-9984
Merlo Woodworking www.merlowoodworking.com 416-748-5429
ALL IN THE FAMILY House of Design by Erica Gelman www.house-of-design.ca 905-886-9008 COURSES IN THE KITCHEN Faema Culinary Academy www.faema.ca 416-535-1555 INTERPRETING THEIR DESIRES Hicks Design Studio www.hicksdesignstudio.ca 905-339-1212 DESIGNING DUO Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry www.bloomsburydesign.com 905-853-7700 Vanessa Ferro Design www.vanessaferrodesign.com 416-953-5175 SINGIN’ THE [HAPPY] BLUES Square Footage Inc. www.squarefootageinc.com 905-427-4441 Miralis www.miralis.com 418-723-6686 ~ 866-623-6686 PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Soda Pop Design Inc. www.sodapopdesign.ca
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A SERENDIPITOUS KITCHEN RENO KF Design www.kfdesign.ca 416-602-9492 Swartz & Co. www.swartzandco.ca 647-637-3894 ~ 416-859-4280 BLUE AND BLACK, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Maison Interiors www.maisoninteriors.ca 647-938-2756
Céragrès www.ceragres.ca FULL STEAM AHEAD elena del bucchia DESIGN www.edbdesign.ca 403-605-2865 RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Cook Culture www.cookculture.com Prairie Boy Bread www.prairieboyfarms.wordpress.com 416-531-1211 The Depanneur www.thedepanneur.ca 416-828-1990 FUNCTIONAL AND FABULOUS FOCAL WALLS Ciot www.ciot.com
BRIGHT, FUNCTIONAL AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY Wanda Ely Architect www.wandaelyarchitect.com 647-889-3984
VIRTUAL DESIGN Fleurco www.fleurco.com
NEW AND IMPROVED Yorkville Design Centre www.yorkvilledesigncentre.ca 416-922-6620
RECLAIMING MID-CENTURY DESIGN Mango Design Co. www.mangodesignco.ca 604-875-1730
FROM DOWN-AT-HEEL TO DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS South Hill Interiors www.southhillinteriors.com 416-970-1703
TASTEFUL DESIGN Space Harmony www.spaceharmony.ca 604-500-0120
ISLAND PARADISE Square Footage Inc. www.squarefootageinc.com 905-427-4441 AWKWARD NO MORE Square Footage Inc. www.squarefootageinc.com 905-427-4441
M8 www.m8yvr.com 604-620-9586 PRO-CALIBRE CUISINE Scavolini www.scavolinitoronto.com
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NEXT ISSUE
Dust off the cobwebs; haul out the barbecue. It’s time to move outdoors again to enjoy Canada’s glorious spring weather. Let us show you how to make best use of your outdoor space and how to create the perfect outdoor room if that’s on your 2019 wish list. We’ll also have plenty of spectacular spring-ready indoor rooms to provide you with inspiration. Plus, we pay special tribute to internationally renowned artist Chaki. Don’t miss the spring issue of Home in Canada - Toronto.
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