Toronto Home - Autumn 2017

DOWNSIZING TO A CONDO DESIGNER JANE LOCKHART CREATES A HOME FOR EMPTY-NESTERS

MAISON & OBJET At the iconic design show in Paris BATHROOM TRENDS The latest in design and fixtures

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EDITOR’S LETTER

MAISON & OBJET PARIS IS ONE OF the most influential design shows in Europe. Held twice annually – in September and January – at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, the show’s vast scale ensures that it’s impossible for visitors to take in all of the exhibits during its five-day run.

Some 3,000 exhibitors display their wares at Maison & Objet in an exhibition centre that measures a whopping 246,000 square metres. Everything you can imagine that impacts the way we live and design our homes is on display there.

Our associate publisher, Sharon Azrieli, f lew to Paris to give us a close-up view of this fascinating event. A word of advice from Sharon to anyone planning to take in the show next January: Pack comfortable walking shoes. If you own one of those useful self-balancing scooters, even better!

Also in this issue, we take you into an elegant condo designed by Toronto designer Jane Lockhart for an empty-nest couple, who had downsized from a larger single-family home.

Jane configured the space to ensure that her clients would not feel the “down” part of “downsizing.” In fact, the homeowners say, their living space is perfect, thanks to their designer. Read their story on page 76.

The phenomenon of baby boomers downsizing into condominiums from larger single-family homes is a demographic phenomenon that will continue for years to come. While many homeowners who downsize their living space worry that they will miss the joy of having a garden, one Toronto couple discovered that by moving into a bungalow, they could have a garden with a single-level, condo-like home. And what a garden! Landscape design company Earth Inc. created a sleek, contemporary outdoor space that satisfies the owners’ lifestyle and need for natural beauty without being a maintenance burden. We show you that elegant landscape on page 100.

We also take our annual look at a room that seems to be in a state of constant evolution: the bathroom. No longer the forgotten, utilitarian room in the house, the bathroom is now highly designed with lifestyle elements (think spa showers) and aesthetic materials – unusual tiles, vanities, faucets. I often wonder how much further we could go with bathroom design until I’m delightfully surprised by the interesting products and ideas that come to market every year. Writer Susan Kelly tells us all about bathroom design trends on page 134.

I hope you’ll derive as much enjoyment reading this issue as our team has had producing it.

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

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

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‘The most enduring legacies ‘The most enduring legacies a re bor n of the most colour f ul lives’ a re bor n of the most colour f ul lives’

A LIFE IN COLOUR A LIFE IN COLOUR

38 AVENUE ROAD, TORONTO • 416 921 9200 • KNAR.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

SUSAN KELLY “You might say freedom of expression was the unifying theme,” writer Susan Kelly says of her assignments for this issue. A frequent contributor to Toronto Home who specializes in writing about style and decor, Susan talked to industry experts about trends in bathroom design. The verdict: look for bold new statements and some surprising developments as we head into 2018. She also profiled the home of interior designer Lorraine Franklin, who took a highly sophisticated but also original and eclectic approach to designing it.

JULIE GEDEON Forget clothes! Writer Julie Gedeon finds herself most often pulling out her credit cards at bookshops and garden centres. Always delighted by new plants, Julie was particularly interested in the perennials that landscape designer Kennedy McRae selected for a Toronto condo terrace garden with unfavourable growing conditions. In researching a story about the garden for this issue, she also learned the importance of considering the wind-bearing weight of outdoor structures.

LARRY ARNAL For this issue, photographer Larry Arnal turned his camera on a Markham condominium designed by Jane Lockhart. The condo is the home of an empty-nest couple who were originally concerned about downsizing but were delighted when their designer maximized the use of every square foot of their new home. “It’s always a pleasure to work with talented designers such as Jane Lockhart,” Larry says. “And it was great to photograph the luxury condominium she designed.”

Volume 7, Number 4, Autumn Issue 2017 Date of Issue: September, 2017

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

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PUBLISHER Leah Lipkowitz ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sharon Azrieli

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne EDITORIAL MANAGER Tracey MacKenzie ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Carmen Lefebvre CONTRIBUTORS Tracey Arial

OPERATIONS MANAGER Lynn Tremblay PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper DIGITAL MARKETING Karine Bellisha ACCOUNTING Jenny Marques DIRECTOR OF SALES Kelly Chicoine

Julie Gedeon Susan Kelly Heather Pengelley PHOTOGRAPHY Larry Arnal

SALES EXECUTIVE Joanne Mayoff COLLECTIONS Trudy Kerman

Paul Grdina Brenda Liu Jeff McNeill Valerie Wilcox

LEGAL DEPOSIT issn

1927-324x Toronto Home

Magazine Inc. 2017.

All rights reserved. Any copying or

STYLING Lorraine Franklin Jane Lockhart Lisa Maida Kennedy McRae

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reproduction of content without the written permission of Toronto Home Magazine is strictly prohibited.

A C C E N T S O N N AV Y

FURNITURE & DESIGN 8 Brock Road, Guelph 519.822.2929 Visit us at our New Location October 2017 85 Navy Street, Oakville 905.849.8537 accentsforliving.ca

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CONTENTS

76 ON THE COVER THE UPSIDE TO DOWNSIZING Designer Jane Lockhart designs the perfect condo in Markham for an empty-nest couple

MAGIC IN MISSISSAUGA

A builder refers to his transformative upgrade of a four-bedroom house as “a miracle”

90

LIKE A VICTORIAN BATHTUB, ONLY LIGHTER

Creating lightweight 19th century-style bathtubs has made Victoria + Albert a global success

56

110 THE UPTOWN BEACH TOWN This hotel in Miami Beach’s Surfside area is a restful spot away from the hubbub

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everlasting trends marble stone granite onyx ceramic quartz mosaic montreal quebec brossard toronto vaughan mississauga detroit new york ciot.com

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CONTENTS

116 RECLAIM, REUSE AND RECYCLE

A builder salvages wood from a house he demolishes and integrates it into his own home

14 EDITOR’S LETTER 22 THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home

38 DOING IT FOR THOSE SHE LOVES Designer Lorraine Franklin creates the perfect home for her own family

100

48 LOOK UP, WAY UP A large condo garden on a high-rise building’s terrace is a serene retreat from the city

CONDO LIFE WITH A GARDEN

60 EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN Maison & Objet is one of the most significant design shows in Europe

An empty-nest couple downsize to a bungalow and give it a spectacular landscape design

88 ADDED APPEAL Custom closets can be an investment in a home’s value

126 REKINDLE THE AFFECTION Once-loved but now-forgotten old jewelry can be given new life

128 COME ON IN The Thompson Hotel is a draw for out-oftown celebrities and neighbourhood locals alike

134 CREATIVITY IN BATHROOM DESIGN Homeowners are opting for bold colours, textures and materials in the bathroom

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LIFE IMITATES ART Monica Nudelman’s art is inextricably bound to her life

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In Select Stores Across Canada and USA 1168 Caledonia Road Toronto North of Castlefield Avenue 416-532-2891 barrymorefurniture.com Handmade in Toronto

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DESIGN

1. TERRIFIC TUB ——— The Loom tub by Knief has

Canaroma Bath & Tile

an elegant form and ample

7979 Weston Rd, Vaughan, ON

space, which is sure to make

905-856-7979

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extraordinary one. High-quality design combined with less weight enables this bathtub to fit just about anywhere.

2

1 3

3. ELEGANT ÉTAGÈRE ——— This lovely pewter and brass étagère from Century Furniture will add a level of refinement to any room. Perfect for displaying your most prized possessions and collectibles.

——— Creative Avenues 378 Fairlawn Ave., Toronto 416-783-0220 www.creative-avenues.ca

2. SENSATIONAL SECTIONAL ——— The Donna slipcover sectional offers the perfect place for some welldeserved R & R (wine not included). Elegant with a relaxed feel, this sectional is perfect for both the living room and family room. Dress it up with some cushions and a throw and you’re good to go. Reverse configuration is also available.

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

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Runtal Runtal Family Family of of Heating Heating Products Products Runtal Runtal offers offers an array an array of radiator of radiator designs designs for hot for hot water, water, steam steam andand electric electric heating heating systems. systems.

PA N PE AL N ERLA D R IA A DTIA TS OR ORS

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Electric Electric Baseboard Baseboard

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The TheFine Fine Art Artof of Radiators Radiators Our Our Toronto Toronto Showroom Showroom is located is located at: 2861 at: 2861 Sherwood Sherwood Heights Heights Drive,Drive, Unit 21 Unit in 21 Oakville, in Oakville, Ontario Ontario Hours:Hours: M-F M-F 9-5 or 9-5 by or appointment. by appointment.

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Tel: 905-829-4943.

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DESIGN

1. LIGHTEN UP ——— Light up your life with this two-tier crackle-glass Liaison chandelier. It can be installed in any room for a touch of elegance and beautiful light.

——— Union Lighting & Furnishings 1491 Castlefield Ave., Toronto 416-652-2200

2. SUNSET OVER THE THE CITY ———

www.unionlightingandfurnishings.com

Heavens by Allie is part of a collaboration between Weavers Art and OCAD University graduate Allie Gregory. Inspired by the sun setting over Lake Ontario, this vibrant design is an interpretation of the environment within an urban context.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 255 Bass Pro Mill Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com 1 3

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3. ASIAN INFLUENCE ———

4. A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND ———

The Edvard dining table is made of American walnut with a powder-

Wear this 14kt yellow gold diamond-studded choker

coated black metal base. Available in many sizes and finishes with

with an open blouse or your little black dress for

either a straight or live edge tabletop, this dining table is sure to add

a touch of understated elegance. At home in any

an element of modern rustic charm to your home.

milieu, this choker is sure to please.

———

———

Decorium

Mark Lash

363 Supertest Rd., North York ~ 416-736-6120

480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229

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

9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229

www.decorium.com

www.marklash.com

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DESIGN

2. MODERN AND MULTI-COLOURED ——— This eye-catching multi-colored Fabergé ring features genuine sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds set in 18kt yellow gold. Modern and versatile, this ring is sure to make quite the impression.

——— Knar www.knar.com

1. BLACK BEAUTY ——— This modern and compact bathtub bestows dark sophistication on a bathroom. Perfect for spaces big and small, the Vetralla line features sleek design and comes in two sizes.

——— Victoria + Albert www.vandabaths.com/can/americas 1 3

2 4

3. ACRYLIC ACCENT ——— Century Furniture’s Christian accent table, designed by Pride Sasser, combines a minimalist aesthetic with a practical design. The acrylic top and metal base with antique bronze finish make it attractive and versatile.

——— Creative Avenues 378 Fairlawn Ave, Toronto 416-783-0220 www.creative-avenues.ca

4. GOOD WOOD ——— The Bespoke Collection from Verona Floors is European white oak engineered hardwood flooring in a select grade. The overall thickness is 14mm. Shown in Ardesia but it’s also available in many other colours.

——— European Flooring 1310 Castlefield Av.e, Toronto 416-967-9200 www.europeanflooring.ca

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DESIGN

1. SLEEK AND SCULPTED ———

2. TURKISH DELIGHT ———

The Vissoni bath faucet from the Guilloche Quatrefoil

These 100 per cent Turkish cotton towels will delight

collection is luxury at its best. Its sculpted, sleek design and

you with their softness and add a touch of luxury to

many finishes will fit in just about any decor.

your bathroom. Available in 10 colors and five sizes.

———

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Canaroma Bath & Tile

Linen Chest

7979 Weston Rd., Vaughan

1-800-363-3832

905-856-7979

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www.canaroma.com 1 3

3. COZY IN CAMELOT ———

4. MAGAZINE MANAGER ———

Handmade construction, distinctive design and colours reminiscent of

Keep your magazines in order with this

the Scottish highlands are the trademarks of this beautiful new Camelot

elegant magazine stand made of stainless

carpet, available from Allan Rug Co. May be ordered in both wall to

steel with brass accents.

wall and area rug formats. Available in sand, pewter, blue, brown and

———

light grey.

Import Temptations Inc.

———

188 Bentworth Ave., Toronto

Allan Rug Co.

416-256-3150

103 Miranda Ave, Toronto

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416-787-1707 www.allanrug.com

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DESIGN

1. HOOP DREAMS ———

2. CLASSIC CUBES ———

Hoops are always in style and these frontward facing ones are

The centrally located clear-glass cube is the focal point of this iconic

no exception. Made of 14kt yellow gold with 0.62ct diamonds,

pendant light. Perfect as a statement piece for your hall or foyer, this

they make the perfect gift.

geometric piece with a vintage vibe will fit right in.

———

———

Mark Lash

Union Lighting & Furnishings

480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229

1491 Castlefield Ave., Toronto

9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229

416-652-2200

www.marklash.com

www.unionlightingandfurnishings.com 1 3

2 4

3. SAFE AND SOUND ——— Fully customizable, the Control4 premium all-in-one home automation system enables you to easily control every aspect of your home. From lights to climate control, music to security, whether you’re at home or miles away, you are the master of your domain.

——— Trutone Electronics 980 Dundas St. E., Mississauga 844-980-3838 www.trutone.ca

4. FAB FLOOR ——— The Atelier Collection is European white oak engineered hardwood flooring in a rustic grade. The installation method is glue-down and the overall thickness is 16mm. Shown in Raftwood – Grigio Sabbia but it’s available in many colour options.

——— European Flooring 1310 Castlefield Ave., Toronto 416-967-9200 www.europeanflooring.ca

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So beautiful, you may never leave the room again.

Since 1963, Binns kitchen + bath design has been creating rooms of distinction and functionality that are a seamless blend of high style and world-renowned quality featuring the world’s leading brands.

And now that we’re celebrating our 50th Anniversary that commitment has never been stronger. From design to completed construction, and everything in between, a Binns kitchen and bath is a better kitchen and bath.

C E L E B R AT I N G

50 Y E A R S Toronto 1055 Bay Street, 416.286.2222 Pickering 333 Kingston Road, 905.509.5555

www.binns.net

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DESIGN

1. HANGING IN ——— The new wood XL doublehung window by Lepage Millwork has a highperforming balance system with an extra large sash. The with an all-wood jamb is

2. BRILLIANTLY BOLD ———

sure to exceed even the most

The dramatic “Centre of My Universe” necklace, set with

discerning expectations.

authentic Forevermark diamonds in 18kt white gold is sure to

———

become your preferred piece. Bold and brilliant, this piece will

Chateau Windows & Door Systems

elevate the simplest of outfits.

90 Tycos Dr., Suite 1, Toronto

———

416-783-3916

Knar

www.chateauwindows.com

www.knar.com

elegant design combined

1 3

2 4

3. MINIMALIST MASTERPIECE ——— Elongated metal candlesticks with an exposed carbon-filament bulb are mounted onto wide black arms to create this modern and minimalist chandelier. Reminiscent of the traditional, this chandelier will add a touch of modern sophistication to your home.

——— Litemode 8355 Jane St., Unit 2, Vaughan 905-738-8889 www.litemode.ca

4. DOWN TO EARTH ——— The Terra Collection is European ash engineered hardwood flooring with a sanded finish. The overall thickness is 14mm. We show it in Ash Canyon but it’s available in many other colours.

——— European Flooring 1310 Castlefield Ave., Toronto 416-967-9200 www.europeanflooring.ca

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DESIGN

1. THE EGG AND I ——— Inspired by the original jewelled masterpieces, this beautiful guilloche enamel and diamond gold from Fabergé’s Heritage

2. MARBLE MARVEL ———

Collection is as timeless as it

Marble by Rachel is a rug that is part of a collaboration between Weavers

is elegant.

Art and OCAD University graduate Rachel Babineau. Originally painted,

———

it was digitally refined by the artist. Made with the finest quality wool

Knar

and silk, this rug is custom-made in Nepal by an expert team of weavers.

www.knar.com

———

pendant set in 18kt yellow

Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 255 Bass Pro Mill Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com 1 3

2 4

4. YOU’RE GETTING WARM ——— The Neptune towel radiator is a welcome edition to any bathroom. Perfect for warming towels during the winter months, this new stainless steel radiator is available in both electric and hydronic (hot water heating) models.

——— Runtal 2861 Sherwood Heights Dr., Oakville 905-829-4941 www.runtalnorthamerica.com

3. CRYSTAL CLUSTER ——— Modern design meets energy-efficiency in the Glacier LED chandelier. A polished nickel band surrounds vertically clustered crystals that emit a rainbow of colours once lit.

——— Royal Lighting 1545 Avenue Rd., North York 416-782-1129 www.royallighting.com

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

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2. CROWN OF DIAMONDS ———

1. COOL COOKWARE ———

White diamond-shaped marble is surrounded by brass in this hanging

Le Gourmet dinnerware is made of durable stoneware and has

light fixture. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your

a heat-resistant finish. Oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe,

bedroom or boudoir without being pretentious.

this cookware is as versatile as it is practical.

———

———

Union Lighting & Furnishings

Linen Chest

1491 Castlefield Ave., Toronto

1-800-363-3832

416-652-2200 www.unionlightingandfurnishings.com

www.linenchest.com 1 3

2 4

3. WEAR IT ANYWHERE ———

4. DOODLE PAD ———

Two diamond-studded 14kt yellow gold bands support the

Doodle by Mudassir is part of a collaboration between Weavers Art and

centrally suspended baguette diamonds in this versatile ring.

OCAD University graduate Mudassir Mohammed. The modern design

Perfect for a casual lunch with friends or paired with an

incorporates both organic and geometric shapes to create a sense of

evening dress, this ring can go anywhere.

movement and depth in this rug, which is woven in wool and silk.

———

———

Mark Lash

Weavers Art

480 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto ~ 416-256-5229

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

9033 Leslie St., Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229

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

www.marklash.com

255 Bass Pro Mill Dr., Vaughan ~ 905-660-7929 www.weaversart.com

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t rn this baby on

Great homes start with . North America’s largest lighting showroom, Union, now offers an exquisite array of furniture, lighting fixtures, designer inspired drapery, quality mattresses and a new outdoor patio gallery. Visit our newly expanded showroom today and experience our “Total Home” collection. www.unionlf.com

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L I G H T I N G

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P A T I O

DESIGN

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DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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A LIGHT TOUCH In creating her own home, designer Lorraine Franklin opted for light-bathed interiors

BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX STYLING: LORRAINE FRANKLIN

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DESIGN

Designer Lorraine Franklin was adamant that no ornamentation should obstruct the sightlines on the main floor. The exception is the sculptural bronze limited-edition chandelier that hangs over a refurbished Regency-style dining table and chairs. Chandelier: Oracle by Australian designer Christopher Boots.

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DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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The living room typifies the deft design hand used to make an eclectic mix of European modern and antique furniture blend with traditional African elements. Sofa: Barbara Barry; tribal-pattern rug: Elte; leather bench:

“LET THERE BE LIGHT” was the prime directive in the design of this newly built home in the recherché Lawrence Park area of Toronto.

Interior designer Lorraine Franklin envisaged a potential dream home to share with her husband on the wonderfully spacious 70-by-220-foot lot. “I could just see a modern structure with a view of a beautiful garden from every room,” Lorraine says.

Light-filled interiors have become a specialty for the owner of Lorraine Franklin Designs, who for some 20 years has created stylish homes for Torontonians. For her own home, she called upon Nelson Kwong and Neal Prabhu of the architecture firm, nkA, colleagues whom she believes are on the same design wavelength. The look she was after was decidedly contemporary, but also on a human scale and easy to live with à la such classic modernists as Frank Lloyd Wright.

Mies van der Rohe; wooden stools: traditional African milking stools; armoire and mirror: Neo-classical Empire style reproduction designed by Lorraine Franklin.

It was also important to have room to accommodate visits from the couple’s three young adult children – who range in age from 27 to 32 – and their grandchild, plus any future offspring. The blueprints called for four bedrooms and a studio on the upper floors, living areas on the main, and more than a total of 5,000 square feet.

“I don’t find it big at all, because it’s not a rambling house,” Lorraine says. “My mandate for them (nkA) was to have completely uncluttered sight lines between the rooms.”

It’s that connectedness that is all-important in getting a spacious look that’s also welcoming in any home, she adds. •

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DESIGN

“I’m not afraid to mix antiques with folk pieces or modern elements.”

Wood accents add design interest in the master bedroom. Above, a seamless sweep of walnut veneer is used in a headboard and integrated floating night tables. (Opposite) The Victorian demilune table is paired with an unsigned modern painting and a recycled wire sculpture made by a Cape Town street artist.

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The designer grew up in a sunnier country, South Africa, which may be why light is the first thing that strikes the eye upon entering the home. An interior light well with an imposing modern sculpture ensures that the two upper floors of the home and even the basement are flooded with natural light. Nor does the drama end over the threshold. The light-filled entrance, clad in French limestone floor tiles, opens to engaging views of the main floor with its living, dining and family rooms and the kitchen. A soothing white-and-grey colour palette unifies all, as does the straight-edge white oak hardwood f looring, which was hand-finished onsite using a stain that the designer had custom-mixed.

A dropped ceiling canopy was added over the living room to help define the space and create a sense of intimacy. The room typifies Lorraine’s decorating approach for the home: a sofa by iconic California designer Barbara Barry sits beside a Knoll table and across from a Mies van der Rohe leather bench. There are also some antique African milking stools gleaned on a trip back home and a massive armoire in an out-of-context European neo-classical Empire style, a reproduction she had custom-made. “I’m not afraid to mix antiques with folk pieces or modern elements,” she says. “It’s the scale and proportion that are important.” •

DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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DESIGN

The kitchen is purely contemporary. Its back wall is covered in a panel of grey- painted glass. Against it, the cabinets, in a high-gloss white lacquer finish, have flat-panel fronts, and are hardware-free with touch-release latches. A downdraft range hood rises up on the island when the cooktop is in use. Lorraine wanted no dropped hood or pendant lights to obstruct either the clean look or view of the garden. The other side of the 14-foot quartz-topped island has room for counter stools and a walnut table that pulls out to create a breakfast nook or extra serving area.

“I love using surfaces and mirrors to reflect even more light into interiors I design,� says designer Lorraine Franklin. In the kitchen, she used a lightdiffusing back-painted glass for the backsplash and a high-gloss lacquer finish on the cabinetry.

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DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

In the master bathroom, the striking black and white pattern of the large-scale Calacatta marble tiles provides a dramatic backdrop for the graceful freestanding tub.

Bathtub: MTI Boutique Collection.

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The home is essentially divided into quadrants, one of which is devoted to the master suite. Here, the designer aimed to create “a very luxurious private sanctuary. When things get tough, we tend to head to the bedroom, so it’s important.” For the bedroom, Lorraine commissioned a dramatic walnut headboard that sweeps across the wall with floating vanities attached. Window coverings and accessories are discreet to the point of invisible; only a pale grey Italian-design suspension light hovers overhead.

A passageway lined with doors concealing a big walk-in closet leads to the master bath, beyond which lies a private balcony. There is a chic and sculptural freestanding tub, but the couple mostly use the shower with

its steam function, recessed body jets and oversized rain showerhead. For added luxury, the shower walls and vanity counters are all of Calacatta marble. There is also a wall-mounted television, a concession to her husband’s tastes.

As with her children, Lorraine doesn’t play favourites when it comes to rooms in the house. She does spend a lot of time in her studio, perched on the mezzanine above the dining room. But she also enjoys sitting in the living or family room and being able to see every corner of the home. And to welcome her children and grandson when they visit.

“My home is a hub for the family,” she says.

“Everyone gravitates towards it.” •

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LANDSCAPE

A PEACEFUL LANDSCAPE ABOVE THE CITYSCAPE The garden terrace of a downtown condominium is a serene escape from the urban hubbub

BY JULIE GEDEON PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA LIU STYLING: KENNEDY MCRAE

THE DESIGN OF A NEW GARDEN TERRACE in a downtown Toronto condominium was influenced by the building’s sharp architectural lines.

“We made the arbour minimalist but angular in keeping with the building’s linear style,” says Kennedy McRae, project designer and a co-owner of Earth Inc., the company that created the space. “The cedar – which we used for all of the wood elements – will grey over time to match the building’s concrete surfaces.”

The terrace is connected to a condominium that is located in the lowest third of the the highrise building. It measures a spacious 25 by 25 feet. •

The arbour is secured to the planters rather than the building to prevent damage to the condominium’s exterior. The cedar structure provides a convenient way to downlight the space.

Umbrella, teak table, and chairs: InsideOut Patio Furniture.

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The horizontal lines of the cedar arbour and benches complement the building’s linear style and will grey over time to match the concrete elements.

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The landscape designer chose globe thistle (Echinops), pink yarrow (Achillia millefolium), and other tall, hardy perennials for their vertical impact, long bloom, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions eight storeys up.

Earth Inc. divided the space into distinct areas for barbecuing, dining and lounging without obstructing the outermost sightlines. “I never put any plants along the periphery because the planters would have to be a minimum of 42 inches high for safety reasons, and I really don’t like anything in the way of people standing or sitting right at the railings to enjoy the fullest possible views,” McRae says.

By using tall perennials, he created distinct zones without having to worry about the wind load associated with actual wall dividers.

Lilac-coloured hyssop (Agastache), globe thistles (Echinops), pink yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and purple coneflower (Echinacea), along with lime grasses, create vertical interest. Their slight wildness softens the strict lines of the building and arbour. “While each variety makes a nice impact within its own planted section, the overall looseness provides a feminine quality and balance to a predominantly masculine-oriented space,” McRae says. •

(Right) Hyssop (Agastache) has a licorice scent and is a favourite of hummingbirds.

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LANDSCAPE

Somewhat wild-looking perennials and the pebbled spaces between the cement tiles soften the architectural angles.

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He selected perennials that flower for a long time but are able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including a cutleaf staghorn, a small variety of sumac.

McRae opted for galvanized steel planters to support the arbour structure because of the strength they offer. “The steel is also similar in appearance to the frosted glass panel between this condo and the one adjacent to it,” he adds.

The patio is further delineated by the dark pebbles between slightly spaced concrete slabs. “The beach stones open up the area a bit to make it feel like you’re crossing over a bridge from one area to another,” McRae says.

“I always advise clients on a limited budget to spend their money on the vertical interests that will make the biggest impact,” he says.

“They’re as important as the art that we hang up inside our homes and, if done right, no one will notice a plainer walkway or planters.” •

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The plantings are kept away from the terrace’s edges to permit people to fully use the patio’s periphery. Lounge chairs: Andrew Richard Designs.

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Inspire…Create…Perform

Please visit our new Showroom: 90 Tycos Dr., Suite #1 Toronto, ON M6B 1V9 416.783.3916 | chateauwindows.com

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DESIGN

VICTORIANA SIMPLIFIED

Improving on the traditional claw foot tub spawned the global success of Victoria + Albert

BY TRACEY ARIAL

WHILE TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA IN THE EARLY 1990S, entrepreneur Chris Davies met with two brothers who were engineering ornamental pieces from an unusual white rock. He wondered whether it could be used to replace the heavy cast iron in his British bathtub.

In 1996, Davies sent his heavy Victorian-era claw-foot tub to a small manufacturing plant near the wine-growing region of Cape Town. He wanted to know if it could be reproduced with the white rock material. A

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few months later, he had his answer. Chemists had helped combine the white rock – ground Volcanic Limestone – with resins to create a new composite material called ENGLISHCAST, and it had the rigidity required to create a replica tub.

“These reproductions looked almost exactly the same as the cast iron originals but had many of the benefits of the composite material,” says Jonathan Carter, marketing director of the Shropshire-based Victoria + Albert

Baths Ltd. “They were lighter, white and easy to ship. They didn’t have an analogous finish so they couldn’t chip, crack, craze or chemically mat off. They felt beautiful. Really at the time, there wasn’t anything particularly like them.”

The newly founded company shipped a 20-foot container of replica bathtubs to a United Kingdom trade show and sold out on the first day.

For the next eight years, the fast-growing company created additional models in two different directions: traditional and modern.

They created a new transitional line by modifying traditional replicas, hiding the drains, changing the sizes or making them easier to install. They also began experimenting with contemporary design and unusual shapes.

“We got a bit more dramatic,” says Carter.

“We got rid of the rim altogether. We maybe got rid of the plinths and made a one-piece bath going all the way to the floor. The cast material is fantastic and really allows our creativity to be realized. We can cast straight edges. We can cast complex curves. We can cast different thicknesses so it can maybe have a really chunky thick rim going to a very thin edge or maybe some thinner shapes with crisp edges.”

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Today, the company offers 29 bathtub models, all backed by a 25-year consumer and eight-year commercial guarantee. It also produces basins, sinks and furniture, such as a hardwood washstand or vanity unit with an ENGLISHCAST top. As of last May, Victoria + Albert had added six colours to their iconic glossy white finish: gloss black, anthracite, stone grey, light grey, matte black and matte white.

Some of the company’s models have changed the common understanding of what might be possible in small bathrooms. “We’ve been quite successful on the condo side,” says Carter. “Reducing the footprint of the bath can make small spaces work really well because you’re revealing the floor and wall space, which would otherwise be boxed in by a frame or a shroud or some sort of panel.

We’ve had a lot of success with models like our small ios bath, and our compact Shropshire, both 60 inches long, that you can fit into very small spaces.”

In 2004, the growth of the market necessitated the company opening a warehouse in South Carolina. A few months later, a Canadian company was set up to meet the demand for Victoria + Albert’s products.

The company now has 600 distributors across the country, all serviced by a warehouse in Mississauga. •

Victoria + Albert www.vandabaths.com/can/americas

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DESIGN

FIFTY THOUSAND SHADES OF GREY The best of European design is featured at Maison & Objet Paris

BY SHARON AZRIELI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sharon Azrieli at the Christian Dior show in Paris.

UPON MY RECENT VISIT TO MAISON & OBJET PARIS, one of Europe’s premier design shows, I found that it required much more than just a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Yes, I needed those shoes in the vast exhibition space; one hall alone of the eight measured 120,000 square metres. But anyone attending the event would also need an almost-superhuman ability to focus, to screen out the superfluous in order to parse through the many exhibits.

Three-thousand exhibitors show their wares at Maison & Objet. It’s staged twice annually – in September and January – at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, which is comprised of eight halls covering 246,000 square metres.

The center, which opened in 1982, is near the Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is served by free buses that transport visitors from the centre of Paris.

Within the exhibition space itself, there seems to be an infinite amount: the latest in decor, design, furnishings, accessories, textiles, rugs, tableware. In other words, all of the things that make our lives so rich. But the space is so vast, one couldn’t take it all in, not even if one were on horseback or on a scooter.

And I did see many people on scooters.

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My UP! band told me I walked more than 70,000 steps during my three days at the Maison & Objet show. Once I had acclimatized myself to the sheer magnitude and scope of the event, I was able to find some superb exhibits.

If there was a theme that was obvious from the get-go, it was the fact that the colour grey continues to dominate furniture. It looks as if the trend of grey as the go-to colour will continue. In my 70,000 steps, I saw 50,000 shades of grey. Yes, here and there, there was a teal chair, a turquoise couch and even the odd red sofa, but may I suggest, oh dear designers, that you consider blush or taupe for your new neutral?

As a designer myself who loves rich, saturated colour, I found it a challenge to hunt down vibrant hues in anything other than accessories … until I happened upon the work of Ana Roque from Portugal. One of the company’s chairs featured curvy lines, yummy blue and green fabric – velour and velvet – brass fittings, unobtrusive legs and a very broad seat.

I also loved the JNL collection from Belgium with its curvaceous, feminine-shaped sofa, upholstered in a tweedy wool, reminiscent of a suit from the 1930s.

Jonathan Adler

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Ana Roque

Ana Roque

JNL collection

Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler

Imagine my delight and palpable relief when, on the final day of the show, I saw the booth of my favourite designer in the world: Jonathan Adler. Jonathan, thank goodness, is a designer who has no fear of colour.

I sank down gratefully into a turquoise chair and looked at magnif icent cookie jars labeled with various pharmaceuticals. And this brings me to another element of this incredible show, where half of the 3,000 exhibitors were displaying tableware, cutlery, glassware. You could die from the dishes.

I haven’t seen so many dishes since the last time I got married! •

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DESIGN

However, one designer stood out for the simple beauty of her table settings: Claudia Barbari. I was smitten with her tables, decorated with little gold-coloured birds. But then, I love all things gold.

There was also a lot to love about CNB Oriental, a company that specializes in exquisite and delicate Japanese-inspired tableware.

CNB began as a small store in Amsterdam in the 1970s, and is now a global wholesale concern that supplies homes, restaurants and healthcare.

Across the aisle from Barbari’s display was the Aynhoe Park Collection. Aynhoe Park is the British 17th century home of James Perkins, who has a collection of curiosities from those who did grand tours in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ostrich feather lamps with their brass bases are definitely curiosities.

Aynhoe Park Collection

The ostrich feathers come in four different colours, so the light changes with the colour of the feathers and they waft with the breeze.

The feathers sprout from atop spindly brass stems. Think Dr. Seuss meets Downton Abbey in Horton Hears a Who. However, Horton has to wear white gloves.

On a much more serious note, if you are ever to be very cold in the Alps, you would want a blanket made by Monsieur Arpin.

This Swiss company specializes in a broad

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CNB Oriental

Clauia Barbari

Monsieur Arpin

array of products from bags and outerwear to cushions and bedspreads. Its blankets rival our own iconic Hudson’s Bay variety.

There was one exhibit that all of my friends will consider very important: the collection of pet furniture from Netherlands-based Lord Lou. I was particularly enamoured of the Antoinette dog bed with its plush cushion and Louis XIV legs and I know my dogs would be, too.

Lord Lou

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As Portugal continues to make its presence felt in the global design market, the country’s offerings were very much in evidence at Maison & Objet. Branco sobre Branco, the Lisbon-based company of designers Paula Laranjo and Vera Moreira, is behind some very distinctive furniture, including a boxy sea-foam-coloured sofa and swivel tub chairs.

Portugal is also the country that is home to Royal Stranger, whose unusual honeycomb cabinets invite touch. Covered in hexagonal lacquered wood tiles, the cabinets are practical, yes, but oh-so lovely to behold. These very ornamental pieces must be custom-ordered.

Royal Stanger

Maison Images d’Épinal Regia Style

Jacob Delafon

Maison & Objet is a feast for the senses.

And nothing I saw or touched rivaled the sheer sensuousness of the marble bathtub from Jacob Delafon, producer of high-end bathroom fixtures. The feel of the solid marble bathtub was akin to solid silk. I have rarely felt anything so sexy in all my life. It takes 200 hours of labour to create this masterpiece and, not surprisingly, it, too, is a special-order item. I suppose it’s typical of me to fall in love with the most expensive item at the event.

Maison Images d’Épinal was established in 1796 and boasts thousands of images, created from wood engravings and lithographic stones.

The company produces posters, stationery, cards and tableware, inspired by its history.

And because I love the design of the 18th century, I was captivated and deeply impressed by the craftsmanship of Regia Style, which specializes in ornate wood furnishings, doors and accessories. They were atypical among the exhibitors, most of which specialize in modern and contemporary offerings.

There was something for everyone at Maison & Objet and I must express my admiration for the organizational feat that it is. I thank the organizers for inviting me.

The next M & O show will take place January 19 - 23, 2018. If you plan to go, pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. That is, if you cannot find a horse or a scooter. •

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Beautiful Lighting. Designer Brands. Expert Advice.

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ART

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ART TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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OF ART AND LIFE

The paintings of Monica Nudelman reflect the artist’s new life in Canada

DOES ART IMITATE LIFE? Or, is life – with all its subtle shades, shimmering moments and bold stokes – reflected in art? Monica Nudelman will have to get back to you for the answer.

She’s still creating both – her art and a new life. The two are shaped, in many ways, by the same influences.

Nudelman is an artist living in North Vancouver with her two daughters, ages 19 and 16. Originally from Brazil, she started a new life for herself in this country about a year-and-a-half ago.

“I always loved the country (Canada) and wanted opportunity for my girls and me,” she says. “You have a wonderful country. People are so polite. Everyone is respectful. I feel very happy here.”

One of the reasons she feels at home is the new focus on her second career. She simply has always wanted to be an artist. •

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ART

Nudelman is pleased to say she is now a permanent resident of Canada. She came here to pursue a career, and is now fulfilling that dream, explaining how she could not survive as an artist in her native country, where she studied art at university. “It’s a shame I didn’t have the opportunity when I was young,” she says.

But she is not looking back. The focus is straight ahead to the future.

Her work, which can be best described as contemporary, features bold colours and collage techniques. She works on canvas, wood and furniture.

“I like to explore materials to find something new,” she says, explaining that she often combines elements. “I always transform images into something new. I like to join pieces and make a new scenario.” •

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“When I work, I feel I live; I feel so creative.”

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ART

For her, it’s about giving an image a new context, a new purpose, a new life in a different setting. So is art imitating life for Nudelman? Or is her life inspiring the works she is creating? Again, the answer is not immediately clear.

“I feel that I can transform things that nobody cares about into art,” she says.

In a small studio she has built in her home, Nudelman paints every day. Due to space limitations, she often works on small pieces, but hopes to expand to larger surfaces. She is accustomed to large canvases of sorts, she says, pointing to past commissions, including painting a feature wall for a new hotel.

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Sometimes working with a piece of reclaimed wood or an old window shutter, she looks to start with something established and give it a new direction. “Each piece has a story, a history to tell,” she says. “Like when you see a piece of old wood with a lot of layers of paint, you can imagine how many people painted it.”

Nudelman’s work has been featured in a few exhibits in the Vancouver area, including one at the Britannia Community Centre.

Before coming to Canada, her works were also included in exhibitions in Cannes, Paris and Brazil.

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“I feel complete when I work,” she says, as she attempts to express why her new start in Canada means so much to her. “When I work, I feel I live; I feel so creative.”

The viewer feels the vibrancy in her work, too. “People always say they love the colours I use. The experience I’ve had until now is that my work makes people see something beautiful. I love colours; I love colours and the possibilities you can draw.”

She is talking about her art. But the statement could also apply to her new life. •

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

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A NEW CHAPTER

An empty-nest couple downsize into a well-designed condominium in Markham

BY BRENDA O’FARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: JANE LOCKHART

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DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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EVERY NEW EXPERIENCE IN LIFE is accompanied by a set of lessons. Instructions are not usually included, unfortunately. That’s because many of life’s teachings are plucked from the bin labelled “live and learn.” It’s a place where prices may vary, and returns are not accepted.

But these life lessons don’t always have to be imparted the hard way. Sherri and Patrick O’Hanlon can attest to that. They gleaned a few inspired insights from their experience of transitioning from a large single-family home to an empty-nest condo in Markham, north of Toronto. The main take-away they walked off with: There is a definite upside to downsizing.

It helps, though, if you know what you like, are clear about what you want, and work with a trusted designer.

“There’s a sense of well-being when you can edit things in your life,” says Sherri. “It’s a great feeling when you get to clean out.”

With their three children now on their own, the couple decided to scale back, moving into the top-floor unit of an six-storey condo complex about a year ago. The building was still under construction when they bought, so they opted to combine two units to meet their needs. They ended up with 2,500 square feet that includes two bedrooms and an office.

It is smaller than what they’d had, but still large enough to accommodate family for an overnight visit.

“We got to design the condo ourselves,” Sherri says. To do that they enlisted the help of the professional who had styled their previous home, designer Jane Lockhart.

“I’ve worked with Jane before. We work really well together. She helped make the walls work for me, from flooring to curtains, fabric for the chairs. I really respect what she does. I trust her,” Sherri says. •

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DESIGN

The dark charcoal grey chairs by the corner windows mark one of Sherri’s favourite quiet spots.

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Making the walls work may sound like an odd priority, but an essential one for Sherri who is an avid photographer and who, over the years and with some encouragement, has come to display her work in her home.

Lockhart says the aim was to design a living space that balanced the couple’s needs for entertaining and privacy, and create an ambience that is “modern but warm.”

“We hit that target,” Lockhar t says with confidence.

The designer created areas that serve as private sanctuaries. One is a small reading nook off the kitchen. It is one of Sherri’s favourite spots in the condo, where natural light streams in. “It’s nice and warm,” says the homeowner. I love the chairs there; they don’t have arms.”

Another spot is a sitting area in the master bedroom, where Sherri can spend quiet time.

It has a small fireplace and a sink and counter where she can prepare tea or coffee.

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The seating area in the bedroom has a small fireplace and a sink to accommodate making coffee or tea.

The bedroom itself is spacious and elegant, with a custom-made headboard set within a wall that was given a stylish grey metallic finish. And what’s a master bedroom without a walk-in closet? There is nothing downsized about this space, however.

As Lockhart addresses it: “There is nothing more annoying than being disorganized.” So she made sure her clients had space for everything. That space is appointed with a stately chandelier and under-counter lighting. •

The master bedroom is spacious. The custom-made headboard is built into the wall, which features a textured metallic grey finish and floating nightstands.

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DESIGN

“It’s very easy to be organized with that,” Sherri admits, referring to the space. “It’s a luxury.”

The focal point of the living space is, of course, the open kitchen and living room area. The couple did not want a formal dining room. They had one in their previous home and decided against having another.

“We tend to be pretty casual,” Sherri says.

Instead, Lockhart designed a space for a custom-made live-edge maple-top table that sits perpendicular to the island, which is fitted with a quartz counter.

The custom-made live-edge maple-top table was made in a Mennonite shop north of Toronto. It has a metal base and a custom dark stain.

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A sleek horizontal electric fireplace set in a wall of stone

“We can see the birds fly by, hear people outside, but when you close all the windows, it’s very, very peaceful.”

In the living room, a sleek horizontal electric fireplace set in a wall of stone draws attention. “It’s modern, but it’s very functional,” says Sherri.

Adjusting to life in a condo took a little bit longer for Patrick than it did for her, she says.

But they both enjoy their new living space.

“It’s very organized. The colours are all very comforting and soft.”

framed by custom-built shelves sets the tone in the living room.

She was even surprised by how much she enjoys living on the top f loor of their sixstorey building. “What’s nice about that is we are not too far from the neighbourhood.

We’re at the tree level. We can see the birds fly by, hear people outside, but when you close all the windows, it’s very, very peaceful.” •

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Sherri’s office includes ample storage space and glass-paned doors.

The dark cabinetry in the walk-in closet is offset by the lightcoloured wood flooring and elegant lighting.

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The vanity in the ensuite bathroom features white cabinetry, onyx detailing and large floor tiles.

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She is pleased with the move and how the new living space looks and feels. “It was time to downsize. It was a good decision for us.”

She also enjoys the convenience, especially when they travel. “It’s very nice to turn the key and let the concierge know you will be away.”

As for Lockhart, she looks at it from another perspective. This new home has given the couple a setting for the next chapter of their lives to unfold.

“It’s a really attractive space, but it’s not overdone,” Lockhart says. “It’s modern with a soft edge, a soft feel.

“It’s almost like a Canadian beauty, featuring the same materials that Canada has: stone, wood, the maple table, the finishes – all in a modern context.”•

What appears to be a simple double closet door fronted with mirrors in the entrance is actually a unique feature.

The door on the left opens to reveal a closet, while the door on the right opens to access the laundry room.

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DESIGN

STOW AWAY A well-designed custom closet is a good thing to get hung up on

There was a time when no one paid much attention to closets. They were simply places in which to stow clothing and shoes. Now, the closet is getting a lot more attention and respect. If you’ve decided you want a new walk-in closet, how to do you set about getting it? We asked Lucian Ezman, owner of Komandor Canada, a company that builds custom closets, for his advice.

QUESTION: Lucian, there are many styles of closet.

How does a homeowner choose the best style for his or her home?

ANSWER: Everything starts with the budget and the home. A person with million-dollar tastes should have a closet to match. So if you spent $40,000 on your custom kitchen, consider spending between $4,000 and $8,000 on a custom closet. As for style, the rule of thumb is: traditional closet for a traditional

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home, modern closet for a modern home. We show our clients what’s available: designer colours, products for organizing, hardware, and technology.

Q: What is the difference between a traditional and a modern closet?

A: Let’s exclude the traditional white-shelving-and-rod closet, which is, by definition, the most traditional. In custom-built closets, the traditional versions have crown or fluted moldings, and raised-panel drawers and cabinet fronts. These are rapidly being replaced by modern styles, which I call modern #1, #2 and #3. Modern #1 has the basic features of traditional closets, albeit without such “grandma pieces” as moldings and raised panels. There is also soft-close and full-extension hardware, and Komandor’s patented sliding

shelving, vertical drawer boxes, and accented drawer fronts. Modern #2 is a floor-to-ceiling cabinet-door-front closet, with f lat, super matte, Proform, or acrylic fronts. Clean lines but with various types of accent pieces such as a random book or hat shelf. Modern #3 is what Europeans like to call the wardrobe.

It’s a space in which you could read a book, a peaceful area with a chair, soft-coloured shelving, and LED under-light shelving.

Q: How does a homeowner establish the function a closet will serve?

A: The first thing is to know where you store things so you’ll know where to find them.

Once you know that, your designer knows where to start. A common mistake clients make is to think they will change their habits to suit their “Hollywood perception” of their

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dream closet. For instance, if you have never kept your shoes in your main walk-in closet or main reach-in closet, why do you think you will begin to do that now? Too often, we build shoe shelves from floor to ceiling and the client may use the bottom shelf for shoe boxes or brand new shoes, but they use the main hallway closet or foyer closet for most of their daily shoes. The top shoe shelves become junk storage when the homeowner realizes they don’t want dirty shoes next to their $900 Versace bag or Armani suit. A good closet designer will translate how you store and fold your clothing so you’ll know your custom closet was made just for you.

Q: We know that an updated kitchen is a good investment that creates equity in a home. Is the same true for custom closets?

A: The closet and shelving industry broke the $1,000 barrier, as I call it, in the late 1990s.

That means that a beautiful closet is now expected in a beautiful home. If you do

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not have a showpiece closet in the master bedroom, you will have not only devalued your home but devalued the other pricey features in your home. Many builders have now stopped putting wire shelving in custom homes and prefer to leave them as empty spaces for their clients to custom-finish.

Q: Why are people having custom closets built now more than ever before?

A: The short answer is more clothes and accessories. People can own between $20,000 and $100,000 worth of shoes and clothing that they purchase over a 10-year period. They want to invest in perfectly organized walk-in closets, which can cost as little as $4,000 to install.

Q: Why is wire shelving not enough? What is necessary to create the perfect closet?

A: It’s always great to have that light feeling that we get after cleaning our homes. You can have this feeling all the time if you’re

greeted daily with the hangers, the accessoryand-jewelry drawers, and the sliding tie-andscarf racks, and everything is well-designed.

Clothes can pile up if they’re not in their proper place. If the storage space is easy and great-looking, that’s unlikely to happen.

You’re in your closet at least twice daily; make it worth it.

Q: How are closet designers integrating lighting into custom closets?

A: Under shelves, behind hanger rods, as LED strip lighting, and as puck lighting.

Cables are thin and easy to hide. LED is environmentally friendly. A new feature that we’re seeing is glass shelving with edge lighting. •

Komandor Canada 863 Rangeview Rd., Mississauga 416-251-1880 www.komandor.ca

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FROM OUTDATED TO OUTSTANDING A Mississauga house is transformed into a functional family home PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: LISA MAIDA

ANYONE WHO HAS EVER bought a house will tell you: It’s not easy finding the perfect place to live. Coming across a house with that special combination of everything you’re looking for, especially if that list is long, can feel almost impossible. That one great-looking house might have a stately exterior and a superb living room, but not enough bedrooms. Or that other one has a spectacular entrance, but the yard is too small. Then there is that simply stunning new construction that is, unfortunately, in the absolutely wrong location.

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect house, sometimes, it feels as if you just need a miracle.

Well, that is exactly what the owners of this mid-1980s house in Mississauga happened onto. But it took some work. •

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The new staircase features red oak treads and handrails.

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The dining room is gorgeous in grey.

Samara table: Nuevo, mirror: Renwil; co-ordinating shelving units: Mobilia.

They snapped up this four-bedroom house because it ticked all the boxes on their list.

The two-storey structure was in the perfect location, in the Sheridan Oaks area of town.

It was the right size. It was on an excellent lot.

It had mature trees and a pool, and it was near great schools. But….

Yes, there was a “but,” because when they found it, the miracle had not yet happened. “This house was outdated with a terrible floor plan,” explains Gene Maida, the owner of Georgian Custom Renovations, the firm that was entrusted with turning this 30-year-old house into the perfect home for the new owners. •

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DESIGN

The kitchen was transformed with the installation of the 16-foot-wide patio door that opens onto the pool area in the backyard. The island has a bevelled-edge quartz countertop and grey Shaker-style cabinets. Pendant lights: Janus 1 fixtures from Cyan Lighting; 36-inch cooktop: Wolf; faucet: Kallista.

The serving pantry between the kitchen and dining room adds function and refinement for entertaining. The white quartz countertop is sleek and practical.

Faucet: Kallista.

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The house had what he called “location,” in that it possessed all that the family of five needed, except the interior simply was “unsuitable for their lifestyle.”

And so the work began. Maida and his team set to the task of completely transforming the living space to make it fit the family’s lifestyle. “I call it the Miracle in Mississauga,” he says. “It was a dramatic change for this house. We brought it into the 21st century. It was a challenging job, both structurally and aesthetically.”

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The goal was broad and not totally defined. “The family wanted to make the house more liveable,” Maida says. So they began with the renovation firm’s 10-step approach, which included a meeting with a designer; objectives and outcomes were clearly outlined.

Among the items on the list were requests to reconfigure the kitchen, add a second bathroom, create a relationship between the interior of the house on the main level with the outdoor pool area, and build greater closet space upstairs. There was also a request from one of the children “to fix her bedroom,” which was too small for its furniture and had no closet. And they wanted it all in a transitional design.

“What they were motivated by was to create a beautiful environment to enjoy their family,” Maida says.

His crew designed according to the owners’ budget.

On the main level, walls were removed to open the kitchen to the living room. In the kitchen, which was slightly repositioned, a window was replaced with a 16-foot four-panelled patio door that completely opens up to the backyard pool area. A beautiful island with a white quartz counter that seats five was installed. Shaker-style cabinetry in two tones – grey and white – was installed, which concealed all the appliances to add a greater appearance of space. •

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Off the kitchen, connecting to the dining room, they created a modern utility space, what designer Ashley Reekie dubs a service pantry, complete with a quartz counter, sink, and grey Shaker-style cabinets with glass-fronted upper doors. The stylish enclave provides practical storage space and functionality for entertaining.

The main bathroom on the second level is finished in a white Verona porcelain floor tile. Sink: Cube collection from Wet Style; tub: Fleurco; shower tile: Blustyle’s Sierra.

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Designers with Georgian Custom Renovations selected all the furniture.

Table, floor lamp and accessories: Ethan Allen; sofa and ottomans: Jane Lockhart Furniture; art: Renwil.

In the living room, Reekie outlines how the fireplace area was modernized. The traditional mantel was stripped out and replaced with a custom-built grey porcelain surround framed with white-painted maple to co-ordinate with the colour scheme. The fireplace was then framed with custom-built cabinets on each side. Recessed lights were installed in the ceiling throughout, and the floors were redone in a wide-plank oak.

The existing staircase was removed, and replaced with an elegant angular design that complements the decor.

“We took an out-dated subdivision home with a circular staircase and transformed it into a transitional home with a modern staircase,” says Maida. “We created a modern home that is extremely liveable. It really is a miracle.” •

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LIKE LIFE IN A CONDO, EXCEPT WITH A GARDEN After downsizing to a bungalow, a couple create a spectacular landscape

BY HEATHER PENGELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF MCNEILL

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CONDO LIFE WITH A GARDEN. That’s how Eva Sachs describes her renovated ranch-style bungalow and adventurous backyard. A contemporary take on a country meadow and pond.

Eva, a financial divorce consultant, and Richard Sachs, a technology strategist, became empty nesters five years ago. “We don’t have a cottage. When it came time to downsize, we felt limited by condos with small terraces,” Eva says. “We bought a bungalow with good bones and completely gutted the inside. We live on one floor but still have a garden.”

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Their contemporary-style family room and kitchen overlook the 80-by-30-foot backyard.

The original garden – overgrown, unkempt and dominated by a mature maple on one side – didn’t match the home’s new interior design. “We wanted an integrated space that would be an extension of the house,” Eva explains. “We wanted something a bit different, light and airy but comfortable, relaxing and simple.” •

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They contacted Kennedy McRae of Earth Inc. after viewing the company’s garden exhibits at the Toronto Interior Design Show. When he asked them to describe what they wanted, they told him “clean, fresh and green.” Richard requested a water feature and no lawn.

Other than that, the couple gave Earth Inc. carte blanche.

Earth Inc. levelled the garden but kept the maple, which they surrounded with pea gravel. During garden parties, guests linger in small groups under its branches.

The cedar-plank bridge spans a small field of panicum, a tall prairie grass that turns brown in the winter. From inside, the family views the meadow all year round. By evening, it’s illuminated by deftly placed garden lights, designed and installed by Musico Electric Contractors. “Lighting is so important in winter, when night shows up so much earlier,” says Kennedy. “It becomes an amazing space to look over.” •

Reminiscent of nature-park boardwalks, the cedar-plank bridge divides swaying grasses and traverses a restful water feature.

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“When I’m sitting on the sectional, I look across the fire pit and walkway to the gorgeous maple,” says Eva.

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Beyond the meadow, river birches and whiteflowering serviceberry shrubs stand in front of a tall, black privacy fence. An elevated water feature divides the meadow from the patio, breaking up flatness.

Many shades of green soften the stark white of the hardscape. Locust trees were planted to shade the patio. Pea-gravel squares add texture to smooth concrete surfaces.

From Restoration Hardware’s Makena collection, the fire table adds warmth and focus.

“White, black and green. How cool is that!” says Eva. The dining terrace and patio are perfect for entertaining. In summer, the couple set up a projection screen for outdoor movie nights with family and friends.

“You’ve got to give a lot of accolades to clients willing to do something different,” says Kennedy. •

Horsetails (Equisetum) divide lounging and dining areas.

Jardin de Ville furnishings – including an Aspen table, cane-line sectional, JDV daybed, Apollo lounge chair and folding tray tables – complement the clean lines.

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BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATIONS IN A PERFECT LOCATION

This Surfside, Florida hotel offers plenty of amenities in an off-the-beaten-path beach town

FROM BEING KNOWN AS the honeymoon destination of a generation to transforming itself into the playground for the rich, Miami Beach, Florida, needs no introduction. But if you’re thinking of a visit, you might just consider doing it via Surfside. Think of it as the best upscale family-friendly approach to south Florida. And Arthur Holman will be waiting there for you.

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Holman is the general manager of the Residence Inn Miami Beach Surfside Hotel.

And, as he puts it, this is “not your average Residence Inn.” But first, let’s take a step back and focus on the three things that have always been key in the Miami area – location, location, location.

Where exactly is Surfside?

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It’s the little town just down the road from Miami Beach. And just like its neighbour, Surfside is an island city connected to the Miami mainland by bridges. Oh, and when they say small town, they mean it. Surfside covers an area that is no more than one square mile, or approximately 2.5 square kilometres. It has 11 streets that run parallel to the beach, nine cross streets, and a population of about 5,800, according to census estimates for 2016, the latest year for which statistics are available.

Surfside is immediately north of the town of Miami Beach and just south of the shopping hub in Bal Harbour. It markets itself as “Miami’s uptown beachtown.” With about a mile of oceanfront, Surfside is designed to cater to visitors, especially families.

It’s a fabulous place to serve as your base when visiting the area, Holman says. Close to everything, the town is a pleasant sanctuary away from the frenzy that whirls around the club scene of South Beach and Miami.

“It’s a very unique community,” Holman explains. “It’s family friendly.” •

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Surfside is also home to the celebrated Turtle Walk, a colourful homage to the area’s most beloved residents: loggerhead sea turtles. The walk stretches much of the length of one of the main streets near the town’s community centre. It is an outdoor art exhibit that features 13 turtle sculptures each painted by a local artist. These larger-than-life works of art promote a popular Surfside cause: the preservation of the sea turtle, as this area is known as a popular nesting region for these creatures from the deep. In fact, small areas of the beach are regularly cordoned off for short periods of time when one of these large turtles crawls across the sand to nest and lay its eggs. Local wildlife authorities regularly scan the beaches in the early morning hours, especially from May to October, as the turtles tend to make land under the cover of night to lay their eggs during these months. The wildlife officers protect the nests from being disturbed by passers-by until the eggs hatch and the baby turtles return to the ocean, but you can still see them.

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Now, let’s get back to the Residence Inn Miami Beach Surfside Hotel, and another element of the importance of location. The 175-room resort that is part of the Marriott chain of hotels is located right at the beach in Surfside. In fact, Holman says, it is 88 steps from the waterfront. Not 80, not 90, not “about this many” or “about that many,” but exactly 88 steps.

It opened just over a year ago, and offers studios and one-bedroom suites, with many connecting rooms to accommodate large families and multi-family guests who are vacationing together.

Holman says his hotel offers the best value in Surfside. “We’re the value play, but we are not a cheap hotel,” he says.

Guests can enjoy free breakfasts and several extras included in the destination fee, such as access to the community centre tennis courts, complimentary bicycle rentals to use along the beachfront paths, complimentary beach chairs with signature red umbrellas to provide shade when needed, and two welcoming beverages when they arrive.

The Residence Inn is ready to introduce you to all that this uptown beachtown has to offer under the sun. •

Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach Surfside 9200 Collins Ave., Miami, Florida 305-514-3101 www.marriott.com

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SPECTACULAR AND UNIQUE A custom-home builder creates an abode for his family that lives up to expectations PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL GRDINA

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EVERYONE HAS PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS ABOUT PROFESSIONALS. For instance, you don’t expect a doctor to be a smoker. You don’t expect orthodontists to have children with crooked teeth. Accountants should be able to do simple math in their heads, and carpenters ought to be able to find a stud in a wall. But what about custom-home builders? What do you expect of them?

Well, first, the concept of “custom” evokes the expectation that there is the ability to create something unique. And second, the combination of the terms “custom” and “home” automatically generates an expectation that the creation will be spectacular. For proof, you can browse through a custom-home builder’s portfolio of projects.

If you look at Jim Smith’s portfolio, the first house you would see is his own. And the descriptors of “spectacular” and “unique” only begin to tell the story.

After almost 20 years of building and renovating homes in Vancouver, Jim, the founder of Smithwood Builders, has recently completed the construction of his own family’s home in Deep Cove, a district of North Vancouver.

It is a modern 3,350-square-foot, three-storey residence that is now home for him, his wife Joanne, and their twin six-year-old boys.

They bought the property, a 6,000-square-foot lot, three years ago. •

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So what is spectacular and unique about it?

Well, there is a list of items. Jim salvaged cedar planks from the house that stood on the lot when the Smiths bought it. Built in the 1930s, the original structure was deemed to be in too poor a state to be renovated.

But before tearing it down, Jim removed the cedar that covered its exterior. That’s when he discovered that the wide planks had been stamped “Haida Gwaii,” making reference to an area once called the Queen Charlotte Islands, a region of B.C. that has the biggest and best trees, he says.

The kitchen has two walnut-clad islands, topped with quartz. The polished concrete floors flow throughout the main floor. The kitchen boasts unobstructed views to the front deck – accessed through large patio doors – and the back, where bi-fold doors open onto the back deck.

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The planks were used, Jim explains, to create an attractive interior feature wall that runs from the basement through to the main floor and up to the top level. With its various colour tones and textures, the wall is definitely on the list of spectacular features. “It’s a conversation piece,” Jim says humbly. You can’t miss it.

The feature wall does not stand alone though. It also serves to frame another spectacular and unique feature: the stairs – and in both directions, but for different reasons. •

The stairs are made of Douglas fir; the risers are set against the feature wall, which is clad in planks of cedar reclaimed from the house that formerly stood on the site. A glass balcony at the top of the stairs offers a view to the living area below.

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The dining room features a large custom-built table made of Douglas fir that seats 12 comfortably.

Floor-to-ceiling windows from Germany flood the room with light. The ceilings are finished in hemlock, which is also used outside.

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In one direction, from the main f loor to the top level of the house, the stairs are an impressive set of floating blocks of wood. Jim says that the idea for the design was his. It consists of a single steel blade stringer, with each step made of a solid block of Douglas fir, which he cut, planed and milled himself from 12- and 16-foot-long pieces, then finished with a natural clear-coat varnish.

Not to be outdone are the stairs that run to the basement. This bank is made of a combination of concrete and wood, with each step alternating between the two materials. The visual impact gives viewers a bit of a double take. “It kind of plays a trick on you because there are two different materials,” Jim says.

But definitely spectacularly unique.

Jim also bought cedar planks that he submitted to an ancient Japanese preservation process known as Shou Sugi Ban, whereby each piece is charred, making it more resistant to weathering and insects, but also giving the wood what he calls a dark “unique look.”

They were used to clad the home’s exterior.

Then there is the dining room table. It’s custom-built by Jim, who joined two large slabs of Douglas fir – creating a surface that is eight feet long, six feet wide and three inches thick. It sits on a steel base made of two trapezoid stands: one right side up, the other inverted. “We were very happy with the way it worked out,” he says, again invoking a humble tone in response to a compliment.

Spectacular and unique. Check and check.

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But what is it like living there? Jim says he and his wife enjoy the flow of the house, from top to bottom, and from the deck out front to the open space in the back. “We wanted to make sure we used every room,” he says. “We wanted to see the kids, hear the kids. At this age, we wanted them to feel connected. Our intention was that we would build this to be here for at least 20 to 30 years.”

That shouldn’t be a problem. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a place that is spectacular and unique? •

Large glass doors in the living room open to the back patio area. The steps to the living room level – like those leading to the lower level – are both concrete and wood.

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DESIGN

AFTER THE LOVE HAS GONE How to rekindle passion for a piece of jewelry you no longer wear

Have you ever owned a piece of jewelry that you once really loved but you barely notice anymore?

Sure, there was a time when you never removed it; that’s how deeply in love you had fallen. And then you noticed that the love was gone. Your beloved ring, pendant or bracelet just wasn’t grabbing your attention. Can you rekindle the love? Jeff Buzbuzian says you can. As the owner of Knar Jewellery, a company with stores in downtown Toronto, Oakville and Guelph, he knows just what to do to make you fall in love anew with your jewelry.

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QUESTION: Jeff, why do we fall out of love with jewelry that we once adored?

ANSWER: Like many things in life, the more familiar we are with something, the more it becomes part of our everyday life. As jewelry is enjoyed over the years, it becomes worn.

Sometimes the brilliance of gemstones softens, and metals oxidize and tarnish, losing the lustre that once attracted the admirer. Another reason that jewelry stays in a jewelry box for long periods is that new pieces arrive and they become the preferred accessories. While fashion and tastes change, one of the main reasons people don’t wear older items is that they have had problems

with them and have chosen not to fix them.

Sometimes repair costs can be high and the piece gets put away for a rainy day or possibly a redesign in the future.

Q: If the owner of a once-beloved piece of jewelry no longer feels the passion for it, what can he or she do to rekindle the love?

A: One of quickest ways to reignite a spark is to have unworn jewelry thoroughly polished and professionally cleaned and checked.

When items are checked and security is confirmed, people tend to wear things more confidently. The other option is to restyle the gems and precious metal into something

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“The greatest satisfaction for many people, including myself, is turning something with emotional ties into something that reminds me of the love I had and still have for the ingredients of the piece.”

creative that works with the owner’s current lifestyle and sense of fashion. A good designer can work with just about everyone’s budget to create a striking design that makes for a great conversation piece. The greatest satisfaction for many people, including myself, is turning something with emotional ties into something that reminds me of the love I had and still have for the ingredients of the piece.

Q: Should I begin by having the piece evaluated?

If so, to what end?

A: It is always a good idea to have jewelry appraised so owners know what they have and possibly invest to make the gemstones and metals enjoyable again.

Often jewelry is very emotional, so sometimes people will spend more than the actual value in redesigning their piece. This may sound unusual, but often, redesigning adds emotional and intrinsic value. An evaluation also helps with matching up additional gemstones if they’re required, or it can establish value for trade-ins on some of the gems against the work being done.

Q: What does it mean to “update” a piece of jewelry?

A: Updating jewelry is about freshening up the design. Often, small adjustments to the finish of the metal is all it takes to bring back fond memories. Alternately, we can change the position of gemstones, select a new choice of precious metal, or redesign something from the 1950s or 70s into something that looks like it belongs in a modern art gallery.

Q: Is it advisable to have jewelry altered or restyled if it is no longer of a current style?

A: Generally speaking, if there are emotions tied to the piece or a person who gave it to them, I highly recommend it. Often, a piece can be restyled and remade at very little cost, creating a new piece of jewelry with a great story behind it. It’s always good to remember, once the jewelry is discarded or given away, the memories may get lost forever. I have seen, time and time again, a big smile when something new is styled from something old. •

Knar Jewellery www.knar.com

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RIGHT AT HOME IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Toronto’s Thompson Hotel is a go-to destination for out-of-towners and locals alike

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WHEN THE EYES OF THE FILM WORLD TURN TO CANADA for the Toronto International Film Festival, the Thompson Hotel is ready. Because this is where the A-list crowd comes for a little slice of this country’s biggest city’s high-end hospitality. The Thompson has a bit of a unique formula. It’s one part luxury, two parts real Toronto.

And when we’re talking A-listers, it’s a long list – Ryan Gosling, Natalie Portman, Sean Penn, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone. It goes on. They were among the guests who stayed at the Thompson for the 2016 edition of TIFF.

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And don’t even wonder where George Clooney stays when he’s in town. You almost want to look for the Nespresso machine in the lobby.

So why do they come to the Thompson?

“They want to stay somewhere cool,” says the hotel’s general manager, Jeff Waters. “They want a hotel that is contemporary.”

But the Thompson is a bit more complex than that. With 105 guest rooms and 330 condos in three towers in the centre of King West Village, an area Waters describes as “arguably the most vibrant part of the city,” the Thompson has a nightlife that adds to the texture of your stay.

“This area is full of restaurants, bars, architectural companies; it’s a very high-end part of the city,” he says. “And we are at the heart of this neighbourhood.”

And being in the heart of this part of Toronto also means being at the centre of everything that happens in the city. •

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“It’s a microcosm of the neighbourhood.

It’s an entertainment complex.”

Take the NBA All-Star Game as an example.

When the National Basketball Association gave the city the nod to host its annual all-star game in 2016 at the Air Canada Centre, the Thompson was given the nod, too. As basketball fans looked to the event that showcases the top talent in the league, the NBA Players’ Association looked to the Thompson. The organization rented out the entire hotel for the players and their families. Space inside the facility was converted to cater specifically to their needs, Waters says. The rooftop pool

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area was re-conceptualized into a players’ lounge. The hotel made its screening room available to the players for an exclusive screening of Barbershop 2: Back in Business before it played in cinemas. “We really make them feel comfortable here,” he adds.

But most of all, Waters says, one of the best qualities of the Thompson is that you will always meet real Torontonians here. It’s a place the locals enjoy. And they come to relax in the uniquely designed Lobby Bar and Rooftop Lounge.

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The Thompson offers everything that Toronto is best-known for. “It’s a microcosm of the neighbourhood. It’s an entertainment complex,” he says. “There are few places you can stay in a hotel in the city centre that are frequented by residents. That’s rare. That is what makes us so different. We cater to our neighbourhood.”

Toronto’s business class arrives after work for drinks in the Lobby Bar, which features a massive mural of the city’s skyline. As the evening warms up, a disc jockey keeps the party going. Or, friends often meet up by the infinity pool at the Rooftop Lounge.

Others opt to entertain clients in one of the two restaurants, or drop by after a show for a late-night bite in the Thompson’s classic diner, which is open until 3 a.m.

The Thompson gives everyone – regardless of where they are from – one thing guaranteed: an amazing view of Toronto. “It’s the best view of the city,” Waters says. “It’s stunning during the day; at night, it lights up, it warms up, and it’s spectacular.” And with a 360-degree view of the skyline and the iconic CN Tower that is immediately identified with Toronto, Waters says, there is no doubt: “When you stay at a Thompson, you know what city you’re in.” Even the American cable news channel CNN listed the Thompson on its list of 16 Best Rooftop Views in 2014.

Opened in 2010, the Thompson Toronto was the first international location outside of the U.S. But with hotels under the banner now open in Mexico and other expansion plans on the horizon, Waters says with confidence: “The brand is just taking off.”

Rooms range in size, with suites that offer up to 2,000 square feet of luxurious space. All offer a modern design and heated floors in the bathroom, regardless of the season.

And just in case you are not completely convinced how neighbourhood-focused the Thompson can be, it welcomes pets. •

Thompson Toronto 550 Wellington St. W., Toronto 416-640-7778 www.thompsonhotels.com

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DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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A PLACE FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION Today’s bathrooms are spaces filled with colour, elegance and high design

BY SUSAN KELLY

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EXTREME EXPRESSIONS REIGN, even in bathroom design. In these most personal of spaces, homeowners seem willing to push the envelope further than ever to get just the right look. Take colour, where prognosticators see intense shades edging out paler shades heading into 2018. As Pantone Color Institute director Leatrice Eiseman said about the trend: “Intense colors seem to be a natural application of our intense lifestyles and thought processes these days.”

And there is a great divide in colour choices for the bathroom, according to Sandra Vasiloff, assistant showroom manager for the

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Atlantis Bath Centre in Toronto. The trend is toward either black and white or vivid living colour schemes. “All black or all white or a mix of both is very in now,” she says. “We’ve even done some children’s bathrooms with this approach.” But parallel to that is a growing trend to incorporate strong, bold colours she notes. Most of us still aren’t ready for walls covered in, say, trendy cobalt blue tiles or, with a nod to the 1970s, sinks and toilets in pastel shades. But a splash of colour in the vanity countertop or cabinetry feels just right, especially when those with a lacquer finish present intriguing new possibilities.

DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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Vanities with a wood finish remain a popular choice and are particularly striking as visual relief in an all-white colour scheme.

On trend now: the cerused or lime oak finish, in which the wood grain stands out prominently. Whatever the finish, wall-mounted is the way to go with vanities, though some like the look of versions perched on furniture legs.

“People don’t seem to want standard shapes or finishes,” says Vasiloff. “They want something special and different.” And sometimes less is more. A striking designer faucet in rose gold or black, say, makes a bolder statement against a monochrome backdrop.

Photos courtesy of Canaroma

Patterned tiles continue to make strong design statements in bathrooms, according to Patricia Ee, sales and marketing director for Canaroma Bath & Tile in Woodbridge. “If anything, this trend is gaining momentum,” she says. “We’ve expanded our offering, especially those inspired by Old World artisan looks.” The way they’re interpreted is very modern, often in the grey scale and sometimes arranged in patchwork. They appear on both floors and walls, though both at once can be overpowering. Ee likes the look of them on the floor with a border of solid tiles, so it resembles an area rug. Colour stories again are split: either very bold and saturated, especially in navy or cobalt blue, or softer shades of grey or white. •

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Photo courtesy of Canaroma

DESIGN

Geometry with a twist is very big now, she says. What’s hot: Taking the ever-popular porcelain planks that emulate hardwoods and arranging them in herringbone, basket-weave or parquet-inspired patterns. In stone or stone-look porcelain tiles, the hexagon shape remains the most popular. When interpreted in marble, the tiles are perfect to restore a heritage bathroom. “But if you add a punch

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of modern colour, then it begins to get that updated classic look that is so on trend now,� says Ee. Other geometric shapes vary from repeated triangles, circles and stars, or even the trendy fishtail tiles. The newest twist for geometric tiles is adding a metallic finish, such as rich burnished bronze or nickel. Iridescent glass tiles also are big, either in pearly white or in a rainbow of bright hues.

DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

And what better way to show off distinctive tile work than a minimalist bathing area, says Dinu Filip, president of ACO Systems Ltd., which specializes in linear drain systems. “The European look of showers with unobtrusive frameless glass doors or no doors at all and curb-less is in,” he says. Getting a seamless look may feature large-format tiles or slabs with as few grout lines as possible and perhaps a poured surface underfoot. And it calls for an unobtrusive linear drainage system.

The newest ones take customization to the next level with what is called a tile infill cover, essentially a trough that can be filled in with the same material as the shower floor. The finished look is virtually seamless. Another new option is glass covers that conceal the drain grates. For now, this company offers them in black or white only, which harmonizes with most modern designs.

Filip is also seeing an upswing in tub-toshower conversions. He reckons it’s a lifestyle choice, as fewer people have time for an old-fashioned soak in the tub. Or, it may reflect increased confidence in going with personal preference over convention, especially in the master bathroom. The good news: while converting an older home’s claw-foot antique tub to an ultra-modern shower may pose some challenges, a solution can usually be found.

More problematic are modern condo units with concrete floors, as drain relocation may involve breaking the concrete. •

Photos courtesy of ACO Systems

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As with fashion, the finishing touches can make or break a look. And for many, the bathroom simply will not look finished without faucets and accessories with a matte black finish. It’s especially striking, even dramatic, played against pure white or soft grey marble tiles. “This trend continues the rise in recent years and we don’t expect it to go anywhere anytime soon,” says Gaelle Marrasse, marketing director at Aquabrass.

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In 2017, the compa ny added a new black matte finish called Montreal Black in tribute to that city’s 375th anniversary.

Beyond aesthetics, this custom finish uses an electroplating process to help prevent scratches and tarnishing from marring the surface over time.

DESIGN TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

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Photos courtesy of Aquabrass

In popularity, though, black matte finishes take second place to those in gold and bronze.

The latter have left the ranking of out-there trend to timeless classic. Here the debate rages between those who prefer an understated matte finish and those who like the gleam of a highly polished one. “Shiny finishes are still preferred in some instances,” says Marrasse.

“People hoping to achieve a more traditional or classic look often go with a shiny finish.

On the other hand, those seeking a modern kitchen and bath design tend to lean more towards our matte finishes.” •

“This trend continues the rise in recent years and we don’t expect it to go anywhere anytime soon,”

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BUYERS’ GUIDE TORONTO AUTUMN 2017

A PEACEFUL LANDSCAPE ABOVE THE CITYSCAPE Earth Inc. www.earthinc.com 416-216-0378

LIKE LIFE IN A CONDO, EXCEPT WITH A GARDEN Earth Inc. www.earthinc.com 416-216-0378

AFTER THE LOVE HAS GONE Knar Jewellery www.knar.com

FROM OUTDATED TO OUTSTANDING Georgian Custom Renovations www.georgianreno.com 866-492-9001

STOW AWAY Komandor Canada www.komandor.ca 416-251-1880 BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATIONS IN A PERFECT LOCATION Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach Surfside www.marriott.com 305-514-3101 RIGHT AT HOME IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Thompson Toronto www.thompsonhotels.com 416-640-7778 VICTORIANA SIMPLIFIED Victoria + Albert Baths www.vandabaths.com A LIGHT TOUCH Lorraine Franklin Designs 416-798-3000 FIFTY THOUSAND SHADES OF GREY Maison & Objet www.maison-objet.com

A NEW CHAPTER Jane Lockhart Interior Design www.janelockhart.com 416-762-2493 A PLACE FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION ACO Canada www.acocan.ca 905-829-0665 Atlantis Bath Centre www.atlantisbathcentre.ca 416-307-2570 Canaroma Bath & Tile www.canaroma.ca 905-856-7979 Aquabrass www.aquabrass.com 1-888-941-4411 SPECTACULAR AND UNIQUE Smithwood Builders www.smithwood.ca 604-789-2359 OF ART AND LIFE Monica Nudelman, Artist www.monicanudelman.com

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

It’s fascinating to watch design evolve.

Each year brings with it new colours, new shapes, new text u res, new concepts. In our upcoming Trends issue, we report on what’s happening in the realm of design, and chronicle the changes that are having an impact on our homes and gardens. Don’t miss Toronto Home’s annual Trends issue.

On sale in October.

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