Toronto Home - Summer 2016

GORGEOUS GARDENS Landscapes designed for a range of activities

LOVING IT, NOT LISTING IT HILARY FARR WITH DAVID VISENTIN

MAGIC CARPETS Innovative rugs designed and woven in Toronto

SUMMER DINING Our favourite recipes

for al fresco meals

$5.95

www.movatohome.com

Display until August 31st, 2016

SMALL BATHROOM SOLUTIONS HEATED DRIVEWAYS CUSTOM CLOSETS

Waterfront – Silk & Wool in Indigo, Black

Glacier – Silk & Wool in Silver, Blue

Exceptional designs for exceptional homes...

Monza – Silk & Wool in Stone, Silver

Flamingo – Silk & Wool in Stone, Pink

HOME TO THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL RUGSTM

1400 Castlefield Ave Toronto, ON 416.929.7929 162 Bedford Road Toronto, ON 416.923.7929

www.weaversart.com

EXTRAORDINARY CUSTOM HOMES YOUR CUSTOM DREAM HOME Have you dreamed of someday owning a home with a walk-in boudoir, home gym or custom wine cellar? BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME may be your best option to making those dreams come true. Building your home gives you the ability to customize every detail to suit your specific needs. There are truly no limits to what can be achieved with a fully qualified team of designers and craftsmen intent on making your home building experience fully satisfying and personal.

LET GEORGIAN BUILD YOUR CUSTOM DREAM HOME!

“Working with Georgian was truly a blessing! From our very first Meeting they eliminated any apprehension we had about building a New home and took every negative notion out of the equation. With their attention to detail and skilled guidance we now have a beautiful and unique home. As an added bonus to having the home of our dreams we have gained a life-long friendship with Georgian” — JEFF & CAROLINE —

SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

(905) 405-7276 | WWW.GEORGIANRENO.COM

WINNER OF THE 2015

TORONTO HOME SHOW

O F E XC E L L E N C E

& 2016 NATIONAL

HOME SHOW

Barroso Homes

| C. (416) 723.9984 | info@barrosohomes.com

Your

Dream until

Dream comes true

"I take pride in being a strong woman in a traditionally male industry."

When introducing the “x” factor into a predominant “y” business world, the results are boundless; The build is no longer just a build.

It is a creation that is born with endless possibilities.

All senses are considered.

All possibilites are taken and the true essence of your vision is born.

barrosohomes.com

EURO-LINE APPLIANCES INC.

is the proud distributor of:

EFFICIENT, SLEEK AND CONTEMPORARY

AEG APPLIANCES Smart appliances by AEG, Liebherr and Porter & Charles feature sleek European design, green manufacturing and Ăźber energy efficiency. They marry small footprints with large capacities to maximize any kitchen, laundry room, or wine cellar down to the last square foot.

Visit a premium appliance retailer to see for yourself!

euro-line-appliances.com 871 Cranberry Court, Oakville, ON L6L 6J7 | 905.829.3980 2912 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 1R2 | 604.235.3980 B685

CUSTOM HOME DESIGNER/BUILDER Mahzad Homes Inc. is a Toronto-based builder specializing in custom homes, construction, project-management and spec houses. Our philosophy has always been to find the extraordinary within the ordinary along with the rare and the beautiful, all of which we work into our perfectly proportioned and tailored architecture and interiors.

beauty is in the details mahzadhomes.com | info@mahzadhomes.com | 416.890.7175

D E C O R I U M . D E S I G N. D E L I G H T. Decorium wants you to have the dream home you deserve. So we have the top consultants in the industry. We’ll even come to your home. It’s all about sharing our expertise so you can have the best.

MORE SELECTION. MORE CHOICE. DESTINATION DECORIUM.

DINING •

LIVING

L E AT H E R

•

•

YO U T H

BEDROOM •

•

H O M E O F F I C E • H O M E T H E AT R E •

H O M E AC C E N T S

•

AREA RUGS

LIGHTING

• B E D D I N G • S T R E S S L E S S G A L L E RY

The Cohen Collection Now Available at Decorium

DECORIUM.COM 363 Supertest Rd. Toronto | 1212 Yonge St. Toronto | 1 800 232 2267

At Concept Flooring, we strive provide our customers with floor installations of the highest quality at an affordable price. With a lifetime guarantee on both our installations and floors, our experienced installers will quickly and professionally install your floor leaving you with a flawless finish.

905.338.1288 251 Speers Rd, Oakville, ON www.conceptflooring.ca

Design | Build | Development

Custom Homes | Renovations

Additions | Interior Design

Staging | Land Development

www.netthaus.com design@netthaus.com 905-695-9052 @netthaus Netthaus Design Build

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EDITOR’S LETTER

I VIVIDLY RECALL the day I returned home from work to see a fresh coat of varnish on the floors throughout the second storey of my house. My husband and I were in the midst of a renovation of our Edwardian home. The floors were among the last finishing touches.

My heart sank when I noticed that our renovator had applied a matte finish to the wood flooring. I had wanted a gloss surface.

“Did you tell him you wanted gloss?” my husband asked me. I hadn’t. Although my husband and I had been hands-on throughout the renovation process, I had failed to express my preference for glossy wood floors to the person who most needed to know that I had a preference for glossy wood floors.

A lot can go wrong during a renovation or new build when there’s a failure to communicate, and I learned that lesson that day. While the situation was mitigated – the next coat of varnish applied was glossy – I learned that good communication ensures that we get the renovations we envisage.

In this issue, we profile several homes that are just what the homeowners wanted.

Their secret? Open communication with their builders, architects and designers. Regular dialogues and site visits enabled the homeowners to tweak their plans as they discovered what they wanted.

I often think of a renovation as a work of art in progress. We fine-tune things as we proceed, and keeping an open line to the people who execute our requests makes everyone happy in the end.

Outdoor dining is beginning in earnest now, so with al fresco meals in mind, we give you several recipes to try in your outdoor kitchen. If you have not yet installed a kitchen outdoors, these meals can also be prepared indoors and enjoyed with company on the patio, under the stars.

Also in this issue, we venture outdoors to look at some lovely landscapes. I am smitten with two gardens created by Earth Inc., a landscape design firm in Toronto. These two gardens are quite different from each other. One is a horticultural delight, replete with pathways and parterres. The other is designed for family fun with its hot tub and swimming pool. What both have in common is the fact that they are welcome retreats from the world, to be enjoyed throughout the summer.

As with interior design and construction, great landscapes are created when communications are open between homeowners and their garden designers.

It’s important to remember open dialogue when we tackle any home – or garden – improvement project. Even if we’re just varnishing floors.

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

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

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THE SUMMER ISSUE

@leahlipkowitz, @movatohome

IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMOND’S BRILLIANCE.

H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

Oakville | Guelph | Waterloo | Toronto | www.knar.com

CONTRIBUTORS

LARRY ARNAL Larry Arnal turned his lens on two very different homes for this issue: a contemporary house built in the 1970s but renovated for the millennium, and a traditional-style condo in downtown Toronto. Larry is a Toronto photographer who specializes in architectural design and is a regular contributor to Toronto Home.

Volume 6, number 3, Summer issue 2016 Date of issue: May, 2016 4020 St. Ambroise St. Suite #367 Montreal, Qc. h4c 2c7

Call 1-855-410-4663 movatohome.com sales@movatohome.com

JULIE GEDEON As a writer, editor and writing instructor and coach, Julie Gedeon says she is aware that “God is in the detail,� but designer Elizabeth Law has made her pay all the more attention. “Elizabeth’s condo is a stellar example of how a theme – in this case a nautical one – can be integrated subtly throughout a home,� says Julie. Also for this issue, Julie deepened her appreciation of colour and craft by talking to the artists and designers behind Watson Soule’s contemporary, made-in-Canada rugs.

PUBLISHER Leah Lipkowitz ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Hana Rakovski EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Mark Ruzayk

Sheila Toby

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Phillipa Rispin PRODUCTION ARTIST Marieve Gagnon

SUSAN SEMENAK Susan Semenak is a writer and exuberant gardener who says she could use the kind of help the landscape designers at Earth Inc. brought to two gardens she profiled for this issue. “It’s easy to get carried away with your own ideas,� Susan says. “It’s good to get some focus.�

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Jennifer Mula

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Tova Zajdel ACCOUNTING Joseph Tsang

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

SALES DIRECTOR

Wendy Loper

Hazel Rapanan

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Diane Dollisen Carmen Lefebvre CONTRIBUTORS Tracey Arial Jane Auster Julie Gedeon

LEGAL DEPOSIT issn

1927-324x Toronto Home

Magazine Inc. 2016.

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

Susan Kelly Heather Pengelley

KRYSTIN LEIGH SMITH Krystin Leigh Smith is a prop stylist and set designer who has had the pleasure of working alongside Toronto’s premier photographers to create beautiful, style-rich environments for editorials, advertising and film. In this issue, Krystin, working with photographer Larry Arnal, styled a modernist-style house with gorgeous architectural features.

Susan Semenak PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry Arnal Rob Holowka Kelly Horkoff Tami McInnis Jeff McNeill STYLISTS Danielle Campbell Jacquelyn Clark James Dale Elizabeth Law Lisa Maida Michael McMartin

Printed in Canada

Dvira Ovadia Krystin Leigh Smith

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Inspiring Extraordinary Design Verona Floors, Terra Collection, Latte

IT IS POSSIBLE

We Have Moved 416.967.9200 R

1310 Castlefield Avenue europeanflooring.ca

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CONTENTS

98 ON THE COVER

Far from listing it, TV’s Hilary Farr is enamoured of her own Deer Park home.

FAMILY CENTRAL

A Bennington Heights backyard is designed for entertaining

192

166 WORTH THE WAIT

A designer spends three years seeking the right condo

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THIS JUST IN

An array of new products for your home

32

WWW.IMPORT-TEMPTATIONS.COM

287 BRIDGELAND AVENUE TORONTO M6A 1Z6 (ENTRANCE FROM CALEDONIA RD)

MONDAY - SATURDAY 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

P 416.256.3150 • F 416.256.9204

CONTENTS

ATOP A CLIFF

A backyard landscape embraces a view of the St. Lawrence River

78 22

EDITOR’S LETTER

44

CLASSICAL STYLE A Richmond Hill home recalls the beauty of the Palace of Versailles

172

60

GEM CARE Advice on how to maintain and repair jewelry

MAGIC CARPETS

62

FLOORING INNOVATIONS Store specializes in bringing up-to-the-moment European flooring to Toronto

70

MITIGATE DAMAGE THROUGH DRAINAGE New systems allow homeowners to prevent water damage

86

A CLASSIC BUNGALOW GETS AN UPDATE A homeowner rebuilds a 1970s single-level home instead of demolishing it

110

SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT Tips on how to make a modest-sized bathroom seem large

116

GET MORE SPACE Custom-built closets are now more accessible to homeowners

120

GLITTER AND GLOW The latest in exquisite jewelry

122

THE PLAN THAT EXPANDED What began as a kitchen renovation became a whole-house makeover

134

EARLY START Artist Steven Nederveen discovered his metier at a young age

140

ON DECK A backyard becomes a restful retreat with the right deck

146

ERGO, ERGONOMICS Making a home office posture-friendly can prevent physical pain

150

NO MORE STRESS A line of Scandinavian furniture molds itself to the body for deep comfort

158

SURFACE SAVVY Showroom is a destination for homeowners who want beautiful counters

160

AL FRESO ALL SUMMER A selection of delicious dishes to cook in an outdoor kitchen

178

PATHS AND PARTERRES A Moore Park garden is given a classic design with a few contemporary elements

184

ENLIGHTENMENT AND ILLUMINATION For economic and environmental reasons, LEDs are becoming the lighting of choice

186

A COMBINATION OF ELEMENTS How to mix traditional and contemporary design in a kitchen

188

MELT AWAY THE WINTER BLUES Heated driveways allow homeowners to get rid of their snow shovels

198

LARGE EXPANSES Today’s windows and doors are bigger than ever

200

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Company celebrates 30 years of selling fine European furnishings

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Watson Soule designs area rugs that are woven in Toronto

REWORKING MODERN STYLE

A Modernist home is renovated and given a glamorous look

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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. DRAIN AWAY TROUBLE Storm water can cause enormous damage to a home and its surrounds.

An unobtrusive slotted trench drain such as the HexaLine Brickslot is barely noticeable and could save you on repairs and maintenance. The Brickslot’s channel and cover are polypropylene, and it comes in one-metre modules that can be placed in line for the desired length. Access units and other accessories are available.

——— ACO Systems, Ltd. 2880 Brighton Rd., Unit 1, Oakville www.acocan.ca ~ www.acoself.com 905-829-0665

2. BRANCH OUT FOR COMFORT The Branch ottoman’s silver-leaf finish makes it as eye-catching as it is versatile. Rest your feet, have a seat, or set down a tray – it’s there for you wherever you need it.

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

4. HARD-WORKING AND HANDSOME This pair of restored vintage mahogany chests of drawers by Baker features crisp lines. The espresso finish provides a striking contrast with the original brass fixtures. With three drawers and interior components for organization, these pieces are both functional and stylish. $8,975.

——— Carrocel Interiors 245 Bridgeland Ave., Toronto www.carrocel.com 647-694-4683

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3. ENJOY THE SUN THROUGHOUT THE DAY Being outdoors on a beautiful day is a great pleasure, but sometimes the sun is just too strong. The Sol Maya daybed takes care of that; you can find shelter instantly. Available with either black or white canopy, it features custom Sunbrella cushions. 64" W x 64" D x 70" H. $2,995.

——— Casualife Outdoor Living 6 Shields Crt., Unit 1, Markham ~ 905-475-8353 100 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga ~ www.casualife.ca 905-990-5433

480 EGLINTON AVENUE WEST TORONTO 416 256 5229 9033 LESLIE STREET RICHMOND HILL 905 881 5229 MARKLASH.COM 1 866 881 5229

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DESIGN

1. SOPHISTICATED SINK GODI Bathroom’s North American collection introduces this 47-inch single vanity in a versatile transitional design.

Built with solid ash wood and finished with beautiful hand-carved spiral columns, it’s available in natural wood (as shown) or finished with a white wash.

——— GODI Bathroom presented by Dezign Market 1641 Langstaff Rd., Unit 8, Vaughan www.godibathroom.ca 1-888-398-8380

2. HIP AND HANDY This vintage Mid-century Modern wall cabinet features a front facade veneered in teak and burled wood. The cabinet case is suspended between black legs and is topped with glass that’s back-painted black.

Divided into two interior storage compartments, it offers felt-lined drawers on one side. Newly refinished and in pristine condition. USD $14,850.

——— Carrocel Interiors 245 Bridgeland Ave., Toronto www.carrocel.com 647-694-4683

4. VERSATILE STYLE The Cohen sofa has a versatile style that looks at home in most surroundings. Its soft linen-blend fabric is accented by three types of pillows – chestnut-hued, decorative faux fur, embroidered geometric pattern – all highlighted by an architectural-inspired base crafted with black wood and lightly brushed chrome.

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

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3. FLIGHTS OF FANCY These hand-blown art-glass Wing sculptures bring movement and life to anywhere they are placed. Let your spirit soar with these symbols of freedom.

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

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DESIGN

1. BEGIN WITH BELLA Every shower is built from the base up,and the Bella base is an ideal foundation.It offers ergonomic seating, with either left or right configuration. It’s compatible with all in-line 60-inch and two-sided 60-by32-inch shower doors. The Bella base’s drain cover is available in chrome and brushed nickel finishes.

——— Fleurco www.fleurco.com 1-800-993-0033

2. EASY BREWING, EASY DRINKING The new Jura E8 Superautomatic espresso/cappuccino machine is chockfull of features that promise a perfect cup of coffee: one-touch function, height-adjustable spouts, programmable coffee strength and water temperature, milk-system cleaner, removable powder chute, and more. Be the best barista on the block.

——— Faema 672 Dupont St., Toronto www.faema.ca

4. A FINE BALANCE The Julia sofa from Stressless You features the innovative Balance Adapt system, activated by body weight, with individually adjustable seats; no levers or handles required.

We show it with a wooden base, but an aluminum base in any Stressless You finish is also available. Can be ordered in any leather or fabric offered by the Stressless You program.

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

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3. CLEAN-LINED COMFORT Stickley is often associated with Missionstyle furniture, but the Elroy chair shows that the company has contemporary chops, too. Comfort is a given, as the sprung down-filled seat cushion provides luxurious lasting support. Available in a wide selection of fabrics and leather, and made in the USA. ——— Manderley Fine Furniture 545, 567 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto www.manderleyfinefurniture.com 647-435-4268

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DESIGN

1. WONDERFUL WALL Durable low-maintenance stone with an appealing wood grain offers the best of both worlds in wall coverings. This natural stone veneer for interior walls is highquality Portuguese limestone, offered in large-format strips with a UV coating. The pattern on the stone varies, and the strips are of various sizes for a naturalistic effect. Three colours available: Black Oak (black finish), Ash (beige finish) and Beachwood (white finish) ——— ErthCOVERINGS 55 Silton Rd., Unit 1, Woodbridge www.erthcoverings.com 905-265-8565

2. HAPPY HOURS From the Metalworks collection comes this wellappointed bar cabinet in warm wood with metal trim. The two doors open wide to reveal their internal shelves for bottle storage. Other features include a removable wine rack and a stemware holder. The flip-top surface is handy, and the locking casters are practical. Dimensions when opened: 73" W x 22" D x 36" H. ——— Hide House 49 Eastern Ave., Acton www.hidehouse.ca 519-853-1031

4. SUSHI SAMPLER Kaleidoscope is a handmade contemporary felted wool rug.

It features intertwined multi-coloured strands of wool that give movement, texture and a three-dimensional look to this work of art. Available in all standard sizes Here’s a tasty pattern for your floor: Sushi. It’s a handmade felted-wool area rug that can be made in any size or shape in the six colours shown. Delivery takes eight to 10 weeks. A 5' X 8' version is $3,200.

——— Dominion Rug & Home 52 Samor Rd., Toronto www.dominionrug.com 416-485-9488

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3. DON’T SIDELINE THIS ONE This antique sideboard in poplar is commodious and versatile, with its hints of both Shaker and Parsons styling. The simple frame construction is highlighted with time-worn black and white paint, and the six doors open with classic iron ring pulls. 88"W x 18"D x 33"H. ——— Elizabeth Interiors 409 Brant St., Burlington www.elizabethinteriors.com 905-333-6670

Impressive 10,000 square foot showroom. Wide range of quality hardwood floors, wide plank flooring, AC5 laminates, vinyl planks and carpets.

8601 Jane street, Units 1-2, Concord, ON | 905.761.6655 | www.chestnutflooring.ca

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DESIGN

1. SQUARELY IN STYLE Do-si-do your tootsies through the pile of Square Dance, a handtufted rug in a wool-silk-poly blend.

Square dance is available in the two colours shown but can also be custom-coloured in any size up to 16 feet wide.

——— Dominion Rug & Home 52 Samor Rd., Toronto www.dominionrug.com 416-485-9488

2. DRINKS ON THE GO This stainless steel drinks cart will up the elegance quotient at any gathering. It features a rectangular hand-silvered mirrored top with handles on each side, partially surrounded by a pierced gallery. Front, back and interlacing geometric sides are open for easy access to the lower tiers, which are lacquered black.

Stainless steel casters make it easily moved from room to room.

——— Import Temptations 1287 Caledonia Rd., North York www.import-temptations.com 416-256-3150

519-853-1

4. PETITE TUB, BIG STYLE The Voce tub comes in two lengths (55 and 67 inches), which will have you singing in the bath. The smaller size fits in a space less than five feet long – rare for a freestanding tub. There’s no shortage of features in either size: Voce has a sophisticated oval shape and is composed of Lucite acrylic, which imparts a highgloss finish and is easy to maintain. The drain and overflow, available in chrome or brushed nickel, are pre-installed, making for easy installation of the tub.

——— Fleurco www.fleurco.com 1-800-993-0033

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3. CROWNING TOUCH The Plympton pendant light in gold metal would be quite at home in transitional or contemporary decor. Its circular frame supports 10 Edison-style dimmable light bulbs (included) and hangs by adjustable cords. Plympton could be a crowning touch in a foyer, living room, kitchen – pretty much any room in the house.

——— Morba 665-667 Queen St. W., Toronto www.morba.myshopify.com 416-364-5144

Bring this ad in to receive free install on your Hunter Douglas product.

CELEBRATING 63 YEARS!

DESIGN

A LOVE OF FRENCH CLASSIC DESIGN Builder creates a palatial Toronto home reminiscent of an iconic palace

BY SUSAN SEMENAK // PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT HOLOWKA // STYLING: KRYSTIN LEIGH SMITHÂ

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DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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“I work with a team of skilled tradesman who are able to produce this calibre of flawless workmanship.”

MAHZAD PAHLAVAN’S MOTHER is smitten with the Palace of Versailles and all its splendour and magnificence.

So when the Toronto builder’s parents called on her to design and build their new home, her mission was clear: create a smaller version of the famous 17th-century French chateau for them in Richmond Hill.

Her construction company, Mahzad Homes, specializes in luxury homes with a focus on architecture in the classical French style. The palatial stone home she built for her parents four years ago is a rich and elegant example of that style.

Pahlavan, who has visited Versailles several times, says she tried to re-create its baroque grandeur without resorting to the excesses of Louis XIV, the French king who turned the stone hunting lodge his father had built into an unparalleled 700-room royal palace filled with marble, gold, tapestry and art and overlooking 2,000 acres of manicured lawns, paths and gardens. “My parents wanted a bigger house with a large pool and

a beautiful backyard. My mom wanted it to be a mini Versailles. But we didn’t want it to be as crowded and crazy and over-the-top as the original,” says Pahlavan. “We didn’t want all the gold carvings and gilded surfaces of Versailles, but more the feeling of grandeur.”

An interior designer who launched her own construction company in 2003, Pahlavan fulfilled her parents’ wish through the use of floor-to-ceiling Palladian-style windows and noble materials throughout the house: marble on the floors of the entry and kitchen and on the fireplace mantels, mahogany panelling in her father’s office, glass mosaic tile in the bathrooms. She hung spectacular oversized handcrafted crystal Schonbek chandeliers in the foyer, kitchen, dining room, sitting rooms and bedrooms, even in the bathrooms. In the foyer and family room, the ceilings soar to 21 feet.

Her parents filled the home with handcarved furniture, silk tapestries and handmade Persian rugs from the city of Tabriz, which they’d brought with them from Iran. •

Mahzad Pahlavan designed and built her parents’ Richmond Hill home as an ode to the famous palace at Versailles. The entrance soars two storeys high and features a domed ceiling with a skylight. The large custom-made Swarovski crystal chandelier is from Schonbek as are the numerous other chandeliers throughout the house.

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DESIGN

The stone house in the Richvale neighbourhood of Richmond Hill sits on an especially wide lot, leaving ample space for a semi-circular driveway in the front and a large garden with a swimming pool, built by Betz Pools, and a pool house in the rear.

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The wood flooring throughout the house is solid quarter-cut oak, bordered with walnut

by Chestnut Flooring.

The Richmond Hill house, with more than 12,000 square feet of living area, took 18 months to build. It sits on a large, leafy lot in the South Richvale neighbourhood where properties are large enough to allow for building on this grand a scale. As in all of the company’s projects, Mahzad Homes oversaw the conception, construction and interior design of the house from start to finish.

The building’s exterior is clad in stone, with a semi-circular driveway leading to an extra-wide entrance set behind stately columns. A custom-made mahogany arched

double door is flanked by two leaded sidelights. The balcony above is ornamented with wrought-iron scrollwork.

Inside, visitors are greeted in what is Pahlavan’s pièce de résistance: an expansive double-storey foyer capped by a dome, its skylight sending sunlight through the space and into the balcony above, which leads from one wing of the house to the other.

Pahlavan hired master plaster-workers to re-create the coffered and vaulted ceilings of Versailles in numerous rooms. “These are the kinds of fine details that really add to the look of classical splendour,” she says. “I work with a team of skilled tradesman who are able to produce this calibre of flawless workmanship.”•

DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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“We didn’t want all the gold carvings and gilded surfaces of Versailles, but more the feeling of grandeur.”

The 12,000-square-foot house is built in a classic French style, with floor-to-ceiling Palladian-style windows, arches and wrought iron railings.

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DESIGN

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“My mother really takes care of us and she cooks all the time.�

DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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The kitchen’s backsplash is bronze-coloured stone mosaic tiles from Ciot. The floor is Spanish-quarried crema marfil marble from Marble and Granite Depot; its cream colour and cinnamon veining add warmth to the kitchen. Another ornate chandelier from Schonbek hangs over the island counter, which is clad in gold-flecked granite.

Pahlavan says her mother’s favourite room is the kitchen, with its ample windows and massive island topped with gold-flecked granite. “My mother really takes care of us and she cooks all the time,” Pahlavan says. “So I got her the largest oven made in Canada – a 60-inch Wolf double oven – and a 48-inch Sub-Zero fridge.”

The kitchen also features a breakfast area ensconced in a rounded alcove with floor-toceiling windows that overlook the gardens.

There’s a coffee area here, too, with a large round table, where Pahlavan’s parents start their day before she heads into the kitchen and he heads into his home office.

The warm, rich room to which Pahlavan’s father retreats is a mahogany-lined study

separated into two areas. He enters through a leaded-glass door into the office, with its massive desk and custom-made mahogany shelves. One step down, there is a sunken lounge area with a fireplace and television.

“It’s the most expensive room in the house.

Everything here is wrapped in mahogany, as in an Old-World library,” Pahlavan says. ”Even the ceiling, which features traditional waffle woodwork detailing.”

There’s no Room of Mirrors in the Richmond Hill house as there is at the Palace of Versailles, but Pahlavan makes liberal use of glass, mirrors and polished marble to create an opulent setting. The glass doors of the upper cabinets in the kitchen, for example, are etched with circle and diamond patterns. •

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DESIGN

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(Above) Mahzad Pahlavan designed a rich and formal office for her father, which features mahogany in the panelling and on the coffered ceiling. The office also has a sunken sitting room with a fireplace and television.

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(Above) The hand-carved furniture with its gold-leaf accents and silk fabric was imported from Iran. (Left) The dining room is made for sumptuous dinner parties.

The table and chairs, from Martin Daniel Interiors, were handmade in Italy of exotic woods and finished with gold-leaf accents. The wood flooring throughout the house is solid quarter-cut oak bordered with walnut by Chestnut Flooring.

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DESIGN

“Everybody loves this house It is classic and elegant.”

And in the curved wall of full-length mirrors, the mirrored spiral staircase in Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment is echoed.

“Everybody loves this house,” Pahlavan says, adding that the home will soon be listed for sale at $7.8 million by Barsam Professionals Real Estate Brokerage. “It is classic and elegant.” •

Barsam Professionals Real Estate 10376 Yonge St., unit 105, Richmond Hill 905-237-7303

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(This page) A generous walk-in closet features plenty of storage space and a curved wall of mirrors, an idea borrowed from Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment.

(Opposite, bottom) Even the master bathroom features chandeliers and crystal wall sconces for a luxurious look. The floors are crema marfil polished marble. The wall tiles are glass mosaic from Ciot, in a Grecian key motif. (Opposite, top) In the master bedroom, handmade Persian rugs from the city of Tabriz, famous for its tapestries and carpets, adorn the floor.

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DESIGN

1. GLOBAL APPEAL Reminiscent of a chandelier in a medieval banquet hall, this luminaire puts a contemporary stamp on a traditional style. Within an oil-rubbed bronze framework, a ring of faceted glass encircles 12 bulbs on candelabra bases for a substantial yet airy effect. 42" W x 65.25" H. ——— Litemode 8355 Jane St., Unit 2, Vaughan www.litemode.ca 905-738-8889

2. TOWER OF POWER This tower features four appliances to enhance a kitchen. The builtin 19-inch TV has a push-to-open lift door that gives easy access to storage space behind it. The 38-litre speed oven combines convection and microwave cooking. The 24-inch built-in multifunction oven features a large 120-litre capacity with electronic touch-screen display, 10 cooking functions and true convection cooking. The warming drawer at the bottom ensures that culinary creations stay at the right temperature until serving time.

——— Porter & Charles www.porterandcharles.ca 1-800-421-6332

3. A NEW TWIST This petite table is perfect for small spaces, entry halls and cozy dining nooks. Twister offers loads of charisma, with a defining twist. The table has a rich go-with-thegrain mahogany starburst top, but it’s the modern stainless steel base finished in a brilliant colour called Gold Bullion that’s the real showstopper.

——— Import Temptations 1287 Caledonia Rd., North York www.import-temptations.com 416-256-3150

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DESIGN

1. BAND OF LIGHT, DECONSTRUCTED The Tron pendant light is a sleek fixture suspended by adjustable aircraft wire. Illumination is provided by dimmable LEDs that are highly energy-efficient and have a long life cycle. We show the wood finish; matte black and white finishes are also available. Tron can be found in various sizes and in flush mount also.

——— Morba 665-667 Queen St. W., Toronto www.morba.myshopify.com 416-364-5144

2. ARCHITECTURAL ELEGANCE Beautifully sculpted cast-stone pilasters and columns, cast-stone panels, and a finely crafted cast-stone mantel adorn this cabana – just one example of the elegance and detail that made-to-measure cast-stone elements can bring to the home, both indoors and out.

——— The Omega Group of Companies 260 Jevlan Dr., Unit 3, Woodbridge www.theomega-group.com 905-851-7089

3. BE BUOYED BY BUBBLE One look at this chair, designed by Sacha Lakic, and it’s obvious why it’s called Bubble. It offers style, comfort and practicality, being fully padded and upholstered in Techno 4D fabric. The frame is solid wood with some plywood and particle board. 47" W x 44" D x 30" H. Also available: other dimensions; sofa and ottoman.

——— Roche Bobois 101 Parliament St., Toronto www.roche-bobois.com 416-366-3273

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X-TILE TORONTO NORTH 78 Signet Drive, Toronto Hwy 400 & Finch Avenue 416.749.7111 X-TILE MISSISSAUGA 563 Queensway East, Mississauga Queensway & Cawthra Road 905.949.8453

X-TILE TORONTO CENTRAL 35 Dufflaw Road, Toronto Dufferin & Lawrence 416.783.8453

SIGNET LOCATION CLOSES AT 4PM ON SUNDAY

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DESIGN

1. DIVINE DETAILS This charming Prince of Wales Hotel tea room in Niagara-on-the-Lake shows the full range of what ornamental interior plaster and stone molding, decorative panels, ceiling medallions and coffered ceiling designs can do for a traditional-style room. But even contemporary style can handle some minimal detail such as sleek crown molding. Traditional, transitional or contemporary, custom-made details add that extra something.

——— The Omega Group of Companies 260 Jevlan Dr., Unit 3, Woodbridge www.theomega-group.com 905-851-7089

2. PEAK PERFORMANCE IN A PEDESTAL TABLE The Aqua dining table by Fabrice Berrux begins with a base in solid Carrara marble. The tabletop is lacquered MDF and polyurethane, finished with Fenix laminated veneer, available in black or white. Fenix is an innovative material that withstands scratches, abrasion, friction and dry heat, and it’s also extremely resistant to impact, solvents and cleaning products. Standing 29.5 inches high, Aqua is available in two diameters: 62 inches and 54 inches.

——— Roche Bobois 101 Parliament St., Toronto www.roche-bobois.com 416-366-3273

3. CHEERS! Oval shapes in a repeating design are reminiscent of wine glasses, and this rug deserves a toast. Shown here in the silver colourway, the Cheers rug is a sophisticated stretch of hand-knotted wool for durability and silk for glamour.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 www.weaversart.com

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LIFESTYLE

HIDDEN GEMS How to make the most of a jewelry collection JEWELRY ISN’T SIMPLY THE ICING ON THE CAKE; it’s an expression of personality and can add style to an outfit. But sometimes, it’s left languishing in a jewelry box. Maybe it needs cleaning, or the style is outdated, or occasions to wear it seldom arise. Toronto Home asked Jeff Buzbuzian, co-owner of Knar Jewellery, for advice on how to get maximum enjoyment from jewelry.

Q: What’s the first step in deciding what to do with items in a jewelry collection?

A: One of the best ways to evaluate your collection is to spread it all out on a table and assemble items into groups according to type or frequency of use: every day, occasional, formal, costume, rarely worn, sentimental, needs repair/restoration, needs appraisal.

Then determine what needs to be done to get the most out of what you own.

Q: If jewelry needs repairs or cleaning, how can a reputable jeweller be located?

A: Developing a good relationship with an experienced jeweller is important. Not all jewellers specialize in repairs, custom work and gemological services, so I recommend asking friends about their jewellers and searching the Internet. The key to finding reputable and responsible jewellers is knowing how long they’ve been in business, whether or not they perform jewelry repairs and service work seriously, if they have their own workshop and, of course, if they guarantee their craftsmanship.

Knar Jewellery www.knar.com

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Q: What can be done about jewelry that is of good quality or has sentimental value, but doesn’t get worn?

A: Often, jewelry never worn may not fit perfectly and just needs a small adjustment. Or perhaps an item of great sentimental value has a small gemstone in it that seems too small, old or fragile. It can be removed and restyled, recycled and reloved in a new design that respects the memories and becomes an emotional or cherished conversation piece.

Take unworn pieces to a jeweller for creative suggestions. Sometimes, items need a stylist’s eye and just a few minor changes to become a great new piece. With a good overview of the wearer’s lifestyle, several items can be redesigned into one piece that can be worn every day. Precious metals can all be recycled, and even faux gems with sentimental value can be put into a new setting to enjoy. When nothing can be done, I recommend mounting interesting jewelry in a picture frame similar to what you would see in a museum – treasured pieces for all to enjoy.

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“The key to finding reputable and responsible jewellers is knowing how long they’ve been in business.”

Q: How should jewelry be stored?

A: It’s best to keep jewelry in a box or boxes that separate the pieces so they don’t get scratched or damaged. Keeping jewelry that you wear every day in one box is good for easy access. Keep less-worn things in another box for protection and security. There are many well-designed boxes and cloth or leather jewelry rolls available. I suggest keeping sterling silver jewelry in its own box and placing anti-tarnish strips inside. Keep your treasures organized and inventory them so you know what you have. Archiving photos is important, too.

Q: Do you have any other advice for keeping jewelry looking its best?

A: Most jewelry I see is not cleaned enough.

Take your jewelry and watches to a store that provides cleaning service as often as you can.

Pieces worn every day should be cleaned and checked (and, possibly, polished) to keep them looking their best and their gemstones secure.

Most jewellers sell jewelry cleaners for home use that maintain lustre by eliminating skin creams, soap and oils. There are also personal-use ultrasonic cleaning machines available. You can clean diamond jewelry every other day for best appearances. One more thing: white gold is often plated with rhodium. This wears off in a year or two, so having articles polished and the rhodium refreshed always puts a smile on a jewelry lover’s face. •

“Keep your treasures organized and inventory them so you know what you have.”

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DESIGN

FLOORING

INNOVATION

Beautiful trends from abroad are captivating Toronto homeowners

BY JULIE GEDEON

Concept Flooring 251 Speers Rd., Oakville 905-338-1288 www.conceptflooring.ca

NORTH AMERICANS are thinking increasingly along European lines these days when it comes to flooring.

Luigi Nesci, the owner of Concept Flooring, says homeowners are discovering the beauty and ease of products that Europeans have long appreciated.

Nesci stays abreast of the latest flooring trends, a family-run business for almost 20 years. many of which emanate from his native Italy.

The store’s two large storeys have every“Large porcelain tiles have been popular in thing from carpeting to hardwood to marble, my homeland and other European countries granite and limestone, as well as breathfor quite some time now because they can taking mosaic tiles from Italy for outstanding look exactly like marble but are sturdier and backsplashes and feature walls. The best part maintenance free,” he says. “And the concrete is that Concept Flooring also provides experversion is very popular for contemporary and tise to install everything perfectly. modern homes, again because all they need “Our experienced installers are real professionals who do a flawless job,” Nesci says. is the occasional mopping.”

Nesci has been dealing with European “And we back all of our products and installasuppliers since he first immigrated to Can- tions with a lifetime guarantee.” ada and opened a small f looring business The store’s inventory is constantly evolving with his brother, later branching out on his in step with flooring styles and innovation. Wide own. Concept Flooring in Oakville has been planks are currently in vogue in maple, walnut

and white oak. “The planks range from six to 10 inches in width and have become really popular because they produce such beautiful wooden floors with fewer divisive lines,” says Nesci.

“New European stains with a urethane finish also leave the wood looking more natural and yet better protected from scuffs and scratches.”

Beauty no longer has to give way to practicality. “Vinyl wood planks look amazingly like real wood but can be installed directly on wood or concrete in a basement or bathroom without having to worry about moisture expansion or water damage,” Nesci says.

Another innovation available at Concept Flooring is porcelain tiles in the appearance and shape of wooden planks. “They’re 72 by 10 inches and really look like wood,” Nesci says. “And what’s nice is that they can be installed in a kitchen, bathroom or basement where there might be some worry about water spilling on natural wood.”

It’s yet another innovative way to do flooring that is attracting buyers on this side of the Atlantic. •

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“Our experienced installers are real professionals who do a flawless job.”

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DESIGN

1. DECKING 101 The first lesson in choosing decking materials: low maintenance is the way to go. Materials such as PVc and capped composites not only require little care, they also look great. And even better, they come in a vast selection of colours and styles to suit any taste.

——— Royal Decks B10 - 996 Westport Cr., Mississauga www.royaldecks.ca 905-901-3560 ~ 1-866-399-4616

2. DRESS UP FOR THE OCCASION From the Black Tie collection, this 12-light chandelier has tailored warm black shades with gold lining. For a dash of bling, it features faceted crystals suspended in a metal setting cut on the bias. 41.5" d x 49" h.

——— Treasures & Company 8101 Yonge St., Thornhill 905-763-0349 www.treasuresco.com

4. QUANTUM QUALITY The Samsung 4K SUHD TV produces a finely detailed picture.

It boasts up to one billion colours with quantum dot display, and dynamic brightness reveals hidden details, with hdR 1000 making images more realistic and natural. Art meets technology with the curved screen and ultra-slim bezel, and the transition from live TV to streaming is seamless.

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

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3. SOPHISTICATED SHADE Go for glam that’s practical, too. This outdoor double-chaise daybed with shade panels has a frame of weather-resistant aluminum, and the cushions are made with Sunbrella fabric. There are three designs of double chaise to choose from, and the cushions are made to order in Canada from a huge choice of colours. 60" w x 88" d.

——— Southport Outdoor Living 6201 Hwy. 7, Unit 5, Vaughan ~ 905-850-9995 1296 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-785-7788 www.SouthportOutdoor.com

Breathtakingly Beautiful

B Make a grand entrance with our stunning

selection of outdoor wall, ceiling, post lights and garden lighting. Stylishly crafted, in a wide array of finishes and glass creations for the most discerning homes. Hundreds of styles instock.

On sale now at Royal Lighting’s convenient mid-town showroom.

ROYAL LIGHTING 1549 Avenue Rd. (North of Lawrence) 416 • 782 • 1129 royallighting.com

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YOUR HOME

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Since May 1986, we have continued the family tradition of offering the finest service to match the finest in European furnishings. We would like to thank our customers for their continued loyalty and look forward to serving you in the future. In celebration of our 30th anniversary, many exclusive collections throughout the showroom are reduced starting from 30%. Visit our showroom and enjoy!

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Design by Schwartz & Ko.

CARPET • AREA RUGS • HARDWOOD LUXURY VINYL • WINDOW COVERINGS 52 Samor Road, Toronto (Just North of Lawrence Ave. W.; West of Dufferin St.)

416.485.9488 www.dominionrug.com

LANDSCAPE

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE And company has ways to handle it IN SUCH A CITY AS TORONTO with its hills and ravines, storm water can be a problem. According to Dinu Filip, president of drainage products manufacturer ACO Systems, storm water is one of the most destructive factors against property – something that many Torontonians have witnessed in the past few years.

ACO Systems Ltd. www.acocan.ca ~ www.acoself.com 877-226-4255

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DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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“Handling water in a controlled manner may be the most effective and cheapest insurance.”

“On paved surfaces without proper drainage, water will often pool and can cause damage,” Filip says.

The situation can be further complicated by regulations in some municipalities that require downspouts to be disconnected from weeping tile systems. “Water from downspouts should never be allowed to pool and infiltrate the ground next to a house’s foundation walls,” he says.

The potential result of uncontrolled water is structural damage and mould in buildings, items ruined in flooded basements, subsidence in driveways, contamination in swimming pools, and eroded landscape. Part of the cure for this problem is to collect and handle surface water before it gets into the ground.

ACO Systems provides residential surface collection and dispersal systems to deal with storm water. The surface collection systems

are of two types: point drains, also called catch basins, and linear drains, also called trench drains.

Both systems collect water from paved surfaces and move it through buried pipes to storm sewers or dry well systems; the water can also be moved away from a building to a creek, valley or landscaping, says Filip. A line drainage system allows for two-dimensional, graded paved surfaces to capture sheets of water and to improve aesthetics, he adds.

The choice of drainage system depends upon the size of the area to be drained, the traffic on the paved surface, aesthetics, and user preferences. “In many retrofit applications, it is difficult to connect new drainage systems to the storm sewer if a pipe is not already available,” Filip says. “In such cases, using an infiltration system placed away from the building may be the easier option.

An infiltration system is a void underground where water is temporarily stored. It slowly seeps into the ground after the rain passes.”

Historically, Filip adds, dry wells were common. “A dry well is basically a large hole in the ground filled with crushed stone; it has a 30 per cent volume of empty space that can be filled with water. However, modern products, such as ACO’s Stormbrixx, create 95 per cent volume for water storage, using modular, easy-to-assemble parts.”

ACO also offers discreet grids, made from recycled materials, that can be anchored in grassy areas to prevent erosion and support vehicle traffic.

Although it’s ideal to install drainage systems during initial home construction and landscaping, it is possible to retrofit a property. Filip says that “most people will not take action until something happens.

“But it’s more costly fixing things than taking preventive action,” he says. His best advice: “Handling water in a controlled manner may be the most effective and cheapest insurance.” •

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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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LANDSCAPE

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OWNING THE RIVER A landscape atop a cliff seems to merge with the St. Lawrence River beyond

BY TRACEY ARIAL

A distant view of the Quebec Bridge frames three decked levels: an intimate eating area, a gathering area and poolside

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HOW DO YOU OVERHAUL A PROPERTY’S LANDSCAPE when the house and pool already exist and you’re building on solid bedrock next to a cement wall?

That was the challenge that the owner of a cliff-side waterfront property in Lévis, Quebec gave to landscape designer Maxime Desrosiers a few years ago. To handle it, Desrosiers focused on making the St. Lawrence River part of the property.

“The primary goal behind this project was to highlight the view of the water,” says Desrosiers. “We wanted to integrate the water so much that the homeowner could have the impression of the river belonging to him.”

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The homeowners have young children and often hold parties for people of many ages, so the deeply sloped 2,500-square-foot space had to include lots of hardscaping on two levels that connect seamlessly. A large crane enabled the team of three men to bring in heavy items, such as the stairs. They spent 1,500 hours building walls, settling fountains and laying down decking to make the six-foot drop between the house and the pool disappear.

“The homeowners already knew us, so we had carte blanche for our design, but it took time to do right,” says Desrosiers. “We took an entire year to do the project.” •

“The primary goal behind this project was to highlight the view of the water.”

Industria pavers are available in multiple sizes so that they can be used as decking, pool coping and edging.

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LANDSCAPE

Glass panels in the riverside fence provide a seamless view of the St. Lawrence River beyond.

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LANDSCAPE TORONTO SUMMER 2016

The walls and planters, in a colour called choice proves that the material also works “Greyed Nickel” were all made of Raffinato well in contemporary residential projects. from Techo-Bloc. The decking was a com- “The Raffinato wall goes really well with the mercial product known as Industria.

Industria paver because it has a similar shape Jessica Ciccarello, director of marketing contouring, in that the edges are chamfered,” strategy and branding and Techo-Bloc’s says Ciccarello. “This outline produces a creative director, says most contractors shadow around the stone, deepening the use the 100-millimetre Industria paver for seams for a very linear look that is true to commercial projects. Desrosiers’ original contemporary design.”

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Desrosiers’ initial design included two platforms of composite wood decking for the chairs and tables to mimic the house cladding.

Later, the homeowners asked the designer to install easy-to-care-for Borealis slabs in a similar wood-look colour instead. • Modern hardscaping in standard colours mimics the materials used in the contemporary house

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LANDSCAPE

“This outline produces a shadow around the stone, deepening the seams for a very linear look that is true to contemporary design.”

The landscape designer took building on a cliff with a cement wall in stride, but he says now that he struggled to integrate the home’s contemporary style with a kidney-shaped pool.

“We had to exchange the pool canvas for a black one,” he says. “We also used a large black aluminum basin on which you can walk, to change the curve of the pool.”

The basin operates as part of a two-tiered water fountain into the pool. A black standalone fountain on the upper level duplicates the water theme set by the river, which is visible through clear glass panels on the fence.

Frosted panels on the fence at the side of the property ensure privacy from nearby neighbours.

The view of the full backyard from the house offers multiple focal points, from the Quebec Bridge to the grassy play area.

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Several borders contain easy-to-care-for plants, including Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), hostas, Anthony Waterer Spirea (Spiraea x bumalda) and yew (taxus); they soften the edges of the corners and link the distant river view with the pool, fountain and sky. •

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Inspire…Create…Perform

416.783.3916 www.chateauwindows.com Showroom: 2700 Dufferin St., Unit 12

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DESIGN

EMBRACING THE ICONIC BUNGALOW A 1970s-era home is transformed into a practical structure for today

BY SUSAN SEMENAK // PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL // STYLING: LISA MAIDA

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THE DEMOLITION CREW MOVES IN. The aging bungalow is demolished. A big new luxury home goes up. That’s the usual narrative.

“Bungalows in Toronto have fallen out of favour with homebuyers. They are a rare breed, almost extinct,” says Gene Maida, founder and president of Georgian Custom Renovations. “Usually they are demolished to make room for two-storey monster homes.”

But there’s a new story taking shape. Maida says he is noticing renewed interest in these iconic 20th century homes among buyers looking to downsize without resorting to condo living. They are attracted by vintage bungalows’ solid construction and the intimacy of containing all the rooms on a single floor, with good access to outdoor space. What’s more, the old homes are often located on streets lined

with mature trees, in desirable neighbourhoods with ample lots and nearby services.

Those that are saved and renovated increase in value exponentially, he says.

“Bungalows have many advantages over two-storey homes,” Maida says. “With living contained on one level, they are more family friendly, safer for young kids and more accessible for seniors.” •

French doors with sidelights replaced sliding patio doors. The fireplace gets a dose of modern glam with its floor-to-ceiling white stacked stone. A rustic wood beam adds warmth. Rug: HomeSense.

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DESIGN

He points to the “ugly-duckling” bungalow his firm recently transformed into a luxury home for a client and her teenage daughter.

At first glimpse the 4,000-square-foot 1970s brick house in the Bayview-York Mills area seemed like a hopeless mess. “It was so horrible that your first instinct was to tear it down,” Maida recalls.

But the homeowner who had purchased it had a fondness for its elegant, nostalgic feel.

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She liked the traditional layout and insisted that Maida’s company overhaul it.

After a nine-month, $1-million transformation, the building is a light-filled, updated luxury home that fits comfortably in this neighbourhood of high-end 10,000-square-foot houses. “The changes are dramatic and drastic.

It really is an awesome house now,” Maida says.

The first job was to tackle the house’s tired sandstone-brick exterior by cladding it with stucco,

and raising and replacing the roof. Small windows were expanded to admit maximum light. Transoms were installed in the family room, along with French doors and sidelights. Skylights were added to the kitchen and master bathroom. • The ceiling was coffered to add height and drama, and a skylight added for extra light. Existing supporting beams were used to full architectural advantage, says Georgian’s design director Lisa Maida. They were painted white.

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“Bungalows in Toronto have fallen out of favour with homebuyers. They are a rare breed, almost extinct.�

An ample pantry with drawers and pull-out spice racks is hidden behind panelled cabinetry. The island and counters are topped with engineered quartz by Cambria that mimics Calacatta marble. Chrome stools: Structube; black elongated subway tiles on backsplash: Weston Tile; pendant lighting: Union Lighting.

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Inside, the bungalow was coaxed out of the 70s. A curved wall of retro glass bricks in the entranceway had to go. So did the pink tiles in the bathroom. Two existing wood-burning fireplaces were replaced with clean-burning, energy-efficient gas fireplaces. A laundry room that squatted indecorously off the old kitchen was relegated to the basement, where it is now located – along with plenty of storage – just off the rec room, which also serves as a home theatre.

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To create an airy living space, Maida tore down the walls between kitchen and family room. He turned three small bedrooms into two spacious ones. But he didn’t open things up entirely, leaving tall, wide archways between the kitchen, dining room and living room for a hint of separation.

What the homeowner loved most about the original bungalow was its dining room, a feature lost in many new homes where living

areas are conjoined in a single open space.

She wanted a special place reserved for family dinners, a formal dining room like the ones of the past. • Above the dining table, a sold chrome chandelier from Union Lighting anchors the room. A set of six convex mirrors from Bowring expands the space with blurred reflections. Furnishings: Pier One; floral artwork: Bowring.

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“Bungalows have many advantages over two-storey homes. With living contained on one level, they are more family friendly.�

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“It’s like an ugly duckling that became a beautiful swan.”

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An accomplished home cook, she also wanted a functional and spacious kitchen designed not just for beauty, but for functionality. It features a wall of appliances, including a warming drawer, wall oven and steam oven, plus a wine cooler and ample storage in a pantry with pull out drawers.

Maida says he paid special attention to the ceiling in the kitchen, opening the space with

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a coffered surface and skylight. Structural overhead beams were left exposed to add architectural interest. “For a long time, the ceiling was ignored, but now we treat it as a fifth wall, using beams and waffled or coffered ceilings as a way of adding drama and height to a space,” he says.

Thinking back on his first impressions of the bungalow, Maida laughs. “It’s like an ugly duckling that became a beautiful swan.” •

The bathroom features engineered quartz countertops on the vanity and a glass mosaic-tile backsplash. Limestone-like porcelain tiles were laid on the heated floor. The espresso-brown vanity echoes the rich wood flooring elsewhere in the house.

The toilet by Toto features a heated seat and built-in bidet. Faucets and shower jets: Taps.

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DESIGN

SHE LOVES IT Far from listing it, TV’s Hilary Farr is enamoured of her own Deer Park home

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BY SUSAN KELLY // PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY HORKOFF // STYLING: DVIRA OVADIA

DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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INTERIOR DESIGN has been called an Art plays a big role in the decor of her three-bedart form that creates works people room home, too. Selections from her collection enjoy every day. Designer Hilary – much is in storage – of paintings, sculpture Farr, co-host of the hit television show Love and objets d’art are strategically placed throughIt or List It (HGTV and W Network), certainly out the two floors. “Art is a big part of my life, has an artful way about her, and in more both for my work and as a passion,” she says. ways than one.

“Even when I was a student in England and so Always impeccably dressed, on-air she cre- broke, I bought an L.S. Lowry, who is now a ates beautiful and functional homes for frus- very famous artist.” And because her parents trated homeowners to get them to stay, while were avid collectors, she knew enough to have her rival, real estate agent David Visentin, tries him sign the print, then priced at £9, which to find them a new home. Not only are her increases the value. designs artful, but so is the way she handles Among the many works on display, a large homeowners who sometimes have meltdowns work by Toronto street artist Menno Krant hangs because of the stresses of filming. over the dining table. And one wall of the main But Hilary’s Deer Park-area cottage is all floor living room is dominated by a massive work about her. We caught up with her during a hia- by Polish artist Tadeusz Biernot. It seems to have tus from the show, which now takes her across been designed to fit the room’s colour scheme, the border to points south. She shares her home as does the iconic coffee table by famed sculptor with Mimi, a 13-year-old Pomeranian-Chihua- Isamu Noguchi. But the white walls and with hua mix, and a mismatched set of three cats who sofas, and the rug and accent pieces in shades of “wandered in at different times and just stayed.” grey were intended to create an oasis of calm, HilHer son, now a young adult, has moved out. ary says. It’s a spot she likes to retreat to often. •

“Art is a big part of my life, both for my work and as a passion.”

Hilary stands in front of a large-scale painting by artist Tadeusz Biernot. She considers this room an oasis of serenity, her main-floor retreat. White sofas – “so comfortable and have been reupholstered at least three times” — are by Roche Bobois. The coffee table is by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

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cottage, which she bought intending to flip.

But then the beautiful back garden, which has a centenarian apple tree that still bears apples, seduced her. And a vision of opening up the tiny rooms emerged. It included an addition that houses a second bathroom and palatial master suite on the second floor along with two other bedrooms. •

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“It’s a very odd thing: I am a fan of colour for design firm take her on the road for roughly homes I design for other people. But I cannot half the year – she needs visual quiet. To furtolerate it on the walls of my own home; it ther ensure tranquility during precious downunnerves me,” she says. Hilary reckons it’s time, Hilary has relegated the home’s only because in imagining spaces filled with colours, television to a basement room that doubles as textures and materials all day, it becomes a sen- extra guest accommodation. sory overload. So when she is home – filming, Ironically, 15 years ago it was not a case of personal appearances and running her own “love it” when she first set eyes on the two-storey

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(Opposite) Hilary (shown with co-host David Visentin), installed French doors leading into the back garden, the feature that first attracted her to the Deer Park-area cottage. (This page, from left) Hilary has a creative way of merging her art collection with objects that are both meaningful and beautiful. A modern work hangs over a 150-year-old blue willow bowl and an Art Nouveau-era jug, both treasured pieces inherited from her mother. The dining area is defined by the painting by Toronto street artist Menno Krant that hangs over the traditional-style table.” “I take an eclectic approach to decorating,” says Hilary. “I like the mix of contemporary with more traditional. It works for me.”

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On the main floor, a design masterstroke: Hilary installed French doors that lead directly into the garden, with an identical set on the opposite wall. In the summer, she can open them to allow a balmy cross-breeze, thus requiring little air conditioning. They also let in enough natural light to flood the nowopen-concept main floor.

The family room off the kitchen gets the most use by both residents and visitors. Long

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glass shelves hold a great number of objects, yet the whole arrangement appears remarkably uncluttered. And none is chosen for aesthetics alone. Most hold memories of important people and experiences in her early life.

Born in Toronto, she grew up in England and has lived in Australia, New York and Los Angeles. She studied classical ballet and was an actress for a time. Among the treasures on display are some small Nigerian sculptures inherited from

her father. “Even with the artwork, I make an effort to spend time with the artist, so there’s a personal connection there as well,” she says.

The only thing about the home Hilary would change is the kitchen. The wood cabinetry, ordered as book-matched but delivered as not up to her exacting standards, still bothers her. “I love the kitchen,” says David Visentin, her co-host on the show for its entire eightyear run. “It may be my favourite room in the

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house.” But then, fans of the show will know they are often on opposite sides of an issue, bickering like an “old married couple” before having a final celebratory martini at the end of every episode. They are close friends in real life.

David says Hilary’s home is “beautifully appointed, as you’d expect.” He’s been to the house when Hilary has thrown parties for the show’s cast and crew, and their families. She’s a very gracious hostess, David says, remarkably unperturbed

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when kids start running around chasing the pets. “This is absolutely the perfect house for me Such relaxed moments are rare when they are now,” she says. • on the road filming the show. “She’s always the designer,” he says. “Anywhere we go, a restaurant (Opposite) A view of the family room, with two French doors leading into or airport or wherever, she can point out things Hilary’s prized garden. The artwork on the window wall is by Toronto that should be changed. It’s just who she is.” artist Steven Nederveen. Sofa, coffee table: Scott Shuptrine Interiors.

Despite her dissatisfaction with the kitch- (This page, left) Hilary’s worlds combine in this appealing vignette. en, and David’s standing offer to handle the (Right)From her formative years spent in England, an antique breadmaking table. The large artwork was bought when she lived in Los Angeles. transaction should she wish to sell, Hilary has no plans to “list it.”

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DESIGN

MAXIMIZE SPACE IN A SMALL BATHROOM There are many ways to renovate a modest-sized bathroom to make it seem large YOU’RE CONSIDERING A BATHROOM RENOVATION but wonder if you have enough space for all the amenities you’d like to include in it. Do you scale back your wish list or is there a way that you can have it all in your modest space? Toronto Home asked Erin Brick, marketing manager at Fleurco, a company that manufactures showers and bathtubs, for her input on how to make the most of a small bathroom space.

Q: Erin, retrofitting a small bathroom space can be challenging for homeowners who might want such amenities as vanities, free-standing tubs, and showers. Is it possible to have all of them in the same modest space?

A: Of course! There are various sizes of freestanding tubs on the market, and sizes under 60 inches fit into an existing alcove tub space.

There are also many different and unique tub shapes available, from square to round; choosing a design that fits your space is very important. We also suggest using a corner shower door unit, which can be an excellent space-saving option. Another option is a seated base, which offers a regular shower unit that can be retrofitted into an existing tub space. For homeowners who have limited space in their bathrooms, the seat feature offers the option to sit and relax in the shower.

Q: What can homeowners do to make their small spaces seem larger?

A: To make a small space seem larger, homeowners can choose the option of clear glass around the shower. This will make the space feel much more open.

Q: Shower doors that swing outward can be a problem in small bathrooms. What is the answer?

A: The solution is to opt for a sliding door or a bypass one. The sliding configuration has one sliding panel and one fixed panel. This allows entry from either the right side or the left side. The bypass configuration allows entry from both left and right sides. Another option is a shield or walk-in shower unit, which does not require any movement of the door. These shower doors eliminate the extra space needed for a swinging door.

“To make a small space seem larger, homeowners can choose the option of clear glass around the shower.”

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Fleurco www.fleurco.com 1-800-993-0033

Q: Is it possible to combine a shower and tub in the same fi xture?

A: It is definitely possible to combine a shower and tub. An alcove-style tub allows homeowners to enjoy the tub for soaking while still giving the option of installing a tub door for an enclosed shower unit.

Q: Storage space is always at a premium in small bathrooms. How can homeowners address this problem?

A: There are shelves that can be added to your shower unit. These shelves allow for shower products to be stored within reach, eliminating clutter on the shower floor. On trend currently are small powder room vanities that offer storage while still fitting into tight or small spaces. •

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DESIGN

GET MORE SPACE Built-in closets have become more accessible to homeowners

BY JULIE GEDEON

CUSTOM-BUILT CLOSETS may have once been the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, but no longer. Laminate materials have made them both more affordable and versatile.

“And they look amazing,” says Daniel Wilkinson, president of Simply Closets, a Woodbridge-based company he founded 14 years ago. “The superior quality of today’s high-density fibreboard and resin coatings has virtually eliminated chipping and peeling.”

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Laminates cost less than natural wood.

They also save on labour because they’re easier to cut and don’t require sanding or finishing. “The wide range of finishes – from natual-looking woods to high-gloss lacquered coatings – makes them ideal for any home style,” Wilkinson says.

However, don’t go immediately emptying that overflowing closet if you decide to get it rebuilt. Wilkinson asks to see existing closets and storage areas in their current state, especially if they’re in disarray. “I want to know if sweaters are being stuffed onto a top shelf and whether pants are piled onto the bed bench,” he says. “By seeing the situation, I can use my laptop to generate a 3D design on the spot to fit both the space and client’s specific needs.”

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“By maximizing storage areas, they can get rid of bulky dressers.”

Many condo owners are discovering the necessity of customized storage. “Quite a number realize they have less space than anticipated when they built or purchased their unit,” Wilkinson says. “By maximizing storage areas, they can get rid of bulky dressers.”

Built-in storage is likewise appealing to condo renters. “Our closet systems make it easier to rent a condo as fully furnished,” Wilkinson says.

Of course, a lot of houses also need better storage. “We’ll completely reconfigure that space that has side-by-side closets and mirrored doors from the 1980s,” he adds. “We’ll not only make life easier but increase the property’s resale appeal and value.”

It’s also possible in most cases to insert a closet into an older room that lacks one. “As long as there’s some space,” Wilkinson says. “Otherwise, we find other ways to create storage with shelving, hooks, and by transforming alcoves and corners.”

New and old houses can benefit from pullout laundry hampers, mechanized tie and belt racks, lit hanging rods and other modern conveniences. “In homes with high ceilings, we create space by building shelves and rods higher and using pulldown mechanisms for seasonal clothing,” he says.

He says the company is always open to innovation. “One client in a small condo, for example, asked us to transform a bottom drawer into a discreet litter box.”

The company adapts easily to client requests.

So there’s no longer any reason to have those sweaters stuffed onto a top shelf or to pile up pants on a bed bench. •

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LIFESTYLE

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DESIGN

MAJOR MAKEOVER

Plans for a minor renovation shift radically to a full-home redesign

BY SUSAN SEMENAK // PHOTOGRAPHY: TAMI McINNIS // STYLING: DANIELLE CAMPBELL AND JACQUELYN CLARK

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DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

AFTER 10 YEARS, a house can start to look tired.

Its failings come into stark relief. That’s how Danielle Campbell’s clients were beginning to feel about their Oakville home.

The couple loves to entertain but their six-bedroom 1970s house didn’t allow much for mingling and mixing. The main floor had been divided down the middle, creating two long and skinny spaces that felt cramped. The kitchen was confined to a 10-by-10-foot area at the back of the house adjoining the family room, but closed off from the dining room. Another living area at the front of the 2,800-square-foot house was so isolated from the other spaces that no one ever sat there. What to do?

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Campbell, an interior designer and founder of Danielle Campbell Design, was brought in to renovate the kitchen. The owners wanted to demolish the wall between kitchen and dining room to create an open space for themselves and their three pre-teen and early-teen children.

What Campbell suggested was something bolder – a wholesale re-thinking of the main floor. “Even if they opened up the kitchen and dining rooms, they didn’t solve the problem of the narrow layout, or that unused front room,” Campbell says.

Her clients agreed and soon the whole house, including the upstairs bedrooms and

bathroom, was in transformation. First the walls came down. The main-f loor layout was re-oriented and the kitchen relocated to the front of the house, where it occupies the whole 25-foot width of the building, anchored by an island that is 14 feet long by four feet wide. “The kitchen really is the heart of the house now,” says Campbell.

But a front-and-centre kitchen is an unorthodox idea. Campbell made sure that the first glimpse of it upon entry isn’t fridge or stove, but rather an elegant built-in desk.

Even in the main area of the kitchen, she camouflaged the fridge, dishwashers and range hood behind white-lacquered wood •

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DESIGN

cabinetry. The only appliance she left out was a shiny stainless steel Thermador range that’s displayed as if it were a piece of kitchen art in a bright white gallery.

Upstairs, the fifth and sixth bedrooms were converted into a cozy sitting room that has become part of a spacious master suite “like its own apartment.”

Once she had reorganized the space, Campbell gave the house a calming black, white and grey palette with bursts of colour “to pull your eye through the space.”

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She has a gift for injecting unexpected flashes of brilliance into otherwise traditional spaces. For example, she painted the massive island a dramatic navy blue. She brought a mossy green wing chair into the living room, bright turquoise Eames-style chairs to the dining room, and a hit of sunny yellow to the master bedroom. “I’m all about adding the unexpected to the expected,” Campbell says.

“I’ll choose tiles in unusual sizes or paint in out-of-the-ordinary colours. But always, I’m thinking about the overall mood.”

In the kitchen, custom cabinetry from Ritcey is finished in matte lacquer (Benjamin Moore’s American White 2112-70), with hardware in brushed nickel. Walls are painted in Sherwin Williams Greyish SW6001.

An integrated hood allows the Thermador range to take centre stage. A 48-inch Thermador fridge is also concealed behind panelled doors. The backsplash is tiled in matte white subway tiles.

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“The kitchen really is the heart of the house now.”

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“I’m all about adding the unexpected to the expected.”

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DESIGN

The absence of a ceiling lamp over the dining room table is intentional. The homeowners throw many parties and they wanted the freedom to move furniture around without worrying about a hanging fixture. Instead, recessed ceiling lights are on dimmers.

Wall sconces in the living room provide another layer of light.

Custom-made built-ins on each side of the fireplace replaced free-standing Ikea shelving, adding sophistication.

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(Below right) In the master bathroom, a three-by-five-foot shower and a 5.5-foot-long vanity with double sinks offer a large, comfortable space shared by two. On the floor, nine-inch hexagonal printed tiles from Mettro Source have a subtle pattern. On the walls, extra-large one-by-one-metre tiles reduce grout joints and offer a masculine counterpoint to the more delicate design on the floor.

DESIGN

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DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

Beyond charming, the Oakville house is also a model of functionality. Her clients wanted a house that would be beautiful, but also simple to maintain. So a desk nook in the kitchen features storage drawers for stashing calendars, school supplies and other paperwork – even a hidden television that lowers mechanically when the children want to watch their favourite show.

Not one but two dishwashers built into the island offer another stroke of functional genius.

“In an open space, you don’t want the mess of cooking out for all to see,” says Campbell. “So there’s a dishwasher for dishes and cutlery and another for pots and pans. And that keeps the kitchen counters free and clean.”

In the living room, matte-finished, almost-black tiles for the fireplace surround

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were chosen for both aesthetic and practical reasons. It’s a wood-burning stove, so light tiles were going to get discoloured. “Besides, the black tiles balance the black expanse created by the flat-screen television above the fireplace,” Campbell says.

Upstairs, a warren of small rooms was reworked into new, more functional and less congested spaces with expanded closets. The new master suite now feels like an apartment – complete with bedroom, adjoining sitting room with fireplace and television, a walk-in closet and an enlarged bathroom.

“Too often, interior designs are over-stylized.

They look great but are difficult to live with and hard to maintain,” Campbell says. ”When I’m finished with a project, I want it to be beautiful, but also functional and simple and liveable.” •

For their bedroom, the owners wanted a low-key style that was “comfortable, not overdone.” Wall lamps with moveable arms on each side of the bed offer optimal light for reading. In the adjacent sitting room, limestone tiles clad the fireplace surround. Plaid upholstery jazzes up the black and white colour palette.

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ART

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ART TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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GETTING AN

EARLY START

Artist Steven Nederveen began his art career as a young child

BY JANE AUSTER

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ART

TAKING A WRONG TURN EARLY IN LIFE proved to be the right turn for mixed-media artist Steven Nederveen.

“Starting from Grade 1, my sister would walk me partly to school and I’d have to walk the rest myself across a bunch of fields, where on one side there was a community centre and on the other side the elementary school,” says the Edmonton-born Nederveen. “One day I saw a bunch of pre-schoolers and started playing in the playground with them, and when they went into the community centre, I followed them.”

“I’m the artist for odd places in your house.”

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When challenged by officials, Nederveen said he knew some of the children and was allowed to be with them. The pre-schoolers spent their days doing finger-painting and clay-molding. Since little Steven came home every day with his arms laden with paintings, his mother never questioned whether he was actually attending school and doing his homework – until a call and visit from the principal.

Instead of chastising her son, Mrs. Nederveen recognized budding talent and encouraged Steven to open his mind to art. It helped greatly

that she herself was a florist and hobbyist artist, with a vivid appreciation of colour, texture and varied media, and Steven’s father was an avid sailor with a love of West Coast wilderness.

Nederveen, who comes from a Dutch background, visited the Rijksmuseum when he was 12 and it stimulated his desire to become an artist. “Before the trip to the Rijksmuseum, my main exposure to art was looking at the prints at Woodward’s (the store),” he recalls. “But I was just blown away by what I saw at the Rijksmuseum.”

Nederveen concentrated on his art, creating at least two drawings a night in school and focusing on his artwork to the detriment of other subjects. His favourite themes – wild animals, prairie scenes, western forests and still waters are, to this day, his signature subjects.

In 1995, he received a bachelor of design degree from the University of Alberta.

He specializes in mixed media, combining photography and acrylics. “Painting is abstract work, and I leave a hole in the composition

where I drop in the photographic work, so there is an abstractness around the edges, with a sharpness in the centre,” he says. “My work is realistic and photographic to some degree, but what interests me is creating the feeling and mood, and nesting a photograph into this mood.”

Unlike many other painters, Nederveen often creates canvases in unusual sizes, such as long verticals of one foot by six feet; they feature a single image and are reminiscent of Japanese scrolls. “I’m the artist for odd places in your house,” he jokes.

His creations are also suffused with vibrant hues of blues and greens, yellows and oranges, hot pinks and reds. In his early 20s, Nederveen discovered Mark Rothko and recognized the power of colour. Recently, he says, his palette has changed, from subdued to punchy tones. For him, the colours seem to vibrate against each other.

At 45, the Toronto-based Nederveen is deeply influenced by his travels, not necessarily to exotic climes, but to Vancouver, where he discovered the joy of meditation; New York, where he lived •

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ART

“Gradually, the abstract element in my landscapes has been overtaking the photographic element.”

in a bohemian artists’ squat; and London and Europe, where he studied opulent estates and gardens and contrasted them with the rawness of the Canadian landscape. He always returns to his spiritual home though: Vancouver.

“Even though I’ve spent the most time in Alberta, I go back to Vancouver every year,” says Nederveen. “I grew up sailing in the Gulf Islands, so every summer my father and I go sailing there. He’s 83 and is still sailing. One of my favourite themes is water, and especially waves.”

Despite the fact that he now lives in relatively landlocked Toronto with his wife, an acting and voice coach, and two small children, he still takes inspiration from water. His home, with an impeccably organized 1,200-square-foot studio in the basement, is just two houses from the beach, where he can run barefoot on the sand.

Nederveen will return to Vancouver for a new show in June at the Bau-Xi Gallery. “This show reveals for the first time a new series of paintings, which I’ve been working on for the past six months,” he says. “Gradually, the abstract element in my landscapes has been overtaking the photographic element. It was a natural evolution into these abstracts. My mixed-media landscapes draw heavily on images of Canadian wilderness and they reflect our shared Canadian identity in relation to them. Despite the cosmopolitan personality of our cities, Canada is still a largely wild place. My own identity and inspiration are tied to that.”

After the exhibition, Nederveen says, he’ll take a long break to sail with his father. No doubt he’ll return to his studio brimming with new inspiration. •

A solo exhibition of Steven Nederveen’s art, titled A Temperate Nature, will be held at Bau-Xi Gallery (3045 Granville St,.

604-733-7011), June 11 through June 25, 2016.

His artwork can also be viewed online at www.bau-xi.com.

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“My work is realistic and photographic to some degree, but what interests me is creating the feeling and mood, and nesting a photograph into this mood.”

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LIFESTYLE

ALL DECKED OUT How to get the perfect backyard deck ONCE UPON A TIME, the backyard deck was a simple affair: a rectangular platform of wooden boards, side railings and, maybe, a bench built into the perimeter. Now, decks are outdoor rooms in their own right, usually large, often multi-level, and boasting such amenities and decorative elements as kitchens and water features. Miro Simecek, president of Royal Decks, says there are many possibilities for the once-lowly deck.

“There are lowmaintenance options, such as composites and plastics, which provide durability and little to no effort other than keeping the deck clean.”

Royal Decks B10 - 996 Westport Cr., Mississauga www.royaldecks.ca 905-901-3560 ~ 1-866-399-4616

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Q: How does a homeowner go about getting the right size and configuration of deck for a particular space?

A: Decks are usually designed around the activities envisioned – cooking (including barbecuing), dining, lounging, and so on. The size of each area is then planned to fit particular furniture, with adequate space around it.

Q: What choice of decking materials is available?

Is maintenance an issue?

A: Most people do not have time to do any maintenance on a deck, so wood decks are out of the picture. There are low-maintenance options, such as composites and plastics, which provide durability and little to no effort other than keeping the deck clean. For people who do desire a wood deck, maintenance of natural hardwoods such as ipe is easier than of cedar.

Q: What are people putting on their decks to make them feel like an outdoor extension of indoor rooms?

A: The basic activities for most decks are lounging, dining and barbecuing. After these are accommodated, we start adding lighting, overhead shading, fireplaces, water features, and decorative elements such as privacy screens.

Q: It can get pretty hot outdoors in the sun. What options do homeowners have for providing shade?

A: For permanent shading we offer various types of roof structures. For non-permanent solutions, there are pergolas with retractable awnings and sail shades.

Q: In the evening it gets dark and, at the beginning and end of summer, chilly. How can decks be outfitted for nighttime enjoyment?

A: Lighting on decks makes all the difference.

All the lights we use are low-voltage LEd lights that provide mood lighting for enjoying peaceful evenings. For cold nights at the beginning and end of the season, table fireplaces for lounging areas are very popular. They offer additional light and provide heat.

Q: Do you have any advice for homeowners contemplating adding or redesigning a deck?

A: Designing a deck is like designing a house.

It has to be functional and not unnecessarily large. Its decor is what will separate it from the rest. A well-designed deck will draw you outside, making you want to spend time outdoors with your family. •

“Designing a deck is like designing a house.”

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.ca

Creating backyard dreams...

B10 - 996 Westport Crescent Mississauga, ON

www.royaldecks.ca 905.901.3560

H2O2 WINE CELLAR DESIGN has been involved in many wine

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LIFESTYLE

SMALL OFFICE, BIG PAIN? The right furnishings and equipment can make a home office a comfortable workplace WORKING FROM A HOME OFFICE can be relaxing compared with life in a typical workplace.

Some of the perks can include fewer interruptions, less noise, a shorter commute and maybe better coffee. It shouldn’t be too relaxing, though.

Nor should it be a pain in the neck or elsewhere.

Chiropractor Amy Yee, DC DC, BSc (Hons), who is certified in professional ergonomic and injury prevention management with a specialty in office ergonomics, explains what’s necessary to be kind to the body during work.

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Q: What is ergonomics, and why is it important?

A: Ergonomics is the art and science of fitting work tasks, environment and a workstation to a person’s needs. Ergonomics is used to minimize or prevent wear and tear on the body that may cause a task to become difficult or painful.

Q: How does posture play a part in this?

A: The curves of the spine are designed to absorb shock and minimize structural and gravitational stress on the body. Our spine forms three natural curvatures: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and lumbar (lower back). Neutral posture maintains the natural curvatures of the spine, increases its flexibility and stress tolerance, keeps bones and joints in proper alignment, and allows the body to work more efficiently by using less energy for tasks. Poor posture, including slouching or stooping forward, can lead to discomfort or such medical problems as headaches, muscle strains, and early degenerative changes of the spine. It’s important to regularly adjust and change positions throughout the workday to avoid prolonged static postures.

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“Ergonomics is used to minimize or prevent wear and tear on the body that may cause a task to become difficult or painful.”

Photo courtesy of Herman Miller.

Aeron Chair.

Q: What should one look for when buying furniture for a home office?

A: The typical desk or workstation height is 29 - 30 inches. There are four minimum requirements for a chair: • Five-caster star base: most stable, allows easy movement along the floor.

• Waterfall seat-pan edge: front edge curves down to minimize compression of the legs, allows feet to be planted on the ground or footrest.

• Seat-pan height adjustability: allows for optimal sitting/working height.

• Adjustable lumbar support: backrest should conform to the natural curvature of the lumbar spine (lower back) and provide adequate support.

It’s highly recommended to consult with a professional ergonomist to determine the best furniture and equipment that suits you.

Q: What kind of layout of furniture and equipment is best?

A: It depends on your specific needs, tasks, and workspace. One common error we see is poor positioning of ergonomically designed products. For example, you might be using an ergonomically sound keyboard; however, if it’s positioned incorrectly, this could result in discomfort and pain. Here are some tips: • Position the keyboard flat on the desk in front of you with the B and n keys aligned with your navel and nose.

• Position the mouse close to your body and at the same level as the keyboard.

• Position the monitor directly in front of you at approximately an arm’s length away. The top of the screen should be at horizontal eye level and tilted slightly backwards (10 - 15 degrees). Minimize glare by having the monitor perpendicular to the window or natural light, and use blinds or drapes.

Tilt the monitor to reduce reflecting overhead light. Focus the task light directly on documents.

• Position a document holder in line with the monitor and keyboard to minimize awkward neck postures.

Q: Is it possible to find stylish and ergonomically sound office furniture for use at home?

A: Yes. There are many options. However, I would recommend consulting with a professional ergonomist prior to purchasing a product to ensure that it’s best suited for your body, specific tasks and workspace.

Q: What do you recommend if someone develops pain or stiffness while working?

A: Pain or discomfort is preventable and reversible if identified early, and if you develop good work habits: • Practise healthy posture.

• Take frequent, short stretch breaks.

• Stand up for at least five minutes every hour.

• Alternate between computer tasks and non-computer tasks.

• Adjust your chair regularly.

• Avoid sustained static postures; remember, your best posture is your next posture.

A professional ergonomist can provide a thorough onsite review of your job tasks and work environment. If your pain and discomfort persist, consult a health professional such as your primary-care physician, chiropractor or physiotherapist. •

“Your best posture is your next posture.”

Dr. Amy Yee Fairlawn Medical Centre 209-2401 Yonge St., Toronto 416-322-9933 appointments@dmulamedicine.com

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FAIRLAWN MEDICAL CENTRE

2401 YONGE ST. SUITE 209, TORONTO, ON | 416 322-9933 | APPOINTMENTS@DMULAMEDICINE.COM

New & Vintage Mid-Century & Contemporary FURNITURE, LIGHTING & ACCE SSORIE S

Morba 665 & 667 Queen St. West • Toronto, ON • M6J 1E6 (416) 364–5144 / morba@morba.ca / www.morba.ca

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DESIGN

ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS New line of Scandinavian furniture is so comfortable, each piece has a human name

BY SUSAN KELLY

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FORGET YOUR FAVOURITE APP. Now you can be on a first-name basis with your chic Scandinavian-design furniture. “The recliners and sofas in the new StresslessYOU collection do go by their first names,” says Tara Lindsay, advertising executive and buyer at Decorium furniture stores, “perhaps because they so easily fit your decor. Or maybe the way they seem to know what your body needs to be comfortable.”

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“What really sets this line apart is the way it was designed to feel as good as it looks.”

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

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manufacturer in the world to receive the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association.

Decorium also carries the original Stressless line with more transitional styling at its showroom on Supertest Rd. In Rosedale, StresslessYOU might be the ultimate in luxury and comfort for stressedout condo dwellers. It’s perfectly in scale for small spaces, with just the right urban edge and comfort that exceeds Grandpa’s old recliner. “It’s designed for the more urban customer, yet we find everyone who walks into the store falls in love with it,” says Lindsay. Hello, Michael (or James, John, Julia or Michelle). •

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Or there are several fabrics in an even wider selection of colours, from mellow denim looks to uptown linens. “It’s a sexy line; you can give it any kind of edge you want,” says Lindsay. “But what really sets this line apart is the way it was designed to feel as good as it looks.”

Patented technology is embedded in the line, designed and developed in Norway specifically for the human body. StresslessYOU recliners feature a special system that provides head and lumbar support in any position and for every user. And BalanceAdapt self-adjusts the sitting angle of each sofa seat, effortlessly adapting to body weight and natural movement. When users lie down, the seat remains completely horizontal.

Good news for the back: Stressless is the only

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Decorium is one of the few retailers chosen by Ekornes of Norway to carry this forward and urban line. A special StresslessYOU Gallery showcases the pieces at Decorium’s 1212 Yonge St. location in the heart of Rosedale.

The recliners go by the names Michael, James or John, and the sofas by Julia or Michelle. There are samples on the floor to demonstrate how easy it is to customize each to get a personalized look. With all styles, there is a choice of a highly polished, almost architectural aluminum base or a European beech base in black, walnut or natural.

Then, there’s a choice of top-grain leather upholstery – and not just safe neutral shades.

There are various colours, including adventurous and trendy, vibrant turquoise or yellow.

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DESIGN

ADDING GLAMOUR TO MODERNIST STYLE A designer revamps a 1970s-era home in North York

BY SUSAN KELLY // PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL // STYLING: KRYSTIN LEIGH SMITH

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HIGH GLAMOUR was the owners’ top priority in the update of this stylish modernist home in Richmond Hill. But the homeowners have sophisticated tastes and a preference for sleek, contemporary interiors, which is why you won’t find such glam-look clichés as ornate crystal chandeliers, puddling velvet drapes, or rococo mirrors.

“Instead we used a high-contrast colour scheme to keep it modern, and add drama

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and flair,” says interior designer Samantha Sanella, partner at Urban Retreat Homes of Toronto, which handled the home’s total revamp. She used such luxury materials as marble liberally to ramp up the sophistication. And, true to the home’s 1970s-era modernist style, clean lines prevail inside and out, with nary a crown molding to be found.

The designer also played up the interesting

angles created by the home’s architect, also the original owner. From the exterior, the 6,000-square-foot house has the modernist hallmarks of glass walls – in this case a huge atrium that extends 12 feet along the home’s north side – and large open rooms. But rather than the more usual flat roof, a series of cubistinspired peaks and gables creates interesting angles without and within. •

Twelve-foot ceilings and interesting architectural angles set the stage in this living area, one of three in the home.

“I find the black fireplace not only adds instant drama, but is a classic touch,” says designer Samantha Sanella.

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DESIGN

A black wall adds drama and intimacy to the breakfast area. All elements, including the striking lighting fixtures, were chosen to complement the original artwork by Cindy Grenke. Lighting: Justice Design Group. Appliances: Thermador; faucet: Karbon by Kohler.

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DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

There is plenty of space for the homeowners, a couple with one child, and their pet Pomeranian. In addition to six bedrooms, they have access to three distinct and wide-open living areas, a home theatre room on the lower level and an indoor pool. The back of the house opens onto more than 1,500 square feet of outdoor deck space spread over three levels, with two dining areas and a hot tub.

The tone is set in the grand entranceway, the foyer that leads to the original staircase.

Gone are the old-style painted pickets. The designer closed it off, creating new angles and

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volumes as she went. She added niches for not only design interest, but also as places to display art and items that have meaning for the owners. “One of the owners loves horses, so we incorporated sculptures in this motif here and throughout the home,” Sanella says.

Blonde-coloured marble tiles were used for the flooring in the front foyer and kitchen.

They flow into grey-white Canadian-made maple flooring in the adjacent living area.

Discreet lighting is inset in the soaring 12foot ceilings. White walls contrast sharply with an imposing fireplace clad in black slate

that also serves as a backdrop for the television. A feature wall opposite was created by insetting grey-toned marble ledgestone, a pattern of stonework made of individually stacked pieces.

For the kitchen, the plan was to keep it simple. High-gloss white Shaker cabinetry stands out against a quartzite backsplash and counters, sourced in Italy. The same quartzite was used atop the kitchen island.

The panels around the cabinetry and sides of the island are crafted of espresso-coloured solid oak. •

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(Top) Simple and relaxing was the effect the designer was after in this guest bedroom used by visiting parents. Traditional touches have been added, such as patterned wallpaper and a leather-upholstered vanity. (Bottom) The black-and-white theme continues in the guest bedroom’s bathroom. Marble tilework takes on a 3D quality around the deep tub.

The adjacent mirror swivels on a post for easy access to the incorporated storage cabinet.

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(Top) The homeowners requested an all-black master bedroom. The designer added softer elements while still preserving the edge with a leather-upholstered bed, goat-skin rugs and wide-format fabric blinds. (Bottom) The bathtub, which is on a raised platform, is really the star of this master bathroom that overlooks the back garden.

There is also a full separate shower.

Tub, cabinetry: Dezign Market.

Even the breakfast area, which is one of the designer’s favourite rooms in the house, is glam. A black-painted wall draws the eye. “We commissioned the cubist-like artwork from Toronto artist Cindy Grenke and then repeated some of the themes in the distinctive light fixtures,” Sanella says. The chandelier, suspended over a dining table topped with marble, was selected to give a sense of presence.

Another unique feature of this home: two of the six bedrooms qualify as master suites, complete with full bathrooms. One is used by the parents when they come to visit, with

the mother’s tastes given priority. Walls are covered with soft ivory patterned wallpaper, with touches of pink in throw pillows and accessories. Bold gold accents adorn hardware and lighting fixtures, a sign that a love of glamour runs in the family.

The second master suite serves as the couple’s retreat. They requested an all-black bedroom, but their designer persuaded them to add softer elements. The leather-upholstered platform bed in light tan is that much more striking against black and brown wallpaper, lightly textured to soften the look, and maple

hardwood flooring. Wood tones take over in the master bath in high-gloss thermofoil custom cabinetry with its waterfall travertine counter. Faux wood porcelain tiles create a surround for the majestic and sculptural freestanding stone tub from Dezign Market that looks out onto the balcony.

And now that the owners have settled in, they find the drama and elegance ideal for the family’s lifestyle. “It’s a great house for entertaining guests,” says Sanella. “At the same time, there are plenty of areas in which to find privacy and be at ease. And all the spaces work together.” •

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DESIGN

SURFACE SAVVY

Cosentino Surfaces offers vast range of stone, quartz and other products

TO CALL COSENTINO Surfaces’ Caledonia Rd. location simply a showroom would be an understatement. It’s more like a destination for style-savvy Torontonians in search of natural stone, quartz, and other surfaces. And Cosentino also has a warehouse on Kincort St., offering whole slabs for those who like to get the big picture when making design decisions. These are just two of 39 showroom and distribution facilities in the U.S. and Canada for this Spain-based company, which distributes its products in 70 countries.

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COSENTINO CITY TORONTO (SHOWROOM)

COSENTINO TORONTO (WAREHOUSE)

665 Caledonia Rd., Toronto

80 Kincort St., Toronto

647-350-6009

416-247-9090

www.cosentino.com

www.cosentino.com

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“We like to think we provide a unique experience.”

Designers, builders and architects have the inside track at Cosentino; special facilities are set aside for them to sit in on a range of workshops and training sessions year-round. But anyone, including homeowners looking to install or upgrade, can enjoy the larger-than-life product displays and can find plenty of useful information here. Many arrive at the showroom armed with only a cabinet sample and no idea of what would complement it. Staff members help them sift through hundreds of colour and product options and discuss the practical considerations that go into finding the perfect countertop for the kitchen or bathroom.

Bonus: Cosentino stands behind its Silestone and Dekton products with a 25-year guarantee.

With roots in the marble business, the 75-year-old company also enjoys a solid

reputation for innovation. Most people know Cosentino for its famous Silestone. Developed in the early 1990s, this quartz surface now enhances countless high-quality kitchens and bathrooms. Among the latest colours for spring 2016 are terrazzo look-alikes – Ink and Aquatint – from the Etchings series. And currently popular is Suede, a texture option reminiscent of concrete but warmer to the eye and touch.

The latest product is Dekton. It advances the technology by fusing porcelain, glass and quartz to create thin and highly durable slabs; the company’s manufacturing process mimics nature’s process in an accelerated way. uv- and water-resistant Dekton slabs can be used for not only countertops and flooring inside the home, but also building facades and outdoor kitchens. Dekton is available in 38 colours. It’s virtually impossible

to stain or scratch, and heatproof enough for an ambitious cook to torch a crème brulée right on it.

The company recently launched Dekton XGloss, a new line of ultra-polished, hightech, compact surfaces that boast a crystalline shine. In addition to having a highly reflective surface, XGloss is water-repellent and stainresistant. The material is also available in various textures and patterns, from highly polished to leather-like natural looks, and those that imitate Calacatta marble, wood and concrete.

Other Cosentino innovations include slabs of recycled materials and granite that withstand stains, and the Prexury Collection, a semi-precious stone line hand-made by expert craftsmen.

For fans of contemporary or traditional style, Cosentino offers a wide choice of colours and textures to add panache to decor. •

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c s e o r f alALL SUMMER

Carefree dining outdoors makes the warm weather wonderful

YOU COULD THROW ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBECUE … but you have an outdoor kitchen, fully equipped. Why not use it as it’s meant to be used? Try something a bit more ambitious that will leave your guests purring happily.

Chef Vishal Babooram at Walkers Wine Bar and Grill has some sophisticated recipes that are sure to please. He leads off with Seafood Castle, which sounds tricky but is surprisingly simple and looks impressive, too. Part of the recipe involves a mix of lobster with seasonings. This mix is versatile; it can be used on its own – with a green salad, perhaps, for lunch – and it’s also used in Chef Vishal’s seafood risotto, a seductive blend of rice, lobster, shrimp and seasonings, all topped with a grilled lobster tail.

Vegetable curry is for everyone: vegetarian, carnivore, omnivore. “This delicious meatless main dish gets its complex flavour from a combination of spices,” Chef Vishal says. “The spices marry in rich coconut milk to create a flavourful sauce.” He gives measurements for the spice mix but, like any true cook, he often varies the recipe with a pinch more or less of this or that, an addition or subtraction of something else, until he finds a flavour that’s just right for the day. Be adventuresome; follow the recipe once so you get the basic idea, then try other spices and proportions to adapt it to your own tastes.

And what would outdoor cooking be without a steak or two?

Chef Vishal offers simple instructions for a succulent mediumrare steak, including how to get that enticing diamond pattern of grill marks.

You’ll notice that he hasn’t specified any vegetables for the curry or as accompaniment to the other dishes. With summer’s bounty, “you can use whatever is available,” he says. “Or you can check out your local farmers’ market. I find that works the best.” For attractive presentation, you’ll also want garnishes such as sprouts or parsley.

One other thing to make the occasion merry: a cocktail or two. We have two recipes from Ron Perruzza, owner of Walkers Wine Bar And Grill. He gives us his take on the mojito and the bloody Caesar – nice frosty drinks for a hot day. Now go outside and get cooking!

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CULINARY TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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SEAFOOD CASTLE

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS · 4 pieces salmon belly, each piece 2 oz. ( 57 g ) · hoisin sauce · 6 oz. ( 170 g ) crabmeat · 27 oz. ( 800 ml ) coconut milk · 4 tbsp. green curry paste · 8 green onions (scallions), chopped · juice and zest of 4 lemons · 21 oz. ( 600 g ) cooked lobster meat* (You could cook the lobster yourself.

A lobster of 1 lb. ( 454 g ) yields approximately 5.2 oz. ( 150 g ) of meat.) · 1 bunch of fresh dill · 4 tbsp. olive oil · 11 oz. ( 300 g ) unsalted butter DIRECTIONS Salmon belly Grill the salmon belly, then glaze it with hoisin sauce. Set aside.

Crabmeat In a saucepan, combine the crab, coconut milk, and green curry paste.

Bring it to a simmer and then remove it from the heat.

Lobster mix In a separate dish, mix the onions, lemon juice, lemon zest, lobster meat, dill, olive oil, and unsalted butter. Cook it for about one minute or until the ingredients are hot.

Remove it from the heat; add salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly Put the lobster mix on a plate; you may shape it with a ring mold if you wish.

Place the crabmeat mixture on top of the lobster. Top it off with the salmon.

Garnish with sprouts or parsley.

RON’S MOJO

(Serves 1)

INGREDIENTS · 6 leaves of mint · 2 tsp. sugar · 1 oz. fresh lime juice · ice · 1.5 oz. white rum · Soda water · Garnish: lime slice, sprig of mint or yerba mate METHOD In a highball (i.e., tall) glass, muddle the mint leaves, sugar and lime juice. Add ice. Add the rum and top up with soda water. Garnish and serve with a straw.

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CULINARY

SEAFOOD RISOTTO

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS · 5.25 oz. ( 150 g ) unsalted butter · 2 medium-size shallots, chopped · 3 cloves garlic, sliced · 1.5 cups ( 355 mL ) Arborio rice · 4.25 quarts ( 4 L ) hot fish or chicken stock · 3.5 oz. (100 g) Asiago cheese · Lobster mix (see the Seafood Castle recipe) · 6 shrimp (21/25 type) · 5 oz. ( 150mL ) 35% cream at room temperature · 2 lobster tails · butter for brushing lobster tail DIRECTIONS Risotto In a deep saucepan, melt the butter, then add the shallots and garlic.

Barely sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir.

With the heat at a medium simmer, stir in a small amount (about 11 oz. / 350 mL) of stock. Stirring often, let the rice cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Keep adding stock in small batches, cooking it and stirring often, until the rice is al dente. You will have to repeat this step 5 to 7 times; the rice will expand to about 5 times its original size.

Add the cheese, lobster mix, and shrimp. When the shrimp redden, add the cream.

Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat..

Lobster tail Cut the lobster tail in half. Brush it with a little butter. Grill it until cooked (approximately 7–10 minutes, depending on the temperature of your grill).

Spread the risotto on a plate. Top it with the grilled lobster tail. Garnish.

VEGETABLE CURRY

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS · 1.5 tbsp. coriander · 1.5 tbsp. cumin · 1.5 tbsp. turmeric · 1.5 tbsp. cayenne · 1.5 tbsp. curry powder · 1.5 tbsp. cinnamon · 4 tbsp. olive oil · 14 oz. (400 mL) coconut milk · 4 oz. (118 mL) water · seasonal vegetables · cooked rice · grilled garlic pita bread DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, combine the spices and then stir in the olive oil.

Cook on medium heat for 3 minutes.

Add the coconut milk and the water. Simmer the sauce for 40 minutes.

Add the vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes.

Serve over rice with pita bread on the side.

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WALKERS CAESAR

(Serves 1)

INGREDIENTS · Juice from 1 lime wedge · 1 tsp. celery salt · 1.5 oz. vodka · Clamato juice · Ground pepper · Worcestershire and/or Tabasco sauce · Garnish: crisp celery stalk, 2 green olives, lime wedge, large cooked prawn METHOD Combine the celery salt and lime juice in a shallow bowl. Rim a highball glass with the salted lime mix.

Add the vodka and Clamato juice. Season with pepper and the Worcestershire and/or Tabasco sauces to taste.

Stir well. Add ice. Garnish.

STEAK

(Serves 1) INGREDIENTS rib-eye steaks

AAA

METHOD ( for medium-rare steaks) Grill the steaks for 3 minutes. Give each a quarter turn and grill them for 3 more minutes.

Flip the steaks over and grill them for 3 minutes. Give each a quarter turn and grill them for 3 more minutes.

Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for about 4 minutes.

Chef’s note: Many kinds of potato (baked, roasted, stuffed, etc.) go well with steak. In the illustration of our recipe, we used a potato gratin.

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DESIGN

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WORTH THE WAIT

After three and a half years, a designer gets the condo she loves in a historic building

BY JULIE GEDEON PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: ELIZABETH LAW

Preferring to steer clear of the norm, Elizabeth used one of the Ralph Lauren host chairs as desk seating rather than at the other end of her dining room table.

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DESIGN

Designer/homeowner Elizabeth Law selected the Ralph Lauren navy striped chairs for a subtle hint of the nautical world.

The Darryl Carter display cabinet was a must-have item that she obtained without yet knowing where it would ultimately be placed.

ELIZABETH LAW WAS EAGER TO VISIT the condo that long-time friends had purchased in a building that incorporates the historic St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

“My friends must have scoured 70 condos before selecting this one,” says the designer and owner of Elizabeth Interiors and Liz@Home in Burlington. “As soon as my husband and I saw the slightly older building’s charm and the spectacular views, we knew we had to have one, too.”

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It took three and a half years to secure a 1,800-square-foot unit, but the 290-degree views that include downtown, the west side, a bit of Lake Ontario and, on a clear day, the airport, made it worth the wait.

“We didn’t put up much drapery because I want the eye to be drawn to the views rather than the framing of them,” Elizabeth says.

Walnut flooring that had been installed diagonally throughout the home was refinished.

The perimeters of the standard-height ceilings were boxed in some areas so the middle would seem higher. “We also painted walls and ceilings the same colour. The taller-than-standard doors create the illusion of height,” she says.

In fact, the inspiration for the overall decor came from a porthole door that had been purchased from a bar that was closing down on Montreal’s waterfront. “With our condo also

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near water and so much blue sky, I wanted a subtle nautical theme,” Elizabeth says.

She could have easily obtained new furniture, but that’s not how she designs a space for anyone. “When everything’s brand new, it can feel like a showroom put together to impress others rather than truly reflecting the homeowners,” she says. “My job is to find out what’s most treasured and display it in an innovative way, which is what I also did for me.”

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So the Ralph Lauren sofa and striped chairs are new, but Elizabeth integrated the lamps, tables and china she has collected over the years. “I like how the blue and white china provides a nautical suggestion,” she says. “And hand-painted china readily serves as art.”

The Darryl Carter display cabinet holds Elizabeth’s cherished Royal Crown Derby pieces that add lovely splashes of orange. “The cabinet is an example of something I •

(Left) Diagonal walnut flooring enlarges the rooms while a mirror atop the buffet further opens the space with the skyline’s reflection. The Darryl Carter mahogany table was chosen for its grandeur, ample seating and lack of red tones.

(Right) The ensuite bathroom was designed for practicality but still incorporates seafaring elements with driftwood and a nautical map painted on the canvas ceiling.

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(Opposite) A stained-glass door is a focal point in the guest bedroom.

“I can pull any one of those vibrant colours to easily change the decor,” Elizabeth says.

flow,” she says. “I want the eye to keep going.”

She avoided a total kitchen renovation by simply removing some of the cabinet doors and introducing wine shelves and basket areas to open up the space.

“I again chose a large painting to fill the entire wall in the breakfast bar area so that it feels grander,” Elizabeth says. “And we use the settee to enjoy the views a lot more than we would four kitchen chairs that wouldn’t be nearly as comfortable.” •

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She always plays with scale. “I chose the longest dining table I could find to make that space feel grander and have enough seating for everyone,” she says.

Rather than have host chairs typically bookend the table, she uses one of them at a nearby desk that she chose because it has a lot of surface area and side pull-out panels without appearing bulky. “A heavy piece of furniture sometimes totally stops a room’s

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(This page) A large painting and a settee with cane sides make the most of the small breakfast bar area.

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immediately loved and bought, not knowing where I would end up putting it,” she says.

Elizabeth’s eye for detail is evidenced in the way she incorporates nautical elements throughout the condo, including the Furniture Classics buffet with its ocean-driftwood surface. “I’m a bit obsessive about details,” she says. “But a good designer gets inside the heads of her clients to really personalize their space, and that’s what I’ve also done for our home.”

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A round glass table with two simple X-back chairs ensures the space isn’t overcrowded.

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DESIGN

MAGIC CARPETS Designed and made in Toronto, these area rugs are the result of artistic collaboration

BY JULIE GEDEON

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DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

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The colourful Fractions rug and uniquely formed Stills carpet were both tufted, cut and looped by hand of New Zealand wool.

A RUG ALWAYS BECOMES AN INNOVATIVE form of floor art in the minds and hands of artist Janna Watson and designer Nico Soule. “You can say we’re on a mission to have more people recognize the creative possibilities for this space in their homes and offices. A rug is such an amazing canvas,” says Janna Watson of Watson Soule, a company that specializes in contemporary Canadian-made area rugs.

In collaboration since 2012, Watson and Soule always discuss how they can push – and even redefine – the boundaries of art with their rugs. Their initial Out of Line collaboration derived from a conversation about the artist’s role.

“We decided to make a rug that reflected the hand of the art maker, and Janna drew the

initial pencil strokes,” Soule recalls. “I wasn’t sure the design would translate into a rug, but it works really well.”

Soule caught Watson’s attention when she presented the work for her Industrial Design thesis at OCAD University. “Nico obviously had a strong design orientation and skill set,” Watson says.

Always a painter, Watson had been introduced to rug design and crafting by her grandfather. “He was a rug hooker in the 1960s with an incredible sense of colours and industrial design,” she recalls. “He never found a market for his work, but he taught me so much.”

Watson originally set out to make Torontonians more aware of rug art at Come Up

To My Room, the Gladstone Hotel’s Annual Alternative Design Event. “I decided to create a painting that looked like a rug because I didn’t feel that rugs were sufficiently appreciated as an art form,” she says. “That actually sparked my interest in starting a rug company.”

Every rug is one of a kind. Many are experimental – inspired by their chats, an innovative computer rendering and most often one of Watson’s paintings. “I like to start out by just playing with a few colours,” she says.

“Sometimes this organic approach works and sometimes I need to start over.”

Some rugs are commissioned by designers, homeowners and businesses. “A rug is usually the last thing purchased for a room when •

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DESIGN

“We examine the colour scheme and determine the client’s preferences to come up with a unique sketch and palette that really complements the decor.”

The five-by-eight-foot Horizon rug from Watson Soule’s Twofold collection is hand-tufted on one side and flat-woven on the other.

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Nico Soule (left) and Janna Watson at their 401 Richmond studio. A lifelong painter, Watson often begins a rug design by intuitively mixing paint colours on a canvas (far right), while Soule’s industrial design skills find a way to convey even the most challenging patterns into a carpet weave.

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it’s often difficult to find the ideal colours or pattern,” Watson says. “We examine the colour scheme and determine the client’s preferences to come up with a unique sketch and palette that really complements the decor.”

Watson Soule can show clients 1,400 colours on wool samples that resemble miniature pom-poms. “You can see exactly how the wool absorbs each dye,” Soule says.

The duo has a power-stretcher to weave and/or tuft six-by-four-foot pieces right in their 401 Richmond studio. Larger commissioned designs are made by Weaver & Loom, a Toronto boutique that specializes in hand-made rugs. “It’s amazing how everyone there does everything possible to realize our vision,” says Watson.

The relationship has also led to some innovative creations, such as the shaggy rugs made from Himalayan tahr wool. Strands from the mane of the tahr, a goat that is native to Tibet, Nepal and northern India, are snipped and dyed in various colours and combined in a wooly wonder.

Weaver & Loom also produces Waston Soule’s Twofold collection – a series that features a unique design on each side of the same rug. “A homeowner can have the plush tuft displayed in winter and switch it over to the short weave for the summer,” Soule says. “Or one side could be ideal for a child’s room and the other, years later, for a teenager’s.”

Having a rug designed and made in Canada ensures not only uniqueness but quality.

“You’re able to speak directly with the designers/makers,” Soule says.

As for any hesitation about actually putting one of these striking rugs on a floor, “they’re made for that purpose and gain authenticity with use,” Watson says. • THE SUMMER ISSUE

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DESIGN

1. CLASSIC COMMODE The Lafayette three-drawer commode is a fine replica of a French design. Standing on cabriole feet, it boasts a fresh Gardner Blue finish with antiqued gold detailing. 56" w x 23.75" d x 37.5" h.

——— Treasures & Company 8101 Yonge St., Thornhill 905-763-0349 www.treasuresco.com

2. SOPHISTICATED STRIPES Stripes are never out of style, especially when presented in such attractive form. Made of hand-knotted silk and wool, the Caprice rug incorporates denim blue for freshness in a design that remains classic and sophisticated.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 www.weaversart.com

4. OLD AND NEW IN HARMONY A beautiful “erased” pattern is the perfect backdrop in this hand-knotted Firenze silk and wool rug. Pairing the traditional pattern with a contemporary colour palette (we show Ivory Sky) adds design tension, making this rug a versatile decor choice.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 www.weaversart.com

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3. HELPING HAMSA The Hamsa rug, designed by Davina Nathan, is an original interpretation of a symbol as ancient as the art of weaving a handmade rug.

Produced by master weavers, this piece is a braided confection of New Zealand wool and pure silk. It incorporates the hamsa symbol, a stylized hand intended to ward off the evil eye. In the case of this appealing rug, the hamsa succeeded nicely.

——— Weaver & Loom 88 Doncaster Ave., Thornhill www.weaverandloom.com 905-747-0477

}

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LANDSCAPE

PULLING THE ELEMENTS TOGETHER

Landscape architects give a homeowner the garden she had been trying to cultivate

BY SUSAN SEMENAK // PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF McNEILL // STYLING: JAMES DALE AND MICHAEL McMARTIN

On the south side of the garden, a row of mature hornbeams (carpinus betulus), with their dense leaf structure, adds privacy to the sitting area. Landscape architect James Dale loves how hornbeams can be clipped to fit the narrowest of spaces. And in winter, he says, the symmetrical herringbone pattern of their branches is spectacular.

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THE CLIENT WAS AN AVID PLANT COLLECTOR, a woman well versed in horticulture who had been trying this and that for many years. But somehow it never came together.

Disappointed and underwhelmed, the owner of the Moore Park garden conceded that she needed help and called in the landscape architects and designers from Earth Inc., an award-winning Toronto firm that re-imagines outdoor spaces.

It’s a common conundrum, says landscape architect James Dale, one of the partners in Earth Inc. “People get overwhelmed with all the possibilities. They are bombarded by ideas from magazines and online. They keep buying plants and trying new things and they don’t know when to stop. Nothing is ever thought out,” he says.

The genius in landscape design, he adds, is seeing the larger picture and distilling all those wants and dreams into a singular concept.

In this case, the homeowner was a traditionalist who had begun to experiment with elements of the modern gardening aesthetic that is now in vogue. The result was a garden with what Dale calls a “split personality.”

The Earth Inc. designers re-made the 40-by60-foot garden of the historic Arts and Crafts house into an elegant and harmonious space that marries traditional and contemporary styles in a unified palette of green, white and purple, with flashes of pink.

A walkway of tightly laid dark-grey brick pavers forms the central axis of the garden, ending in a dramatic line of yellow birch trees.

On each side of the walk, there are defined “rooms,” each with its own purpose.

Near the house, the garden maintains a modern stance with two patios – one for dining and one for sitting – both made of Georgian Bay limestone pavers cut in random rectangles and connected by the brick path.

On one side, a faux-wicker sectional sofa and recliners are set around a fire pit. And on the other, a long harvest table anchors the outdoor dining room where the family eats and barbecues as long as weather permits.

Beyond the dining area, a secluded spa is hidden from view by mature Ivory Silk lilac trees (syringa reticulata). •

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Boxwood (buxus) hedges were salvaged from the existing garden, then pruned and transplanted as edging for the formal parterre gardens, which bloom with cranesbill geraniums and – in spring – tulips, narcissus and alliums.

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“I like how modern and traditional work together – how a mysterious old urn or sculpture can look so incredible in a modern setting.”

About midway down the path, the garden cedes to Old-World formality with boxwood-edged rectangular parterres.

The narrative comes to a dramatic close with a sweeping row of graceful river birch (betula nigra) trees underplanted with amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ and metre-high cimicifuga ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ with its purplish black foliage and white flower wands. A large antique stone finial from France provides an Old-World focal point.

The juxtaposition of modern materials and traditional layout creates a design with interesting appeal. It was also the means by which Earth Inc.’s team melded the garden’s two distinct personalities. “When you are sitting in the cleaner, more modern area at the front, you have a beautiful view of the old French style in the back,” says Dale. “I like how modern and traditional work together – how a mysterious old urn or sculpture can look so incredible in a modern setting.”

Caitlin Bowie, Earth Inc.’s horticulturist, says she gave new purpose to the homeowners’ old plants by moving them around, adding to their number. Before the work began she toured the garden, pinpointing sedums, physocarpus, hydrangeas and cranesbill geraniums to be relocated. Then everything in the garden except the river birches (betula nigra) and a dramatic black walnut ( juglans nigra) in the center of the garden was dug up and moved aside while construction was underway.

Once the new beds were ready, boxwoods that had been planted randomly around the garden were pruned to be used as edging for the new parterre gardens. Two European beech trees ( fagus sylvatica) were repositioned to flank the walkway. And the random sampling of birch trees at the rear of the garden became a dramatic line of silvery white when three more specimens were added.

Far from having a split personality, the landscape is now a happy union of Old-World and contemporary elements. •

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In the seating area, the Canadian-made gas-fired firepit is from Paloform.

Faux-wicker sectional sofa, reclining chairs and wood dining table and chairs: Plan B Furniture.

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DESIGN

REASONS TO LIKE

LEDS

The latest lighting technology is transforming design

BY JULIE GEDEON Royal Lighting 1549 Avenue Rd., Toronto 416-782-1129 www.royallighting.com

LED IS LIGHTING the way in this year’s home decor. “You can’t discuss what’s happening in lighting without talking about LED,” says Courtney Gladstone, marketing manager at Royal Lighting. “It’s being used in everything from lamps, outdoor fixtures and ceiling fans to flush mounts and chandeliers.”

A big reason is the cost. The price of LEds has Consumers are welcoming the energy savings. decreased by at least 85 per cent since 2010, “For the equivalent brightness of a 60-watt according to a report issued by global manage- traditional bulb, you can get a 9.6-watt LEd, ment consultants McKinsey & Co. last year. which really cuts down on the electricity bill, “The bulbs are still more expensive, but last especially with outdoor lights that stay lit all much longer,” Gladstone says. “You’re looking at night,” Gladstone says.

The other main reason for the switch is a $5.99 for a halogen bulb and $12.99 for LEd, but the LEd will last for as long as 10 years as opposed gamut of new styles. “When LEds were introto the halogen being good for only 2,000 hours.” duced, the products were all contemporary,”

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Gladstone says. “Now, you can get integrated LEd in modern, traditional and rustic fixtures, and even as an Edison light (a vintage-style bulb).”

Improved light-emitting diode technology is another factor. “Customers used to hesitate because LEds weren’t as bright and often had a blue tinge that some didn’t consider a warm enough glow,” Gladstone says. “Nowadays, you generally can’t tell the difference between

DESIGN TORONTO SUMMER 2016

traditional and LEd light bulbs, and it’s easy to get the LEd equivalent of 100-watt output when the limit used to be, say, 18 watts.”

Royal Lighting works to determine which lights work best.“When a manufacturer sends us a new model, we test it in one of our homes to ensure it looks and functions as promised,” Gladstone says.

Testing LEds is deemed particularly important because industrial standards don’t yet exist

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for them. “So we assess the colour, temperature and brightness, along with the kind of dimmer it requires, if it can be used with one, and then whether it dims properly.”

All the lighting consultants at Royal Lighting undergo training and testing via the American Lighting Association. “The online course runs several hours, covering everything from the kind of lighting that should

be used in different areas, as well as the ideal types of bulbs and lighting for various applications,” Gladstone says. “We’re really proud of our training.” •

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DESIGN

IT’S ALL IN THE MIX Blending elements in a kitchen for a modern look is easier than you think SAY “MODERN” AND MANY PEOPLE THINK “COLD” – not the kind of ambience you want in the kitchen. But modern kitchen decor doesn’t have to be cold, and it’s possible to have a comfortable combination of modern and traditional elements in a kitchen. It’s all in the mix, says Rhonda Thornton, owner and creative director of Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry.

Q: Rhonda, “modern” can mean different things to different people. How do you define “modern”? What differentiates it from other styles, such as transitional or contemporary?

A: Modern is a style unto itself. It’s characterized by clean lines and sparse interiors, highgloss finishes, and mixtures of textures and materials. Contemporary is similar to modern but it’s more eclectic, and it’s more about following current trends. Transitional, on the other hand, is a look that has become popular and bridges the divide from these clean-lined styles to add some warmth and classic detail back into the mix. At Bloomsbury, when designing a transitional kitchen, we combine our classic design aesthetic with modern elements for a current yet timeless look.

Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry 1142 Castlefield Ave., Toronto www.bloomsburydesign.com 416-782-7900

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Q: Is it important to have modern elements in a kitchen for it to look up to date?

A: I think it’s possible for even a traditional kitchen to look and feel up to date. This can be accomplished with minimal design, decorative touches and visual breaks to the detail – but not too much! The main thing to keep in mind is that, regardless of the kitchen’s style, the hallmark of a classic design is that it suits the house.

Q: What kinds of appliances will update a kitchen’s look?

A: Stainless steel appliances have always been classic, and they’re popular now. They add a fresh look to any kitchen. For a custom look, or for a kitchen open to another area such as a family room or a great room, panelled appliances are the way to go to ensure the space looks pulled together and less kitchen-y.

There are many new options for ovens and microwaves, including combination ovens that do double duty – the combi oven by Miele, for example, which features three modes: convection, steam, and a combination of the two.

Also on the market are ovens in alternative sizes that offer placement options, such as the microwave drawer by Sharp.

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“Well-proportioned design is like having good bone structure.”

Q: What part does cabinetry play in this?

A: Having well-made, good-quality furniture-grade cabinetry in a pleasing, well-proportioned design is like having good bone structure.

Anything you do with it works and over time you can accessorize it to change the look.

Q: Are there any particular colour choices that will make a kitchen look au courant?

A: White is always a kitchen staple, just like black is in one’s wardrobe. The greys are the new white and are natural tones that can keep the look light and bright without a big commitment to a colour. They allow for flexibility, so your look can evolve over time by adding colour and accessories as trends come and go.

Q: What advice do you have for people who want a modern kitchen but want to keep that cozy ambience too?

A: Modern design is based on simplicity and clean lines. Stick with that and you can’t go wrong. Cohesive colour choices and subtle textures add a restful and timeless, yet fresh and up-to-date, look to any space. •

“Contemporary is similar to modern but it’s more eclectic, and it’s more about following current trends.”

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MELT AWAY THE WINTER BLUES Heated driveways melt snow before it can accumulate R

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Patterned Concrete Ontario 249 Supertest Rd., North York 416-661-3007 www.patternedconcrete.ca

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“There’s true enjoyment in defeating Old Man Winter.”

WINTER-WEARY HOMEOWNERS who see driveways that are devoid of snow in the midst of a heavy snowfall will tell you that it’s an awesome sight. “My clients get a lot of envious stares,” says Joe Guida, president of Patterned Concrete, a Toronto company that specializes in concrete architectural products. “Three years ago, a guy walked into my office and told me I’d laid a driveway in his neighbourhood. ‘I don’t know what you did,’ he said, ‘but I want the same.’ That thing never has snow on it.”

Heated driveways, common in Europe, are gaining popularity in Canada for three good reasons, he says. Homeowners want a maintenance-free lifestyle. They want to prolong the life of their investment in a good-looking patterned concrete driveway by 25 years or more. And they want peace of mind.

“There’s true enjoyment in defeating Old ManWinter,” Guida jokes.

His team lays a grid of polyethylene piping in a driveway’s foundation. The pipes connect to a boiler, which heats and pumps glycol through the snow-melting system. Once encased in concrete, the pipes are impervious to winter’s ravages, including frost damage and ground upheaval.

Automatic sensors maintain the driveway’s surface temperature at one degree Celsius during winter months. But when it snows, the drop in surface temperature signals the boiler to heat the gylcol to five degrees Celsius. The difference isn’t warm enough to detect by touch, but it’s above the melting point. Snow disappears as fast as it falls.

There is no flood of melt water, even in heavy snowstorms, and no icy buildup. The

driveway stays wet, but it’s never slick or slippery. After the snow stops, the concrete dries and the surface temperature returns to one degree Celsius.

The snow-melting system is so reliable that in 15 years, Guida has never had to service a single unit. “A heated driveway will outlast three cars and a roof,” he says.

The cost is also economical, he says. Homeowners who choose a heated driveway no longer pay for snow clearance, and routine maintenance and repair costs are minimal.

Snow-melting systems are less expensive to run than outdoor pool heaters, he says.

Then there’s the joy of pulling into a snow-free driveway after struggling through snowbound streets. There’s also the luxury of free time, because no shovelling is necessary.

And worries that snow-clearing equipment and coarse road salts will chip, pit or scrape that handsome concrete finish are gone. •

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Estate Collection

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Properties Wanted Properties Wanted in Richmond Hill. If you own a property and considering selling it, please in Richmond Hill. If you own a property and considering selling it, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you. do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

MAHNAZ PAHLEVAN MAHNAZ PAHLEVAN

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Indoor-outdoor residence. South SouthRichvale Richvaleisisone oneofofthe themost mostcoveted coveted Indoor-outdoorbeauty beautyblends blendsharmoniously harmoniously in in this this stunning residence. parties RatPack Packcool cool––a alifestyle lifestylethat thatremains remains true true today. Impeccable style parties toto Rat Impeccable architecture architectureseen seeninina acrisp crispand andcolourful colourful style lends a museum-like quality, while numerous amenities infuse the dwelling with warmth and comfort.

Encompassing lends a museum-like quality, while numerous amenities the dwelling with warmth and comfort. Encompassing

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Fax: 905.237.7306 Fax: 905.237.7306 info@barsamhomes.ca www.barsamhomes.ca info@barsamhomes.ca www.barsamhomes.ca 10376 Yonge St., Unit # 105, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B8 10376 Yonge St., Unit # 105, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B8

LANDSCAPE

VERSATILE LANDSCAPE

A Bennington Heights backyard is designed to accommodate many activities

BY SUSAN SEMENAK // PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF McNEILL // STYLING: JAMES DALE AND MICHAEL McMARTIN

The pool cabana is stained black to match the siding on the house. At four feet wide and 16 feet long, it was positioned so that its long side creates a dramatic backdrop for the firepit area, which is furnished with heavy-duty recycled plastic Muskoka chairs from Design Within Reach. They cluster around a Bol firepit from Paloform made of weathering steel.

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The many distinct areas within the garden are linked by “boardwalks” of Thermory ash decking or clay brick Manganese Ironspot pavers from Endicott Clay Products.

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THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST ENTERTAINING BACKYARD in all of Toronto. The owners of the modern infill house in Bennington Heights had a long list when they went to see the designers at Earth Inc. They wanted a multi-use backyard with something for everyone: a good-looking space in which to entertain large groups of friends and relatives of all ages, plus a spa, a swimming pool and an outdoor shower. Also, a cooking

area, a dining patio, and separate zones for lounging and sunbathing. Soon a firepit was on the list, too.

So the Earth Inc. design team got to work to create a sleek and contemporary-style, multilevel play space that pays tribute to the art of leisure. By the time the project was complete, they’d even pinpointed a big, blank wall for screening outdoor movies. •

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Michael McMartin, the firm’s lead designer, says his team began by dividing the space into various areas.

Nearest to the house, they installed an eight-person custom spa that spills into a stainless steel rill, which moves the water under a little footbridge before pouring it gently into the swimming pool. That feature alone has

provided endless hours of fun for the children, who float their model boats in the water and watch them bob from the spa to the pool.

Nearby, an upper dining deck meets flush with the pool, giving the illusion that it is floating on water. “Sitting there, you feel like you’re floating on a raft between two bodies of water,” McMartin says.

The dining patio sits between the spa and the pool as if on a raft. It is made of ash boards by Thermory that have weathered to a silvery grey and is edged by Indiana limestone flagstones, which are also used on the pool’s coping.

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The designers used the walls of the pool to create various levels. Just past the dining area, the grade drops by two steps so that the far edge of the pool forms a bench, which serves the firepit area there, nestled beside the pool cabana.

They looked to the bold, contemporary aesthetic of the house – with its dark horizontal wood siding and charcoal-grey brick facade –

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when choosing materials for the backyard.

The pool cabana walls are stained black to create a dramatic backdrop to the rusted patina of the firepit – made of weathering steel – and the glow of the embers when the fire is lit.

The fence is made of corrugated panels of heavy-gauge galvalume, a rust-resistant steel and aluminum alloy in matte silver. Even

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the horizontal surfaces of wood, brick and Indiana limestone adhere to the palette of muted greys and blacks.

For the walkways and patios, McMartin says, Earth Inc. chose Manganese Ironspot clay tiles by Endicott Clay Products for their deep grey hue and purplish f lecks. They picked Thermory’s solid ash as decking and

bench material because it is more durable than cedar and more environmentally friendly than tropical woods. Thermory ash is made from trees harvested in North America and is heat-treated to render the wood less likely to warp, bow, twist or attract insects. McMartin says he loves how it ages naturally to a rich silver-grey patina. •

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Though this is more of an architectural garden than a horticultural one, the designers used low-maintenance plants to soften its edges and enliven its grey tones. Mounds of chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) offer bold jolts of colour. Hornbeam trees (Carpinus betulus) were planted in a narrow strip between the concrete wall of the pool and the

fence. And in front of them, a row of Blue ‘Sangokaku’), with foliage that turns yellow, Arctic willow (Salix purpurea), a hardy shrub bronze and red in the autumn and bark that that fills in quickly, creates “clouds of greenery” becomes a showy pinkish-red in winter. At by the pool’s edge. The willow is a favourite of maturity, it will reach a height of 30 feet and a McMartin’s for tight, tricky spots where other width of 15 feet, providing a glorious canopy over the garden. plants won’t flourish.

Right in the middle of it all stands a “With all this, you could live in this backyard,” coral bark Japanese maple (Acer palmatum says McMartin. “That’s if winter never came.” •

A trio of giant LED globes from Design Within Reach is used as “moveable light sculptures” that go from area to area, and even float on the surface of the pool.

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“Sitting there, you feel like you’re floating on a raft between two bodies of water.”

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DESIGN

What’s more, new glass technologies have eliminated such negative issues as solar heat gain, which made rooms too hot, and ultraviolet rays that damaged and faded f loors and furniture. New glass reflects 90 percent of UV and reduces solar heat gain by 60 per cent, which is especially useful in south- and west-facing orientations.

Colours are changing too. The ubiquitous white door has been replaced by black, dark grey and bronze. Those are the popular exterior colours of the extruded-aluminum windows and doors that Cheney carries. Even inside, the preference is toward dark tonessuch as black, or dark walnut wood finishes, with slim, flat minimalist moldings.

Cheney says homeowners have become increasingly involved in choosing the size, shape and colour of their windows and doors. In the past, staff at his 30-year-old Oakville-based company worked mostly with architects and contractors. But now, homeowners do a lot of their own research and decision-making. Whether it’s a new house or a renovation, they get involved in the design process, with the help of Cheney’s experts.

Understanding design trends helps homeowners choose the best windows and doors. •

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BY SUSAN SEMENAK

WIDE EXPANSES OF GLASS, ceiling-high doors, minimal moldings and plenty of black–in windows and doors, these are the trends that are defining residential architecture.

Tom Cheney, president and founder of Cheney Window and Door Specialists, says the long-popular French door and mullioned window are losing ground among homeowners who are looking increasingly toward the spare aesthetic of contemporary design.

“Contemporary design is a bigger and bigger thing in new homes and with that comes bigger windows,” says Cheney.

A decade ago, a 25-foot-wide door onto the patio would have been unheard of. But with improvements in folding doors and lifting and sliding doors, openings are getting wider, allowing for breath-taking views and easy passage between indoors and out, even in tight spaces.

“We’ll cut a wall out and put in a door that is 18 feet wide and eight or 10 feet high. No problem,” says Cheney. “It’s just three panels six feet wide.”

New slim-frame designs also mean there are fewer posts and divisions between windows and doors, but also between window and window.

“You see a lot of larger, cleaner spaces,” Cheney says. “This brings the outside in and makes a space feel open and bright. It can make a family room feel like it’s open right onto the deck.”

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“This brings the outside in and makes a space feel open and bright. It can make a family room feel like it’s open right onto the deck.”

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Cheney Window & Door Specialists 2345 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 23, Oakville 905-847-2071 www.cheney.ca

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Martin Daniel Interiors 2663 Steeles Ave. W., Toronto 416-667-0080 www.martindanielinteriors.com

Company celebrates 30 years as purveyor of fine European furnishings

BY JULIE GEDEON

TORONTONIANS have Angelo and Ginette Simone to thank for adding colour and character to the city’s home decor. The couple opened their store, Martin Daniel Interiors, 30 years ago.

“My father had furniture retail and showroom management experience as well as great contacts with his native Italy,” says Valerie Simone. “And my mother, originally from Quebec, had merchandising and showroom display experience.”

The couple set out on a mission to introduce Toronto to contemporary Italian furnishings.

So who’s Martin Daniel? “It’s my younger brother’s full name, but my parents have never admitted that the store is named after him,” Simone says with a laugh.

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Both of the Simone children grew up at the store and joined the business full-time 15 years ago.

Valerie Simone is responsible for interior design and marketing, while Martin Simone does some European buying, as well as overseeing the showroom, deliveries and customer service.

Their parents are still involved in the dayto-day operations of the store. Simone says the company imports contemporary furniture that is exclusively sold by Martin Daniel Interiors.

“These days, the focus is on beautiful lacquered exotic woods,” she says. “Our showroom is filled with accents of bright turquoise, orange, yellows, purples and blues. That’s my mother’s touch.”

Over the past decade, the store has included some other European furniture. “Spain has incredible modular sofas in the most amazing geometric fabrics,” Simone says. “And for recliners, you can’t beat Germany’s mechanisms.”

Responding to customer preferences, the store has also expanded its Classique collection of hand-crafted Italian furniture.

“For the first time, we are offering price reductions from 30 per cent on many of our exclusive collections to celebrate our 30th anniversary,” Simone says. “We have the heart of a family-owned business, but the professionalism, service and wide choice of a large company.” •

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AD LIST TORONTO SUMMER 2016

BUYER’S GUIDE

GETTING AN EARLY START Bau-Xi Gallery www.bau-xi.com 604-733-7011

MAJOR MAKEOVER Danielle Campbell Design www.daniellecampbell.ca 905-990-8887

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE ACO Canada www.acocan.ca www.acoself.com 877-226-4255

VERSATILE LANDSCAPE Earth Inc. www.earthinc.com 416-216-0378

SURFACE SAVVY Cosentino Surfaces www.cosentino.com 647-350-6009 (showroom) 416-247-9090 (warehouse) awaiting confirmation IT’S ALL IN THE MIX Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry www.bloomsburydesign.com 416-782-7900 SMALL OFFICE, BIG PAIN? Dr. Amy Yee appointments@dmulamedicine.com 416-322-9933 MAXIMIZE SPACE IN A SMALL BATHROOM Fleurco www.fleurco.com 1-800-993-0033 HIDDEN GEMS Knar Jewellery www.knar.com ALL DECKED OUT Royal Decks www.royaldecks.ca 905-901-3560 ~ 1-866-399-4616 A WINDOW ON NEW DESIGN TRENDS Cheney Window & Door Specialists www.cheney.ca 905-847-2071 ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS Decorium www.decorium.com Toronto ~ 416-515-1212 North York ~ 416-736-6120 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Martin Daniel Interiors www.martindanielinteriors.com 416-667-0080 MELT AWAY THE WINTER BLUES Patterned Concrete Ontario www.patternedconcrete.ca 416-661-3007 GET MORE SPACE Simply Closets www.simplyclosets.ca 416-385-8855

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SHE LOVES IT Hilary Farr www.hilaryfarr.com EMBRACING THE ICONIC BUNGALOW Georgian Custom Renovations www.georgianreno.com 905-405-7276 PULLING THE ELEMENTS TOGETHER Earth Inc. www.earthinc.com 416-216-0378 ADDING GLAMOUR TO MODERNIST STYLE Urban Retreat Homes www.samanthasannella.com 416-436-1095 WORTH THE WAIT Elizabeth Interiors www.elizabethinteriors.com 905-333-6670 FLOORING INNOVATION Concept Flooring www.conceptflooring.ca 905-338-1288 REASONS TO LIKE LEDs Royal Lighting www.royallighting.com 416-782-1129 OWNING THE RIVER Techo-Bloc www.techo-bloc.com 1-877-832-4625 Les Aménagements Desrosiers www.lamdesrosiers.com 418-832-8338 AL FRESCO ALL SUMMER Walkers Wine Bar and Grill www.walkerswinebar.ca 905-607-3474 MAGIC CARPETS Watson Soule www.watsonsoule.com 416-871-8422 A LOVE OF FRENCH CLASSIC DESIGN Mahzad Homes www.mahzadhomes.com 416-890-7175

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ACO Systems Allan Rug Co. Atelier Cachet Atlantic Bath Centre Barroso Homes Barrymore Barsam Homes Binns Kitchen + Bath Design Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry Bone Structure Cairo Glitz Carrocel Casualife Chateau Window & Door Systems Cheney Window & Door Specialists Chestnut Flooring Chic by Janssen Concept Flooring Creative Avenues Decorium Dezign Market Dominion Rug Elizabeth Interiors Erth Coverings Euro-Line Appliances European Flooring Executive Yacht Fairlaw Medical Centre Fleurco General Products Georgian Custom Renovations H2o2 Wine Cellar Design Hide House Iluce Inc. Import Temptations Improve Canada Jura Knar Jewellery Litemode Mahzad Homes Manderley Fine Furniture Mark Lash Martin Daniel Interiors Morba Morelli Fine Cabinetry Netthaus Omega Mantels Papro Wine Cellars Patterned Concrete Portes Alain Bourassa Rinox Roche Bobois Royal Decks Royal Lighting Simply Closets Southport Outdoor Living Tom Lee Music Toute Suite Treasures & Co. Trutone Electronics Inc. Unilock Village Paint Walkers Wine Bar & Grill Weaver & Loom Weavers Art X-Tile Canada Yorkville Design Centre

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Human beings have an insatiable desire for novelty. Perhaps that’s why everything changes so rapidly. Change is constant in the field of design. Toronto Home’s annual Trends issue profiles that change and the driving forces behind it. Stay abreast of the changes; don’t miss the Trends issue. On sale in August.

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