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THERealREAL DEAL Housewife Jana Webb on life and yoga
FORM AND FUNCTION The art of ceramicist Nicola Tassie
PERFECT PIED-À-TERRE A Coal Harbour condo with superb views
FUNKY FOODS Turning eatables into art www.movatohome.com
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Making the most of tiny condos
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IN LIVING COLOUR The latest trends in hues for the home OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
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EDITOR’S LETTER
A FEW YEARS AGO, I attended my high school reunion. I remember walking the halls of my old school, allowing memories to flood my brain; the building hadn’t changed much. There were so many alumni and alumnae at the event, that all of the halls were congested with people. I have an amusing memory of a woman in my graduating class who, once she had toured the school and found the crowds overwhelming, parked herself in front of the principal’s office and spent the whole evening there. Periodically, I’d see her rooted to that same spot and I’d ask if she planned to see any other areas of the school. “I have discovered,” she said, “that if I stay here all evening, everyone, sooner or later, will pass by me and I’ll be able to catch up with all my fellow graduates. I don’t need to go anywhere else.” It was a great tactic and it worked. I am often reminded of that when I consider the changes that sweep fashion and design. Observe them long enough and you’ll detect a pattern – a bounce-back effect. Stand still long enough and they will pass you by repeatedly. Designs get recycled from one decade or generation to the next. Did you miss the mini-skirt fad of the ’60s and ’70s? No problem; hemlines are high again. Polyester leisure suits and wide ties? Wait, they’ll return soon enough. Ditto for interior design. The minimalist design ethos that dates to the mid-20th century is back in full sail. And that damask wallpaper that you were glad to get rid of after it had seen better days? It’s back, too.
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What I love about putting together our annual Trends edition is observing what’s coming in. Here’s a look at a few design trends that our writers have explored in this issue: • Intense, saturated colours. Think deep reds and blues that are versatile enough to pair with many other shades and tones. • Smart ways of decorating small spaces, a boon for urban areas where square footage comes at a premium. • Personalized wallcoverings. A digital photo of your children can be turned into wallpaper. One quirky little trend that we also profile in this issue may be a short-term fad. Or - perhaps not. It’s called “food art.” The people who create food art clearly did not listen in childhood when their mothers said: “Don’t play with your food.” I hope you’ll enjoy discovering this year’s design trends as much as I have. Finally, it gives me much pleasure to introduce our new publisher, Sharon Azrieli. Sharon recently assumed the ownership of Vancouver Home and, given her extensive background in design and the arts (she is an opera singer, jewelry designer and furniture designer) she has some great plans for the magazine, which we will roll out in the months to come. Stay tuned. Welcome, Sharon.
STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@movatohome.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
CHERYL CORNACCHIA Cheryl Cornacchia is a Toronto-born writer, who went against migration trends 30 years ago when she moved to Montreal to work as a feature writer for The Gazette. With daily journalism now behind her, she continues to be a multi-tasker, indulging her passions in home and garden design, travel, yoga, and urban farming. Her story in this issue about colour trends represents a return to journalism and a fresh start for Cheryl.
Volume 5, number 4, Trends Issue 2017 Date of Issue: November 2017
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SUSAN KELLY “What lies beneath” was the common thread for writer Susan Kelly in this issue. First, she delved into the life of Jana Webb, yoga entrepreneur and star of the Real Housewives of Toronto reality TV show. And it was not all glitz and glam. “It turned out to be a portrait of resilience and courage in a remarkable young woman,” Susan says. In her research for a story about minimalist design trends, she discovered that underneath its reputation for being austere, minimalist design holds rich complexity and has some avid proponents. Susan is a frequent contributor to Vancouver Home whose work on style and decor appears in a variety of media.
SUSAN SEMENAK Susan Semenak is a writer and artist who wrote about trends in small-space design for this issue. She’s involved in her own personal campaign to live smaller. The first step, she says, is decluttering. “It’s amazing how big and calm a room feels when it’s stripped of all that stuff we cling to for reasons even we have forgotten.”
HEATHER PENGELLEY A brave new world of wallcoverings is out there, says writer Heather Pengelley, and it can transform plain walls into works of art. In this issue, Heather explores the latest trends in wallpaper design. Be prepared for some surprises, she says, because “this definitely isn’t your mother’s wallpaper. It literally changes the look and feel of walls. And, the sky’s the limit when it comes to choice.”
PUBLISHER Dr. Sharon Azrieli CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Stanley Kirsh
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Marieve Gagnon EDITORIAL MANAGER Tracey MacKenzie ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Carmen Lefebvre CONTRIBUTORS Cheryl Cornacchia
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Azrieli PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper DIGITAL MARKETING Karine Bellisha ACCOUNTING Jenny Marques DIRECTOR OF SALES Kelly Chicoine SALES EXECUTIVE Joanne Mayoff
Julie Gedeon Susan Kelly Tracey MacKenzie
COLLECTIONS Trudy Kerman
Heather Pengelley Susan Semenak
LEGAL DEPOSIT
2292-0870 Vancouver Home Magazine Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Vancouver Home magazine is strictly prohibited. Publication # 41959020 issn
PHOTOGRAPHY Larry Arnal Barry Calhoun Paul Grdina Colin Perry
CORRECTION In the Autumn issue of Vancouver Home magazine, the photographs of gardens on pages 114 through 118 where incorrectly attributed. In fact, the photos on those pages were all taken by Glenna Partridge of Glenna Partridge Garden Design. Vancouver Home regrets the error.
STYLING Craig Chevalier Evelyn Eshun Sarah Gallop Alyssa Lewis Stephanie Malhas Negar Reihani
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CONTENTS
18 ON THE COVER GET THE BEST
A homeowner spares no expense when building his dream home in West Vancouver
128 HIS OWN PLACE
A designer creates exactly the space he wants when designing his own townhouse
GRAND BUT COZY
A large house is designed to feel warm and enveloping
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78 FORM AND FUNCTION
Potter Nicola Tassie creates ceramics that are exquisite and practical for everyday use
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CONTENTS
6 EDITOR’S LETTER 14 THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home
30 ON AND UNDER THE SURFACE Artist Cori Creed taps into her memories and her love of the natural world when she paints
36 BRIGHTEN UP Trends Special Feature This season’s colour palettes shift far away from bland neutrals into strong, intense hues
44 THE REAL DEAL Jana Webb, a star of Real Housewives of Toronto, discusses her life and the salubrious effects of yoga
58 AHEAD OF THE CURVE Hip design and high technology put this company in the forefront of bathroom fixture manufacturing
60 SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Trends Special Feature Owners of modest-sized homes find practical and aesthetic solutions to space shortages
A STORIED DESTINATION
Long Island’s Oheka Castle is a palatial hotel that dates back to the Jazz Age
92 50 HOW DID YOU KNOW I WANTED THIS?
Our annual holiday gift guide
70 DO THE WAVE An original backsplash design sets the design tone in a waterfront condo
84 LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE Outdoor rooms move indoor lifestyles out into the backyard
106 ARTFUL PLATES Trends Special Feature Colourful edibles are the medium in a new art form called “food art”
110 OWNING AND DISPLAYING LESS Trends Special Feature The trend toward designing minimalist spaces continues unabated
116 PET-FRIENDLY AND ACTIVITY-ORIENTED Vancouver’s Loden Hotel helps guests stay fit while travelling with their four-legged friends
120 ALFRESCO CUISINE Outdoor kitchens have become a must-have for many homeowners
138 WALL ART Trends Special Feature Today’s wallcoverings allow walls to become a space for unique and personal expression
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DESIGN
1. SHADES OF BEAUTY
These mosaic shading blends are composed of Trend Vitreo, Brillante, Shining, Feel and Aureo glass tiles. The colours are enhanced by the translucence of the glass and are used to create gradient effects that can range from simple colour patterns to complex decorative panels. Available in more than 20 standard mixes. Custom mixes (as shown here) are also available. Granite Transformations 6-91 Golden Dr., Coquitlam 604-695-7711 www.granitetransformations.com/vancouver 1 2
2. MULTI-TASKING
This leather cocktail ottoman does double duty. With its grey colouring, the slide is lightly glazed to accentuate its maple grain. Two rollers on the inside base of both sides of the slide ensure ease of movement across a floor. Paramount Home & Design 5520 Minoru Blvd., Richmond 604-273-0155 www.paramounthome.ca
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DESIGN
1. STAY DRY
The ACO Self HexaLine channel drain is used to manage storm water around a house in a controlled way. Its body is made of polypropylene, and its grates can be plastic, iron, galvanized or stainless steel. For use in a garage, on a patio, in front of garage doors, or wherever storm water accumulates.
2. SEA ME
Resembling a gracious creature of the deep, the Anemone pendant light, designed by Ralf Frickel, is a wonderful addition to the Quasar collection. It’s perfectly suited for commercial, retail, hospitality or residential interiors.
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3. PEBBLE POWER
The new PowerView Pebble gives you precise control of your Hunter Douglas window coverings. It’s designed to be attractive and to allow you to control natural light throughout your home with the press of a button. WindowWorks 13331 Vulcan Way, Richmond 604-231-1433 www.windowworks.ca
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DESIGN
THE BEST OF EVERYTHING A homeowner who waits a long time for his dream home spares no expense in his new West Vancouver build BY SUSAN SEMENAK PHOTOGRAPHY: BARRY CALHOUN STYLING: ALYSSA LEWIS
TODD BEST WORKS CLOSELY with all his clients. He is a custom builder after all, and each of the projects that his company, Best Builders, takes on is a close collaboration. But never have homeowner, builder and designers cooperated with as much synergy as they did on this West Vancouver house. Best says it was impossible not to share the homeow ner’s excitement over the 7,000-square-foot stone and wood house as it was going up. The house had to be just so: a West Coast contemporary building with soaring ceilings, open living spaces and plenty of wood and stone. But it was also to be imbued with the clean lines and simplicity of contemporary European design. It needed to ref lect the homeowner’s love of the rugged landscape as well as his personal passion for cooking. •
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DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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The exterior of the house is clad in wood, stone and metal and a fair bit of its concrete base was intentionally left exposed - not clad in stucco or stone. “It’s an organic architectural element that disappears in this rainy, grey climate. We let it be what it is,” says residential designer Craig Chevalier.
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DESIGN
In the great room, a massive 54-inch-wide Town and Country fireplace was given a stone surround.
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“It was a real team project. No clashes of egos, just lots of discussion about every detail, from where the kitchen should go to how to maximize the views from every spot,” Best says. The homeow ner wou ld live i n the house with his wife and two children. And it needed to be expansive enough to welcome a large extended family that visits often from across Canada. To create a home that could be both big and small in spirit, residential designer Craig Chevalier conceived a two-storey, six-bedroom house with an unorthodox positioning of living spaces. “Most houses are three storeys with a basement, a main floor and all the
bedrooms situated on the floor above that,” says Chevalier. “But this house is separated over two floors, with the main living areas upstairs, where the views are best, and with bedrooms on both floors.” Chevalier says the layout allows the family to live within the cozier confines of one floor, but they have the option of sprawling out over the whole house when there are guests. “If they so choose, they never have to climb the stairs, except when they are entertaining in the “resort” portion of the house,” Chevalier says. “When it’s just them, they don’t have to feel like they are rambling around in a massive space.” •
DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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The views from just about every window are mesmerizing. “You look out and there’s the ocean and downtown Vancouver in the distance,” says interior designer Anja Henche of AH Design, who worked with the homeowners to create living spaces with what she calls “timeless European elegance.”
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DESIGN
That so-called “resort” area is comprised of a games room with pool and ping-pong tables, a wine room, and a gym. It also leads out, through lift-and-slide patio doors, to the outdoor swimming pool area, which boasts a hot tub and outdoor kitchen. Best says the home’s wide-open floor plan makes it perfect for entertaining large groups. “The owner loves to entertain. Sometimes the group is up to 30 people,” he says. “And he says he could easily fit another 30.”
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DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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The grand sweep of the house is revealed outside and inside. The L-shaped building’s exterior is clad in metal, wood and stone, with strong vertical stone elements to counterbalance the horizontal line of the flat roof. Guests enter through 10-foot-tall front doors and find themselves in a grand entry with a ceiling that soars to 18 feet. In the joined great room and dining room, Chevalier varied the ceiling heights to create volume and to differentiate the spaces. •
Outdoors at ground level, there’s a pool, an outdoor shower and also a hot tub with a waterfall feature whose trickle masks the sound of traffic. Go up a flight of exterior stairs to the second-storey deck. “After a swim, you might head upstairs to the heated patio to warm up, or maybe to sit around the fire pit,” says builder Todd Best. In both spots, on Canada Day, the fireworks in downtown Vancouver are visible.
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DESIGN
And because the owner is a serious cook, interior designer Anja Henche of AH Design, planned the kitchens meticulously. Yes, kitchens. There’s the large open “show” kitchen used for entertaining and light food preparation. It’s equipped with Poggenpohl cabinets from Germany, a Wolfe gas range, a double-width Sub-Zero fridge, and a whole kit of Miele appliances, including induction cooktop, steam oven and coffeemaker. But behind a set of sliding doors is where the real cooking action takes place. This is the closedin wok kitchen, outfitted with another set of appliances and a heavy-duty fan for evacuating grease and cooking odours. And then, when the weather is fair, cooking and eating move to the outdoor kitchen, equipped with a barbecue, fridge and sink. •
In the kitchen, the white laminate and walnut cabinetry is by Poggenpohl. White oak flooring was used throughout the house and the walls were painted a uniform white for continuity. Fixtures: Dornbracht.
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DESIGN
The bathroom’s white mosaic tiles and porcelain floor tiles have the appearance and texture of sandstone. Fixtures: Dornbracht.
Henche says the materials in the kitchen echo those used in the bathrooms. “In the kitchen, the white laminate Poggenpohl cabinetry contrasts with the walnut millwork,” she says. “I chose these materials for the contrast and to give the space lightness.” That lightness continues in the master bathroom, where white glass mosaic tiles from Italy clad the walls from floor to ceiling. “The walnut vanity in the master bathroom adds warmth and contrasts with the white tiles,” Henche says. In the spa bathroom on the lower level, she used teak, which would withstand the rigours of moisture and heat better than walnut.
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DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
In the bathrooms and around the house, the built-in bar, library shelving and office furniture were custommade by local millworkers, Old World Kitchens in Chilliwack.
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She says the rift-cut white oak flooring throughout the house “is a classic material that is durable and clean-looking.” Other luxe touches include steam showers in the bathrooms, custom-built eight-foothigh interior doors, clerestory windows, and a large projector/media room with wirelessly activated blackout blinds. The owners also
opted to include in the build a fully equipped gym, camouflaged behind frosted glass sliding doors. It includes a Swedish sauna and steam room. “This is a man who waited to build this dream home,” Best says. “And when he did, he wanted only the best of everything in terms of quality.” •
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ART
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ART VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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ON AND UNDER THE SURFACE Artist Cori Creed taps into her memories and her love of the natural world when she paints BY SUSAN KELLY
CORI CREED’S WORK FOCUSES on both the surface and what lies beneath it. The Vancouver artist’s large-scale oil paintings depict memories and a life-long love of the natural landscape around her. Whether forest, ocean or sky, she interprets them in bold strokes and colours that clamour for attention. All with an intensity that is both urgent and joyous at the same time. •
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ART
“My work is as much about emotional space as the re-creation of a physical place,” says the artist, who also plumbs the human psyche through an interest in psychology. “And then I’m always drawing the viewer back to the surface.” She accomplishes this by paying homage to the medium and how it’s applied, using oil paint, spray paint, graphite, and other media.
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Creed has also added a three-dimensional component to her work with clay sculptures and mixed-media art installations to add an extra layer of meaning and complexity to solo exhibitions of her paintings. Painting may be in her genetic code, since her mother and grandfather also painted. Creed received her first paint set at age three, and has never stopped creating.
ART VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
After attending Simon Fraser University and Capilano University, she worked for a decade in the advertising field as a graphic designer and creative director. She continued to paint and participate in group shows and in 2000, began showing at Vancouver gallery Buschlen Mowatt. Finding it increasingly difficult to run her own agency and paint, she then focused solely on her art. •
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“For me to do my best work, I believe that I have to reach that place where the subconscious takes over or at least takes the helm.”
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ART VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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Creed works from piles of photos and sketches. She prefers not to stick slavishly to real-life references. Instead, they serve as reminders or triggers for her recollection of a place or experience. Depicting emotional reactions means digging deep. She tackles the idea of being able to “morph and change and shift landscapes and references.” Before lifting a paintbrush, she invariably inserts ear buds. On the playlist are lectures, podcasts and audiobooks. Subjects vary and often involve psychology or philosophy. It might be Voltaire one day, a Ted Talk the next. Of the latter, one by Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called “Flow, the secret to happiness” made a lasting impression. It examines the state of creative bliss that can occur when the muse strikes. “For me to do my best work, I believe that I have to reach that place where the subconscious takes over or at least takes the helm,” Creed says. “I’ve been lucky in that I have never found myself short of inspiration.” Over the past 17 years, Creed’s work has been shown in solo shows in Canada and the U.S., and she is now represented by the Bau Xi Gallery in Vancouver and Toronto. If ever inspiration flags, she heads back to the cottage outside Penticton with her family or to a rugged stretch of shoreline. She may be sans canvas, but often with her children in tow. “I love being outdoors and hiking or rock climbing,” she says. “Nature can be breathtaking and so inspiring.” •
Cori Creed’s current paintings are online at www.bau-xi.com
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DESIGN
THE STRONG AND INTENSE TYPE Trends in colour are a long way from the pale neutrals that have dominated in recent years BY CHERYL CORNACCHIA
WHEN BEHR LAUNCHED its 2018 Colour of the Year earlier this year, the North American paint manufacturer captured the public imagination by erecting a full-sized, pop-up house in the middle of New York’s Grand Central Station. The house featured Behr’s latest palette of colours, including its signature 2018 colour called In the Moment, a sublime blue-green. Although the house was up for only a couple of days, it was seen by thousands of commuters, many of whom undoubtedly went home with ideas for colours in their own homes. Similar pop-up events are not in the offing for Vancouver’s Waterfront Station, but bright, bold, even brash colours are making a comeback after years of neutral tones. There were hints of this trend last year when Pantone introduced its 2017 Colour of the Year: Greenery. But this year, one paint company after another has unveiled more daring colours. The trend is moving away from offwhites, pastels and neutral greys to deeper, more vibrant colours and jewel tones.
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Photos courtesy of Benjamin Moore
DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
Benjamin Moore’s 2018 Colour of the Year: Caliente
Just as financial analysts have been able to document a coincidental correlation between the direction of skirt hemlines and stock-market heights, so too have paint companies noticed that consumer preference for bold paint colours moves in tandem with consumer confidence in the economy. In contrast to rising unemployment, which accompanied the economic downturn that began in 2008, unemployment rates today have fallen to historic lows.
And colour trends have moved accordingly, a good example of which is Benjamin Moore’s 2018 Colour of the Year, Caliente, a vibrant red infused with orange tones. “It’s confident, it’s strong, it’s warm, it’s bold; I love it,” says Sophie Bergeron, a Benjamin Moore colour expert. “We used to think of red as an accent colour. This colour can be used in a full room.” Twenty years ago, says Bergeron, reds were pure reds and blues were pure blues, meaning
they could have an aggressive feel, and be difficult to use because they lacked undertones. Oranges and greys warm up other colours and add depth, she says. Red also goes well in companionship with other colours, she says. “It has been with us from prehistoric times and cave art. It has meant different things in different eras. It has been the colour of the clergy, and also of royalty. Today, it is eclectic – mid-century, modern, anything you want it to be.” •
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In fact, adds Bergeron, Benjamin Moore cited the shift to dark colours last year when it named Shadow as its 2017 Colour of the Year. “Shadow is a dark, strong purple,” she says. “Before that, from 2012 to 2016, to be precise, we were talking about light pastels and soft colours.” Erika Woelfel, Behr’s vice president colour and creative services, explains that neutral greys were perfect when spending habits were more conservative. It was a colour with long wall life. But those neutrals are “no longer a forecasting trend. They have acquired mass appeal and the trend is tapering off in favour of warmer neutrals in the brown, tan and sandy beige range.” Behr’s first-ever colour of the year, called In the Moment, can be “fashion-forward, edgy” if paired with a bold orange or green; it can be calming if coupled with a soft gold, Woelfel says.
Photos courtesy of Behr
Behr’s 2018 Colour of the Year: In The Moment
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Photos courtesy of Sherwin William
DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
Oceanside, Sherwin Williams’s 2018 Colour of the Year, is a bold blue-green, with a hint of teal. Michael Plank, the company’s director of colour marketing, says several factors influenced the choice. One is the colour’s association with water. In recent years, Plank says, water has figured prominently in home decor - fountains and infinity pools, for instance, help evoke a calming, meditative ambience. Oceanside’s aquatic undertones are intended to tap into this trend, either on an accent wall or throughout an entire room. The rich blue-green of Oceanside, says Plank, also pairs nicely with other colours, such as saturated reds, to create a more eclectic look. After years of consumer preference for neutral tones, Plank adds, there is growing consumer demand for “more saturated, edgy colours,” especially in such cosmopolitan settings as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
In fact, he says, this move to bolder colours may be tied to immigration and globalization trends. To be sure, the colourful Shanghai skyline at night, cathedrals of Moscow and rickshaws of Jakarta are all good examples of how other cultures value bold colours. “There’s no science to it,” says Plank. “It just seemed the time was right” for a move to bold, something quite different from Sherwin Williams’s 2016 showcase colour Alabaster, a n of f-white, a nd the compa ny’s 2017 Colour of the Year: Poised Taupe, a grey-brown warm neutral. •
Sherwin William’s 2018 Colour of the Year: Oceanside
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Photos courtesy of Sico
DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
Sico and PPG Paints have both made their own bold statements for 2018 by identifying shades of black as their colours of the year. Sico calls its black Cast Iron, and PPG Paints has named its own version Black Flame. Although black is often described as the absence of colour, these companies are marketing it as the “new neutral,” suggesting that notions of neutral itself are poised to become bolder in 2018 and beyond. “Black Flame acts like a black curtain, allowing your other decor elements to take centre stage,” says Dee Schlotter, PPG Paint’s senior colour marketing manager. “It’s a fantastic blend of black and indigo, two classic hues. The black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world while the indigo offers possibility and deep hopefulness.” Black is under-appreciated as a paint colour, says Mylène Gèvry, senior marketing manager for SICO Paint in Longueuil, Quebec. Gèvry says Cast Iron pairs nicely with pinks, off-whites, brown-greys and nutmeg tones, adding depth to a room. “Dare to go darker,” she tells people. “This deep, grounding, black hue offers a respite from life’s worries.” A respite from life’s worries …... which, after all, is what every home should offer. •
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LIFESTYLE VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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KEEPING IT
Real
Real Housewife Jana Webb is right at home at her new Yorkville yoga studio, Joga House BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX
JANA WEBB’S SEMI-DETACHED HOME in The Beaches neighbourhood is under renovation. But the star of Real Housewives of Toronto says her new yoga studio in Yorkville is more of a natural habitat for her. “For me, Joga House is more of a home these days because it’s what I live, breathe, sleep, eat,” she says. We caught up with her when she was fresh off a tour, training members of the Brooklyn Nets basketball and Seattle Seahawks NFL teams. They are among the hundreds of professional athletes and teams she has schooled in Joga, or “yoga breathing and relaxation combined with the bio-mechanics of sports,” which she developed with their specific needs in mind. When she cut the ribbon on Joga House last spring, Jana intended it to serve as both her empire’s home base and a place where both pros and non-pros can feel at home.
Somewhat ironically, there was more drama surrounding the birth of Joga House than on the reality TV show. In November 2016, just after signing the lease and filming the final Real Housewives of Toronto scenes, Jana headed to the Dominican Republic. She had just finished a Joga training session with a baseball team when the car she was in hit a cement truck head-on. A difficult rescue and nail-biting airlift to hospital followed, after which she learned she had a severe concussion and broken back. “It feels surreal,” she says. “I had to make design decisions and give construction orders for Joga House from my hospital bed. It’s a miracle the place ever opened.” •
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It helped that the other housewives have supported her through her recovery, which is still ongoing. “They all came to visit me in the hospital and were super supportive,” she says. “Especially Joan Kelley Walker. What she did for me and the generosity she displayed during the toughest time of my life is unforgettable.”
Joga House’s design has a cast connection; it was executed by interior designer Jonathan Furlong, who is a friend of Joan Kelley Walker and who appeared in episode six of the show. Jana feels he brilliantly captured the effect she was after: urban, edgy, and the antithesis of the typical serene yoga studio.
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“If we can make a space where people who wouldn’t usually go to a yoga studio feel comfortable, then we can help more people at the end of the day.”
Floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflect stark black vertical surfaces surrounding the huge open studio, which dominates the 4,000-squarefoot space. The layout includes a media area and boardroom as well. Members can refuel at a black-and-steel bar or relax on contemporary black leather and chrome chairs in the lounge area. All while the sound system pounds out hard-driving beats. It’s intended to appeal to athletes and the sports-oriented, and to urban warriors, always on the run and hustling. “If we can make a space where people who wouldn’t usually go to a yoga studio feel comfortable, then we can help more people at the end of the day,” Jana says. Combining athleticism and yoga may seem paradoxical, but then, that seems to be how Jana rolls. She was as surprised as anyone when the Real Housewives producers called to offer her the gig. Unlike her married cast mates, she’s far from a housewife. The single mother of a nine-year-old son, Will, she spends more time ferrying him to AAA hockey practice than sipping champagne and shopping. Nor can she relate to the ostentatious, wealthy lifestyle of many in this reality series. •
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And she was arguably the least histrionic Housewife, although she appeared riled in the final episode when one cast member insulted another. So why sign on to a franchise famous for mud-slinging, table-tipping cat fights? Jana says it was a highly strategic move to use whatever brand-building fame the show could provide rather than having it use her. “Before filming started, I wrote myself a personal mantra that affirmed being true to my authentic self,” she says. “And my authentic self is about putting other people first.” She also remains true to her jock roots, put down while growing up in Bentley, Alberta, population 1,078. The daughter of a farmer and hospital worker, Jana and her three siblings played “every sport imaginable.” A car accident at age 24 turned her onto yoga to help with some nerve damage. She quickly discovered that she, like most athletes, found it difficult due to strung-tight hamstrings and hips. Jana went on to study acting. “It was while I was in school that my singing teacher noticed how my injuries were affecting my breathing,” she says. “She started to do yoga positions with me. They made me feel better so I started to do yoga everywhere but learned that I was horrible at it. There were no styles that made sense for injured, tight athletic bodies. I became curious and found ISHTA yoga in Japan (meaning personalized). I then adapted that to how athletes move, train and digest information.”
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She believes that Joga has helped her recover from her injuries more quickly. But she still struggles with chronic neck and shoulder pain, and the head injury. The experience has led her to greater empathy with the athletes she trains, especially those with concussion. “Brain injury involves so many physical and emotional symptoms,” Jana says. “I have the same passion for what I do, but now I also have compassion.”
This new message now infuses her many public appearances, whether she’s speaking or demonstrating. As a Reebok ambassador in Canada, Jana recently gave a keynote address in Whistler, BC that focused on change and adaptation. And during a recent Joga demonstration in New York City, she presented to physiotherapists as well as trainers. Her certification program has put the stamp of approval on more than 400 Joga instructors in Canada, and a U.S. expansion is in the works. If Real Housewives of Toronto is renewed, she’ll be glad to get back to the glitz and glam during summer 2018. And she’ll be keeping it real – at home, at Joga House, and on set. Whatever form it takes, home is an important metaphor for her. “It’s kind of a yoga thing to be mindful of how you treat yourself, and the home is a reflection of that,” she says. “And it should be more about what’s inside you, less about what is external and superficial.” • Joga House 208 Bloor St. W., Lower Level Toronto 416-901-JOGA (5642) www.yogahouse.com
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JUST WHAT I WANTED! Finding the perfect holiday gift is never as difficult as it seems
T
he holiday season is the best time of year to show our loved ones how much we appreciate them. Finding that perfect gift though can be daunting. Should we be practical or extravagant? Whimsical or serious? In our annual holiday gift guide, allow us to give you a sampling of some of the items that might be just right for the ones you love.
T H E OR DER OF T H E EL K A shared love of timeless and approachable design is brought to life through the collaboration of Gus* Modern and Pendleton Woolen Mills. The Mid-century Modern-style Gus* Elk chair is upholstered in original Pendleton Woolen Mills fabric. Available in Canada at select Gus* Modern retailers and online at www.pendleton.ca for a limited time
BA NA NAS FOR YONA NAS The Yonanas is the perfect gift for dessert lovers. This small
W I N T ER WA R M T H Made of 100 per cent Merino sheepskin, these mittens
kitchen gadget instantly converts
have a suede finish and soft
frozen fruit into soft-serve treats
interior, which is sure to keep
without any added sugar, milk or artificial ingredients. Comes with a recipe booklet. Available at Costco www.costco.ca
your hands warm all winter long. They’re available in multicolour, black and brown. $39.99. Available at Ricardo BH www.ricardobh.com 1-877-339-1789
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CAST A N EY E OV ER T H IS BOW L ED OV ER
Art and form unite in Cast, a coffee table book about casting, the ancient
Black walnut bowls, made from green wood, are given a
art of creating objects made by pouring molten metal or other materials
unique organic shape. This one-of-a-kind bowl is perfect for
into a mold. Authors Jen Townsend and Renée Zettle-Sterling look at the
holding fruit, nuts or just being displayed as a piece of art.
history of casting and its current applications in the creation of art and
Available at Alexander Designs
functional objects.
www.alexanderdesigns.us
Available at Chapters Indigo www.chaptersindigo.ca
PU L L U P TO T H E DOCK The HoverDock is a minimalist’s dream. It allows you to charge your iPhone on a charging station that neatly hides wires and displays your phone upright thanks to its strong aluminum base. Available on Amazon www.amazon.com
T R EA D SOF T LY Keep your feet cozy this winter in these luxurious sheepskin moccasins. Crafted of high-quality sheepskin, the exterior has a suede finish and the soles are made of sturdy rubber, which makes them ideal for a quick trip to the curb. In both men’s and women’s sizes. $76.99. Available at Ricardo BH www.ricardobh.com 1-877-339-1789 GI F T GU I DE THE TRENDS ISSUE
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LIFESTYLE
ROCK ON
BL ACK BEAU T Y
A collaboration between Gus* Modern and Pendleton Woolen Mills
These handmade black walnut forms are sanded to
has resulted in some funky lounge chairs in graphic jacquard patterns,
perfection and finished with a non-toxic oil to highlight
many of which are inspired by indigenous and Southwestern motifs.
the original design of each one. They are a pleasing
This GT rocker in red offers some rockin’ repose.
display item on shelves and tables.
Available in Canada at select Gus* Modern retailers and
Available at Alexander Designs
online at www.pendleton.ca for a limited time
www.alexanderdesigns.us
WAT ER PROOF A N D W I R EL ESS The Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 is a 360-degree wireless speaker that is compact but can really blast out those tunes. From the ski slopes to the beach, this speaker is waterproof and connects wirelessly to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, letting you stream your favourite music wherever you go. $250.24 Available at Best Buy www.bestbuy.ca BET W EEN T H E SH EETS The darkness of the winter months will surely be chased away by the warmth of the new Sardinia collection of sheets from Flâneur. Reminiscent of pink beaches, the vibrant colours will energize your bedroom. Bedding is also customizable with dyed-to-order duvet covers and sheets. Ships to Canada at no extra cost. Available at Flâneur www.hiflaneur.com GI F T GU I DE 52
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STAY FOR A DR I N K
GET I N L I N E
Trot out these shapely and elegant beer glasses from Sempli
Proving that shelving doesn’t always have to be straight, the Lines
during the party-hosting season. The set includes four crystal
bookshelf from Ligne Roset is designed by Peter Maly to add a touch of
glasses designed for sipping.
whimsy to your living room or workspace. The interior finish is white
Available on Amazon
satin lacquer, and indirect lighting may be located behind the frame.
www.amazon.ca
Available at Ligne Roset www.ligne-roset.com/ca
WA K E U P H A PPY
F L A PS DOW N
The Sweet Mornings candle from The Wax Cabin Co. reminds
This children’s aviator hat is made of genuine sheepskin and is free
us of why brunch is so popular. With its scent of golden honey,
of toxic materials. A soft suede exterior and plush sheepskin interior,
fresh milk and oats, this candle will start your day off right.
combined with hand-stitching and water- and stain-resistance, make it a
$22.00.
perfect gift for little ones.
Available at Wax Cabin Candle Co.
Available at Ricardo BH
www.waxcabincandleco.com
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ST R EA M DR EA M Roku’s streaming media player puts more than 350,000 movies and TV episodes at your fingertips. Easy to use, this streamer is an Amazon choice as well as a Good Housekeeping favourite. $39.88
LOOK BOOK
Available on Amazon
Ligne Roset’s Book&Look sideboard, designed by
www.amazon.ca
Pagnon & Pelhaître, allows you to display books and other items. Various colours and finish options available. Available at Ligne Roset www.ligne-roset.com/ca
U N DER COV ER
NO NOISE
Made from the wool of sheep pastured in the cool mists of Canada, these
These Plantronics BackBeat PRO headphones block out background noise
100 per cent wool blankets will keep you cozy and warm throughout the
while you’re working or travelling. Listen to a movie on your tablet and grab
winter. Three stripes on the top and bottom and a whipstitch finish give
the call you’ve been waiting for. Compatible with all smart devices, these
this blanket a classic style.
headphones have a lifelike sound with up to 24 hours of battery power.
$190.99
$213.31.
Available at Wayfair
Available on Amazon
www.wayfair.ca
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SA F ET Y N ET The Nest indoor security camera will add round-the-clock security to your home via live video AS SI M PL E AS A H A I K U
streaming. Easy to install, this
With the Hiku shopping button you will never forget an item at the
camera continuously records so
grocery store again. This gadget scans barcodes and understands voice
you will never miss a thing. See
commands, making it easy to create an electronic shopping list. Grocery-
your home on your phone and
shop in person or online as the Hiku syncs with your phone via an app so
control the Nest from anywhere.
you’ll always have your list on hand.
$224.98
$59.70
Available at Amazon
Available on Amazon
www.amazon.ca
www.amazon.ca
F I T BI T F I T N ESS
BA N DEAU BEL L E
Get into shape in style using the Fitbit Ionic watch. Packed with fitness
Crafted of genuine sheepskin, this bandeau is guaranteed
guidance, health insights, music storage, apps and more, use it to
to keep your ears warm on even the chilliest of days. Easily
configure personalized workouts, track your heart rate and listen to
adjustable with a concealed Velcro tab, it’s perfect for long
your favourite tunes as you go.
winter walks.
$399.95
Available at Ricardo BH
Available at Chapters Indigo
www.ricardobh.com
www.chaptersindigo.ca
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DESIGN
WAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE After more than a century, this iconic bathroom fixture company is at the forefront of innovation
THE CONVENIENCE AND AESTHETICS of today’s kitchens and bathrooms are probably well beyond the imagination of earlier generations, except perhaps for John Michael Kohler. The visionary leader of the now globally recognized Kohler Corporation always sought better ways for people to work and live. “Our mission to this day is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living by ensuring our products and services are marked by charm, good taste and generosity of spirit,” says Donna Church, Kohler Canada’s manager of marketing and communications. Kohler and Charles Silberzahn co-founded the Kohler Co. in 1873 after buying an iron and steel foundry in Wisconsin from Kohler’s father-in law. After manufacturing ploughs and other farm implements, along with factory castings for the furniture industry, Kohler had a breakthrough in 1883 when he applied enamel to a cast-iron horse trough. “He sold that first enameled bathtub for 14 chickens and a cow,” Church says.
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Great-grandson David Kohler now heads the company. “All the Kohlers are focused on it 365 days a year – it’s truly a family mission,” she says. Always privately owned, the corporation has the leeway to strategize and invest longterm for the next generation of customers and their evolving lifestyles. “For example, our vanities offer innovative storage solutions,” Church says. The storage accessories are made of bamboo as part of the company’s overall
sustainability efforts. “Our farmhouse sinks and various bathtubs are made from more than 80 per cent recycled cast iron, such as old tool-and-dye casts and other cast-iron casings and objects,” she adds. Vitreous china that doesn’t meet quality standards is repurposed as Wisconsin road fill or construction aggregate in the company’s own environmentally advanced buildings. “McDonald’s has also used it in its outdoor patio furniture,” Church says.
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Always striving to minimize water use, Kohler has just launched a line of toilets that are better at rinsing the bowl with every flush. “Our touchless faucets ensure water doesn’t run unattended,” she says. “A new sweep spray in our pull-down faucets creates a blade of water that cleans the sharp lines in today’s sinks faster as well.” The sinks have also been designed to drain faster so they require less rinsing. “In our shower heads, we’ve found a way to incorporate a little pocket of air within every water drop so it feels like you’re getting a more robust shower with less water,” Church says. In creating its new Real Rain shower panel, the company studied every aspect of precipitation – from how it forms atmospherically, to how it drops, to the earth’s scent afterwards. “A central area provides a good deluge so it feels like a warm spring rain with enough water to shampoo and rinse,” Church says. Water temperatures and spray patterns can be preset in Kohler’s increasingly digital world. “We’re always focused on keeping our customers at the forefront of technology,” she says. “We’ve just introduced a line of intelligent toilets that features digitally controlled bidets and seat warmers – and even a model that blows warm air on the surrounding floor tiles.” Who could have conceived of that back in 1873? •
Kohler www.ca.kohler.com
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DESIGN
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL‌ AND PRACTICAL
Reduced living spaces in urban areas inspire a rethinking of design methods and furnishings
Photos courtesy of Resource Furniture
BY SUSAN SEMENAK
NIGHTSTANDS ARE OUT. So are dining tables and bedroom dressers. The condo dwellers in Montreal’s hip, downtown Griffintown are giving up free-standing, single-use furniture for built-in storage and multi-functional units. Like space-squeezed urban dwellers in Vancouver and Toronto, they are embracing a new spare, lean and multi-functional aesthetic.
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As real estate prices across Canada rise, homes are beginning to show signs of shrinking, particularly in urban areas, where the 500- to 800-square-foot condo is on the rise. With the trend toward small-space living has come a new and increasingly innovative design aesthetic borrowed from Japan and Europe.
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William Corbeil is co-owner of Must Society, the edgy furniture and home decor concept store that the Quebec furniture chain Maison Corbeil opened just over a year ago to appeal to Griffintown’s hip, young demographic that is moving into spaces as small as 300 square feet. “It used to be that small-space solutions had to be affordable first. It was okay if they were sort-of comfortable and okay-looking,” says Corbeil, himself a small-space inhabitant. “But not anymore. Our customers want practical solutions that are also sharp, nice and comfortable.” He has noticed signif icant decreases in sales of such so-called “case goods” as free-standing bedroom furniture, including nightstands and dressers. Multifunctional is the new buzzword. Beds with built-in storage are just about all that Must sells, along with wall-hung shelves and cabinets that make full use of vertical spaces, leaving precious real estate on the floor free from encumbrance. •
Photos courtesy of Must Society
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Photos courtesy of Small Space Plus
DESIGN
Corbeil says North American furniture manufacturers have been slow to catch up with the trend toward small-space living, and even developers of these small spaces often don’t maximize the space. “High-end solutions have been available, but only now are affordable choices coming to market,” he says. One great example is the $2,000 Sleep Chest, a Houdini-like, Canadian-made bed sold at Small Space Plus in Toronto. It folds up into a narrow credenza – an affordably priced alternative to the fold-away Murphy bed. Sherry Doan, the manager at Small Space Plus, says double-duty furniture is still a surprise to many of the people who visit her store looking for solutions for small condos and narrow townhouses. Their jaws drop, she says, when they find multi-functional tables that eliminate the need for two pieces of furniture. “The Jonas is a height-adjustable
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coffee-to-dining table that operates on a crisscross mechanism and can also be used as a desk, console table, coffee table and dining table to accommodate between four and six people comfortably,” Doan says. “Compact sofa beds such as the Maya at 57 inches, offer compact sleeping for two with storage in the actual sofa. Our customers are amazed by the amount of reclaimed space they have.” Expandable tables, such as the Campbell, can convert from console size to accommodate between 10 and 12 people.
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Interior designer Merike Lainevool, owner of Kodu Design, with projects in Vancouver and Seattle, Washington, says she’s been impressed with the small-space kitchen innovations coming out of Europe. At a trade show in Italy recently, she discovered smooth-surface induction cooktops that seemed to disappear into the countertop. “When not on, they do double duty as a countertop or an eating surface,” she says.
Photos courtesy of Kodo Design
The Europeans are also making fabulous use of vertical kitchen surfaces, she says. Backsplashes are outfitted with hanging rails for utensils, knife magnets, paper-towel holders and other tools that would otherwise occupy counter space. Some even slide back to expose storage nooks for keeping spices and condiments. •
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Photo courtesy of Kodo Design
DESIGN
Lainevool says white has taken its place as the iconic hue of the small-space home. It brightens tight spaces, illuminates dark corners and unifies the various functions that must co-exist in tight quarters. “In a small space, I am always trying to avoid the look of a patchwork quilt. I am constantly removing visual clutter,” she says. “If the eye is drawn from one thing to another, it’s just not Zen. It’s not restful – especially not in a small space.” To maintain “calm,” she restrains herself to a limited variety of materials. For visual interest, she takes a tone-on-tone approach to prevent a busy look, and uses texture rather than colour. In a kitchen with glossy white cabinets, for example, she’ll go with white quartz or lightly veined white marble countertops. On the backsplash, she’ll use white glass mosaic tiles or marble tiles placed in a herringbone pattern for “visual texture.” •
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Photo courtesy of California Closets
HERE ARE A FEW OF THE SMALL-SPACE TRENDS THAT RETAILERS AND DESIGNERS ACROSS CANADA ARE SPOTTING: • Light, reflective surfaces taking the place of natural wood tones – from kitchen cabinets to furniture finishes. At Must Society, for instance, polished frosted glass is favoured for coffee table surfaces and dining tables. • A shift away from trendy dark greys to whites and pale neutrals, whether for sofa and armchair fabrics or paint colours. • Making optimal use of existing storage. Merike Lainevool says savvy smallspace dwellers are getting more mileage out of the little storage space they have by retrofitting cabinets with roll-out drawers and installing rotating
Photo courtesy of California Closets
racks in otherwise inaccessible corner cabinets. • Technological and design ideas borrowed from office design: Lainevool points to the dining room table in her previous Vancouver apartment. It was a Knoll office table that could be raised to counter height. “I didn’t have an island counter, but I could raise that table high enough to comfortably make my Christmas cookies,” she says. “Otherwise, it was my dining table.”
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CENTRE OF THE ACTION
This New York City hotel is for visitors who want the best amenities in the right location
THE CORNER OF 52ND STREET AND MADISON AVENUE in Midtown Manhattan: If you’re visiting New York City, this is the place you want to be. It is where the magic happens – where the glitz of present-day New York City meets the legendary how-this-place-became-the-centreof-the-universe elements of the Big Apple. Just ask David Chase. He is the managing director of the Omni Berkshire Place, the 21-storey, four-star hotel at 52nd and Madison. “There is not a better location to be in New York than here,” Chase says. And he says that with a straight face. The reasons for it are described with words that include “epic,” “classic” and “refined.” But the bottom line is summed up with a very important New York City factor: Location.
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A block from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which can be seen from many rooms at the hotel; steps from “the epic shopping” experience that can be had on Fifth Avenue, just a short walk from Rockefeller Center, where, if you are going to do a little pre-Christmas shopping, you can stroll down to take in the world-famous Christmas tree and all the festive lights, or skate on the celebrated outdoor rink, the hotel is at the centre of where you want to be. It’s near Central Park and within a short walk of Times Square. •
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And the Omni Berkshire has a sense of history. Built in 1926, back when 52nd Street was the hub of New York’s burgeoning jazz scene, the Berkshire was part of the landscape. Known as “Swing Street,” 52nd was where the nightclubs turned unknowns into stars: Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker; they all got their start here. The Berkshire cut its teeth in the Prohibition years, when the neighbourhood was home to the Vanderbilts and the Cartier Mansion, where, in later years, Grace Kelly would shop just before her wedding to the prince of Monaco. “There is a feel that this is a resident townhouse,” Chase says. With 398 rooms, including 45 suites and nine rooms with terraces – yes, a terrace in New York City – you can gaze out at the skyline all the while having a “pied-à-terre feeling.”
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Topping it off is what Chase calls “The Berkshire experience: It’s ‘let us take care of you.’ ” The Berkshire is not a glass tower with Formica finishes. “We have a beautiful marble lobby foyer, antiques, bronze, classic design,” Chase says. A little touch of old-school refinement never goes out of fashion. And that includes skilled concierges who will curate your stay. That can make the difference between a quick visit and an authentic New York City experience, he says. In a city where everything is big, the little things are not overlooked or taken for granted at the Omni Berkshire Place. And it is one of the reasons customers keep coming back. A large percentage of the clientele are members of the hotel’s guest loyalty program, which provides what is described as “experiential benefits,” such as a fresh pot of coffee delivered to their rooms, pressing services and free Wi-Fi. “You’re really going to get great value, a great experiential element to your stay,” Chase says. “This spot is the greatest spot you can be in New York City.” •
Omni Berkshire Place 21 E. 52nd St. (at Madison Ave.) New York City, N.Y. 1-888-444-OMNI www.omnihotels.com/hotels/new-york-berkshire
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DESIGN
GREAT VIEW INDOORS AND OUT
A Coal Harbour condominium is a visual treat and so is the scene through the windows PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN PERRY // STYLING: NEGAR REIHANI
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The discreet bench next to the column on which the television is positioned is one of designer Negar Reihani’s favourite features in the condo. “When you sit on it, it’s like sitting in the clouds,” she says. “It’s not like a sofa, where there is weight to it. It’s there and, at the same time, it’s not there.”
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DESIGN
The dual kitchen islands are finished in a rich blue tone and topped with white quartz. Oversized globe pendant lights illuminate the space.
EVERYONE, at some point, dreams of having a spectacular waterfront view. When you walk into a home with one, within a few moments, you find yourself looking out at it, completely captivated. And then it happens – you breathe in deeply and begin to imagine: What would it be like to have your first cup of coffee looking out at this every morning? Considering the luxury as you gaze at the light shimmering off the blue surface of the water, a feeling of calm gently introduces itself to parts of you that have forgotten how to relax, and you breathe deeply again. Living in the moment, all of a sudden, seems easy.
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That is what happens when you walk into this 26th-floor condo overlooking Coal Harbour in Vancouver. The space in this Flatiron-style building was completely transformed by its new U.S. owners, who were looking for a modern design for their vacation home. But the view is not the only element that captivates the imagination. There is also the backsplash. That’s right – the kitchen backsplash. When was the last time you thought an ocean view could be complemented by a kitchen wall? •
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The backsplash in this light-grey kitchen energizes the room. Sealed behind a sheet of glass, the single piece of PVC wallpaper was custom-printed to scale.
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DESIGN
“We wanted to create a very calm home.”
As soon as you look toward the kitchen, you see it. The visual grabs your attention. Blue and white, swirly and wave-like, the artwork that covers the two walls that run above the dark-grey quartz counters takes its cue from the condo’s ocean view. The vivid shimmering hues are enclosed behind a sheet of glass, creating a ref lective, dynamic surface. It doesn’t get more custom than this. The feature was created by Negar Reihani, founder and principal designer with Space Harmony.
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“They wanted something very special,” Reihani says of her clients. Together, they had explored many tile options for the backsplash, which were both gorgeous and expensive, but none made the statement they were looking for. So Reihani, who had come up with a unique concept for a kitchen wall surface but had never found the spot to experiment, asked the question: “Do you trust me?” •
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The custom-made headboard in the bedroom is upholstered in a shimmering metallic-blue fauxleather. It’s integrated with high shelves and floating nightstands on each side of the bed.
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The master bathroom’s vanity is topped with quartz. In what Reihani calls “a cute touch,” she placed a recessed shelving unit in the mirror. It includes four glass shelves and lighting that shines downward. “It’s a little touch to make it look more customized,” she says.
Fuelled by her clients’ endorsement, she set out to sell them on her idea that she had pulled from the backburner of her imagination. But it was tough to explain the concept without having anything like it to point to. The wall consists of blue PVC wallpaper protected by glass. Reihani had the paper custom-printed to scale, meaning it is one single sheet without the seams that characterize conventional wallpaper, and the pattern is not repeated. “It was difficult to find a glass installer who was willing to think outside the box in terms of installation and accommodate the vision,” she
says, pointing out that the glass does not have a frame and follows the contours of the cabinets. “I wanted something that was seamless. “Coming up with the idea is one thing, but doing it is a totally different animal. You have to come up with the right people.” And her clients’ reaction? “They loved it,” Reihani says. “With tile, there’s always a pattern. I realized we didn’t want to see a pattern.” The t wo -b e d r o om, t wo -b at h r o om 1,460-square-foot condo, which is two blocks from the harbour, was completely gutted for the remodel, a project that listed a number of challenges, including the unconventional
shape of the space in this triangular-shaped building and, of course, the desire to emphasize the focus on the view, and the nine-foot floor-to-ceiling walls of windows. Where there was once an enclosed solarium with a fixed partition, there is now a den area that can be completely open to the dining area or closed off by a curtain of glass panels that do not obstruct the view of the water. The glass panels can also be drawn to one side and stacked out of view, creating one large open space. “We wanted to create a very calm home,” Reihani says. A home with spectacular views – both inside and out. •
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ART
FORM AND FUNCTION Potter Nicola Tassie creates ceramics that are both exquisite and practical for everyday use
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Photo: M.Stylianou
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NICOLA TASSIE SPENDS HER DAYS covered in clay and thinking about the relationships between form and function, art and objects. But it hasn’t always been that way, just for the past 30 years or so. Before that, she was a painter. Tassie is a British potter who creates hand-throw n tableware and lamps for well-known U.K. clothes designer Margaret Howell. With more than 80 locations in Europe and Asia, Howell markets, in addition to clothing, exclusive lines of housewares and furniture, including a collection of Tassie’s signature ceramic jugs. The aff iliation means Tassie’s work is sold around the globe, in stores and online. •
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“I am very luckily one of a very few potters to be part of her ethos,” Tassie says of Howell, who first became known in North America as the designer behind the red corduroy jacket worn by actor Jack Nicholson in the movie The Shining in 1980. But when she is not making pieces for Howell, Tassie is still at her wheel in her studio in East London. She works every day, but admits she never initially planned to be a ceramicist. She had studied painting at the Central School of Art and Design in London. But her relationship with that medium was never an easy one. As she explains it, she had a “problem with content. The blank canvas was daunting.”
As she struggled, she took a casual hobbyist class in ceramics, where she discovered that, unlike the “infiniteness of a blank canvas,” pottery has limits, ones she would come to love and work within for decades to come. “In ceramics, you had to make an object,” she explains. And that object had to be round, “as you are limited on what you can make on a wheel. I like that restriction.”
“I am very interested in this boundary – between being useful and art.”
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Now, she works only with clay. “I am completely committed to the material,” she says. “It’s sort of beyond enjoyment now. It is me. It’s almost an addiction. I just can’t keep away from doing it. That’s why I do it. That’s how I do it. I find metaphors in it for who I am.” One of the attractions with ceramics that keeps her intrigued is the form of a simple jug, and what she calls its “singularity.” “You only need one jug in a tea set or on a table. You don’t have to match it. I also like that it has a handle, that it disrupts the symmetry. A jug has a sense of generosity to it; the handle invites you to pick it up and to use it.” •
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ART
Exploring that relationship between form and function, and how certain objects, although functional, can also be viewed as works of art has captured her imagination. This approach perhaps explains the appeal of her pieces as display items for the home, but for Tassie, it goes deeper than that. Ceramics play a part in our culture and history. She explores those relationships as she creates what she terms “conceptual pieces,” still-life sets, sculptural pieces and totems of pots, some as big as 2.5 metres high.
And as she explores, she plays with a variety of ceramic techniques, from markings, to glazes, firing temperatures and even positioning within the kiln, each having the ability to bestow a different look on a piece. As she points out, it took Wedgwood up to 500 tests to get the finish for its Jasperware just right. But it is the notion of a functional piece being viewed as an art object that captures and intrigues her. “I am very interested in this boundary – between being useful and art,” she says. “I like to work between both of these ideas.” It’s a concept that is gaining traction, too. As Tassie explains, there was a time when “you would never see ceramics in a fine art gallery. That is changing. Finally, the material is being rediscovered.”
Photo: Anne Purkiss
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Photo: Peter Abrahams
For her, this is just one more part of the evolution of ceramics, which has a rich and long history. “It’s one of the most ancient materials that we have.” And civilizations have been making ceramics for millennia. “It is a mirror of our culture,” she says.
Everyone uses it for sharing a meal, an act she calls “the height of community.” And everyone has dishes for special occasions and everyday use. “Having the finest bone china means you have standing,” yet everyone has “a throw-away mug” that they use every day.
“I quite like the democracy of that,” Tassie says. It could be argued that it, too, has form and function. •
Nicola Tassie’s tableware is sold through Margaret Howell shops in London, Japan, and Paris and at Maud and Mabel in London, which also sells online at www.maudandmabel.com. Her sculptural installations and still life groups are sold through The New Craftsmen in London and online at www.thenewcraftsmen.com
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MAKING ROOM OUTDOORS Perfectly appointed outdoor rooms take the good life outside in the warm months BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: EVELYN ESHUN
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IT’S ENOUGH TO GIVE anyone garden envy. An idyllic one-acre wooded lot, complete with rippling brook and Monet-esque pond dotted with lily pads and reeds. Overlooking it all, a 14-by-30-foot terrace offers ample room to dine next to the outdoor kitchen. Oh, and the Toronto home is also very close to Lake Ontario. “It’s true I had a beautiful canvas to work with when placing the furnishings,” says Evelyn Eshun, principal designer at Evelyn Eshun Design Inc., who decorated the space with furniture. “But you can get a coveted look no matter where you live or how big the backyard.” A backyard need no longer be just a backyard. Add the right hardscaping, furnishings and accessories, and a once-humble space can be transformed into an outdoor room that rivals the indoor version. •
Creating activity zones is one of the most important steps in designing a backyard, according to designer Evelyn Eshun. Here, two inviting chaise lounges clearly mark this corner of the terrace as a place for relaxation.
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How do you make an otherwise ordinary yard a stunning space like this one for outdoor living? Here’s how Eshun accomplished it: CONSIDER THE CANVAS: First, empty the space and take a hard look at the hardscape. Varying textures create instant design interest, says this designer. Here, a traditional brick wall plays against earthy stone pavers and a weathered wood deck. Bonus: they feel good underfoot. If your own space is lacking, she suggests adding them, even if it’s only some new paving stones. Do get expert advice; beyond aesthetics, such factors as sun exposure and water runoff affect the choice of materials. ZONE OUT: “Next, it’s time to create zones,” Eshun advises. “Here the wood deck naturally defines the dining area, while paved areas are used for the lounge areas.” Step back and look at how you will use the space. Prioritize that which you do the most: sit-down dinners, lounging, barbecues, swimming. Throw rugs can instantly delineate a zone, as can strategically placing furniture and planters.
Outdoor kitchens are becoming a de rigueur feature, but you can keep it simple, says designer Evelyn Eshun. Here the barbecue and refrigerator are a backdrop to the dining area, which suits the homeowners’ lifestyle. Weathered parsons dining table and Kabu Gray all-weather-weave chairs: Belmont by Casualife Outdoor Living.
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STYLE MATTERS: There is no need to be too slavish to one period or style, Eshun says. In this garden, the brick wall and floral arrangements set a traditional English-country tone. Yet she used an egg-shaped modern love seat that would fit right in at a trendy spa. The shape tucks beautifully into the curved niche and instantly defines it as a space for private moments. As well, the massive weathered wood dining table is informal, bordering on rustic. It works because the Parsons-table style, is such a timeless classic, it goes with anything, and the wood finish is similar to the decking. The chairs around it were chosen from a different set. “Matched sets can look rather stiff and generic,” she says. “I prefer a coordinated look. One that looks intentional is much more interesting and easy to live with long term.” •
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ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: Use fire and water to enhance the mood. People sitting in this garden are treated to the sounds of the pond’s running water. That element seems to have a universally soothing effect on people. And even a very small fountain tucked in a corner can provide big effects. No room for a fire pit? Consider adding a coffee table with an ethanol-fueled fire feature or strategically placed torches and candles. GO GREEN: Even if, as in this garden, you’re surrounded by greenery on three sides, it’s important to add some more to the outdoor living space. For one, f lowers and shrubs soften all the hard surfaces. They also help set the style; as in this garden, a riot of multi-coloured annuals say “traditional scheme.” For a contemporary look, monochromatic is the way to go. Using white flowers only can be the ultimate in chic, setting green plants in series or repetitions. Designer tip: When entertaining, take some of your houseplants outside and use them to create table centrepieces, as seen here.
Furniture can make a strong design statement and be highly functional. The designer liked the way this distinctive egg-shaped cabana loveseat creates a sense of cozy intimacy and offers shade from the sun. Sol Maya Daybed: Casualife Outdoor Living.
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When entertaining, advises the designer, consider supplementing the decor with plants and decorative items from indoors. Anything that remains outdoors, such as furniture, upholstery and cushions, must be weather-resistant. Sectional: Alyssa by Casualife Outdoor Living, cushions in Sunbrella fabric, Canvas Coal.
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COLOUR COORDINATE: Once you’ve created zones and invested in major furniture pieces, it’s time to have fun, says the designer. Splashes of colour can be added at whim and changed as styles or the seasons change. In this garden room’s patio sectional, the colours in the bright throw pillows reflect those in the surrounding planters. A bright turquoise throw and side table grace the secondary lounge area. “It’s nice to send such subliminal messages to both yourself and your guests,” Eshun says. •
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TRAVEL
A FAIRYTALE DESTINATION
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This Long Island mansion-come-hotel is a delightful throwback to the Jazz Age
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IF OHEKA CASTLE HOTEL & ESTATE WERE A BOOK, it would have many chapters. It would tell the real-life fairytale of a place steeped in history, glamour and celebrity, set in enchanted surroundings that are as romantic as they are grand. Bound with a heavy cover of tooled leather with gilded embossed detailing, it would be kept on a sturdy polished mahogany shelf befitting its heirloom status. If Oheka Castle were a book, you would want to read it over and over again. Drive through the gates, and down the long, tree-lined entranceway. This is where Chapter One begins. Prepare to be swept away. “Oheka definitely has a soul,” says Nancy Melius, the director of marketing and design at Oheka Castle. Her family owns the 32-room hotel and estate built in the early 1900s on the north end of Long Island, New York. The palatial mansion was originally the country residence of Otto Hermann Kahn, a wealthy banker, who commissioned its construction to host lavish parties. Its name comes from an acronym of sorts (Otto Hermann Kahn). He bought 443 acres of land in 1914 and had the site where the castle would stand built up to improve its vantage point to view the grounds, which would come to include a private golf course. Completed in 1919, Kahn, who was Jewish and was barred from joining or playing golf at the upscale country clubs of the day because of religious discrimination, used Oheka – the second largest private residence in the United States – to privately host the socialites and dignitaries of his era. “It was really a place to throw lavish parties,” Melius explains. Charlie Chaplin and Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso were regular guests. •
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Chapter Two: After Kahn’s death in 1934 at age 67, his widow sold much of the surrounding grounds, including the golf course, which is now owned by the Cold Spring Country Club. And the house was eventually sold to the city of New York and briefly used as a home for retired sanitation workers. It was later purchased by the Eastern Military Academy as a training facility, which, some decades later, went bankrupt. Abandoned for several years, the estate was often the target of vandals. In 1984, Melius’s father purchased it for $1.5 million. He began what is purported to be one of the largest private renovation projects in the United States.
Chapter Three: The grandeur of the estate has been immortalized in film and television and on YouTube. The exterior of Oheka is featured in the opening montage of the 1941 film classic Citizen Kane. It has also been featured in more modern box-office hits, such as What Happens in Vegas, starring Ashton Kutcher, and various television series, including Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous, and Madoff with Richard Dreyfuss. But it was pop star Taylor Swift who “made the staircase famous,” as Melius describes it, explaining that Swift’s music video for the single Blank Space was shot at Oheka. The video has almost 2.2 billion views on YouTube. (Yes, billion.)
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Chapter Four: Today, Oheka is a famously popular wedding venue, with more than 200 nuptials performed there every year. It has hosted the weddings of pop star Kevin Jonas, and former Fox television host and now NBC news personality Megyn Kelly. The ceremonies and receptions are lavish, with the setting playing a big role in creating romantic scenes and allowing photographers to capture the grandeur of the events. “The ambience is breathtakingly beautiful,” says Melius. “It feels like you’re in France or Italy.”
Also popular are the daily one-hour tours of the castle and grounds that are offered by a docent to busloads of tourists and visitors to the site, which is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. “There’s so much history. It’s this wonderful grand estate that you can touch and feel and experience,” Melius says, adding, “There are no velvet ropes” that restrict access. Guests often openly gasp, she says. “It never fails to remind me of how special this place is.” Even if you had the money, Melius says, “you could not rebuild Oheka today. It would not have the rich and storied history that gives it its soul.” And being the caretakers of that history is something the family takes very seriously. “Although we are technically the owners, we are essentially the stewards of Oheka, preserving and creating the next generation of stories.” •
Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate 135 West Gate Dr., Huntington, N.Y. 631-659-1400 www.oheka.com
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GRAND
BUT COZY A large house is designed to feel warm and enveloping BY JULIE GEDEON PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL GRDINA STYLING: SARAH GALLOP AND STEPHANIE MALHAS
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A LARGE HOUSE BECOMES A GRAND HOME if everything is done in good style to proper scale. Designers Sarah Gallop, Karen Yau and Stephanie Malhas rose to this challenge when they collaborated with Chris Meyer of Homestar Custom Homes in a new three-storey property in Langley. “It’s so important to have the right proportions for the furniture and the accessories in a larger space,” says Sarah Gallop, the owner of Sarah Gallop Design Inc. “Otherwise, it can feel cavernous.”
A columned alcove provides shelter from the elements in the entryway. The fieldstone pattern on the exterior base of the home is repeated in a natural stone veneer surround on the living/dining room’s gas fireplace.
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The designers chose three large sofas, drum lampshades and an oversized coffee table to amply but serenely fill the 28-by-19foot living room. Sunshine Coast artist Katie Napier was commissioned to paint a scene that would hang on the wall behind a sofa and echo cushion colours. Gallop’s team also opted for textures more than colours to obtain the relaxed vibe sought by the homeowners, who frequently welcome their children and grandchildren.
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An eight-foot-wide natural-stone fireplace column divides the living and kitchen areas. It houses a two-sided gas fireplace and allows for an open flow between the spaces. “The stone wall also freed the exterior walls but gave us the space on each side to mount the flat-screen televisions,” Gallop says. Folding glass doors open the living and dining areas to the outdoor patio. “The family loves how everyone can easily go in and out,” she says. •
Folding doors visually double the space in both the dining and living areas. The engineered oak floors were custom-stained and distressed.
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The Murray Feiss Allier collection five-light pendants over the kitchen island are crafted of weathered oak and forged iron; they add a rustic-yet-elegant touch.
A granite slab for the kitchen island was shipped from Seattle; it’s a single seamless piece that covers that 6.5-foot width. “The homeowners really wanted a chiselled finish on the countertops and that helped us to achieve the rustic balance we sought with other sleeker elements,” Gallop says. Traditional pendants hang over the island. “We have only pot lights over the dining room area because we didn’t want anything competing with the island’s fixtures,” she says. “So instead, we put a smaller chandelier in the main floor office where the homeowner wanted something pretty.”
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Millworkers at Old World Kitchens & Custom Cabinets made an elongated desk for the office with numerous drawers to hide computers and cables; it complements the customized kitchen cabinetry they built. The office’s barn doors are glass-panelled to lend some quiet without closing off the space. Abundant space allowed for many conveniences. The beverage centre near the dining area, for instance, has a coffeemaker, icemaker, and storage for a few bottles of wine and table linens. “We chose the hammered brush nickel for the round sink to make that area more special than regular stainless would,” Gallop says. •
A round brushed-nickel bar sink offers convenience in the beverage area.
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In the master bedroom’s walk-in closet, she says, “we designed the space to fit everything they have – shoes, belts, upper and lower hangings – on separate sides. We also installed rod lighting that automatically turns on as one of the homeowners approaches, so the chandelier we installed for that little bit of prettiness again doesn’t always have to be switched on.” A two-sided fireplace serves the master bedroom and the adjacent ensuite bathroom. A simple tongue-and-groove ceiling in the bedroom bestows a cottage quaintness that recalls the ceiling above the outdoor patio. •
A mixture of textures in the master bedroom and ensuite bathroom create visual interest; they include brick, quartz, tongue-and-groove planking on the ceiling, and silk-and-linen wallpaper.
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A clear glass lighting fixture adds sparkle to the wine room, which is visible through its glass walls from other areas in the basement. Fieldstone is used on a feature wall to connect the space to the home’s exterior facade and interior main fireplace.
Yet the lifestyle is luxurious with a gym and children’s play/media room upstairs, and a wine room, pub-style bar with a games room and even a virtual golf enclave in the basement. Outside, two elegant tables – one with a gas flame – accompany an elaborate outdoor kitchen, wood fire pit, hot tub, swimming pool with a waterfall and slide, and cabana. •
(Below, left) The virtual golf enclave reflects the homeowner’s passion for the sport. Fabric was later added to the wall panels to absorb the impact of wayward golf balls. (Below, right) The home gym eliminates any excuse for not exercising.
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A swimming pool with a waterfall and slide makes the home a delight for the grandchildren while the adults enjoy the hot tub. A full outdoor kitchen makes for leisurely days spent on the patio.
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LIFESTYLE
EAT THE ART
A new brand of artist is using food as a medium for colourful works of art BY TRACEY MACKENZIE
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DESIGN COMES IN MANY FORMS, with fashion and interiors being the most notable. However, there is another form of design that is less known but nonetheless enchanting: food design, also called food art. Food is a necessity, something we need to fuel our bodies. But what happens if we change our perspective and look at those calories as a form of design? How can we use food to create appealing forms? This question is easily answered by mothers trying to persuade their children to eat. How many of us have created smiley-faced pancakes or cut bread into shapes using cookie cutters to cajole children into chowing down? It’s a basic form of food art, but it works. Ask any toddler who’s had a pancake spritzed with whipped cream and blueberries.
Instagram sensation Ida Skivenes quickly learned that making shapes out of food is more than an incentive to eat; it’s a global attention-getter. When Skivenes became a vegetarian in 2011, she decided to document her food journey on Instagram by photographing her meals. After posting a couple of basic designs – a strawberry fox and a banana bear – Skivenes received so much feedback that she decided to up her game. Fast forward to today, and a quick look at her Instagram page reveals such features as a whole-wheat waffle moose with brown cheese, blueberries and pumpkin seeds against a green-bean-and-apple landscape. The green beans represent grass and trees, the apples, a mountain range. Another plate depicts a hibernating bear made of toast, almond butter, coconut butter, dried blueberries, apples and plums. Skivenes’s whimsical food art has attracted 279,000 followers on Instagram, and the artist recently published a book, which is available on Amazon. •
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If cut-out pancakes and toast bears don’t bring your taste buds to life, consider Japanese food artist Tomomi Maruo’s more cutting-edge approach. Maruo is a character bento artist who creates one-of-a-kind bento box lunches for her children. Using such traditional bento ingredients as rice, vegetables, meat, fish and fruit, Maruo creates various vignettes –from Michael Jackson to the characters of the movie Frozen.
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“Kyaraben” or character bento, is common in Japan where mothers devote anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes preparing their children’s lunches. And competition is fierce. No one wants to send her child to school with an unattractive lunch. That’s why Maruo teaches other parents on her You Tube videos (obento4kids) how to create bento characters.
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Food stylist and culinary creative director Anna Keville Joyce has taken food design to the next level by creating food paintings. Her five-part illustrated series about the food birds she creates reveals that she uses such prosaic kitchen ingredients as coffee, fruit, vegetables, spices and seeds. In addition to her superb food styling and food paintings, Joyce’s recent photographs focus on sources of energy. For instance, the “power strip garden,” depicts herbs sprouting from power bars. The “lemon lightbulbs” are power cords plugged into lemons. The “extension cord spaghetti” combines an extension cord wrapped around a serving of spaghetti and meatballs. Orig inally f rom the US, Joyce now lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and New York City. Her work is on show at www.akjfoodstyling.com. The mere thought of food can get us salivating. The sight of it artfully arranged is a feast for the eyes. •
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LESS IS SO MUCH MORE Offering clean lines and clutter-free living, the minimalist design ethos continues unabated BY SUSAN KELLY
MINIMALISM IS HAVING A MOMENT. Arguably one of the leading design trends of 2017, it has infiltrated fashion, decor and architecture. “Less is more� is how its early proponent, legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, famously summed it up. The design approach also has its haters, such as the interior designers recently polled by Architectural Digest who put it on their list of trends they hoped would go away.
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Photos courtesy of Johnson Chou Inc.
The latter response is usually due to a perception that minimalism is Spartan and sterile, says designer Johnson Chou, principal at Johnson Chou Inc. in Toronto. “There is good and bad minimalism; it goes wrong when it is austere for austerity’s sake. It becomes mute,” he says. Good minimalism, on the other hand, he finds, can speak volumes. It involves looking at the form of a room, and the light and shadow in it, then introducing restrained gestures. It is architecture reduced to its essence. The Minimalist movement started in the 20th century, embracing not only architecture, but also other art and design fields. Minimal architecture had a heyday in the early 1960s in the United States. Chou has
been developing his own minimalist design style since architecture school, when he was very much the odd man out. Like the early Minimalists, the former art gallery owner’s aesthetic sense leans toward the abstract. His work is influenced by the Surrealists, and so is about archetypes and evoking ideas. And the approach may be hotwired in his Asian-Canadian DNA, he says, as minimalism has roots in the Far East. Chou takes inspiration from classical Chinese scholars’ gardens, which incorporate the notion of abstraction and telling stories. They’re designed to recount perhaps a mythical tale or a history of the families who own them. The garden unfolds symbolically in many ways, most notably through the arrangement of objects
that serve as metaphors. A rock might evoke the idea of a dragon or waves on the sea. So even with very few objects, each is carefully chosen and operates at a subconscious level. How does that translate into real-life design? Chou once designed a condo interior around a well-traveled client’s three favourite destinations. The foyer is filled with expanses of hand-rubbed ebony, a hallmark of historic Parisian homes. Natural stone elements subtly evoke Himalayan hiking trails, and fire and water elements recall the boutique hotels of Southeast Asia. “So minimalism for me is about spaces that have stories to tell,” Chou says. “And that are also about beauty and simplicity, tranquility and enchantment.” •
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Montreal interior designer Kelli Richards’s love of simplistic spaces also has an Asian connection. As a teenage fashion model, she worked for two years in Japan, which many consider minimalism’s country of origin. The experience had a profound effect on her design approach. “I discovered both the design and philosophy, and how they can bring a sense of peace into a home,” she says. Today, minimalism has become a popular lifestyle. Millennials are moving into tiny houses and people everywhere still follow the gospel of Japanese organization guru Marie Kondo’s bestselling The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. But can we keep it up after the hoopla dies down? Richards admits that
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living with such a pared-down decor can pose a problem for even the most clutter-conscious. In a purely minimalist space, every object strikes the eye. So carelessly tossing some mail and a set of keys on the kitchen counter can create an eyesore. Fortunately, minimalist architecture has both posed the problem and provided the ideal solution: built-in storage. Not only walkin closets, but entire walls with concealed cupboards in which to stash stuff. The designer experienced this miracle firsthand when she moved into a 1,700-square-foot condo/loft near Place des Arts in Montreal. The architect had incorporated copious storage space, all hidden behind banks of seamless cabinetry.
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Photos courtesy of Kelli Richards Designs
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“There are no handles, I can just walk by it, touch a panel, and it opens,” Richards says. “I have more stuff than most people who live in single family houses; however, no one can see it but me.” All-out minimalism works best in new contemporary homes, she finds. Montreal’s many historic homes, for instance, are graced with classic facades. If the interior is transformed to a highly contemporary style, it will look out of sync with the exterior. The solution can be as simple as keeping some existing classic moldings inside. “That way, we respect the architecture of the house,” Richards says. •
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Dario Drinovac, co-owner of the Vancouver design firm ROOM8, also says that elements of other styles can add spice to a minimalist interior. “It will be more interesting and have more soul when they are added,� he says. He sees the main virtue of minimalism in its ability to strip away extraneous elements, so an interior becomes a blank canvas. Doing so allows for greater creativity in furnishing the space.
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Original features, such as moldings, a staircase or ceiling angle stand out more when nothing competes with them. And so does anything that is added: a distinctive sofa, ottoman or f loor lamp, for example. Each element becomes a work of art, because nothing on the walls or floors competes with it. But if new elements are too minimalistic, the overall look will become bland and boring. To add more design interest and elegance, Drinovac says he prefers to see furniture with classic or modernist style. Or pieces that are both minimal and eclectic, such as those by iconic Italian designer Paola Navone.
Where pure minimalist interior design works best, Drinovac says, is in the kitchen. The latest materials make ultra-thin profile counters possible. On top, there may be a flush-mount convection cooktop that blends seamlessly into the surface. All appliances, even ovens and range hoods, can be concealed. Plus, new technology makes it possible to incorporate doors that run up to 10 feet tall in a design. “When they extend floor to ceiling, to the eye, horizontal lines are virtually eliminated,” he says. “We’re actually doing away with one dimension—how minimalist is that?” •
Photo courtesy of ROOM8
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TRAVEL
GO PLAY OUTDOORS This Vancouver hotel enables guests to stay active and fit – with their pets – while they’re away from home BY SUSAN SEMENAK
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OUR SNACKS AND WATER BOTTLES ARE PACKED and we are heading out for a guided hike. Our dog, Buddy, is having an adventure too. We’re guests at the pet-friendly Loden Hotel in Vancouver, where wellness is the main focus. The hotel offers an outdoor exploration experience called WanderFIT, which guests can book in advance of their stay for a fully customized, guided, and private hiking or cycling tour in Vancouver’s surrounding wilderness. Guests could find themselves hiking the BCMC Trail in North Vancouver, up Grouse Mountain, with its stunning views. The 4.7-kilometre trail is frequented by locals and has many switchbacks, offering a 90-minute hike that is challenging but not overwhelming. And because it is off
the beaten tourist track, the woods are quiet even on the busiest days. In addition to WanderFIT hikes, guests can book WanderFIT cycle tours that are also customized to suit their fitness levels. And while the masters are out exploring, their four-legged friends can be having their own adventures. Known for warmly welcoming pets, the Loden offers hikes for dogs in WanderPET, as well as dog-grooming, dog-sitting services and a mini bar for dogs, complete with biscuits and squeaky toys, as part of the Luxury Pet Experience.
The Loden is a family-owned boutique hotel with a distinctly Vancouver vibe. There’s a yoga mat in every room, plus yoga props in the Garden Terrace rooms, which offer the perfect backdrop for daily meditation. Garden Terrace rooms have private patios that are enclosed by private gardens for an urban retreat. Located in Coal Harbour, just steps from the waterfront, the Loden is nestled on a one-way residential street between the financial district and the quiet, leafy neighbours around English Bay. It’s a sanctuary in the city, the perfect spot from which to explore Vancouver’s natural side. But it also happens to be steps away from the shops and restaurants on Robson St. •
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Decorated in shades of rich wood and mountain greens, with smooth stone and burnished copper surfaces and contemporary furnishings, the Loden blends right into Vancouver’s natural setting. It takes its inspiration from the natural surroundings of coastal British Columbia, and prides itself on personal service with a quintessentially laidback West Coast sensibility. It’s just the place for fitness-oriented travellers looking to maintain their active lifestyles while away from home. The Loden’s fitness studio is open 24 hours a day, and it offers complimentary Electra-Townie bicycles for exploring the city, which is renowned for its extensive 311-kilometre network of dedicated cycling lanes and its commitment to promoting physical fitness and environmental sustainability while curbing traffic congestion. (A third of Vancouver residents already cycle or walk to work.)
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TRAVEL VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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As daylight hours shorten in the autumn and winter months, the hotel makes it easy to explore Vancouver’s many hidden trails through WanderFIT After Dark, where guests explore Vancouver’s natural nightlife. Nocturnal hikers don headlamps and take a slower-paced walk along a quiet mountain trail before sunrise or after sunset, winding their way up the mountain. The reward at the end? A jaw-dropping view of Vancouver’s twinkling skyline. •
Loden Hotel 1177 Melville St., Vancouver 1-877-225-6336 www.theloden.com
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THE GREAT CANADIAN COOKOUT Homeowners are installing kitchens outdoors for alfresco cooking, dining and entertaining BY JULIE GEDEON
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DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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THERE WAS A TIME WHEN ALFRESCO DINING was a process that began indoors. Food would be prepared in an indoor kitchen and carried outside to be consumed under the sun or stars. An increasing number of foodies who like to dine outside, however, are now opting to have kitchens outside, too. These outdoor kitchens are so well equipped that they rival their indoor counterparts. Clunky brick-and-mortar setups have given way to sleek workstations that fit outdoor appliances like a glove and withstand any weather. The array of options has a lot more people cooking with gas on their patios, decks and rooftops from early spring through late autumn, if not year-round. • Photo by Christina Esteban
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Baby boomers are driving the trend, according to Ryan Bloom, founder and co-owner of Urban Bonfire, a one-stop outdoor kitchen design, manufacturing and installation company based in Montreal. “Retiring boomers are downsizing from their large suburban homes, but they’re not willing to give up their outdoor enjoyment or entertainment,” Bloom says. “So they’re actually making their new condo homes larger by investing in an outdoor kitchen and entertainment space.” A case in point is one Montreal couple who downsized from a single-family home to a condo in the urban Point St. Charles neighbourhood. They’ve capitalized on the city’s skyline view from their sixth-floor patio. They had Urban Bonfire set up their outdoor kitchen to look out at the downtown skyscrapers and Mount Royal as well as the Lachine Canal below.
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DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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Photos by Christina Esteban
“I don’t regret downsizing for a second because of this indoor/outdoor setup.”
“My wife and I have this unbelievable view while we’re making a meal several times a week,” says one of the homeowners. “And everything we need – plates, serving platters, barbecue utensils, meat, vegetables, and even cold beverages – can be stored in the outdoor modules so that we don’t have to keep going in and out.”
The couple have significantly increased their patio entertaining because their outdoor kitchen makes cooking so easy, and guests appreciate the urban panorama. “I don’t regret downsizing for a second because of this indoor/outdoor setup,” the homeowner says. “After seeing how we have the best of both worlds, several of our friends have put their houses on the market, too.” •
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A greater value placed on time has younger couples opting for smaller urban homes and likewise investing in outdoor kitchens to expand their family and entertainment space. “What’s nice is that we make everything in modules so an outdoor kitchen can be taken apart and quite easily moved if people change locations,” says Stefan Marchant, also a coowner of Urban Bonfire. “The modules are fairly light, which is particularly important for rooftop terraces.” Vast improvements in barbecue grills as well as television cooking shows dedicated to alfresco eating have more people investing in outdoor kitchens, which boost the value
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of their homes. “Property owners who invest in a good landscaper and outdoor kitchen designer are still in the minority,” Bloom says. “So their backyards make the strongest impression on prospective buyers.” Outdoor kitchens are particularly gaining popularity in prime real estate locations. “With the crazy Vancouver housing market potentially making a move so expensive, more people are deciding to invest in outdoor kitchens to expand the functionality of their current property,” says Ben McIntosh, a designer/business developer for Genesis Kitchens & Design in Coquitlam.
DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
lot,” McIntosh says. “And the pizza oven has a stone base that can get up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit to bake chicken and a lot of other things besides pizza quickly.” Skilled outdoor kitchen designers pose various questions about a family’s lifestyle and intended use, along with assessing the available space. “For instance, which way does the wind usually blow so we can prevent smoke from entering the house?” McIntosh says. “And is the house fridge right inside a patio door, or will you have to walk some distance and trek up and down steps to get to it?” •
Photos courtesy of Genisis Kitchens
Another key motivator: spending as much time outdoors as possible. “We’re getting so many calls as people realize how convenient these kitchens are for maximizing outdoor time with family and friends,” he says. “We often recommend purchasing weather-proof, glare-resistant television so homeowners can gather friends outdoors for a major sporting event or movie night, as well as just enjoy warm days as they’re preparing family meals or simply relaxing on their own.” Options abound with everything from pizza ovens to beer kegerators. “The beer pump is great for people who entertain a
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Photo courtesy of Genisis Kitchens
Many people are choosing to build a pergola off an existing pool house so they can take advantage of the available plumbing to install an outdoor sink. A covered space is optimal. “If an outdoor kitchen is covered by a pergola, awning or other roof structure, it typically gets double the use,” Bloom says. “We have clients grilling year-round because a grill is quite warm if there’s no snow falling on top of you.”
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Rain cover is pretty much essential on the West Coast. “We also installed a couple of outdoor heaters so that we get a good nine months of use from our setup,” McIntosh says. Improved stainless steel materials weather the elements and fit snugly together to prevent mould or mildew. Powder coatings offer a range of new colours and provide additional protection. Shaker cabinet designs mimic the warmth of wood minus the maintenance, although stainless slabs remain popular for a modern chic.
Photos by Christina Esteban
DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
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Counter space is becoming more of a priority as homeowners seek to replicate the modern kitchen’s island hub as an outdoor nucleus. “A lot of people are extending the counter to include a bar area,” McIntosh adds. Designers highly recommend Dekton for outdoor countertops. Available in dozens of colours, the non-porous composite is resistant to ultraviolet light so it won’t fade or degrade. “It’s also ideal for outdoors because it’s lightweight and extremely stain-resistant,” McIntosh says. Outdoor kitchens have become more affordable for many with the gamut of good products. “Our grills range from $1,500 to $30,000,” Marchant says. “And if, for example, a homeowner decides one day that he wants a meat smoker, we can simply add that module.” •
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TINKERING WITH A TOWNHOUSE’S DESIGN Celebrated for designing homes for others, residential designer Craig Chevalier fine-tunes his own beautiful space BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL GRDINA STYLING: CRAIG CHEVALIER
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THE BLUEPRINTS FOR MANY of Vancouver’s largest mansions bear both his signature and distinctive contemporary design stamp. But when it comes to his own home, it’s all about townhouse living for residential designer Craig Chevalier. “I think the townhouse is underrated in this city,” Craig says. “Not everyone needs or wants a huge home, even here on the North Shore. I certainly didn’t.” With no pets, he finds that 1,350 feet spread over two levels provides quite enough elbow room. Plus it’s a 25-step walk from parking spot to back door, without high-rise elevators to wait for. Working from home in his previous wide-open North Vancouver loft, Craig found it difficult to separate his work time from his private time. He also found that renting separate office space limited his creativity. So converting one of the townhouse’s two upper-floor bedrooms to an office provides the privacy he needs to be productive.
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Craig, an avid gardener, also wanted a place to ply a trowel. Here he has two, one off the main level and another on the roof. “I designed the lower garden to be more artistic and sculptural,” he says. “It serves as a 200-square-foot extension of the more formal area of my home, the living room.” It also showcases in miniature Craig’s overarching view of home design, of outdoor spaces as visual extensions of what’s happening inside. In good weather, he meets with clients around the fire pit. Otherwise, the dining room’s glass-topped trestle table doubles as a boardroom table. •
(This page and opposite top) The designer took a formal approach in designing the back garden and living room, which double as spaces in which to entertain clients. (Opposite, below) The upstairs office provides the privacy needed for creative work.
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With more than twice the square footage for gardening and entertaining, the rooftop deck is a more personal space. He stripped it down to the pavers and brick fireplace, and then began adding elements. Now it is his ideal spot for kicking back with a glass of cabernet after a long day. And though he loves cooking, he now finds that during the summer months, he spends more time in the outdoor kitchen than in the indoor one. And the happiest times are spent with friends manning the barbecue and bar fridge. What also attracted him to the thenthree-year-old property: there wasn’t much that offended his designer eye. “Except that within two hours of moving in, I attacked the wall that enclosed the staircase off the kitchen with a utility knife,” he says. “I had to live with exposed studs for a while, but it still looked better open.” To create this rooftop garden oasis, Craig first stripped it down to the original paving stones, brick fireplace, and pergola-like beams. During the summer months, he spends more time in this outdoor kitchen than in the indoor one. The happiest times are spent with friends manning the barbecue and bar fridge.
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An intricately carved wooden Corinthian column is a prized possession for Craig. Purchased 22 years ago in Mexico, it has since stood in every home he’s owned. Refrigerator and cooktop: Fisher & Paykel; Nuevo chandelier: OMG it’s small by Ginger Jar.
He also had all the home’s cherry-stained flooring ripped up to install grey-stained, riftcut white oak hardwood throughout. And he ensconced a focal architectural feature, an imposing wood Corinthian column, off the kitchen. Craig purchased it in Mexico 22 years ago and says it has had pride of place in every home he’s owned since. The two bathrooms, with cherry cabinetry and brown-and-grey striated tiles, required only some minor tweaks. The kitchen, however, needed a true facelift. Since the existing cabinets had nice lines, he painted most a charcoal grey and added a walnut veneer or stainless steel facing to others. He also left the warm taupe quartz countertops. A backsplash in stainless steel subway tiles adds urban edge. Not being a fan of breakfast bars, Craig filled in the island ledge with a bookcase. •
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The designer admits to having a strong passion for interior decorating. He deftly varied the home’s French grey colour palette, injecting warmer tones of chocolate and ivory in the most personal spaces, the master bedroom and upper deck. The more public lower level is done in cooler shades of gunmetal grey. Craig also exercised a penchant for “MacGyvering things.” After ripping out an unsightly electric fireplace where the living room sofa now stands, he realized the opposite wall was crying out for a feature. He ordered some walnut cabinet material, got out the table saws and began to build. Two weeks later, the built-in wall unit with concealed storage cabinets was complete. Built-in speakers flank the television that is centred on it, with all audio-visual components covered with black speaker fabric stretched across. The effect is of one seamless design feature. •
Craig reversed the living room layout, removing a fireplace to accommodate the sofa and building a custom wall unit by hand. Sofa and nesting tables: Italia; Kennedy dining table and leather and brushed steel Crescent Star chairs: Briers Home Furnishings.
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The master bathroom required no renovation, only the added touch of distinctive accessories. Painting the walls a soft grey provided a backdrop for the original red cherry cabinetry.
Craig also added very personal touches through artwork. The large painting that dominates one master bedroom wall, along with several more elsewhere in the home, are his work. As well, almost every inch of a gallery wall off the main staircase contains a framed photograph that he took. There are mementoes of his many travels or good times with friends and family. Now, after close to four years, this self-professed tinkerer says he’s achieved the desired effect with the home’s interior. “I’m now looking for a fixer-upper vacation property or vintage Airstream trailer,” Craig says. “I need a new project.” •
Craig placed the Lincoln bed and BDI graphite-and-metal side tables from Inspiration Furniture in front of a window so that the high headboard would double as a privacy screen. Four identical mirrors create a wall feature and reflect the original artwork opposite.
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The staircase wall was turned into a gallery of photographs taken by homeowner/residential designer Craig Chevalier. Brushed nickel wall sconces: Luminosa Lighting; Nuevo chandelier: OMG it’s small by Ginger Jar.
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ON THE WALL
Developments in wallpaper are breathing vibrant new life into a traditional decor element BY HEATHER PENGELLEY
THE LARGEST SURFACE IN ANY HOME – the wall – is often neglected as a primary focus of interior design. Traditionally, designers have used wall colours or coverings to complement furnishings or to hold art. But times are changing. The new trend is to use an old tool in the designer’s repertoire to revitalize walls. New textures, digital prints and solid-coloured wallpapers are gaining popularity across Canada as a way to make a bold design statement. Edgy graphics, three-dimensional geometrics, raised soft velours and rough surfaces are hot new ways to shift walls from a supporting to leading role in home decor.
Photos courtesy of Cole & Son
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Photos courtesy of Osborne & Little
Textured patterns from U.K. and European companies with a long history of excellence, including Sandberg, Cole & Son, and Osborne & Little, are in high demand. “We’re seeing a lot of large-scale prints,” says one design observer. “The patterns repeat every 27 inches instead of every 12 inches or less, so they are bigger and bolder. Damasks and flocked velours, popular in the 1970s, are making a comeback.” Some homeowners are choosing textured wallpapers with a silky sheen, marbled colours, or layers of sparkle. The effect is
stunning, because the reflective surfaces produce subtle colour changes in shifting light. Digital wallpaper is also taking off, gaining in popularity with eye-catching digital designs that bring the outside in. They feature cityscapes and landscapes, including forests, mountains and beaches. They can be custom-inked on high-resolution photo wallpaper in any imaginable colour. Some wallpaper companies curate the work of local artists, scanning originals onto linen, canvas or metallic-inlaid surfaces. •
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Digital printing creates wallpaper “without the boring,” says Pierre Cousineau, owner of Mural Unique in Montreal. For 40 years, he sold traditional wallpaper with repeating patterns. Now he manufactures and sells wall-sized murals of garden scenes “without the same flower every 27 inches.” His most popular murals bestow a trompel’oeil effect. Brick, concrete or metal patterns look so authentic, he says, that people touch them to prove that they aren’t real surfaces. “Designers love it,” he adds.
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DESIGN VANCOUVER TRENDS 2017
“It’s unlimited, what you can do with wallcoverings,” — Ruth Bell
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Digital printers aren’t the only companies to produce custom designs. Love that leafy forest print but want fewer birds? Wall & Deco takes custom orders for wallpapers that cover both exterior and interior spaces, including bathroom shower walls. “It’s unlimited, what you can do with wallcoverings,” says Ruth Bell, co-owner of Village Paint and Wallpaper in Etobicoke. “They add such a dimension to your decor.” Commercial wallcoverings, which are 54 inches wide (double the width of most residential wallcoverings) are also on trend in Toronto. They are sold by the yard and
can accommodate large areas with minimal seams. Also, the 54-inch width can easily cover a pillar in an industrial-style condo, says Bell. Textured wallpapers in classic, timeless neutrals are the big story, she adds. They range from tone-on-tone designs to exotic grass-cloths. Three-dimensional geometrics and abstracts, as opposed to patterns, are also in demand. Digitals are also making in-roads in the Toronto market, says Bell. “We can take any digital file, say, a photograph of your son playing hockey, and turn it into wallpaper.” •
Photos courtesy of Mural Unique
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To prove that wallpaper arouses a degree of interest from beholders that plain walls just can’t match, Julie Wu, co-founder of Örling & Wu in Vancouver, experimented by painting one wall in her home and covering the adjacent wall with wallpaper of the same colour. “The side with the wallpaper looked softer and felt more relaxing than the painted side,” Wu says. “That’s why people are obsessed with solid-colour wallpaper right now, because it looks so beautiful.”
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The “half-and-half” look is trendy in Vancouver this season, says Wu. Dark-coloured wallpaper is pasted horizontally, for fewer seams, across the bottom half of a wall. A complementary, light-coloured paper is applied on the upper half. Wallpaper with colour gradients, ranging from deep blues to purples and oranges, evokes a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. “A trend is one thing,” says Wu, “but what actually fits into the home is another thing.” Before choosing wallpaper, she advises, homeowners should consider not only look and feel but also furnishings, lighting and finishes in the space that aren’t likely to change. Wallpaper “changes the vibe of a room,” she adds. “It tends to soften a space. It’s magic. I don’t know why we perceive colour and texture that way. It’s fascinating.” •
Photos courtesy of Orling & Wu
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TINKERING WITH A TOWNHOUSE’S DESIGN Craig Chevalier Custom Home Designs www.chevalierdesigns.com 604-987-9365 GREAT VIEW – INDOORS AND OUT Space Harmony www.spaceharmony.ca 604-782 1450 MAKING ROOM OUTDOORS Evelyn Eshun Design www.evelyneshun.com 289-460-3306 ~ 1-888-557-0183 THE GREAT CANADIAN COOKOUT Urban Bonfire www.urbanbonfire.com 514-932-8227 Genesis Kitchens & Design www.genesiskitchens.ca 604-937-7336 THE BEST OF EVERYTHING Best Builders www.bestbuilders.ca 604-943-2378 Craig Chevalier Custom Home Designs www.chevalierdesigns.com 604-987-9365 AH Design Inc. www.ah-design.ca 604-724-5543
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