COVER DESIGNER AT HOME

BUSINESS SENSE BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON OutsideIn Franca Gatto has a long-standing passion for beautiful outdoor spaces. With a degree in business and a diploma in horticulture, she was able to affectively combine her intuitive design sense into a dream job. In 2017, she partnered with an interior designer to open Eden Design, a full spectrum design firm. “Our offering of both interior and landscape design services is one of our unique selling propositions,” states the savvy business woman. She also adds, “The memorable interiors and evocative landscapes we create are the result of a comprehensive skill set and honed design sense.”

GEORGIAN STYLE

In the home that Franca and her husband built 11 years ago, her finely-tuned sense for combining both interior and exterior design is obvious. The Georgian-style architecture illustrates the classical detailing of the period that Franca studied in detail as she worked through the design process. “Details like the arched portico, ornate front door transom, third floor dormer windows, decorative roof brackets and rear porch cupola add to the period character,” Franca offers.

The swoon-worthy landscaping is reminiscent of something you might find in Europe. “The garden is designed in a classic European style and includes formal hedges, a tree allée and garden statuary as focal points,” explains Franca about her outdoor spaces that offer yearround appeal.

The memorable interiors and evocative landscapes we create are the result of a comprehensive skill set and honed design sense.”

—FRANCA GATTO

THIS PAGE (LEFT) SIMPLE GREENS DRESS THE LIVING ROOM TO LET THE LIGHTING FROM CURREY AND COMPANY STEAL THE SHOW (BELOW) TERRA PLANTS AND FLOWERS USED BOUGHS FROM THE PROPERTY TO DECORATE THE OUTDOOR CEILING FIXTURE

FACING PAGE THE DECORATIVE BOX WAS DESIGNED AND DECORATED BY TERRA PLANTS & FLOWERS

YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR LIVING

While dining outside in the winter months is challenging in Ottawa, the garden is still very much a year-round feature with an outdoor décor that can be seen through the grand windows of the home. At night, lights twinkle around the large property which is often the stage for pre-meal and celebration cocktails or hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting.

Franca notes how she gathers natural elements to create the outdoor decorations: “I make many of my own fresh outdoor arrangements. Using plant material collected from my property, I create an evergreen swag for the light post, and exterior coach lights, a wreath for the front door, and arrangements for the entry planters. Cedar, juniper, birch, dogwood, boxwood and wild grape are some of my favourite cuttings.”

THIS PAGE FRANCA (PICTURED ABOVE) CHOSE WOODSY ELEMENTS TO DECORATE HER KITCHEN CHANDELIER

FACING PAGE KITCHEN TABLE AND CHAIRS FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE

To add understated elegance, I inject textures and finishes in the form of mercury glass, crystal, fur, felt, wool, velvet and jute. I think it’s important to add tactile textures to temper the holiday sparkle.”

—FRANCA GATTO

HOLIDAY TEXTURE

With nature-inspired décor taking over the outdoor space, the décor within her home can be described as classically elegant. Modern elements are injected with classical traditional components for an up-to-date warm style. During the holiday season, silver and gold play a leading role within the space. Franca’s tree is adorned with plums, gold and copper to create the textural feeling which she deems crucial.

“To add understated elegance, I inject textures and finishes in the form of mercury glass, crystal, fur, felt, wool, velvet and jute. I think it’s important to add tactile textures to temper the holiday sparkle,” she advises.