a t ho me HOMES | DESIGN | LIVING | SHOPPING | FOOD
Gather
HOLIDAY 2021 $5.99 ottawaathome.ca
DISPLAY UNTIL MAR. 31, 2022
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HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
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LIVING
HOME 10 DESIGNER AT HOME Sacha and Melissa Leclair share their home and seasonal style
32 HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Setting the table for gathering with family and friends
49 NEW & NOTABLE Celebrate community spirit and creative giving
16 HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS A grand home on the 2021 Homes for the Holidays tour
36 CAPITAL COLOURS Pulling from the earth and the spice cupboard
51 STEP INSIDE He’s back! Derick Fage returns to Ottawa
24 IN STYLE Stepping into the Minto CHEO Lottery Dream Home with designer Tanya Collins
38 HOLIDAY DÉCOR Creating a display with dried flowers
53 GIVING BACK Decades of decorative giving
28 BATHROOM RENOVATION Two inspiring bathroom projects 31 BEAUTY Making sense of bathroom scents 2 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
40 NEIGHBOURHOOD ON THE MOVE Inspired design on the hill at Mont Ste-Marie ski resort
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FOOD
GIFT IDEAS
55 FOOD THOUGHTS A mini take on tourtière
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56 LET’S DISH All about cocktails
46 FASHION From holiday style to gift ideas for the family
59 ENTERTAINING Festive holiday punch 65 DINING IN A collection of at-home chefs 67 PAULA’S BITES A sweet loaf with holiday spirit
MERRY’S MUST HAVES Gifts for everyone on your list
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68 FORWARD THINKING GIFT GUIDE Celebrate the entertainer on your list
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EDITOR’S NOTE Celebrate gathering
COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 3
PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
EDITOR’S NOTE
This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.” —A LI CE WATE RS LET’S CONNECT
This holiday season looks a little different than last so rather than do our usual gift guide we’re calling this edition our celebration issue. Not to worry, I still offer up the usual Merry’s Must Haves because, well, ‘tis the season. But homes all around the city will be feeling the urge to rejoice given that last year…okay, I agree—let’s not look back. While I’m not so naïve as to believe things are all fireworks and popping champagne corks, I do think there is good reason to feel excited about a season that leans towards sharing food and drink with family and friends in a way that feels safe, within a space that calls for rejoicing. Inside the pages of Ottawa At Home you’ll find community spirit flourishing along with heaps of festive flair found within the homes decked out in celebratory splendour for the annual Homes for the Holidays tour, in support of Hospice Care Ottawa, along with the gloriously spiced up CHEO Lottery Dream Home. The issue hails community and the people who work to enhance the vibrancy that makes Ottawa special. Regardless of how big or small your celebrations are this season we hope you’ll find time to share in the joys of a renewed hope towards a normalcy that feels celebration-worthy, so much so that you’ll crave a little down time with a good book or, of course, a favourite magazine and whatever libation soothes your soul. Please join me in raising a glass to the idea of celebrating with those we hold dear and maybe even introducing a new friend or two into the mix. Imagine the possibilities. Cin-cin,
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Party People A fruity and refreshing party favourite; Aperol and a splash of soda pair like two old friends reunited. INGREDIENTS: 3 OZ PROSECCO 2 OZ APEROL 1 OZ SODA ICE CUBES ORANGE SLICE GARNISH 4 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
RECIPE: FILL A WHITE WINE GLASS WITH ICE. POUR 3 OZ OF PROSECCO FOLLOWED BY 2 OZ OF APEROL. ADD 1 OZ SPLASH OF SODA. STIR TO COMBINE AND GARNISH WITH AN ORANGE SLICE. PICK UP THE APEROL SPRITZ KIT AT LCBO.
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SECTION Title a t ho m e
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mary Taggart DESIGN & LAYOUT
AN Design Communications ASSOCIATE & WEB EDITOR
Olivia Taggart PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Holleron FOOD EDITOR
Paula Roy FOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Korey Kealey
FIND US ON SOCIALS!
STYLE/BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR
Melissa Shabinsky CONTRIBUTORS
Jordann Brown, Mary Ciancibello, Catherine Clark, Vera Cody, Sandy Connell, Jacquelyn Hoult, Hollie Grace James, Tia Macpherson, Yoni Sambo, Ted Simpson PROOF READER
Paula Roy ADVERTISING
Jennifer Tackaberry jtackaberry@ottawaathome.ca ADMINISTRATION
David Lindsay FINANCE MANAGER
Danial Taggart PUBLISHER
Mary Taggart PUBLISHED BY
Ottawa At Home Media Inc. CONTACT US
General inquiries: editor@ottawaathome.ca DIRECTOR OF NEWSSTAND
Craig Sweetman SUBSCRIPTIONS
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30,000 copies printed 4 times per year 4-issue subscription $25.00
AN-DESIGN.CA OTTAWA AT HOME MEDIA INC. Contents © 2021. Reproduction of advertisements or articles appearing in Ottawa At Home, in whole or in part, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Ottawa At Home and Ottawa At Home Media Inc. shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.
6 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
cadieuxinteriors.ca • 1280 Old Innes Road • 613 - 745 -1230
MERRY’S MUST HAVES
M E R R Y ’ S M U S T H AV E S Assorted merry-making BY MERRY TAGGART
BE PROUD Colourblock sweater vest, by BP Gender Inclusive Pride $49, NORDSTROM
CLASSIC PEARL STUDS Available in 3 different sizes $15–$25, PEARLS4GIRLS.ORG
ERGO IONIC CERAMIC ROUND BRUSH
LOOPY MANGO KNITTING KIT LOHN FOREVER FORWARD CANDLE
For a shiny, humidity-resistant finish $49.99, WESTBORO SPA
All you need to make one scarf $100, NORDSTROM
Part of the Rethink Breast Cancer program that lends support to those with cancer $40, GIVECARE.CA
MEN’S DEREK ROSE PYJAMAS Luxurious and soft $325, ER FISHER, 199 RICHMOND RD
KNOW SOMEONE WITH A KNACK FOR LOSING THINGS? The Apple AirTag might be the ideal gift AIR TAG: $129.99, AMAZON.CA AIRTAG KEY RING: $45, AMAZON.CA 8 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
MERRY’S MUST HAVES
PEARLS, REIMAGINED Andrea Mueller transforms the classic pearl necklace with a blue-violet rose-cut tanzanite $525, WALL SPACE GALLERY
READING LOVERS’ MUG BLAST OFF FOR FUN WITH GREEN TOYS ROCKET
$14, CHAPTERS/INDIGO
Made from recycled milk jugs $39.99, TAG ALONG TOYS, THE BLUE HERON MALL
BUTTERPAW PINK DOG COLLAR $25, ALDO
CABIN FEVER CANDLES Made from virgin coconut soy with a clean burn time of 65+ hours $35, ALLECO, 857B BANK ST, MOOD MOSS FLOWERS, 186 BEECHWOOD
COMPLETE EMBROIDERY KIT Made in Nova Scotia, featuring burrowing owls $36.99, TAG ALONG TOYS, 1500 BANK ST
LILY LAKE FROM NOVA SCOTIA TOQUES
PLAZA ROBE Men’s lightweight, breathable cotton navy blue robe, from Derek Rose
Hand knit to order in 100% merino wool renewable, sustainable and ethically sourced fibre $120, VINCENT, 444 PRESTON ST
$450, ER FISHER, 199 RICHMOND RD
KOMBI PUFF SLIPPERS Light and warm with an anti-slip sole $49.99, KOMBICANADA.COM HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 9
HOME Designer At Home
GIFTS ARE DECORATED WITH SEASONAL INFLUENCES IN THE WARM, NEUTRAL COLOUR SCHEME FOUND THROUGHOUT THE HOME 10 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
HOME Designer At Home
Modern Warmth BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY YONI SAMBO
Melissa and Sacha Leclair, the design duo behind Leclair Décor and LD Shoppe, started their internationally acclaimed business from a spare bedroom in 2011. Ten years later the business is highly regarded as a go-to resource for furnishings, design, and inspiration through their popular Instagram account, @leclairdecor. Their home is a tribute to their creative gifts and passion for leading a stylish family life.
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 11
HOME Designer At Home
“ We gathered pieces from antique stores, big box stores, yard sales, and repurposed old pieces wherever we could.”
The pair recognized their combined talents early on when they opted out of a honeymoon and put their time and money into renovating and decorating their first home. “We gathered pieces from antique stores, big box stores, yard sales, and repurposed old pieces wherever we could. After putting the finishing touches on our humble abode, we were so smitten that we decided to build a website where we could share our story,” offers Sacha, who oversees the company’s digital footprint. Their friends were so impressed with what the pair had been able to do that they began referring the couple to others. “Our first real project ended up being a good friend of Sacha’s who was moving into a new condo and had very little coming with him. We essentially had a blank slate to design a space in keeping with his style and our vision. This first project truly solidified our shared passion for the design world,” reveals Melissa, who functions as managing director. As the parents of two young children, Hugo and Evelyn, Sacha and Melissa are committed to family life and manage to unplug long enough to appreciate their own home while also taking time to explore Ottawa and the surrounding areas. Both enjoy time outdoors and then relish the chance to unwind at home. They recently finished a large renovation
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HOME Designer At Home
MELISSA READS OFF THE INGREDIENTS WHILE SACHA WORKS AT THE STOVE IN A KITCHEN THAT EASILY ACCOMMODATES TWO COOKS
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 13
top tips for enhancing space • Lighting can make a big impact, particularly in the main bedroom, kitchen and dining room.
THIS PAGE SATIN RIBBON ADD A TOUCH OF LUXURY TO THE SIMPLE BROWN WRAPPING PAPER
• Personalize space with wall detailing like molding, shiplap or wallpaper.
FACING PAGE (TOP) THE LIGHT OAK DINING CHAIRS, WITH CANE BACK, COMPLEMENT THE WOOD THAT IS REPEATED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE HOME (BOTTOM LEFT) THE DARKER WOOD COFFEE TABLE ADDS A CONTRAST TO INTRODUCE INTRIGUE (BOTTOM RIGHT) THE LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE THE OPEN SHELVING CREATES A SOFT ILLUMINATION TO ENHANCE MOOD LIGHTING WITHIN THE SPACE
• Change the mirrors in a new build from basic to framed. • Add drapery for depth, texture and function. • Art and wall décor brings personality and warmth. Hang art 6 to 8 inches above the furniture and 1.5 to 2 inches apart if using multi-piece display.
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HOME Designer At Home
on the interior and exterior of their 2003 Richcraft built home in Orleans. Although they purchased the home in 2016, they didn’t rush to transform it. They started with basic updates and in 2018 began the process of overhauling. “We lived in the house for about three years before our real renovation began with the entryway and powder room two years ago,” explains Melissa. Their plans for renovations evolved and grew over the years leading up to the latest changes. Over the past year, they went all out with a major renovation that included painting their exterior brick white—a bold, yet highly appealing choice for a suburban home. Their welcoming front entrance showcases their style with texture woven into a mostly neutral palette. The kitchen, visible from the entry, offers greater drama with a vertical shiplap wall detail carried from the hall. The custom hood fan is the focal point and, while it adds a striking architectural element, its curves break the clean lines to soften the modern edges found throughout. The shiplap is carried through to the living room ceiling in a space that embraces detailing. The fireplace, which they built out and brought up to the ceiling, is a textural showstopper painted in faux concrete. The entire home is an example of their signature ‘Warm Modern’ aesthetic, which they describe as design with crisp modern lines paired with warmer textures and natural elements, that come through in their colour and finishing choices. “This is illustrated by our use of blacks, whites, brass finishes, warm woods, and clean lines throughout,” shares Sacha. The biggest influence for incorporating this look was their confidence in their personal style, not the house itself. While the open layout gave them a great canvas to work with, they stuck true to their tastes when creating a home that felt comfortable, liveable, and in-keeping with them as professionals. The look is carried through to their Christmas décor, which speaks to the season rather than the holiday itself, so that the home feels warm and cozy, beckoning for family time under the tree or reading by the fire.
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 15
HOME Homes for the Holidays
CREATIVE SPIRIT
THIS PAGE THE FIREPLACE IS A FOCAL POINT AND A NATURAL BACKDROP FOR THE WHIMSICAL INSTALLATION BY MILL STREET FLORISTS FACING PAGE CLAUDIA, ROBERT AND LILY ARE DELIGHTED TO SHARE THEIR HOME WITH VIRTUAL TOUR-GOERS FOR HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS 16 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
HOME Homes for the Holidays
BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
As a managing director for the global consulting firm Accenture, Claudia Thompson’s penchant for home design provides a creative distraction from a demanding career. Growing up within Ottawa and its surrounding areas, her large immediate family moved every few years when their patriarch, a man of many trades with a deep entrepreneurial spirit, decided to build a new home. This from-the-ground-up environment seeped through her bones and right into her soul at a very early age, as she describes, “I can clearly remember as a kid when my dad was designing a home layout on draft paper, I would take it and start to sketch something out and ask if he could build this next.” Thus developed a modern yet classical style distinctive to Claudia’s home in the Rideau Forest enclave of Manotick, which is highlighted by her all-time favourite florist’s work in this year’s edition of the Homes for the Holidays tour.
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 17
HOME Homes for the Holidays
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HOME Homes for the Holidays
With a two-storey open living room that boasts 20ft feature windows and a 20ft high limestone fireplace, it’s no surprise that an abundance of natural lighting, as well as natural stone features, accentuate the space. Also showcased in the tour is the 5,500 square foot (not including the basement) home’s intimate principal bedroom, located on the main floor and reminiscent of a hotel room à la Mad Men era, which features yet more natural lighting, another stone fireplace, and an en suite bathroom decked out in Carrara marble. Claudia’s home build began in February 2011 and the finished product is so much more than simply a sum of its parts. Although her father passed away when she was 15, the bones of the house carry on his legacy in the energy that was required to transform the raw materials into the completed product. As the general contractors, Claudia and her husband Robert Scharfe employed Claudia’s brother Brent Thompson as their certified home builder. The process of watching her own home materialize into fruition is a unique experience, not dissimilar to what she accomplishes each day for her clients, explains Claudia. “I selected where every light switch, outlet, and each window went. It’s somewhat related to what I do with my clients in consulting. They have business ideas and we help them turn a concept into a reality. For me, I think the house is my way of taking my visions and dreams and turning that into something tangible.” THIS PAGE THE FORMAL DINING ROOM EASILY SEATS EIGHT GUESTS IN AN ENCHANTING SETTING FACING PAGE LUXURIOUS FIXTURES, SET INTO A SOOTHING SPACE WITHIN THE ENSUITE BATH
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HOME Homes for the Holidays
The concept is similar to what Claudia’s favourite flower shop, Mill Street Florists, located in the heart of the village of Manotick, is doing in her home for the Homes for the Holidays Tour. Shop owners Jessica Barrett and Sofiane Laïb approach every project with the style of the homeowner at the forefront of their minds, though Jessica says she still likes to tweak certain details and incorporate into that Mill Street’s characteristic organic and natural spirit, providing a seamless balance. “I was very excited to decorate Claudia’s beautiful fireplace mantel. And I like her home because there are a few different styles throughout the house, which is rare,” she explains. The focal piece is the oversized fireplace, which was essentially a blank slate to create her floral masterpiece. Two large flower arrangements that include red amaryllis, sugar cones, red ilex berries, and Christmas green flank either side and snake across the mantle, tumbling together as they meet in the centre.
I was very excited to decorate Claudia’s beautiful fireplace mantel. And I like her home because there are a few different styles throughout the house, which is rare.” JESSICA BARRETT
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HOME Homes for the Holidays
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 21
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HOME Homes for the Holidays
For the second year in a row, Homes for the Holidays has gone virtual. Instead of buying tickets, those who wish to participate can make a donation and will subsequently be sent a link on November 18 that will grant access for two weeks to view the six homes through an online video and 3D tour. One of the longest-running fundraisers in the National Capital Region in support of Hospice Care Ottawa, over $57,000 was raised during last year’s event. All of the funds raised from Homes for the Holidays will stay within the Ottawa community and allow Hospice Care Ottawa to provide compassionate and supportive care, at no charge, to individuals with a life-limiting illness and their families. For more information about the tour or to make a donation visit: hospicecareottawa.ca, or call 613-260-2906 ext. 222 Ottawa Hospice Care will also be hosting their ever-popular Holiday PopUp Shop, sponsored by Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc. This inperson shopping experience will be held at Hellenic Event Centre (Prince of Wales Drive) from November 19–21. There will be a unique variety of gifts, décor, specialty foods, and handmade items all from local vendors and artisans. A portion of all sales will directly benefit Hospice Care Ottawa. There will also be a Handmade Bazaar where 100% of sales will benefit Hospice Care Ottawa.
LEFT CLAUDIA’S EYE FOR DETAIL IS EVIDENT WITHIN THE DECORATIVE WALL TRIM, FOUND THROUGHOUT THE HOME RIGHT A COZY SEATING NOOK OFFERS TRANQUIL SPACE IN THE PRINCIPAL BEDROOM
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HOME In Style
BY JACQUELYN HOULT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDANN BROWN
T
his year’s Minto Dream Home and grand prize in support of CHEO’s Dream of a Lifetime Lottery is The Caraway— 4,603 square feet of comfort, elegance, and energy efficiency located in picturesque Mahogany, Manotick. In a striking contemporary twist on the bungalow—the primary bedroom being on the main floor—this airy three-bedroom, fourbathroom house combines the flow of a singlelevel floorplan with the roominess of a twostorey design and comfortably accommodates two people working from home. Tanya Collins has designed the interiors of the last four Minto Dream Homes. She describes the theme of The Caraway as a modern desert with Scandinavian references. A colour palette of burgundy, shell, clay, and desert pink evokes the golden warmth of a Palm Springs sunset while the clean lines, simplicity, and natural aesthetic are a nod to Scandinavian Art Deco. The house is a harmonious balance of old and new, sophistication and comfort. Towering ceilings in the foyer and great room fill the home with daylight and a stunning geometricpatterned floor welcomes you at the door. The original floor plan called for a walk-in closet in the front hall, but Tanya chose to divide the space to create a large hall closet and a pantry for the kitchen—an inspired and practical addition that will delight all cooks. The dining room to the right of the entrance comfortably seats six and features an elegant, coffered ceiling and three windows. The den to the left is a peaceful space for working or quiet reflection.
24 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
HOME In Style
Sustainably Stylish
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HOME In Style
Natural light floods the kitchen from the windows in the adjoining great room. Along with fully-integrated appliances, it features a bank of cabinets that reach up to the rustic wood ceiling and a restaurant-style bar with mirror-backed modular shelving that reflects the fireplace and furniture on the opposite wall. In the centre, a fabulous, oversized island is fitted with Cosentino Dekton, a durable surface that looks like marble and is made from the same materials used to make quartz, glass, and porcelain countertops. A uniquely designed staircase guides you to the second floor where the loft overlooks the two-storey great room and offers a spectacular view of the fireplace and surrounding windows. Here you will find two sizable bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet, along with a three-piece bathroom and a cozy sitting room that doubles perfectly as an office. A magnificent, gilded mirror hangs the length of the back wall of the staircase that leads you downstairs to a fully furnished basement with a games room, gym, home theatre, and three-piece bathroom. A workshop fully equipped from Home Depot is a do-it-yourselfer’s dream come true.
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HOME In Style
The Caraway is a Net Zero Energy home designed to generate as much energy as it consumes. With solar panels on the roof, extremely efficient insulation, Energy Star qualified windows, LED lighting, and a high-performance heat-pump heating and cooling system, this home will keep you cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter. The house comes with a home wellness system that regulates air quality, purifies the drinking water, and provides a sleep and wake system in the primary bedroom to support the body’s circadian rhythm. Lighting in the primary bedroom boosts daily wellness by mimicking natural sunlight. This year marks the 21st year of the partnership between Minto Communities and CHEO. According to Dan Champagne, Vice-President, Corporate & Community Development at CHEO Foundation, the Minto Dream Home has had an enormous impact on the community, helping to raise over $8 million for priority programs, research, and equipment at the hospital. He acknowledges that money raised through the CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery has become even more critical in the last year. Before the pandemic, CHEO saw 3,000 children per year with mental health issues. Now that number is closer to 7,000. Tickets for The Caraway are on sale until midnight, December 17, 2021. The draw will take place on January 5, 2022. Donors may order tickets at dreamofalifetime.ca or by calling 613-722-KIDS (5437); 1-877-562-5437.
FACING PAGE THE VERSATILE SPACE CAN BE USED AS A HOME OFFICE OR A COZY SITTING ROOM THIS PAGE (TOP) DESIGNER TANYA COLLINS IN THE KITCHEN MIDDLE THE MAIN FLOOR PRINCIPAL BEDROOM IS DRESSED IN EARTHY SHADES OF RED BOTTOM ART DECO INSPIRATIONS INFLUENCE THE ENSUITE BATHROOM HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 27
HOME Bathroom Renovation
Splashy B A T H S
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HOME Bathroom Renovation
BY OLIVIA TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDANN BROWN
It’s only fitting that a Navan home surrounded by trees should offer natural beauty from the inside out. The modern farmhouse design suits the rural setting and was carried through to the interiors by designer Paula-Lyn Cleveland who specializes in home renovations with a focus on kitchens and bathrooms. Paula-Lyn’s talents are showcased in two of the home’s bathrooms.
WASHED IN WHIMSY
The homeowner asked for a classic warm design with a nod to mid-century modern in the primary bathroom. To achieve the look, wood and tile meet to become one with a faux-wood tile wall that serves as a stylish backdrop for the wall-hung toilet. Mike Devine served as the general contractor, overseeing the attention to detail that went into creating the high-style, highly functional space. The custom vanity and linen tower were made from hickory by Andre Toonders, of The Wooden Tailor, who worked with Paula-Lyn to preserve the natural beauty of the wood by selecting a clear coat of stain rather than changing the wood’s authentic appearance. A quartz countertop from Urban Quarry blends with the backsplash for a streamlined look that allows for the wood to steal the show. Brass and black pendant lights along with black oval mirrors added just the right touch to create the mid-century modern feeling that the homeowners were looking for.
In the kids’ bathroom, Paula-Lyn ramped up the fun factor while keeping with the overall aesthetic of the home. The original space featured a rarely-used clawfoot tub and a toilet that took a prominent position in the middle of the room, begging for a complete redesign of the space. Now that the walk-in shower is the focal point, the tiles had to be eye-catching. A combination of print and solid hexagon tiles from Euro Tile and Stone were chosen and the impact is stunning. A navy-blue vanity enhanced the fun while the teak benches are a tribute to the natural surroundings, similar to the wood touches in the principal bathroom.
PAULA-LYN CLEVELAND
WOOD & WATER
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SECTION Title
www.kealeygroup.com liam@Kealeygroup.com
613.698.8876
BY MELISSA SHABINSKY instagram @melissashabinsky
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDANN BROWN SPACE DESIGNED BY PAULA-LYN CLEVELAND
Brendan Kealey BROKER
Liam Kealey BROKER
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Over 2500 Homes Sold!
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N
o matter how hard we work to make our bathroom space look serene and spa-like, this room tends to naturally house odours that can smell damp and funky. Whether it is your en suite, a powder room, or a guest bathroom, there are simple tricks to make this private sanctuary smell fresh and clean. One of the easiest ways to instantly freshen the air is with a spritz or two of room fragrance. It can help to cover up any lingering odours while also adding a burst of scent. Using aromatherapy helps to tap into your sense of well-being. There are relaxing, calming scents like lavender and eucalyptus or invigorating ones like lemon and orange. A diffuser is an easy and decorative addition that infuses aromatic oils into your room. Reed diffusers are made using fragrant oils that slowly and continuously release the aroma into the air while a small oil diffuser is plugged in and discharges essential oils with a light mist. For the ultimate spa-like experience, tie fresh or dried eucalyptus branches to your shower head and enjoy the burst of an earthy scent as the steam releases the oils while you shower. The oils also help to naturally relieve sinus congestion. Candles are popular bathroom accessories. Not only do they add spalike ambience, they work wonders to neutralize odours. For a scent that isn’t too overpowering, look for clean-burning, soybased candles which are made with natural essential oils that release while they burn.
HOME Beauty
MAKING
SENSE OF SCENTS Another easy option is to add a humidity-loving plant that not only helps to create that tranquil environment but can also clean and filter the air. A simple bouquet of flowers can freshen both the look and the air of a small space. There are relaxing scented bath salts that you can keep handy in a jar next to your tub plus scented bath oils that linger long after your soak is done. With so many ways to bring scents into your space, you’ll be able to wash away the stresses of the day and be transported to your very own luxe retreat.
LEFT FLOWERS, CANDLES, SCENTED SOAPS ADD A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL AND HELP TO FRESHEN THE SPACE ABOVE SHOWER STEAM RELEASES THE EUCALYPTUS OILS AND WOODSY SCENT WHICH CAN HELP TO RELIEVE CONGESTION
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Earthly Art
HOME Homes for the Holidays
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HOME Homes for the Holidays
BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDANN BROWN
a
mber Tiede prides herself on straying from the traditional. The married mother of four relies on the help of her close-knit family to run Riverwood Gardens, a flower farm in Osgoode that provides fresh and locallygrown florals for any occasion. With a knack for applying her artistic talent to the earth’s bounty, Amber says that she decided to approach her Homes for the Holidays project, in support of Hospice Care Ottawa, with that natural style all the while keeping some specific goals in mind. Greely homeowner Diane Craig provided the dining table to flaunt Amber’s ethereal creations, and thus vintage china was quickly decided on as the focal point. As Amber explains, “We’re trying to inspire people to use what they have, especially as the pandemic drags on and getting new things is going to be harder for a while. So, we’re trying to encourage people to use things like grandma’s set of china.” And not to worry if items aren’t all part of the same set. “Everything doesn’t have to match perfectly to be beautiful,” notes Amber. Ottawa’s autumn was in full swing, and the city was draped in its moody seasonality, when Diane Craig’s mother ventured out on a mission to purchase a new set of china, on October 30, 1976. After bringing her choice selection home from McIntosh & Watts, she was compelled to repeat the process all over again when her husband was dissatisfied with the pattern. The subsequent choice, however, was a success, and the $100 Wedgewood “Columbia Blue” has remained in the family ever since. The “fancy dishes,” as Diane lovingly refers to them, were brought out only for special occasions when the whole family was together, especially since they required handwashing and couldn’t be cleaned swiftly in the dishwasher. Two long years of pandemic distancing has seen the precious china gathering layers of dust, and Diane says she’s thrilled at the opportunity to brush off the cobwebs and present them in a newfound way, as she gathers with her close loved ones once again. HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 33
HOME Homes for the Holidays
A second theme that Amber was emphatic about presenting with Diane’s tablescape décor was bringing the outdoors in. Amber explains, “We often specialize in using items foraged locally, like branches, bows from trees, pinecones, moss. I’ve done centrepieces literally out of dead grass from a ditch and rocks and things that you find that you wouldn’t necessarily envision as beautiful, but when you can put it on a table in a home it becomes art.” Although the styles of the two women land on opposite ends of the spectrum—Diane’s home exudes a clean and modern sleekness; Amber’s is an older home with a more eclectic charm—Amber admits that the challenge of working on a project that is out of her comfort zone was ultimately extremely 34 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
rewarding. Diane’s traditional dining table offered the ideal backdrop for bringing the two styles together. After living cautiously throughout the pandemic, she’s looking forward to taking advantage of the display and will finally be hosting a celebration, a luxury that many did not foresee this holiday season.
Event tickets hospicecareottawa.ca ABOVE LEFT THE WEDGEWOOD “COLUMBIA BLUE” DISHES WERE THE SPRINGBOARD FOR THE DÉCOR COLOUR SCHEME TOP RIGHT TRADITIONAL GREENS COME TOGETHER IN THE SEASONAL URNS AND DOOR WREATHS. AMBER CHOSE EUCALYPTUS FOR ITS BLUE TONES, AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE DÉCOR INSIDE BOTTOM RIGHT ANEMONES ADD A MODERN TOUCH TO FESTIVE GREENS ON THE SIDEBOARD AND ON THE DINING TABLE
HOMES Homes for the Holidays
THE DINING TABLE IS DRESSED TO WELCOME BACK FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 35
HOME Capital Colours
BY MARY TAGGART instagram twitter @maryktaggart
Spicy Pulled from the earth or maybe the spice drawer? The trend towards a muted shade of red is popping up everywhere from footwear to tiles. The tint brings out all the best qualities found in the colour red with a blend of masculine and feminine assets to appeal to the masses. In the world of home décor, the shade pairs perfectly with light wood tones and creamy accents for a soothing palette influenced by nature. Add bits of sage green for even more depth. Designer Tanya Collins popped the tone throughout this year’s Minto CHEO Lottery Dream Home. The powder room features a white marble vessel sink carved by John Schweighardt. The floor and wall tiles are from Euro Tile & Stone. The door is painted in Dulux Apple Brown Betty. ANNIE SLOAN: SCANDINAVIAN PINK
PHOTO BY KEVIN BELANGER @kevinbela 36 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
HOME Capital Colours
WALL COLOUR, BENJAMIN MOORE GLOUCESTER SAGE
Nod to Nature Design as a whole is getting in touch with the natural world to find inspiration on the style front. Paint colours are pulled from the woods and the desert to create breathable spaces that are easy to live within. Nature’s hues are always on trend but moving into 2022 I’m predicting an even greater leaning towards the earth tones. Sage green is the browner version of the bright pops we have seen spring to life in the past few years. It's less playful but much easier to live with than emerald
BENJAMIN MOORE OCTOBER MIST
or even deep forest green. The calming influence of sage makes this an ideal choice for bedrooms and living areas. It also carries versatile qualities that allow it to blend easily into a variety of colour palettes so that it can be both somber and playful. Add a bit of spice by bringing in an earthy red.
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 37
HOME Holiday How To
Gloriously, all dried up BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
Elizabeth Young, owner of Flowers Talk Tivoli in Westboro, has been involved with the Homes for the Holidays Tour, in support of Hospice Care Ottawa, for 19 years. As a highly respected florist, she has seen plenty of trends evolve within the industry and is always eager to create high-style decorations for her clients. This year, dried flowers have made a comeback. Popular in the 1970s, the boho style will find its way onto tablescapes throughout the holiday season and last long past. “The arrangements will last longer than the holidays and look as good as the day that you received it,” assures Elizabeth, who will incorporate some of the trend into the Westboro-area home that she is responsible for decorating on this year’s virtual tour; live on November 18th at Hospicecareottawa.ca The lasting appeal speaks to a desire to begin seasonal decorating earlier than in past years. The benefits include less fragrance, low maintenance and sustainability; that all equates to greater value. But, there are things to consider when working with dried florals. Elizabeth advised that the stiff stems don’t bend like fresh flowers and can be a little more challenging to work with. She also suggests keeping them away from sunlight which will fade out the colour of the flowers. If you plan on storing an arrangement cover the flowers with tissue paper and store it in a cool, dark dry space.
38 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
HOME Holiday How To
Pick up assorted dried flowers to make a display of your own with a few tips from Elizabeth: 1. S tart with a low round container, filled with chicken wire to set flowers into. 2. Choose fresh winter greens that will eventually dry within the arrangement. 3. Lay out the greens and dried flowers to decide on a colour scheme. 4. Create a base from the fresh product like magnolia, boxwood, cedar, eucalyptus, pine, and juniper. 5. Add the dried, including Pampas grass, pink protea, skimmia, garden roses, cotton, pinecones, and bunny tails.
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 39
HOMES On The Move
40 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
HOMES On The Move
Savvy hill on a
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY TED SIMPSON
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 41
HOME On The Move
T
he architecture and design team of Dylan O’Keefe and Haley Fiorenza are known for their versatility in projects that range from modern infill to grand waterfront newbuilds to heritage home restorations. With some of their recent work taking place at the expanding ski village of Mont Ste-Marie, the duo are perfecting the art of building houses on hills. Dylan and Haley have been creating custom homes together in the Ottawa area for the past nine years. Haley is a registered interior designer and Dylan an architect. Being a small firm, the principals of O’Keefe Fiorenza Design Group tend to wear many hats, and have a hand in all aspects of the design and finishing. Haley sees herself as more of a traditionalist while Dylan leans into more modern designs. Their sensibilities come together perfectly when the pair get to tackle a modern restoration of a classically built house. Since 2018 the duo have done four chalet build projects on the steep slope of Mont SteMarie, where development has been booming. The small ski resort north of Ottawa is not as large or well-equipped as the more wellknown Mont-Tremblant, however, it offers up a much shorter drive from the city and an escape from the large crowds. This kind of rugged location brings new and exciting challenges for the designers to collaborate with the natural world. Two projects on the mountain include an open concept, mid-century that sits high near the top of the development and a more intimate, modern design near the base of the hill. “The open concept chalet was interesting because we had a design and we had a layout done but we are designing with a lot that’s uncleared, so it’s hard to really gauge what’s going on under the ground,” says Dylan. “Dylan and I spent a lot of days walking through the trees trying to get a bearing for the landscape and one thing that we learned through that process was it’s a lot easier to do the general massing of the space and then clear some of the area and then go back and revisit our design,” says Haley. 42 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
THIS PAGE (RIGHT) DYLAN AND HALEY DESIGNED THE MILL WORK AND CUSTOM DETAILS THROUGHOUT THE HOME BELOW THE KITCHEN IS BY IRPINIA FACING PAGE HALEY (LEFT) AND DYLAN HAVE WORKED ON NUMEROUS CHALETS AND COTTAGES IN THE AREA.
HOME On The Move
Dylan and I spent a lot of days walking through the trees trying to get a bearing for the landscape... HALEY FIORENZA
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 43
HOME On The Move When the trees and soil were finally cleared away from the property to reveal the bedrock, Dylan and Haley found a natural shelving of the stone that formed three distinct levels. At that point they were left with the decision to either go ahead and blast the natural rock away to force their initial design for the mid-century build, or to re-evaluate and step the foundation to match. “We ended up doing a split-level configuration where you come in at a level and then enter up or down,” says Haley. “And that was all because of the three layers of bedrock that we didn’t want to blast.” The open concept living area of the chalet draws on a mid-century style with a shed roof and exposed, black beams. It is then warmed up with wood ceilings, stone and natural wood finishings incorporated with the kitchen space.
66 Iber Rd., Stittsville, ON
Further down the slope the talented team used a similar incorporation of nature and design to create a modern chalet with a network of smaller, more intimate spaces that follows Doctor Who’s ethos of being bigger on the inside, with half of the chalet concealed within the mass of the hill. “We actually had a very small footprint that we’ve maxed out by going up four floors,” says Dylan. “It doesn’t really look it from the streets; we broke it up with the massing but it’s actually four floors and there’s a dumb waiter that goes from the basement to the top floor because the kitchen is on the third level.” It’s looking certain that the savvy pair, and others in the architecture and design field, will be spending a lot of time on the slopes of Mont Ste-Marie in the years to come.
info@logsend.com
44 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
613-831-9333
logsend.com
HOME On The Move
THIS PAGE (ABOVE) STAINED, PINE WOOD CLAD CEILING CAME FROM LES BOIS HERITAGE IN KAZABAZUA LEFT ENGINEERED HARD WOOD FLOORING IS GOODFELLOW SAN MARINO IN THE COLOUR, LYNN CANYON
YA R D S UNLIMITED L
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Design Office and Show Room 77 Holland Avenue (613)721-8195 inquiries@yardsunlimited.com www.yardsunlimited.com HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 45
SPARKLE AND SHINE ‘Tis the season to glam it up GLAM EARRINGS: ARDENE STEVE MADDEN GIRL BOOTS: NORDSTROM.CA
MOM: DRESS, FITZROY RENTALS, JIMMY CHOO SHOES: TROVE FASHION DAD: SUIT, HUGO BOSS KIDS: HEAD TO TOE FASHION FROM NORDSTROM CANADA
BOWTIFUL
Joyfully
together BY MARY CIANCIBELLO @maryciancibellostyle PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA MACPHERSON
46 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
Nothing says holiday like a big, beautiful bow — even better when it’s sustainable fashion BOW DRESS: TROVE FASHION
LIVING F ashion
SOFT AND COZY Littles gathered by the fire in their cozies makes for the best memories (and pictures!)
COOL FACTOR
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Hard-to-shop-for teens will love edgy hoodies in trendy colours and themes. Y&R HOODIE: BLUE NOTES CANADA
STAY IN THE SHADE Your man hard to shop for? Keep him in the shade and in vogue POLARIZED CHRISTIAN DIOR SUNGLASSES: NORDSTROM.CA
BUNDLED IN STYLE This puffer coat is sure to please the fashionista in your life while keeping her warm and on trend. PUFFER COAT: TOBOGGANCANADA.COM
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 47
1402 1402 Star StarTop TopRd. Rd. Ottawa, 4V7 Ottawa, ON ON K1B K1B 4V7 613-733-9098
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We Design And Build Kitchens For Family
1402 1402 Star StarTop TopRd. Rd. Ottawa, ON K1B 4V7 Ottawa, ON K1B 4V7 613-733-9098
vestamarble.com vestamarble.com @vestamarble @vestamarble vestamarble vestamarble
LIVING New & Notable
Season’s
Greetings BY SANDY CONNELL
LIKE HOME Chef Ric’s, the unique social enterprise for The Ottawa Mission, has relocated to the space formerly occupied by the Rideau Bakery. Chef Ric’s continues to provide healthy food, an expanded catering service, and, most importantly, the same transformative job training program from the new space. The Food Services Training Program, now in its 18th year, is four months long, and available at no cost to students. They graduate from the life-changing experience with a skill set that allows them to be selfsupporting with newfound confidence, pride and dignity. The space offers room to accommodate more students and allows Chef Ric to expand the catering and storefront menu while embracing the warmth and feeling of home that the Kardish family brought to the Rideau Bakery for 90 years. Visit Chef Ric’s at 384 Rideau St. or chefrics.com
A LITTLE CHEER The Christmas Cheer Breakfast is a long-standing, Ottawa Food Bank fundraiser. The annual event is attended by hundreds of professionals and residents in the Ottawa community. This year, CTV’s Patricia Boal and Graham Richardson will host the event in person at the Shaw Centre or you can attend virtually on December 3, 2021, at 8 am. A fantastic line-up of entertainment and music will be on deck to kick off the holiday season, some performing live and others virtually. The goal this year is to raise more than $100,000 to support many local charities focused on food security over the holiday season. Buy a table or a single ticket at christmascheerottawa.com
HANDMADE BY SUE ‘Tis the season to start thinking about sending holiday cards to friends and family. Handmade by Sue offers holiday cards and special hand-sewn holiday items. Sue Morin, the artistic designer, channeled her creative energy into making handmade cards when she was faced with a chronic health condition. In addition to holiday cards, Sue has an assortment for all occasions and custom greeting cards are available upon request. She also crafts seasonal items such as tree skirts and throw cushions. Check out her website, handmadebysue.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 49
He’s Back! BY VERA CODY
PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
Derick Fage’s positive attitude and boundless energy helps to ensure that he is happy with whatever he chooses to do in life. Having struggled since birth with the invisible and chronic medical condition of fecal incontinence, Derick knew he was different but didn’t have to do things differently, other than managing his condition. To help strengthen his confidence, his parents enrolled him in a summer theatre camp that cultivated his dream about being a film and television actor. Derick’s passion for acting has led him to an array of projects including independent films, live theatre productions and local commercials. The consummate entertainer became the host of Daytime Ottawa in 2004, which he left in 2016 to
take on a host role for Citytv Breakfast Television in Montreal. Now he’s back with Rogers Daytime Ottawa. How did your career with Daytime Ottawa come about? My stepmother saw the advertised position and recommended I try out for it as she knew how much I loved acting, film, and television. My first week on the job I knew it was what I wanted to do. I was hired because they liked who I am and wanted me to be me. I fell in love with the show and never wanted to do anything else. It opened the door to our community and introduced me to all these wonderful people and things that were happening. In local community television, you are a voice for people who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to share amazing experiences.
LIVING Step Inside Was it a difficult decision to leave Ottawa for Montreal as a host on Citytv Breakfast Television? For four years I had to leave my family four days a week and commute each weekend. There was a big difference between what I was doing at Daytime Ottawa and the position in Montreal which was one of the biggest markets in the entire country. I went from doing a local community television show to a daily three-hour live show featuring political commentary, weather, traffic, sports, and news. I knew I was talented enough, yet I felt some people did not believe I deserved the position because I wasn’t from Montreal nor a trained journalist. I do not regret it, but it was difficult to be away from my family, friends, my social network, and my community because I always felt I was an Ottawa boy. And Ottawa was home. How does it feel to be back with Daytime Ottawa? The show was cancelled in Montreal and I am privileged to be able to return here to what I know. It feels like coming home. So many of the same faces are still here that were with me for the first eleven years I hosted the show. I am excited that the studio is getting a whole new look. Expect what we have always done and that is to be the voice of the community and give local people an opportunity to promote themselves, their ideas, and to share their inspirational stories. Growing the viewership is a prime goal and I am working to convince small businesses to sponsor our show which would improve our resources. I want people to feel this is Ottawa’s show. Have you achieved a positive work-life balance? I have finally learned to say no. Happiness is being able to spend time with my family—my wife Monika, her son Max and my daughter Chloe—at our cottage, which is my piece of paradise. I can get away from it all there, decompress and enjoy all that nature and the outdoors provide. Where do you see yourself in five years? Exactly where I am now. Walking into the station with a big smile on my face, annoying everybody because I am the happiest person in the building. My goal is to make our guests feel special so every time they come on they know we are excited to have them. I am back and I am here to stay, within the city I love, working my dream job. HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 51
Photo by MIV photography
Your
‘Everything Destination Winter’ W
hatever the weather, Westboro Village is a favoured destination year-round. With over 200 local businesses to visit, there’s something for everyone in this appealing neighbourhood. Find welcoming restaurants, trendsetting shops, cozy cafes, and more, all with an emphasis on owneroperated spots that go the extra mile to make visitors feel appreciated. The unique environment has a remarkable ability to routinely exceed expectations! Fitness and fashion go hand in hand in Westboro Village. The area’s multiple gyms and yoga studios offer a variety of options for winter workouts, plus all the best gear to make your exercise time as stylish and comfortable as possible. If outdoor sports are your thing, Westboro’s got you covered, thanks to Outfitters offering the latest in technology and performance clothing so you’ll be toasty warm enjoying your favourite cold-weather pursuits. Whether you’re looking for kids’ mittens and snowsuits or cross country skis and snowshoes for the whole family, you’ll find it all in Westboro. Speaking of winter sports, Westboro Village is just a stone’s throw away from Ottawa’s favourite snowy playground—the newly renamed Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. It features sixteen kilometres of groomed pathways for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking, and winter biking, suitable for all ages and skill levels. As a bonus, cap off a session on the trail with a visit to one of Westboro’s fine food purveyors for a snack and a beverage.
From quick snacks to multi-course meals, the area is renowned for its many great pubs and restaurants, with food from the four corners of the world featured on menus. Enjoy exceptional, friendly service when you dine-in or grab some takeout for a relaxing evening at home. If relaxing is top on your agenda, you’ll find loads of self-care options in Westboro Village. Treat yourself, and maybe a friend, to a mani-pedi, a massage, and more. Several spas offer the perfect wintertime pick-me-ups so whatever kind of pampering you enjoy, you’re sure to find just the right treatment to soothe both body and soul. As we slowly ease back into entertaining at home, it’s the ideal time to spruce up your space by refreshing your home décor or selecting some new tools to make your time in the kitchen more fun and efficient. Be sure to stop into the area’s food shops as well, to grab some special ingredients to spice up your culinary creations. Last but not least, don’t forget that Westboro Village offers a treasure trove of gift possibilities, whether you’re shopping for yourself or friends and family. Ottawa’s winters can be long and cold, so what better way to get yourself through the season than with a few treats? Be sure to return to Westboro Village often, as there are always new businesses just waiting to be discovered, along with all your longtime favourites. You can find a complete directory of all the shops, services, and more at westborovillage.com.
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LIVING Giving Back
DENEEN PERRIN (LEFT) WITH CTV NEWS OTTAWA’S LEANNE CUSACK
SHINING BRIGHT BY CATHERINE CLARK instagram twitter @catherinejclark
E
very holiday season for the past twenty-four years, Ottawa residents have visited the iconic Fairmont Chateau Laurier for Trees of Hope, a charitable event that sees the hotel’s stately halls lined with glittering Christmas trees, decorated to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Deneen Perrin has been part of Trees of Hope since its inception. Now working at the Royal Canadian Mint, the former long-time director of public relations for the hotel remembers being tasked with organizing the very first event. “That year, we had six or seven trees and raised three thousand dollars for CHEO,” recalls Deneen, who notes that
the popular charitable initiative now features thirty trees and a vibrant silent auction. “Our last in-person event in 2019 raised one hundred and twenty thousand dollars net profit for the hospital,” she says proudly. Deneen’s commitment to Trees of Hope is also fuelled by the memory of her own son’s successful open-heart surgery at CHEO. “We are so fortunate that CHEO has saved the lives of so many children,” says Deneen. “Whether it’s a broken arm or heart surgery, the state-of-theart care that kids receive here in Ottawa is incredible and a lot of people and companies want to give back to that.” Deneen emphasizes the incredible commitment of the Trees of Hope volunteer committee and the remarkable sponsors who support them every year. She’s particularly thrilled that, despite COVID-19, the magical trees will still light up the Fairmont Chateau Laurier’s halls this holiday season.
The silent auction, where many guests now do their holiday buying, will go ahead online and members of the public will be able to view the trees from the comfort of home through a virtual tour. “Once people have taken the virtual tour and decided on a favourite tree, they can vote for it while donating to CHEO at the same time.” When reflecting on why she’s dedicated almost a quarter-century to Trees of Hope, Deneen recounts what she tells her kids about community service. “Make sure that you try to make a difference — every little thing that you do, every event in which you participate, it counts,” she says. “I’m doing this because I love this event and I plan on volunteering for as long as they’ll have me!”
To take a virtual tour of Trees of Hope, take part in the silent auction, vote on your favourite tree or make a donation to CHEO, please visit: treesofhope.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 53
FOOD Food Thoughts
BY KOREY KEALEY instagram @KoreyKealey twitter @foodthought
Brie Tourtière Tarts
A simple make-ahead traditional meat pie filling is brought to holiday entertaining standards with the addition of creamy decadent Brie, pomegranate seeds for a splash of red and peppery arugula for that festive touch. Tarts can be assembled and frozen with finishing touches of Brie and pomegranate added immediately out of the oven.
Korey’s Tip
PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
PREPARE MEAT MIXTURE UP TO TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE, BUT IT IS BEST TO ASSEMBLE THE TARTS JUST BEFORE BAKING. IF YOU WANT TO FREEZE THE TARTS, DO SO BEFORE BAKING.
Mini Celebration Ingredients
Method
1
1. In a saucepan, brown onion and meat while breaking up the mixture with a wooden spoon.
onion, chopped finely
454 g (1 lb) lean ground pork 1 cup
grated yellow-fleshed potato
1 tbsp dried savory 2 tsp ground cloves 1 tbsp kosher salt 1 tsp
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup
chicken broth
2 cups chopped arugula or spinach 454 g (1 lb) store-bought frozen puff pastry, thawed (2 sheets) 300 g Brie cheese; cut into 12 pieces ½
pomegranate, seeded
2. Add grated potato and spices; stir until well combined, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Add chopped arugula and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool and strain any excess liquid (which will cause the pastry to be soggy and not brown).
5. Divide the filling among each of the 12 tarts shells (they can be pretty full). 6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown & the bottom of the tart is also golden. If edges are browning too quickly, lightly cover with a sheet of parchment or tin foil (do not seal or the pastry will be steamed and become soggy).
3. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 425°F.
7. Immediately top each tart with a piece of Brie and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Serve on a bed of microgreens to emulate a wreath.
4. On a floured work surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry and cut each sheet into 6 equal squares (12 in total). Press each pastry square into a lightly greased muffin pan. Allow corners to hang over.
Makes: 12 tarts Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Baking time: 30–35 minutes HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 55
FOOD Let’s Dish
BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
A
t the age of twelve, Yvonne Langen decided to break her family’s cycle of monotonous meals by embarking on a foodie journey. She now shares her recipes and food finds on her popular blog Taste and Tipple which, as the name indicates, is also a showcase for her love a good stiff drink. You recently renovated your condo to make it better for entertaining — what did that involve? I transformed the den into a dining room with wall sconces for a nice warm glow. I brightened up the dark kitchen by painting the cabinetry and installing new countertops, backsplash and hardware. In the living room, I arranged furniture to create a good flow and had a metalworker friend build a gorgeous custom bookshelf as a focal point; I use it to store and display all my cocktail accoutrements and recipe books. I also mounted a 21-bottle wine rack on a wall beside a structural pillar. I love my home, but this 600 square foot condo is the size of the kitchen I hope to have one day. What kind of larger gatherings do you like to host? Typically, in the before times, I would have an annual Cinco de Mayo party because I love Mexican cuisine and culture. About 25 people would attend; I’d serve lots of appetizers and pitcher cocktails and people would gather at the kitchen island, sit and stand in the living room and just have a great time. I can’t wait to have this kind of party again. What about dinner parties? I love hosting intimate dinner parties, usually with a theme. I make cocktails to order, then serve up charcuterie or canapes on the coffee table before proceeding to the dining table. All my entertaining requires strategic menu planning as I have limited counter area and some of my fridge space is permanently dedicated to spirits, wine and cocktail syrups. 56 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
FOOD Let’s Dish
What tips can you offer for small-home entertaining? Make sure the space allows for flow, so people aren’t tripping over furniture or each other. Think vertically if you have higher ceilings, use that space strategically. Purge, sell or donate items you absolutely don’t need in your home to make space for people. What recommendations do you have when it comes to cocktails? Think about larger batch items like homemade eggnog, mulled wine, hot buttered rum or apple cider. Cold punches are also fun and it’s easy to find vintage punch sets at thrift shops. Offer a quality mocktail option so everyone can experience the same quality of hospitality.
What are some of your go-to spots for cocktail accessories? Whether you’re looking to level up or start to build a collection, I recommend Chef’s Paradise and Pot and Pantry for glasses and barware plus Kitchenalia for bitters and cocktail syrups. Check out the bottle shops at town restaurant on Elgin St. and La Bottega Nicastro in the ByWard Market.
THIS PAGE (LEFT) A LEMON YELLOW, MID-CENTURY DESIGN CHAIR PLAYS UP ON THE ERA THAT MADE THE ART OF COCKTAILS POPULAR (ABOVE) WITH LIMITED STORAGE SPACE DISPLAY BECOMES A SOLUTION. THE DINING TABLE IS ALWAYS SET AND PARTY READY FACING PAGE YVONNE’S COCKTAIL FEATURES AN APPLE FAN. THE CUSTOM BOOKSHELF WAS BUILT FOR HER SPACE BY A FRIEND
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 57
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FOOD Entertaining
PUNCH INGREDIENTS ½ cup vodka ½ cup apple cider ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ cup spiced Demerara syrup (see below) 1 bottle sparkling wine
Cinnamon sticks and apple fans, for garnish
METHOD Combine all ingredients except sparkling wine and garnish in a large punch bowl and stir. Slowly pour in bottle of sparkling wine and gently stir. Ladle into wine glasses and garnish each with a cinnamon stick and apple fan.
SPICED DEMERARA SYRUP INGREDIENTS 1 cup Demerara OR brown sugar 1 cup water
•Apple•of•My•eyE•
puNch
•
•
RECIPE AND IMAGE SUPPLIED BY YVONNE LANGEN
1 star anise 1½ tsp ground ginger 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg
Peel of 1 orange
METHOD Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to mediumlow and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature and strain through several layers of cheesecloth into a glass jar. Keep sealed in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Serves 8
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 59
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FOOD Dining In
BY PAULA ROY
AMANDA MCGARRY
Seeking a fresh new food option this season? Many local chefs offer up their services for at-home dining, often with customizable menus and interactive options perfect for the holidays. These chefs will cook for as few as two as well as for larger groups, delivering the cherished intimacy of entertaining at home while enjoying the luxury of chef-prepared cuisine.
EVA BEE
DANIELA CROCCO
Eva Bee specializes in recreating family classics with dietary restrictions in mind so that nobody feels deprived at the dinner table. She loves preparing Italianinspired, family-style meals including delicious sharing platters, incorporating keto, paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan elements as requested. Seasonal fare is inspired by her world travels.
Daniela Crocco combines her Italian background with French culinary training to provide in-home chef services for dinner parties and other events. With an emphasis on wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that accommodate all dietary needs or restrictions, her holiday offerings include dinner parties, family gatherings, workplace get-togethers, intimate dinners as well as team-building cooking classes and demonstrations.
Contact her at info@evabee.com or visit evabee.com
HARRIET CLUNIE With experience creating gourmet inhome lunches for two, dinner parties for a dozen, or canapé parties for a crowd, Harriet Clunie—the Wandering Chef— enjoys serving as a personal chef for small events, weddings, and special meals at clients’ homes or other venues. A genuinely collaborative menu planner and cook, she is particularly adept at accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. Holiday dinners for up to 20 people are a seasonal focus; reach out to her at harriet.clunie@gmail.com
Contact her at daniela@mmmchef.com or visit bymmmchef.com
STEPHANIE NOLAN With established menus as a starting point, Chef Steph’s clients welcome her creativity and flexibility, including options for all types of diets. Particularly popular are her substantial salads packed with protein and vegetables. During the holiday season, her offerings include fun and stress-free appetizer parties allowing maximum mingling while bite-sized savoury and sweet treats are served all evening. Reach her at steph@chefsteph.ca or chefsteph.ca
Amanda McGarry prepares meals as elaborate as elegant seven-course dinners right through to deliciously simple comfort food for a girl’s night in, to create a culinary experience that perfectly matches the client’s vision for their celebration. For the holiday season, just a few of her available options include holiday-themed hors d’oeuvres, vegan and vegetarian meals, turkey dinners, plus gluten-free and keto-friendly baking. Connect with her at redmaidenfood@gmail.com or visit redmaidenfood.ca
JENNIFER BARDWELL Jennifer Bardwell is passionate about preparing fine foods for clients in their homes, offering many different cuisines with Italian, French, and more traditional Canadian dishes among the mostrequested. Whether addressing food preferences or more complex dietary requirements, Jennifer can develop delicious, tailored menus. Her private chef services are complemented by home meal delivery and special frozen holiday meals. Reach her at jennifer@LucieECooking.com or visit lucieecooking.com
WHITNEY TOOGOOD Offering elevated home cooking with global influences, Whitney Toogood specializes in completely customized, made-from-scratch meals. Extensive consultation and collaboration precede the development of tailored menu plans which are finely tuned to simultaneously meet clients’ dietary needs and deliver exceptional taste. Holiday feasts including scrumptious desserts are a popular annual offering. She can be contacted at info@toogoodskitchen.com or visit toogoodskitchen.com HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 65
SECTION Title
66 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
FOOD Paula’s Bites
Festive cranberry-pistachio QUICK BREAD
RECIPE & PHOTO BY PAULA ROY instagram twitter @paulajroy
This delicious, not-too-sweet loaf is easy to make, great for gifting, and ideal for brunch or as a sidekick for your favourite hot beverage. It can be made ahead and frozen but it’s best to add the white chocolate drizzle and toppings right before serving.
INGREDIENTS ½ cup (115 g) room temperature butter 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla extract 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup (240 g) sour cream or plain yogurt (regular or dairy-free) 1¾ cup (215 g) all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free), divided 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda 1½ teaspoons (2.4 g) baking powder
Grated zest of one orange
1½ cups (157 g) fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped ⅔ cup (67 g) coarsely chopped roasted pistachios, divided 1⅓ cups (225 g) white chocolate chips, divided 2 teaspoons (10 mL) vegetable oil
Additional grated orange zest
METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a 9 3 5 inch (22.5 3 12.5 cm) loaf pan (8 cup or 2 L capacity) with parchment paper, with enough paper to drape over sides and set aside. 2. In a mixing bowl (use a stand mixer if you have one), cream butter and sugar together for 2 minutes, until fluffy. Add vanilla and stir to combine. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after adding each one. 3. Combine baking soda and baking powder plus salt with all but 1 tablespoon of the flour. 4. In a small bowl, toss the chopped cranberries in the reserved tablespoon of flour to coat them evenly so they don’t sink to the bottom of the loaf. 5. Add half the sour cream to the batter, followed by half the dry ingredients. Mix well after each addition and repeat with the remaining sour cream and flour mixture. Fold in orange zest, cranberries, 1/2 cup of the pistachios, and 1/2 cup of the white chocolate chips. 6. Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 65–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Lift loaf out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and let cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes. 7. Before serving, melt the remaining white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in the microwave on medium power, stirring often (or use a double boiler on the stove). Drizzle the white chocolate over the loaf and spread it with a knife then sprinkle with remaining chopped pistachios plus a small sprinkle of orange zest. Refrigerate for a few minutes so the chocolate can set, then slice and serve. HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 67
FORWARD THINKING G ift Guide
PARTY READY FOR THE REFINED PALATE Sixty olive oils and balsamic vinegars
Giving
200ML: $17; 375ML: $26.75 UNREFINEDOLIVE.COM 151A SECOND AVE 499 TERRY FOX DR
A CLASSIC Nordstrom at Home large wood serving bowl $79, NORDSTROM, RIDEAU CENTRE
HOSTESS READY Galerie au Chocolat wrapped gift box $16.99, AVAILABLE AT METRO, SOBEYS, WHOLE FOODS
SPICE OF LIFE One of a kind spice mills add a custom flair to the kitchen $75 TO $150 DEPENDING ON STYLE AND SIZE, DISTINCTIVEWOODWORKING.CA
68 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022
FIND JOY IN THE PROCESS Hamilton Beach Spiralizing Stack & Snap Food Processor $199.99
FUEL UP THE BAR Retro-rad black and 24-karat gold luster porcelain, Jonathan Adler decanters $259 EACH, THEMODERNSHOP.COM
FORWARD THINKING G ift Guide
MIX IT UP KitchenAid Cordless Chopper, chops and purees to perfection with its multi-purpose stainless steel blades $179.99, BED BATH AND BEYOND
KEEP IT ROLLING Hand crafted Canadian Maple wood rolling pins, sealed with a mixture of local beeswax and mineral oil, comes in a French linen sleeve
CELEBRATE THE JOY OF GATHERING
$58, PAMOISON.CA
Jamie Oliver’s Together: Memorable Meals Made Easy $25.20, CHAPTERS INDIGO
LAST CALL SUPPORT LOCAL Wax + wane mug, and coffee subscriptions MUGS: $17; FAIR TRADE COFFEE PRICED BY SIZE AND ORDER SPECIFICATIONS, WAXANDWANECOFFEE.COM
Adult drinking game full of laughs all night long $46.93, AMAZON.CA
SILKY SMOOTH KitchenAid Cordless Hand Blender with chopper and whisk attachment $179.99, THEBAY.COM
TURN UP THE HEAT Adds drama to at home cocktails. Each set includes alcohol infused wood chips in cognac cherry, rum & maple or bourbon oak $94.95, CHEF’S PARADISE, 1314 BANK ST
ANECDOTE CANDLES Winter social candle $42, NORDSTROM
HOLIDAY 2021 / WINTER 2022 o ttawaathome.ca 69
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