DESIGNER AT WORK

Euro Dreams

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

TANYA COLLINS

The 2022 Minto Dream Home for the CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery, located in Arcadia, Kanata, offers a taste of European décor combined with modern art-deco styling. The home, aptly named Le Rêve, is truly the stuff dreams are made of. The chic yet relaxed feeling to the space makes almost anyone think they could move right in.

Valued at $3,255,000, the home is fully furnished thanks to La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries and interior design by Tanya Collins Design, who has worked on the Dream Home for the past five years. Tanya has created a soothing colour scheme combining creamy whites, soft pinks, and a few deep jewel tones to splash the right amount of colour throughout the 4,648-square-foot Modern Prairie home.

This year’s offering is inspired by a Haussmannstyle Paris apartment, most notable for classic interior architecture and décor that leans toward contemporary. “In working with the furniture sponsor, La-Z-Boy, I considered shape, styling, colour, and the type of mood I wanted for each room. For example, the Alexandria sofas in the family room were selected for their button-tufted styling. Then the mustard colour on the one sofa de-emphasizes the length of the open concept room while adding drama and impact to the otherwise neutral space,” explains Tanya. The deep yellow sofa is the only pop of colour in the otherwise neutral-toned kitchen by Irpinia. The walls are painted in the creamy beige tone, “Oatmeal” from Dulux, and the blush-hued drapery serves as a buffer for the expanse of window walls that bring the natural benefits of green space into the home.

The overall colour scheme stems from a neutral palette and is injected with detailed pieces from green to blush and deep yellow, along with French blue, all reinforced with original artworks by Ottawa artist Heidi Conrod in the dining room and the upper hallway.

The sophisticated styling doesn’t stop on the ground floor. Perhaps one of the greatest, wow factors can be found inside the primary bedroom. Tanya worked with Karen van der Velden from Minto, who selected which model would become the Dream Home to ensure that this year’s choice had what it takes to make dreams come true. A wet room was on the wish list. “The wet room is easier to navigate without the shower curb and larger entrance size. It is also great if you want to include the whole family in the ‘getting clean’ experience,” says Tanya. Once again, a neutral colour scheme dominates the space yet not without intrigue. The room has romantic undertones, but textural detailing ensures the room, designed for two, isn’t overtly feminine.

The wet room is easier to navigate without the shower curb and larger entrance size. It is also great if you want to include the whole family in the ‘getting clean’ experience.

Tanya Collins

You’ll find influence from the Netflix series Emily in Paris inside the other bedrooms. The colour palettes and patterns stem from the main character’s signature plaid jackets and red lipstick found within drapery and bedding from Suite Dreams.

The entire home is a feast for the eye while soothing at the same time, thanks to the carefully thought-out design and décor. Details like herringbone wood floors, furniture style cabinetry, and the neo-classic fireplace mantel, add just the right dose of charisma to make this year’s Minto Dream Home a winner.

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