Plushy comfort, perky performance, and driver-centric technology makes this Coupe a triple threat in every way. Settle into one of the avantgarde seats, and thanks to multiple microphones in the cabin, the system can detect which seat the command voice is coming from. Yes, the voice assistant is always there to help you.
This perfect fusion of design and comfort is the 2024 CLE 300 4MATIC® Coupe, and it’s available at Mercedes-Benz Oakville.
Luxe comes standard, no matter what you choose.
POWER AND POISE
From focused on-road performance and world-renowned all-terrain capability, a host of exciting and innovative technologies make Range Rover Sport the definition of sporting luxury. Our P400 gas mild hybrid engines boast fast and responsive acceleration for a dynamic drive, as well as improved performance and efficiency. Free from superfluous detail, Range Rover Sport communicates power, performance and agility.
Budds’ Imported Cars
227 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville L6K 3S3 905 845 1443
www.buddslandrover.com
NATURE at its FINEST.
Striking design and timeless craftsmanship combine to create exquisite exterior spaces. Our seamless process from design to build ensures clients enjoy a high-quality outdoor space that is tailored to their unique needs.
Email sales@lexusofoakville.ca
Exceptional talent is rare. You are looking at it now. The new, limited edition BMW M4 CS with M xDrive. It delivers an exhilarating 405 (551) hp[1] from its High Performance M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. This special model has been consistently designed for the racetrack, but also delivers as an exhilarating sports car for the road. The exclusive sheen of high-quality carbon fibres pieces cannot fail to impress and the lightweight construction delivers maximum weight savings.
Budds’ BMW Oakville
2454 South Service Rd W, Oakville 905 845 3577
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AG JEANS
ANTONELLI
AUTUMN CASHMERE
BA&SH
BARBOUR
BROCHU WALKER
CANADA GOOSE
CAMBIO
CINZIA ROCCA
CIRCOLO
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
DEAN DAVIDSON
DEAR FRANCES
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
ELEVENTY
FABIANA FILIPPI
FRANK & EILEEN
FRAME
GRETA CONSTANTINE
HARRIS WHARF LONDON
HERNO
HISO
JOSEPH
KERRI ROSENTHAL
LA CANADIENNE
LINE
MACKAGE
MAJESTIC FILATURES
MANSUR GAVRIEL
MAX MARA
MOMONI
MOTHER
NAGHEDI
NOT SHY
PESERICO
RAG & BONE REPEAT RIXO
SEDUCTIVE SELF-PORTRAIT
SMYTHE
SOFT GOAT
SUPREMA T.LINE
THE GREAT TAGLIATORE TASCHEN UNREAL FUR VINCE
ZADIG & VOLTAIRE
LAKESHORE ROAD OAKVILLE | CF SHERWAY GARDENS
BAYVIEW VILLAGE | YORKVILLE VILLAGE
PROUDLY CANADIAN
Polestar 2 100% Electric
SOCIALIZING
LUXURY MUSKOKA LIVING
32 Church Street, Huntsville
Absolutely impeccable new build situated on Muskoka river near the mouth of Fairy Lake. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.
$2,199,900
218 Hawthorne Drive, South River
Custom-built season home or cottage on an incredible point of land. Set upon 1.43 acres of pristine Eagle Lake Shoreline.
$1,595,000
88 Hoodstown Road, Huntsville
This masterpiece offers unparalleled comfort and style in a serene, forested setting. Boasting 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms across 4,580 sq ft.
$1,795,000
1216 Golf Course Road, Huntsville
The craftsman style bungalow features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and spans 4,400 sq ft, marrying elegance with durability.
$3,999,900
230 Golf Course Road, Huntsville
This home is a showcase of high-end finishes and features, presenting a modern luxury in a country setting. Resting on 2.62 acres of land.
$1,399,900
176 West Point Sands, Huntsville
This well-kept bungalow is truly a slice of paradise. Featuring a sandy beach with shallow entry & coveted west-facing exposure.
$1,495,000
26 Helen Street, Huntsville
Lakeside living in this stunning 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms home or cottage on the pristine eastern shores of Fairy Lake.
$ 2,399,900
115 Cottage Lane, Huntsville
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Waseosa. This bungaloft-style boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathroom and 2 propane fireplaces.
$1,449,900
SPALDING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
PENINSULA LAKE EAGLE LAK E
MARY LAK E
MODERN LUXURY
LAKE WASEOSA
FAIRY LAK E
NEW LISTING
Your Private Paradise on Lake Joseph $15,995,000
This remarkable landbank gifts a rare opportunity for your family to own over 2300’ of exquisite shoreline and unparalleled privacy in one of the most coveted locales on upper Lake Joseph. The property features spectacular summer sunsets, multiple exposures, and crystal clear water with hardpacked sand and deeper water. Your children will be mesmerized by the magical setting, with protected waters, perfect for paddling, swimming, and boating. Sparkling granite outcrops and majestic windswept pines define this incredible 62-acre setting. The land awaits the discerning buyer who appreciates the rarity of such an offering—a blank canvas on which to create a family retreat that will be cherished for generations.
Summer Soul
Is it summer already? We always await this time of year with such anticipation, and when it comes upon us, suddenly we’re looking for things to do, places to go, and to spend time with our favourite people. Whether during a pool party and outdoor barbecue, at the cottage, or drinks on your favourite restaurant patio, there’s always a way to pass the time here in the GTA.
A true benefit of summer is the abundance of beautiful blooms; the downtowns are adorned with baskets brimming with botanicals; our lush landscapes are vibrant with seasonal plantings.
Our botanical theme carries throughout this issue, from our Best Finds shopping pages to the beauty in which landscape architects and designers craft luxury livable spaces for their clients. Plus, there’s no shortage of floral fashion at your favourite store this season. You’ll find some great fashion inspiration in our Threads editorial.
It’s cottage season, and with custombuilt properties including the one featured in this issue, you’ll want to escape the city for the entire summer. Read more about Daymark Design Inc.’s modern architectural creation on Lake Rosseau.
Browse through expert contributor Jackie Glass’s tips on outdoor entertaining and decorating. And, for further inspiration on forming the home of your dreams, read about how Carolyn Wilbrink and Billy Pearson,
co-hosts of HGTV Canada’s Farmhouse Facelift, create riveting renovations.
For possible travel itineraries, we’ve included beautiful, artsy Santa Monica, and locally, a quintessentially quaint cottage in Pike Bay, literally On The Rocks.
When the backyard beckons, it’s time to host a sunset soirée. At-home entertaining expert Gregory Fast offers tips and tricks for creating an evening to remember with family and friends.
If you spent your evenings at concert halls or clubs in downtown Toronto, chances are you danced the night away at one of The Liberty Entertainment Group’s many venues. Read about Nick Di Donato’s journey from “Mosh Pit to Michelin” in the Aprile Entries.
Water, water everywhere … and plenty of sparkling to drink. Our feature on Perlage showcases why this beverage is unlike any other you’ve tasted.
There’s much more within the pages of this issue. Best Side makes a great read poolside, on the patio, or even on the plane!
Wishing you a wonderful summer,
The Best Side Team
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@BestSideMag
JULY | AUGUST 2024
Co-Founders
SUE BARTHOLOMEW
LAUREN LOWE
Sales Director
SUE BARTHOLOMEW
Editor
REBECCA DUMAIS
Creative Director
KELSEY ADDISON
Graphic Designer
CATHRYN HAYNES
Contributors
CLAUDIO APRILE
LINDA BARNARD
MARTHA UNIACKE BREEN
REBECCA DUMAIS
GREGORY FAST
JACKIE GLASS
RACHEL O’HAGEN
Photographers
HGTV CANADA
LIBERTY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
DANIELLA KOCZUR
SCOTT NORSWORTHY
MCNEILL PHOTOGRAPHY
LISA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIUM PRODUCTION
CARLA SILVA
RILEY SNELLING
Publisher
PreferredPublishing.ca
Editorial Contributions: Interested in writing for Best Side Magazine? Email us your submissions at editor@bestsidemagazine.com Best Side Magazine is Published Six Times Per Year
For advertising inquiries, please email sue@bestsidemagazine.com
Floral Home Fashion In Bloom
1) Below the Bloom
The Cerise Floral Throw is a bold expression of floral elegance. Crafted from sumptuously soft merino wool, this stylish throw features precise digital printing and a refined hemmed edge. ElizabethInteriors.com
2) Botanical Bowl
Designed by Michael Aram, this Poppy Bowl is part of The Flower Leaf Collection, taking its inspiration from the textural and formative intricacies of flowers worldwide. CentroGarden.com
3) Petals On Your Pillow
The Platinum Floral Decorative Pillow features white flowers and buds in tumbling beauty against soft grey tones, and exudes serene simplicity. Digitally printed on pure cotton and finished with Carlyon chalk on two sides. ElizabethInteriors.com
4) Stone Roses
This hand-painted pitcher adds a fun touch to your summer serving pieces. Ceramic glazed with flower detail. Great to use as a vase for fresh flowers too. CentroGarden.com
5) Bloom Filled
Inspired by floral shapes and an interpretation of ʼ70s floral design, Bloom emphasizes soft and organic shapes in a collection of sculptural ceramic vases. Elegantly sculpted, each Bloom ceramic is characterized by several flower leaves, representing the different stages of a flower. ArcadeHome.com
6) Catnap in Colour
April showers may bring forth flowers, but you can have them all year round with this gorgeous boldlyprinted bench featuring florals and felines. Perfect for your front vestibule, a nook in the living room, or quiet corner in the bedroom. AndersonsInteriors.ca
7) A True Wallflower
This Spring Romance (hot pink) peel-and-stick wallpaper creates bold colour and drama in any room. Easily removable, these panels are custom printed on woven polyester fabric panels with a matte finish. Other patterns and sizes available. TheGoodsByShay.com
8) Fluid Floral
This floral canvas art's exquisite detail captures a gaze and holds it as soon as you set your eyes upon it. A juxtaposition of rich gold and blue tones, this piece will bloom beautifully in any room. JoshuaCreekFurniture.com
live remarkably.
we start with location.
We let the land decide what our communities should look like. We create simple yet remarkable amenities to bring families together. That sense of place helps to determine the design and character of each community’s Master Plan.
Ask yourself if you’re looking for a place to live – or a place to Live Remarkably.
BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLINGWOOD CRAIGHURST HORSESHOE VALLEY
Windfall at Blue Victoria Annex
Craighurst Crossing Braestone Estates
FOXY HOME: A SOLUTION TO TORONTO’S HOUSING CRISIS
Foxy Home, an Oakville-based construction company, designs, builds and revitalizes properties to offer credit-building rent options and address the gap between single-family homes and high-rise condos in the Greater Toronto Area. Units are available furnished or unfurnished. All properties are 40% more energyefficient than Ontario Building Code. FoxyHome.com
THE GOODS BY SHAY
A new store in Port Credit offers everything for your home, including custom wallpaper, tiles, fabric, home accessories, lifestyle products, gift ideas, and more. The Goods By Shay, which opened in April, is located at 167 Lakeshore Road East. TheGoodsByShay.com
NEW TORONTO REAL ESTATE REALITY TV SHOW
Prime Video’s new streaming series, Luxe Listings Toronto, follows three Canadian real estate agents and the ins and outs of the competitive and luxurious world of Toronto’s real estate market. The show is inspired by the hit Australian series Luxe Listings Sydney. PrimeVideo.com
RELAX & RECLINE ADIRONDACK-STYLE
Adirondack chairs will never go out of style; they’re comfortable, great for the patio, around the fire pit, on the deck, or the dock. The Mdeam Adirondack chair is available in five different colours and two different styles (adjustable backrest or non-adjustable backrest). Plus, it folds, extends, and there are cupholders. Amazon.ca
AN EYE FOR ART
Iris Galerie, which was founded in Paris in 2021, opened a location in the Fallsview Casino Resort recently. For a piece of art that’s truly unique, visit the store to have the essence of your iris captured and immortalized through a technology that combines photography and high-quality printing. IrisGalerie.com
COMPLETE RENO
By Rebecca Dumais
A
MODERN MUSKOKA DESIGN FOR THE COTTAGE JET SET
The ethos of Daymark Design Inc. is to create modern architecture with distinctive and lasting qualities that contribute to the enrichment of its inhabitantsʼ lives and local community with a net-positive effect on the built environment, exemplified by a recent build on Lake Rosseau in Port Carling. The original portion of the piecemeal construction was dilapidated, showing its century status.
Working within the parameters of the existing foundations and footprint, extensive repairs were completed to rehab the cottage in order to save the section that was to remain as part of the renovation. “It's completely reimagined from an architectural perspective,” says Adrian Worton, Director/President and Principal Designer of Daymark Design Inc.
lake on an exposed granite rock face. “You get this incredible view of the lake that you normally wouldn't. And that's what I think is the advantage of that property. It's really serene and peaceful.”
THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ARE MINIMAL IN DESIGN AND STYLING, AN ICON OF MUSKOKA NEW BUILDS.
An abundance of windows along the waterside portion of the cottage brings in light and provides an incredible lake view. “The project itself is quite a bit above the water level,” he describes. The long cascading stone steps link the cottage with the lake, and are anchored between the cottage and the
The aesthetic of the four bedroom, three bathroom cottage provides a feeling of warmth, Adrian says. The exterior and interior are minimal in design and styling, an icon of Muskoka new builds, and that is carried through in the cladding and interior walls covered in warm wood. “You get a sense of warmth and that embrace when you go in.”
Adrian describes the cottage’s design as similar to Japandi, a minimalist mixture of Japanese and Scandinavian with an emphasis on Scandinavian. “I'm definitely taking those influences and doing my own thing and trying to create a Canadian version that’s going to work well and sit within our natural environment in Muskoka,” Adrian explains. He also notes that his architectural work with Daymark emphasizes working with natural materials that respect the land rather than specifically trying to replicate a specific style.
Creating structures that integrate with their surroundings and respect the natural environment is second nature for Daymark Design. For this cottage, the canvas is a fully treed mature lot. “You're trying to create that natural-looking property that almost disappears into the forest. So we used a darker material palette to do that.” The use of dark brown Ghost Wood allows the cottage to blend in with the backdrop of the forest. “Where there's a more mechanical line, we've highlighted that with black.”
Upon entry, Adrian specifically created a compression release. The height changes from a lower ceiling to walking into a larger open space where the ceiling reaches its peak. This effect is repeated in the sunken living room. “You get this sense of ‘Oh, wow.’”
The entrance is part of the all-new construction section; two storeys include the bedrooms on top, which he explains provide a visual connection directly to the lake when you walk into the large open space. “I wanted this transparency from when you first enter the cottage, to have instant views of the lake.” The front foyer has a glazed separation between the office area, which doubles as a seating area, and goes all the way through the cottage, connecting to the deck. “You get this immediate shot of the lake.”
To the left, a staircase leads to the second floor. The vertical slat wood feature underneath the stairs is fitted with a beautiful large custom millwork sliding door, hiding the washing machine and dryer. “It's quite beautiful and finished.” All millwork was completed by Line to Line.
Also to the left is a three-piece washroom, placed purposefully for convenience. The bathroom features a natural stone-clad shower and large floor-to-ceiling millwork to hang clothes and store other items. The bunk room is in this lower section, which was constructed with a flat roof and corner windows that look onto the lake. This area was where the outdoor covered porch was previously located.
Additional bedrooms are on the second level, as well as one small washroom. “Although the footprint and square footage are not large, there's quite a few bedrooms and bathrooms to suit a larger family's needs,” Adrian says.
On the main floor to the right beyond the entrance is the main living space — the portion that was part of the existing cabin. Finishes in this area include a warmer wood tone on the ceiling to match the floor. “It's not overpowering, but you're still captured by the warmth and interchange of materiality from wall to ceiling.”
The kitchen is flanked by the Muskoka room. The original plan was to create a covered porch here, but as the project progressed, the final result was an enclosed room with heated floors. Exterior doors open fully in order to appreciate the outdoor ambiance.
The sunken living room was completely retrofitted, and features a dramatic A-frame shaped wall, where “we punched through large fenestrations from floor to ceiling to capture views of the forest,” Adrian says. The room is also equipped with a wood-burning stove. “The fact that it's sunken, you get that extra ceiling height. There's full access and sliding door onto a large deck that we created.” A custom steel railing acts as a divider between the kitchen and living room.
The primary suite is located towards the back of the living room, comfortably separated from the rest of the house. “The patriarchs of the family have their own separate space. It has a full ensuite with double sinks, shower, freestanding tub, and then the primary with king bed and millwork closets,” says Adrian.
CREATING STRUCTURES THAT INTEGRATE WITH THEIR SURROUNDINGS AND RESPECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS SECOND NATURE FOR DAYMARK DESIGN.
All of the lighting in the home, which is minimalistic and clean in appearance, is finished in matte black, sourced, supplied and installed by Pinco Power. The complex glass installations (found in the front door and large sliding door at the back of
Creating architecture with permanence is part of Daymark Design’s foundation. “We're trying to create architecture that's not disposable. There is a lot of architecture nowadays, particularly on the residential side, where (they’re) creating homes that will not stand the test of time.” Adrian works to create better homes using sustainable materials and assemblies that have also been carefully considered from a building science point of view.
“From Daymark’s perspective, I'm endeavouring to create timeless architecture. Personally, I find that my bigger influences are Scandinavian and Nordic architecture in addition to MidCentury Modern,” Adrian says. “And, with any project, the more opportunity and time you have to sit and design, the better the project gets. For this one we had to turn around very quick, but the owner said ‘Okay, do your thing.’
In addition to a highly collaborative effort from the owner and various trades and consultants during design and construction, the final result speaks for itself. It’s so wonderful.”
JACKIE GLASS President, Principal Designer jackieglass.ca
For many of us, the first signs of warmer weather send us into a frenzy of cleaning up our gardens, hosing down outdoor furniture, and heading out to garden nurseries to find plants and flowers for our patios and decks.
Weekend migrations to cottage country also begin, as those spaces need to be opened up in readiness for a busy summer season of family and friends.
The heralding of a new season never fails to get my creative design juices going. What colour will I use for my outdoor table entertaining this year? Do I need new
I always do an existing inventory list of all my outdoor furniture to see what I need to add in terms of seating.
Early in the season, I head out to different stores (Real Canadian Superstore and Canadian Tire) to see what the new outdoor colour palettes will be, and have no end of fun adding to my staple pieces with these new additions.
Often it is just some new table napkins or a set of coloured stemware that can brighten up a tablescape for the new summer season ahead.
So whether you are cottage-bound this summer or just want some summer sunshine in your city home, here are some of my favourite
A SET OF COLOURED STEMWARE THAT CAN BRIGHTEN UP A TABLESCAPE FOR THE NEW SUMMER
SEASON.
TABLESCAPE
Inspo
Because all of us love to eat outside every chance we get in the summer, I usually try to find pretty ways to dress up my exterior dining table first.
Starting with the basics, I love natural placemats in materials that are woven. These provide a neutral base for any coloured dinnerware and are easy to care for. You can get faux woven placemats or tablecloths too. And they look pretty good!
Depending on your colour scheme, white dishes always work whether porcelain or resin, but I do love the ease of resin dishware for outdoor use. The styles and textures have come a long way. My current set looks like spun pottery and will never chip!
One of my favourite tips for changing up seasonal tableware is that you do not have to commit to an entire set. I often augment my existing dishes with bowls, platters, or salad plates.
This is an easy way to add a different colour or pattern. Another favourite is new stemware. There are so many styles available and they look so realistic plus they are great for poolside entertaining.
While I love candles on my dinner table, we have all experienced windy evenings and no candlelight, not to mention the blown wax on the table.
Battery-operated candles are a great solution and I do use them, but I am loving the chargeable lamps right now. They come in many styles and are suitable for the outdoors.
I recently purchased a very simple but modern white style and am looking forward to my next dinner party to try them out!
Slipcovers are another way to update worn seat pads. Always look for outdoor fabrics. There are many colours and patterns available. I am very excited to use an outdoor velvet fabric this year. I love the look and feel of a velvet indoors so I was delighted to see this texture appear for outdoor living spaces.
Don’t forget to add small seating like ottomans. These are great to pull up when needed.
BATTERY-OPERATED CANDLES ARE A GREAT SOLUTION AND I DO USE THEM, BUT I AM LOVING THE CHARGEABLE LAMPS RIGHT NOW.
Lining a walkway with torches is very inviting especially when you are entertaining, but they can blow out if there is wind so consider solar torches. They last throughout the year and look so realistic!
Always a fan of foraging, I tend to raid my garden for some fresh flowers or greens for a natural look.
I always tie everything together with napkins – I use cloth but also love the oversized paper napkins. These come in jumbo size and usually last me all season. They also provide me with a fun colour palette that extends to the seating area of my patio.
Seating Inspo
Many of us use the same outdoor patio set year after year which makes sense. But nothing refreshes a set more than a few new toss cushions. These pops of
I have always encouraged clients to have more than one seating area if possible in their home.
In addition to a sectional or grouping of couches and chairs, I like to position chairs in a “lounge-like” formation. I automatically look at a room to see if this can happen.
This area is perfect for more intimate entertaining, reading, pre-dinner drinks, dessert – it has multiple uses and it also works perfectly for an exterior space too!
Whether it be classic Adirondacks or chairs matched to the rest of your outdoor set, it is a nice way to group people when you are outside.
Consider a coffee table or a fire pit – whatever works for your space. The result is a wonderful place to roast marshmallows, study the stars and enjoy our beautiful Canadian summer!
Five My Essentials for summer living
1Always have a great drink to whip up for those impromptu evening dinners – I love a good sangria.
An outdoor bar cart is also a necessity ― it is always good to have on hand for beverages and desserts. Plus it is mobile so it can be rolled around your patio area.
Invest in some outdoor area rugs. If your theme is natural, sisal rugs are perfect but there are many synthetic patterned rugs to choose from as well. Outdoor area rugs are perfect for defining different zones like dining and seating and can be hosed down and stored when not in use.
Nothing creates more ambiance than a fire, so let’s not overlook adding a fire pit to your patio. There are many options out there and suitable for so many types of outdoor living spaces. The added benefit is that it adds warmth, which is great on those chilly summer nights.
For fun, I also invest in some cozy throws and blankets and like to drape them over chairs or layered in baskets. I have even put out baskets of socks as the season winds down. And yes, they are colourcoordinated!
OUTDOOR AREA RUGS ARE PERFECT FOR DEFINING DIFFERENT ZONES LIKE DINING AND SEATING AND CAN BE HOSED DOWN AND STORED WHEN NOT IN USE.
Canadian summers are short and much anticipated so it is nice to make the most of it for as long as we can! Happy summer!
CAROLYN WILBRINK AND BILLY PEARSON, CO-HOSTS OF HGTV CANADA’S FARMHOUSE FACELIFT
For one family, their dream of renovating their historic Victorian farmhouse almost ended in disaster. But then Carolyn Wilbrink and Billy Pearson, co-hosts of HGTV Canada’s Farmhouse Facelift, stepped in – and the rest is modern history.
You’d think that a couple who are both holding down full-time jobs, while running a working farm and raising two active preschoolers, would have enough on their plate. But even with all that, homeowners Katy and Dalton embarked on a labour of love: renovating their 1886 Gothic Revival farmhouse.
According to designer Carolyn Wilbrink – half of the dynamic brother-and-sister design duo that hosts HGTV Canada’s popular renovation series Farmhouse Facelift – Dalton had just finished installing a new gas fireplace in the great room when disaster struck.
“He was working up in the barn loft on the farm when he fell through the floor to the ground,” Carolyn says. The fall broke his back, and the couple’s dream of finishing the reno themselves ended. That’s when they turned to Carolyn and her brother, contractor and Farmhouse Facelift co-host Billy Pearson, for help.
The old house, with its wraparound veranda and elegant front door with a big fanlight, was tailor-made for the HGTV Canada series, whose third season premieres this fall. (You can stream seasons 1 and 2 right now on STACKTV.) But inside, it was… well, ready for a facelift.
One side of the house had once been a coachhouse attached to the main living space. Today the former coachhouse’s awkward staircase, which led to a halffinished bathroom and storage area upstairs, was rarely used and took up needed room. A dropped ceiling and sagging support beam over the dining area, along with miscellaneous storage that included pieces of Katy’s mother’s old kitchen, added to the tentative feeling of this area.
A narrow doorway just beyond the staircase led to the kitchen at the far end, which cut it off from the rest of the house and made it difficult to keep an
Even with its challenges, Carolyn and Billy could see abundant potential in the home, just as the owners had.
eye on the kids playing in the great room. But that wasn’t the kitchen’s only flaw. While it received plenty of light from big double-hung windows, there was no real organization, and even less counter space.
However, perhaps the biggest obstacle was the great room. Its central feature was a sunken “conversation pit” – a relic from the seventies – that dropped nearly two feet to a worn-out burnt-orange-and-brown ceramic tile floor. The exhaust duct from the newly installed gas fireplace snaked around at ankle level, fully exposed. It was basically a construction zone, and not a safe place for young children (or anyone else, for that matter).
But even with its challenges, Carolyn and Billy could see abundant potential in the home, just as the owners had. It basically
just needed fresh thinking and some rollup-your-sleeves work.
The first job was to deep-six that ugly old staircase. Suddenly, there was clear space from one end to the other – which Billy accentuated by replacing the wornout strip floors with gleaming new wideplank pine boards. Then Carolyn made a radical suggestion: swap the dining room and kitchen, turning the dining room into a more inviting space for family dinners and entertaining, and placing the kitchen where it belonged, smack-dab in the centre of the action.
Classic white-painted wainscoting now wraps three sides of the new dining room, with pegboard rails on the long sides. “Kathy loves wallpaper, but I thought stencilling would be really pretty in here,
Images Courtesy of HGTV Canada
so we worked together on this leaf motif,” Carolyn says. But what really makes the room sing, she says, are the furnishings.
“We discovered that Katy’s an avid antiquer, and she had a barn full of great pieces she had collected over the years,” she recalls. “It was a ball to just go into the barn and pick out what we needed.”
The family’s big harvest table and Windsor chairs fit perfectly in here; the only change was to paint the chairs black, as a crisp counterpoint to the white walls. In one corner, an old pine hutch with glassfronted cabinets displays favourite white china.
The kitchen was one of the more anticipated transformations. Billy removed the dropped ceiling and restored the sagging ceiling timbers, liberating several feet of precious head room. With the old staircase gone, it became a perfect setting for creating a practical working area at one side, complete with a big island for feeding kids or chatting over lunch, and extra storage on the other side.
Carolyn and Billy then moved on to the great room, with its oddball conversation pit. After making it level with the rest of the main floor, they finished the fireplace hearth by cladding it in fieldstone – a timeless country-house touch. Whitepainted shiplap adds cohesiveness in this expansive room, while a big wraparound sectional and newly reupholstered oneand-a-half chair – a family favourite –make for cozy evenings by the fire.
The final challenge was the upstairs bath. Removing the old staircase added extra room up here too, enough to install a spacious glass-framed shower. “Katy asked for wallpaper here, and gave me carte blanche,” Carolyn explains. “So I chose this bold black and white pattern, which may have been a little bit risky. But with all the white and the penny-tile flooring, it works. And they love it!”
On the other side, a forlorn jumble of storage and half-finished mini-rooms (including, she laughs, an old sauna and a shower that measured a spacious 28
by 28 inches), was replaced with a roomy walk-in closet and separate toilet room, each fitted with sliding barn doors painted milky teal. And there’s a touch of Billy’s creativity here, a gift to the owners after their ordeal: a hand-crafted double vanity, partially built from boards salvaged from the old downstairs flooring.
“This was a really fun project for us,” Carolyn says. “Katy and I have very similar tastes; in fact, it’s very similar to the first house I ever worked on. So I really love that we could see what they had already done, and carry on and finish it for them in the same spirit.”
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Arcana’s architecturally striking cabins have enamoured Canadians since 2021 as the ultimate and intimate outdoor getaway. Responding to a surge in demand from guests staying in these iconic outdoor structures, and individuals seeking to own a piece of this experience, Arcana introduces its latest development: Arhome.
Arhome is crafted in collaboration with Leckie Studio and HummingbirdHill Homes. Whether for personal enjoyment or commercial ventures, Arhome invites you to embrace the infinite Arcana experience.
Designed to embody the essence of Arcana, Arhome is a meticulously crafted dwelling solution, engineered with guest experience at its core. Fully constructed in an Ontario based factory and delivered within a swift 8-12 weeks, each home reflects the thoughtful expertise of Vancouver-based architect Michael Leckie of Leckie Studio. These homes blend minimalism with careful consideration, designed to eliminate distractions and foster uninterrupted connections – to our surroundings, to nature, and to ourselves.
fortress, immersing residents in the natural splendour that surrounds them.
Delivered fully assembled and ready for immediate use, Arhome seamlessly integrates into diverse environments, whether nestled in a backyard retreat or secluded in woodland serenity. This release marks a gateway into a realm where
Arhome offers a plug-and-play living solution ideal for vacation accommodations, hospitality units, or guest houses. Every aspect of the units has been meticulously planned, ensuring both quality and functionality meet the highest standards. From ordering to installation, our (their) streamlined process guarantees homes are ready for occupancy within a remarkably short timeframe, minimizing infrastructure costs while maximizing convenience.
The development of Arhome spans over two and a half years, marked by rigorous testing and refinement based on feedback from hundreds of guests. The interiors are meticulously appointed to harmonize with their natural settings, featuring floor-toceiling red oak interiors, Fenix countertops, and picture windows to frame breathtaking vistas. These homes offer year-round comfort with amenities like air-conditioning, dual-opening windows for natural airflow, and heated floors for winter warmth.
The kitchen is equipped with premium Porter Charles appliances and a whisperquiet Vitrifrigo fridge, complemented by a built-in speaker system and smart controls for lighting and blinds, ensuring convenience and privacy are always within reach. The full bathroom includes a rain shower, private water closet, and discreet storage solutions seamlessly integrated throughout.
Externally, Arhome design is engineered to endure all four seasons, fortified by features such as heated floors, AC, and a LUNOS air filtration system. Available in wood cladding (worn, natural or black), corten steel, and upon request, the iconic Arcana mirrored cladding, each exterior option offers both durability and aesthetic appeal tailored to diverse landscapes.
Arhome represents more than just a living space – it embodies a commitment to blending design, function, and quality into an unparalleled living experience. Whether you seek a tranquil retreat or a visionary investment opportunity, Arhome stands ready to deliver on the promise of the Arcana vision.
Arhome invites you to explore a new dimension of living, where every detail is crafted to elevate your experience –where simplicity meets sophistication, and where nature and design converge in perfect harmony.
For more information visit FindArhome.com
• Spacious, contemporary, and elegantly decorated state-of-the-art facility
• Cutting-edge technology for exceptional golf play and practice
• Multi-sport options for diverse entertainment
• Five premium simulator bays, including an exclusive private bay
• Effectively designed putting area
• Licensed bar and Members Lounge
• Large screen TVs throughout the venue
• Co-working space and private meeting rooms
Outdoors Idealistic
Transform your property with thoughtful landscape design
Written By Rebecca Dumais | Photos By McNeill Photography
How lucky are we that Mother Nature grants us with beautiful raw materials that can be shaped, formed, formatted and fielded into custom-designed, breathtaking outdoor spaces?
While there may be a handful of similarities in each landscape design project – must-haves that include a pool, patio and lush greenery – each one is ultimately unique to the homeowner. From site analysis, conceptual design, design development and construction, a landscape firm will elevate your yard from simple sod to supremely splashy.
While aesthetics come naturally to professional landscape companies, the challenge is to create something that works seamlessly for the client. As a result of design and implementation, every moment is an opportunity to enjoy what lies beyond the confines of your home.
Photo: McClelland Landscape Design
Cedar Springs Landscapes
Cedar Springs is known for awe-inspiring landscapes of resort-style calibre. Homeowners in communities across Southern Ontario have garnered Cedar Springs’ expertise to provide their property with an oasis that’s worthy of five stars. Just one example is Wonderful in White. Shown here, the project was a special recipient of the 2023 Casey Van Maris Award from Landscape Ontario, as well as the 2023 Circle of Excellence award from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.
The most rewarding aspect is the transformation. Our clients often know their spaces well but may not see their full potential. By bringing fresh design perspectives, we reveal new possibilities for beauty and functionality. It’s incredibly gratifying to unveil the first set of 3D renders or to see a client enjoying their new space for the first time. The final product is a harmonious blend of the client’s wish list, budget, architectural style, and construction details, all orchestrated into a successful project through time and expertise.”
McClelland Landscape Design
Since 1994, Ian McClelland’s boutique landscape design firm has specialized in crafting outdoor environments for residential spaces: every aspect that allows clients to enjoy life, and to enjoy their property. Custom kitchens, bars and sitting areas invite cocktail hour, backyard barbecues or intimate dinners. Lush gardens are created to cultivate and steward a client’s home’s integration into the natural landscape. When the sun sets, custom outdoor lighting brings people together to enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends well into the evening. Covered structures such as trellises, pergolas, cabanas and pavilions act as both shelter and a focal point on your property. Pristine pools
Using material finishes that complement the home’s architecture (such as natural stone veneers) so that home and landscape are seamless is the most rewarding design aspect. When planning your ideal design, especially for pool use, consider your sun and shade – providing shade for dining/ lounging and maximizing sunlight on the pool, especially the shallow end and lounging for sunbathers. Also, a properly balanced and scaled sitting area is key, as is a harmonious balance between water, hard surfaces and softscapes (lawn and garden beds).”
Ian McClelland, Founder McClellandLandscapeDesign.com
ProScape Land Design
ProScape Land Design believes in “Nature at its Finest” and it is the ultimate canvas waiting to be transformed into stunning outdoor masterpieces. Their journey began in 2002, and since then, they’ve been crafting extraordinary outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with the raw elements of stone, water, steel, plants and fire. ProScape received 12 Landscape Design and Construction Program Awards from Landscape Ontario’s 2024 Awards of Excellence. Exclusive to Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association members, the awards program recognizes the creativity and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance, design, lighting and irrigation projects created by landscape and horticulture professionals.
I love the ability to create visually appealing and functional outdoor spaces. Designers can unleash their creativity through the arrangement of plants, structures, and features to enhance natural beauty. Creating a space that meets or exceeds client expectations and seeing their joy and satisfaction with the final product is gratifying for landscape architects. By designing your outdoor space with your lifestyle in mind, you can create a retreat that enhances your daily life, whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting gatherings, or simply enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. This approach ensures that space is beautiful, functional, and tailored to meet your needs and desires.”
Present your partner with a handmade custom engagement ring such as this, featuring a beautiful natural blue sapphire centre with diamonds on the band. OakvilleJewellery.ca
2) Vibrant Vintage
A beautiful mix of modern and vintage elements. This custom 18k rose and white gold ring features round brilliant cut diamonds, blue zircon, aquamarine and pink tourmaline. LauraTedesco.com
3) A Perfect Pear
Like pretty petals, these Annamaria Cammilli 18kt Pink Champagne Prestige earrings will light up your lobes with their pear-shaped tanzanite and are accented with pavé diamonds. Knar.com
4) Bon Bouton
The Tamara Comoli Bouton collection is available in an infinite variety of gemstones and in gold, rose gold and white gold. Create your own look by combining the large Bouton rings with the small or solitaire version. Knar.com
5) Beauty in Blue
This Knar Signature 14kt rose gold split shank ring is set with a brilliantly breathtaking 4ct pear aquamarine, which is encircled by a cloud-like halo of brilliant round diamonds.
6) Blue Moon
Inspired by the free-spirited moon child, this full-moon medallion pendant features star-set sapphires in varying hues, making each piece unique and magical. BluBoho.com
7) Precious Impressionist
Exploring Bohemian, Impressionist, and Fauvist influences, the Fabergé Emotion 18kt yellow gold ring and pendant feature intense colours and are adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, tsavorites, and multicoloured sapphires. Knar.com
8) Current Mood
Keep a positively pretty vibe with these rings. Handcrafted with precision and sparkling diamonds, they feature a luminous hand-cut tanzanite, rarer than diamonds, set in 14k recycled yellow gold. BluBoho.com
HOMEOWNER HIGHLIGHTS:
• Full Property Management
• Pre/Post Walk-through with Videos
• Personal Vetting of Guests, Renters and Families
• Property Enhancement Recommendations
• Guest Check In/Out
• Single Point Contact Between Guests and Homeowners
• Strategic Marketing
• Maintenance Management
• Local Professional Team
• Guest Welcome Packages
• Weekly Cleaning*
• Linen Programs
• Dog Sitting*
• Baby Sitting*
• House Sitting*
• Technical Connections and Set Up*
• Private Chef Dining and Prepared Meals*
• Grocery Services*
• Handyman Services*
*Available for Homeowners and Guests
BOEING 737 BECOMES LUXURY AIRBNB
If your love for travel outweighs your fear of heights, consider staying in this unique Private Jet Villa. Designed by Geometrium Studio and located 150 m (492 ft) above sea level in Bali, Indonesia, the airplane was formerly in service throughout Indonesia and then after was decommissioned. Retreat to your Jet Suite with the spectacular cockpit Jacuzzi, or slip into the First Class Suite. Both suites have private ensuites, sumptuous linen, surround sound, and all the luxury amenities you would expect. PrivateJetVilla.com
SUCH OPULENT OUTINGS
Looking for an opulent outing? Make your next date or family gathering memorable with Opulent Outings. The company will curate a luxurious picnic experience for you to share with friends, family, or a loved one in Stratford, Ontario. Choose to picnic near the theatre, by the boathouse, or on Tom Patterson Island. OpulentOutings.ca
ECLIPSE QUEEN
The captivating spectacle of last spring’s solar eclipse has promoted new offerings for cruise lovers. In 2026, Luxury cruise line Cunard announced that three of its Queens –flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the company’s newest ship launching this May, Queen Anne – will be positioned in extraordinary destinations directly along the path of the next solar eclipse. Cunard.com
THE SCOTSMAN HOTEL OPENS IN NIAGARA-ONTHE-LAKE
The Scotsman Hotel, the newest addition to Niagara-onthe-Lakes’s (NOTL) prestigious hospitality scene, opened early in the New Year. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of one of Canada’s most cherished wine regions, this upscale country inn is set to redefine luxury and elegance. Each of the hotel’s five lavishly appointed suites, designed by Lori Morris, is a testament to the art of fine living. TheScotsmanHotel.ca
NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN LISBON
A heritage property at the heart of Lisbon has been converted into a 24-room boutique hotel with the feel of a country retreat. Pátio do Tijolo encourages slow living and peaceful contemplation amid natural stone hues and lush greenery. The property embraces a calm atmosphere in shared spaces like the plant-filled courtyard, kitchen, and salon while opening views to the outdoors –including a striking Tagus River panorama. PatioDoTijolo.com
SANTA MONICA
Artsy, Casually Chic & Classically Californian
By Linda Barnard
The only drawback to choosing Santa Monica as a base for a Los Angeles vacation is that you might not want to go anywhere else.
This small coastal city has classic welcome-toCalifornia good looks, framed by a long, sandy beach and the Santa Monica Mountains. The local scene is artsy, active and casually chic, with an added shot of surfer and skateboard culture. There are restaurant choices from beachfront tacos to Michelin-star dining rooms, plus excellent cocktail bars. “This is a living, breathing creative hub. It has that genuine local feel,” says Lauren Salisbury of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.
Just how does Santa Monica fit into an L.A. getaway? Los Angeles is both a city and a sprawling county of 88 cities, including Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica and the megacity of Los Angeles. While Santa Monica is in LaLa Land, it has its distinct personality.
It’s handy to Los Angeles International Airport, about 17 kilometres away, and close enough to Disneyland, the beaches of Malibu, West Hollywood and more to make it easy to load up on all the memorable experiences of a Southern California getaway.
You may not even have to go to Tinseltown for a celebrity sighting. Robert Downey Jr., Bradley Cooper, Jamie Lee Curtis and beloved former Toronto Raptor Kawhi Leonard all live in Santa Monica.
Here is some inspiration for your L.A. getaway, Santa Monica style.
SEIZE THE DAY
With tall palms reaching into the blue sky to set the SoCal scene, make the most of a perfect day with a morning stroll to the historic Santa Monica Pier. Join the joggers and dog walkers following the bluff-hugging path at Palisades Park, past signs that mark the end of fabled Route 66.
Ready for breakfast? Drop in at Dogtown Coffee for one of their legendary burritos. The coffee house is on the site of skateboard and surf history, in the former workshop of Zephyr Productions and Jeff Ho Surfboards. The décor pays homage to the coolest Cali surfers and skateboarders who helped give birth to a new kind of acrobatic, edgy skateboarding in the mid-’70s.
The massive Munchies Breakfast Burritos (the secret ingredient is the handful of crispy tater tots) sets you up for a busy day of exploring and relaxing, Santa Monica style.
This small coastal city has classic welcome-to-California good looks, framed by a long, sandy beach and the Santa Monica Mountains.
BARBIE WORLD
Some of the scenes for the hit movie Barbie were shot in Santa Monica. Margot Robbie’s Barbie and London, Ont.-born Ryan Gosling’s Ken rollerbladed in ’90s neon along a stretch of the Marvin Braude bike trail, known as “the Strand.” It links Santa Monica to neighbouring beach towns like Venice along a paved trail that’s great for biking or rollerblading. Perry’s Café & Beach Rentals and Santa Monica Public Bike Rental have bikes, inline skates and skateboards for rent.
WHERE TO EAT
Calabra Restaurant and Bar at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel makes rooftop dining feel like an intimate experience with alcoves and quiet areas framed by lush plants. The menu skews Med-Californian. My favourite area in the hotel is the mainlevel Palma lounge. The relaxing retreat for “all-day dining, coffee or canoodling” also has a well-stocked library nook.
True Food Kitchen, founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, focuses on keeping food simple, healthy and tasty, like my Goudatopped turkey burger with avocado. It’s at the Santa Monica Place Shopping Center.
Courtyard Kitchen is a worthy stop midway on a retail therapy session on boutique-lined Montana Avenue shopping street. The brunch all-day menu is a winner. Pair it with a Hibiscus Aperol Spritz. You are on vacation, after all.
DONUTS RULE
While Santa Monica embraces a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, locals balance it out with a passionate love of donuts. There are daily lineups at Sidecar Doughnuts &
Coffee for fresh-made beauties like the epic Basil Eggs Benedict, where a complete single-serving benny is encased in a savoury doughnut.
Located amid the cute indie shops and restaurants on the Main Street shopping stretch, Holey Grail Donuts & Bakery fries taro doughnuts to order in coconut oil. Rotating flavours include Hawaiian vanilla bean and honey, miso and black lava sea salt. Fresh cashew-coconut milk is on tap to add to coffee or chai.
SHOP
Main Street is home to diverse shops and galleries, like Cabin Creek Crystals. It’s a kind of clubhouse for West Coast cool, with weekly concerts and wellness classes in the back garden. Theresa Ireland was minding the shop for her friend and called Santa Monica and area communities “our little bubble,” where locals are creative, artistic and mindful of wellness.
Shoppers can find bigger retail chains along the three-block, car-free 3rd Street Promenade in downtown Santa Monica. Street performers entertain and there
Blue Plate Taco is among the varied restaurants in Santa Monica. Many have beach views.
are bars and restaurants to refuel after a shopping spree. The entrance to the Metro E Line is here, too. The light-rail system travels to downtown Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Place is a fancy mall: there’s a valet parking station. Retailers include Nordstrom, Tori Burch and Tiffany & Co.
Montana Avenue is a dreamy stretch of interesting stores, like Divine Vintage, a combo wine shop and tasting bar with racks of vintage clothing. Drop in at Zibby’s Bookshop and colourful Poketo, which has everything from kitchenware to stationery. The true gem of Montana is the Aero Theatre, which opened in 1940. Movies are screened here regularly on a single screen, often with a talk by one of the actors, writers or directors. It is next door to Hollywood, after all. And the popcorn has real butter.
STRETCH AND PAMPER
Santa Monica Yoga has a variety of drop-in yoga classes. I can vouch for the gentle restorative power of the morning yoga flow. I followed that with a dreamy relaxation massage using essential oils at Alchemie Spa on Main St.
GETTING AROUND
Downtown Santa Monica and area can easily be covered on foot. Use Uber for longer trips or L.A. Metro to get to downtown Los Angeles. The car rules in California, so you may want to rent some wheels to explore further. Be patient and prepared for snarled highway traffic.
WHERE TO STAY
Santa Monica Proper Hotel opened in 2019 in a quiet residential neighbourhood and is as popular with locals as it is out-of-towners. Celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler, dubbed “the mother of eclectic interior design” has left her arty mark, from the curved, upholstered headboards in the rooms, to art and furnishings in public spaces that range from whimsical to avantgarde. There’s a rooftop pool. Luxury spa Surya offers Ayurvedic facials and scrubs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
For more Santa Monica inspiration and information, go to SantaMonica.com
Linda Barnard was a guest of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, which did not preview this story.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a luxury stay in residential Santa Monica with interiors by celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler.
The art deco Aero Theatre opened in 1940 on Montana Ave. It screens movies regularly, sometimes with the cast or director on hand for a post-film talk.
Shoppers can find bigger retail chains along the three-block, car-free 3rd Street Promenade in downtown Santa Monica. Neighbouring streets are the site of twice-weekly farmers’ markets.
FOUR COLOURS | CANADIAN
FURNISHINGS, ACCESSORIES, ART & DESIGN SERVICES
This will be our seventh season in Muskoka, located on the water’s edge in scenic downtown Port Carling. We carry a diverse collection of home furnishings, accessories, and art. As well as new arrivals like this ORI Muskoka Chair, a redesign of the iconic Muskoka / Adirondack chair. Canadian-made and built to last.
We encourage you to drop by and see our fabulous new Summer 2024 collection. For the love of Cottage Living.
Our Burlington Locations: Elizabeth Interiors - (905) 333-6670 Liz @ Home - (905) 631-6000
THE ORI MUSKOKA CHAIR
A STORIED SOJOURN
By Rebecca Dumais
hen you arrive at the traditional-looking, dark brown wood-clad cottage on Julian Drive in Pike Bay, Ontario, it’s like a sturdy hardcover novel which therein lies a story.
On The Rocks, as the property is named, is one of many cottage properties owned by Once Upon a Stay. Aptly named, the cottage is built on part of Whiskey Harbour, a beautiful slate rock area.
The renovated interior, created by renowned designer Regina Sturrock of Regina Sturrock Design, creates a magical vibe of a delicate and dreamy antiquated bygone era. Regina also happens to be the sister of Once Upon a Stay owner Carmen Campanero.
The cottage is deceiving in size, as upon entry you’ll immediately be captured by a fairytale genre of Bridgerton proportions. “We opted to continue the fairytale whimsical look that we have done with one of our signature properties called Wish Lake House,” says Jaris Edwards, Once Upon a Stay’s Corporate Director, Hospitality Group.
On the Rocks is delicately adorned in pink and green pastel colours.
The vintage furniture and accessories were carefully chosen. “All three of us love antiquing. So we do find some really unique pieces to fill our properties,” he says. The aura may inspire you to browse at length the antique shops along your drive to the cottage, and downtown Wiarton.
The master bedroom is grand, both in size and in its king-sized bed, with sumptuous linens, vaulted ceiling and wood-burning fireplace. Large windows flank the fireplace, providing a glorious view of the gardens and rocky beach of Whiskey Harbour and Whiskey Point beyond. There is also a walk-in closet and large ensuite with a stand-up shower and free-standing tub.
The pale pink kitchen is readily equipped with everything you’ll need for a weekend or week-long stay, including a kettle and Nespresso machine. All cleaning supplies, towels and linens are provided.
Between the kitchen and living room sits the dining room, which overlooks the glorious yard and water views.
The antique daybed invites you to sit and read, or to gaze out the window while you wait for your companions to rise. The room is full of elegance and charm (and a smart TV).
Down the hallway are three more bedrooms: two with queen-sized beds and one with a single-over-double bunk bed. Steps away is a separate bunkie, able to accommodate two to three people.
From the rear of the property, a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Huron is complete with gorgeously serene sunsets. The nearest cottage property is distant enough for ultimate seclusion.
After waking up to a singsong of birds and the calming roar of the waves, bring your coffee down to the deck at the water’s edge. Reclining in the Muskoka chair is the perfect place to warm yourself in the sun and ponder your day in the serenity of your surroundings.
Following in the footsteps of previous guests, spend some moments of
meditation and build a small inukshuk near the shore. At sunset, the backdrop of the golden amber glow creates an additional layer of comfort. “The Northern Lights are also really nice to see because there's no light pollution,” Edwards notes.
A short drive takes you to the nearby general store for staple items – and a bottle of vino, thanks to the LCBO outlet inside. “On the Rocks is the perfect spot to relax but still have a little bit of convenience just around the corner,” he says. Nearby, the Bear Cub’s Diner is ready to serve you a home-cooked meal.
For additional resources about your accommodations, shopping or sightseeing, Once Upon a Stay offers a personalized concierge service to assist you. “Once you book, you can connect with our dedicated team to prepare everything you need and they'd be more than happy to provide some itinerary ideas and local happenings.”
For more information and to book your stay, visit OnceUponAStay.com
The renovated interior creates a magical vibe of a delicate and dreamy antiquated bygone era.
Photos Supplied By Once Upon a Stay
HEYDAYS AT THE JUNE MOTEL RELEASES COOKBOOK
Located on the shores of Lake Huron in beautiful Sauble Beach, ON, Heydays at The June Motel offers guests a chance to experience the good old days of summer. The new cookbook, Heydays at The June Motel: Beach Town Classics, contains over 120 recipes of mouth-watering dishes to savour and share. Indigo.ca
SINGLE BEAN CAFÉ IN KERR VILLAGE
THE LORD NELSON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Owners John & Vaso Tassoulis of the iconic Lord Nelson steakhouse in Burlington celebrated their 50th anniversary in June with a series of special dining events together with previous owner Nick Vamvakas, family, regulars and long-time customers. TheLordNelson.com
Oakville’s newest coffee haven recently opened in Kerr Village at 363 Kerr Street. Single Bean Café offers a unique blend of expertise and heart to every cup they serve. Watch for unique baked goods and treats, including their delectable Matcha Cruffins: with layers of flaky croissant dough and a generous cream-based matcha filling, it’s a pastry experience like no other. IG: @SingleBeanCoffee
AROMA PASTRY DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON
Have you been to downtown Burlington’s newest bakery? Aroma Pastry, located at 361 Brant Street, offers a cozy indoor space and patio for an enjoyable place to catch up with friends and family over a pastry or a few. Catch up on your work too with their free WiFi and plenty of outlets for charging those devices. AromaPastry.ca
NEW FARMERS MARKET IN ALDERSHOT
The Aldershot Farmers Market, which opened in May, is your newest source for fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, and more. Located at 1016 Waterdown Road, the market will also have a rotation of various vendors and food trucks and offer spaces for a curated selection of products from farms and artisans. AldershotFarmersMarket.com
PEACH COFFEE OPENS
IN WATERTOWN
Peach Coffee Company recently opened its fourth location at 297 Dundas Street East. Stop by for specialty coffee, baked goods that are made fresh daily, Peach Coffee merchandise, and take-home products. PeachCoffeeCo.com
Photo: Kathy DeMerchant Photography
HOSTING THE ULTIMATE
SOIR É E
By Gregory Fast, At-Home Entertaining Expert
Photos by Lisa Marie Photography
ummer is finally upon us, and with it, peak outdoor hosting season. As we embark on what is quite possibly the best time of the year for home hosting, I’m here to share a few ideas, inspiration and tricks of
CREATING THE MOMENT
The setting creates the magic. For this al fresco fête, I was inspired by a modern Tuscan dining experience, and really leaned into all the pleasures of entertaining on a beautiful European afternoon. For tabletop inspiration, I worked with natural, organic textures and colours like terracotta, greenery and for a complement of unexpected colour, beautiful oranges. To infuse a modern approach, I opted for sleek black place settings and neutral linens on a gorgeous modern dining table.
I love to add personalization to all of my events and never go without placecards. While functional, they also serve as a thoughtful decor moment. Here I’ve used dried orange wheels and pinned guest name cards for each place setting – a clever and beautiful moment for the setting and guest experience. We have elevated our settings and guest experience with rental furnishings and tablewares from Special Event Rentals – an easy addition to any event to simplify your hosting experience.
HOSTING MUST HAVE:
Libation Station
I can’t say enough about the convenience of an outdoor bar area for home hosting. Whether this is a permanent fixture in your backyard, or simply a folding table dressed with a beautiful linen and florals set up for the occasion, you can save yourself a lot of stress by simply setting up your essentials for easy guest entertaining. For this Sunset Soirée, I’m serving a Floral Grapefruit Spritz cocktail and Pineapple Dream Margarita Mocktail. I’ve stocked my Hauser Cucina Outdoor Kitchen with all of the essentials I need. I love having a wet-bar component for clean-up and prep; it makes my life so much easier!
MAKING MAGIC
Of course background music plays an important role when creating any setting. To take it up a notch, consider hiring a live musician for the occasion. Live music can add to an event’s memorability and do wonders for the overall ambiance. Acoustic sets are easy for set-up and add an air of romance; they are a go-to favourite of mine.
If you’re feeling like you could do with some help with hosting, or want to ensure you get to enjoy your night too, hiring a bartender for larger parties is very helpful. This person takes all the work off of home hosts attending the bar, and lets you enjoy your company.
Lastly, since your guests are dressing up to join you for a special evening, consider a sunset photographer to capture picturesque moments. With a beautiful setting you’ve worked so hard to create, this is a wonderful opportunity to savour the moment and provide a nice keepsake for guests after the evening has ended.
With each of these elements incorporated into your evening, you’ll surely have a memorable event. And I’m positive that you’ll soon be planning more parties at your new favourite time of day.
For more info, visit GregoryFast.com
PINEAPPLE DREAM MARGARITA Zero Proof
INGREDIENTS
• 4-5 pineapple chunks
• 4-5 mint leaves + more to garnish
• ½ cup ice
• ½ cup pineapple juice, chilled
• ½ cup sparkling soda, chilled
DIRECTIONS
1) Wet your margarita glass rim with lime and place rim-down on a plate with flaky salt.
2) Add pineapple and mint to glass, generously muddle.
4) Add one final squeeze lime juice, garnish with lime slice and mint.
• 2x 8 oz lobster tails
• 6 slices of brioche bread, cut into bite-sized squares
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of half lemon
• ¼ cup crème fraîche
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 oz caviar
• Additional chives and lemon zest for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1) Steam lobster tails until cooked (7-8 minutes). Let cool, remove meat from shells and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2) In a bowl, combine lobster, crème fraîche, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3) Lightly toast brioche slices.
4) Top each toast square with lobster mixture and a dollop of caviar.
SUMMER BLOSSOM CROSTINI
INGREDIENTS
• 12 zucchini blossoms
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 4 oz whipped ricotta cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp thyme leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp hot honey
• 12 slices toasted baguette
DIRECTIONS
1) Preheat oven to 375°F.
2) Rinse blossoms under cold water and remove the stamens. Be careful not to tear the blossoms.
3) In a bowl, combine goat cheese, whipped ricotta, lemon zest, thyme, and hot honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
4) Carefully stuff each zucchini blossom with a spoonful of filling. Gently twist petals to enclose the filling.
5) Place the stuffed zucchini blossoms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6) Bake for 10 minutes, or until the blossoms are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7) While the blossoms are baking, toast the slices of baguette until golden brown.
8) Top crostini with stuffed zucchini blossom, garnish with additional thyme leaves and lemon zest.
9) Serve while warm & enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz vodka
• Sparkling water
• Ice
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1) Fill glass with ice.
2) Pour grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and vodka over ice.
3) Top with sparkling water to taste.
4) Stir gently to combine.
5) Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
French influence meets locally sourced organic ingredients No.8
By Rebecca Dumais
Tucked just behind Downtown Burlington’s Brant Street at the corner of James and Pearl, No.8 restaurant welcomes you. This new downtown destination opened in late February. Its inviting patio is set with mature trees, which offer shade to accompany your glass of wine on a sunny summer day. Inside, the multi-level floors of seating and bar area are the place to enjoy delicious food with a French influence.
Executive Chef Stephen Baidacoff, handpicked for his talent, brings a wealth of international expertise from acclaimed restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park, and Noma. His experience and passion indicate a strong desire to produce interesting food for guests.
Chef Stephen and his team expertly pair each dish with selections from an exceptional wine list, creating a dining experience that harmoniously merges tradition and innovation.
It's open from Wednesday to Sunday; come by any evening for a date night or to celebrate a milestone for someone you want to bring somewhere unique. No.8 is a place where you can come and have a simple pasta and a glass of wine, a celebration with your family and friends, or champagne and great steaks. It's a place that can cater to everyone.
Collaboration dinners are something the team feels is a unique way to present additional edits to the regular menu. A recent collaboration dinner with guest Chef Marvin Palomo (of Vela Toronto) was a definite success. Management says they hope to do more collaboration events regularly as a way to
introduce the community to other restaurants and chefs. This allows them to have fun and create new dishes, and in turn, extend that experience to guests.
No.8’s menu features shareable plates and staple proteins at its core, but will change seasonally. For those who love steak on a regular basis, it will be available with accompaniments depending on what local organic produce is in season: truffles, red beets or potatoes in the winter, and beautifully al dente white asparagus in the spring and summer. Management says the concept of the restaurant is: if you like steak, here you will always get a good steak. There will always be a good offering of fish. It might
Photo: Daniella Koczur
Photo: Daniella Koczur
Executive
Chef Stephen Baidacoff
The restaurant’s sommelier has coordinated a great wine program with many high-end wines. They also support local wineries, particularly the regions of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Prince Edward County. Of course, guests can count on selections such as those from Bordeaux.
Attaining a simple cocktail menu, the bar can mix up a summer Aperol Spritz. Martinis are a popular choice to start your evening in Downtown Burlington. Another menu classic is a Negroni.
To finish your meal, the desserts are made in-house by Chef Stephen and his team. The regular menu will offer two to three choices, which you can pair with a special Japanese method of pour-over coffee.
wine and highly palatable plates to share, something different from other downtown restaurants.
Photo: Premium Production
Photo: Premium Production
Photo: Daniella Koczur
We are No.8, a place where french influence meets locally-sourced organic ingredients.
Led by Executive Chef Stephen Baidacoff, who brings a wealth of international expertise from acclaimed restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park, and Noma. Our team expertly pairs each dish with selections from our exceptional wine list, creating a dining experience that harmoniously merges tradition and innovation.
Prosecco Zero and Prosecco Zero Rosé are known for their unique flavour profiles and health conscious benefits, making them the perfect choice for those who want to indulge without compromising on their health goals. ZERO sugar per 5oz serving. tapbeverages.ca @tap.beverages
From The Mosh Pit to Michelin
Written By Claudio Aprile | @ClaudioAprile1 | ClaudioAprile.com
Photos By Liberty Entertainment Group
In the nineties, Nick was dominating the nightlife space in Toronto. “King of Clubs” was his title.
Ifirst met Nick Di Donato when I was 23 years old. It was at The Left Bank on Queen Street West. I was applying for my first-ever sous chef position. In the nineties, Nick was dominating the nightlife space in Toronto. “King of Clubs” was his title. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I just wanted to work in a restaurant where creativity was encouraged, and from what I knew, Nick was prioritizing just that. Left Bank was the first of its kind: a hybrid restaurant and nightclub. The restaurant was a magnet for the arts, creativity and celebrity. On any night you would see Robert Downey Jr., Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Bono… and that was just a Wednesday.
The Left Bank was the beginning of my career. Nick created an establishment at the epicentre of everything cool in Toronto. This was also an exciting time for music. The Smashing Pumpkins, Sound Garden, and Sonic Youth were all dropping landmark albums. The film industry was also transforming. Spielberg was making room for new directors like Tarantino. Pulp Fiction, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, and so many other indie films were emerging. The creative culture was in metamorphosis and
Nick is one of the most visionary entrepreneurs
in North America.
He’s a true master of entertainment. He’s been able to execute successful concepts in all areas of hospitality, from hosting iconic music artists at the Phoenix concert venue to creating stunning weddings at the Liberty Grand. Sadly, the Phoenix, which Nick created in 1991, announced its closure recently after 33 years as one of the city’s premier establishments.
He transformed Casa Loma, which was once a sleepy landmark and is now a multiprogrammed venue hosting Christmas and Halloween events and so much more. His and have a Liberty Group signature ambiance.
To truly understand Nick’s inherent hospitality go back to where it all started. Nick was born restaurant called Lorenzo. At the time, he was just a young boy who loved to help his father restaurant, but over time he found that the one
Steak House, Pizza Wine Disco, Da Nico, Paris
Kevin O’Leary, Mitch Marner, and Nick Di Donato at Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House in Toronto
Now, I can’t speak to Nick’s success without mentioning someone important to him, and Liberty Group as a whole. Most successful companies consist of partnerships that create a synergy where one plus one equals six. That’s where Nadia comes in. Nadia, who is Nick’s wife, serves as the Creative Director and Vice President of Liberty Group. She is one of the most distinguished and celebrated designers in North America. Her aesthetic is visible in every square foot, every light fixture and every sightline in all the restaurants she’s designed. What makes Nadia so powerful is her ability to switch from a Michelin restaurant to Legends of Horror at Casa Loma to casual Italian at Cibo. She moves seamlessly between so many opposing disciplines and spaces and truly complements Nick’s business philosophy.
During Covid, we saw so many restaurant groups retract or disappear. It was a tough time for our industry. Liberty Group managed to stay the course. Since 2021, they relocated
One of the things that I can say for certain is that Nick, Nadia and the team at Liberty Group will continue to leave their indelible mark on the hospitality scene for years to come.
and opened Don Alfonso at the Harbour Castle Hotel, which secured a Michelin Star. They opened Paris Texas, a sports and country bar in the vibrant and energized King West neighbourhood. More recently, Nick partnered with business giant Kevin O’Leary and Maple Leaf hockey player Mitch Marner on the Blue Bovine at the iconic Union Station.
Blue Bovine is a steak and sushi house with an elevated cocktail menu and an extensive wine list. Nick is currently working on a private members' wine club, and a new project slated to open in 2025.
The culinary and hospitality scene in Toronto is an ever-changing landscape. It’s hard to predict and in a constant state of evolution. One of the things that I can say for certain is that Nick, Nadia and the team at Liberty Group will continue to leave their indelible mark on the hospitality scene for years to come.
For more info, visit LibertyGroup.com
Nadia Di Donato
Weekends away at the cottage should be about rest and relaxation, so planning ahead is key to ensuring a successful and enjoyable cottage summer BBQ season. Noel, Brandon, and Heather of Boffo’s Fine Foods believe that when you eat delicious antibiotic-free and hormone-free meat, your body and brain will thank you. Freshly prepared with marinades and spices for those who want a little extra flavour. Visit Brandon at the butcher counter for everything BBQ related. He can help you coordinate everything you need for a successful and memorable summer season. We believe that everyone deserves to eat better food, so they can live better! Family-owned and operated with care and passion.
We also have premium and consignment wines from many regions. Conveniently choose the perfect pairing from our exceptional selection of Prosecco, red or white wine or a bottle of bubbly!
A STAPLE IN OAKVILLE FOR OVER A DECADE
Perlage:
The Champagne of Waters
Perlage is unlike any other sparkling water you may have tasted. With its delicate bubbles and natural mineral content, it’s a perfect complement to fine wines and cuisine.
Written By Martha Uniacke Breen
Perlage is an icon and bestseller in its native Poland, produced in the town of Nałęczów, a unique microclimate of lush vegetation and special underground mineral water that is also the site of the most modern bottling plants in Europe. But it was through chance that Polish-born and raised Richard Nieborowski, CEO and founder of Amard Enterprises Ltd., discovered a niche in the Canadian market with existing major water brands, and began importing Perlage to Canada.
Photos By NAŁĘCZÓW ZDRÓJ SP. O. O., DRZEWCE 35, 24-150 NAŁĘCZÓW
“Perlage is more than just water,”
Richard says, explaining that it’s a longstanding tradition and the embodiment of a healthy lifestyle. Over 250 years ago, the Małachowski family built its iconic Małachowski Palace and the Nałęczów Health Resort and Spa in eastern Poland. The region is famed for its natural aquifers, whose waters have a 400-year-old water age, meaning their last contact with the external environment was in the 17th century.
The Nałęczów Health Resort and Spa is famous for treating cardiovascular problems and hypertension using the natural mineral water, considered therapeutic due to its unique mineralization process and low sodium levels. Once extracted, the water undergoes a specialized bottling process that safeguards the highest quality of standards and original purity.
“Award-winning Perlage is unparalleled to any other sparkling water,” Richard says, “because of its delicate and small effervescence, with the natural low
sodium levels and natural carbon dioxide that create its exquisite taste. The fine bubbles make it a perfect pairing with wine and fine cuisines, because it purifies the taste buds and improves overall taste sensation.” He goes on to explain that the natural carbon dioxide in Perlage is more delicate for the stomach and aids in digestion compared to other water brands that add carbon dioxide or use artificial gas.
Today, the producer of Perlage, known as Nałęczów Zdrój (Zdrój is Polish for “spa”), has expanded its philosophy of health to growing its own produce and vineyards on the property, which are served exclusively at its Water & Wine Restaurant. The restaurant is the only one of its kind in all of Europe, and a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience Perlage, expertly served with just the right food and wines.
The Nałęczów Health Resort and Spa ARTIST MICHAŁ ZABOROWSKI FOR NAŁĘCZÓW ZDRÓJ
There is a common misperception that natural mineral waters are colourless, tasteless and flavourless. In fact, not only does the mineral content vary widely depending on the source of the water, but its molecular makeup – known as the “molecular net” – can affect its absorption into the system and even sensations during consumption such as nose and mouthfeel.
That explains why, to connoisseurs of fine cuisine and fine wines, Perlage is such a perfect complement to a great meal. As Richard explains, “The extraordinary aspect of Perlage is its development of a water codex, which explains how to pair it with each type of wine, in order to perfectly enrich the palate.”
“White and rosé dry and semi-dry wines are well balanced with the energizing bubbles of Perlage,” he continues. “When combined with dry and semi-dry red wines, Perlage helps to clear the palate and maintain the appetite. Perlage likewise helps to clear the taste of sparkling dry and semi-dry wines. Sweet wines coupled with Perlage also provide a refreshing flavour and taste.”
To maximize the exceptional sensory qualities and benefits of Perlage, Richard recommends to serve it cool (at 8-10°C), without any additives of herbs or fruit, nor ice, which can detract from the properties of the natural mineral water.
“Award-winning Perlage is unparalleled to any other sparkling water, because of its delicate and small effervescence, with the natural low sodium levels and natural carbon dioxide that create its exquisite taste.”
You may find Perlage in local restaurants, boutiques, and spas from Toronto to Hamilton. Perlage is excited to announce that it will be coming soon to Longo’s supermarket stores, making it more available within Ontario. The firm is also expanding to other provinces.
Perlage is available in elegantly designed, classic blue glass bottles in 300 ml or 700 ml sizes, as well as aluminum 330 ml
– Richard Nieborowski CEO and founder of Amard Enterprises Ltd.
cans and unique 500 ml aluminum bottles that are ideal for sports, gyms, spas, and on the go. Order Perlage by phone at 416-822-9776 or email at info@perlage.ca.
Connect with Perlage via Instagram @perlage.canada or online at perlage.ca.
COMING SOON
ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION
ART IN MY GARDEN EVENT
Save the date for the Art In My Garden event on September 7. This annual event is a collaborative, one-day art exhibition in the gardens of historic Oakville. From 12pm - 3pm you’ll have an opportunity to browse artwork of all mediums from local artists. Plan to stay for a couple of hours; there are 30 host gardens and up to 60 artists. Map and artist information is available online. ArtInMyGarden.ca
NEW ALBUM FROM OAKVILLE’S THE KINGS
The band, formed in the 1970s by Oakville Trafalgar High School pals Mister Zero (John Picard), David Diamond and Max Style, has just released a new song and video from their latest record. The song Nowhere to Go But Gone carries their trademark sound of catchy pop hooks. The album is called Longest Story Ever Told. Catch the band at upcoming performances at Casino Rama and the Kitchener Blues Festival. TheKingsAreHere.com
THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT
Written by Carley Fortune, an award-winning Canadian journalist and author of Every Summer After and Meet Me at the Lake, this summer read
WIRELESS PRODUCTS FOR MOBILE WORKERS
Looking for products that are superbly suitable for your remote workday? Journey’s ALTI is a versatile, reversible, and widely compatible wireless charging desk mat that is made with waterresistant vegan leather on one side, and plush felt on the other side. The ALTI will declutter your workspace, while boosting work efficiency, to make space for what matters. JourneyOfficial.ca
Forget swiping and typing on dating apps and stay fit and meet singles in person at FlySpin, a new facility located in downtown Oakville. The studio, which opened in late March, offers a new take on spinning, merging high-intensity workouts with a sense of community. FlySpin hopes to host singles events twice a month. FlySpinCanada.com
Illuminating New Possibilities
Emitting boundless creativity through diverse concepts in modern art
By Rebecca Dumais
Brazilian-born Fabiana Salomão first visited Canada in 1999 and established a deep connection with the country immediately. She has returned every other year since then. In 2018, she decided to spend more time here in Canada. Seeking new experiences, she set up a home and studio in Toronto, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in visual arts and literature.
Salomão’s work spans paintings, installations, photo, and video performance. Her abstract works stem from her research into Modernist influences like Bauhaus and the Concrete Art and Neo-Concretism movements, which continue to shape contemporary art, design, and architecture.
When speculating how other artists found their path, she wondered if it was as clearcut a direction as her own. “For me, it was like a sudden awakening, an epiphany,” she says. “I vividly recall the moment when it felt like a new world opened up before me, as if I had gained a third-eye vision into the realm of the art universe. It was like a new dimension of possibility.”
Frequently poring over books around the age of six in her grandfather’s home library, she searched for figures, which were then elusive in stacks of books with no illustrations. “Time and time again, I was there trying to find any sign of images,” she recalls. “One day, I stumbled upon a collection of magazines about the greatest painters. I can still feel the momentum when I opened the first edition. It was a book about Almeida Junior, a very famous Brazilian painter.”
Three of the paintings she came upon were “Saudade” (Longing, 1890), “Reading” (1892), and “The Inopportune” (1898); those first few minutes for Salomao affected her deeply. “I remember thinking, ‘It exists.’” By that meaning, her mind’s eye had been affirmed: art exists. Afterwards, she searched for art everywhere she went: walls, books, and sculptures.
As a “self-taught explorer,” she began to draw and experiment with mediums. “Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I surrounded myself with selflearning, waiting for the time when I would grow up and be able to go to university to learn ‘properly.’”
Salomao attended the Universidade Belas Artes in São Paulo, Brazil to pursue an art degree, and also received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Literature at Estácio University. After formally graduating in 1994, she went on to work in the publishing industry for three decades, and continues to work as both illustrator and creative art director for several publishers in Brazil as well as internationally. “I’ve dedicated nearly 20 years to art production as well,” she notes.
Modernism and its reverberation in Contemporary Art is the foundation of Salomao’s work and is formed through her affection for form and shapes and dimensions expressed in acrylic on wood, her favourite medium.
One of the legacies of Modernism she finds most meaningful is its emphasis on simplicity and functionality and “the idea of creating spaces that were efficient, minimalist, and in harmony with their surroundings,” she says. “Moreover, Modernism encouraged a rethinking of societal norms and conventions, leading
American art history. By carrying forward this legacy, I seek to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding art, design, and architecture, rooted in my very personal way in the contemporary style.”
Currently, you can view Salomao’s work at Abbozzo Gallery, and at her upcoming show, Bossa in House, opening July 12th at Abbozzo Gallery and Bossa, a pop-up show in Port Carling, July 20 and 21.
Salomao continues to grow, learn and spark with ideas. “Just as friction sparks a match, challenges and experiences fuel my creative process, illuminating new possibilities,” she says. “I believe that creativity has the power to transform lives, even if only for a fleeting moment, by generating light and inspiration that radiate
“I believe that creativity has the power to transform lives, even if only for a fleeting moment, by generating light and inspiration that radiate outward, sparking further innovation and growth.”
to a greater emphasis on individuality and self-expression. This shift towards personal autonomy and creative freedom has permeated various aspects of contemporary life, from fashion and interior design to personal relationships and cultural expression.”
Each of Salomao’s pieces are deeply rooted in the tradition of Bauhaus, which she explains was influenced by the European Modernist architects and artists who migrated to Central and South America during the Second World War and influenced Brazilian art. “To understand my production, one must navigate through the intricate history of concrete art and its various offshoots, such as Neo-Concretism, which emerged in Brazil. Neo-Concretism, particularly in the 1960s, expanded the Concrete notion of art beyond the confines of the canvas, emphasizing interaction with the public.”
She explains that her artistic practice is not confined to a single form, as the concept of Neo-Concrete influenced her tremendously. “I constantly study and try to embrace the multifaceted nature of concrete art and its evolution, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped Latin
– Fabiana Salomão
outward, sparking further innovation and growth.” To Salomao, this captures the belief in “the transformative power of creativity and the immense potential that resides within each individual, waiting to be unleashed and shared with the world. This aligns with the idea that creativity has the power to transcend barriers and transform both individuals and society.”
For more info, follow @FabianaSalomao and visit AbbozzoGallery.com
IN THE SHADOWS Finding
By Rachel O'Hagen
OUR JOURNEY WITH SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY
As a mother, you envision a life for your child filled with joyous milestones and childhood delights. For my son Beau, his first year unfolded beautifully, full of laughter and growth. But as we celebrated his first birthday, something changed; Beau began to lose his gross motor skills. It was the beginning of a challenging journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that progressively weakens muscles by affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord.
The timing was brutal. The world was slipping into the uncertainty of a pandemic, and I was eight months pregnant. Our focus shifted overnight from typical family life to navigating a complex medical landscape. SMA demanded not only our son’s strength but also a fortress of safety around him as we isolated to protect his health.
In these darkest hours, our community became our beacon of hope. Friends, family, and even strangers, touched by Beau's plight, rallied to support us. Through fundraisers, social media campaigns, and sheer communal will, we achieved what seemed like the impossible – fundraising to support Beau's complex needs to cover therapy, treatment, and equipment.
Beau received gene therapy and it was transformative, offering him a chance to sit up, engage with friends, and participate more fully in the world around him. This journey profoundly changed me, revealing the immense challenges faced by those with disabilities and the critical importance of accessible, inclusive environments.
Motivated by our experiences and the community's incredible support, our family vowed to advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves to experience and engage with the world fully.
This commitment inspired me to write “The Magic in Me,” a book highlighting the importance of inclusion, diversity, and mindful self-compassion. It's crafted not only as a tribute to children like Beau who navigate significant challenges but also as a guide for all to recognize and nurture the unique magic within each person.
Our advocacy doesn't stop with personal stories. We are driven to create tangible
changes – supporting policies that promote accessibility, designing inclusive spaces, and educating others about the importance of thoughtful, inclusive language and actions.
The disability community often faces battles silently, needing our active support to champion their rights and inclusion. Small acts of kindness, awareness, and advocacy can bridge significant gaps, creating a more inclusive society for all.
Beau’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the human spirit's resilience. As he grows and thrives, thanks to the gene therapy and our community's unwavering support,
our family’s mission continues. We are dedicated to ensuring that the fight for accessibility and inclusion remains vigorous and that every step forward reinforces the path toward a compassionate and inclusive world.
Our story is a call to action: look around, engage, and recognize that you, too, can make a profound difference. Let’s continue to build a world where every individual has the opportunity to live without barriers, a world where we all recognize and celebrate “The Magic in Me.”
Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 from 10am - 7pm
Fabiana Salomao Pop-Up Art Show
McOuat Partnership Participates in the Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women Markham: Left to Right: Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Michelle Beard, Nadejda (Nadya) Ninos, Suzette Strong, Mandeep Singh, Jason Lo, Allan Bell, Courtney Sorger & Craig McOuat | Olivia Sairoglou, Melissa Halfyard & Jordynn Groves
The Art of Tom Wilson, Beautiful Scars Exhibit at Beckett Fine Art Hamilton: Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, Rachel, Tom Wilson & Tom Beckett
Stepping up for mental health care event at the Oakville Club featuring Canadian Singer-Songwriter Sarah Harmer, presented by Henderson Partners: Left to Right: Vanessa Barr, Shaun Waitzer, Alex Flye, Susan Layfield | Bonnie Flemington & MP Anita Anand | Christie Henderson, Singer-Songwriter Sarah Harmer & MP Anita Anand | Kim Podivinsky, Eddie Podivinsky, Erin Gorden & Dave Szwez
“Frankie Flowers” from Breakfast Television visits Centro Garden in Burlington: Jennifer Klassen & Frank Ferragine
Zonta Club of Oakville celebrates 50th Anniversary: Left to Right: Cajue (sponsor) - Carolina Schmitz & Erick Vidal | Zonta Board - Kathy Mundy, Carolyn Lass, Catherine Bobesich, Liz Hibberd, Darlene Gustin & Avril Adair | Summer & Grace (sponsor) - Cindy & Stuart Cottrelle | Photo Credit: Sarah Sims Photography
Friends & Friends at Andrews Oakville in support of Community Living Oakville, with Praise Wines & Perlage Water: Left to Right: Samantha Horn, Kelly Hyatt, Lorraine Yates & Andy Jelinek | Vivian Smith & Mark Barr | Susan McCassey, Bronwen Cockcroft & Laura Murphy | Darren Mason & Maria Tymowski
Day Wine Tasting event with Enzo Boglietti Winery & NMGT Wines at Verace Restaurant: Left to Right: Dusan Micic, Goran Radunovic & Vlado Dragovic | Julia from NMGT Wines, Linda Boglietti from Enzo Boglietti (one of Italy's largest Barolo Producers) & Kasia from NMGT Wines
The Oakville Film Festival Gala: Left to Right: Beniot Mercier, OFFA Board - Wendy Donnan, OFFA Board - Joel Richardson, Writer/ Production Designer on KipemboiThamela Mpumlwana, Lead Actor - Kipkemboi & OFFA Board - Christine Leonard | Atefeh Khademolreza & Samuel Kiehoon Lee from Meteor
Woven Grand Opening: Left to Right: Krista Craig, Leah Ricciuti, Hannah Leone, Alyssa Brown, Blake Hartshorn, Douglas Conley, Carol Conley, Whitney Hartshorn, Andre Fallow, Emma Hartshorn, Stella Hartshorn, Lisa Kearns, Molly Fallow & Michelle Marino
IG Private Wealth Management / SB Group Private Management hosted Women & Wellness to celebrate Radiant Women at Chervin Kitchens with special guest Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss: Left to Right: Betty Hilderbrand, Sharon Ruddy & Dr. Amy LouisBayiss | Meghan Arthurs from H:om Organizing & Sue Kupka from Andrews of Oakville
Tocca Finita “The Party of Seven” Exclusive Fashion Show supporting Food4Kids Backpack Program at Ce Soir Brasserie + Bar in Downtown Oakville: Left to Right: Joanne Giliom, Anna Rea & Dr. Maria Antoniou | Kathy Mundy, Christine Selim, Sandra McAughey, Julie Forte, Kelly Galloway & Anna Rea |
Kerry Connelly, Anna Rae, Jackie Puchalski & Alexandra Blum | Teresa Miller, Tammy Demaine & Rebecca Stainton | Anna Rea, Susanne Blake & Sharon
Ateyo | Josie & Andy Jellnick, Viv Smith, Judy Mclellan & Kendra Olsen | Susan Vivolo, Linda Joakim, Lisa Denison & Melissa Carroll
Father's
Cirque du Soleil Echo Premiere: Xee Aprile, Chef Claudio Aprile & Julia DeBartolo
Community Living Oakville Golf Tournament: Left to Right: Alexandra Hoeck Murray, Joel Layne, Colleen Jarvis, Eileen Morkin, Sherry Police & Jeanne Morkin | Viviana Smith, Deb Marks, Jodi French & Joanne Peters | (Above): Donna Novakovic, Sandy Cimoroni & Lisa Guglietti | (Below): Ruthy & Laura Marin | Liz Thomson, Lynda Crawford, Sue Baillie & Jill Mark | Joel Layne, Brenda Kerr, Donna DosReis & Tracey Luel
Chantal Krevaziuk performs at the Grand opening of North America’s first AMG Brand Centre at Mercedes-Benz Toronto Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz Toronto Queensway
Crescent Hill Gallery “Charisma” Spring Art Exhibition: Left to Right: Artist Maye Eventov & Gallery Director Brenne Ritchie | Shevawn Adams & Andrea Wagner | Owner Mike Havers & Renato Foti | Vicki Geelaw & Robert Johannsen | Artist Julie Willemsma | Artist Victor Nemo
Knar & Dinh Van Voulez-Vous Event, A Ladies Night at Ce Soir Brasserie + Bar: Left to Right: Amber Klahn from Knar Jewellery & Solene Gaudron from Din Van Jewelry | Jeff Buzbuzian from Knar Jewellery & Yvette Vukanovich | Sasha Buzbuzian from Knar Jewellery
The Epic X is a collection defined by its unmistakable design, contemporary style and high-end watchmaking solutions. Every Epic X is a statement-piece: a bold combination of traditional and high-tech materials, exclusive and highly refined calibers, and a truly Epic aesthetic that is immediately recognizable and yet remarkably versatile. From sporty and rugged to precious and elegant, every Epic X is as striking as it is multifaceted.
