4 minute read
LIVABLE, ADAPTABLE, ATTAINABLE
from The Collection by Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage | Fall 2020
by The Collection by Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Livable, Adaptable, Attainable
Modern design for a modern lifestyle
By Renato Iamonaco & Shirin Nezhat Graziani Corazza Biase
Limerick Point is an exclusive community of contemporary, detached homes bordering the landmark green space of the Oak Ridges Moraine in north Richmond Hill. When our firm was contracted to provide designs for the interiors, the builder’s high standards presented a fresh approach to residential home creation: to build with integrity and to respect the needs of the homeowner, not just for today but for the future.
Traditionally, interior design and architecture have been about an expression of beauty or an idea of how we want the world to see us. But at its core, true design should really facilitate an opportunity for individuals and their families to grow in a space, almost effortlessly.
The unique draw to Limerick Point was its holistic design philosophy, an approach rarely seen in subdivisions. The builder’s team encouraged a multidimensional relationship to the home, where careful introspection, daily routines, and the adaptability of the design were paramount.
When designing the interiors, we aimed to create a space that would feel comfortable for its residents and allow the functionality of each room to exist organically. While surveying the exteriors for The Winslow model — with its wide lot, elevation setbacks, and materials of linear stone, modern brick masonry and wood — we knew that the design language from the exterior would provide the canvas we needed for the interior core.
The community’s breathtaking natural surroundings provided a starting point for the interior palette. Natural oak wood connected to the lush greenery, transparent and smoked glass spoke to reflections in water, textured terrazzo hinted at rock formations. We balanced these strong textures with delicate marbles to emulate the earth’s quarries. We felt that the natural oak floors would allow any style furnishings or accents to flow seamlessly throughout the home, regardless of whether the homeowners’ style was traditional, modern or contemporary.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and serves as a statement piece, anchoring the flow between each space. These homes demanded a kitchen that balances function, design, practicality and comfort. We focused on providing ample counter space, storage, and eye candy using Venetian Blue marble, natural oak, and dark grey and bronze accents.
In recent years, development trends have leaned towards homes that are narrower, forcing rooms into spaces that are not suitable for their function. The industry has focused on leveraging square footage as much as possible — we give more space to the kitchen but lose out on space in the living or dining room, or ensure an impressive primary bedroom, while the closet design suffers.
As seen in The Winslow, wider lots offer more flexibility in the design, providing freedom to explore each room carefully, while still respecting the core values the home provides.
Our design firm has great resources for products not commonly provided in subdivision homes. The client recognized this advantage and allowed us to include elements that were readily attainable for the purchaser. Throughout the home, there exist subtle but effective elements. The entry doors to each room are white oak and framed, allowing continuity with the floors, while the striking, black hardware is carried forward in the bathroom accessories. Ample amenities are enhanced by optional builtin closets that maximize efficiency. The bathrooms have impressive attention to detail, and the laundry room, with its distinctive and playful tiled floor, provides value and attention almost equivalent to the kitchen.
The primary bedroom finds inspiration in a boutique hotel suite. Detailed appointments like the oversized 5' wide by 9' high glass pivot door entryways were implemented, not only for visual impact but to recognize the importance of natural light in the main upper hallway. Then, the entry partially reveals the room. A sizable console and mirror greets you, and a large king-size bed is centralized with a Europeaninspired wardrobe closet covered in smoked glass, which elevates the space.
Through a smoked glass sliding door, a spa-inspired ensuite bathroom awaits with porcelain marble walls and floors, a large floating vanity, and a stand-alone tub, all while a robe is warming on the towel rack.
Throughout these residences, our design achieved a detailed approach suitable for the buyers interested in the homes. Every aspect of the house was considered, from the floor plan and bespoke cabinetry design, through to the furniture and art curation. The result? A space that is luxuriously livable, attainable for individuals and families, and adaptable to your every need from the moment you walk in.
Graziani Corazza Biase Interior Architecture Inc. Limerick Point
all images © ben rahn/a-frame