Curb Appeal Toronto West - ISSUE 12 • 2022

NUTAN BROWN

ENERGY, COMMITMENT, RESULTS.

From our family to yours, we’d like to wish you the very best this Holiday Season!

Whether you bought, sold, or simply dreamed about making a real estate change this year, we hope your home is filled with warmth, cheer, and love. Here’s to a safe and relaxing Holiday, and a prosperous and healthy New Year!

YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Prep Time: 60 minutes | Serves: 8

FOR THE CRUST

• 1 ¾ cups pretzel crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup sugar

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until the crumb mixture is cohesive (when you press together between your fingers it should hold together in a clump). Add more butter, if necessary, a little at a time. Press the crumb mixture into a 9” pie plate. To form the sides, use you hands to press the crumb mixture around the edges of the pie plate. The crust should be about 3/8” thick. Then pour the remaining crumb mixture into the middle and press down, meeting the edges. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

FOR THE FILLING

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature

• 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 cup icing sugar

• 2 cups of 1 ltr. container of Cool Whip. Remainder from 1 ltr. tub used for the topping

• 1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups roughly chopped

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed, mix the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and combined. Add the vanilla and then turn to low speed and add the icing sugar. Add the pb cup chunks and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the 2 cups of Cool Whip. Pour this into the base and smooth out. Refrigerate until toppings are complete.

JANETTE MITCHELL is a Toronto based food stylist and recipe developer. She prepares food for print, packaging, editorials, social media and motion. She is always dreaming up new recipes that are current and delicious.

@janettecooks janettecooks.com

FOR THE TOPPING

• 3 strips of bacon

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 cups Cool Whip, thawed

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chocolate peanut butter cups roughly chopped

CANDIED BACON

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place a wire rack on a foil lined sheet pan. Place the bacon on the rack and sprinkle a tbsp of brown sugar on each piece. Place into a preheated oven for 15-20 mins. The sugar should be completely melted and caramelized. Rotate pan at the 10 minute mark. Once bacon is cooked, remove from oven and cool a few minutes then remove from the rack to cool completely before roughly chopping.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE

In a small bowl, heat the cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds. It should be hot and steamy, but not boiled over. Add the chocolate chips to the cream, give a little stir, then let stand and only whisk once they have set in the hot cream for 3-4 minutes. Whisk well and let cool completely. Once cool, the mixture should be smooth, glossy and thin enough for drizzling.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

Remove pie from fridge. Using an offset spatula, gently spread remaining Cool Whip over the filling of the pie to the edge of the crust. Next, sprinkle the chopped pb cups and bacon pieces around the pie along the outside edge. Then, using a tablespoon, drizzle the ganache on top of the first two toppings, and then you are ready to slice and serve! Refrigerate any left overs – if there are any!

Millgate Manor!

Amazing price & opportunity for this spacious and bright corner unit in prestigious Millgate Manor! This popular layout, 2 bedroom + family room, 2 bath features open concept living/dining room that opens to a large west-facing balcony, lovely for watching sunsets. All-inclusive, reasonable condo fees. Underground parking included. Magnificent grounds & gardens, 5 star resort-like amenities including indoor & outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, playground, bike storage & party room. Close to shopping, parks, Markland Golf Club, transit and highways. Near Centennial Park with olympic size pool and family/ community programs. Also great rental investment opportunity! $615,000 See more at www.lindatickins.com

like a Designer for the

Decorate HOLIDAYS

By Designer Patti Wilson | www.pattiwilson.com

Like many, I adore the holidays and a well decorated home can help add so much to the spirit of the season. But, as you know, decorating your home for the holiday season can be a challenge (as if there isn’t enough on our plates this time of year). We can easily get caught up in all the nostalgia and excitement, and thus, it’s easy to go overboard when decorating our homes. This year, resist the urge to overdo it with “festive flair”. It is possible to holiday at home, all while keeping it classy. Here are some of my top tips to help you decorate like a designer this season.

CHOOSE A THEME & SCHEME

Choose a colour scheme and décor theme and stick to it. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge since we often collect and inherit décor and ornaments through the years. Remember, you don’t have to display everything you have. Choose your colour scheme for the season –whether a classic red and green, a contemporary silver and gold, or another contemporary colour combination. Choose, and then stay consistent.

TIP: When selecting a theme and scheme, consider your existing décor. Most of your furnishings will be staying in place, so your festive choices should be complementary for a seamless seasonal style transition.

BE SUBTLE

When it comes to interior décor, I’m a big proponent of the less is more motto. This goes double for holiday décor, which can sometimes be bold or border on brash. Incorporating festive pieces in small doses, layered among your existing décor, will keep it seasonal but subtle. Just remember to follow the “one in, one out” rule: for every new piece introduced, remove one to avoid overcrowding.

LEAN IN TO NATURE

Fresh evergreens are a perfect way to carry the seasonal theme throughout your home. Try going green in the form of faux or real garlands, swags, bunches and balls. A lovely and natural complement is natural wood such as wood bowls and candleholders.

GET COZY

This trend is admittedly more seasonal than “holiday,” but a few cozy additions can really crank up the cozy factor in a home and help you get into the holiday season. Layered pillows, heavier throws and area rugs underfoot all contribute to that cocoon effect. Look for lush and plush weighted fabrics and textures like velvets, corduroy wools and faux fur. And remember, be sure to stay within your chosen decorating theme and colour palette.

LIGHT IT UP

As a designer, I can attest that lighting plays an important role in warming up your space, even if only in visual terms. Layer your lighting with a combination of ambient lighting and lamps. Warm-coloured light bulbs and dimmers do wonders for ambiance. A flickering fireplace or candles are great, but in their absence, strings of white lights are a great alternative. Add some metallic or reflective elements to your display to amplify the light.

HIT EVERY ROOM

Aside from the customary areas of festive focus such as a garland-wrapped banister, candle-clad fireplace mantel and the dining table centrepiece, don’t forget to add a touch of the season into unconventional areas like the mudroom, bathrooms, bedroom and front entrance. Homemade crafts and ornaments make for charming and economical additions. Just be sure to apply them in small doses.

There’s no denying that decorating for the holidays is an undertaking but it doesn’t have to be complicated (and it’s certainly worth the effort). Be sure to find joy throughout the process. Decorating with family, cooking and crafting with friends, and enjoying the festivities with loved ones is how memories are made. Happy decorating!

PATTI WILSON , Principal of award winning Patti Wilson Design. Known for creating stylish, thoughtfully curated, livable interiors. The firm provides residential design services for discerning clientele focused on creating elevated interiors that are approachable and a reflection of their client’s unique story.

www.pattiwilsondesign.com @patti_wilson_design

GIFT GUIDE

KITCHEN TORCH

Give classic crème brûlée its signature caramelized topping using our kitchen torch – a compact version of the ones used by pastry chefs. Its adjustable flame also comes in handy for melting grated cheese and browning meringues and the tops of tarts. williams-sonoma.ca

IROBOT ® BRAAVA JET ® M6 ( 6110 ) WI - FI ® CONNECTED ROBOT MOP

The Braava jet® m6 robot mops like you would. You can tell it where and when to clean, and Precision Jet Spray helps tackle sticky messes and kitchen grease. Ideal for multiple rooms and larg er spaces. Navigates around ob jects and under furniture. Cleans finished hard floors including hardwood, tile and stone. irobot.com

FURBO DOG CAMERA

See, talk, and toss treats to your dog from your phone. Stay connected with your pup even when you’re away. Your dog will never be lonely again! shopca.furbo.com

ECOBEE SMARTTHERMOSTAT WITH VOICE CONTROL

The ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control enhances how you experience comfort by working with a state-of-the-art SmartSensor (included) and brings new meaning to having control of your home thanks to Alexa Built-in. ecobee.com

THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON IS HERE AGAIN. CHECK OUT THESE GREAT GIFTS WE FOUND THAT WILL BE SURE TO MAKE SOMEONE ON YOUR LIST JOLLY.

Article by Jason Stacey

STAR WARS ™

STORMTROOPER TOASTER

As young Padawans prepare to conquer another day, arm them with bread toasted by a Galactic Stormtrooper. Select light to dark toasting, then watch it pop up emblazoned with a crisp Imperial Crest! It features extra-wide and long slots to toast waffles, English muffins and bagels with the steadfast efficiency of a Jedi Master. canadiantire.ca

OONI KODA 16 PIZZA OVEN

Cook world-class pizza in your own backyard in just 60 seconds. This portable outdoor oven is sized to bake a 16” pizza and uses super-easy gas ignition. Cook all your outdoor favourites, from seared steak, roast chicken and vegetables to apple pie and fruit crisps. The Koda features a compact, chimney-free design that travels easily to picnics and tailgate parties. wayfair.ca

CUSTOMIZABLE FLOOR MAT

The tile floor mat does its all-purpose job in a functional, beautiful, and— most importantly—customizable way. Its timeless, vintage-inspired hexagon tile design and removable caps can create endless patterns, designs, and words. letterfolk.com

WILLIAMS SONOMA GOLD MONOGRAM DOUBLE OLDFASHIONED GLASSES

Add a personalized touch to cocktails with these gold monogram double old-fashioned glasses. A charming gift and a stylish way to distiguish drinks from one another, they feature a handapplied solid-gold rim and gold letter decal. Made of clear, sturdy glass, these glasses showcase cocktails beautifully. williams-sonoma.ca

FELLOW STAGG POUR-OVER KETTLE

Stagg Pour-Over Kettle ‘s beautifully functional design kicks your brewing up a notch. Enjoy an intuitive, steady pour with Stagg ‘s precision pour spout. Keep track of temperature with a built in brew-range thermometer. Pour at an even, slow pace with Stagg ‘s counterbalanced handle that moves the centre of mass back towards your hand. idrinkcoffee.com

STANMORE II VOICE WITH AMAZON ALEXA

Stanmore II Voice is the most versatile speaker in the Marshall line-up and is perfect for any room, big or small. Built with advanced components, it produces clean and precise audio that can easily be controlled by your voice, even at the highest levels.

marshallheadphones.com

CUSTOM CABINETRY WITH A SENSE OF

By Kate Davidson | Photography by Jason Hartog

AS A DESIGNER, THERE ARE TWO RENOVATION REQUESTS THAT I GET TIME AND TIME AGAIN. THE FIRST IS BETTERFUNCTIONING STORAGE SYSTEMS, AND THE SECOND IS CUSTOM ELEMENTS. WHEN YOU COMBINE THE TWO, THE RESULT IS PURE MAGIC. NOW, YOU MIGHT NOT THINK THAT CUSTOM CABINETS ARE PARTICULARLY EXCITING, BUT DON’T BE FOOLED! THE EFFECTS OF A WELL-PLANNED, EFFICIENT AND CLEAN HOME WILL MAKE YOUR HEART SKIP A BEAT.

While custom cabinetry is a big ask in small spaces, the trend that is quickly gaining traction in homes of every size. The trend is all about making the most of every inch in your home, and doing it in a way that speaks to your unique style sensibilities.

But before making a big investment in custom cabinets, you need to determine how your space will be used.

Some areas of the home are made expressly for storage. In closets or pantries, stuff rules the realm

and it’s okay to adopt a more utilitarian design. In these spaces, function almost always come firsts. Other rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room are used primarily as living/ working spaces with storage playing a supporting role. This is where fashion needs to be given a little extra love.

Here are some of my favourite trends in custom cabinetry, that will to take your storage system from “just practical” to “just... WOW.”

CUSTOM COLOUR

Who wants to live in a cookie-cutter home? The great news is, with all the custom finishes and colour options available on the market today, you don’t have to. Your custom cabinets can be a reflection of your individual style. But here’s a word to the wise: choose carefully! Since custom cabinets can be pricey, this is not an item you’ll want to replace any time soon.

CUSTOM DIMENSIONS

Okay, extra-high cabinets aren’t exactly a new trend, but there’s certainly renewed interest in efficiently using every available inch of your home. This includes the wall space right up to the ceiling, or custom corner cabinets that tuck infrequently used or seasonal items out of the way, yet easily at hand.

OPEN AND CLOSED SHELVING

This will allow you to tailor your storage system and aesthetic to your personal storage style. What do I mean? Some people naturally tern to be messy and could benefit more from cabinets with doors that conceal the clutter. Meanwhile, a collector may appreciate open shelving to display his or her favourite finds.

“SMART” SMART STORAGE

No conversation about “home now would be complete without the obligatory tech topic, and custom cabinetry is no different. A hot trend is to incorporate

charging and docking stations into your cabinetry, to eliminate countertop clutter in the form of phones, tablets, laptops, cables and cords. Beyond the basics, think wireless devices built right in, like speakers or a television!

Custom cabinetry can help you make the most of your home. When planning your storage system, think fashion and function right off the bat. After all, that is one of the benefits of creating custom versus buying a ready-made product off the shelf. You get what you really want. Custom elements for the home will cost more, but when done properly your

KATE DAVIDSON , is the founder and principal designer of Kate + Co Design. For more than a decade the multidisciplinary interior design firm has been providing complete residential and commercial design services throughout North America. Kate + Co is known for creating luxurious livable interiors. KateAndCoDesign.com @KateAndCoDesignInc

PHOTO BY MIKE CHAJECKI