Panoramic golf course view in a stunning penthouse suite! This award winning condo boasts fabulous amenities & spacious units designed for comfort & style right in the heart of Etobicoke in the coveted Markland Wood area. This down split 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit is the perfect starter home for young families OR if you’re looking to downsize! An entertainers dream, with living and dining on one level and bedrooms on another.
PRINCESS ROSETHORN
Nestled in the prestigious Princess Anne Manor, this beautifully updated bungalow exudes elegance and comfort. Located in a top-rated school district, with easy access to Richview Collegiate, St. Georges Junior School, St. Gregory’s, and John G. Althouse Middle School, this home offers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and prestige in a prime location.
Note this stunning oversized lot, located in trendy Alderwood. Ample space for outdoor living, gardening and holding incredible potential for a new build and/or possible laneway house, making it a fantastic investment opportunity.
Nestled in the highly sought-after Humber Heights neighbourhood on a peaceful, treelined street, this charming bungalow offers an exceptional lifestyle. Set within an excellent school district and surrounded by numerous parks, this home provides the perfect setting for families to thrive.
MARKLAND WOOD
Presenting this wonderful 2+1 bedroom residence in the prestigious Millgate Manor, nestled within the sought-after Markland Wood community. This elegant home features an open-concept living and dining area that seamlessly connects to a spacious balcony showcasing breathtaking panoramic views. Residents of this splendid building enjoy a wealth of amenities, including an outdoor pool, tennis court, and a beautifully renovated recreation center featuring a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, party room, and much more.
303 Quebec Avenue, Toronto
Beautiful spacious 4 bedroom home in prime High Park north on rare lot. Welcoming large porch invites into grand foyer with leaded/stained glass windows. Hardwood floor & wood trim throughout. Spacious bright living room with fireplace & custom built-in shelves. Formal dining room with beamed ceiling, plate railing, leaded/stained glass windows & gleaming hardwood floors. Updated eat in kitchen has granite counters, pot lights & w/o to large deck & private oasis - fully fenced perennial garden & garage with extra parking. Second floor has spacious 4 bedrooms + office and walk out to the terrace with panoramic sunset views. A partially finished basement with family room, 2pc bathroom & laundr y room. House is freshly painted in neutral decor. Located in a very desirable neighbourhood near Humberside CI & Annette PS; easy stroll to majestic High Park, subway & trendy Bloor West Village!
Visit my website for more information about this listing.
Dear Nutan:
TESTIMONIAL
We wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your hard work and unwavering patience throughout the past year. Your commitment and expertise was so valuable in helping us on this long, long journey. We appreciated your willingness to explore ALL options across many different neighbourhoods and you always came with a smile or laugh when we dragged you to the true “fixer-uppers”. We’re so happy with where we’ve landed but will miss the weekly visits and catch-ups. We’re thrilled you are nearby and hope that there are lots of run-ins in the future!
Nestled on one of Swansea’s most coveted streets, 19 The Palisades offers luxury living with breathtaking views of High Park, the Toronto skyline, and Lake Ontario. This custom-built, three-storey detached home features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a private drive, seamlessly blending nature, city views, and exceptional design.
The main floor is a showpiece, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that frame serene ravine and High Park views, creating the feel of a forest retreat. Designer-engineered hardwood floors add warmth and elegance, while morning light fills the east-facing living spaces. A gas fireplace enhances the cozy ambiance, and the open-concept designer kitchen is equipped with high-end built-in appliances, quartz countertops, and patio doors leading to a covered deck overlooking the lush backyard. A pantry, servery, formal dining room, and dedicated office or sitting area round out the versatile main level.
The primary suite is a private sanctuary, featuring stunning High Park views, a spa-like ensuite with a freestanding tub and walk-in shower, and a generous walk-in closet. The third floor offers an expansive bedroom with direct access to a terrace, where panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline provide the perfect spot to unwind.
The fully finished basement boasts 10’6” ceilings, a recreation room, a full bathroom, a versatile bedroom or gym, and a mudroom with direct access to the attached garage. The backyard is a true oasis with mature trees, lush landscaping, and incredible views, offering a secluded retreat in the heart of the city.
Situated steps from High Park’s trails, Bloor West Village, and excellent schools, this home is a rare opportunity to enjoy luxury, tranquility, and urban convenience.
For more details and photos, please visit www.sidorovainwood.com
A Twist
ON A CLASSIC SPANISH SAUCE FORPASTA DISHES
THIS TAKE ON ROMESCO,
THE A SPANISH SAUCE MADE WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS AND FINELY CHOPPED NUTS, IS ULTRA-SMOOTH AND CREAMY THANKS TO THE PLANT-BASED ROASTED RED PEPPER CASHEW DIP.
“Don’t add oil to pasta water to prevent clumping or boiling over,” says Michelle Pennock, executive chef for the President’s Choice test kitchen. “Instead, add salt to your water for flavour, rather than having the pasta become slippery and making the sauce run off.”
Freeze the leftover canned tomatoes in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months and use later in soups, pasta dishes or sauces.
Toast whole almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring or shaking often, until light golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
DIRECTIONS
STEP ONE: Bring 4 litres (16 cups) water to a rapid boil. Add pasta. Stir occasionally until water returns to a boil. Cook until al dente or tender but firm, about 8 to 9 minutes, adding frozen peas during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time. Reserving 1-cup cooking liquid, drain.
STEP TWO: Meanwhile, pulse 1/4 cup toasted almonds in a blender on high speed until finely ground. Add cashew dip, tomatoes with juices, oil, salt and paprika. Blend, scraping down the side, until smooth sauce forms. Set aside. Chop remaining 2 tbsp toasted almonds for garnish; set aside.
STEP THREE: Return pasta mixture to saucepan off heat. Stir in sauce and 1/2cup pasta cooking liquid, adding more if necessary to coat pasta and reach desired sauce consistency.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle pasta with chopped almonds and parsley. ◆
(2
The Art FUNCTIONAL DESIGN of
By Evelyn Eshun Design | Photography by Larry Arnal
Creating a home that balances beauty and practicality lies at the heart of functional design. This approach blends style with purpose, ensuring every space not only looks stunning but also works seamlessly for the people who live there. Functional design is more than just choosing the right furniture or colours—it’s about crafting a home that feels intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable.
THIS CONCEPT STARTS WITH INTENTION. EVERY ELEMENT IN A ROOM, FROM LAYOUT TO MATERIALS, SHOULD SUPPORT THE WAY THE SPACE IS USED. A HOME OFFICE MAY NEED FOCUS AND ORGANIZATION, WHILE A KITCHEN SHOULD INVITE CONNECTION AND EFFICIENCY. FUNCTIONAL DESIGN ADDRESSES THESE NEEDS WHILE ENSURING THE SPACE RETAINS ITS CHARM AND PERSONALITY.
A strong layout is the foundation of functional design. A well-planned room enhances flow and accessibility, making even small or oddly shaped spaces feel purposeful. Open-concept living areas can foster connection, but thoughtful zoning is essential to avoid a chaotic feel. Rugs, furniture placement, and lighting can help create defined areas for dining, working, or relaxing while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.
Spaces designed for adaptability offer even greater functionality. Multifunctional rooms can evolve with changing needs by incorporating flexible furnishings like modular sofas or fold-out tables. A living room might double as a home office, or a guest room could transition into a playroom. This flexibility ensures every inch of a home serves its purpose.
Storage is another cornerstone of functional design. A space can quickly feel cluttered without proper organization, so incorporating smart storage solutions is key. Built-in shelving, custom cabinetry, and hidden compartments make it easy to stay organized without sacrificing style.
Durable and purposeful materials play a vital role in functional design. The materials you choose should not only look good but also stand up to daily wear and tear. In family homes or high-use areas, scratch-resistant surfaces, washable fabrics, and lowmaintenance finishes are invaluable. Practical materials don’t have to mean sacrificing elegance. Many modern options today, like engineered stone or stain-resistant fabrics, combine beauty with functionality. These materials offer longevity while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a well-designed home.
Lighting is equally essential to functional design. A well-lit room not only enhances practicality but also sets the mood. A layered lighting approach, combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, ensures the space is adaptable for different uses. In a kitchen, under-cabinet lights brighten prep areas, while decorative pendants over an island add character. In living rooms, dimmable lighting transitions easily from lively gatherings to quiet evenings.
Maximizing natural light is another way to enhance functionality. Large windows, mirrors, and light-coloured walls reflect and amplify sunlight, creating a sense of openness.
Comfort is another important layer of functional design. Soft rugs, cozy throws, and inviting furniture make spaces feel warm and livable. Seating should encourage relaxation while still being stylish.
Even the most overlooked spaces can shine when designed with function in mind. A mudroom, for example, can become a highly practical hub with thoughtful details. Hooks for coats, cubbies for shoes, and a durable floor for muddy days make it a hardworking space. Adding a bench for putting on shoes, with storage beneath, makes it even more efficient while maintaining a polished look.
Kitchens are another area where functional design thrives. A well-organized kitchen focuses on efficiency, placing key elements like the sink, stove, and refrigerator within easy reach. Islands with storage and seating add versatility, while durable countertops and ample cabinetry ensure the space stays practical. Thoughtful design transforms this hardworking room into a welcoming centrepiece of the home.
Functional design isn’t about choosing between style and practicality—it’s about finding the balance where they coexist. Thoughtful layouts, smart storage, durable materials, and personalized touches all come together to create spaces that are as beautiful as they are livable.
When done well, functional design enhances both the home and the lifestyle of those who inhabit it. It allows spaces to work harder while still being a source of joy and comfort. By focusing on purpose and beauty in equal measure, functional design ensures that every room in your home feels as good as it looks. ◆
EVELYN ESHUN is the founder of Torontobased award-winning design firm Evelyn Eshun Design, renowned and respected for her thoughtfully designed projects.
@evelyndesigner • evelyneshun.com
Timeless for Every
By One Group Design + Build
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Home
When designing a home, it’s tempting to follow the latest trends, but building a space that endures requires focusing on timeless elements that will remain stylish for years to come. These foundational design features not only elevate your space but also ensure that your home looks stylish and inviting for a long time. From materials that never go out of style to design elements that work in any setting, embracing classic features is the secret to creating a space that stands the test of time.
Neutral colour palettes have incredible staying power. Soft whites, taupes, and beiges provide a versatile backdrop for any room, allowing you to switch up your decor without the need for a complete overhaul. The simplicity of neutral colours makes them perfect for both modern and traditional spaces. Whether it’s a warm beige in your living room or a soft gray in the bedroom, these hues create a calming atmosphere while enhancing the architectural features of your home.
Natural materials and textures are key to creating a space that feels grounded and timeless. Wood, stone, and marble are materials that continue to be popular because of their durability and organic beauty. Wooden furniture and accents like beams, doors, and floors add warmth and texture to a space. Marble countertops, whether in the kitchen or bathroom, offer luxury and sophistication, while also being easy to maintain with proper care. Stone elements in fireplaces, floors, or even accent walls bring a grounding presence to a room. These materials not only stand the test of time visually but also physically, giving your home a lasting, core foundation.
Cabinetry is another area where timeless design shines. Custom cabinetry with sleek, clean lines has been a go-to feature for years, and its appeal doesn’t fade. Whether you opt for a minimalist design or go for more intricate detailing, well-designed cabinetry can elevate any space. Open shelving has also become a modern classic, allowing easy access to frequently used items while showcasing beautiful kitchenware, books, or décor.
Flooring plays a crucial role in setting the tone of a home. Hardwood floors are a staple that will never go out of style. They add warmth are easy to clean, and can be refinished over time, making them incredibly versatile. If you’re after something more durable, consider ceramic or porcelain tiles, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. These materials are not only timeless but also practical, with countless design
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options that can suit any style.
When it comes to kitchen and bathroom counters, simplicity is key. Natural stones like marble, and quartz continue to be top choices due to their durability and beauty. While marble may require a little more upkeep, its timeless veining adds an elegant touch to any surface. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, offer a low-maintenance option without sacrificing beauty. Both materials work well with any cabinetry style, be it contemporary or traditional.
PERSONAL TOUCH FOR LASTING CHARM
It’s easy to get swept away by the latest decor trends, but the key to any great home that stands the test of time is to focus on the details that reflect your unique style. While certain design elements are universally timeless, you can still infuse your personality into the space with thoughtful accents and a focus on quality craftsmanship.
The right balance between classic design elements and personal touches can create a home that’s not only timeless but stylish and full of character. Incorporating elements like natural wood, neutral tones, and high-quality materials like marble or granite ensures your home will always look polished and inviting. So, whether you’re building from scratch or redesigning a room, focus on these enduring elements, and you’ll create a space that feels both timeless and personal. ◆
I ALWAYS SAY TO INVEST IN CUSTOM CABINETRY TO ELEVATE THE FUNCTIONALITY AND AESTHETICS OF YOUR HOME. Custom cabinetry isn’t just for storage; it plays a major role in how your space looks and feels. Whether you’re remodelling your kitchen or bathroom, go for cabinetry designed to suit your unique needs. Custom cabinets offer the flexibility to create your ideal space—whether that means a more minimalist, modern look or adding intricate details for a traditional style. Not only does well-designed cabinetry maximize storage and organization, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic of your home, ensuring it stays relevant for years to come.
DESIGNER NATHALIA HARA is the co-founder and Principal Designer for One Group Design + Build. The team provides full-service design and new build construction and renovation, Servicing Toronto, GTA, Florida, and NY. @onegroupdesignbuild www.onegroupbuild.com
