Living Luxe Magazine - Kitchen & Bath 25 • VOL. 07 - ISSUE 02

WOLFGANG PUCK

The celebrity chef and haute restaurateur dishes on some of the high points of his illustrious career

Binns kitchen + bath design unveils a customizable and innovative new kitchen

K IT C H E N E V O L U T I O N After 58 years in business, Downsview Kitchens separates the timeless from the trendy

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Kitchen & Bath Issue

The Latest Trends — Giving Back —

R ED E F I N I N G U R B A N C H I C

Food & Wine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

KITCHEN EVOLUTION PG. 116

42

A Dazzling Escape

44

Raising A Brow

46

The Ultimate Escape

50

Women Making Waves

54

The More We Give

56

Spring-Ready Refresh

58

Family Matters

64

A Stone’s Throw

70

Personalized Escape

74

Concrete Solutions

80

Flawless Fixtures

86

A Fresh Brew

92

Cut A Rug

98

Festive Florals

102

A Legal Affair

104

Star Power

CELEBRITY CONNECTION PG. 110 28

TOP IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL NEWCOMB, BOTTOM IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMPAS

IN THIS ISSUE

The new S8 with a P.A.G.2 grinder and Sweet Foam specialties

Toronto • Vaughan • Mississauga • Hamilton

FAEMA.CA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MODERN MARVEL PG. 140

110

Celebrity Connection

116

Kitchen Evolution

120

Redefining Urban Chic

124

Majestic Living

128

Less Is More

132

A New Partnership

136

Functional Luxury

140

Modern Marvel

144

Creative Cues

148

A Fabulous Fusion

IN EVERY ISSUE 32

Masthead And Contributors

34

Letter From Jennifer

36

Letter From Elia

40

What’s New

154

The Market

30

A NEW PARTNERSHIP

IN THIS ISSUE

PG. 132

ON THE COVER Wolfgang Puck Photography by AMPAS Interview by Fabián Waintal Story by Susan Kelly

TOP IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEGIN MILANI. BOTTOM IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN MILLER

FEATURES

Contributors What’s the one kitchen appliance you can’t live without?

ROBYN WAFFLE

SAMANTHA VECCHIARELLI

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND LEAD RUG DESIGNER, R:DESIGN

WRITER

My Smeg tea kettle is a kitchen must-have because no cup of tea or matcha masterpiece would be possible without it. It’s the one appliance I can’t live without, quietly brewing up warmth and comfort, one steep at a time. Simply put, it’s the unsung hero of my daily ritual.

CHRIS PAPASTATHOPOULOS

DONATO CAROZZA FRANCO STALTERI

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER – JURA, FAEMA CANADA

CO-FOUNDERS, CB WINE PROGRAM/CHARLIE’S BURGERS

(LEFT) (RIGHT)

Franco cannot do without his old La Cornue Range, a true classic. It’s just so much fun to cook on, it’s like driving a vintage Rolls-Royce. Donato, on the other hand, is enamored with his Crown Verity BBQ. Rain or shine, a Crown Verity BBQ will make you want to get cooking outside.

My JURA Z10 Aluminum White. Not only does this machine provide me and my wife with our wonderful “good morning” flat whites every morning, it is the hub of activity for our whole family. Yes, our Z10 brings our family together to simply enjoy a coffee!

Volume 7, Number 2, Kitchen & Bath 2025

PUBLISHING

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jeffrey Boro

PUBLISHER Jennifer Lipkowitz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Douglas

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Anthony Sirianni

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Juliana Holly

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Hana Rakovski EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Zoë Teufel DIGITAL SPECIALIST Eugene Leiderman VIDEOGRAPHER Frazier de Mesa

Advertising rates, deadlines and information, email anthony@livingluxe.ca For SUBSCRIPTION inquiries and address changes, email subscriptions@livingluxe.ca | livingluxe.ca | info@livingluxe.ca 14 Leswyn Road, North York, Ontario M6A 1K2

32

CREATIVE

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Belmont, Charlotte Bushnell-Boates, Julie Gedeon, Nancie Heiber, Susan Kelly, Natasha Koifman, Rosie Prata, Susan Semenak, Valerie Simmons, Eve Thomas, Ellen Schwartz, Dr. Philip Solomon, Samantha Vecchiarelli, Fabián Waintal SOCIAL MEDIA

LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY LIVING LUXE, INC. COPYRIGHT LIVING LUXE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY COPYING OR REPRODUCTION OF THIS CONTENT WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE’S EDITORIAL CONTENT ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLISHER OR THE MAGAZINE’S ADVERTISERS. THE PUBLICATION DOES NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR CONTENT. ALL EDITORIAL CONTENT IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO SUPERSEDE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE IS PROUDLY PRINTED IN CANADA.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elia Essen COPY EDITOR Stephanie Whittaker PROOFREADER Phillipa Rispin

PAPASTATHOPOULOS PHOTO BY JONAS SPENGLER, WAFFLE PHOTO BY ROBYN WAFFLE, CAROZZA AND STALTERI PHOTO BY CHUCK ORTIZ, VECCHIARELLI PHOTO BY SAMANTHA VECCHIARELLI.

The coffee machine—I can’t live without coffee!!

Celebrating e Helping Hands Right now, we are in the final stages of planning the highly anticipated 2025 Living Luxe Design Show to be held at the end of April, and by the time you read this, the event will have wrapped up. I hope it was a remarkable experience for all.

A huge thank you to our amazing exhibitors and sponsors: presenting sponsor JennAir, along with Kohler, OE Design, HP, Union Lighting & Furnishings, JURA, Lawrence Park Developments, Title Building Group and many others. A special shoutout to show partner Diana Pires. Thank you to our fashion show collaborator Jason Cameron from Toronto Fashion Academy. Shout out to Buzz Buzz Media Group for hosting Buzz Luxury Secrets. Your hard work and dedication are so appreciated.

I recently had the privilege of judging student-created model booths at Georgian College, inspired by exhibitors at LLDS. The creativity and passion these young designers showcased were inspiring, and I cannot wait to see where their journeys take them. Congratulations to the winners behind the ADM booth: Emilie Smith-Restell, Shelby McComb, Brianna Galati-McFarlane, and Jada Mann. Your talent is outstanding!

Speaking of talent, our esteemed panel of judges faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an exceptional pool of talent across Canada for the Living Luxe Awards on April 26. I am so proud of the creatives and industry leaders pushing boundaries and setting new standards.

Beyond the show, philanthropy remains a passion of mine. The City Couture Gala, Fleurs De Rouge, on April 25, co-chaired by Marialisa De Gasperis, promises to be a spectacular evening in support of SickKids. Thank you to all our other amazing sponsors, all the attendees who bought tickets and my entire committee. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, La Maison Simons, for its generous support. Our team has also been fully immersed in supporting industry events that align with our values and commitment to the community, including Wellspring, Well Dressed for Spring, NKBA Gala and Show Us Your Style by Evolve Showrooms.

This issue also includes an inspiring feature with El Break, spotlighting six powerful women. Seeing everyone’s stories, including my own, illuminated on a Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) billboard was unforgettable.

While balancing all the moving parts can be stressful, I have no doubt everything here without you!

Jennifer Lipkowitz Publisher

34

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA GERSCHON

will come together beautifully. Thank you for your continued support. We wouldn’t be

Unleashing Dreams Beyond Blue Prints

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JCG.HOMES

e Heart And Soul Of e Home…

Dear Reader, When Julia Child said, “There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen,” she was talking about food, but she could have easily been discussing design potential.

Creating a kitchen comes with a special set of challenges—function, durability, storage and technical aspects must be incorporated, all while maintaining the aesthetic standards owed to the heart of the home.

Plus, there’s ease of access to consider and any number of particular gadgets and tools to accommodate—from stowing ugly garbage bins to keeping dozens of spices organized. And somehow, the kitchen always ends up being a place where people congregate, whether you want them there or not. Everyone who hosts knows the particular struggle of trying to put the finishing touches on an appetizer or pull something hot from the oven while a well-meaning guest-turned-interloper hovers in the exact place you need to be.

All that to say, there’s a lot to consider when designing a kitchen. It sets the tone for the whole home. But all the accompanying challenges pave a path for all sorts of innovative and unique solutions. Like the modular and customizable new line from Binns kitchen + bath design or the sleek new faucets by Vogt Industries that blend seamlessly with your counter. In this issue, we highlight these and many other ways creatives are tackling kitchens today to make our lives run more smoothly.

The other star of this issue may not be the centre of the home, but it’s a space that has finally been getting the attention it deserves over the past few years. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a good bathroom is its soul, and a spa-like ensuite is now a non-negotiable in modern houses.

The bathroom is the backdrop to some of our most vulnerable moments—barefaced with bedhead first thing in the morning or at the end of a tough day that’s taken its toll. How we speak to ourselves in the bathroom mirror as we brush our teeth or step out of the shower or pluck a grey hair carries into the rest of our lives. While these moments may be just for us, creating a beautiful, luxurious and functional space is nonetheless important. There’s something magical about having a special private space—call it an act of self-love. And yes, powder rooms deserve their fun, too, so you may as well adorn yours in vibrant colours or bold wallpaper that’s just a smidge outside of your comfort zone.

Whatever your style or next renovation project, I hope that in these pages you’ll find inspiration for the heart and soul of your home.

Happy reading.

Elia Essen Editor-In-Chief

36

EDITOR’S LETTER

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©2025 KOHLER CO.

Toronto Showroom: 111 Cartwright Avenue, Toronto floorence-tile.com | floorence.tile

PHILANTHROPY — FASHION — TRENDS

L U XE L I F E

111 Cartwright Ave. Toronto www.Floorence-tile.com Interior design: V&S design Project management: LPD 39

WHAT TO LATHER Good things are worth waiting for, and Aesop’s first cream body cleanser makes the point.

The product of eight years of development in the brand’s Melbourne laboratory, the Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser uses moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba seed and vitamin E to replenish dry skin, while the woody and spicy aromas of cedar atlas, patchouli and clove bud transform any shower into a five-star spa experience. www.aesop.com/ca

WHAT TO READ Following the release of Auspicious: Embracing the Path Toward Courage, Conviction and Confidence, Reetu Gupta has released her second book, Whispers of the Soul. In this heartfelt collection of poems and prose, the entrepreneur, real estate leader and philanthropist weaves together reflections on love and the beauty of living authentically. Through her words, readers embark on a journey of reflection and self-acceptance that lasts long after they finish. www.reetugupta.com

40

NEWS

WWW.LIVINGLUXE.CA

WHERE TO DINE ANIML Steakhouse has quickly become a hot culinary destination thanks to its bold flavours and lavish interiors. From INK Entertainment and an experienced and acclaimed culinary team led

by Executive Chef Marc Cheng, the Wellington West restaurant is a glamorous modern interpretation of 1970s excess. A range of local and international cuts of meat is complemented with indulgent sides like potato gratin dauphinoise and creamed greens. Pair your meal with a bottle from ANIML’s extensive wine list or with one of the restaurant’s inventive cocktails. www.animlsteakhouse.com

WHAT TO DO The annual CONTACT Photography Festival is back for its 29th edition. Works from a wide range of Canadian and international photographers and artists will be displayed across Toronto, exploring topics that include protest, activism, community-building and gaps in historical archives. Taking over buildings, galleries and public spaces, this year’s CONTACT Photography Festival will include Buck Ellison, Sandra Brewster, Rosalie Favell and many others. www.contactphoto.com

GUPTA PHOTO BY SHIVANCHE MEDIA. AESOP PHOTO COURTESY OF AESOP. CONTACT PHOTO BY SANDRA BREWSTER, STUDY FOR FISH (DETAIL), 2025. ACRYLIC, PHOTO-BASED GEL TRANSFER ON WOOD. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST. ANIML PHOTO BY BRITNEY TOWNSEND. WANDER PHOTO BY PATRICK BILLER.

WHAT’S NEW

WHERE TO RELAX For those seeking ultimate relaxation, a new lakefront Nordic spa just three hours from Toronto offers the perfect opportunity. Part of Prince Edward County’s acclaimed Wander the Resort, the 10,000-squarefoot thermotherapy circuit includes saunas, steam rooms, hot soak and cold plunge pools all designed for peace and connection. Round out the experience with a massage or Reiki treatment and relax as worries melt away. www.wandertheresort.com

DISCOVER MORE.

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L A N D A C Q U I S I T I O N S L A N D D E V E L O P M E N T L U X U RY D E V E L O P M E N T S WWW.HEIKABUILDGROUP.COM/RIVERVIEWHEIKABUILDGROUP

NKPR MARKET TRENDS

Natasha Koifman President, NKPR

A DAZZLING ESCAPE World-class entertainment meets indulgent hospitality at VidantaWorld Riviera Maya, setting the gold standard for luxury travel in Mexico.

By Natasha Koifman

I often say, “Time is our most precious currency,” and today’s traveler is spending it wisely. Baby Boomers want value, Gen Z craves experience and Millennials are jet-setting farther than ever. One thing we all agree on?

If it’s not extraordinary, it’s not worth there’s one destination that checks all the boxes, it’s VidantaWorld Riviera Maya and resident partner Cirque du Soleil. Read on for all the details on making your next getaway to Mexico one to remember.

If you have a product you would like to submit for consideration in our Market Trends roundup, please DM Natasha on Instagram at @natashankpr.

AN OASIS OF LUXURY Tucked between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, VidantaWorld Riviera Maya is more than a resort; it’s an immersive experience. Sprawled across 1,000 acres of pristine jungle and beachfront, this destination balances high-end luxury with the wild beauty of the Mexican Caribbean.

From the moment I arrived, greeted by VidantaWorld’s signature hand-over-heart gesture, I knew this was different. Every inch of the resort is designed for indulgence— whether it’s the Spatium Spa, Nicklaus Design golf course or Jungala Aqua Experience, home to a slew of energetic water slides (no, I didn’t) and the longest lazy river in Latin America (more my speed). We split our stay between Jungala Park Hotel and Grand Luxxe, both under the Vidanta umbrella. Both suites featured a primary bedroom with an ensuite, spacious living areas, pull-out sofas (for the kids) and a kitchenette.

Waking up to exotic birdsong and jungle views felt like worlds away from reality. www.vidantaworld.com

42

TRENDS

WWW.NKPR.NET

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND VIDANTAWORLD

the trip (or sharing on TikTok). And if

A SPECTACULAR SHOW IN THE JUNGLE Hidden within VidantaWorld’s jungle (keep an eye out for coatis, spider monkeys and iguanas) lies the Cirque du Soleil Theatre, home to JOYÀ, an intimate, immersive spectacle designed exclusively for VidantaWorld. The theatre blends seamlessly with its surroundings, and with just 650 seats, every guest is part of the action. JOYÀ follows the adventure of a rebellious young girl on a quest to uncover her grandfather’s secrets, told through gravity-defying acrobatics, hauntingly beautiful music and whimsical characters. This isn’t just a show—it’s a 360-degree sensory experience.

A MUST FOR ANY LUXURY TRAVELER Luxury travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you feel while you’re there. VidantaWorld and Cirque du Soleil deliver something rare: an experience that’s both exclusive and unforgettable. Families will love the interactive storytelling, couples will be swept away by the romantic atmosphere, and solo travelers will relish the artistry and escapism. So if you’re looking to indulge your senses, stir your imagination, and soak up every sun-drenched, Champagne-sparkled moment, VidantaWorld Riviera Maya is calling.

A CULINARY ADVENTURE JOYÀ is the first Cirque du Soleil show in the world to be paired with a multi-course gourmet dinner. From the edible wafer-paper menus to bonsai breadsticks and fruit caviar, every dish is a spectacle. The culinary team, led by VidantaWorld’s Executive Chef Alexis Bostelmann,

merges

traditional

Mexican

flavours with molecular gastronomy, creating an experience that’s as fun as it is delicious.

The star of the menu is a braised short rib entrée that melts in your mouth, served with velvety sweet potato purée and a touch of corn. www.cirquedusoleil.com/joya 43

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC

RAISING A BROW Do you find yourself raising an eyebrow in dismay when you look in the mirror and notice your once youthful-looking eyelids are now looking tired and aged from sagging skin? Dr. Solomon discusses the options available to address these concerns.

By Dr. Philip Solomon & Nancie Heiber

The first signs of aging can often be seen in the eyes, which are the windows of the soul.

Skin can start to sag on the upper eyelids, impacting makeup application and vision, and creating a tired appearance. Why does this occur and what can be done to reverse the aging process? And how do the eyebrows play a role? Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practising Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, answers our questions about the relationship between eyelids and brows and how aging impacts them.

44

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WWW.SOLOMONFACIALPLASTIC.COM

Living Luxe (LL): What causes our eyes to look older and aged?

LL: What if a patient is a candidate for a brow lift but wants only to do the upper eyelids?

Dr. Philip Solomon (PS): The natural aging process, which includes gravity, is a main contributor to the aging face. Throw in a loss of

PS: We always educate patients about their anatomy and

collagen, which impacts the elasticity and density of the skin, muscle

which procedure best addresses their concerns. We will make

weakness around the eyes, fat deposits shifting to create eye bags,

recommendations based on their anatomy, their goals and what’s

and falling brows that no longer sit where they used to—and there’s

needed. Some patients may desire a subtle enhancement, and an

your recipe for aging eyes. Botox, while a great anti-aging tool, can

upper blepharoplasty may be ideal. Other patients have low brows

also drop brow position over time. We often see patients who have

as their main issue, causing fullness and hooding. In this case,

undergone Botox treatment for many years and find their brow

brow repositioning is advised. In other patients, both procedures

position has fallen, impacting the upper eyelids.

will be suggested for optimal results.

LL: What can be done to address aging upper eyelids?

LL: What does an upper eyelid and brow lift combination procedure entail?

PS: Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses the “hooding” or excess skin directly on the eyelids. An upper

PS: If a patient is a candidate for a brow lift and upper eyelid surgery,

bleph, as we call it, can be carried out while the patient is awake

we have to determine which brow lift is appropriate. A patient

in a one-hour procedure. A carefully placed incision is created in

with a shorter forehead would probably be a candidate for an

the crease of the upper eyelid, which conceals scarring and heals

endoscopic brow lift, while patients with a higher forehead would

quite nicely in just a matter of weeks.

benefit from an open brow lift. We would first carry out the brow lift to get the brows into their ideal position. Once they have been

While an upper blepharoplasty can be very effective in addressing

surgically repositioned, we then determine how much skin needs to

excess skin on the upper eyelids, it does have limitations in what

be removed from the upper eyelid region. Both upper blepharoplasty

it can achieve when the source of sagging skin on the eyelid

and brow lift surgery can achieve quite impactful outcomes with

hooding is also coming from the brow position. In this case, a

results patients can enjoy for many years to come.

brow lift may be needed either in isolation or in combination with upper blepharoplasty.

LL: What are the different types of brow lifts and which one addresses the eyelids?

IMAGE BY ADOBE STOCK. PHOTOGRAPHY OF DR. SOLOMON BY GEORGE PIMENTEL.

PS: Most brow lifts will impact the upper eyelids to some degree. However, some will have a greater impact than others.

An open, or coronal, brow lift will provide the greatest impact on the upper eyelids. A less invasive endoscopic brow lift can improve upper eyelid hooding as well, but the degree depends on the patient’s anatomy. A temporal brow lift addresses only skin so it mostly affects the position of the lateral brow without much change to the upper eyelids.

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC

45

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TRAVEL

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IMAGES COURTESY OF EAST RESORT BARBADOS

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THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE

Tucked on the quiet east coast of Barbados adjacent to the largest protected nature reserve on the island, EAST Resort offers a serene tropical getaway from the bustle of life.

By Valerie Simmons

As we drive away from the Caribbean side of Barbados and head

flowering bougainvillea, and camouflaged by rooftop gardens. At first

toward the Atlantic Coast, the roads get a bit bumpier, the vegetation

glance, EAST feels more like The Shire than The Ritz.

becomes wilder and the palms sway a bit more in the ocean breeze.

Once we entered the villa, however, we understood almost

This is the undiscovered, untamed part of the island, a world away

immediately what owner Paul Doyle had created. Call it the “Ah

from the manicured, pink umbrella-covered beaches of the Platinum

ha” moment. The villas, positioned on the edge of a dramatic cliff,

Coast. This ruggedly beautiful area is where we find EAST, a new,

have enormous private terraces with lap pools. Each is furnished in

low-density resort that offers less glitz and more privacy, less noise

a minimalist yet luxurious modern style with full kitchens. Outdoor

and more waves, and endless, uninterrupted views of the ocean.

showers are situated within tropical gardens, and four poster beds

EAST is built adjacent to the largest protected nature reserve in Barbados. The villas are integrated into the hillside, surrounded by

add romance to the already impossibly beautiful setting.

Activities at EAST include nature walks with a local guide, touring

the farms where the locally sourced eggs, milk and produce come from, and day trips to surf mecca Bathsheba just up the coast. In other words, this is not the spot for people who crave organized activities. Quite the opposite—EAST is for savvy travelers seeking the ultimate escape and a place to reconnect with nature and family. This is a space for reading, a place to savour the sunrise and breathe in the salt air, and enjoy being away from the bustle of life, if only for a little while.

At EAST, accommodations range from cozy junior suites to spacious one and two-bedroom layouts, which can be combined into expansive three-bedroom villas. The apartments are available for purchase, and owners have access to The Crane Resort’s spacious beach-side pools nearby. As the resort grows and new villas are tiered up the hillside, green roofs and one-storey buildings will ensure sightlines remain unobstructed. A historic house on the site will become a farm-to-table restaurant, and a glass-fronted fitness centre is in the works.

they can enjoy a range of amenities from tennis courts to personal trainers to spa services.

To us, EAST Barbados felt like something totally new. A place to instantly relax. All we had to do was sit back and let the sound of the crashing waves do the rest.

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TRAVEL

WWW.EASTRESORT.COM

IMAGES COURTESY OF EAST RESORT BARBADOS

For now, those who discover EAST can have a chef from The Crane Resort come to cater candle-lit al fresco meals under a canopy of stars, and

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WOMEN MAKING WAVES

LEFT TO RIGHT: JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ, ISABELLA ARAUJO, DIANA CASTELLANOS, DANI DOUCETTE, KEYSI SAYAGO AND YERALDIN VALENCIA

El Break Television recognizes six inspiring Canadian women who are trailblazers in their industries in its second Women of Influence series.

to do it again,” says Natalie Rivera, El Break’s co-founder. “These women show others what’s possible.”

Rivera and co-founder Stefania Serna hold a heartfelt place for women who have overcome significant challenges. Originally from Colombia, the co-founders handle every aspect of making El Break a TV station with upwards of a million Latin and other viewers.

Various criteria, including reflecting Canada’s diversity, were again used to select this year’s women. “We broadened the focus to include areas where women aren’t getting the recognition they

For a second consecutive year, the national Spanish-language television station El Break is shining a spotlight on accomplished Canadian women. Women of Influence focuses on female

deserve, such as the arts and social media,” Rivera adds.

Ultimately, they selected six women who have made significant impacts on their industries and Canada.

professionals and entrepreneurs whose success readily inspires

This year’s selections include Living Luxe co-founder and

others. “We had such positive feedback after last year that we had

publisher Jennifer Lipkowitz. El Break recognized her pivotal

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WOMEN WHO INSPIRE WWW.ELBREAKTV.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YADÚ YADID FEREAUD

By Julie Gedeon

“WOMEN OF INFLUENCE FOCUSES ON FEMALE PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS WHOSE SUCCESS READILY INSPIRES OTHERS.” role in putting Toronto design on the world stage. “It’s amazing

wonderful to learn the unique process each of them undertook to

what she’s accomplished with the magazine and organizing the

achieve their goals,” Rivera says.

incredible Living Luxe Design Show every year,” Serna says.

Another honoree, Isabella Araujo, moved to Canada from Brazil

El Break airs on OmniOne on Sundays at 8 PM, Wednesdays at 10

three years ago. What started as “Bella in Toronto,” an online

AM and 1 PM, and Fridays at 9 AM, or tune into OndasFM at 91.9

series documenting her life, has blossomed into a thriving social

FM on Saturdays from 6 AM to 10 AM. Listeners from around the

media platform where she shares video clips about her favourite

world can tune in at ondasfm.ca.

spots, fashion finds and special city moments. “She exemplifies how women are effectively using social media to reach out to younger people,” Rivera says. “We don’t give enough credit to all the work that goes into being a successful influencer.”

After being crowned Miss Venezuela 2016 and finishing among the top five Miss Universe contestants, Keysi Sayago became a mechanical engineer. Since moving to Toronto, she has contributed to major GTA construction projects, resumed modelling in support of top designers and her own Panthera jewelry collection, and has become a mother. “She’s put her pageantry recognition towards helping food service organizations in Venezuela as well as the Engagement Foundation in Canada,” Serna says. “The message in her motivational talks is always how true beauty resonates from within.”

Dani Doucette is a trailblazing Canadian pop-dance artist. Her single FireAlarm dominated Canada’s music charts last year, and her follow-up self-love anthem Hello Shadow has been streamed more than three million times. In Feminenergy, she encourages women to take the space they need.

Yeraldin Valencia has been a leading automotive sales consultant for over a decade. “It’s her ability to connect with her clients and understand their specific needs that sets her apart in a still maledominated business,” Serna says. “Fluent in English and Spanish, she’s served the GTA with a deep commitment to empowering its The GTA also benefits from the real-estate know-how of Diana Castellanos. Originally from Colombia, she’s become a soughtafter representative. Her construction and property management experience have earned her a reputation for delivering exceptional results for developers, investors and buyers.

All of this year’s women have been featured on El Break. “It’s

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WOMEN WHO INSPIRE WWW.ELBREAKTV.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YADÚ YADID FEREAUD

Latino community.”

By Ellen Schwartz

Who would have thought that the day I brought my son into

to teaching students to become empathetic, compassionate and

my grade four classroom, it would change my whole trajectory

community-minded young leaders. The logo, a boomerang, is a

in education? I was a teacher for years and loved every moment

constant reminder that the more kindness we throw out into the

of inspiring the next generation. One day, my eldest son’s nurse

world, the more it comes back to us.

cancelled her shift with Jacob at the last minute. There was no time

It has been more than 20 years since that first catalytic class with

to arrange for a supply teacher, so Jacob came to school with me.

Jacob. Project Give Back is now a staple curriculum in public, private

At first, my grade four students were puzzled and caught off guard

and parochial schools. Facilitated by a team of caring and nurturing

as I wheeled in our special classroom visitor. “How can I speak

educators, it has helped tens of thousands of students and provided

to someone who can’t speak back?” Jacob was born with a rare

thousands of children with a voice to become ambassadors for

neurodegenerative illness that has no cure or treatment. He was

hundreds of inspiring charities. During these classroom discussions,

unable to walk, talk, see or move.

young minds become open to the wide world around them in a

I held Jacob in my lap, and the students peppered us with questions. It didn’t take long for the students to see Our Jacob,

To learn more about Project Give Back and how you can support

the person I adored and loved, rather than Sick Jacob, a boy

its growth, please check out our website, www.projectgiveback.com.

with severe and complex needs. The students made a friendship

Ellen Schwartz is the founder of Project Give Back and the author

they have never forgotten, and I morphed my teaching into

of Lessons from Jacob, Without One Word Spoken and The Puddle

an entirely new stratosphere, one of empathy, compassion

Jumper.

and community-mindedness.

That same day, I asked all of the students to find a cause or charity that inspired them and their families. The following day, these wide-eyed and excited students came back with their own unique stories. Together, we worked to develop each one so they could passionately share them with the rest of us. Once we were ready, the students became the teachers, and we all became their students—and Project Give Back was born.

Project Give Back is a passion-based curriculum dedicated

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positive, nurturing and safe manner.

PHILANTHROPY

WWW.PROJECTGIVEBACK.COM

IMAGES COURTESY OF PROJECT GIVE BACK

THE MORE WE GIVE

Long-time educator Ellen Schwartz explains how she founded Project Give Back, a passion-based curriculum that teaches students to become empathetic and compassionate leaders in their communities.

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SPRING-READY REFRESH

BELOW: These gorgeous, trending, hand-decorated canisters from MacKenzie-Childs come in a set with three different sizes. They are perfect for elegantly storing everything from knick-knacks to small kitchen tools and more.

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Available in classic colours that match any decor.

It’s time for a little spring reset, and TSC host Natalie Belmont is here to help with her top picks. Embrace the season of renewal with stylish kitchen upgrades that add refreshing pops of colour to your space and inspire your inner chef. Plus, catch up on your beauty rest with luxurious bedding. Read on for more favourites sure to spruce up any kitchen or bedroom this spring.

BELOW: Elevate breakfast, lunch or brunch and add retro style to your kitchen with SMEG. These iconic, quality products cover everything from freshly squeezed orange juice to toast and afternoon tea.

BELOW: Whether you’re whipping up dozens of chocolate chip cookies or pounds of shredded chicken for Taco Tuesday, the KitchenAid 5-Quart mixer has you covered. Pair it with the universal mixing bowls and gourmet knife set to handle all your spring meal prep with ease.

ABOVE: With ten speeds to choose from, this powerful Vitamix Explorian blender lets you dial up the perfect texture for anything from soups to smoothies, salsas and more. Plus it comes with a 32-ounce dry grains container.

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LEFT: If you’re searching for new forever kitchenware, look no further than Le Creuset. The braiser is made from enameled cast-iron, for even heat distribution and easy cleaning. The colourful dinnerware brings any table setting to life and the tool set is a must in your kitchen.

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From showroom to home, Canaroma Bath and Tile curates stunning, trend-forward spaces with a personal touch that comes from being familyowned for nearly 50 years.

Piacentini of Toronto’s Canaroma Bath and Tile—and he means that both literally and figuratively. The kitchen and bathroom company started in 1979 when Piacentini’s father, Frank, teamed up with his brother-in-law, Roy Mancini, to innovate the industry.

Instead of presenting individual bathroom components to customers, Canaroma took inspiration from Italian showrooms and presented entire finished suites just as they would be viewed in a home. The outcome was an instant win-win: products were seen in their best light and clients could easily envision transforming their spaces. Canaroma—a portmanteau name combining “Canada” and “Rome”—was born.

The owners’ sons are still active in ensuring that Canaroma

By Rosie Prata

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COMPANY PROFILE

WWW.CANAROMA.CA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAFI MAKUSH

FAMILY MATTERS

“Canaroma isn’t just a company; it’s a family,” says Andrew

MARYAMDESIGNSTUDIO.CA

showerheads and natural materials complemented by sustainable

satisfaction, and they are now joined by a group of experts

technology, such as water-saving faucets and LED mirrors. Tiles

specializing in design, tiling and plumbing, custom home building,

are going large with minimal grout lines for a serene, modern

and more. “What defines us is more than just our products—it’s

look, while unique vessel sinks and richly hued vanities add a

our values,” Piacentini says. “We’ve built our business on heart,

dose of bold personality. In both kitchens and bathrooms, mixing

hard work, honesty and respect, and we seek those same qualities

materials has become a popular way for people to express a sense

in our team.”

of dynamic eclecticism.

Over the past 45 years, Piacentini says, the team’s passion for

“Our selection spans a diverse range of styles, colours and

design has only grown. “We meticulously curate our collections

materials, from contemporary and traditional to truly one-of-a-

through extensive research, global sourcing and attending

kind designs,” Piacentini says, and the Canaroma showroom is

international design shows—always staying ahead of emerging

proof. For those who want their kitchen and bathrooms to be

trends.” Among those emerging trends in kitchen design: a move

the masterpieces of their homes, look to French company THG

away from stark whites toward warm, natural tones such as taupe,

Paris’s Beyond Crystal collection, a collaboration with Baccarat

beige and deep green; sleek, handle-free, minimalist cabinetry;

that features crystal-embedded faucets, or to the hand-painted

statement backsplashes; and smart technology such as touchless

porcelain sinks by New York-based Sherle Wagner, which are

faucets and app-controlled appliances.

functioning works of art with details crafted in gold and platinum.

Similarly, in bathroom design Canaroma has noticed more

Italian heritage brand Fantini is revered for its streamlined and

clients wanting to create a spa-like ambience at home, with rain

architectural faucets, while California-founded Kallista’s Juxtapose

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COMPANY PROFILE

WWW.CANAROMA.CA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAFI MAKUSH

stays true to its roots in delivering the highest level of customer

w w w. b r a a m s . c a

collection by Mick De Giulio mixes metals for a chic, modern look. The highly versatile Galley Workstation is a groundbreaking culinary innovation that answers the question “what if a kitchen could behave like a Swiss army knife?” foot Toronto showroom is guaranteed to spark inspiration in designers, tradespeople and

homeowners

alike,

whatever

their

tastes. “We strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment for both our staff and customers,” Piacentini says. With the company’s knowledgeable and friendly team members onsite to provide personalized design assistance, clients can confidently navigate the vast array of luxury products with expert guidance from a trusted source.

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COMPANY PROFILE

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAFI MAKUSH

A visit to Canaroma’s 20,000-square-

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A STONE’S THROW Stone supplier Cava Surfaces brings the best of Italy’s quarries to design enthusiasts in Toronto, thanks to relationships forged over the past two decades.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARIQ DARWISH

By Susan Semenak

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COMPANY PROFILE

WWW.CAVASURFACES.CA

A WORLD OF P OS S I B I L I T I E S FO R YO U R B AT H R OOM

Looking out across the Apuan Alps just outside the Italian city of Carrara, in northernmost Tuscany, you might think snow dusts the craggy mountaintops. But actually, the gleaming cliff faces are Carrara’s eponymous marble, which has been quarried here since ancient Roman times.

Toronto stone supplier Cava Surfaces has carved out a name for itself for its breathtaking selection of premium, hand-selected marble that comes from these very mountains, along with an array of exquisitely coloured and detailed quartzite, granite and engineered stone from district feels like a museum of marble and other extravagant stone surfaces: polished smooth, burnished to a honed satin finish or textured with fluted, reeded and hammered markings.

“Curated by nature” is Cava’s slogan, and company founder and owner Joe Barranca has forged close and lasting relationships with Carrara’s quarry owners in the nearly two decades he has been in business. Every year in September, he and his team travel to Carrara to choose and reserve the very best slabs they can find on the mountainside. While there, they also attend the Marmomac international stone show in Verona, which brings together stone suppliers from South America, China, Turkey and Iran.

Cava Surfaces sales manager Tariq Darwish says this yearly

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COMPANY PROFILE

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARIQ DARWISH

Spain and Brazil. The company’s showroom in the North York design

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pilgrimage to Carrara—known as “the mecca of marble”—is what

engineered stones. Darwish says he is especially excited by the

differentiates the company from its competitors, who mostly

astonishing variety of pinks and greens in the quartzite that Cava

place their orders from a distance. “It is awe-inspiring to get in

imports from Espirito Santo on the east coast of Brazil, as well

a truck and scale the mountain along narrow winding roads

as the region’s Taj Mahal quartzite with its crystal-like beige and

through open-air quarries. All around you is luminous marble,”

brown veining.

Darwish says. “At first, all you see are the dusty stone surfaces.

And though most people think of honed or polished stone when

But then the quarriers turn on their hoses, and as if by magic, the

dreaming of a backsplash or bathroom vanity, Darwish says

true colours and veining of the wet stone blocks come to life. It

new cutting technologies have introduced many other finishes,

positively glows.”

including leathered and three-dimensional fluted and reeded

Darwish says that he and the Cava team are on the lookout

patterns, which offer a novel way to bring a dramatic look to

for the finest pieces of marble with the truest white backgrounds

contemporary spaces, and bush-hammering, which renders the

and the cleanest, sharpest veining. They keep their eyes open for

stone’s surface rough and rocky. “In 2025, it’s all about texture,”

hidden fissures that might weaken the stone and hazed sections

Darwish says.

where the colour contrasts are not quite bold enough. “We want

But even as trends come and go, Cava has been, and always will

to be here ourselves, seeing the blocks being cut, choosing the

be, about relationships. “Our deep-rooted connections in Carrara

ones that are the most spectacular,” he says.

allow us to source the most unique stones, setting us apart in

Though Italian marble comprises more than 60 per cent of Cava’s sales, the company also stocks granite, onyx, quartzite and

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COMPANY PROFILE

WWW.CAVASURFACES.CA

Toronto’s design district,” Darwish says. “We curate only the exceptional.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARIQ DARWISH

“WE WANT TO BE HERE OURSELVES, SEEING THE BLOCKS BEING CUT, CHOOSING THE ONES THAT ARE THE MOST SPECTACULAR.”

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.

PERSONALIZED ESCAPE With smart controls for steam, music and lighting, Kohler’s Anthem+ digital control transforms showering into a fully customizable wellness experience.

By Rosie Prata

People often say that they do their best thinking in the shower, so it follows that a more holistic shower experience would lead to dreaming up more creative breakthroughs. Those seeking such inspiration should look no further than Kohler’s new Anthem+ digital control, the latest innovation from one of the world’s leading brands in kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

“What Kohler is trying to do is to bring a true wellness experience to our consumers within their homes,” says Kohler Canada’s Director of Marketing Amy Hampton-Davies. “With this particular product, you have the opportunity to interact with a digital interface that is modern, elegant, intuitive and easy to use.”

The sleek, sophisticated design—available in eight contemporary finishes—allows users to not only control the water functionality within the showering space but also to calibrate steam, music and lighting according to each individual’s preferences. “Whatever phase you’re in within your day and whatever sort of routine or nourishment you need in your life, you can really lean into the functionality of this digital shower to customize an experience that’s very personal to you,” says Hampton-Davies.

Whether you need a high-pressure, energizing pick-me-up in the morning to get ready for a busy day, prefer to wind down in the evening with a gentle mist, or want to mimic the cold plunge trend at home by adding an invigoratingly icy blast at the end of your shower, Kohler’s innovation lets each user play with perfecting their own experience. Nine preset programs allow each member of

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“WHAT KOHLER IS TRYING TO DO IS TO BRING A TRUE WELLNESS EXPERIENCE TO OUR CONSUMERS WITHIN THEIR HOMES.” hassle of manually adjusting valves every time.

experience, you could do that too.”

Pairing a smartphone with the Kohler Konnect app allows

“There’s also an eco-mode version, which is important for some

people to tap into their ideal shower with a text message, and

clients because it’s more water-saving,” says Hampton-Davies.

an optional remote makes it possible to start the shower before

A summary screen helps people monitor their water usage in

you even step through the door—no more cold water startling

real-time and adjust accordingly to reduce waste—a tremendous

your skin as the pipes warm up. The system also integrates

advancement towards helping households efficiently manage

with smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google

their environmental footprints.

Assistant, allowing voice-command activation for recreating the

“You could have body sprays, rain heads, shower heads, hand

spa experience at home.

showers,” Hampton-Davies says, explaining that the Anthem+

Sleek, smart and sustainable, with options to curate temperature,

system is configured for up to 12 outlets. “It’s totally customizable

pressure, spray patterns, duration, steam, music and lighting,

and very flexible, depending on the size of the shower and the

Kohler’s Anthem+ digital control refreshes the entire bathroom

experience that you want.” There is the option to use just one

atmosphere with a single innovation. Technology that is calibrated

outlet at a time if the user wants to conserve water, or, as

to enhance an essential life activity according to each user’s

Hampton-Davies says lightheartedly, “If you want the car wash

personal preferences? Now, that is an excellent idea.

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PRODUCT PROFILE

WWW.KOHLER.CA

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.

the household to store their own specific settings, removing the

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COMPANY PROFILE

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By Susan Kelly

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PATTERNED CONCRETE

CONCRETE SOLUTIONS

Toronto-based Patterned Concrete combines advanced design and safetyoriented technology in architectural concrete to help homeowners enjoy refined outdoor living.

Warmer days bring more opportunities to luxuriate outdoors. But it’s

installed concrete can last up to 25 years. From the outset, the

also the season that reveals any damage done to the hard surfaces on

company did this standard poured material differently, developing

driveways, patios and pool areas previously hidden by snow and ice.

the tools and unique finishes that have made it a global name. Today,

And as style-conscious homeowners turn their attention outdoors,

it imprints concrete with an array of textures, patinas and polished

they may cast a critical eye on the hardscaping design, wishing it

finishes; there are more than 50 unique, proprietary Signature

better complemented their home.

finishes to choose from.

If it’s time for a refresh, there are many reasons to opt for

Patterned Concrete Ontario serves the GTA and is the winner of

architectural stamped concrete, says Joe Guida, the president

nine concrete design awards. Its creative and technical teams can

of Patterned Concrete, a North York-based company that has

field any challenge from the contractors, homeowners and designers

specialized in the versatile material for nearly half a century. “Our

it works with. These days, that can mean artistic inlaid patterns,

products can give you the luxurious look of natural stone,” he says,

flowing curves or elegant moulded shapes, not only on driveways

“But concrete is both durable and low maintenance and versatile

and walks but patios, outdoor kitchens, pool surrounds and gazebos.

enough to create installations that are bespoke works of beauty.”

The in-house design professionals elevate outdoor living areas with

And it will be beauty that stands the test of time, as properly

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COMPANY PROFILE

WWW.PATTERNEDCONCRETE.CA

functional integrated plans that flow beautifully, front to back.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PATTERNED CONCRETE

“CONCRETE IS BOTH DURABLE AND LOW MAINTENANCE AND VERSATILE ENOUGH TO CREATE INSTALLATIONS THAT ARE BESPOKE WORKS OF BEAUTY.”

MATINA CHASIOTI

CHRIS STAVROS

CEO & Managing Director

Director of Service, Installation & Support

1344 Queen Street East, Toronto | epalwindows.ca

@epal_northamerica

Function also is important for clients, Guida notes. For anyone installing a new driveway or sidewalk, this expert advises prioritizing one highly practical feature. “Last winter’s heavy snowfall really brought home what a hassle it can be to keep them clear of ice and snow,” he says. “Installing a snowmelt system under your concrete surfaces now will save a lot of shoveling later and is an excellent way to keep you and your making as it reduces the chance of damage caused by freeze-thaw conditions, salt or plowing.

Luxe options that appeal to homeowners in 2025 include patterned concrete with the look and feel of European cobblestones and brick. It beautifully complements not only traditional-style homes but more contemporary architecture, too. Concrete that emulates slate, flagstone or river rock is also trending. Aesthetically pleasing, these textures provide the extra benefit of safety, as their textured surfaces are more slip-resistant. “Trends come and go, but given the longevity of Patterned Concrete outdoor surfaces, it’s best to think timeless,” Guida says. “Our designers can help create a look that is truly in harmony with your home and makes the most of your investment.”

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COMPANY PROFILE

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FLAWLESS FIXTURES Set to be available at the end of 2025, Vogt Industries’ new line of Zauber faucets is already making waves with its sleek design, high-tech capabilities and plenty of customization options.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VOGT INDUSTRIES

By Susan Semenak

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become flush. “Imagine you have a beautifully veined stone sink

a focal point where design and function come together—“the

or countertop,” Kevsehi says. “You can have your fabricator cut out

jewellery of the kitchen and bath.” Kevsehi is co-founder and head

the same material to install in the handles.”

of sales at Vogt Industries, which recently unveiled its new line of

The thoughtful design extends beyond the handles. The faucet

Zauber faucets. The revolutionary new fixtures for kitchens and

is equipped with advanced touchless sensor technology, allowing

bathrooms have already been nominated for a Living Luxe Design

users to turn the water on and off with just a wave of the hand.

Award for their modern and innovative design.

It’s a feature especially useful for promoting better hygiene and

Kevsehi says the magic of the Zauber faucet (named after the

reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination in busy kitchens.

German word for magic) is in the way it elegantly integrates with

The Zauber faucets also come with a pull-down nozzle that easily

its surroundings. “It’s all in the handles, which can be placed

switches between a powerful spray for rinsing and a gentle stream

anywhere—on the side of the faucet or on a wall or behind the sink.

for filling pots or washing delicate items.

The look is so sleek it can blend in anywhere, into any design.”

Vogt’s in-house research and development team spent two

When pushed down, these elegant handles, which can be

years creating the Zauber in the brand’s Mississauga studios, then

customized to match any surface, descend into the countertop and

went even further by adding a selection of customizable rings in

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VOGT INDUSTRIES

To Reka Kevsehi, a faucet isn’t just a dispenser of water. It’s also

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different colours and textures. “You can do matte white and black or black and gold,” Kevsehi says. “Or you might want to add a little texture to the middle. It’s up to you.” The Zauber is available in a wide array of colours and finishes, from polished chrome and matte black to gunmetal grey and matte white. Vogt Industries’ newest colour, cognac bronze, aligns with the latest trends toward warmer colour palettes and more natural aesthetics for kitchens Kevsehi notes that from the beginning of the design process, ease of use was key to the Zauber. The fixtures needed to be simple to install, use and clean, and they needed to balance style and durability. The fixtures are coated with an advanced superdurable finish, applied right to the brass surface of the faucet and handles to make them long-lasting and chip- and scratchresistant. The added bonus, Kevsehi says, is that the finish repels water spots and mineral build-up, hides fingerprints and makes cleaning as simple as a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth.

Beyond their stylish look and durability, the Zauber faucets are designed with water-saving technology, limiting flow rates without sacrificing performance. And the finish is applied using an emission-free process. So it’s jewellery for the kitchen or bathroom that you can feel good about for years to come.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VOGT INDUSTRIES

and bathrooms.

(

)

By Charlotte Bushnell-Boates

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JURA ELEKTROAPPARATE AG

A FRESH BREW

Cutting-edge technology meets great taste with JURA’s new S8 machine.

With the sweet foam function and 27 drink options, it’s the ultimate experience for coffee aficionados.

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E L E VAT E YOUR BRAND. NOW ACCEPTING EXCLUSIVE CLIENTS

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Few things are more enticing than a cup of steaming, perfectly

The S8 is complete with a range of precise and quality-focused

prepared coffee. And coffee aficionados need not venture out of

features that all come together to create the best possible cup of

the house to get that perfect brew. Enjoying a premium coffee

coffee. One of these features is the sweet foam function, which

at home is entirely possible with the right coffee machine that’s

directly infuses milk with a user’s flavour of choice for extra

geared toward exceptional quality and durability.

smooth and delicious results.

JURA’s newest automatic coffee machine—the S8 (available in

“One thing that JURA is incredible at doing is taking coffee

Chrome or Dark Inox)—promises just that. With the S8, JURA is

trends that are currently found only in the cafe environment and

continuing to reimagine the at-home coffee experience. Offering

bringing them right into your home,” says Papastathopoulos. With

innovative features, easy use, customization options and a sleek

27 different drink options, the S8 is fully equipped for making

stylish design, the S8 has everything needed to brew your perfect cup.

your ideal coffee at home, whether that’s a classic cup of joe or

“This takes the S8 to a whole new level—it really is a premium model

something more customized. The S8 also offers the capability to

and elevates the experience,” says Chris Papastathopoulos, JURA’s

make two espressos or coffees at once—perfect for a busy morning.

national sales manager. “It’s perfect for coffee aficionados. You’ve got

JURA is known for bringing together technology with style,

incredible functionality with a beautiful simple swipe screen, sweet

and the S8 is no exception. It offers a 4.3-inch touchscreen with

foam, the one-touch milk cleaning system and so much more.”

a simple swipe-through operating system and graphics that make

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JURA ELEKTROAPPARATE AG

“OFFERING INNOVATIVE FEATURES, EASY USE, CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS AND A SLEEK STYLISH DESIGN, THE S8 HAS EVERYTHING NEEDED TO BREW YOUR PERFECT CUP.”

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it easy to find what you’re looking for—even if you haven’t quite woken up yet. “It’s a revolutionary screen in terms of what it brings to the marketplace,” Papastathopoulos says. “The actual swipe function is the closest that I’ve seen to your mobile phone.

Another standout feature of the S8 is the second-generation Professional Aroma Grinder, which grinds coffee beans to extremely high standards for an exceptional cup. With specialized functionality and an intelligent rest mode, this grinder is designed to give consistently outstanding flavour.

As everyone has their own coffee preferences, the S8 is also designed with built-in capabilities for extensive customization, allowing each member of the house to optimize the machine and create a cup of coffee that’s not only exceptionally delicious but perfectly their own.

A wide range of factors can be adjusted, including size, strength, temperature and the amount of milk.

“The S8 machine performs on so many different levels that you know you can rely on it for a perfect coffee,” Papastathopoulos says.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JURA ELEKTROAPPARATE AG

It’s easy to use and very responsive.”

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF

ZAUBER Designed and engineered in Canada,

Zauber redefines luxury with advanced infrared sensors and push-to-conceal handles, seamlessly blending innovation with elegance.

Canadian Born. European Inspired.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY IKONICA

92

COMPANY PROFILE WWW.RDESIGNRUGS.COM

CUT A RUG With the launch of R:DESIGN, Reznick Carpets puts a fresh spin on an ancient craft.

By Eve Thomas

Robyn Waffle loves rugs so much, she wrote an ode to them on the R:DESIGN website. It contains poetic passages like, “Rugs lead you down a corridor… they cushion your baby’s fall ... you can make little fists with your toes in them …” And she reveals her raison d’être: Carpets aren’t just her job, they’re her passion.

“I’m obsessed with them,” says Waffle, who first started working with Reznick Carpets in 2011. She was an artist, creating large-scale drawings and paintings, and owner Jordan Reznick hired her to create bold, experimental designs for his company at the time, Modallion, including woven portraits of Lady Gaga and Frida Kahlo. She was enthralled by this new medium and went on to explore it further, winning awards, working for one of the largest rug companies in Europe and running her own business.

93

than a rug store—welcoming and chic. “There are a lot of rug companies in Toronto that have been here for a long time, and it

launch a fresh, forward-looking brand—R:DESIGN—he got back

can be pretty competitive, even secretive, very Old World,” Waffle

in touch, and Waffle was more than happy to join the company as

says. “So, it’s special to come into the showroom and experience

creative director and lead rug designer.

this. Clients are always impressed.”

Last September, in Toronto’s Castlefield Design District, more

Adds Reznick: “After years in the industry, we felt an undeniable

than 200 buzzing members of the design community were

pull to redefine what a rug and carpet showroom could be: an

welcomed to the R:DESIGN showroom for cocktails and canapés,

inspiring, design-driven space where artistry meets functionality.”

as well as a first look at Waffle’s inaugural collection: Neutral

Customers are currently split between walk-ins looking to buy

Curves, a series of rugs hand-knotted in Nepal and made of wool,

carpets for their homes, including in-stock rugs and broadloom,

silk, mohair and nettle fibres.

and interior designers interested in custom carpeting for their

The 6,000-square-foot showroom is integral to the vision shared

projects. The showroom is also where the company hosts lunch-

by Reznick and Waffle. The airy space was built from scratch, and

and-learns, where they can show potential collaborators what

Waffle says they wanted it to feel more like a European art gallery

they do. It’s a welcome relief from the tradition of visiting offices

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY IKONICA

In 2023, when Reznick (who also owns Reznick Event Carpets, supplying major events including the Junos and TIFF) wanted to

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with a suitcase full of samples.

Part of the “learning” is just that—education. About who makes rugs, why they’re special, and, yes, why they can cost a lot. Waffle

thanks to Reznick, who has travelled the globe, sourcing and visiting talented weavers in Nepal, India and beyond. The trusted teams, she says, “do a lot of the heavy lifting.”

says a lot of North Americans have some catching up to do. “In

“It’s not something you can go to school for,” she adds. “It takes

many other countries, rugs are royalty—essentially sculptures for

generational connections to have access to those weavers—and

your floor, sculpted in silk, hemp; even diamonds and crystals can

Jordan has them. That’s the beauty of our process. We have passion

be woven into them. And they’ll last hundreds of years. There’s a

and deep knowledge of the craft and can also create anything for

sense of romance and immortality to them.”

anybody. Either way, we go above and beyond to help clients find

Part of that education is one Waffle got herself over the years,

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COMPANY PROFILE WWW.RDESIGNRUGS.COM

the perfect piece for their vision.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IKONICA

“AFTER YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, WE FELT AN UNDENIABLE PULL TO REDEFINE WHAT A RUG AND CARPET SHOWROOM COULD BE: AN INSPIRING, DESIGN-DRIVEN SPACE WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS FUNCTIONALITY.”

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As the weather gets warmer, this season is all about whimsical floral patterns. For a lowcommitment, high-impact take on the trend, opt for new bedding in a high-quality material.

up bedrooms over the warm months ahead. At David’s Fine Linens’ locations in North York’s Bayview Village Shopping Centre and the Toronto Design District—and its online shop—the choice of florals abounds. “Prints—especially florals in watercolour pastels— are huge,” says founder and owner David Saini. “We’re particularly seeing quite strong pastels in style for spring.”

Saini took the time to speak with Living Luxe before setting off for Europe again to discover all the latest trends. Even after more than 50 years of being in business, Saini still frequently attends trade shows in Europe and Asia to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s new and next. “I consider it an essential investment in my knowledge and experience,” he says. “I’m up to date with

By Julie Gedeon

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FESTIVE FLORALS

Spring has sprung with a myriad of new floral patterns to brighten

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the latest and can share what I learn to serve our customers with global expertise.”

seasons than other fabrics,” he says.

After years of gravitating toward sophisticated jacquard sheets

who dread the endless ironing that it may require, don’t panic. “As

in intense solid tones to complement the trending cooler grey

long as you buy stonewashed—and not just garment-washed—

walls, people are now seeking softer, warmer colours in more

linen, it’s fine to put straight from the dryer back onto a bed for a

whimsical patterns. And unlike something more permanent,

relaxed look.” Presenting guests with fresh linens—real linens—is

such as wallpaper or paint, bedding can easily be swapped out

a nice touch, and many people opt for the natural fibre because it’s

with shifting moods, seasons and trends. “A change to spring

more breathable than cotton while still being soft, though sateen

bedding is such a simple and quick way to freshen up a bedroom

remains Saini’s personal favourite. “But all these fabrics are nice

for homeowners or their guests,” Saini says. “We have nearly 100

choices as long as you buy quality, which is why all of our sheets

different prints that people can select for this season.”

have at least an 80-by-80 yarn count,” he says.

While patterns are bigger and bolder, the new bed sets refrain

Higher yarn counts provide much greater value in terms of a

from becoming overly busy by having the sheets in a solid tone

product’s longevity, and the bold patterns that are popular right

corresponding to a key colour in the floral duvet, coverlet or

now come out much sharper and more vibrant, even if the same

pillow shams. “A rich pastel blue or green is the most popular

printing process is used. Ultimately, Saini says, it’s up to the

match right now,” Saini says.

individual sleeper to decide what they prefer. “Fabric is such a

For those also seeking a change in the feel of this spring’s sheets, percale is regaining popularity. “There’s a slight crispness to its weave that some people find breathes more during the warmer

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personal choice.” Luckily, there’s no shortage of options at David’s Fine Linens for springtime and beyond.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAVID’S FINE LINENS

Linen is also making a big comeback worldwide, but for those

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A LEGAL AFFAIR

1

Toronto’s legal community gathered at the Toronto Lawyers’ Association Awards Gala to celebrate excellence.

3

The

2025

2

Toronto

Association

4

Lawyers’

Awards

Gala

brought together Toronto’s legal community at The Omni King Edward Hotel to celebrate its outstanding members. Each year, the gala highlights leaders from various generations and areas of law, as well as legal organizations,

5

6

6

to showcase their hard work and dedication. The evening featured three key awards: The Award of

Distinction,

presented

to

Mark J. Sandler for his lifetime of excellence; the Honsberger Award,

given

to

Shantona

Chaudhury for her commitment

8

to knowledge, advocacy and community;

and

the

Emerging

Excellence

TLA Award,

7

awarded to Adam Goldenberg for his leadership and innovation learn more about the association and its impact on Toronto’s legal community, please visit tlaonline.ca.

1. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SHANTONA CHAUDHURY, PAUL PAPE, THE HONOURABLE LOUISE ARBOUR, THE HONOURABLE IAN BINNIE, EMILIE TAMAN AND THE HONOURABLE SUSAN LANG 2. JOSH KOZIEBROCKI (LEFT) AND JULIE STANCHIERI 3. THE HONOURABLE HARRY LAFORME (LEFT) AND MARK SANDLER 4. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: RUTH ARULIAH, GREY WEN, SHAWNEE MATINNIA, MEGAN ZANETTE, ALEIDA PRINZEN AND BORIS ENG 5. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: KERRI PARSLOW, KATHRYN MANNING, ANDREW VANKOUGHNETT, JULIE STANCHIERI AND TIM ANDREWS 6. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JENNIFER ARDUINI, JOANNA REZNICK, TERI LIU, LIDA MOAZZAM AND ROSEMARY COSENTINO 7. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: THE HONOURABLE BENJAMIN ZARNETT, MIRIAM YOUNG, IAN ROL AND CHIEF JUSTICE GEOFFREY MORAWETZ 8. EVENT GUESTS 9. SHANTONA CHAUDHURY (LEFT) AND ADAM GOLDENBERG

102

EVENTS

WWW.TLAONLINE.CA

9

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YVONNE BAMBRICK

in his first decade of practice. To

skona.ca

STAR POWER The duo behind Charlie’s Burgers and the CB Wine Program puts Toronto dining on the map.

2009 that gives free rein to the world’s top chefs (including many Canadians such as Matty Matheson, Jamie Kennedy and Michael Stadtlander). The ongoing series has been featured everywhere from

The Globe & Mail to Vogue, and Food & Wine included it in its 100

By Eve Thomas

Best New Food and Drink Experiences in the World.

It was the perfect pairing of their strengths: Stalteri came up in also be spotted as a guest judge on episodes of Iron Chef Canada and

country—celebrated. But most Canadians heard only about the win,

Top Chef Canada), while Carozza has decades of experience in every

not the years of work or the people involved behind the scenes. High

facet of the wine industry. As Carozza points out, sommelier courses

on that list helping to make it happen are Franco Stalteri and Donato

and studying are all well and good, but you’ve also got to “be out in

Carozza of Charlie’s Burgers and the CB Wine Program, a wine and

the field, visiting the vineyards, seeing the process, the cellars, the

spirits agency with a seriously tasteful track record.

bottling, meeting the families.”

The pair had already gained acclaim in the culinary world for

The CB dinners have always featured privately sourced wines,

Charlie’s Burgers, a series of ultra-exclusive dinners launched in

often offering bottles that are not available to the public, let alone for

104

FOOD & WINE WWW.CBWINEPROGRAM.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CB WINE PROGRAM

the restaurant industry and spent years as a chef headhunter (he can When Toronto got a Michelin Guide in 2022, the entire city—and

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DONATO CAROZZA (LEFT) AND FRANCO STALTERI

sale—no matter how frequently diners requested them. So, it was only a matter of time before the pair launched their next project: the CB Wine Program. Membership includes a monthly delivery with in-depth notes and an emphasis on smaller and emerging makers.

Members also get special perks, including a waived corkage fee at select restaurants every month. “We’re the only wine club in the world with a corkage fee agreement at Michelin-starred restaurants,” notes Stalteri.

As for that Michelin Guide, although the exact process is quite confidential, Stalteri reveals that it took about five years and involved a dedicated team, including Michelin’s Paris and New York offices and Destination Toronto. But the idea that Toronto was a worldclass culinary city deserving more recognition had been on the minds of Stalteri and Carozza from the start. “We’d been bringing in for the dinners, and in their downtime, we showed them the city’s best bars and restaurants,” says Stalteri. “They were always blown away by the level of quality, the diversity.”

He adds that sometimes it takes an outsider to show Canadians what they’ve got. Though Charlie’s Burgers and the CB Wine Program are proof that insiders do a pretty good job, too.

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FOOD & WINE WWW.CBWINEPROGRAM.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CB WINE PROGRAM

chefs from around the world—Rome, Copenhagen, across the U.S.—

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Celebrity CONNECTION For the past 50 years, Wolfgang Puck—a celebrity chef who hobnobs with stars as haute restaurateur and Oscar party caterer extraordinaire— has shone on the world stage. Here, he dishes on some of the high points of his illustrious career.

Photography by Wolfgang Puck Catering

Interview by Fabián Waintal Story by Susan Kelly Photography by AMPAS, Wolfgang Puck Catering

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Wolfgang Puck at the Oscars .

W

olfgang Puck, renowned for pioneering

spend most of his time in the kitchen helping her. "That

fusion cuisine, is one of the most recognized

was the first time I was in a professional kitchen, where

celebrity chefs in the world. For five decades,

everybody had big hats,” he tells us in our interview.

celebrities have flocked to his fine dining

He began formal training as a chef at the age of 14, and as

establishments. His culinary empire also includes catering

a young man, he worked in some of Europe's most illustrious

and casual dining options, and regular folks may know his

restaurants, including Maxim’s in Paris and the Hôtel de Paris

face from cookbook jackets, the label on his branded coffee

in Monaco. After a stint in New York City, at 24, he moved

or when buying his kitchenware.

to Indianapolis, where a friend had worked in a fine French

Highly visible every Oscar night, he is credited with making

restaurant called La Tour. A Formula One car racing fan,

the question “what are they eating?” as important as “what

Puck was lured by the famed Indianapolis 500. Expecting

are they wearing?” March’s 97th Academy Awards marked

it to be like Lyon or Monte Carlo, he found the Midwestern

the 31st time Puck and his culinary team fed a lavish spread

metropolis a bit of a shock—but having already spent all of his

to the Hollywood luminaries attending the annual Oscars

savings, he stayed and worked at La Tour from 1973 to 1975.

Governors Ball, the exclusive official after-party following

“The restaurant was pretty good,” he says. “I told them over

the Academy Awards. Alongside his son Byron, who spent

the phone, ‘I'm coming to Indianapolis, but don't ask me to

time at a restaurant near Barcelona before joining the

cook hot dogs and hamburgers.’”

family business, Puck served up a menu that included a

After moving to Los Angeles a few years later, he rose

bit of Spanish flair. “There are a few dishes that he learned

to the upper echelons of Hollywood’s culinary scene,

there but we modified a little bit,” Puck says in an exclusive

which was nothing short of meteoric. He came to the

interview with Living Luxe. “So we also have some croquettes

City of Angels to serve as chef of Ma Maison in West

with mushrooms and a little Serrano ham inside. We have

Hollywood. Celebrities quickly found his culinary brilliance

their bacalao dish, but I make it with a spicy tomato almond

irresistible. Later, when inducting him into the Hall of Fame,

sauce on mashed potatoes.”

the California Museum cited his pivotal role in developing

Along with refined delicacies like potato pavé with

California cuisine during the late 1970s. “He also launched

steak tartare and a wild mushroom and pea shumai, the

modern fusion cuisine by combining classic French

2025 menu included some signature dishes. Among

techniques with California and Asian influences, using fresh

them: truffle chicken pot pie, an iconic dish now

ingredients showcasing California’s agricultural bounty,” the

synonymous with Oscar dinner parties and, according

bio for his induction in 2019 reads.

to the chef, a favourite of Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

In 1982, Puck opened his first flagship restaurant, Spago.

Puck’s team also dished up small plates of macaroni

On the legendary Sunset Strip, the light-filled space with

and cheese and "bougie" tater tots topped with crème

colourful artwork was innovative in many ways. Most notably,

fraiche, caviar and herbs—reflective of the exquisitely

it was the first posh eatery to feature an open kitchen, where

ingenious flair with which this chef can take a humble

the celebrity elite hobnobbed with the chef. Puck’s winning

dish or simple ingredient and elevate it to the sublime.

personality, often described as a combination of quiet charm

That flair may have roots in his early years, which

and all-out showmanship, brought a new level of stardom to

the luminary opens up about in David Gelb’s 2021

112

the culinary scene.

documentary Wolfgang . Born in 1949 in southern

To this day, Hollywood’s A-list enjoys a warm welcome

Austria, close to Italy and Slovenia, Puck had an austere

in whatever kitchen he is in. Like at one Oscar party, when

childhood, with no indoor plumbing and simple fare

Martin Scorsese accosted him at the stove. “He wanted

on the family dinner table. A difficult relationship with

a pasta, just a simple pasta with tomato base, garlic

his stepfather motivated him to leave home as soon as

and everything, and a little spice in it,” Puck says in our

possible. A bright spot in his early memories was baking

exclusive interview. “So we made him the pasta that night,

cakes with his mother, Maria, who spent her summers

just for him. We can do special things all the time.”

as a professional chef in a nearby hotel. He credits her

It was in Spago’s early days that Puck created its

with inspiring his future career, particularly during his

legendary signature dish: house-smoked salmon pizza

formative years around the age of 11 when he would

napped with caviar. His Sonoma lamb with braised greens

Photography by AMPAS

Wolfgang Puck at Oscar party

113

was also a standout. He and the restaurant would go on to garner a slew of accolades over the next 18 years, including multiple Outstanding Chef of the Year awards from the James Beard Foundation.

In the early years of Spago, Puck also held his first Oscar viewing party. Though many television stars, such as Linda Evans and George Hamilton, attended, Hollywood’s biggest movie A-Listers, like Gene Kelly, Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant, all went to the party hosted by famous agent Swifty Lazar at another restaurant. So the following year Puck approached Lazar, who was a regular at Spago. “I told Swifty, ‘Why you don't do the Oscar party at Spago instead of the Bistro Garden?

You're gonna get at least good food,’” Puck recalls. They did the party, and all the big stars came, from Elizabeth Taylor and Fred Astaire to Johnny Carson.

Through the years, Puck has seen many more milestones: a slew of other restaurants across the U.S. and around the world, from Maui to Singapore to Budapest to Istanbul, a more chichi Beverly Hills location for Spago, and Michelin and Hollywood Walk of Fame stars.

His celebrity fans remain legion, and though a new roster of A-listers has risen, he continues to cook for Hollywood’s brightest. Such as George Clooney (“He is super nice all the time”). Lady Gaga is another favourite celebrity of his, and he recalls one time when she was in the backroom still getting ready. “She was so hungry, she couldn’t eat because they just had polished her nails,” he tells us.

But he’s also modest enough to admit that on rare occasions things might not work out the way he wants. Like the time he served Some Like It Hot star Jack Lemmon, who usually ordered a salad with canned tuna (accompanied by a martini, of course).

Puck served it with fresh seared tuna sourced from a local fish market. “He looked at it and said, ‘Is that cooked?’” the chef recalls. “Later, in the kitchen, I saw his plate back with a few solid leaves, but underneath he was hiding the raw tuna that I had prepared specially for him. He didn’t like it.”

Nowadays, Puck lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Ethiopian designer and philanthropist Gelila Assefa. He has four sons, now adults, two from a previous marriage. When the boys were young, he used to cook family dinners frequently, though these days, the younger two are more interested in going out with friends, he says. His wife sometimes does the honours, too, and amid all the accolades and Michelin stars and A-listers, his family keeps him grounded. He recalls a recent Sunday when, upon his return from a trip to Europe, Assefa served the family a special lasagna with lavish layers of Bolognese sauce and cheese that had taken close to four hours to prepare. “And then we asked the kids, ‘So? How is it? How is the pasta?’” Puck says.

“And the kids said to me, ‘Mom is almost as good as you.’”

Photography by AMPAS

Wolfgang Puck at Oscar party

KITCHEN EVOLUTION After 58 years in business, Downsview Kitchens separates the timeless from the trendy.

By Eve Thomas Photography by Daniel Newcomb

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T

o understand the present—and predict the future—you need to have a full view of the past.

Toronto-founded Downsview Kitchens has been in business since 1967, so when you step into one of the company’s showrooms, such as the location in Juno Beach, Florida, you’re not just seeing what’s on display; you’re getting a glimpse of what kitchens are, have been and will be.

“I would say this project has a very European, modern feel,” says Design Consultant Sean Daigle of the More

is “Noir” display in Downsview’s Juno showroom. It features Dekton Somnia countertops flush with rust-toned veins, porcelain tile flooring and cabinetry in a matte lacquer Truffle finish—already a sign of things to come in the world of kitchens and interior design. “The ubiquitous cold greys are becoming warmer,” Daigle says. “We are seeing more taupes, browns, creamier whites.”

Thirty-six years in the industry and 30 years with Downsview Kitchens have given Daigle some insight into both the company and the larger industry. Downsview is named after the Toronto suburb where founder Mike D’Uva—then a young cabinetmaker from Italy—first opened a workshop. Now, 58 years later, more than 200 employees (led by two generations of the D’Uva family) create state-of-the-art kitchens across North America.

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Daigle is also well-versed in the unique needs of Downsview’s

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whereas now you can order risotto across the country.

Florida clients. Most of his projects are new builds or tear-down-style

Daigle estimates half of the company’s clients are renovating

renovations, where they supply cabinetry for the entire homes, from

or building a second home (and many have already worked with

the main kitchen to closets and bathrooms. Exploring 100-year-old

Downsview on another property), so they are open to non-traditional

Palm Beach houses has shown his team how much the American

designs they might not choose for their main residences. They also have

kitchen has changed in a century.

an eye for entertaining and hosting family and friends at their Florida

“We often have access to the original floor plans, and you really

properties while they are in town. That means plenty of More is “Noir”-

see what a kitchen used to be. It was front of the house, no windows,

style modern designs—with its porcelain floors and blended-mineral

and most often built for the help.” Early on in his career, kitchens

counters—as well as outdoor kitchens or ones that give way onto the

were still a bit of an afterthought: “We’d just fill in all the space with

lanai, creating a breezy, seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

cabinetry.” And now? “Now the kitchen is the hub of the home,

Second-home status can also mean designing an entire kitchen around

everyone ends up there,” Daigle says. “Clients want to be involved.

a single holiday or two like one Daigle recalls creating for a homeowner

Many of our projects are on the ocean or waterways, and kitchens

who wanted to host a big Thanksgiving bash (with the requisite three

often have the best views in the whole house.”

ovens). Downsview also designs catering kitchens or spaces for personal

Another thing that has changed over the decades: “Trends

chefs, sometimes splitting one space into two—with a “family” kitchen

used to be regional—we’d have to go to design centres to see

in front with integrated appliances and features like induction cooktops,

tiles, fabric, and furniture in L.A., Atlanta, and New York,”

while the back kitchen is built for more extensive food prep.

notes Daigle. “And now clients can go to Pinterest or Houzz for

The Juno showroom reveals yet another change Daigle has noticed

inspiration.” Daigle relates it to the way Italian cuisine used to

over his decades in business: the evolution of man-made materials.

be hyper-regional, with each region boasting its specialty dish,

So much so that now, they are often as alluring as the natural ones—

although some clients still need convincing, especially older homeowners. And with good reason. “Thirty years ago, laminates and porcelain materials were very inauthentic. You could see the repeating patterns and how artificial materials were,” he says. “But many of the newer products are amazing, with durable laminates looking and feeling like real wood. It’s the same with porcelain and quartz. I used to be a real stone guy, but I’m changing my tune.”

In the end, when it comes to kitchen trends, good style is cyclical— in interiors as in fashion. Daigle says that the trendiest things he sees most at trade shows are the ones he knows won’t last.

As an example, he recalls a brief heyday of glass-front cabinetry— before designers realized it often didn’t survive the journey from Europe to New York. As opposed to, say, the marble found now and forever across Italy. Or the ebb and flow of gloss and matte finishes over the years. “Traditional design will come back,” he says. “It will just come back a little differently.”

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REDEFINING URBAN CHIC

Binns kitchen + bath design unveils SieMatic’s new urban design concept: an innovative and modern kitchen that can be customized to suit any need.

By Julie Gedeon

Photography by SieMatic

Binns kitchen + bath design presented state-of-the-art home design at the Living Luxe Design Show in April with a display from SieMatic’s innovative URBAN SG6 line. “We had a SieMatic kitchen set up so everyone could experience this wonderful modular approach for themselves,” says creative director and designer Beverley Binns.

SieMatic’s new URBAN line evolves the clean, minimalist elements of modernism

into a softer phase that is entirely customizable. “There’s a rounding of corners, a return to warmer organic tones and purposely open areas where homeowners can express their individuality while maintaining the aesthetic flow into adjacent spaces,” Binns says.

Art Deco nods infuse the innovation with exquisite details. “When you walk

around this kitchen, you discover all of these unique elements in the different patterns, textures and modular options,” Binns says. “The Hollywood bevel created for the countertop edges is not only beautifully decorative but prevents spillage.”

The swing back towards the warmer side of the colour wheel is a welcome

change after years of cooler tones. “Whenever the economy or the world, in general, becomes a bit more unsettled, our design aesthetic shifts to warmer shades and softer lines because we all need to feel even cozier at home,” Binns says.

Incorporating greenery is another new essential for setting a soothing tone

in city living. “When we’re primarily surrounded by concrete in a high-rise unit or loft, we need a touch of nature,” Binns says. The SieMatic modular lines can accommodate a custom-built planter alongside the island for easy access to fresh herbs. A discreet trough behind the sink is another great place to add plants, or it can be used as storage for frequently reached-for bottles.

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The handle-free cabinetry is made of a superior laminate that mimics a rich wood finish

maintaining the minimalist aesthetic. “This design gives us the spaces to tell our story by

while being super durable. And, Binns adds, “The warm charcoal tones are fingerprint

displaying important elements of our lives, whether it’s a conversational piece that we

resistant.” The modular aspects offer exceptional flexibility for customization, along with

picked up during our travels or the beautiful cookware that we use and should celebrate,”

adding practical elements, such as a rail for tea towels or a trivet at the end of a counter.

Binns says.

Focused on enduring craftsmanship, the overall design is purposely understated in

Ultimately, Binns notes, this kitchen design is about being practical while also

some of its elements. The finishes on the faucets, for example, are muted to blend with the

incorporating unexpected elements. For proof, just look at SieMatic’s elegant interpretation

earthier tones in a setting that prioritizes functionality. “You still admire its design, but it’s

of the classic hutch in the living area. “The urge to place glass cabinetry on both sides

no longer the showy piece,” Binns says. The same goes for wine storage. She notes that

of a hutch is resisted in favour of having just one cabinet with an exquisite reeded design

clients are increasingly opting for more discreet wine fridges that don’t have glass doors.

along with a larger open space defined by a stone backdrop and reed panelling,” she

When it comes to countertops, the timeless elegance of marble is still a favourite.

says. The secondary hutch in the dining room area brings modern flair to the very first

“Yes, it will likely get stained, but that becomes part of its character,” Binns says. “It adds

such buffet units manufactured by SieMatic in the 1920s. “It’s inspired by the modularity

to the beauty of this ageless stone and is a wonderful choice as long as people understand

that characterized homes a century ago with standalone elements that extended smaller

and appreciate its nature.” Otherwise, a wide range of stone or even concrete finishes

historic kitchens into a dining room or dinette,” Binns says. “It responds so well to the

complement the earthier elements of this design. The primarily monolithic slabs showcase

current desire for coffee bars and beverage centres that are now in our top five client

more pronounced colours and patterns in the countertops and backsplash.

requests.”

For those wanting to maximize design flow in an open-concept space, glass cabinetry,

As with the whole SieMatic line, available at Binns kitchen + bath design and on

fluted or flat panelling, and open shelving can be continued into adjacent rooms. “It all

view at its Toronto showroom, the hutch honours a long-standing history of design while

connects for a smooth continuation of this design’s story,” Binns says. And another perk:

keeping an eye toward the latest innovations and advancements.

Exposed shelving is a great opportunity for homeowners to personalize their kitchen while

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MAJESTIC Living

Infused with Italian flair, The Manor at 15 Chieftain Crescent seamlessly blends history and modernity in Toronto’s highly desirable Bridle Path neighbourhood.

By Samantha Vecchiarelli Photography by Tyler Mckeag

N

of

visionary design, attention to detail

Canada’s most esteemed

estled

in

one

and distinctive elements. “Wengle’s

and prestigious neigh-

use of authentic materials, such as real

bourhoods, 15 Chieftain

limestone and copper eavestroughs and

Crescent—aptly called The Manor—

downspouts, adds an unparalleled sense

is a timeless estate that spotlights the

of authenticity,” Hammond says. These

allure of Old World charm. “This

meticulously chosen features, coupled

home is truly unique,” says Jerry

with classic craftsmanship, cultivate a

Hammond, president and broker of

sense of lavish opulence, ensuring The

record at Hammond International

Manor retains its stylish grandeur for

Properties. Standing as the centrepiece

decades to come.

of a premier Bayview/York Mills/

Privacy and security are paramount at

Bridle Path community, The Manor

The Manor. As visitors enter the estate,

is a modern retreat beautifully poised

they are greeted by a gated entrance and

to offer homeowners an elegant and

a heated motor court, offering a luxurious

secluded escape from the world.

welcome. The property is beautifully

Toronto

landscaped, with impeccably manicured

architect Richard Wengle, the home

Designed

by

grounds that enhance the overall living

embodies

experience.

a

renowned

masterful

blend

of

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PA S T T H E M A N O R ' S L U S H E X T E R I O R S, T H E H O M E ' S M AG N I F I C E N C E U N F O L D S I N I T S E X PA N S I V E A N D T H O U G H T F U L LY D E S I G N E D I N T E R I O R .

Past The Manor’s lush exteriors, the home’s magnificence unfolds in its expansive and thoughtfully designed interior. Boasting six bedrooms

the ideal ambience for hosting poolside soirées in the summertime.

and 11 bathrooms, the 11,000-square-foot home is infused with Italian

The upper level of The Manor is dedicated to the opulent principal

influence. A grand entryway opens into the spacious living room,

suite, featuring a grand entrance that opens to a private balcony, a serene

complete with a marble fireplace, while the dining room’s centrepiece is

sitting room, a spa-inspired ensuite, a dressing room, and an exercise

an exquisite antique chandelier.

room. This lavish retreat draws inspiration from the timeless elegance of

The gourmet kitchen, acting as the heart of the home, is an

Florence, exuding an air of refined sophistication.

entertainer’s dream with top-of-the-line appliances. “A lot of

Hammond explains that “entering this space feels as though you're

elements in the kitchen are not typical, such as the champagne sink,”

stepping into the Four Seasons in Florence,” painting a picture of

Hammond says, noting that this premium feature keeps drinks—

European grandeur. “It boasts an abundance of charm, with plaster

champagne or otherwise—cool while the owners are entertaining.

ceiling details, a spa-like bathroom with heated floors and hand-laid

The space flows effortlessly into the breakfast room, which enjoys

marble tiles in a terrazzo style.” The ensuite’s beautifully designed

scenic views of the grounds’ gardens, pool and waterfall.

shower, walk-in tub and separate water closet enhance the overall

For those seeking an al fresco dining experience, the outdoor kitchen is an impressive feature. “The outdoor kitchen is truly remarkable,” Hammond says. “Incorporated into the very large terrace is the pergola 126

that has a beautiful chandelier and fireplace.” This stately space provides

experience. The floor also hosts four spacious suites, each with its own distinct character and luxury touches.

Offered at $13.38 million, The Manor is brimming with standout

elements and amenities, including an elevator, a beauty salon, a catering kitchen, a panelled family room and an elegant library. And throughout, the attention to detail in crafting each space is unmatched. Just take the home cinema, which is fully insulated and outfitted with custom-made furniture designed to evoke the comfort of a luxurious lounge.

Wine enthusiasts will also appreciate that the lower level is home to a spectacular wine cellar and tasting room. “The wine cellar is temperature-controlled and very reminiscent of what you would see in Italy,” Hammond says. “It’s adorned with a rustic chandelier, and the wood, left in its natural state, remains untreated to preserve the integrity of the wines.”

Whether it’s the tasteful nods to Italian design or the unbeatable amenities, The Manor seamlessly marries privacy, splendour and a prime location to create the perfect balance of opulence and convenience that will be appealing for decades to come. Simply put, “it’s a timeless home,” says Hammond.

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MORE LESS IS

Sköna Design makes exquisitely minimal Scandinavian-design cabinetry at its chic and spacious headquarters in Toronto. Behind closed doors lies a world of quality, style and function.

By Susan Kelly Photography by Amy Li.

T

hink Scandinavian style and visions of light-filled spaces

and banks of pale bleached-wood cabinetry likely come to mind. If so, a visit to the Sköna Design showroom holds

a few surprises. Among the hundreds of fine custom

cabinetry options are not only classic “Scandi” design examples

but also imaginative variations on the theme. Like cabinets

rendered in rich walnut or dark-stained oak, for instance, perhaps rift-cut for textural interest, perfect for playing against dramatic

black leather-finish countertops.

“We live by the Scandinavian design philosophy of keeping it

simple, beautiful and supremely functional,” says Simon Rettie,

sales manager at the Toronto company. “At the same time, Sköna Design provides thoughtful and innovative design solutions that reimagine this classic style in custom cabinetry built to last.”

Since 2001, Sköna Design—named for a Swedish word meaning

beautiful and comforting—has designed and manufactured

premium quality custom cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms and

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closets. Fusing timeless beauty and function, Scandinavian

pantries or appliance garages are ideal for reducing

is ever evolving, one thing remains constant: Cabinetry

Sköna began in northern Europe, where a cabinetmaker

design remains perennially popular. And though the style

is key, as this minimalist style requires keeping all clutter

on the way to a customer’s house to repair recently installed

The company’s savvy and experienced team of in-house

roadside awaiting rescue, it came to him that there must be

behind closed doors.

designers takes inspiration from the traditional theme of

natural materials and timeless style while incorporating

cabinetry was caught in a severe snowstorm. Stranded on the

a better way. The Sköna philosophy was born: to construct

beautiful cabinetry that can stand the test of time without

contemporary trends. For instance, now that fluted accents

requiring future service calls.

hoods in addition to cabinetry adorned with the stylish

exquisite cabinetry, from preliminary design to custom crafting

islands are in high demand, too. “And things like butler’s

Production facilities are integrated with a 6,000-square-foot

are a hot ticket, you’ll see many kitchen islands and range

curved grooves, a chic way to add texture. Multipurpose

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clutter,” Rettie says.

Today, the company handles every aspect of producing its

to white-glove service from the in-house installation team.

showroom on Ronald Avenue in the heart of Toronto’s

to incorporate in our cabinetry,” he says.

which drastically reduces the wait time to receive

to complement its high-end custom line. For the

Design District. “At Sköna, nothing is outsourced,

your cabinets,” Rettie says.

Custom-fitted by hand for each project, the vast

selection of fine cabinetry comes with a wide

New for 2025, Sköna has launched two collections

bathroom, the design team has created a selection

of semi-custom vanity cabinets that include the

sink, countertop and pulls in four distinct modern

selection of finishes, hardware and accessories. Sköna

Scandinavian designs. For the kitchen, there also is

where standards, Rettie explains, are more stringent

offers the same elegance and craftsmanship in a more

sources only the best materials, mainly in Europe,

a budget-friendly line, neät from Sköna Design. It

than in North America when it comes to things like

limited colour palette and selection of some options.

Cabinets are crafted using precision machinery from

expanding its presence across Canada. In addition

sustainability and non-toxic and low-VOC materials.

Germany incorporating digital technology; you’ll never see a visible screw or pinhole.

The company welcomes dealer inquiries, and it is

to Toronto, there is now a showroom in Clarksburg, in the Georgian Bay area of Ontario, and a third

Meticulous attention to detail extends to the interior

location recently opened in Vancouver. Even with

instance, are custom-designed to fit both the drawer

philosophy is paramount. “Our Scandinavian

of every product. Utensil and cutlery organizers, for

and the client’s needs. Waterproof technology is built in to fend off potential plumbing or flooding

damage. Everything—down to the various ingenious

mechanisms for doors, drawers and pullout features

such as the garbage or recycling bin—is of the highest quality. “In a nutshell, we source the best of everything

rapid growth, remaining true to the founding design philosophy drives everything we do from

start to finish on every project,” Rettie says. “We want people to love living with our cabinetry for many years to come. So every cabinet reflects Sköna

Design’s core values: innovation, sophistication, functionality and timeless beauty.”

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Partnership A NEW

Recently acquired by Cortina Kitchens, Ontario’s NIICO Millwork is poised to expand its reputation for high-quality interior solutions with massive manufacturing capabilities and a 6,000-square-foot Toronto showroom.

By Charlotte Bushnell-Boates Photography by Simon Tanebaum and Lauren Miller

P

remium quality, exceptional design and meticulous

COO, and Joseph Marcantonio. “With the strengths of

customization come together at NIICO Millwork.

Cortina, now NIICO has evolved to not only manufacture

Known for handcrafting premium kitchens, wardrobes,

at a very high level but to fulfill the needs of a range of

vanities and millwork for the whole home, the Ontario

products and sizes. With all the resources of Cortina, NIICO

company has evolved and strengthened following an acquisition

is equipped to take on projects of any size and scope.”

by leading kitchen designer and manufacturer Cortina Kitchens.

As an extension of the reimagining of NIICO, the brand will

Beginning with a complete rejuvenation of the brand, the

also open a showroom in Toronto’s Castlefield Design District.

acquisition has bolstered NIICO’s capabilities and expertise

At around 6,000 square feet, the showroom—expected to

across the design market. With new management, a new facility,

open this summer—will carry the latest in kitchens, appliances,

and skilled artisans and staff, NIICO is perfectly positioned

surfaces, fixtures and more. Visitors will be able to experience

to offer customized and high-quality cabinetry and kitchens

a wide range of products to inspire their home-design journey.

for projects of all kinds. Already known for exceptional design

Along with the new showroom, NIICO will launch a new

and partnerships with top designers, both in the GTA and

collection of high-end interior items, featuring exciting and

internationally, NIICO can now expand its offerings even further.

contemporary colours, finishes, drawer systems, and more.

“We’re building upon a combination of 40 years of

The new collection will offer an array of premium products

experience,” says Cortina Kitchens CEO Paul Tommasino,

that focus on quality and good design.

who works alongside partners Gino Tersigni, the company’s

For both NIICO and Cortina, keeping manufacturing in Toronto

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is important, and the former has expanded to a new 89,000-square-foot

provide products ranging from luxury woods to European finishes.

factory with state-of-the-art machinery. Together, the two companies have

Every step and component is crucial when bringing to life well-

200,000 square feet of manufacturing space, allowing for many possibilities

constructed millwork, and NIICO strives for perfection with each. “What

for expanding their network of kitchen and residential millwork firms.

does it take to make a quality kitchen? It’s about quality materials, but

Beyond a luxurious look, NIICO—alongside Cortina—also

also equipment, talented employees, and so much more,” Marcantonio

prioritizes high-quality results, another reason the company continues

says. “Our strength is that we’ve been doing this for years—our parents

manufacturing locally. “Between Cortina Kitchens and NIICO, we have

were in the business, and we followed in their footsteps. We have the

the strength to build anything and everything from scratch. There’s no

knowledge and confidence that allows us to delegate directly here in the

outsourcing—we make everything in-house, outside of our hardware,”

Ontario market rather than depending on other people’s expertise.”

Marcantonio says. “Since we’re actually purchasing the raw materials

With a team of experts in kitchen, bath and custom millwork design,

and fabricating from that, we’re able to offer high levels of consistency

NIICO also offers exceptional service—from a dedicated kitchen

and quality in our products. We know what we’re making and where it

and millwork designer and project manager on each project to skilled

came from and can stand behind that.”

craftspeople who focus on quality and the in-house installers who

Using the best materials from around the world but crafting directly in

ensure the final result is up to snuff.

Ontario is a finely tuned equation that allows NIICO to offer a range of

Leveraging the latest technology and time-honoured tradition of

design options while producing dependably high-quality products. Beyond

craftsmanship, NIICO delivers custom, design-forward kitchens, cabinets,

consistency, manufacturing in Ontario allows NIICO more control over

and much more. A bespoke company from start to finish, NIICO stands

the process itself, helping ensure deadlines are met. For its imported

above by providing not just exceptional products but meaningful services—

materials, NIICO carefully selects high-end international partners, which

creating luxury to complement your lifestyle.

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FUNCTIONAL

LUXURY

Distinguished by its commitment to innovation, quality and client experience, Braam’s Custom Cabinets blends form and function to transform a foyer and kitchen.

By Samantha Vecchiarelli Photography by ARC Creative 137

A 138

fter 45 years in the business, Braam’s Custom Cabinets

Braam, marketing manager at Braam’s Custom Cabinets. “Our slogan is

continues to set the standard for exceptional craftsmanship

‘if you can imagine it, we can create it.’”

and innovative design. With a focus on custom designs and

The company’s ongoing commitment to excellence is exemplified in one

high-quality manufacturing, the family-owned business’s

of Braam’s most recent projects, where the team blended style, functionality

secret to consistently exceeding client expectations is staying ahead of

and craftsmanship to meet the client’s needs. Braam’s developed bespoke

industry trends and exploring how new technologies can enhance everyday

foyer closets and a standout kitchen with a personalized coffee station in

projects. “Our designers work hand-in-hand with clients and always have

this new house for a custom home builder in Oakville, Ontario, bringing

their needs in mind in terms of both style and function,” says Brynley

an extra dose of luxurious ease to the abode.

“Right from the start we like to immerse clients in a full Braam’s

to create an elegant entryway and overall cohesion in the house.”

experience,” Braam says. “Both of our showroom locations—one in

Walters says that the custom coffee station in the kitchen has become a

Oakville, Ontario and the other in London, Ontario—are updated with

beloved feature in many of their clients’ homes. “It’s a great way to hide

beautiful custom cabinetry throughout and feature some pretty cool and

unsightly small appliances, like coffee machines and toasters, that are used

innovative products.” Clients even have the opportunity to experience their

on a regular basis but still accessible for daily use,” she says. Through careful

cabinetry through virtual reality so they can choose what works best for

communication and planning, Braam’s worked closely with the client to

their needs and space.

guarantee that the custom foyer closets and the kitchen coffee station were

For this new-build project, stopping by Braam’s showroom with photo

integrated seamlessly into the home.

inspiration beforehand enabled the client to conceptualize their ideas in

Regardless of the project’s size or scale, form and function are

person. From there, the design process was effortless, allowing them to

effortlessly integrated into Braam’s designs, and quality is always top of

build out their wishlist with the help of Braam’s team of experts, and

mind. Each piece is carefully checked before leaving the manufacturing

swiftly bring it to life.

facility, and the final product is not considered complete until it meets

Instead of an afterthought that’s better left unseen like most standard

Braam’s exacting standards. This level of dedication and perfection

closets, these custom foyer closets were meant to be viewed as a stylish

allows Braam’s to create timeless, custom designs that not only elevate

furniture piece, explains Keri Walters, the Braam’s designer who worked

the aesthetics of a home but enhance the lives of its owners, adding a

on the project. “We brought the white oak from the kitchen into the foyer

hint of luxury to every moment.

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marvel

With a chic modern kitchen, saltwater pool and show-stopping floating stairs, this sleek and spacious Ancaster home balances style, comfort and convenience.

By Susan Semenak Photography by Negin Milani

141

O

ne of the first things Christina Clavero

home devoted to comfort and luxury. The house, built by

thought

on

Agrigento Luxury Homes in 2022 and designed by SMPL

Valleyview Drive was that it could have been

when

she

saw

the

house

Design Studio, is an ode to gracious living. It sits on a large

in Miami or Los Angeles. It’s a sleek and

lot in a mature area of Ancaster known for its verdant parks

modern two-storey home with a finished basement that

and trails and the nearby Hamilton Golf and Country Club,

features ample windows that let the sunshine pour in,

which hosted the Canadian Open last summer.

suffusing the whole place with bright, clear light.

Clavero—co-managing director of The Agency Oakville

beauty and a suburban feeling,” she says. “It’s a great

and co-founder of The CB Group along with Carlos Clavero

neighbourhood for families and professionals—a safe and

and David Bakowsky—says the ingenious use of oversized

quiet community.” But Ancaster is also highly accessible—

EPAL European aluminum windows and patio doors blurs the

it’s a quick 15-minute drive to downtown Hamilton, while

boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating spaces that

Burlington, Oakville and Niagara are within an hour’s drive.

flow in the most organic ways.

Convenient as the location is, leaving is the last thing on the

The five-bedroom Ancaster home with four full bathrooms and

mind once inside the house, a modern home with black accents

a powder room is just one in a roster of spectacular properties

and rich stone, brick and wood textures. Ten-foot ceilings

listed for sale with The CB Group, a luxury GTA real estate team

throughout the house lend an air of expansiveness. “Because

operating under the umbrella of international firm The Agency.

the ceilings are so high and the windows are so big, everything

In this property, Clavero was dazzled by the attention to detail that the owners of the Valleyview property paid in creating a

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“This is a prestigious neighbourhood known for its scenic

feels light and airy,” Clavero says.

The house was designed to provide glimpses of sky, lawn and

"It’s a great neighbourhood for families and professionals—a safe and quiet community." garden as often as possible—through patio doors, transoms and

with waterfall countertop and backsplash. The kitchen cabinets

picture windows throughout the house, which look out onto the

are black, too, as is a large floor-to-ceiling wall of doors that

gardens and a 36-foot saltwater pool with a waterfall feature.

conceal Fisher & Paykel and Bosch appliances. It also neatly

Carlos Clavero points to one of his favourites: a large window

hides one of the house’s most intriguing features: a secret door

between the family room fireplace and the home office that

to a hidden pantry, where the owners stow “the mess they don’t

perfectly frames a graceful old tree growing just outside.

want to see,” as well as small appliances and a coffee station.

Off the family room and breakfast nook, a set of patio

To keep the black from making the space feel dark, it is

doors leads to a covered stone terrace equipped with

balanced with white walls, wide-plank white oak floors, and on

automatic overhead STOBAG retractable louvres that

the entryway floor, oversized white marble-toned porcelain tiles.

provide shelter from the sun and rain but tuck away to let

Downstairs, the lavish amenities continue. Through the

in light when not in use. Automated screens keep the bugs

lower-level living areas, there’s a custom cocktail lounge

out on warm summer evenings.

complete with a backlit onyx bar, built-in cabinetry and

One of the house’s most dramatic architectural features is

decorative chandeliers and wall sconces. “It’s a very

a floating staircase with open risers and custom glass railing.

luxurious area for entertaining,” Clavero says, pointing

It runs right through the centre of the house, providing direct

out the adjacent glass-walled temperature-controlled wine

passage from the second floor all the way down to the living and

room. “You feel like you are in a lounge of a high-end hotel.”

leisure spaces tucked into the lower level. The designers used

Elsewhere in the lower level is a tiered-seating theatre

black as a continuing decor thread throughout the house—from

room with plush reclining chairs for the ultimate cinematic

the window trim and the tone of the faux-crocodile wallpaper in

experience, as well as a sleek glass-enclosed gym.

the office to the decorative brick walls around the house.

But nowhere is black put to more dramatic effect than in the large kitchen, with its heavily veined black Caesarstone island

In every corner of the Valleyview home, some new detail awaits to make everyday life a more luxurious affair. Clavero sums it up well when she says: “This is a very well-considered home.”

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C

reative ues

Focusing on function and aesthetics, Cabernet Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry taps into 30 years of expertise to go big and bold with its designs. Here, innovation is constant and no two projects are alike.

By Susan Semenak Photography by Larry Arnal

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V

al Franso loves to get creative. In the decade since he

from the cabinet door styles to the interiors, the wood choices and

took over Cabernet Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry from his

layouts and colour palettes,” Franso says. “As a client’s needs and tastes

father, Mike, Franso has put together a large and varied

emerge with the help of our designers, the team is able to create a set of

portfolio of home renovation projects all over Ontario.

drawings to create a visual blueprint. All along the way, we are there to

“There’s nothing we will say no to,” he says.

Now in its 30th year of operation, the Woodbridge-based firm

No two interiors Franso has ever built look exactly alike. That’s a

specializes in custom design and manufacturing of cabinetry for full

result, he says, of his disdain for cookie-cutter places. “We can get really

home remodels, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and customized

creative with spaces of all sizes and shapes,” he explains. “We are not

walk-in closets and mudrooms. Its team of 12 cabinetmakers, installers

afraid to take on a big, bold project with personality. And always, we are

and designers prides itself on attention to detail and a reputation for

focused on function and beauty.”

reliable work. They promise “a luxurious experience and outcome” to

Franso and his team put their mantra to work in a stunning kitchen

all their customers. So, not only will the finished kitchen or bathroom

project they recently completed in Kleinburg, a charming village in

look fabulous, but the homeowners will be supported and consulted

Vaughan. The house wasn’t old, but it lacked charm. The owners had

every step of the way.

purchased it in a resale and knew from the start that it was in desperate

“There are so many things to think of in a home renovation project,

146

smooth out the process.”

need of revamping and reviving—especially the kitchen. “The place

looked dull,” Franso says. “The kitchen had typical white ceramic floors

36-inch square porcelain tiles in natural tones and textures mimic grey

and white cabinets. It had no personality.”

volcanic rock. The bottoms of the custom-built wood cabinets are

The new owners wanted something spacious and modern, with

painted a deep, warm grey (Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain), while

plenty of natural elements. They approached Cabernet to help them

the upper cabinets each got a coat of pale white paint with silvery

transform the kitchen and powder room into an inviting contemporary

undertones (Benjamin Moore Dove Wing).

space. They also tasked Cabernet with tackling updates for the mudroom and upstairs laundry room.

Finally, the Cabernet crew transformed the powder room off the kitchen into a small but dramatic jewel box, reminiscent of a boutique

What the clients, who are avid hosts, wanted, above all, was to create

hotel lobby. With a black vanity, ostrich wallpaper and a black stone sink,

a warm and welcoming space where friends and family could gather.

“It’s dark and moody,” Franso says. And as with everything Cabernet

The original kitchen was taken down to the studs. Franso says his first

does, it’s one of a kind.

mission was to remove a bulkhead around the perimeter of the room that made the space feel cramped despite its generous square footage and 10-foot ceilings.

Franso then created a focal wall, a long stretch of panelled doors that spans the length of the kitchen and extends from floor to ceiling, that is the space’s crowning glory. The sleek doors, which conceal the fridge, pantry and coffee nook, are clad in rift-cut white oak boards in a chevron pattern. “It is stunning and dramatic. A wall of art,” Franso says. “It wasn’t easy to do, but it is fabulous.”

In the kitchen’s centre, a 14-foot-long island, topped with creamy quartzite in Silk White, has a dropdown seating area that is roomy enough to comfortably accommodate six people. On the floor, oversized

147

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a fabulous

Fusion

Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry beautifully blends cosmopolitan influences to create the ideal kitchen for globetrotting homeowners with sophisticated tastes and an active lifestyle.

By Susan Kelly Photography by Kassandra Arbour

149

W

hen first viewing their home in the coveted

24-by-12-foot kitchen overlooking the backyard. For its design,

Midtown area of Toronto, homeowners Nida

the Awadias turned to Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry of Toronto,

and Karim Awadia knew its cramped, outdated

which specializes in custom English-style framed “furniture

interiors would need a total gut job. And that

for the kitchen,” handcrafted in its workshop and showroom in

every one of its 12 rooms had to be reimagined to create a home

Newmarket. “English-style cabinetry was the perfect choice here

for the family, which includes four children.

due to the fact the clients were looking for a traditionally refined

Design inspiration for the pair of young professionals

and authentic-feeling space,” says Kassandra Arbour, senior

sprang from their love of exploring other cultures, cuisines and

designer at Bloomsbury. “The sitting room, for instance, evokes

landscapes. “We have a strong affinity for Spanish modern design

the ambience of an Oxford library.”

and the principles of wabi-sabi,” says Nida Awadia, a writer and

The designer proposed “elevated Shaker-style” cabinetry with

yoga instructor. The former blends a traditional Spanish aesthetic

subtle bevelled edge details to give the desired transitional look.

with contemporary minimalism, while Japanese wabi-sabi design

The upper and lower cabinetry is painted in a rich, creamy off-

mindfully finds beauty in simplicity and imperfection.

white shade, while the island is a dark stained oak, creating the

Awadia says they sought a creative and “harmonious blend

warm and inviting atmosphere the couple requested.

of traditional and modern elements within each room, allowing

For the chicly commanding centre island, which seats six

contrasting styles to meet and create a unique, cohesive design”

comfortably, the designer took cues from the shades of beige

throughout the home. For instance, the couple instructed the

and brown in the rock wall. The entire oak island is coated in

architects to incorporate Alhambresque arched doorways; one

a deep walnut stain, a composition that perfectly complements

such opening leads into a pantry off the open-concept kitchen.

the white oak wide-plank flooring. The island features striking

They also included many textured walls, such as the dramatic

reeded oak doors and end panels, their narrow verticality

floor-to-ceiling stone-clad wall in warm tones that defines the

creating a three-dimensional effect at once elegant, retro and

adjacent dining area.

modern. “We also used reeded glass in the upper cabinets and

Space was allocated at the rear of the home for the spacious

150

included a subtle reeding detail on the range hood to help tie the

overall look together,” Arbour says.

both full-size and standing side-by-side. The different widths

Contrasting black accents add drama, as do the porcelain

posed a design challenge, but the end result imparts “perfectly

countertops emulating black-veined white Calacatta marble

imperfect” wabi-sabi charm. Also behind closed doors is a

along the back wall on each side of the range, continuing under

spacious appliance garage, another important feature for

the big window that overlooks the backyard. A solid slab of the

the homeowners. “We incorporated both a bifold and pocket

same material, a durable and practical choice for the family,

doors, which is a nice way to hide things,” Arbour says. “When

forms the backsplash. Overhead, modern geometric pendant

open, they have their blenders, slow cooker and other small

lights gleam in burnished gold. They complement the faucets

appliances already plugged in. When closed, the electricity

of the same material and the beautiful mix of pulls and knobs

automatically shuts off.”

adorning the cabinets.

The homeowners enjoyed working with Bloomsbury Fine

Since storage was important to these homeowners, the

Cabinetry to bring their creative and sophisticated vision to

designer exploited the 11-foot ceiling height, installing glass-front

life. Most rewarding, they report that their new kitchen, with its

upper cabinets on high. “To access them, we added a library

elegant design and earthy textures, does indeed transport them

ladder, which also becomes a unique design feature,” she says.

and makes everyday meal preparation feel like an adventure.

The rail to accommodate it creates a black horizontal line, a

“Homemade meals are a staple in our household, where we

chic accent. When the wooden ladder is not in use, it is tucked

gather around the table to share stories and enjoy the fruits of

away beside the fireplace. “It has its own little nook and almost

our culinary efforts,” says Nida Awadia. “Our kitchen is a hub

becomes an art piece.”

of creativity, where we whip up nutritious and delicious dishes

The kitchen features a refrigerator and separate freezer,

that bring us all together.”

151

THE MARKET PRIME SMART SOLUTIONS INC. an exclusive distributor of Moorgen, a leading German smart solutions brand, we are proud to offer our customers a wide range of innovative products that are designed to meet their specific needs. From home automation systems to smart lighting solutions, our Moorgen products are designed to be userfriendly, efficient, and effective.

153

Designed and installed by AV Style, this custom stretch ceiling with LED lines creates a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. The interplay of light and reflections enhances the luxury of the space, making this bowling alley truly one of a kind.

AV STYLE CORPORATION 556 Oster Lane, Unit 1, Concord, ON avstyle.ca 647-812-1275

SUMMERLAND KING BED (RIGHT): Also available in a queen size, this bed features textured ivory fabric and bronze legs and retails for $3,599.

ELENA SECTIONAL (BELOW): Made in Canada with custom fabric options, this sectional is comfortable and elegant and retails for $3,199 for the two-piece sectional.

ZILLI HOME INTERIORS 672 Chrislea Road Woodbridge, ON zillihome.com 289-268-0020 New for 2025, the Grande Collection boasts a low, sleek profile with built-in cushions, offering a modern twist on classic design. The rich, variegated Barley weaves cover the reticulated foam, ensuring exceptional comfort and quick drying times. With modular pieces, including a chaise longue and multiple table options, the configuration possibilities are seemingly endless.

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PERGOLA (RIGHT): Enhance your outdoor space with Shadings’ stylish pergolas.

Choose from a variety of designs, materials and finishes to suit your style.

RECESSED SHADES (LEFT): Upgrade your space with our premium recessed shades.

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SHADINGS 1270 Caledonia Road North York, ON shadings.com 416-999-9676

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WWW.LIVINGLUXE.CA

4300 STEELES AVE WEST, UNIT 1 | WOODBRIDGE | 905-856-7888 |

@CABERNETKITCHENS

JURA J8 TWIN Brew specialty coffee at the touch of a button with the JURA J8 Twin. Enjoy two coffee varieties in one machine with dual high-performance grinders. Swiss-engineered technology, including P.A.G.3+ grinders and Sweet Foam, delivers barista-quality taste every time.

JURA 115 Matheson Boulevard East Mississauga, ON ca.jura.com/en 905-501-8600

A stunning fusion of solid wood and exquisite stone, this desk showcases a beautifully curved design that exudes elegance and sophistication. The unique stone detail adds a striking contrast, while the carefully selected colour combination enhances its luxurious appeal. It’s a true statement piece that blends artistry with functionality.

AMK LUXURY FURNITURE AND STYLE Toronto: 647-866-0290 or 647-863-8083 Los Angeles: 310-597-7260 info@amkstyleandspacedesigns.com

Introducing the all-new Tonnetz, a diamond pattern, freestanding bathtub from Aria by Fleurco.

This is not just a bathtub, it’s a work of art, sure to captivate and elevate any bathroom. Available in Petite or Grande. Coming soon.

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Shimmer, sparkle and glow: Paris is coming to Toronto! Slay the room with your party style at an unforgettable evening of dancing, delicious Parisian-style dishes, entertainment inspired by the city of light, and so much more. It’s the party of the year, and it’s all in support of SickKids.

June 5, 2025 Evergreen Brick Works Toronto

Buy tickets: SKSCRUBS.CA

PROMOTIONAL DRAW MATCH PARTNER: Peter Gilgan SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

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WEAVERS ART 2 - 120 Tycos Drive, North York, ON weaversart.com 416-929-7929

DESIGNER DENIM BAG FASHION IS MY DRUG: Tapping into the denim trend the fashionistas are loving right now, introducing the Rock ‘N Karma Statement Denim Tote Bags. Artfully crafted with remixed recycled denim and lined with unique custom lining, this gorgeous Rock ‘N Karma edition is hand beaded with original karma quotes. The coolest vibe with an effortless look that is fashionable yet functional. This perfectly oversized denim tote bag is a stunning addition to your wardrobe—a bag that you can rock every day.

THE RECLAIMED COLLECTION: For centuries, white oak has shaped French culture, from historic structures to wine barrels. Khayeri sustainably reclaims and restores 300-year-old white oak, offering discerning customers a piece of history— each plank is a true testament to timeless craftsmanship and heritage.

ROCK ‘N KARMA 132 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON rocknkarma.com 416-504-4637

KHAYERI FLOORING 1310 Castlefield Avenue, Toronto, ON khayeriflooring.com 416-967-9200

Experience the magic of Zauber.

Designed and engineered in Canada, Zauber merges sleek European inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.

Infrared sensors enable effortless, touch-free control, while push-to-conceal handles elevate modern elegance.

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VOGT INDUSTRIES 6767 Pacific Circle Mississauga, ON vogtindustries.com 1-888-215-8648

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EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY YOUR SPRING ESCAPE AWAITS

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