Living Luxe Magazine - Inaugural Issue 2019

Statement Jewellery

Jeanne Beker

– Stunning Homes – Glass Artistry

T H E ART OF LIVING

designed for entertaining

T R E N D I NG NOW The latest from the world of design by Suzanne Dimma

T H E MARKET Your guide to decor finds

$6.99

TORONTO EDITION

An opulent family home

INAUGURAL ISSUE

T H E B OL D & T H E B E AUTIFUL

NO ART IS MORE ENCOMPASSING THAN THE ART YOU WALK ON Weavers Art has curated a collection of ten magnificent designs in sophisticated palettes. Made from natural fibers, being pure wool or combinations of silk and wool, our carpets are sophisticated and elegant to charm any space with glamour and practicality.

I would like to personally invite you to our showroom, located in the heart of the Castlefield Design District, to view this collection and be further inspired!

Top left to bottom right: Acropolis, Arcadia, South Pole Glacier, Granite 14, Concrete City, Lake Ripples, Zenith Glacier, Grigia 2, Tundra 1544, Cubes & Pyramids

1400 Castlefield Avenue

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Toronto, ON

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416.929.7929

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www.weaversart.com

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Lavish focuses on bringing in top industry leaders from different verticals (Architecture, Design, Project Management etc.) who share a common passion in creating innovative and timeless builds. We are detail oriented and process driven.

We are team of artists and entrepreneurs who understand the importance of precision and have built a result driven platform to ensure that our clients receive the 1 best possible results.

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L I V E L A V I S H

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Some people search for a beautiful place, others create a beautiful place.

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available availableatat Kitchen KitchenInterior InteriorDesign Design

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A selection of subtle, delicate, fine textures, refined with crisp tight joints to resemble Europe’s finest eclectic masonry finishes.

Indiana Lime

Large Format

Large Format

Small Format

still‌the better choice - est 1972 To learn more about Motiva and other patterns in this new series visit w w w.patternedconcrete.ca 15

PREMIUM PREMIUM DESIGNER DESIGNER LINE LINE QUALITY. QUALITY.INNOVATION. INNOVATION.DESIGN. DESIGN. WeWe have have dedicated dedicated a line a line to celebrate to celebrate excellence. excellence.

These These masterpieces masterpieces were were putput together together by our by our experts experts with with overover 30 years 30 years of experience of experience within within thethe Kitchen Kitchen andand Bath Bath industry. industry.

OurOur goalgoal is toisshowcase to showcase a collection a collection thatthat ‘truely’ ‘truely’ inspires inspires andand to give to give youyou access access to the to the most most exclusive. exclusive.

PREMIUM PREMIUM DESIGNER DESIGNER LINE LINE COLLECTION COLLECTION Vanities Vanities | Bathtubs | Bathtubs | Faucets | Faucets | Showers | Showers Featuring Featuring Brands: Brands:

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The Faucet Collection_.

“Nature-inspire d design”

“Fine detailing with simplistic design”

Inspiration for this design comes from the Black Forest, in Germany. AXOR calls this organic architecture which gives you a perfect waterfall into the sink.

The knurled design on this new faucet and its accents, makes it appealing and comfortable on touch.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL PG. 116

IN THIS ISSUE 33 Luxe Life 34 What’s New 36

Jewel Box by Jeanne Beker

38

The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

42 Simple & Chic 48

When Art & Science Collide

52

Fit For a King

56

My Friend Ben

58

Written in Stone

62 Milestones 66

Art By Mother Nature

70

Command & Conquer

74

Fashion For a Cause

125

The Market

138

The Best: Paint

The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

PG. 38

22

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE NEW FRENCH CHIC PG. 102

FEATURES 79

The Art of Living

88

Design as a Process

94

Renovation Status Quo

98

Quest for Beauty

102

The New French Chic

108 Modern Art 116

The Bold and the Beautiful

IN EVERY ISSUE 26

Letter from Karine

Quest for Beauty

28 LivingLuxe.ca 30

Masthead/Contributors

144

Luxe to You

PG. 98 24

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Letter from Karine

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” —Edgar Degas

F

UNNILY ENOUGH, I am writing this letter

contributing lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker, who made the brilliant

as the editor of a new luxury decor magazine

suggestion while we were working together one day.)

as my family home is up for sale.

My husband, Jason, and I bought it from his parents 14 years

On behalf of Jennifer Lipkowitz, (our chief operating officer, on the left in the photo below) I want to sincerely thank our clients

ago. My in-laws bought it back in 1973, so it has been in Jay’s fami-

and contributors. We wouldn’t have been able to create this maga-

ly for more than 45 years. It’s been a fixture for so many memories.

zine without you.

Jay and I were married under a tent on the tennis court in our

This issue certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the

yard, and countless guests swam in our pool that night. (Everyone

amazing dedication and talent of our editorial and production

enjoying themselves the same way my teenagers and their friends

teams: Anthony Sirianni, Sandy Kim, Lisa van de Geyn, Salina

do now.) We have raised our four children—Milla, 17, Wyatt, 14,

Vanderhorn, Eugene Leiderman and Carla Lancit. Thank you for

Theo, 14 and Beckett, 13—under this roof, and have shared our

helping us get this labour of love out the door! A special shout

space with three Great Danes, four rescued cats and Starlord,

out to Jeff Boro and Hana Rakovski and the rest of the Living

our French Bulldog, who’s the newest member of our family. We

Luxe family—each and every one of you were integral in helping

also recently hosted a German exchange student, Helene, into our

us launch. To our amazing editorial contributors—Jeanne Beker,

home. (We miss you, Darling!) We’ve held countless dinner parties,

Suzanne Dimma, Joan Kelley Walker, Meredith Heron—we are

birthdays, holiday gatherings and family reunions in our space.

so grateful to have you with us and

If these walls could talk, they would share the love and laughter

excited about where you will help

we’ve been fortunate enough to experience for so many years.

take us.

photographs and art we hang on our walls. Our homes are blank canvases to convey who we are to those who enter through our front door. That’s why we decided to theme our inaugural issue of Living Luxe, “The Art of Living.” (Well, it’s also thanks to C.O.O., Jennifer Lipkowitz and Editor in Chief, Karine Ewart

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PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, ALENA ROMANOVSKAYA.

That’s what a home truly is, though, right? It’s a place to tell and record your story. More often than not, it’s showcased through the

Laqfoil Ltd, is the only North American Manufacturer of Stretch Ceiling and Custom Printed Wall murals. Our high-end products will enhance any surface to your imagination.

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DECOR NEWS HOUSE PROFILES Living Luxe magazine is printed six times a year, but we are always updating LivingLuxe.ca and our social media platforms.

Watch videos from our Weave the Runway charity fashion show (see page 74) and our celebratory contributors party, plus so much more.

We love to stay connected, so follow us and let us know what you love about Living Luxe.

LIVINGLUXEMAGAZINE

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LIVINGLUXEMAG

LIVINGLUXEMAGAZINE

RUNWAY PHOTOGRAPHY, VLADIMIR KEVORKOV.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

What’s Happening Online

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Contributors JEANNE BEKER

JOAN KELLEY WALKER

While she needs little introduction, cover model

We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Joan Kelley

and Living Luxe lifestyle editor, Jeanne Beker,

Walker signed on as a contributing editor. She

deserves one. She will be writing in every issue

will be sharing her heartfelt, passionate prose on

on topics from fashion to jewellery to travel, and

philanthropy, a subject very close to her heart.

she brings talent and experience to the team. You

This month, on page 56, she shares the story of

can find her two stories on pages 36 and 98, and

her friend, Ben LeFevre, who sadly lost his battle

her cover story on page 80.

with mental illness earlier this year, hoping to help others with the same infliction.

LISA VAN DE GEYN

SUZANNE DIMMA

Editor in Chief Karine Ewart still remembers the

Designer, writer and editor Suzanne Dimma

day she first met Lisa van de Geyn. They became

recently joined our team as design director. She

fast friends, mostly due to Lisa’s tireless enthusiasm

brings a plethora of experience and has met and

for all things magazine-related. In addition to writ-

befriended many of the best in the industry. Each

ing five stories this month (see pages 52, 94, 108,

issue, she will be entertaining us with her savvy

116 and 138), she also read every single page of this

take on all things luxurious. Check out her trend

issue—numerous times—to help make it shine.

report on page 38.

Volume 1, Number 1, The Art of Living 2019

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jeffrey Boro

PUBLISHING

EDITORIAL

CREATIVE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Jennifer Lipkowitz

EDITOR IN CHIEF Karine Ewart

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sandy Kim

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Anthony Sirianni

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jeanne Beker

DESIGN DIRECTOR Salina Vanderhorn

ASSISTANT TO THE C.O.O. Hana Rakovski

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Suzanne Dimma, Meredith Heron, Carla Lancit, Jane Lockhart, Lisa van de Geyn, Joan Kelley Walker

Advertising rates, deadlines and information, email anthony@livingluxe.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS For inquires and address changes, email subscriptions@livingluxe.ca

DIGITAL SPECIALIST Eugene Leiderman

livingluxe.ca info@livingluxe.ca 7250 Keele St, Unit #40, Concord, ON L4K 1Z8

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. PRINTED IN CANADA.

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L U XE L I FE Jewellery

Fashion

Decor

Philanthropy

JUST ONE THING A sleek pedestal table in a timeless combination of steel and marble sets an impressive scene in the dining room. Bold with a big dose of sexy, the Capricorn Dining table by Tom Faulkner is sure to be the backdrop for many memorable occasions.

Capricorn Dining Table by Tom Faulkner, Hollace Cluny, hollacecluny.ca.

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Luxe Life / News

Back to School For those of us who love fall because it’s like starting a new year, Home Societe has the pieces to get us ready for our official backto-work/school routine.

Yorkdale News Two very enticing things are happening in September at one of our favourite shopping centres, Yorkdale Mall. For starters, Korean beauty brand Innisifree, known for its natural ingredients sourced from Korea’s Jeju Island, is opening a 2,400-square-foot flagship boutique.

And, the US plant-based healthy food chain By Chloe, that opened its doors in NYC’s West Village and offers healthy meals and sweets, is opening, too, with a special menu just for Torontonians.

WHAT’S NEW

Happy 70th Anniversary Hauser has released a plethora of classic and modern pieces to showcase their historic milestone. Need we say more?

Dynamic Duo Montreal designers, architects and brothers-in-law Gabriel Kakon and Scott Richler are launching their first furniture and lighting showroom in Mayfair, England, in the west end of London. The pair, who have created lighting for both Cartier and Bergdorf Goodman, told us, “Our London showroom will be classically chic and understated, with an elegant muted-tone stone floor and brass trims. Think an art- gallery-meets-Celine store.”

News from Our Friends at Roche Bobois With its unique forms, this floor lamp breaks free from conventional design.

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Luxe Life / Jewel Box by Jeanne Beker

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PRECIOUS MOMENTS

1. John Hardy sterling silver

Lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker chooses the most artful and iconic pieces of the season.

Photography by Tyler Boweditch

4 5

Unique. Refined. Fabulous. Elegant. Eye-Popping. When choosing those artful pieces that decorate our homes, we tap into our innermost fantasies, selecting imagery that may excite or calm us, but invariably sweep us away.

And so it is with jewellery—the pieces we love make up our miniature personal art collections that we curate slowly, and they stay with us for years. These are delectable adornments we continually draw upon to elevate our spirits and accentuate our moods. From the empowering appeal of a brushed-gold cuff or a multi-strand bracelet featuring ruby dragon eyes,

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and 18-carat yellow gold Legends Naga Heritage bracelet with African Ruby eyes.

2. Marco Bicego 18-carat yellow gold Jaipur Link pendant.

3. Tamara Comolli 18-carat rose gold Hippie Glam ring with large cabochon London blue topaz.

4. Marco Bicego 18-carat yellow gold Lunaria cuff.

5. Chopard 18-carat rose gold Imperiale pendant with amethyst and diamonds.

to a vintage-inspired sapphire ring, a rose enamel locket encrusted with brilliant diamonds, or a romantic amethyst pendant, our varied assortment of statement jewellery is a salute to the eclectic artist in us all. This artist appreciates great design and quality luxury, and possesses the passion to 6. Tamara Comolli 18-carat

white gold Mikado Flamenco Cashmere, moonstone and PavĂŠ diamond bracelet.

7. Victor Mayer 18-carat white gold and rose enamel locket with PavĂŠ diamonds.

8. Hans D. Krieger 18-carat white gold tennis bracelet with purple, yellow and pink oval sapphires and diamonds.

9. John Hardy Sterling silver Legends Naga saddle ring.

10. Bayco Collection Platinum ring with black rhodium finish, set with rare sapphires and diamonds.

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strut it unapologetically. Whether you choose to drench your wrist with bullet-cut moonstones or wrap a rainbow of gems around it, embrace the statement you want to make. Your finger will sing with a giant blue topaz cabochon or a suit of mystical dragon scales. Or simply rely on the modern appeal of interlocking gold circles hanging proudly from your neck to make a point about relationships and continuity. There’s a beautiful story behind every piece we choose, and a strong statement just waiting to be made.

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Luxe Life / The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

FALL NEWS

What we’re coveting from the world of design.

WASHROOM DESIGNED BY ARIEL OKIN PHOTOGRAPHY, SETH CAPLAN

Equestrian-Inspired Hardware Evoking classic campaign-style furnishings, chocolate-brown leather and unlacquered brass hardware adds a glamping effect to cabinetry or custom furniture.

Fallbrook pull by Waterworks, Summerhill Hardware, summerhill hardware.com.

Vintage Details Brass rotary dimmers bring old-world charm to modern and traditional spaces alike.

Two gang dimmer by Forbes & Lomax, forbesandlomax.com.

Chic Caning The ubiquitous woven pattern is showing up on everything from seating to cabinet fronts for a hit of organic appeal. Oria d’Hermes chair, Oak and taurillion leather, Hermés, hermes.com.

A Hit of Turquoise With a nod to the southwest, small accents, like this chic brass bowl with a dimpled oxidant finish, instantly freshen things up.

Brass bowl, 16-cm diam., Hopson Grace, hopsongrace.com.

Marble Furniture Heavily veined natural stone makes a bold statement on key furniture pieces—the busier the veining, the higher the drama. Angleo M. table by Alinea in round or oval shapes at South Hill Home, 52-inch diam., southhill home.com.

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A Taste of Morocco Global style looks to Morocco for inspiration, especially underfoot with one-of-a-kind handmade wool carpets.

Rough Edged Rug, 9’-5” x 7’-1” (custom sizes available) Salt by the Caza project, saltbythecazaproject.com.

PORCELAIN | LARGE FORMAT TILES |MOSAICS | ENGINEERED HARDWOOD | VINYL COUNTER TOPS | CUSTOM CABINETRY | 3D VISUALIZATION

brentotile.com 39

Luxe Life / The Edit by Suzanne Dimma

Dramatic Dividers Soft mohair framed with black lacquer and a touch of Art Nouveau style, make this room divider a showpiece. We love how it softens and fills the corner of any room. Wyndham screen, 70” high x 60” L., Watney Design, watney design.com.

Statement Lighting Inspired by a lunar halo, this ethereal light fixture by Gabriel Scott is a fully customizable assemblage of blown-glass shapes for high drama overhead. Luna Chandelier Tier 2, By Gabriel Scott. Two-tiered standard fixture, Hollace Cluny, hollacecluny.ca.

Bold Accents Weighty earthenware in intensely saturated hues commands attention, both on its own or filled with fresh blooms. Marvin orange vase, CB2, cb2.com.

Luxe Linens Known for their stunning Belgian linen bedding, Libeco’s Nottinghill collection features handsome mustard and blush stripes, perfect for building a relaxed, yet luxurious, fall bed. Nottinghill Duvet cover and pillow sham by Libeco at select retailers.

Cart Art The bar cart is back as functional sculpture.

Alessio Romana’s chic Giro bar cart features an elegant tubular metal frame and a removable leather tray. Calligaris, calligaristoronto.ca.

High Contrast Hues Yin and yang combinations of dark and light colours, like powder pink with deep brown, strike an inviting, layered look on adjacent walls. Cinder Rose 246, Mahogany 36, Farrow & Ball, farrowandball.com.

Chinoiserie Paired with herringbone floors and rich trim work, Chinoiserie wallpaper completes the most sophisticated dining rooms for a rich sense of welcoming warmth.

Garzas Goji by Cordonné, Random Chinoiseries collection, made to measure, Newwall, newwall.com.

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Inspire Create Perform

Please visit our Showroom: 90 Tycos Dr., Suite #1, Toronto, ON M6B 1V9 416.783.3916 | chateauwindows.com 41

Luxe Life / Kitchen

Jane Lockhart Interior designer Jane Lockhart showcases an upscale kitchen renovation.

SIMPLE & CHIC Photographer and stylist Gillian Jackson’s lens has captured beautiful kitchens throughout her career, so she knows a thing or two about design. When the pipes in her galley-style, 100-year-old kitchen froze and burst, she already had a good idea of the changes she wanted to make.

Described as “functional” and “tolerable,” the original kitchen addition was really just a place to make meals and do laundry. “If anyone needed anything from the fridge, it completely blocked passage to and from the kitchen.

It wasn’t exactly conducive for entertaining,” says the homeowner.

Plans were drawn to widen the space by tearing down the old addition. It didn’t extend to the full footprint of the house so footage was added. Smaller windows were replaced by large French doors leading to a new deck and backyard.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, GILLIAN JACKSON.

Interior designer and guest contributor Jane Lockhart helped execute a client’s kitchen reno, changing the way they use and love their space.

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Luxe Feature Life / Kitchen Slug

The couple (Gillian’s husband, Sean, stayed hands-off during the entire project, allowing Gillian to fulfill her vision) and their six-year-old daughter packed up and moved to a rented basement apartment nearby for a promised five-month winter renovation.

As walls came down the holy trinity of demolition appeared: old wiring, mold and asbestos. After remediating all potential hazards, digging out the old foundation was halted for another danger—sandy soil. The sand started to fall away from the neighbours’ home as they dug, so they had to underpin a portion of their basement. A costly discovery but safety comes first.

Once the rebuilding was complete, the design plans started taking shape.

Gillian loves nature, so she wanted wood in the kitchen. It was an easy choice to feature the horizontal grain of walnut in the frameless drawer and door cabinetry.

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ALEXANDRA NARANJO INTERIOR DESIGN

True elegance & classic design never go out of style.

7250 Keele Street, Suite 315 | Vaughan, Ontario | L4K 1Z8 Tel: 416.922.3562 | www.alexandranaranjo.com

Luxe Feature Life / Kitchen Slug

Fischer Custom Cabinets went above and beyond to keep the cabinets looking sleek and clutter-free, and ensured the edges were precisely beveled for easy opening, replacing the need for hardware. (Only the pantry and laundry closet bi-fold doors have handles.) White uppers were chosen to lighten the space, bouncing light in from the new French doors.

The island is a game-changer for the way the family cooks, lives, interacts and entertains. They now have a classic, luxurious kitchen where friends and family hang out.

Finally, true to their word, the contractor, GPW Construction, had them back in their home on time and close to budget. With Gillian’s vision come true, they couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

DESIGNERS

CBD Glass Studio YEAR FOUNDED

1986

SPECIALTY

Glass

FOUNDER

Vladimir Fridman

WHEN ART AND SCIENCE COLLIDE A glowing kitchen counter, a backsplash that appears to change colour—these are made possible by this company’s blending of creativity and technology.

By Carla Lancit

Vladimir Fridman, CBD Glass Studio owner,

COMMERCIAL CLIENTELE

took a circuitous route to home design. With

With their design and manufacturing expertise,

a master’s degree in engineering, as well as a

CBD has been tapped to create glass fountains,

background in art and design, he designed ships

bars and decorative walls for commercial clients

in his native Russia. Today, he uses his technical

in Miami, Las Vegas and the Bahamas. Most

know-how and artistic eye to create custom glass

notably, the company played an integral part

accents for international commercial clients and

in the creation of the sculptural Baha’i temple

discerning homeowners.

in Santiago, Chile.

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LUXURIOUS HOME DESIGNS CBD applies the same expertise to the home decor market. “It’s the same idea but in a different quantity,” says Fridman. “We can bend and cure glass in different positions, allowing lines and light to travel through.”

Different colours and textures create different styles of glass. Among the favourites for modern applications are Aqua Glass—a clear glass with a bluish tint that looks like a pool of water—and White Onyx Glass, which has movement within and a honed satin finish, giving it the appearance of an icicle. For a more traditional home, CBD can create glass with a rustic finish or an antique feel.

CBD’s portfolio includes wine cellars, countertops, kitchen islands, railings, sinks and backsplashes—all made of glass, and all custom designed and manufactured in Toronto.

DRAMATIC COUNTERTOPS With so many striking options, glass countertops have become one of CBD’s most requested products. They can be backlit to create drama in a bar or given an integrated sink for a spa-like bathroom. They’re also a natural choice for kitchens, where their sanitary nature makes them popular. “A glass countertop is hygienic, not porous,” says Fridman, adding glass is more rigid than stone and easier to maintain.

ABOVE: Another custom bar counter done in Green Onyx thermoformed 1 and ½ inch glass. The LED lights add colour and glamour.

LOCAL PRODUCTION

BELOW RIGHT: This custom kitchen has an island with a luxurious White Onyx thermoformed 1 and ½ inch glass counter, two waterfalls and LED lights. The room also has a glass backsplash that compliments the contemporary design.

their factory. There, Fridman works directly

The company has two showrooms—one at Improve Canada in Vaughan, Ont., and a 30,000-square-foot showroom attached to with designers and homeowners to create exquisite pieces.

With his engineering background, he is able to consult with architects and designers on technical aspects of his designs. “Most glass companies don’t understand wood or steel the way we do,” says Fridman, noting that he can also direct trades on plumbing and electrical elements.

This ability to work on all facets leads many to use CBD to handle their projects from design to installation. Says Fridman, “We’re a unique source for a homeowner to sleep well.”

This kitchen’s raised bar was made using cast 1 and ½ inch ultra clear glass. We love the contrast between the bright shiny glass and the more muted sandstorm texture.

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

This elegant interior features exclusive and luxurious pieces, such as a polished-wood-andmarble coffee table, a pair of handcrafted exotic veneer side tables and a velvet sofa.

COMPANY NAME

Art Boulle

BELOW: An infinite polygram of grandeur converging in a lustrous door handle, this signature door makes the perfect entryway.

YEAR FOUNDED

1984

SPECIALTY

Iron & Woodwork FOUNDERS

Nancy & Diego Saavedra

FIT FOR A KING

By Lisa van de Geyn

Every project that Nancy Saavedra has created, she talks about the way most of us talk about our children. As the passionate owner and creative director of Art Boulle, the company that has created unique interior collections, doors, gates, staircases and more for Toronto’s most luxuriant addresses, she is one of the foremost experts in detailed and opulent ornamental iron and woodwork.

If you stroll through Yorkville, Saavedra says you’ll come across a door she designed for a celebrated doctor. “I really wanted to bring in craftsmanship and I was intrigued with the classical building and its modern windows. The client wanted a wow factor and I had this vision of contemporary squares paired with stainless steel protruding circles,” she

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CESA DESIGN.

Originally known for their ornate metal and wooden doors, Art Boulle has expanded beyond the grand entrance.

work she’s inspired to design. “I’m inspired all the time—it’s like there are photos in my mind. I’ll go somewhere and see something I love, and it just sticks and comes with me,” she says. “It’s amazing when an idea I have comes to life with the help of our fabulous team of designers and craftsmen.”

In Art Boulle’s three decades, the Saavedras have refined their process, making projects come to fruition with ease. After a detailed project evaluation (which takes everything from expectations says. “I wanted people to be drawn to the entrance

to concerns into account), the team works on

and really want to know what’s behind that

recommendations that best fit their clients’ wish

beautiful door. It took six months to design and

list. Adjustments are made, then manufacturing

handcraft and I put a lot of love into it. What we

and installation are completed. Work is done the

created was like a signature piece of jewellery.”

old-fashioned way, Saavedra says—by hand. “It

When it comes to this kind of artistry, no one

has taken more than 35 years of collective expe-

does it like Art Boulle. The company, which recently

rience to achieve the results we’re so proud of.”

celebrated its 35th year, is the perfect example of

There’s nothing Saavedra and her team can’t

seamless relationships between design professionals

create—if she can dream it up, it can be executed.

and artisans; the Art Boulle team ensures crafts-

“I’m always looking for innovation and want to

manship reigns supreme the way it did back in the

be at the forefront of the most unique designs,”

Baroque period when Andre Charles Boulle worked

she says. “Clients come to me because they want

for the king and was renowned for his elaborate

something unique. “It starts from an Art Boul-

cabinetry. “What he did was so opulent and intricate.

le door and ends with an Art Boulle home”

I wanted to bring those details into this age—marry

Saavedra mentions some of the projects that

the classic with the contemporary and bring this

have really stayed with her: a velvet birch sofa

craftsmanship to the modern day,” Saavedra says.

with zebrawood inlays and stainless steel details;a

And that’s just what Art Boulle has done in the more

rosewood coffee table;built-in bathroom vanities;

than 100 projects—doors, furniture, staircases, gates,

staircase that combines veneered wood pieces;

built-in custom cabinetry, detailed wall panelling

and metal with an ebony finish handrail; a gate

and more—they’ve created using the highest-quality

in Toronto’s Bridal Path that she designed after

materials and Saavedra’s keen eye for luxury design.

being inspired by the incredible façade of the

Born in Ecuador, Saavedra travels extensively

house. “These are all dear to my heart, as is the

and always dreamt of bringing the kind of detailed

door I crafted for a prominent businessman in

metalwork she saw in French buildings into her

Bangladesh. This was a large project but amongst

projects. “ I’d visit churches and other beautiful

the pieces we created was an ornate French-style

historical buildings and I was fascinated by the

door with gilded 24-carat gold. It was an amazing

detailed inlays, veneers and metalwork—it always

piece and when the client received it, they called

caught my eye,” she says. She and her co-owner,

and told me how grateful and happy they were.

Diego, are enthusiastic about all elements of fine

“When I deliver a project there are feelings of

art, and when Nancy talks about her love for all

excitement and nervousness, but once the product

things design, you can feel the passion she puts

is unveiled, I see my clients’ eyes light up,” she says.

into every piece Art Boulle creates. She’s behind

“It’s so rewarding—knowing that you brought

every project, ensuring each piece meets her high

happiness to someone. It takes a lot of sacrifice,

standards and matches the company’s philoso-

but I don’t really see it as work. I just love what

phy—she values integrity in and fervor for the

I do taking an idea and seeing it to fruition.”

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TOP LEFT: This exquisite table is made using a combination of exotic wood veneers and metal inlays covered in high-gloss polyester.

TOP RIGHT: Gorgeous decorative pieces and ornaments adorn this room. We love the European velvet sofa, which has 23-carat-gold gilding.

ABOVE: It’s truly in the details. Part of Art Boulle’s jewellery door collection, this door was handcrafted by skilled artisans and craftspeople.

Luxe Life / Philanthropy

It is estimated that one in five

People need to know they are not alone. One simple

Canadians will experience a mental

thing you can all do is to talk to those around you

illness throughout their lifetime.

about how they are feeling, and take the time to

This statistic is alarmingly high and it does not feel like reality until

Check in regularly, especially if you know they are

you or someone you love is affected.

under strain or dealing with a challenge. Our lives

I recently lost a dear friend to a trag-

can get really busy but it is important to take the

ic suicide. Ben LeFevre was a man

time and connect with those around us, to Look

who could light up a room with his

into their eyes in a new way. You never know what

smile—he embraced everyone he

is behind them.

met with love and his soft genuine

MY FRIEND BEN Contributing editor Joan Kelley Walker shares the story of a dear friend who sadly passed away earlier this year.

After his death, she was inspired to help others who suffer from mental illness.

By Joan Kelley Walker

truly listen. People need to be seen and heard.

Although there are good people and agencies

nature. With the sudden news of

that do exist to help those in crisis, there are often

his death, I immediately knew that

long waiting lists. The lack of resources continues

something had to be done. But

to be a challenge. This inspired me to create the Ben

what? And how? Mental health issues are very

LeFevre Mental Health Impact Fund to lend support

complex. How can I do something meaningful in

and strength to those agencies, so they can do their

his memory that will make a difference?

work to continue to assist people who need it most.

What I do know is that I didn’t realize the extent

I am learning a great deal as this unfolds. I feel

of his suffering. I don’t know if any of us really

better to be proactive, but the fact is that Ben’s lega-

can begin to understand unless you have been

cy deserves to live on and continue to create impact,

there. Mental illness often causes people to suffer

because that is what he did in every way. Ben was

in silence and they hide behind a brave face to the

a loving, helpful soul. I like to believe that he is still

outside world, which is not a true reflection of

here helping others in a tangible way through this

what’s inside. While there are effective treatments

crucial fund.

available, many never seek help from professionals

We all have connections to charitable causes

due to stigma, discrimination, a lack of resources or

that speak to us on a personal level for various

a combination of all of these.

reasons. My true hope is that if everyone finds

On a positive note, I have noticed that there

a way to give back in their own way, together we

has been very open communication about mental

make this world a better place. Are you inspired

health issues in Canada. Now, more than ever,

to give? Volunteer? Learn? Help? How can you

we all have an opportunity to inspire each other

create impact?

to raise awareness and take part in the sharing of

We are a network of fabric of connectivity in

information, tools and support for mental health

this world. We all have ups and downs, we all need

issues. You can make a legitimate difference and

help at some point. It may sound trite but sharing

help change the narrative from negative to one of

and caring really do make the world a much better

positive affirmation by learning, being thoughtful

place. When it’s borne out of love or loss, we can

and talking openly.

have a tremendous impact.

It is eye-opening how many people have confided

To learn more about the Ben LeFevre Mental

in me since the loss of Ben that they too have faced

Health impact fund, visit UNITEDWAYGT.ORG/

depression, anxiety, addiction and suicidal thoughts.

BENLEFEVRE.

56

Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

COMPANY NAME

Beaver Valley Stone YEAR FOUNDED

1989

SPECIALTY

Natural stone FOUNDER

Anthony Pacitto

WRITTEN IN STONE Plenty has changed industrywise since this company opened its doors 30 years ago, but Beaver Valley Stone’s core values have not.

By Karine Ewart

When Antonio (you can call him Tony) Pacitto launched Beaver Valley Stone in 1989 after working at another established stone company for more than 20 years, he had one goal in mind: offer the largest selection of the highest-quality stone products so clients could find everything they wanted without leaving the stoneyard. And believe it or not, that was an anomaly back then.

“When I started out in this business, people didn’t do a lot of hard landscaping around their houses,” Pacitto says. “Housing prices were so out of control in the Greater Toronto Area that it got too expensive for homeowners to sell their homes, so instead they started to look for ways to expand their living spaces. People wanted to bring the inside out. They wanted outdoor BBQ dining areas, fire pits, outdoor kitchens.”

The thing is, outdoor sectionals and lounging furniture weren’t mainstream back then, says

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

who was hired by the customer had never heard of this new product and when he came to our yard to pick it up, he was furious. ‘How dare you try to sell me broken bricks!’ he yelled.”

Pacitto quietly interjects with a knowing smile. “Of course, once his client assured him that this was indeed what he ordered, the tumbled Brussels block, all went well after that.”

What really went well for Pacitto was this: He had a strong (and correct) conviction that would literally change the way people designed their homes in the future. “He encouraged people to mix natural stone in with other products. This was revolutionary,” says Tania. “Landscapers and designers were like, ‘What do you mean? You can’t do that!’ and he said, ‘Yes, yes you can.

You don’t have to do all or nothing; you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on all-natural. You can do a bit of both and save that way. And it will look gorgeous.’” It seems a tad obvious now but that’s one of the main reasons Pacitto’s daughter, Tania, who’s sitting with her father for our interview at the

Pacitto is a true pioneer in the industry.

company’s head office in Markham, Ont., one of their three locations. Tania,

When asked about what the next 30 years will bring, those who

along with her brother, Mark, and their mother, Hazel, have worked at Bea-

know him best know not to utter the word “retirement.” Suffice it to say,

ver Valley Stone either full or part time consistently for as long as they can

Pacitto will continue to be a visionary at Beaver Valley Stone, supporting

remember (though Hazel has since happily retired). And, while homeowners

not just his immediate family but his business family and friends as well,

found ways to expand their spaces onto back patios, they also started bring-

and pursue his philanthropic endeavours (of which there are many) until

ing stone indoors, explains Tino Cimone. (FYI: Pacitto and Cimone worked

his stoneyard is truly full.

together at the aforementioned stone company and Pacitto invited Cimone to join him to open Beaver Valley Stone, making them coworkers for more than 50 years.)

“They did this by adding kitchen backsplashes, shower accents, fireplace centrepieces and even stone flooring. We pushed the industry forward and helped it grow by carrying the best and largest inventory and material,” Cimone says.

“We were the biggest, most influential company in the landscaping industry a few years after we opened.”

That’s not to say there were inflated egos or a few hiccups along the way. When asked for an anecdote about a project that didn’t go perfectly according to plan, manager Joe Ponte, who just celebrated his 24th year with the company (you see the common thread here when it comes to family and employees?), prompts Pacitto to share the “Brussels story.”

“We had a customer who ordered custom Brussels block for his home at Lawrence and Bayview Avenues,” Ponte says. “Brussels block looks like regular brick but is purposely tumbled to look rustic. The only problem was that the landscaper

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Luxe Life / Q&A

COMPANY

Binns Kitchen + Bath Design YEAR FOUNDED

1963

SPECIALTY

Timeless elegance FOUNDERS

MILESTONES

Joseph and Vera Binns

The founders of one of the most iconic kitchen and bath design firms answered some of our toughest questions about how they have remained relevant for the last 56 years.

By Karine Ewart

Tell us about your history.

How has the industry changed over the years?

In 1957, Joseph and Vera Binns immigrated to

The kitchen has evolved. Fifty-plus years ago,

Canada with their young family from a small

the kitchen was a utilitarian space, often at the

town in England called Beverley. In 1963, they

back of the house, closed off from the rest of the

started a home renovation company under

home and not a space where the whole family

the name of Beverley Home Improvements, a

spent a great deal of time together. As kitchens

namesake from their roots. They were retrofitting

became more built-in and fitted, with specialized

Toronto kitchens for Canadian department stores

appliances, the kitchen shifted from being a space

like Eaton’s and Simpsons because of a fancy new

of isolated utility to a place full of conveniences,

invention: the dishwasher. They soon noticed a

including the latest and greatest gadgets. Families

trend emerging, and expanded their business to

began to spend more time in the kitchen as their

offer more services, as well as products to accom-

lifestyles became more casual; the traditional

modate this new fitted kitchen concept. The

dining room and formal living spaces were used

Binns began to import some of the very first cus-

less. Walls were removed and the trend toward

tom European kitchen cabinetry from Germany

the open floor plans were introduced, making the

to Canada to better serve their client’s needs.

kitchen the centre of the home.

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Luxe Life / Q&A

yourself and your family.

Homeowners seem to want to have their spaces reflect more than just their sense of style. Do you find that with your clients?

Design priorities are individual and personal.

After the necessary questions designers ask their clients are answered, we ask one additional question: “If your new space could tell a story, what wouldt it be?” That question is often met with a long pause but always leads to a deeper discussion that transcends beyond the typical conversation of what a person or family is looking to achieve with their decor or style ideas for a kitchen or bathroom renovation. It allows our clients to open up so we can be their storytellers.

What are some current trends you have noticed? A trend we are not necessarily surprised by but admittedly currently confused with (and also somewhat smitten with) is minimal-maxAt the same time, the way people thought about how to live in their homes started to change, too, and the kitchen moved from the back of the house.

This space needed to be designed and planned by professional industry experts with specific knowledge of the ergonomic functions of a kitchen, as well as the skill to make the room work with the rest of the house. Kitchen interior design today is about so much more than just the kitchen and that’s an exciting shift in the industry.

How has Binns changed over the last 56 years?

Our evolution is tied to our company name. We began as a small home renovation business called Beverley Home Improvements then shifted to The

renovation stories that spans our company

Kitchen Place once we discovered our niche. As

history. A good testament to that is how many of

second and third generations joined the business,

our clients come back to us for second and third

our name changed again from Binns Designer

renovations. It’s the embrace and thank you at the

Kitchens to our now current business name

end of a renovation that is special.

Binns Kitchen + Bath Design.

How do you describe luxury as it pertains to kitchens and baths?

Can you share one memorable product or project that particularly pleased you?

imalism. It sounds confusing because it is. We understand and love a good juxtaposition and it’s nice to see colour and pattern introduced into modernist design. We’re holding our breath with this new design trend to wait and see.

And what insights do you have for the future?

The new definition of luxury is about creating

It may be surprising but we’re predicting a nudge

In every project our goal is to successfully create

an experience and it’s not as tangible and easy to

back to the past, and although we don’t foresee

a space that feels natural and intuitive—a space

define as it once was. It’s not about the possession

the kitchen becoming a fully closed off room

that feels good to be in. There’s a lot that goes into

of things, it’s more about individuality. Luxury

again, there is a new trend emerging with a fancy

planning and there isn’t one moment that stands

as it relates to kitchen design today is about

reference to the past, “The Butler’s Pantry.” We

out because it’s a collection of successful

investing in comfort and making a space for

can’t wait to see what comes next.

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

COMPANY NAME

Chateau Windows & Door Systems YEAR FOUNDED

1986

SPECIALTY

Windows

FOUNDERS

Edgar Sigal

ART BY MOTHER NATURE From Google’s local offices to their client’s personal spaces, this company is dedicated to bringing the outdoors in.

By Carla Lancit When Edgar Sigal founded Chateau Window & Door Systems he couldn’t have envisioned this: a wall of windows overlooking a ravine, with only a fireplace to break the magnificent view.

The year was 2003, and the average price of a detached house in Toronto was just over $330,000. Sigal had spent years working in the dot-com world, but he’d always been mechanically inclined, having grown up in his father’s manufacturing business. Now, he wanted to do something more tangible. Looking around the city he saw construction everywhere, and he recognized an opportunity and had an idea. He approached a Quebec-based window manufacturer and asked to be their Toronto distributor, and his company was born.

Much has changed in the intervening years, and Chateau has grown along with the Greater Toronto Area’s real estate boom. Chateau’s team has

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grown—including service technicians, customer service agents and sales people—allowing Sigal to provide the service of which he is justifiably proud. It all starts with in-depth meetings with clients and architects to ensure that they are using the best possible product for their needs. Sigal takes pride in being part of the creativity that brings clients’ visions to life.

But it doesn’t end there: Chateau is serious about standing by its jobs after installation. “We look at each project as if it were our own home, wanting to understand what’s important,” he says. “I think that’s the underlying philosophy that’s engrained in everybody who works here—it makes the difference between just selling the product and being able to provide a value-added service.”

Chateau has long-standing relationships with leading companies like Lepage Millwork, for example, but Sigal is always on the lookout for new, unique lines to complement their existing products.

“The trend in design is more modern—sharper edges, cleaner lines, minimal frames, bigger glass,” Sigal says, noting that technical advances in glass and hardware have allowed for larger window and door units like lift-andslide or bi-fold doors. “Larger door systems allow for expansive openings that let people flow in and out and let the outside and interior spaces connect with one another,“ he says.

To meet this appetite for modern design, Chateau represents brands like Bliss Nor-Am—the company whose steel products allow for that expansive wall of glass overlooking the ravine.

Earlier this year, the company also brought on a German line called Unilux, which specializes in customizable modern designs with options like wood interior curtain wall windows. “When I’m representing a product, it’s very important to me that I really believe in its quality,” he says.

Chateau is also installing products in new and innovative ways: steelframed windows act as dividers in Google’s Toronto office, as doors to a wine cellar, and delineate a homework area in an architect’s home.

But primarily, they still act as the homeowner’s connection to the outdoors.

“At the end of the day, what do we really put windows in our house for?” asks Sigal. “So we can look outside, get some natural light, bring the outside in.”

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

COMPANY NAME

Komandor

YEAR FOUNDED

1992

SPECIALTY

Custom closets FOUNDERS

COMMAND & CONQUER

Lucian Ezman, Jack Kozlowski, Miroslaw Niznik

Did you know that North Americans think very differently about their closets and wardrobes than Europeans? Komandor does, but it certainly came as a surprise to them, too.

By Karine Ewart

One would think that when Komandor made the decision to expand into North America in 1997, it would have been a rather seamless process. After all, the company, launched in 1992 in Warsaw, had a solid reputation as experts in unique furniture systems and dominated the sliding door market in Europe. They were a profitable, well-respected business with a proven track record and employed only the best engineers, designers and sales teams.

“What’s interesting is that as we expanded in Europe and simultaneously launched in North American, we thought we could use the same business model,“ says Lucian Ezman, the company’s director. “And we couldn’t have been more wrong. We thought we could just use the same plan in the North American market but we honestly couldn’t have anticipated how different those markets were.”

It took them about two years to do a deep dive into the living habits of Canadians and Americans and rethink their business model. There were

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Luxe Life / Company Spotlight

a few key differences that quickly became obvious. “When you purchase a home or condo in Europe, you buy it in a raw state, unlike in North America, where people want everything finished—what the industry here calls ‘turn-key,’” Ezman says, laughingly adding that Europeans call it ‘under the key.’ “Seventy to 80 percent of all homes in North America are sold turnkey. In Europe, only 20 percent are sold that way, and those are usually co-ops or government houses. Europeans don’t want a builder deciding what appliances, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures—even toilets—will be in the space. They just don’t understand it.” So the European craftsmanship that Komandor prided itself on literally didn’t translate to this side of the world because it had more to do with a bespoke, artisan style of carpentry. They needed to rethink the way they made and sold their products.

Something else Ezman and his business partner, Brian Teppo, didn’t fully understand before they did their due diligence was how their distribution model would need to be altered based on the sheer size of the US

Ezman says. “In the US for example, you have the West Coast, the East

and Canada. “In Europe, you can have one distribution centre per country,”

Coast, the Midwest, the South. Each one of those different regions, to Europeans, is like a separate country. America is a country of 300 million people with the wealth of a combination of about 20 nations in Europe.”

Another difference (really, who knew?): “Through history, Europeans have created their closets and cabinetry as armoires; they are pieces of furniture in the corner of the room rather than built-in as part of the infrastructure of the home. It’s a piece of furniture that you move with you,” says Ezman. “That was another key ingredient that we adapted to the North American market. We took the wall unit, wardrobe and armoire and embedded it into the home but added the ability to customize a beautiful, customized sliding door with shelving.” (Sliding doors with personalized imagery are a huge part of their bespoke offering. For example, they have clients with a condo in downtown Toronto who have a picture of their Muskoka cottage on their closet doors; another client has an image of the zebra they photographed on a safari trip to Kenya.)

Ezman has learned a lot in his 28 years in the industry (he started out as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry—something he attests isn’t that different….). “With many of the mirrored doors sold in big-box stores, you don’t get the quality,” he says. “Our company went in the opposite direction. All of our competitors were looking for cheaper and more standardization, but at Komandor, we are the only ones offering more selection and still maintaining our quality.”

“Like in Alice in Wonderland,” he says, comparing the speed at which they need to get their company accessible to clients here. “When Alice was running with the clock, they were running at full speed, and they stopped and realized they were at the same spot”.

Ezman knew that the children’s book matched his company’s desire to bridge the gap between the original Eurpoean strategy to North America.

But as the story goes, it was possible because he believed it.

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Luxe Live / Events

FASHION FOR A CAUSE On June 13th, Living Luxe had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with Weaver’s Art to present “Weave the Runway,” a charity fashion show benefiting the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), an organization close to all of our hearts. In association with Art Boulle, Knar Jewellery and Toronto Fashion Academy, we are thrilled to say it was a huge success.

Above: Toronto-based design duo Rock ‘n Karma’s fashions were a hit on the runway.

74

PHOTOGRAPHY, VLADIMIR KEVORKOV.

Top, from left: Joan Kelley Walker, Jeff Buzbuzian, Jennifer Lipkowitz, Nancy Saavedra, Jason Cameron, Michael Pourvakil, Karine Ewart and Anthony Sirianni.

Bottom right: Vladimir Fridman of CBD Glass Studio and Nancy Saavedra of Art Boulle.

Feature Slug

Discover the unexpected.

Our collection of stunning home decor and accessories features unique artwork, sculptures, hand-carved wall panels, hand-painted planters, glass and ceramic treasures and more.

GuildDesignGallery.com GuildDesignGallery.com

75 Toronto International Design Center | 6900 Airport Road, Showroom G109 | 905-678-4870

Luxe Live / Events

Clockwise from top right: Oshel House of Fashion; gown by Oshel House of Fashion; Xian Zone; Deena and Saraphina Violin; Joan Kelley Walker’s fashion line; Karine Ewart, Jerry Hammond, Tara Delzotto, Jennifer Lipkowitz and Anthony Sirianni.

We showcased four incredible Canadian designers: Xian Zone, Rock ‘n Karma, Oshel House of Fashion and Living Luxe’s own contributor, Joan Kelley Walker. (This entire evening was in large part due to Joan’s philanthropy and we couldn’t be happier to have helped support the cause she is so passionate about. Please see her story on page 56.)

We also had DJ Dennis, Deena and Saraphina Violin entertain the crowd, as well as Luxe Flower Box, Laqfoil, Engineered Art and Woodford Reserve Whisky on hand to help us show our guests a truly lovely time.

In addition to the fashion show, we had a raffle for prizes from our very generous supporters, including HD Beauty, Natural Scents Medical Spa and Tellen Beauty, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to CAMH. We had such a great time, we’re already planning our next charitable function.

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Your Fall

Styling Jeanne Beker invited us into her home to tell us what art means to her. We then explored more beautiful abodes to learn how important the displays on our walls truly are.

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The Art of Jeanne

“On the left is a portrait of my younger daughter, Joey O’Neil, who lives in the Yukon. The portrait, by Shaun Downey, is a masterpiece.

I didn’t commission it: Shaun simply met Joey and was wowed by her beauty and sense of style, so he painted it. It’s especially meaningful for me because Joey lives so very far away. The painting behind me is by the late Canadian artist Marion Perlet. I acquired this piece in about 1986. This painting, called The Birthday Party, was part of series Marion did

81

of wild dinner parties. When my kids were growing up, it hung in our kitchen, and the girls delighted in thinking the subjects were dining on a pepperoni pizza. Actually, it’s a cherry pie. On the top right is a watercolour by Perlet, the first real piece of art I every acquired. Toller Cranston gave it to me; he wanted to encourage me to begin collecting Canadian art. On the bottom right is a small oil painting I bought from Perlet as a 50th birthday present to myself.”

J

MY INTRODUCTION TO COLLECTING Art has always been important to me but it’s not as if I grew up with a lot.

My parents were immigrants and they came to Canada with nothing after they survived the Holocaust. To have art was a luxury and that wasn’t part of our story.

But my mother gave my sister and I a real appreciation for art because

she loved it herself. I will never forget: We had a still life of fruit that someone had given to my mother that she cherished. That is how it started. But

Our contributing lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker tells us why art—and life—is all about authenticity and understanding that what you place on your walls writes the story you want to tell.

Photography by Kelly Horkoff Styling by Zyda Khan, Guild Design and Alina Takmelova, Flowers Time

my mom was a wonderful craftswoman—she did needlepoint, crochet, etc.

These were her idea of what great art was because it was what we could afford. And it was great. And my daughters’ really appreciated what she made and they have my mother’s art in their homes now.

HOW MY COLLECTION BEGAN The first real piece of art that I ever owned was a gift to me from Toller Cranston. I befriended him in about 1979. I had just moved into a wonderful loft upstairs from his skating coach’s gallery in Toronto’s Cabbagetown.

And Toller happened to live in the house next door. We became fast friends and confidantes, and I absolutely adored him. He was insane and the first flamboyant artist of that ilk that I got up close and personal to.

I had just started working at CityTV and he said, “You have to start Canadian art.” He made it seem like I almost owed it to the country. He said I would never regret it.

He invited me to one of his friend’s art shows: It was Marion Perlet.

She was a wonderful, mad woman herself, and was originally from Germany but had lived in Montreal for a very long time and worked very closely with Toller. Her style influenced his and vice versa. And so he bought me one of her pieces. I was just so excited on the cab ride home holding this little piece wrapped in brown paper.

WHAT I LEARNED ALONG THE WAY On that cab ride, Toller recommended I choose one artist to collect to keep my collection cohesive. And I started collecting a lot of Marion’s pieces. But then, I also started discovering other artists, and what a joy it was! By the mid-1980s, I married my husband, who was also an art collector, and we started to blend our pieces.

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“The tiny piece on the far left is a watercolour by Marion Perlet—I bought it one of those times when I didn’t have a lot of money on hand, but still wanted to support the artist at a show. The leather Zebra mask (mounted on a lucite pole) is a wild and wonderful piece I purchased in 1987, when we were redecorating our first home. I drove by an art gallery on Bayview Avenue in Toronto and this awesome mask was in the

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window. I had a zebra rug in my home, so I decided to go for the gusto and purchased this crazy piece. The large portrait over the mantle is another one by Perlet. I always loved the elegance and poetry of the Calla Lilies. On the right is a portrait that Toronto artist Denis Bouchard did of me back in the 1980s. It’s a whimsical work that doesn’t take me that seriously—which I love—yet exudes a very bold and distinctive style.”

This painting is by the late Toronto fashion illustrator and artist Frederick Watson.

Frederick was a lovely gentleman who became a friend.

He painted this in 1957—it was inspired by an old Dior ad. I love the sensuality of this woman’s back, and it harkens back to a time in fashion that I never got to experience, so I really do adore it.

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Both of these paintings are by the Canadian-born, Mexican-based realist painter Michael French. I acquired the painting on the left, “Maple and Elm,” at the Casey House Art for Heart auction back in 1995. It’s a scene that Michael painted when he was living in Quebec on the Isle d’Orleans.

The painting on the right is a scene on Rice Lake, which is actually near my farm. I find Michael’s work to be very calm and soothing.

HOW IT PLAYED FORWARD When we had our two girls, I was so happy that we had such an abundance of art on our walls. And because of that, our daughters grew up to be such creative people themselves: Joey takes after my mother and does a lot of needlepoint, embroidery, beadwork and crochet and is quite a seamstress and painter, as well. And Becky has become a full-fledged artist, animator, puppeteer, ceramicist—she makes so many beautiful things that are very eclectic. (Her store in Ontario’s Northumberland County is a destination for artists and collectors from all over the province.) I think their love for art is because my husband and I decided to mix many artists into our art collection.

There isn’t one piece of art I have purchased that I regret.”

PHASE TWO AND HOW ART TELLS YOUR BEST STORY, REGARDLESS OF YOUR JOURNEY In the late 1990s my husband and I separated, which was sad for a variety of reasons, but it also meant we had to divide our art. There is a story about one piece in particular that is very personal to me but suffice it to say, art has a way of meaning more than just an item you hang on your wall.

And now I have a wonderful life partner who also has a strong love of art—we actually met at an art gallery. We live together and have merged our collections, and that continues to narrate my story.

ONE LAST REMINDER There isn’t one piece of art I have purchased that I regret. Each piece tells my story and reminds me of what was happening in my life at that time. They make my houses feel like homes. They really do become part of your DNA—the wide lens through which you see the world, and they become a common reference point for yourself and other members of your household and guests. They are touchstones and harken back to different times of your story and are such an incredible representation of your life and your journey.

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The portait of me is by Toronto artist Shaun Downey. He’s a brilliant realist painter who did this portrait of me for a BRAVO! series entitled “Star Portraits.” He went on to adopt one of my daughters, Joey, as a muse and did an exquisite portrait of her that hangs in my dining room. The silk flower “crown” on the piano is by an old friend of mine, Taffi Laing, a former Toronto photographer and art director, now based in LA, who created this rather new line of decorative floral crowns. She gave it to me as a gift, expecting me to wear it I think,

but I don’t really have the occasion. I just love the look of it so I keep it on display. The photograph over the piano is by LA-based artist David LaChapelle. LaChaplle is a commercial and fine art photographer, music video director and film director. I interviewed him many times over the years on Fashion Television, and we were very fond of each other. One day, this glorious photo—of British model Jodie Kidd floating on a crown—appeared at my door.

I was blown away, to say the least.

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This is a painting by my late, dear friend and confidante— my style mentor as well, you might say—the great Olympic skater and artist Toller Cranston. Even though we were very close, and Toller was a prolific painter, I never bought too much from him.

But this piece, which was from a series that seemed to be a wonderful celebration of costume, appealed to me. I recall him needing money at the time, so he pleaded with me to come to his studio late one night and buy a piece from this new series he was working on. He really encouraged me to choose this one. It helps me remember the very creative Toller. I adored him.

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Process

PHOTOGRAPHY, ASA WEINSTEIN AND MEREDITH HERON.

Design as a

As a designer for the last 22 years, I have come to appreciate that design is a process, both as the designer and as the client.

By Meredith Heron

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BELOW In my inital plans for

The

the dining room I suggested leopard wallpaper on the walls and lacquer on the ceiling, but husband thought the paper was meant for the ceiling and the lacquer for the walls. I’m thrilled he suggested it.

LEFT I’m passionate about nat-

majority of my work involves

ural stone and rarely use faux alternatives. We also prefer to design and have our own water-jet-cut designs made.

It’s an ideal way to introduce bespoke touches and help the space stand out. We used Nero Marquina and Calacatta Marble for this foyer floor.

repeat clients and this often includes additional phases to a former project. There are myriad reasons for this, from budget to a change in family circumstances. But as far as the process goes, clients who are redecorating their existing homes need time to digest the initial changes, and those who are

FAR LEFT The homeowners

moving into a newly designed space, they need time

wanted an open salon in the living room, so we paired an upright piano on the TV wall and sofas facing each other flanking the fireplace.

It’s perfect for entertaining or just hanging out.

to feel the house out and see what is missing.

Now, I start all prospective projects advising clients that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that it is perfectly acceptable and the norm. I like to phase projects so that there is time to reflect on function, aesthetics and my personal favourite— the story: What is the story this house will tell?

Several years ago, we were hired by a developer who wanted to gut a historical home in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. He knew he needed our services to help him get the resale price he was after. We stripped the house back to the bare brick walls, took out all the floors right up to the roof and literally started from scratch. Without having a current homeowner to interview and gain insight into how they wanted to use the house, I created my own profile and set about designing the house to suit my whims.

We reconfigured the main floor to move the living area to the back of the house, which has the most light during the day. That allowed us to position the dining room at the very front of the house, with the kitchen in the middle, closest to the front entrance. With only one small window in the kitchen, we chose a dark and dramatic navy colour on the cabinetry which extended from floor to ceiling (because, really, can you ever have enough storage?).

I had strict budgets to work with, but I designed hoping that whoever bought the house would hire us to finish it off. (Spoiler alert—they did!) For

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example, I designed arched doorways between rooms, anticipating I would eventually add plaster moulding to offer some architectural relief. This is a great way to phase projects in your own home. If you plan out architectural embellishments to follow and focus on laying the groundwork first, it’s easier to add details in later.

I had also specified a custom plaster appliqué ceiling for the living room and I wanted a high-gloss lacquer wall finish in the dining room, but alas, they were deemed too expensive for the developer. I knew this would be easy to do later without having to undo anything else, so I deferred in favour of getting a bespoke water jet marble floor in the foyer, which turned out to be what caught the eye of the future owners.

After the house was sold and our services were retained by the charming new owners, we shared what our complete vision for the house and they agreed that it was all a must-have. We also added in custom built-ins in their child’s bedroom and new Middle-Eastern inspired cabinetry/closets in the master bedroom, along with a lacquered library on the third floor.

I imagined the third floor would be the children’s bedrooms, but in the end they became an office and guest room.

The house now tells the story of the new owners who were always somewhere in the back of my mind. They found their forever home and, as it turns out, it was just waiting for them to come home.

ABOVE We splurged on the foyer floor so

we had to get creative for the master ensuite floor and opted for ready-made tiles and spent on custom cuts for the in-stock marble tiles instead of more expensive mosaics. This left room in the budget for a custom vanity and built-in closet, which is part of the ensuite.

RIGHT Banquettes aren’t just for dining,

they make amazing additional seating, especially for games tables or for larger spaces that need a cozy corner. The oversized artwork was brought back from Asia on a recent trip and fills the wall perfectly.

FAR RIGHT Our clients lived in the Middle

East prior to moving and wanted to bring elements of their travels into their new home, so we designed these built ins to mix East and West in their new home.

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“The house now tells the story of the new owners, who are always somewhere in the back of my mind.”

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Renovation Status Quo The challenge: update this century-old home to make it look exactly like its former self—only better. Dave Jurinic and his team knew just what to do.

It isn’t often that a general contractor and design firm is asked to gut a home, just to rebuild it to look almost the exact same way. That was the situation Dave Jurinic found himself in when his company, Toronto Custom Concepts, was hired to do a large-scale, two-floor renovation on a 100-year-old Toronto home. “It was the first time I’ve ever been asked to make the remodel look like the existing home. It was pretty cool. Most people want new and modern—the typical bright

By Lisa van de Geyn

white or black trim, doors, etc.,” says Jurinic. “This

Photography by Arnal Photography

home was done almost entirely in oak—oak trim, wainscotting, doors. We actually gutted it just to replicate it.”

The homeowners, a couple with two daughters, had a vision in mind—their inspiration came from the 20 years spent in their traditional 2,400-square-foot house that was full of elm, hickory and oak. “They liked the vintage style of the place, but had a few must-haves on their list. They wanted a new kitchen and asked us to relocate the powder room. We moved walls and gave them a new fireplace, windows and flooring,” Jurinic says. “Picture an old, stereotypical Toronto home full of oak and hickory. We made it look the same but brand new. ” The challenge in this job, says Jurinic, was recreating the look and matching the century-oldworkmanship and craftsmanship. “We worked

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with stained oak in a similar shade of the existing oak. Compared with painted-white trim, you see the grain in the oak and every cut has to be done once and has to be perfect—the material is expensive.” The architectural influences make the interior feel like a “mix of arts and crafts with modern eclectic touches.”

Some of the big changes included straightening the walls between the foyer and kitchen, putting in heated radiant floors (and getting rid of the home’s radiators), adding glass pocket doors separating the dining, living and sitting rooms, and replacing the yellow brick fireplace (and adding millwork overtop to make room for the TV). The kitchen ended up being one of the only modern rooms—they painted it in Benjamin Moore’s Down Pour Blue (a light royal blue), which was a departure from the brown oak hues throughout the rest of the space. “There’s a feature wall in the kitchen that’s done with expensive mosaic whiteand-blue tile. It was very difficult to install,” says Jurinic. “That’s my favourite part of the project—I’m drawn to the work that it took to get to the finished product. There’s beauty in that effort.”

The couple were also blown away by how the project came together. “They were impressed by the workmanship used to make it look the same even though there were so many major changes,” he says. “It’s an old style, and most people aren’t doing it, but doing a rebuild to match a home built a century ago was definitely an experience.”

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Quest for Beauty

Inspired by the timelessness of an Artsand-Crafts-style garden, Toronto’s T.M. Glass uses modern technology to create jaw-dropping imagery that excites the eyes and soothes the soul. Lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker sat down with the artist to find out more about these extraordinary digital paintings that are a 21st-century ode to nature and romance.

We live in dangerous times: Environmentally,

I followed it to create mine.” This was at a time

the planet is in peril and our obsession with

when digital cameras first came out, and Glass, who

technology and preoccupation with artifice has

felt comfortable with the newfangled apparatus,

never been more pronounced. Nature’s simple

began documenting the exhilarating journey with a

beauty is at risk of being overshadowed and even

four-megapixel camera, and stored the files. “Every

destroyed. That’s why the world needs more T.M.

new camera that came out with more megapixels

Glass. A one-time student of sculpture at the

became more interesting. I felt that this was an

Ontario College of Art and Design, this Toronto

artistic medium I could use and that some of the

artist originally worked in media before honing

things I learned as an art student could somehow

in on the pursuit of beauty. Today, Glass’s over-

be joined to this new medium.”

sized, digitally painted photographs are arresting

But there wasn’t much Glass felt could be done

examples of why we need to take more time to

with these pictures because early printers weren’t

smell and truly see the flowers.

sophisticated enough, and inks would change

The artist’s love affair with flora began a couple

colour. Eventually, manufacturers created ink that

of decades back, after purchasing a century-old

was stable and printers that could print on specially

Toronto home designed by British-born Arts and

coated papers. “I began to find ways to make the

Crafts architect Eden Smith. While researching how

printer my paintbrush and to explore the software,”

the dilapidated house might be restored to its origi-

recalls Glass, who was also interested in going

nal glory, Glass read an old interview with Smith in

against the decades-old notion that contemporary

which he talked about how his designs were linked

art should be flat, with no illusion of space or depth.

to the landscape around the property, and that gar-

There was also the feeling in the contemporary art

dens were important to his work. “I knew nothing

world that a conscious quest for beauty was some-

about gardens,” says Glass, “so I had to learn. I also

how wrong and “old fashioned,” and that artists

had to learn about the period gardens. I found a

should work with abstract, rather than representa-

book by William Robinson from 1860 called The

tional imagery. “So while I was figuring out what

Wild Garden, and it was very prescriptive about

I’d do with the digital medium, I made a decision

how to make an Arts-and-Crafts-movement garden.

to move away from any of the things that we

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recognized as contemporary and started to discover how I could marry my ideas with cutting-edge technological equipment.”

Glass began using a stylus to digitally paint on a Wacom tablet screen, designing a variety of brushes and controlling the flow and thickness of the digital paint. The resulting clarity and crispness of the brushstrokes became a big part of the imagery’s appeal.

“I also wanted to explore how to create the illusion of depth in a picture,” says Glass. “I wanted my work to be a quest for beauty. I felt this was a door opening for me, moving into something that hadn’t really been in vogue for the last 60 years.”

Beyond the glorious flowers, the vases and vessels that Glass uses are also remarkable, many of which come out of the collections of revered cultural institutions like Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum and the Gardiner Museum. Of course, the cut flowers are never actually put into any of these rare vessels— Glass’s pictures are digitally composited collages.

But why is Glass insistent on always showing flowers in vases? “One of the central principles of the 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement was a quest for beauty, quickened by a sense of approaching death. And when a sense of approaching death is combined with this quest for beauty, it heightens the appreciation of the beauty,” Glass explains. “Cut flowers in a vase are very beautiful but don’t live very long, so simultaneously, there’s a sense of their approaching death. I did do some photographing of flowers right in the garden, but I found that when I cut the flowers and put them in a vase, it got closer to what I was aiming for.”

Besides flowers and gorgeous vessels, Glass is fascinated with the technology that truly drives the work. “As digital cameras become more and more sophisticated, they reach a level that is beyond what the human eye can see. I recently changed to a 150-megapixel camera from a 100-megapixel camera. The images I shoot are imported into my computer as raw pictures. I have to decide what the colours and colour intensity will look like. Then I work with my digital paint to really bring the picture to life,” says Glass. “What you see is a picture that comes from my mind, my memory, my dreams—how I remember the flowers in that vase when I took the picture, and what I want you to see. You see it through my eyes. Yes, it’s a photograph, and yes, it’s a painting. But it’s also something that didn’t exist before.” One thing I can personally attest to: The more you look at the exquisite imagery of T.M. Glass, the more you see. Like the artist’s own spectacular garden, the beauty simply grows.

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A chance meeting with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, led to Glass being allowed to shoot a number of vessels and vases from the Royal Family’s own collection, as well as being able to shoot flowers from a garden that the late Queen Mother had created at the Royal Lodge. The Duchess and Prince Andrew gave Glass a Victorian greenhouse conservatory on the grounds of the Royal Lodge in which to work for several days. The resulting “Royal Lodge Series” has proven to be wildly popular.

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THE NEW FRENCH CHIC The wish list was long for these homeowners, but every detail —from the cool colour palette to the custom millwork— ensured they would have the perfect home for their family.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Vincenzo Pistritto

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If

you’re familiar with Toronto’s presti-

inspiration was French transitional with a mod-

gious Lorne Park neighbourhood, you know the

ern flare,” she says, adding the floor plan was

area’s homes are magazine-worthy—truly luxu-

designed to maximize an open-concept feel for

rious and beautifully detailed to fit homeowners

social gatherings and quality family time, while

to a tee. “For this build, our client entrusted us

“ensuring private spaces, such as the office and

to create a bespoke home. They were looking

powder room, were kept separate from traffic

to move into a generous space for entertaining

and other everyday noises.”

and enjoying their opulent lifestyle,” says Suzi

As with all of Lavish’s builds, it came down

Kaloti, the owner of Lavish Design Build based

to subtle details and perfect execution. The

in Oakville, Ont. “Their style was made up of

main floor spans 3,000 square feet and flows

cool tones such as grey, purple, blue and chrome;

intuitively and ergonomically, Kaloti says.

they wanted transitional, glamorous.”

“The grand entrance features a 20-foot-high

So that’s where the team at Lavish started.

ceiling and micro-panelling details that set the

The 9,000-square-foot, five-bedroom palatial

standard of craftsmanship for the entire design.”

space was a new build and came with a long

An 18-foot window—overlooking a lush and

wish list from the homeowners—they requested

well-manicured backyard—is a showpiece in

heated flooring, custom ceilings and panelling,

the great room, while the kitchen tells a story

custom walnut millwork, designer chandeliers

of precision. “No design element goes unseen.

and state-of-the-art technology and appliances.

Three different stone countertops are uni-

“Other requirements were an open-concept

formed to complement the open spaces,” she

kitchen and family room for daily entertain-

says. “The table offsetting the island is designed

ment, sizeable master bedroom with fireplace

for everyday meals while the open flow to the

and private balcony, a large great room (big

family room allows maximum breathability. The

enough to fit a 15-foot Christmas tree), an out-

touches of chrome and hidden lighting acces-

door entertainment area and a walk-out base-

sorize the space to fill out the more mundane

ment with bar and home theatre,” says Kaloti.

parts of an every-day kitchen making it extraor-

“Our goal was to create a luxurious yet comfortable space that’s functional, and our

105

dinary. For every corner there is a conversation piece to discuss, complementing the

design structure of the kitchen.”

The basement is one of those aspirational

The family room is where the whole look

rooms that’s all about entertainment. “There’s a

comes together. “The grey-toned wood, book-

fully stocked bar adjoining a large recreational

match marble slabs and tufted purple velvet

space for our clients and their guests to enjoy,”

couches create a grand yet fresh environment.”

she says. “One unique quality of this basement

Rounding out the space is custom storage and

are the 10-foot-high ceilings, direct access to the

shelving (filled with collected works of art and

backyard and full-sized windows, allowing for

family photos) surrounding the marble fireplace.

maximum sunlight. There’s also a home gym,

Walk upstairs and you’ll find the second floor

16-seat theatre and a custom sauna, all of which

boasts five generously sized bedrooms, each

guarantee our clients will never want to leave

with their own ensuite bathroom and perfectly

their abode.”

appointed closets. The principal bedroom recre-

The homeowners were impressed with the

ates a private sanctuary. “It evokes warmth, style

design elements and how everything chosen

and tranquility. The taupe-coloured panels are

complemented the flow of the space. “They

inspired by the iconic Burberry pattern, envi-

enjoyed merging luxury with comfort and were

sioned to add architectural interest and a unique

truly happy to move into their dream home,” she

element of luxury,” says Kaloti. The custom

says. “Seeing the ideas and designs come to life

headboard is black suede and copper, pulling

is definitely exciting. And the most rewarding is

focus as the centrepiece of the room.

when homeowners love every bit of it.”

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MODERN ART

If you’re not up on the latest in design, take heart—the modern movement still centres around individuality at its core. It isn’t lacklustre—it has panache and comfort.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Ruby Photography Studio

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TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH SOME OF THE CITY’S most impressive neighbourhoods and you’ll find the most unique, innovative, stylish abodes, many of which can be characterized as having that modern flair so many people are drawn to. This style has been gaining in popularity over the last decade, with homeowners embracing more contemporary architecture, sculptural design and a minimalistic approach.

Iva Pelaic, a Toronto-based real estate specialist and founder of DesignSix and GTA Modern Homes gallery (the biggest gallery of modern homes in the Greater Toronto Area), has an intense passion for modern architecture and says the style has truly stood the test of time. “It isn’t new—it comes from the modernist movement in the early 20th century. People wanted a look different than what we were seeing with traditional architecture,” she says, adding it’s glass, steel, reinforced concrete and a “slick” feel that appeals today. “With the emergence of so many condos and townhomes, not to mention social media, modern style has seen a resurgence.

People are really into minimalism—clean lines, open concept, lots of light,” says Pelaic. “These are some of the hallmarks of modernism, and

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previous generations weren’t as open to some of these concepts.”

Modern homes can be as dramatic as homeowners like and still blend into the neighbourhood. They’re more likely to feature cutting-edge technologies such as geothermal heating and green roofs. And when it comes to design and decor, the trend is moving toward high-gloss kitchens, concrete panelling, the use of stone (as well as other materials incorporated in the design), neutral palettes, square lines, oversized windows, as well as lots of personality and art.

“These homes maximize space and ensure flow.

One of the hallmarks of the design is all the natural light that comes in. In the narrow

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modern styles, you can often see from one end of the house to the other,” Pelaic says.

There are shining examples of modern homes across the city, and Toronto’s Contempo Studio, a custom home builder that specializes in modern architecture and design, have created some of the most enviable. One of their homes in Wychwood, for example, is almost all windows, with plenty of glass and steel inside, as well as white walls and light wood flooring that contributes to the sleek, open feel.

It’s minimal and simple but full of character, says Pelaic. Their house on Westrose in the city’s Kingsway neighbourhood, also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, square lines, metal and glass. “These are unique urban homes that are architecturally interesting,” she says. “They really show what good-quality materials, solid design and a minimalistic approach can do.”

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THE BOLD

AND THE BEAUTIFUL 117

Colourful accents and opulent accessories were the key to ensuring this large home felt cozy and inviting for friends and family while making a definitive design statement.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Stacey Branford

E

NSURING A 6,100-SQUARE-FOOT HOME FEELS WARM is no small

feat, and it’s a request that designer Alexandra Naranjo didn’t take lightly.

When her clients approached her with their wish list for a custom-built home—complete with four bedrooms, five baths and two powder rooms— they told her the most important part of the project would be making sure the space felt very familiar and homey. The couple, who have four children and three grandchildren and two dogs, are all about hosting at their place.

“They love getting together every week and wanted their home to feel very comfortable and inviting,” she says.

Warmth was the major must-have for this project, but there were other parameters Naranjo was given. They wanted the home, architecturally designed and built by T. Gornik Build/Design Ltd. in Toronto’s affluent Kingsway neighbourhood, to really make a statement. “It was very important to the homeowners that their new home design complement the existing architecture and character of the area,” says Naranjo. “The owners’ utmost desire was to be creative and individual in all aspects of the design. Both Gornik and Naranjo were given three parameters—to be bold, daring and different.”

These parameters ultimately inspired Naranjo’s vision when it came to the overall finishes and interior design of the home. “I was also inspired by the homeowner—she is a strong and inspirational lady, and very fashionable.”

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An elegant office features silverleaf wallpaper on the ceiling and walls.

It’s dramatic and bold.

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LEFT This neutral master

bedroom features textured wallpapers and rich wall-to-wall custom drapery.

The place is very unique and meticulously designed—the

way throughout the home,” she says. The third-floor

builder ensured that the architecture had a Georgian flair,

guest room is a mauve-lavender and was designed

and my focus was to make certain the interior was more

with the homeowner’s granddaughter in mind. “It’s

classic and transitional with clean lines. That said, its

old Hollywood—it feels very 1940s and glamorous.

opulence is definitely fitting for such an immense, unique

We injected black and gold, too,” Naranjo says. The

space. “There’s a lot of wallpapers, textures, details. No wall

dining room also has that luxe feel—it’s upholstered in

is simply painted. We added lots of custom pieces, like

high-sheen metallic gold fabric, has high-gloss ceilings

rugs by Weaver’s and furniture by Christopher Guy. There

and the statement pieces in the room are definitely two

are just so many things you won’t find anywhere else,

Murano chandeliers with 24-karat gold crystal. “The

such as exquisite chandeliers,” she says. “They really gave

timeless chandeliers not only give the perfect ambiance

me free range when it came to choosing colours, textures

but also carry the beautiful gold elements in the room

and custom details. They let me take risks.”

with their gold-infused Murano crystals,” she says.

The first-floor parlour was one of the bigger risks

Colour plays a big part in making this home so

Naranjo took in her design. “I knew they’d be open

distinctive, but it’s the extravagant details that really

to pushing the envelope because they love colour and

make it unique to the homeowner. The kitchen’s island

wanted that wow factor. They trusted me when I told

provides seats for four and is done in honed Cala-

them the room would pull together beautifully.” The

catta counters, and the fridge is camouflaged under

room is a stunning rich, dark blue and gold—there’s a

a hand-carved cabinet (which looks like an armoire)

Phillip Jeffries gold-leaf ceiling, custom rug in matching

behind the island. There’s a custom skylight which has a

colours, gold grasscloth on the walls and unique mohair

dome-shaped light fixture positioned overtop to ensure

velvet chairs. The cabinetry in the same hue complement

natural light isn’t obstructed. Perhaps the biggest state-

the geometric pattern in the rug, and the drapes feature

ment piece in the house is the 26-foot custom Murano

a large damask pattern in gold and navy. “When I asked

chandelier that’s suspended through the staircase. It

the homeowner her favourite colour, she mentioned

can be seen on every floor and glistens when the light

navy. That spoke to me. I love using blues in different

hits it. “They didn’t want a traditional over the stairs so

tones. Every house I design has a bit of blue,” says

we chose this one that’s very sculptural and different.

Naranjo. “They wanted the parlour to equal the glamour

It took five days to put the chains of glass together.”

of the rest of the home. The lacquered millwork and

The one thing Naranjo says she loves most about

trims introduced a sophisticated punch to the room.”

the home is how cohesive the space is. “Glamour and

This wasn’t the only room Naranjo turned into a

uniqueness is carried from room to room—the whole

statement space. The office is done in layered sil-

house is elegant and distinct, but has that warm feeling

vers—shimmering metallics from floor to ceiling. “We

that was so important to the family. It really does fit

wanted to commit to colour and we did it in a classy

the homeowners perfectly.”

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Glamour and uniqueness is carried from room to room.

The whole house is elegant and distinct, but has that warm feeling that was so important to the family.

A navy wallpaper mural is featured as an accent wall, and pairs beautifully with a high-lacquer nightstand in the same hue.

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The Market Buyer’s Guide & Market Directory

Using the highest-quality materials, cutting-edge technology and remarkable workmanship from German engineers, UNILUX offers freedom of design, energy efficiency and stunning performance to discerning customers.

CHATEAU WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS

90 Tycos Dr Suite 1, North York. chateauwindows.com. 416-783-3916

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The Market / Buyer’s Guide

The Essence credenza will be the centre of attention at your next dinner party. Featuring stunning Capiz shell door patterns, the piece radiates opulence anywhere it’s placed.

DECORIUM

363 Supertest Rd, North York. decorium.com. 416-736-6120.

This new collection from Premium Designer Line Faucet ranges from modern functional design to the most classic, timeless pieces, like this crystal aqua facet made in Italy.

AMATI CANADA

105 Doncaster Ave, Thornhill. amaticanada.com. 905-709-0881

A modern way of thinking, the Hawkins sofa is simple, clean and sophisticated, suitable for any style of living space.

DECORIUM

363 Supertest Rd, North York. decorium.com. 416-736-6120

The streaks of ripples on this Madison Area Rug represent the sandy shores of the beach as if they were abstract paintings.

WEAVERS ART

Featuring a black glass top surrounded by a brass ring, this custom round entrance table has a geometric base and is crafted from solid wood and hand-polished in black lacquer.

1400 Castlefield Ave, York. weaversart.com. 416-929-7929

CARROCEL INTERIORS

245 Bridgeland Ave, North York. carrocel.com. 416-999-2525

Inspired by the optical illusion of the Necker cube, this colourful hand-knotted and bamboo silk contemporary area rug shifts the observer’s point of view.

WEAVERS ART

1400 Castlefield Ave, York. weaversart.com. 416-929-7929

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The Market / Buyer’s Guide

Let nature be your canvas, while security and soundproofing give you peace of mind.

EUROSTAR WINDOWS 55 Administration Rd., Units 22-24, Concord. eurostarwindows.ca.

416-633-5921

For the fashionistas: Missoni Giacomo hand and bath towels, made in Italy, are designed with the company’s zigzag trademark and as soft as the finest cashmere.

DAVID’S FINE LINENS

Bayview Village. 2901 Bayview Ave, North York. davidesdinlinens.com.

416-590-7311

True functional art that can strike a pose in any entrance, dining or office setting, this streaked cabinet features an abstract, hand-painted design with a beautiful lacquer.

GUILD DESIGN GALLERY

Showroom 109 - Toronto International Design Centre 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga. guilddesigngallery.com.

905-678-4870.

Stretch Ceiling technology was invented in Europe as an interior enhancement.

The essence of the product is the use of a thin plastic film stretched within a firm frame. The beauty comes from the film, which can be of any colour, finish, and transparency.

LAQFOIL

2-20 Magnetic Dr, North York. laqfoil.com.

416-663-1708

The Redford II, made by LeatherCraft, is made with Italian top grain leather, has a hardwood frame, glue-screwed with corner blocks and wood dowels for extra strength. It comes in over 100 colours and 65 different fabrics.

Also available in a 3-seater, sectional and sofa bed.

THE HIDE HOUSE

49 Eastern Ave, Acton. hidehouse.ca. 519-853-1031

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Carpet • Area Rugs • Sisal • Hardwood Luxury Vinyl • Laminate • Cork Visit our showroom in the Castlefield Design District 103 Miranda Avenue, Toronto, ON M6B 3W8

416-787-1707 • www.allanrug.com • info@allanrug.com 129

The Market / Buyer’s Guide

Genuine French hardwood flooring.

Panaget has been manufacturing since 1929 and has been recognized for the exceptional quality of their products. All products offered are made in France from 100% French Oak. Their expertise, reputation for quality and innovative design has made them one of the largest leading forces of flooring in the world.

Emilija Pasagic, “Untitled”, 36x36 inches, mixed media on canvas Emilija Pasagic’s mixed floral abstracts invite the curious to take a closer look.

Emilijamedia Pasagic’s mixed Beautifully bright and airy, these pieces offer elegance and sophistication to any room.

media floral abstracts invite

Crescent Hill Gallery 905.820.2233 info@crescenthill.com | www.crescenthill.com the curious to take a |closer

look. Beautifully bright and airy, it offers elegance and sophistication to any room.

CRESCENT HILL GALLERY

2575 Dundas Street West, Unit 10, Mississauga. crescenthill.com. 905-820-2233

Capture the essence of elegance and extravagance with this artfully arranged LuxeFlowerBox, sure to bring happiness to the lucky recipient.

This extra wide French oak flooring complements any interior, classic or modern. Giving a luxurious impression and a sense of elegance.

FIRST CLASS FLOORING

10 Marmac Dr, Etobicoke. firstclassflooring.ca 416-740-6183.

FLOWERS TIME

630 Rivermede Rd Unit 10, Concord. flowerstime. ca. 647-825-3543

Trend alert: Natural stone can be mixed with other products like natural and concrete veneers. With many different styles, colours and sizes to choose from, there is bound to be one that is perfect for your house project.

Inspired by the flavour of the best European traditions, the craftsman, artisans and engineers behind these luxury glass fixtures are dedicated to creating unique, flawless masterpieces to be showcased as statement pieces in your home.

BEAVER VALLEY STONE

8081 Woodbine Avenue, Markham. beavervalleystone.com. 905-886-5787

CBD GLASS STUDIOS

1440 Whitehorse Road, North York. cbdglass.com.

416-398-6890

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We are the contractors of the digital world Web Development • Digital Marketing • Ad Campaigns

www.homeshowoff.com 131

The Market / Buyer’s Guide

The Graphite Orto Shelving system features chic LED lighting, matching hardware for hinged and sliding cabinet doors and comes in an array of designer colours.

KOMANDOR CLOSETS

863 Rangeview Road, Mississauga. komandor.ca. 416-251-1880

Made of solid wood using the finest materials, handcrafted by their skilled artisans, and wIth details like 24K gold leaf on the beautiful legs, this uniquely designed Italian veneer shows innovation and inspiration.

ART BOULLE

7250 Keele Street West, Suite 41/42, Vaughan. artboulle.com. 905-878-6833

Large format book matched tiles feature a vivid range of colours and unique patterns with refined detail.

The high-quality finish makes them ideal for creating a beautiful and inspiring feature in any room.

Lustrous viscose and pliable wool highlight the chic marbled effect of this beautiful Atha rug. With elegant and serene grey and blue colours, this nature-inspired motif shines in modern spaces.

ALLAN RUG COMPANY

103 Miranda Ave, York. allanrug.com. 416-787-1707

The natural marble mosaics take the timeless dolomite stone and craft it into a contemporary pattern, creating stunning combinations. These gorgeous tiles are recommended for a wide range of design installations including backsplash and floor tiling.

BRENTO TILE

1310 Dundas St E Unit 17-19, Mississauga. brentotile.com. 647-946-1441

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HIDE HOUSE

explore, discover, be inspired !

IT’S WORTH THE DRIVE TO ACTON

49 Ea s te r n Ave . Ac to n On .

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1 877-4-Leather 133

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The Market / Buyer’s Guide

The Delphine Console, shown in a Mahogany glassy finish with gold leaf details is completely customizable to allow you to make it your own.

UNIQUE ART & DECO

1762 Avenue Road, Toronto. uniqueartdeco.com.

416-897-1818

The cloud swing daybed is made of rust-free aluminum, and is available in over 300 materials. The roof also opens and closes for 100% UV protection, with added curtains for privacy.

GENERAL PRODUCTS

160 East Beaver Creek Rd, Richmond Hill. gppatio.com. 905-709-1162

Control4 is the only premium allin-one home automation system that makes you the true master of your domain. Easily and intelligently control every aspect of your house, from lights, security, climate control, home theater, music and more.

This asymmetric chaise lounge sofa, complete with a swirl of elegant carving, is a reference to what makes Christopher Guy’s designs so amazing. Available in both right-hand and left-hand versions and as a loveseat in leftand right-hand versions. The finish and fabric is customizable.

TRUTONE ELECTRONICS

980 Dundas St E., Mississauga. 844-980-3838

UNIQUE ART & DECO

1762 Avenue Road, Toronto. uniqueartdeco.com. 416-897-1818

Power comes in all shapes and sizes. This boyfriend fit, wool statement blazer, shown in taupe, is custom fit by experts who believe in making all women feel beautiful.

Permanent makeup is not a new trend, but it is certainly a growing one. One of the most sought-after treatments? Lip Colour. As we age, our lip pigmentation and fullness can fade but the good news is this can be restored by micro-pigmentation specialists.

HD BEAUTY

87 Scollard St, Toronto. hdpermanentmakeup.ca. 416-475-5820

NICOLE BACH, LTD.

121 Richmond St W, Toronto. nicolebach.ca

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A WIDE SELECTION OF NATURAL STONE AND PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS www.beavervalleystone.com t: 905-886-5787 or t: 416-222-2424 Main Office & Yard: 8081 Woodbine Ave. SE Corner Woodbine/407, Entrance off Miller Ave. Office & Yard: 125 Langstaff Rd E., SE Corner Yonge/Hwy 7-407 135 Manufacturing Plant: 12350 Keele St., Maple

We Deliver!

@BVSLimited

beavervalleystone

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY MEDICINE SHOULDN’T BE HELD BACK

BY A 1949 BUILDING. That’s the challenge SickKids faces: we’re limited by our old building. The cornerstone was laid in 1949. Modern and up-to-date then, a beacon of civic pride for Toronto and Canada, our building now limits what we can do. Because of low ceilings, certain equipment doesn’t fit in patient rooms.

Families find themselves in public spaces when they need privacy. Our old HVAC system doesn’t allow for the timely and precise temperature control some surgeries require. We need a building that accommodates everything we can now do for our patients. We need to build a new SickKids.

And it’s going to take all of us. fundthefight.ca

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Inspiration delivered right to your door six times a year.

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A WIDE SELECTION OF NATURAL STONE AND PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS www.beavervalleystone.com t: 905-886-5787 or t: 416-222-2424 Main Office & Yard: 8081 Woodbine Ave. SE Corner Woodbine/407, Entrance off Miller Ave. Office & Yard: 125 Langstaff Rd E., SE Corner Yonge/Hwy 7-407 Manufacturing Plant: 12350 Keele St., Maple

We Deliver!

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beavervalleystone

Luxe / The Best

Paint High-quality paint is always going to be more expensive, but we all know—you get what you pay for.

By Lisa van de Geyn

There are so many benefits to investing in top products and paint is no exception—not only do these brands provide easier application (plus less mess with splatter) and better coverage with fewer coats, they are often resistant to fading and stains, which means they’re simpler to clean and they last much longer than their less-expensive counterparts. We know that the elite paints below will colour your world for years to come.

Annie Sloan Trained as a fine artist and dubbed the queen of paint for three decades, Annie Sloan is one of the most respected experts in the decorative paint industry. Available in 55 countries around the world, her brand of chalk paint has been the leading brand for designers and home painters looking to bring creativity and inspiration into their homes. Her chalk line comes in nearly 40 shades, from Pure (a soft white) to Amsterdam Green (a strong, deep green that may be reminiscent of some school chalkboards) to Graphite (which, when used with Chalk Paint Wax, takes on a dark slate hue). Not only is her paint revered, she’s the author of 26 decor books and her product line includes stencils, home accessories (think table linens and cushions) and even fabrics. anniesloan.com.

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Design & Build Your Home Your Way Cresmark is a Full Service, Boutique Design-Build Firm specializing in high-end Residential Renovations, Additions and Custom Homes. With over 25 years of experience in design and construction, we are passionate about creating spaces that are beautiful, functional and timeless.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today.

416-639-6800 | cresmark.ca

Luxe / The Best

Sydney Harbour Paint Co. Sydney Harbour is based out of Los Angeles, but it’s made by hand by Porter’s Original Paints in Australia using traditional methods and fine raw materials.

An industry leader in colour and specialty finishes, Sydney Harbour’s paints are water-based and are fully environmentally friendly—their products are zero VOC and avoid harmful agreements. They offer five types of premium paint, as well as finishes like chalkboard, liquid copper and gold, wood wash and patina green.

Their Lime Wash is also super popular; the exterior product will revive the colour of your raw stucco, brick, stone and concrete. shpcompany.com.

Ecos Paints Ecos is a pioneer in the industry. Celebrating more than 30 years, the company revolutionized paint by creating products that don’t contain those harsh chemicals and VOCs that are notorious for not only chemical pollution, but headaches and nausea.

Their formulations are made from scratch and completely green, thanks to their pigmenting system that creates pretty much any colour you can think of. Manufactured in South Carolina, Ecos products are super resilient and easy to apply. Their paint is so durable that the headquarters of some of the biggest organizations (Google, Microsoft and Facebook) and most iconic buildings (Westminster Abbey, the Getty Museum and the Louvre) in the world use their products. Their most popular hues are bright yet muted, and include favourites such as Morning Blush, Lemon Zest, Florida Waters and Turkish Teal. ecopaints.net

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Linear drainage removes compromise; allowing the drain to be positioned not only centrally, but against the wall or as a threshold.

This elimination of complex floor grades ensures improved drainage, and improving installation by simplifying tiling and eliminating complicated angle cuts.

Removing compromises ensures bathroom aesthetics and style is enhanced.

ACO Systems, Ltd. ■ (877) 226-4255 ■ info@acocan.ca ■ www.ACOShowerDrain.ca ■ www.quARTzbyACO.ca

Market Luxe / The / TheBest Best

C2 Paint C2 was founded by an American paint chemist who wanted to start a brand that would really showcase the beauty of colour and offer a level of quality he didn’t feel existed. That was 20 years ago, and today there are 496 classic hues in C2’s palette—they’re hand-picked, stylish and there’s really something for everyone, no matter what shade you’re looking for. Not only are their colours innovative, they were the first to introduce the 17-inch x 25-inch Ultimate Paint Chip, allowing customers to get a good sense of the colour (and how it changes in different lights and throughout the day) on a bigger scale. c2paint.com.

Farrow & Ball

Pure & Original The inspiration behind Belgium’s family owned Pure & Original was the country’s rural homes and dark colours. The brand has expanded and their paints are now tinted and mixed around the world, including in Canada. They offer traditional lacquers, floor paint, and chalk paint, as well as Marrakech Walls (a mineral paint that has a concrete-like look and soft surface) and Fresco Lime paint, which has existed for thousands of years and is composed of natural pigments and quick lime. pureoriginalcanada.com.

Their curated palette and rich, pigmented paint (about 30 percent more pigmented than other paint) hails from England but it’s widely recognized as one of the best paint brands in the world. Still made and tested in the UK, Farrow & Ball paint starts by mixing china clay, chalk and titanium dioxide with water, then they add pigments to get that “signature depth of colour.” They pride themselves on their depth and allow complex colours to take centre stage. Their paint is high-performance and has a high-coverage rate with a 400-square-foot average.

But what makes Farrow & Ball so renowned is the 132 vivid, lush and timeless shades on offer, such as Pale Powder (a gorgeous muted blue), Farrow’s Cream (the company’s traditional cream) and Manor House Grey. (They also have 49 designs of luxurious wallpaper.) farrow-ball.com

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Luxe to You

A FASHIONABLE LIFE Natasha Koifman, president of NKPR, shares her definition of what living luxuriously means.

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Art, for me, is connecting with something that has meaning in my world. able to curate and create items that I would

from Sable Island, where he photo-

use and wear every day—this capsule

graphed the wild horses. I connected

collection is full of luxurious knitwear you

immediately with his photography and

can pair with everything. I think we are all

got shivers. That was one of the first big

busier than we have ever been—between

pieces of art I bought and to this day it

creating a space that allows you to dream,

hangs in my bedroom in Toronto. ”

think and feel empowered, it’s about sim-

What objects do you surround yourself with to inspire/support your everyday goals and why?

plifying and decluttering our lives to make

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENATA KAVEH

room and time for the meaningful things.

What components (real or imagined) play a role in allowing you to live

This is one of the reasons I love text

your best life? Comfort and a clean,

reminders. Design is important to me,

streamlined space play a big role—you

too, and something I am passionate

would think that the two are mutually

about: From fashion to furnishings, I

exclusive but they aren’t. For example,

try to create my space with intention

I have an obsession with flex-form

and surround myself with pieces that

sofas—they are so cozy but have clean

make me feel comfortable, confident

lines that really elevate a space. Art

and inspired every day. I’m obsessed

What does living luxuriously mean to you?

plays a big part in my world; I tend to

with Matthew McCormick lighting, I

It’s living in a space that is in line with my

buy a lot of photography and word art.

discovered him at South Hill Home, one

values and that makes feel at peace. It is

I have several Peter Tunney pieces with

of my favourite neighbourhood luxury

also surrounding myself with people and

messages like believe, gratitude and love

furnishing spots. They have incredible

things I love. For me, life has become about

that add meaning to each room they

pieces and designers curated from

simplicity and creating efficiencies—big

are in.

around the world—pieces you won’t

and small. One thing I did recently is turn a bedroom into a closet, which has made

The theme of this issue is “The Art of Living.” What does art mean to you?

it much easier to find things and get ready

Art, for me, is connecting with some-

for the office every day. The same idea goes

thing that has meaning in my world.

Arcade Murano.

for fashion: I keep seven pairs of the same

With respect to fashion, I keep every

black jeans that I pair with different tops

meaningful piece that I have bought for

What, if anything, would you tell others about living their most luxurious life?

to create new simple #NKAllBlackEv-

occasions that matter. I have gowns and

Living a luxurious life is different for

erything looks. I’ve incorporated this idea

dresses from the last 10 years of Artist

everyone, be authentic to who you are

into all aspects of my life. Just recently, I

for Peace and Justice Galas and TIFF

and always come back to the core values

worked with the creative director of Line

events because they bring me back to a

that drive you. Surround yourself with

Knitwear, John Muscat, to design a capsule

special time and moments I cherish. I

the people, things and experiences that

collection for my newly launched e-com-

feel the same way about art. I remember

make you happy and feeling like your

merce platform, ShopNK. I wanted to be

when I first saw Robert Dutesco’s work

best self.

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art—it acts as daily affirmations and

find anywhere else in Toronto. I’ve also become obsessed with glassware and South Hill carries stunning pieces by

Everyday • Luxury • Essentials

KNAR The art of enamel from Italy.

Diamonds, gold, silver and enamelling by hand.

Mix, match and love your style with colour.

TORONTO

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