Living Luxe Magazine - Kitchen & Bath 2022

— Brilliant Jewels — Modern Spaces

LIFE AS A CULINARY ICON

Giving Back

—

Health & Beauty

TORONTO EDI TI ON

The renowned chef dishes about all things family and food

THE HIDDEN JEWEL A stunning abode in Muskoka designed by Ferris Rafauli

PRINCIPAL PLAN One designer’s take on a bathroom fit for a movie star

Kitchen & Bath Issue

CHEF SUSUR LEE

“A beautiful space starts from the ground up with a weavers art…”

– Michael Pourvakil

Crystallize – Ice in silk & wool

Crystallize: Crystals come in the most beautiful shapes and colours. A crystal is a solid material whose molecules are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions.

Balthazar – Sand, Smoke in silk & wool

Ruthie – Sand, Smoke in silk & wool

Balthazar: Exuberant arcs of grey silk sweep over a pure snow background. The enthusiastic design shimmers with a high silk content that will add sophistication to any space.

Ruthie: Softly blurred lines of shimmering grey silk stand calmly against the pearly ground in the tranquil design. The more grounded companion to our Balthazar design, Ruthie plays gently with our vision in her overlapping lines.

FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM 1400 Castlefield Ave. Toronto, ON M6B 4N4

Tel: 416.929.7929 www.weaversart.com

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Brokers protected. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are artist’s concept. E. & O.E.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE HIDDEN JEWEL PG.122

IN THIS ISSUE Hot Off The SS22 Runway With Max Mara

62

In High Regard

64

Motivate To Innovate

66

Love Is In The Hair

68

The Sky Is The Limit

70

Building A Better Future

72

Growing A Legacy

76

On Solid Ground

80

Sumptuous Sleep

84

The Door Is Always Open

86

The Right Blend

88

Take A Seat

94

Counter Café

98

Tequila Tastemakers

100

Top Of Their Game

104

Born For This

106

Going Solo With Your Finances

110

Biblio Bash Kicks Off Toronto Gala Season

TALES FROM A TOP CHEF PG.116

PG. 108

44 44

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIRDHOUSE MEDIA (TOP IMAGE) ; PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALVARO GOVEIA ( BOTTOM IMAGE)

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PG. 128

FEATURES 116

Tales From A Top Chef

122

The Hidden Jewel

128

Coming Of Age

132

Wow Factor

136

Sheer Magic

140

Principal Plan

144

Go With The Flow

148

Exposed Genius

152

Down To The Last Detail

EXPOSED GENIUS PG. 148

ON THE COVER Chef Susur Lee Portrait Photography by Alvaro Goveia Grooming by Tricia Langenberg-Kealy

IN EVERY ISSUE 48

Masthead/Contributors

50

Letter From Jennifer

52

Letter From Lisa

58

Luxe To You

158

The Market

162

Fashion Editor’s Picks

IN THIS ISSUE

46

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: VINCENT LIONS (TOP IMAGE), VALERIE WILCOX (BOTTOM IMAGE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMING OF AGE

416.929.5858 | wisenadeldesign.com

Contributors What’s your favourite thing about your kitchen?

ANGELA MAROTTA & MELISSA MAROTTA-PAOLICELLI

DIMA AHMAD DESIGNER “My favourite thing about my kitchen is all the unique everyday utensils that I have gathered from various trips I’ve taken. It is such a personal way to add a mix of handmade materials that you actually use on a daily basis.”

JEANNE BEKER

SILVANA LONGO

LIFESTYLE EDITOR “At my country home, the little wood-topped centre island feels like the heart of my kitchen. That’s where I roll out my cookie dough and use my heart-shaped cookie cutters to make my much-loved oaties!”

WRITER “I adore our matte-black graphite sink from Kohler and goose-neck faucet from Moen. Cabinetry, floors and appliances can go (except the dishwasher) and would be replaced with seamless cabinetry, plenty of storage and matte-black appliances.”

Volume 4, Number 2, Kitchen & Bath 2022

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jeffrey Boro

PUBLISHING

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER Jennifer Lipkowitz

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa van de Geyn

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Anthony Sirianni

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jeanne Beker

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Hana Rakovski

FASHION EDITOR Christine Rezvanian

DIGITAL SPECIALIST Eugene Leiderman WEB EDITOR Sarah McGoldrick Advertising rates, deadlines and information, email anthony@livingluxe.ca For SUBSCRIPTION inquiries and address changes, email subscriptions@livingluxe.ca | livingluxe.ca info@livingluxe.ca 14 Leswyn Road, North York, Ontario M6A 1K2

CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Douglas SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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PHILANTHROPY EDITOR Joan Kelley Walker CONTRIBUTORS Adriana Ermter, Silvana Longo, Rachel Naud, Libby Wildman

DIMA AHMAD HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELINA ARTISTODEMO, TSV ANGELA & MELISSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE ROSENBERG , JEANNE BEKER PHOTO COURTESY OF TSC

OWNERS, TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS “The most important and used part of the kitchen in both our homes is the island. When entertaining and for family dinners it is used always, whether it be for buffet, cocktails and appetizers or simply an oversized bar with multiple wine options and mixed drinks; there is always something for everyone.”

jura.com

TORONTO • VAUGHAN • MISSISSAUGA • HAMILTON

FAEMA.CA

| Letter from Jennifer |

Something to Look Forward to I hope my letter finds everyone healthy and in good spirits. I am writing this letter in the springtime. The weather is finally getting better, and the snow is quickly melting away. I really feel positive about new beginnings and possibilities. Events are now happening and so are tradeshows, as well as larger weddings and gatherings — it’s lovely to see people in person and have that human interaction I’ve been missing.

For our annual Kitchen & Bath issue, I really enjoyed being on set with chef Susur Lee and our team for the cover shoot. A big thank you goes out to chef Lee and his team for their hospitality and kindness. There were so many wonderful memories made, and we also created a special reel for the release of this spectacular cover. Please check it out on Instagram to see some highlights.

We are currently working on our special May 13th Living Luxe celebratory event, and I am truly excited to see everyone in person. It’s been a while since we were able to celebrate together — nearly two-and-a-half years. I am so excited to see our clients, contributors, supporters and readers. A huge thanks to all our sponsors for being part of this soirée. It’s truly exciting to get the team together and glammed up for this special occasion.

Right now, we are also working on our Summer issue and Living Luxe exhibition. come to fruition. I love collaborating with talented people and I am thrilled to share new information about this endeavour. Please check our website for more details.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a wonderful spring, filled with blessings, health and happiness.

Warmest regards,

Jennifer Lipkowitz Publisher

Spring artwork painted by Jennifer’s child.

50

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, ALENA ROMANOVSKAYA. MAKEUP, TRICIA LANGENBERG-KEALY.

The expo has been something our team has dreamed of and I am excited to see it

I N T E R II O N ED ADNOD ODRO O R NR TES R IPOARC SE P A AC D E S I G NDEEDS I B RYR IFSE RRRAI SF ARUA LF AI U L I GY N EFDE B

| Letter from Lisa |

Memories of a

Vintage Kitchen My grandmother’s kitchen was built in 1955 and in the more than 57 years she lived in her house in the Bathurst Manor area of the city, it had never been renovated. It was pink and turquoise, which would’ve been highly on-trend at the time it was designed. The offwhite Formica countertops and tabletop of the breakfast nook were done in a grey, pink and turquoise boomerang shapes that I used to trace with my finger. Her floor was done in a pretty black-and-white diamond pattern. The Frigidaire fridge and Westinghouse stove were white, but her nook was a lush pink and her cupboards bright turquoise — the one with the lazy Susan filled with cans of soup was my favourite. But the best part of the space was the wallpaper — a Moulin Rouge print that I can only assume she took a special liking to. I can’t recall ever asking her why she loved the wallpaper so much that she kept it hanging for almost six decades. When she moved to long-term care and we emptied her house, I found an untouched roll of it in her basement and knew exactly what I wanted to do: I framed two large pieces and hung them in my hallway as a little homage to her and the years I spent admiring the famed windmill, the wee Parisian cafés and retro cars. I know she got a kick out of it hanging in my house.

Hers was obviously nothing like the exquisite kitchens we’re showcasing in our annual Kitchen & Bath issue, but it did have oodles of personality. And isn’t that what good design is all about? I can’t wait for you to flip through each page of this issue and fall for the sophisticated, elegant, impressive and even wild spaces we curated to celebrate some of the most used, most appreciated and most spectacular rooms in the house.

Kitchen & Bath issue.

See you next time,

Lisa van de Geyn Editor-in-Chief

52

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIISA SEFTON

Now I bet you’re wondering what Bubby Ann’s grey bathroom — complete with grey toilet and pink cupboards — looked like. I’ll save that for next year’s

I N T E R I O R D E S I G N A N D D E C O R AT I N G S E R V I C E TO LU X U R Y R E S I D E N C E S B Y A P P O I N T M E N T O N LY

...

FOLLOW US ONLINE

@dimaahmadinteriors

905.338.3462 | INFO@DIMAAHMAD.COM | DIMAAHMAD.COM 603 ARGUS ROAD SUITE 206, OAKVILLE, ON, L6J 6G6

L U XE L I FE PHILANTHROPY — JEWELLERY — TRENDS

Create and customize your sofa or sectional from the legs up.

Design the room of your decor dreams and bring your personal style to life. Add more character to your space with custom fabrics ranging from charming prints to never-boring neutrals and everything in between. It starts with selecting your sofa or sectional, choosing your comfort (soft or firm) and seat depth, then appointing an arm style and selecting from three shapes and three finishing leg PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DECORIUM)

styles. Finally, choose your fabric from hundreds of stunning choices. Mix it up.

Make it yours.

Decorium, decorium.com.

416-736-6120 55

Luxe Life / News

|

Winner, Winner Canada’s premium faucet company, BARIL, received two prestigious design awards for its signature collection of high-end faucets, FLORA. Both the juries of the International Design Awards (IDA) and the Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) programs recognized the quality of design of the collection imagined and assembled

by BARIL in Quebec. FLORA includes a set of bath, shower and lavatory faucets with round customizable handles. The collection is distinguished by the multiple installation and finish options. barildesign.com.

Date Night After a long winter, it’s the perfect time of year to plan a romantic escape to the Niagara wine region.

Between the wine tours and sightseeing, the best way to rekindle the romance is enjoying date night amidst

By Silvana Longo

the idyllic setting at Two Sisters Vineyards. Kitchen76 hosts both dining and tasting experiences and there’s weekly live music that will serenade diners throughout the summer. If you haven’t been yet, check out the restaurant that OpenTable has yet again recognized in their Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in Canada. twosistersvineyards.com.

J’Adore Dior Fans of Dior will love this latest release about Christian Dior’s life and character, as well as his haute couture creations. It’s a panoramic exploration of the legendary designer’s world, which examines the man, the designer, collector and art dealer. This volume features about 120 haute couture designs from the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the House of Dior, including archival runway prototype and custom garments, showcased alongside fashion photography, film stills, vintage perfume, cosmetics and original sketches, Dior’s furniture and other decorative pieces that demonstrate the designer’s passion for collecting and his time as an art dealer. indigo.ca.

A Greek Masterpiece in the City This summer, visitors to the Royal Ontario Museum will have the rare opportunity to experience Kore 670 — a magnificent work of art that has left Greece few times in its 2,500-year history. It’s one of the best-preserved Korai statues from the legendary citadel of the Acropolis of Athens.

This unique opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest ancient sculptures will be available until September 25. rom.on.ca

56

KORE 670 PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIORGOS VITSAROPOULOS, BARIL IMAGE COURTESY OF BARIL, CHRISTIAN DIOR IMAGE COURTESY OF INDIGO, TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS IMAGE BY JAKE ROSENBERG

W HAT’ S N E W

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live modern architectural design | interior design | construction management elementmoderndwellings | 905.208.7771 | elementmoderndwellings.com

|

Luxe to You

Toronto-based visual artist Daniel Mazzone told us about living luxuriously and how he lives his best life.

PHOTOGRAPHY COOURTESY OF DANIEL MAZZONE

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

|

58

“BEING ABLE TO COLLECT ART IS A LUXURY.”

Living Luxe: What does living luxuriously mean to you?

Daniel Mazzone: Living luxuriously for me is definitely being able

LL: How important is it to you to refresh and revitalize either your work

to do something I love every day, which is art. But I also

or yourself?

think many of the things we take for granted are also

DM: It’s important that my work always grows. As an artist,

luxuries, like being free and the ability to find fresh food and

I always want to become better and better at my craft. And it’s

water every day. These are simple pleasures that millions of

always nice for me to expand my mind by working on other projects.

people around the world don’t have access to. Even the ability to dream is luxurious for me.

LL: What would you tell others about living their most luxurious life and how they can strive to be their personal best?

LL: How does luxury and extravagance factor into your work?

DM: My advice would be to become the person you’re meant to be,

DM: I think that being able to collect art is a luxury. I’m lucky

not the person who other people think you should be. Be free!

enough to have a great group of clients who order, purchase and display my work. From doing this, they have made my artwork luxurious.

LL: What plays a role in allowing you to live your best life?

DM: Being healthy and keeping things in my life balanced are definitely huge factors that help me live my best life. It’s very easy to get caught up in so many things and really forget to live a little.

LL: What objects do you surround yourself with to inspire and support your everyday growth and why?

DM: My kindle! The words I read on it definitely help me through the day and inspire me. Knowledge doesn’t occupy space. There is always room to learn and grow from books.

59

Christine Rezvanian Fashion Editor

HOT OFF THE SS22 RUNWAY WITH MAX MARA The Max Mara Spring Summer 2022 fashion show transports us back to the 1950s summertime.

Looking forward to the freedom of the season ahead, the SS22 colour palette runs from sand to tan and navy to black, with pops of orange and yellow. Transport yourself to a time when you felt free to express yourself.

By Christine Rezvanian Portrait by Ryan Emberley Recognized throughout the world as the precursor of modern prêt-à-porter fashion, the Max Mara Group is one of the largest international fashion houses. Max Mara has held a meticulous, luxurious style that has achieved rising success on a worldwide scale. In addition to the coats and suits they started with, today Max Mara has a generous selection of accessories, shoes and bags. Building on the strongest fashion trends, Max Mara continues to lead in innovation in design. Not only do they lead

Christine Rezvanian: Cotton Twill Trousers Jacquard Fabric Tote Bag Leather Trench Coat Cotton Jersey Gilet Slingbacks

in style, but they also support the community with philanthropic outreach. Max Mara Toronto is a proud gold sponsor of the 2022 BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre annual gala fundraiser Butterfly Ball.

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Luxe Life / Style

This long crewneck jersey vest dress features wide shoulder straps made from mesh jersey fabric and embellished sideslit detail. Perfect for a patio lunch, it givies you a relaxed, yet refined look.

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Get ready for your runway moment with this silk-and-mohair blazer, Milano-knit slip-on shirred bandeau top and canvas skirt. The straight-fit single-breasted blazer jacket in mohair and silk with logo-embellished logo is a great piece to mix and match for different looks. The large Crocheted Hobo Bag (called Jean) is super-chic and holds whatever you need for a day out and about.

Leather bucket bag available in black, orange and brown.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF MAX MARA SS22/ RUNWAY

Perfect for Summer, Fisherman sandals in soft laminated tumbled grain leather offer the perfect balance of design and comfort.

Enjoy a gorgeous pop of colour with the Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat.

Oversized with a matching fabric waist tie, it has embroidered eyelet detail and a metal buckle. Pair it with the Cotton Gabardine Skirt for a winning combination.

Look chic with this packable jacquard denim jacket that features an all-over monogram pattern paired with the bandeau and slightly low-waisted shorts in jacquard cotton canvas. The bandeau features an all-over MaxMaraGram logo with double cotton support and boning. The Jean hobo bag in cotton denim with jacquard MaxMaraGram motif has a generous design with an inner zipper that is ideal for organizing. It also features a long removable strap to allow it to be worn over the shoulder or cross-body.

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| Luxe Life / Jewel Box

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IN HIGH REGARD Innovation, intricacy and intensity are hallmarks of FOPE, an Italian jewellery empire that’s delighted clients for nearly a century.

By Lisa van de Geyn

T

here’s a remarkable place in northeastern Italy called Vicenza. Located between two iconic cities, Venice and Verona, the city has a deep, rich

history in arts and culture — it’s known for exquisitely intricate buildings designed by famed 16th century architect Andrea Palladio. What was once a destination for nobles who vacationed in the countryside, today’s Vicenza is a must-visit locale for those travelling from both near and far.

Vicenza is also the home of FOPE, an Italian-born brand that dates back to 1929, when goldsmith Umberto Cazzola founded the company that today is a thriving jewellery empire. “At the beginning, his enterprise was one of several goldsmith workshops in Vicenza, a town with an incredibly rich tradition in the industry. Gold and jewellery seemed to offer great opportunities and the local know-how was astounding, hence his professional choice,” says Marilisa Cazzola, FOPE’s chief marketing officer.

Back in those days, Umberto specialized in watchstraps, and he made a good living for himself and his burgeoning family. It wasn’t long before his son,

IMAGES COURTESY OF FOPE

THIS IMAGE: Flex’it PANORAMA Collection: 18-karat-gold flexible mesh bracelets and rings, necklaces and earrings featuring gold bars, in varying numbers and carat weight, with enough sparkle for everyone’s taste.

Starting from $4,200

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“IT HAS AN INCOMPARABLE SENSIBILITY AND A LEVEL OF UNPARALLELED INTRIGUE, EXPRESSION AND SOPHISTICATION.”

LEFT IMAGE: Flex’it EKA Collection: Classic gold mesh design, reworked in ultra-contemporary styles — bracelets, necklaces and earrings — in varying widths and sizes, created in 18-karat gold, with/without diamond accents.

Starting from $2,800

impressive know-how by creating what would later become the brand’s signature design.”

The Novecento gold mesh — and the first collections that came from this brilliant piece — were launched in the early 1980s. “This represented the first fundamental steps of FOPE in the world of fine jewellery,” Cazzola says. “A true revolution for the family business.”

Today, FOPE is an iconic brand, not only in its homeland of Italy, but the world over. It has an incomparable sensibility and a Odino, followed in his father’s footsteps and asked Umberto to join the company. “Odino was the second generation of the founding family, and he joined his father around the beginning of the Second World War, helping to navigate the company through those difficult times,” says Cazzola. “He then took the reins after and led the company during the Italian economic boom.” Innovation was crucial to the Cazzola family and especially to Odino, who was said to push for new technological advances and solutions that would help the business grow and flourish. “He managed to introduce new machines and techniques, which proved successful in that competitive scenario,” she says.

By the time the third generation of Cazzolas became interested in jumping on the bandwagon and entering the family business, FOPE was focusing heavily on gold jewellery collections. “This is the generation who introduced the production of watch cases for Swiss haut horlogerie brands and eventually capitalized on the

level of unparalleled intrigue, expression and sophistication that’s not often seen in fine jewellery. “The unique blend of craftsmanship and technology is an original feature, which makes FOPE’s jewellery different from any other brand. The signature design is obviously part of it, but behind the beauty of each piece, there is an incredible effort by research and development to guarantee the highest quality while offering precious, elegant pieces,” she says.

The brand has a long list of impressive offerings — including everything from seven collections featuring rings to necklaces — but it’s the Flex’it system that’s perhaps the most celebrated. “This patented system was invented in-house. FOPE is the only jewellery brand that can craft flexible, stretchable jewellery by 18-carat gold,” explains Cazzola. There are dozens of tiny gold springs hidden in the gold mesh that provide comfort and resilience in FOPE’s rings (the wearer can fit the ring on multiple fingers), earrings (which keep their shape) and bracelets (clasps are now a thing of the past). The genderless bracelets — complete with white and black diamonds — are one of the company’s bestselling pieces and they’re the epitome of the brand’s DNA. (The good news for FOPE admirers is this: Cazzola says Flex’it necklaces will be the next category to launch, coming later this year.)

FOPE offers the jewellery lover a piece that’s both extraordinarily comfortable and impeccably elegant. While the brand has stayed true to its humble beginnings nearly 100 years ago, it has dedicated decades to refining its process and has created the unsurpassed, well-loved treasures that are so very coveted today. For more information on FOPE visit Fope.com, and for Canadian inquiries, discover Knar Jewellery

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at Knar.com.

SPONSORED CONTENT

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M OT I VAT E TO

I N N OVAT E At Condoville, actions speak louder than words.

By Adriana Ermter Photography by Boaz Allon It’s safe to say that most of us have never laid eyes on sculptor Hidari Jingoro’s famous 17th-century artistic rendition of the adage “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” that hangs above Japan’s Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Chances are good, though, you’ve used the expression of mimicry in its current and culturally relevant form — three simian-styled emojis favoured in lieu of words in texts, Tweets and within the comment bubbles on Facebook and Instagram.

For Shaminder Gogna, however, the “Three Wise Monkeys” are a modus operandi. “As a leader, you have to monkey-see, monkey-do,” he affirms, chuckling. “I can’t go on a three-hour lunch break and then tell my team to eat a sandwich at their desks. Good habits transform people and businesses into something positive.”

It’s good habits that have the 38-year-old CEO of the Condoville Group of Companies hitting the gym at 5 a.m. so he can be available to connect with his team by 8:30. After eight years of overseeing the full-scale, Toronto-based real estate brokerage, alongside his co-founder and wife, Jasneet, Gogna is crystal clear about the steps he needs to take to reach his goals and lead his company with purpose. “My purpose is to help people, whether it’s my team or clients,” says Gogna. “Real estate is sales and sales is all about the energy, so

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I try to keep mine focused and positive so that we can be ahead of the curve.”

Condoville, or more specifically Gogna and his 12-person team, stay relevant by researching technology trends and innovative solutions. In 2016, when real estate projects weren’t easily searchable or accessible online, they created and launched micro-websites promoting their upcoming ventures. Six months later, a registering system empowering interested parties to sign up for more information about new construction builds was initiated. Sales increased and the team’s dependency on cold-calling diminished. “When I first started working with Shaminder, Condoville was simply a concept,” says Mitchell Coburn, partner of marketing and capital businesses.

“I saw Sham’s larger vision within the industry, and I wanted to be a part of an innovative company. Condoville is a place that allows me to utilize all my skills and stay creative.”

Creativity runs the gamut at Condoville inclusive of integrating real estate apps into corporate services and building a social media presence to better connect with millennial and generation Z clients.

It has also made them a standout among their peers, while winning contracts over larger and more established corporations. Currently, the Condoville team is in the process of developing solutions to simplify the sales process for realtors across North America. “This shows how powerful our small team can be,” says Sumeet Banwait, partner of marketing and capital. “We are always thinking about ways to create new services to fill in gaps in the industry.”

Adds Gogna, “With trust, knowledge and motivation, anything is possible.”

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC

LOVE IS IN THE HAIR Do you find you’re thinning or losing a significant amount of hair? Take heart. Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practicing Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, can help. Here’s how.

Living Luxe: When we think of hair loss, we think of older males who are balding, but women can also experience female-pattern hair loss. What does this mean and what are the reasons for it?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Absolutely, both men and women can experience hair loss. Men more than women, but we do see both in our clinic regularly and we offer different techniques for both genders. Hair loss in men is also known as androgenic alopecia and is the result of a combination of genetics, age and hormones. Male-pattern baldness may occur when hormone levels change over the course of a man’s life. It can begin as early as the teenage years, and most men will have experienced some degree of pattern hair loss by the time they reach their 50s.

Women can experience hair loss because of pregnancy, thyroid disorders, anemia, genetics, hormones and age.

Other common causes of hair loss include overuse of damaging hair products or hair tools and devices that heat the hair. Women-pattern hair loss typically begins with a thinning effect over the entire scalp rather than in one area.

LL: What is a hair transplant and who is a good candidate? Are there different techniques for men and women?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Anyone with hair loss may be a candidate. We provide a thorough consultation with each patient to assess their

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hair loss, discuss their medical history, family history and discuss

treatment site; it replenishes areas of the scalp that have complete

their goals. For men, it’s often recommended they adapt a medication

hair loss or just need more hair to achieve greater density and lush

regime before undergoing Hair Transplant surgery, to prevent further

hair.

hair loss. They would often need to be committed to this medication on a long-term basis to avoid losing their hair as they continue to age.

LL: We have talked about PRP treatments before, but what exactly is

FUE, Follicular Unit Extraction, refers to a technique that is minimal-

Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment?

ly invasive and does not require sutures (Follicular Unit Transplant, or

Dr. Philip Solomon: PRP is a treatment with multiple benefits. PRP

FUT, does). FUE, however, does require an area of the posterior scalp

is the acronym for Platelet-Rich Plasma which everyone has in their

to be shaven, which makes this technique preferred by men versus

blood. We draw the patient’s blood, spin it through a centrifuge to

women. Hair follicles are then extracted from the donor site and then

extract the plasma, and we then inject the PRP into the scalp. These

replanted into the treatment area.

stem cells help with healing and can develop into connective tissue

FUT is the traditional technique that requires a strip of hair being

that helps stimulate hair growth.

removed from the back of the scalp, the hair follicles are then extract-

PRP is often used in conjunction with Hair Transplant surgery, as

ed and replanted. This technique is better suited for women and can

well as a maintenance treatment after Hair Transplant surgery. At

be a more attractive option since they can cover up the extracted strip

Solomon Facial Plastic (SFP), we see a lot of young men in their 20s

of hair with their longer hair. FUE avoids this long linear scar across

and 30s, as well as females 30 and up, for PRP treatments to help

the back and sides of the scalp, which can be an issue for patients

prevent hair loss, improve hair growth and avoid the need for future

who wish to preserve the option of cutting their hair short or having

invasive procedures.

to shave the entire head to blend the treated areas. Our clinic is some-

PRP is also used as an anti-aging treatment for the face, as it helps

what unique in that we offer a combined therapy of both FUE and

stimulate collagen production, which helps the skin look more youth-

FUT to our patients.

ful, minimizing the appearance of fine lines. PRP also treats dark circles under the eyes and acne scars.

At SFP, we devise comprehensive treatment plans for our patients

LL: Tell us about Hairline Lowering surgery. What exactly does this procedure entail and who is a good candidate?

who are concerned about their hair, hairline, or quality of hair, and

Dr. Philip Solomon: Our patients requesting Hairline Lowering are

we can integrate a variety of options to help them achieve the best

mostly women with high foreheads who want to lower their hairline.

and most lush outcome.

The golden ratio to create ideal facial harmony is an equal division of the face in thirds between the upper, middle and lower part of the face. The balance can appear off when someone has an excessively high forehead. By lowering the hairline, the face can appear more feminine and improve facial balance. Hairline Lowering surgery can also be combined with a Brow Lift which helps lift the brows and

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

open up the eyes.

Living Luxe: Who would be a candidate for lowering the hairline versus Hair Transplant surgery?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Hairline Lowering and Hair Transplant surgeries address different issues. Hairline Lowering is a surgical procedure that shortens the forehead anywhere from one to two inches and appeals to mostly female patients who feel they have an excessively high forehead. Some men are also candidates for this procedure however this may leave a scar along the hairline which could be exposed with future hair loss.

Hair Transplant surgery addresses thinning hair and hair loss of the scalp, eyebrows, beard or eyelashes. Hair Transplant surgery is

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC

minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and involves extracting hair follicles from a donor site and replanting them in the 67

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IMAGE BY: ARMOUR HEIGHTS DEVELOPMENTS AND PUREBLINK

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Sheer luxury is in the cards for the buyers and soon-to-be residents of Toronto’s most anticipated address, 89 Avenue Road.

known in the affluent area of the city, but the

By Rachel Naud

Armour Heights Developments, 89 Avenue is a

boutique building goes further to welcome a facet of individuality that’s not often seen — or matched — when it comes to new builds.

Nestled in the heart of Yorkville on Avenue Road and created by luxury designer and developer 20-storey landmark residence designed by famed architect Richard Wengle and international designer

Residents with a flair for sophistication and luxury

Brian Gluckstein. The duo’s passion for design is

look no further than 89 Avenue, one of Yorkville’s

reflected in the building’s fine features, finishes and

most refined, tailor-made addresses. Where Park

materials that were inspired by their worldly travels

Avenue meets midtown Toronto, 89 Avenue not only

to places like Germany, Japan, France and Italy,

drips in the refinement and abundance commonly

which serves to offer a high-level experience from 68

“89 AVENUE IS WHAT SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF.” the moment you walk through the

Forest Hill and Rosedale and are

impressive limestone front façade.

looking to downsize from their

And while the unparalleled

opulent homes without sacrificing

amenities of 89 Avenue — from

style or comfort — purchase one

the automobile elevator and

of the units at 89 Avenue, the

private fitness studios to the

developer works with them to

personal wine storage and outdoor

custom build their dream home

entertaining terrace — are enough

in the sky. “No question goes

to impress the most scrupulous

unanswered,” says Mazzotta. “From

of buyers, what will surely wow

the moment they walk through

them is the building’s unwavering

the door, everything is properly

and unmatched commitment to

handled, down to the last detail.”

individual expression. “There are

When it comes to details,

no cookie-cutter layouts in this

Armour Heights caters to them all,

building,” says Armour Heights

including gourmet kitchens that

Developments president Frank

reflect the best of the culinary arts.

Mazzotta. “We speak to every buyer

Luxurious features and finishes

to discuss what they want and

include natural stone slab marble

then custom create that unit to

countertops and backsplashes,

their specifications. It’s rare to find

bespoke millwork and La Cornue

a developer that will meet and sit

ranges from France, Miele

down and develop a suite with a

appliances and marble-clad range

buyer. It’s unheard of.”

hoods. The spa-inspired ensuite

This hands-on and personal

gleams with glass, stunning marble

approach to each resident is what

floors and custom cabinetry. A free-

truly makes 89 Avenue an elevated

standing bathtub, sublimely placed

experience. While each of the 28

next to a floor-to-ceiling window

units are fitted with Gluckstein’s

overlooking the Toronto landscape,

design sensibility, down to the

is a welcoming escape from the

hand-selected rift-cut white-oak

hustle and bustle of the city below.

engineered wood flooring, marble-

At night, the primary bedroom is a

clad fireplace and state-of-the-art

haven for calm and refinement with

automation and noise mitigation

its natural light, deep mouldings,

systems, each buyer is welcome to

lacquered archway and meticulous

bring their own personal style to

details.

complement the boutique building’s

89 Avenue is what sweet dreams

already extraordinary refinement.

are made of. And the best part? You

Once buyers — who mostly

get to wake up to it each and every

come from nearby areas including 69

day.

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Joan Kelley Walker Philanthropy Editor

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE The Lise Watier Foundation is making the dreams of women across Quebec, and now Toronto, come true.

By Joan Kelley Walker

I believe that as women, our potential is limitless, but confidence and support are key. We need community and the right tools, especially now. There are many factors that can hinder a woman from reaching her fullest potential, such as job loss, tragedy, domestic violence, homelessness and mental health issues. The fact is women typically earn less and hold less-secure jobs than their male counterparts.

With plummeting economic activity, women are particularly vulnerable to layoffs and loss of livelihoods.

So, what can be done? Canadian cosmetic giant Lise Watier recognized this gap and vulnerability for women in Montreal and was determined to help them build a better future. She wanted to lift those who were living in less-than-ideal situations and assist them to reclaim their confidence in their own abilities while empowering them to take action toward financial independence. She boldly created the Lise Watier Foundation with a mission to do just that. Sometimes you just need a second chance, or a chance at bettering yourself. Sometimes it makes a world of difference if someone believes in you and supports you wholeheartedly.

The foundation strives to help women to reveal, activate and develop their professional potential through professional-development programs. Since its inception in 2017, the foundation has helped more than 600 women in Montreal, Quebec City, the Laurentians, Montérégie and most recently Toronto, which is so exciting.

Its vision is expanding, and more and more women are joining the program and changing their lives, whether it’s by starting a business, finding a better job or pursuing education. The program values continued education from recognizable education institutions and there is a commitment to follow up with participants to see where they are on their life journey. “It’s a life-changing program. It provides women who want to invest in a professional project with the tools they need to succeed,” says Marie-Lise Andrade the executive director of the foundation and daughter of Lise Watier. Her passion continues “I underestimated the power of

PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT : MARIE LISE, MADAME WATIER , JOAN KELLEY WALKER, KAREN WOOD

“ IT’S A LIFE-CHANGING PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES WOMEN WHO WANT TO INVEST IN A PROFESSIONAL PROJECT WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED. ” the group. The effect is amazing to propel them forward in their lives. It creates an environment of trust and safety to be themselves, share, make mistakes and start again.”

The newest expansion in Toronto offers the “Let’s Start Up” program to women through the YWCA for free. The average cost to help a woman on her professional journey toward financial independence is $5,000.

Currently, the foundation and private donors are funding this important initiative. When you think about the impact of what this program can offer so many women, that’s not a significant fee. Women’s lives are changing — they are contributing to society. My own entrepreneurial journey has been about selfimprovement and believing in myself. The experience is invaluable and that is why I believe so deeply in this transformational program.

“Let’s Start Up” program graduate Andree-Anne, who received a Bachelor of Social Work, says, “I am so grateful for the Lise Watier Foundation’s financial aid for studies. Thanks to this support, I have the tools I need to become professionally accomplished and to live again. I am proud of where I am today, and I know that my children are, too. You can’t put a price on that.”

She’s right — the impact is priceless. I believe every single woman has strength and skill, and it’s so inspiring to see a program like this support our community.

For more details or to make a donation, visit lisewatierfoundation.com.

GRAB YOUR STETSONS. AND YOUR STILETTOS. NASHVILLE IS COMING TO TORONTO, Y’ALL.

June 2, 2022 | Evergreen Brick Works | Tickets: skscrubs.ca SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

EXPERIENTIAL SPONSORS: Barrick Gold | Cossette | Fengate Asset Management | HGC Investment Management | Hybrid Financial I.D.A. Pharmacy | London Stock Exchange | OMD | Scotiabank | Sionna Investment Managers | Sorbara Group of Companies Summer Fresh Salads | Dilawri Group of Companies | Tia Maria | Valleymede Homes | Westdale Properties

GROWING A LEGACY When vineyards and sisters align, heartfelt experiences happen in Niagara’s wine country.

By Adriana Ermter

Welcome to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where vineyards

Families and friends frequent it to celebrate life’s big

grow, wine flows and, if you’re sisters Melissa and

events and small moments — all while sipping the

Angela Marotta, business flourishes. Their 15-year-

sisters’ homegrown Bordeauxs, aromatic whites,

old establishment, Two Sisters Vineyards, is made

Sparklings, Riesling Icewines and more. Surrounded

up of more than 130 acres of vineyards, a winery

by acres of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet

and barrel-filled cellar, as well as a rustic Italian-style

Sauvignon grapevines the sisters initially planted

estate and restaurant, Kitchen76. While deservedly

back in 2007, the estate is simultaneously cozy and

taking home the National Wine Awards 2018 “Best

elegant, featuring bespoke touches such as Andrea

Small Winery in Canada” accolades, the Marottas are

Palladio-inspired 16th-century Venetian architecture

unique for their family-first philosophy that has them

and the Marotta’s 95-year-old grandmother

leading and living from the heart.

Domenica’s arancini Sicilian rice-ball dish on Kitchen76’s menu. “We’ve even dedicated a wine

lot together,” says Melissa. “We’ve travelled through

to our grandmother — it’s called ‘the Domenica,’”

Italy and the experiences have been so meaningful

says Angela.

that we wanted to bring them back and put every-

Wines in all varieties are, of course, in abundance

thing we love under one roof.” A roof that is purpose-

here. And when it comes to their terroir, Two Sisters

fully located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. “When we

Vineyards is situated in a key location. The Niagara

were growing up, we’d picnic here with our parents,”

River’s flow creates air convection currents, which

explains Angela. “We loved it and the memories have

moderate temperatures and draw cold air away from

stayed with us. They inspired us.” So much so that it

vineyards and into the river gorge. For vineyards

formed the blueprint for the family bonding, home-

near the river, like the Marotta’s, these air currents

made Italian food and lush wines their company

ward off early spring and late fall frosts, extending

provides today.

the growing season and giving the vineyard an

Nestled in the heart of the Niagara Region’s wine country, Two Sisters Vineyards is a destination spot.

advantage on their later-ripening varieties. Their red wines are all estate-grown and crafted from their

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL RICCI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

“Our family is Italian, so we’re close and we do a

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Luxe Life / Company Profile |

“NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE NIAGARA REGION’S WINE COUNTRY, TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS IS A DESTINATION SPOT.”

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Luxe Life / Company Profile

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own grapes. The sisters have recently extended their vineyards, too, to increase their white wine production so that in a few years they will also produce estate-grown fruit that is owned by the vineyard.

“We focus on best farming practices,” says Angela. “Growing and producing wine like this ensures low yield and small-lot production so we can give our vines the best possible environment to grow in.” Says Melissa, “We’re creating a legacy, producing wines that showcase the region and are the best quality in Ontario, in Canada.”

Ensuring quality, luxury and elegance reign throughout the brand — from training the estate’s staff and managing events, winery and culinary experiences to overseeing the vineyard’s marketing and branding — is part and parcel of Melissa’s day-to-day role. And along with being a cofounder and co-proprietor with her sister, Angela focuses on the winery’s business, guaranteeing high quality while overseeing sales and customer service. “We’re a team,” says Melissa. “Not just us, everyone who works with us, too.”

“Our winery is an extension of our family home. Our parents taught us family is first. Our mom is from Calabria, and our dad is from Naples. He came to Canada with no money, but he had a dream. He taught us that with hard work and family values and traditions, we could be leaders, that we could deal with any obstacle and that we can succeed,” adds Angela. “Now, we’ve fulfilled a life-long dream. Celebrating and enjoying food and wine that brings everyone together.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL RICCI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM IMAGE), TOP IMAGE COURTESY OF TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS

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Living Luxe / Company Profile

ON SOLID GROUND

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It is widely known that there are a lot of building and renovating projects going on in the Greater Toronto Area. As a result, there is a multitude of showrooms in the home category to choose from. As a homeowner, or an investor with additional properties, how do you make the task of choosing the best products and high-quality service less daunting?

When it comes to floor coverings, it is best to walk on solid ground by choosing an established, tried-and-true business that has serviced the GTA’s flooring needs for more than

A leader in floor coverings with a long track record, Hessam Ghazanfari from Markville Carpet & Flooring reveals his simple adage for continued success.

40 years.

By Silvana Longo

difference the company is known for, here’s what he told us.

We spoke with Hessam Ghazanfari from Markville Carpet & Flooring to discover what his winning formula is for a long and successful business. From high-quality broadloom and hard-surface product offerings every homeowner should know about to the exceptional customer service

Luxury vinyl plank

with at least 12 ml, and up to 30 ml.” He advises that anything less

It is both waterproof and scratch-resistant and touted as the

than 12 ml will not last beyond five years, whereas a thicker wear

all-purpose flooring; luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great choice,

layer will last up to 20 years.

underfoot, it can also replicate the look of wood or stone. “The main

Engineered hardwood

reason luxury vinyl plank is so popular is because of how durable

Engineered hardwood has all but replaced solid hardwood, thanks

and suitable it is for everyday life,” says Ghazanfari. “It can be used

to its endless options as far as colours, sizes, shapes and textures.

anywhere — in a bedroom, main floor, basement or even in a bath-

The fact that it will not swell or warp over time is an attractive

room or kitchen.” Ghazanfari cautions though that not all luxury

feature for buyers, and a few select brands, such as Floorte hard-

vinyl plank products are alike. The all-important “wear layer” and

wood, are even waterproof. “Floorte hardwood has the same core

how the product is built make all the difference. “The top finish

structure as luxury vinyl plank flooring; the top finish has a thin

layer is the most important part, as it can range anywhere from

veneer layer of hardwood that goes on top of the stone composite

6 ml to 30 ml — we recommend that our customers select one

core, which provides the water-resistant feature,” says Ghazanfari.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARKVILLE CARPET & FLOORING

especially if you have kids, pets or both. Warm and comfortable

DESIGN | RENOVATE | DECORATE | STAGE | RETAIL

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Living Luxe / Company Profile

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Wall-to-wall broadloom

person who you consulted with at the store will do the home visit

As interiors warm up and move away from a cool aesthetic, car-

to go over colours, style and pricing, as well as take measurements,”

pets, and in particular wall-to-wall broadloom, have made a major

says Ghazanfari. The entire process from order to installation takes

comeback. Once upon a time, broadloom got a bad rap because of

between two to six weeks, thanks to the showroom’s healthy inven-

the low-quality carpets builders once installed in new homes. “Now,

tory of popular products on-site.

standards, a huge selection of styles and colours from soft Berbers to

Installation

thick, plush cut piles in many unique patterns. They don’t have any

For every product, Markville Carpet has several installation crews

volatile organic compounds,” says Ghazanfari. In fact, installing car-

specializing in the installation for each type of floor covering.

pet is a great way to filter the air in your home, as particles that get

Ghazanfari says every installation is a little different, so it’s import-

trapped in the carpet are easily eliminated with regular vacuuming.

ant to ensure the right team is sent out to the client’s home to make

For added care and longevity, he recommends a professional carpet

sure things go well. Upon installation, there is a follow-up to ensure

cleaning service annually. Broadloom is a great choice for all areas of

satisfaction of product and installation.

the house.

“We like to think we have five-star customer service, and we believe that we are only as good as our last performance,” he says.

Customer service

The customer-comes-first approach is a Markville mantra — all

A first-time visit to our state-of-the-art showroom will consist of

measures are taken to ensure customer satisfaction with product

meeting with a knowledgeable sales team who will listen to your

and installation, as well as upholding the long-time warranties on

needs and make appropriate product suggestions. Samples are then

their products. “After 42 years in business, we continue to serve one

offered to clients as a temporary measure so they can live with the

customer at a time ensuring we give great service and stand behind

product for a week and decide whether it works in their space. “If

our products. We plan to be here for the next 42 years and beyond,”

a customer wishes to move forward with the product, the same

assures Ghazanfari.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARKVILLE CARPET & FLOORING

nearly all carpets are made in the U.S. or Canada, with very high

It’s Real Estate Without Boundaries.

THE AGENCY, BROKERAGE A GLOBAL MARKETING & SALES ORGANIZATION

THEAGENCYRE.COM Follow us on Instagram @TheAgencyRE @TheAgencyOakville @TheAgencyWaterlooRegion @TheAgencyMuskoka 136 Church Street, Oakville, ON L6J 1M9 | Oakville@TheAgencyRE.com | 905.636.0045 417 King Street W Unit B1, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C2 | Kitchener@TheAgencyRE.com | 519.208.1444 72 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2B4 | Muskoka@TheAgencyRE.com | 877.221.3662 NOT INTENDED TO SOLICIT PROPERTIES UNDER CONTRACT WITH A BROKERAGE. EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

SUMPTUOUS SLEEP The ABCs of quality bedding, summer trends and fabulous news: David’s Fine Linens hits Castlefield.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAVID’S FINE LINENS

By Silvana Longo

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Living Luxe / Company Profile

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“ ELEVATE THE AT-HOME SELF-CARE EXPERIENCE. “ As we approach warmer climes and prepare to welcome the golden days of summer, decor enthusiasts usually inaugurate the fair season by adding a summer refresh to their bedding. This generally includes trading in the darker colour schemes and heavier blankets for a lightweight duvet or coverlet, and a more relaxed feel in the boudoir. However, the quality of your bedding is a feature you should never stray from. No one can dispute the importance of a good night’s sleep for your health and overall well-being, and upgrading your bedding is an essential way to achieve that extra level of comfort conducive to better slumber.

We recently caught up with bedding expert, David Saini, who has been in the industry since 1977. He opened David’s Fine Linens, the high-end store in Bayview Village in 2000, to talk about summer trends and his unwavering commitment to high-quality bedding and bath collections that he carries throughout the year.

QUALITY While all products boast natural fibres and hail from Europe, “the absolute best sheets for summer is Micromodal,” says Saini. Micromodal fabric is a sustainable and long-lasting product made from beechwood and David’s Fine Linens was one of the first stores in Canada to offer the ultra-luxury fabric. Micromodal is a plant-based fibre, much like bamboo — it’s super soft and breathes better than cotton and linen, although these are also viable options. “The type of sheets you use is a personal choice,” says

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Living Luxe / Company Profile

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TRENDS

“ THIS IS A LUXURY PRODUCT THAT LASTS LONGER AND OFFERS THE ULTIMATE IN COMFORT. ”

With quality on your side, we can delve into bedding trends this summer. While Saini says white is still an all-time favourite for clients, making up 50 to 60 percent of sales, he sees a strong presence of soft pastels, especially lilac and sage, as the leading hues defining the spirit of summer 2022. Beyond the sumptuous bedding collections, David’s Fine Linens carries high-quality bath towels, robes in silk and cotton, elegant sleepwear and luxury bathmats that elevate the at-home self-care experience.

this case, he recommends a percale weave, which is a tighter weave

NEWS

and requires a minimum of 180 thread count. Others desire a softer,

After 22 years and two locations in the Greater Toronto Area,

more luxurious feel that sateen weaves offer. As far as thread count,

David’s Fine Linens will soon open a third showroom right in the

Saini says this is not what determines the price point or quality of

heart of the Castlefield Design District. The 6,000-square-foot show-

bedding. “It largely depends more on the type of yarn used, as high-

room is slated to open in late May, just in time to give your bedroom

end sheets are woven with better, long-staple cotton yarn.”

a fresh new look for summer. “It will be a much bigger location

As in the case of the Italian brand Frette, the company’s textile

where we will continue to carry the best of the best, with just more

history dates back to 1860, where only the highest quality of yarn

of a selection,” affirms Saini. The new location will cater to the needs

was selected in order to produce bedding for royalty and the Vatican.

of the design industry, which will include implementing a new

With the same exacting standards today, “this is a luxury product

trade program. A must-visit place for anyone impassioned about all

that lasts longer and offers the ultimate in comfort,” Saini explains.

things bedding, you can visit the new showroom at 1270 Castlefield Avenue. For more information, go to davidsfinelinens.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAVID’S FINE LINENS

Saini. For instance, some people prefer crisp and cool sheets, so in

For A Better Outdoor Life

info@newtechwood.ca

1-416-213-7191

newtechwood.ca

@newtechwoodcanada

| Luxe Life / Q&A |

Woodbridge, Ontario’s Doorland should be your first stop when you need new exterior or interior doors for your home. Andrea Granzotto told us about the company’s process and what’s currently trending.

like a piece of furniture or art. It’s not just a

AG: Pocket doors have been around for

door — there is much more to it; the design

decades. They come from a more European

brings together the vision of the space that

mindset, and they really save space in the

our clients and designers are trying to create;

home. They can also make a big difference

creating spaces that they enjoy and see them-

when it comes to flow from room to room.

selves in.

LL: For homeowners who are looking to update LL: We’ve read that full-height doors are popu-

their interior doors, what should they expect

lar right now, especially as exterior doors, as

when they contact Doorland? What’s your

they offer a sense of grandeur. What can you

process?

tell us about choosing these doors?

AG: We are truly here to partner with our

AG: I agree. Full-height doors not only give

clients and help them in any way we can.

you grand look, but they also give off an

We believe in relationships and creating a

illusion of space, no matter what the height.

personal touch with all our customers. Our

These doors take the focal point away from

approach is all about giving our clients the

Living Luxe: Doors are so important in a house

other aspects. They are great for curb appeal

best possible, most positive experience we

— they are architectural pieces. What are your

and really draw the eye in. For interior, they

can when they come to us for all their door

customers currently asking for when it comes

open the space of a home, giving you the

needs. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a client of

to interior doors?

feeling of a grander area.

more than 40 years or a new first-time home

Andrea Granzotto, Doorland: Today, everyone

builder who needs our help, we’ll walk you

seems to be looking for something different

LL: We know that pocket doors and retract-

through every detail with your design team to

and unique. It’s our responsibility to make

able doors continue to be all the rage. What

create the space you’re looking for. Visit our

what they have designed with their design

is it about pocket doors that make them so

showroom at 221 Creditview Road or online

team come true. In our world, we treat doors

popular?

at doorlandgroup.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DOORLAND GROUP

THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN

Talking about money is easy.

Talking about money with family? That’s hard.

Wisdom helps.

0.4%

is anyone’s chance of being born wealthy

70%

of families lose their wealth in the second generation

90%

lose it by the third generation

62% of people in Ontario

die without a will

10% of those who die

82% of people laugh and

53%

87% of Libby’s clients call

without a will did seek advice but didn’t follow through

say, “it’s too difficult to find an advisor I trust to create an estate plan”

71% say they would

feel like a better person/ parent/spouse If they did have a plan

94% of people engage with

Libby so that they can share their personal story with her

enjoy themselves when talking about their dreams with Libby

to talk about parenting, their marriage or their health and travel dreams versus estate planning

86%

of people are attracted to Libby for business because she is a thought leader

78% of Libby’s clients have been connected by her to someone meaningful in their lives

73% of Libby’s knowledge comes from being an entrepreneur who has been married twice and who is bringing up three children as a single mom

100% of people say

“thank you!” to Libby once their plan is set in motion

Libby Wildman, Senior Partner Living Luxe Financial Contributor lw@davisrea.com / 416-803-9255 www.davisrea.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

RIGHT THE

BLEND

JURA’S GOT ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS FOR CRAFTING TIMELESS AND STORIED SINGLE MALT WHISKY.

PICTURE A SMALL ISLAND, 48 KILOMETRES LONG AND 11 KILOMETRES WIDE. The Atlantic Ocean laps at its western shores, while sea eagles and seals pepper the calm, east bay. A glance toward the island’s northwest, rugged coastline interrupts this idyllic scene. There, crashing waves give way to the world’s third largest whirlpool, The Corryvreckan; its dangerous waters iconic to the British Isles and to this isle, Jura Island — home to Jura Single Malt Whisky’s distillery and its storied past.

BOOTLEGGING BEGINNINGS “The Isle of Jura was once the ideal location to get away with making something that wasn’t legal,” says Louis-Jérôme Barbosa-Doise, the business manager for the premium liquor company. “The Campbells, who owned the island in 1810, wanted whisky to be produced for their own consumption. Distilling wasn’t legal at that time, so a lot of the production flew under the radar. Jura Distillery’s placement on the Isle of Jura made it difficult for the authorities to get to from the mainland of Scotland.”

A COVETED MARKET While the difficult and sometimes treacherous stretch of water between the island and Scotland can make passage tricky, Jura’s single malt whisky makes it well worth the boat ride. Particularly since the brand mix-masters both peated barley (smoked) and unpeated barley (not smoked) into their whisky. “We’re the only Scotch whisky distillery that produces two whiskies, ages two whiskies and then blends them together at the end of their aging process,” affirms Barbosa-Doise. “That’s true to all of our expressions.” Four of which — a seven-wood, 10, 12 and 18-year expressions — are available in Ontario.

Each variation is highly coveted, too, as Jura only produces 2.2 million litres of single malt whisky per year, which is considered small batch in comparison to, say, Scotland’s The Dalmore Highland distillery, which does 4.2 million litres per annum. Still, despite a 2022 Market Watch report stating that premium single malt whisky accounts for 37 percent of the total global market share, the island distillery has no intention of increasing its current flow. Rather, the brand is more invested in preserving the quality of its scotch and its history, so that it can grow its island community.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JURA SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

By Adriana Ermter

HISTORIC GROWTH Growth within the Campbell’s original Jura Distillery halted after several years of bootlegging. It was built in 1810, dismantled in the early 1920s and then fell into complete disrepair and was left abandoned for a handful of decades. With little economic opportunity left on the island, life dwindled, decreasing Jura’s population from 3,000 to a mere 212 habitants. Then, during the 1950s, long after the Campbell family sold their land to multiple buyers, a group of islanders connected and planned to bring the distillery back to life. By 1963 it was up and running.

LOOKING AHEAD “The history of Jura is a testament to entrepreneurialism and perseverance,” says Barbosa-Doise. “There’s a drive and motivation to bring life back to the village and onto the island.” With most islanders associated with the distillery in one way or another, Jura has become an important economic driver for the tightly knit community. The company employs locals, who then support Jura’s smattering of small businesses such as the local pub, hotel and grocery store; Jura is taking steps to create better sustainability for all. This includes being a power source, both literally and figuratively. By enabling the community to tap into the Jura Distillery’s electricity, islanders will eventually become less dependent on the mainland — a win-win for anyone making the move to the small isle. After all, says Barboa-Doise, “You don’t move to Jura to be a recluse, you move to Jura to be part of a community.”

“THE HISTORY OF JURA SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY IS A TESTAMENT TO ENTREPRENEURIALISM AND PERSEVERANCE.” 87

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Luxe Life / Trends |

TAKE A SEAT With backyard spaces now viewed as extensions of the home, deep-seated furniture is exploding in both style and popularity.

“Have a Patio Day!” chuckles Stuart Brown, the owner of General Products Outdoor Furniture in Richmond Hill, Ont. “When you hear that, what does it make you feel? I’ll tell you what it makes me feel. It gives me a good feeling — it’s just a happy place to be.”

It’s an incredibly happy place to be when you’re sitting on a comfortable deep-seated chair, couch, sectional or dining set in your own backyard. As the current must-have outdoors item, longer, wider and cushier deep seats are dominating patio

furniture. Coveted as equally for their multi-functionality as they are their cozy comfort, the category is exploding with style and design options, from the South Beach Collection’s bold reds and the Seville Collection’s mossy greens to the Berkeley Collection’s zebra-striped blacks and beiges. All combined, deep seating is a far cry from the basket-woven lawn chair said to have launched the patio industry in 1947.

“Think of how you live and entertain now,” says Brown. “More space is key and regardless of where you are, you want to feel

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GENERAL PRODUCTS

By Adriana Ermter

Creating a HIGHER STANDARD in Real Estate.

Over the past 20 years, Rose Barroso has become one of the most respected and sought-after designers and builders of luxury custom homes in the Greater Toronto Area. Posh-Haus Inc. is the result of organic growth from this strategy. Rose firmly believes this will add significant value to her new career and the services she is able to provide her real estate clients.

These past experiences have provided Rose with a distinct advantage for her clients. She is able to go into a property and identify any concerns in a home, as well as suggestions on what can be done. Most importantly, Rose can provide insight on the approximate time and cost required.

We believe you would be hard-pressed to find another realtor with Rose’s extensive construction knowledge in our marketplace. Her clients have greatly appreciated having an agent who understands what improvements need to be made and what can/can’t be done when purchasing a property.

ROSE BARROSO REALTOR®

C: 416 723 9984 O: 416 231 5508 M: 905 565 9200 rose@posh-haus.com www.posh-haus.com

Although Rose does not work on the construction-side anymore, she is very proud to have a wide network of professionals she has worked with for years and she can proudly endorse.

Posh-Haus Inc. is a natural extension of the customization and exclusivity Rose has always brought to the table with her distinctive dedication to exceptional customer service. Rose feels passionately that it begins with a deep understanding of her clients’ lifestyles.

Rose is honored to be quickly rising to the top of her new career. After transitioning into a career in Luxury Residential Real Estate, Rose has never looked back. Her latest accomplishment is having achieved the from her Brokerage.

I welcome you to connect with me if you are looking to enter the marketplace as a seller and/or buyer.If you have any questions or would like to view a property, please feel free to contact me!

| Luxe | Luxe Life / Life Company / Trends Profile |

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“MORE SPACE IS KEY AND REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE, YOU WANT TO FEEL GOOD, HAPPY, RELAXED. SO, IN OUTDOOR FURNITURE, DEEP SEATING IS IT, AND AS A STYLE IT HAS REALLY EVOLVED.” good, happy, relaxed. So, in outdoor furniture, deep seating is it, and as a style it has really evolved.”

With 43 years of experience as a retailer and patio furniture designer, Brown understands the importance of the outdoors being an extension of the home. His pieces are crafted with durability and versatility. Their colours, structural materials and fabric textures complement any space big or small — all to maximize their usage and to PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GENERAL PRODUCTS

provide sustainable seating that mimics indoor living. “We create pieces you can cuddle into and lose concept of where you are,” says Brown. “With the quality we offer, combined with the fact that so many people now have outdoor heaters or fire-pit tables, patio season can extend long past summertime.”

Factor in timeless designs and deep

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Roofing Systems For Generations Solid Steel is a family-owned business celebrating nearly 50 years in the roofing industry.

Our roofs are eco-friendly and durable, and have twice the lifespan of conventional roofing products. Using modern design and top-quality materials, we excel at all aspects of execution, and offer a 60-year guarantee for our work.

For more information please contact us at: 647-482-7234 solidsteel.ca highlandmetalroofing.com

Luxe Life / Trends |

seating is simultaneously favoured for its style longevity. Frames feature contemporary and clean aluminum, traditional wood grains, powder-coated aluminum and wicker-looking plastics that can be customized to suit rolling gardens, multi-tiered decks, cottage porches, narrow condominium balconies and beyond. The seating cushion’s upholstery fabrics, like Glen Raven’s 300-and-counting Sunbrella options, guarantee minimal sun fading and maximum water resistance.

“You can never build something too strong,” adds Brown. “It’s important because couples, families, heck, almost everyone, now uses their outdoor area as another room to escape to all year long. How phenomenal is that?”

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GENERAL PRODUCTS

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STUDIO 321B 5 Adrian Ave. Suite 212 Toronto, Ontario M6N 5G4 @studio321b | 647-345-8789

www.studio321b.com

www.studio321b.com

COUNTER CAFÉ

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Luxe Life / Trends

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With a philosophy of bean to cup, JURA sure knows how to make the perfect brew.

By Adriana Ermter

Feeling hot and cold about your caffeine choices? You should — coffee is a complex bean. Its evolutionary journey through the years has transformed it from a classic drip to seemingly unlimited options that range from strong Americanos and velvety flat whites to dark cold-brew espressos. In fact, according to the U.S. National Coffee Association’s 2021 National Coffee Data Trends Report, chilled coffees now sit in the top-three spot of favoured cups of java. And why not?

They’re delicious and as effortless to brew as a hot blend, especially with the JURA Z10 coffee machine.

A premium at-home appliance, this compact machine is sleek in design with a convex-concave front and two distinct looks to choose from, Aluminum White and Diamond Black.

At 12.6 inches wide, 15 inches high and 17.7 inches deep, it’s smaller than the average coffee machine, which takes up 17 to 18 inches of space, says Chris Papastathopoulos, the Canadian national sales manager for JURA. A touch-display system and visual prompts on the screen IMAGE BY ADOBE STOCK.

guide your every move, such as when to add beans, empty the drip tray, and replace the filter.

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“THE KITCHEN THAT HAS THE Z10 BECOMES A DESTINATION SPOT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”

A precise “Swiss-engineered” thermal-block heating system

Papastathopoulos. “You can enjoy a cup of coffee sitting on the

duces cold brew specialties. The Product Recognizing Grinder

couch in the morning. You’re not running around picking up

customizes the grind, be it a finer, more potent and concentrat-

to-go orders. Coffee time can be relaxed, like you’re sitting in a

ed grind for espressos, or one that’s coarse for cold options.

European café.”

“As a residential hot and cold-brew espresso machine, it’s a

Further in alignment with European coffee standards, the

world first!” affirms Papastathopoulos. “You basically have a

Z10 produces smaller-sized cups of Joe to ensure optimum

café on your countertop.” And playing barista is up for grabs

flavour. And while most any bean will do, an espresso roast

with any of the 32 specialty coffees, including cappuccinos,

is preferable, as it contains less oil for minimal oily residue to

lattes, macchiatos and espresso doppios. Courtesy of the

clean up. But the best part of all is this: “The kitchen that has

brand’s 90 years of Swiss technology and innovation, quality

the Z10 becomes a destination spot for family and friends,”

and consistency of at-home brews make savouring every drop

says Papastathopoulos.

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IMAGE COURTESY OF JURA ELEKTROAPPARATE AG

the new and coveted norm. “That’s my favourite part,” adds

guarantees optimal brewing temperatures, and the Z10 intro-

SPONSORED CONTENT

TE QUILA tastemakers

WHY NICK JONAS AND JOHN VARVATOS’ PREMIUM BRAND VILLA ONE IS WORTH EVERY LAST SIP.

AHH, TEQUILA. Once synonymous with frat boys and shot skis, the popular spirit is having a makeover. Or rather, we’ve all finally come to our senses, realizing what agave distillers have known for decades — that tequila is enjoyed best one sip at a time. According to the Beverage Information Group’s 2021 Liquor Handbook, those sips are expanding, too, by a whopping 9.4 percent in 2020 to 21.5 million nine-litre cases, making tequila the number-one, increasing-liquor category over the past five years.

“Tequila really brings people together as a celebratory drink,” explains Nick Jonas. The 29-year-old American singer, songwriter and actor would know. He, alongside John Varvatos, the multi-award-winning menswear designer, cofounded their own tequila company, Villa One in 2019. “It’s a staple for me when I’m getting together and celebrating with friends.”

Crafted from sustainably sourced, five- to seven-year-old blue weber agave plants and artesian well water, Jonas and Varvatos’ premium label produces three bottles. The Silver, often referred to as a blanco

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VILLA ONE

By Adriana Ermter

“ WE PRODUCE VILLA ONE IN OUR OWN FACTORY IN JALISCO, MEXICO, USING ONLY 100 PERCENT BLUE WEBER AGAVE.” or white tequila, is the purest expression of the agave, as it is unaged and can be served immediately. The Reposado, which means “rested” in Spanish, is aged in American oak barrels for approximately six months and boasts hints of chocolate and vanilla when imbibed. The brand’s Añejo, which translates to mean “mature,” is the patriarch of Villa One’s tequila family and is aged by the same process but for a minimum of one year, giving it a smooth, rich profile.

“We produce Villa One in our own factory in Jalisco, Mexico, using only 100 percent blue weber agave,” says Varvatos. While tequila can only be produced within five areas of the sunny country — Guanajuanto, Michoacan, Nayarit, Tamaulipas and, of course, Jalisco — the succulent is as equally sourced from Mexico’s highlands as it is the lowlands. Much like wine’s grapes, agave’s flavour is credited to its terrain. Highland tequilas, as the name suggests, are produced at a higher elevation and typically boast a sweet and floral bouquet. Its lowland counterpart is produced in lower valley regions and can taste more earthy, almost mineral like, and herbaceous. “Our agave is sourced both from the highlands and lowlands, which creates our unique taste profile,” says Varvatos. “They are blended by our master distiller Arturo Fuentes, who is known as the ‘Godfather’ of tequila.” Which, naturally, would make Jonas and Varvatos the spirit’s co-consiglieres, as they know and practice

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tequila’s sipping rules and rituals better than most. “John and I really immersed ourselves in the craftsmanship and art that goes into every step of this process,” affirms Jonas. “As tequila lovers, we’ve really brought a lot of passion and attention to detail to our product.”

For one, they both drink it almost exclusively. As a Type 1 diabetic, tequila’s low- calorie, low carb, low-sugar intake works for Jonas, whereas Varvatos “clicked” with the spirit in the ’90s and hasn’t looked back. Tequila’s timeless simplicity, they say, is also universally appealing. As an on-the-rocks pour, it equates to less pomp and circumstance, allowing for more time spent in the moment leisurely swirling, inhaling, sipping and interacting with others. After all, that’s how the duo’s friendship first began.

“Nick and I became fast friends seven years ago,” says Varvatos, who attributes their initial connection to music, art, fashion and tequila. All combined, it eventually led to the two to collaborate on a capsule clothing collection and a fragrance, both with success. As for the link that led them to where they are now: tequila, of course. “After each different project we were working on, we would decompress with a great glass of tequila,” says Jonas, which led to talk about “building a brand together one day. That’s where the spark of the idea was formed for Villa One.” Just one small but mighty sip at a time.

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Living Luxe / Company Profile

TOP OF THEIR GAME European excellence in metal roofing spreads its wings in Canada.

By Silvana Longo

|

roof is the quality of the product and the mastery of the installation.

Blachotrapez is a family-owned company with 50 years of metal roofing under its belt in the European market. Using only quality products, the Poland-based company partnered with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Steelworks for its roof coverings. In 2019, a Canadian satellite office opened, which brings the reliability and stylish metal roof options Europeans have been enjoying for half a century here.

“With steel produced in Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Steelworks, coated with industry-leading ZM EcoProtect® and a 50-micron

Metal roofing has come a long way. While the longevity and sustain-

are resistant to long-term wear and discolouring, and they offer

ability benefits of steel tile over shingles are well-known, the look

maximum corrosion resistance in any conceivable application,” says

of it used to be utilitarian at best. Over the years, metal roofs have

Martin Lesniak, business development director for North America.

expanded their aesthetic to match the style of a variety of homes.

Although the cost for a metal roof is higher, the 60-year warranty

From European clay tile and traditional wood to modern linear steel

buys a lot of peace from roofing worries. “Forget about re-roofing.

tiles ideal for a transitional or contemporary space, there are several

Blachotrapez modular metal roofing tiles will serve you reliably for

options and colours available to get a customized look that suits

generations,” assures Lesniak.

your style. However, the most important consideration for a metal

The modular metal roof tiles are built to withstand the elements

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SOLID STEEL

layer of Paldur Wrinkle Mat Plus, Blachotrapez roofing panels

92A Dunn Street, Oakville, Ontario 905.339.8118 darlenejaneirodesign.com @darlenejaneirodesign

ELEVATED AND EVOCATIVE DESIGNS

Living Luxe / Company Profile

“ ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES OF A METAL ROOF FOR MANY IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT. ”

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that seem to only worsen with ensuing climate change.

This includes ultra-violet rays, snow, hail and hurricanes with winds up to 200 miles per hour. The easy installation is also an attractive feature. “Our panels fit together like a puzzle.

With each panel weighing approximately four kilograms, existing roof structures do not require any additional reinforcements.”

One of the most important advantages of a metal roof for many is the environmental benefit. “Our steel roofing tiles average about 10 percent waste during installation, compared to industry norms that are greater than 20 percent. And unlike tar or bitumen shingles, steel panels are 100 percent recyclable.

Serving both consumers and architects, Lesniak heads education about all metal roofing products and he observes that the average customer is becoming more aware of the benefits of metal roofing. Canadian consumers are aware that if they buy cheap, they will eventually pay double.

Blachotrapez, though, doesn’t rest on its laurels — the brand constantly does research and technology to add new cutting-edge products to the already expansive collection every year.

“For architects and future market expectations, we’ve created a very modern Hidden Gutter System called ‘Krop,’ ideal for modern structures,” he says.

When asked what Lesniak’s favourite product is, he says they all have something special, but he is partial to the style and shape of the Banff tile. “Nobody has it. It looks like wood cleverly hidden behind modern metal tile.”

The company has ambitious plans to expand its offerings across Canada and the U.S. as it continues to increase its roofing products, including the solar panel selection. Metal roofing is no longer the dream, it truly is the current landscape, and savvy Canadian homeowners want a stylish, sustainable, long-lasting roof that will protect their biggest investment for years to come. For more information, go to solid-steel.ca.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SOLID STEEL

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EXPERIENCE TORONTO’S LUXURY RESORT hotelxtoronto.com | stay@hotelxtoronto.com | 647.943.9300

SPONSORED CONTENT

B O R N

F O R

THIS Ali Zarmehr grew up watching his father build commercial and residential real estate. Today, the owner and CEO of Zarcon Homes creates luxury homes that dreams are made of.

By Rachel Naud Photography by Ryan Fung

G

rowing up, Ali Zarmehr watched his father develop commercial and

residential real estate in Iran. His weekends were spent on construction sites where his dad was building legacies that would last for lifetimes. “It was inspiring because I always wanted to build things, says Zarmehr, CEO of Zarcon Homes, a luxury custom home builder in Toronto. “When you build anything, you leave something behind for a long time.”

Today, Zarmehr is not only building houses, but he is also creating dream homes. “We don’t build to flip homes, we build based on an individual’s wish list and needs,” he says. “We cater to custom detail.”

When homeowners hire Zarcon Homes to build their luxury abodes, the experience from start to finish is tailored to them. Every client gets attentive one-on-one attention when it comes to creating their custom homes, which is of utmost importance to Zarmehr. “We involve our clients from start to finish. We let them enjoy the journey,” he says. “We build homes differently — homes that can be cherished for generations. That’s 104

“ WE BUILD HOMES DIFFERENTLY. ” why instead of building 20 homes a year, we might only do five or six houses a year so we can take the time and energy to really tailor each one.”

When it comes to creating luxury homes, Zarmehr has a wealth of knowledge. He started in the field in his early twenties, selling luxury real estate. “I loved it,” he says. “It opened my eyes to the luxury real estate market.” What Zarmehr found is that there was still a lot of room to grow in the Canadian luxury market in terms of being original and bringing in a sense of unique designs and builds.

“Canada is still behind when it comes to design and innovation,” says Zarmehr. “Through selling luxury real estate, I could see these custom builders weren’t giving the clients a lot of details and originality. I compare Toronto to Chicago, New York and Miami and I saw that there was a niche in Toronto for this type of custom luxury.”

That’s why Zarcon Homes goes above and beyond the typical luxury real estate builder experience to offer high-end services and amenities not found elsewhere. “We will literally do everything for our clients,” says Zarmehr. “We’ll do it all, from working with interior designers and real estate brokers to helping homeowners find and acquire the land to build on. We work with an array of professionals including famed architect Richard Wengle and Contempo Studio.”

Zarmehr says his customers will also commission Zarcon Homes to make custom furniture for them when it comes time to finishing their spaces. “We know the ins and outs of the home more than anyone else so we can build exact furniture for that space. Landscaping is my favourite thing to do because we can create above and beyond in people’s backyards.” He says that while swimming pools have always been favoured, they’re especially a hot commodity since the pandemic. “People want elaborate pools, cabanas and outdoor kitchens to really make their outdoor space an oasis, so even if they don’t travel as much, they get that resort feel at home.” They also want to enjoy it year-round, which is why Zarmehr has experienced some clients requesting Muskoka rooms or modernized aluminum pergolas to extend the enjoyability of the space.

One of the most interesting projects Zarcon Homes is currently working on is the restoration of a century-old home in Unionville, Ont. The owners wanted to maintain the historic look of the outside of the 110-year-old heritage home but completely restore the inside to make it modern and chic. “From the outside it looks like a very classic historic building but when you walk in, you’re surprised as you’re just surrounded by luxury in an open-concept setting. It’s a very interesting property.”

Homeowners looking to create their own dream homes can book a consultation with Zarcon Homes by emailing info@zarconhomes. com or connect with them on Instagram at @zarconhomes.

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Living Luxe / Your Estate

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Libby Wildman Finance Expert

GOING SOLO WITH YOUR FINANCES Women don’t always have a positive relationship with money. It’s time to up your game and have a plan for your financial freedom.

By Libby Wildman

I have been a solo financier a few times, as I have gone through

our view that men wear the pants. They taught us that it’s men who

divorce twice. Not the savviest of financial decisions, but life hap-

make the “important decisions” at home, and “by the way, ladies; don’t

pens. I have many friends who are also solo financiers — some who

worry your pretty little heads about money.” In these shows and in

are widowed and others choosing not to be in a relationship where

the minds of many with wealth, women make the meals, wear nice

finances are shared. This is a trend: The world is opening and in some

dresses and ensure that the children are taken care of.

Some interesting Canadian stats: More than half of our population

COVID-19. Baby boomers are aging and so many goodbyes are hap-

are women, 35 percent of us have a university education and 61 per-

pening with our parents, who are well into their eighties.

cent are in the work force (down to 55 percent during COVID-19). The

Disruption and personal choice are leading to unprecedented

thing is, we still disproportionately shoulder the caregiving respon-

numbers of people living alone. Managing finances solo can be

sibilities. There are lots of excuses as to why women may not have

daunting and many women in particular feel woefully inadequate to

the time, the interest or the confidence to speak up, ask questions and

tackle the cause. Leave it to Beaver, Happy Days, All in the Family:

learn how to manage their finances. I am calling on all women now,

These are TV shows from the past that depicted and helped shape

solo or in a relationship, to get knowledge, get involved and have a

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADOBE STOCK

estimates by family lawyers, divorce has increased 40 percent during

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Living Luxe / Your Estate

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free savings account (TSFA), RRSP and cash value life insurance. See what’s right for you.

“ THE MIND IS SO POWERFUL. WHAT WE BELIEVE IS WHAT WE MANIFEST IN OUR LIVES. WHEN YOU INVEST THE TIME TO CREATE A FINANCIAL MODEL AND PLAN, YOU WILL VISUALLY SEE WHAT IS CAPABLE FOR YOUR FUTURE. “

Find an accountant or take an online course and do your own taxes Learn about your marginal tax bracket, tax-planning strategies and if actions like contributing to an RRSP are right for you.

Understand your bias and childhood money stories It’s an interesting path to dare to go down. Who controlled the wallet and bank accounts in your home growing up and why do you think it was this way?

Was money scarce? Was money a way of showing love or controlling and rewarding behaviour? Was it a topic that was openly discussed or was it taboo and unmannerly to bring up? Did you feel that great wealth was ugly or wonderful but not realistic for you? Delving into these stories and memories will help you to uncover why you have the money habits that you do today.

Believe The mind is so powerful. What we believe is what we manifest in our lives. When you invest the time to create a financial model and plan, you will visually see what is capable for your future. When you commit to spending less than you make, saving what you can and

plan for your financial freedom. The payoff is that you will feel relief,

putting to work what you already have or been gifted, the confidence

pride and empowerment when you know that you can create the

will show in other areas of your life. The visual of knowing what your

life you want or become aware of where changes need to be made.

capital can grow to, and having goals for that financial freedom, will

Where do we start?

create a natural incentive to do more.

Make relationships

At Davis Rea we are deeply experienced in joining you on this

Create relationships at your bank so the staff gets to know you. We

journey of discovery — uncovering your family background, personal

live in a digital world, yet the banks still operate on knowing you

financial bias and understanding the actions that got you where you

and recognizing your signature. Make a list of your income, any trust

are today. Humans always benefit greatly when committed to under-

money, your savings and investments. Take the time to set up a line of

standing their “why.” Saving with a purpose, ensuring your invest-

credit, at least one credit card and have annual reviews. Yes, bankers

ments work smarter for you and the exploration of generous gifting

get paid to sell us products, but you can control which ones you want.

back to humanity are vital. Our team of amazing people are moti-

It’s this relationship that will allow you to gain access to important

vated to make sure you succeed. Have this discussion with us alone

debt or help when you need it.

or with your family. I guarantee it will bring you closer to living your

Find an adviser who you trust and feel comfortable with and who

best life and leave you feeling empowered.

will help you learn. Let them know that you want to be engaged in your own financial plan, not just someone who gets a call when it’s

Libby Wildman is Head of Wealth Advisory at the Toronto-based

time to discuss your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). We

investment firm Davis Rea and the founder of Liminal Escapes

have four main tax-sheltered vehicles in Canada: our homes, tax-

creative curated retreats.

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BIBLIO BASH KICKS OFF TORONTO’S GALA SEASON On April 7, 2022, The Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Biblio Bash gala fundraiser brought together top Canadian and international bestselling authors for a stunning cocktail reception and dinner at the renowned Toronto Reference Library.

Luxe Life / Event

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LEFT TO RIGHT: SUZANNE ROGERS, SYLVIA MANTELLA, CHRISTI HIMMELHEBER, LIVING LUXE FASHION EDITOR CHRISTINE REZVANIAN.

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is the busiest urban public library system in the world. The impact the library has on our community is immense.

Each year, millions of visitors use its services, empowering Torontonians with the use of technology and the expansion of knowledge. With access to technology, cultural experiences and information, the TPL has been able to increase the opportunities for growth and success for many people, and it has helped visitors build strong connections to each other and their communities across the city.

After a two-year hiatus, Biblio Bash brought out the city’s most stylish philanthropists, authors, city builders, media, arts and culture

By Christine Rezvanian

supporters, donors and business executives, and more than $830,000 was

Photography by George Pimentel

raised for the TPL Foundation, which was established to help build a city of 110

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“ THE IMPACT THE LIBRARY HAS ON OUR COMMUNITY IS IMMENSE.” 1

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Luxe Life / Event

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lifelong readers and learners. The funds raised will be used to provide digital support for the city’s most vulnerable residents. In our increasingly digital world, the TPL strives to break down barriers for those who face challenges accessing technology services such as computers and Wi-Fi. These dollars will provide families and individuals with internet connectivity kits that instantly provide internet access, something that impacts their lives in a real and immediate way. Together, we make certain that all Torontonians have free access to the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

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1. JIM AND SANDI TRELIVING. 2.VICTORIA WEBSTER, BIBLIO BASH CHAIR. 3.TYRONE EDWARDS, TV HOST 4.AMY BURSTYN FRITZ. 5. DAVID CHILTON, CANADIAN AUTHOR. 6. D.A. LOCKHART, JOSHNA MAHARAJ AND RANDY BOYAGODA, AUTHORS 7. POOJA HANDA, RADIO AND TV HOST. 8. MARK AND VANESSA MULRONEY.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIGENOVA MEDIA

NEW OBSESSIONS This kitchen, built by Stonebrooke Homes, is a sheer delight. We are head over heels for the architecturally divine range hood.

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Jeanne Beker Lifestyle Editor

Tales from a

TOP CHEF

If you know anything about Toronto’s restaurant scene, you definitely know chef Susur Lee. There’s no doubt about it: Lee is cool — that’s one reason the team at Living Luxe was so thrilled to feature him in our

annual Kitchen & Bath issue. As always, we left it to lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker to dig deep with the culinary genius. Here’s what he told her about his past, present and all things food.

By Jeanne Beker Portrait Photography by Alvaro Goveia Grooming by Tricia Langenberg-Kealy Photography by Robert Holowka

W

hen it comes to rockstar cool in the world of Canadian

Born in Hong Kong in 1958, Susur attributes his love of fine food

haute cuisine, few can hold a candle to chef Susur Lee.

— and his determination to learn to prepare it — to his early family

A highly creative and bold, risk-taking restaurateur on the Toronto

life, growing up in a family of six kids, with a mother who was usual-

scene since the mid 1980s, Susur has long been admired for

ly too busy working to wow her brood with great meals. “My mom

introducing his innovative brand of Asian/Euro fusion to legions of

was a terrible cook,” he shares. “I learned that at a young age, when I

local foodies who’d never experienced anything like it before. And

saved my pennies to spend on street food at the market on my way

since his first independent foray into fine dining with the exquisite

home from school. Once I tasted that, I said, ‘Wait a second. This is

and legendary Lotus in 1987, Susur has surfed the various waves of

so good! My mom’s food doesn’t taste like this!’” The young Susur

culinary trends, catering to the changing zeitgeist with skill, passion

started taking notes, delighting in sampling exotic fare like chicken

and aplomb.

feet. “It was the fast-food of the time,” he reminisces. “But it’s not like 116

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fast-food nowadays. It takes time to make it. So I think that triggered me

Susur well. “My mom always haggled with the fishmonger when I’d go

to really pay attention to food. Because every time, when I got home, I

to the market with her. And she’d say, ‘Oh no, no, I'm not paying that!’ So

said, ‘Wait a second. This doesn't taste good!’ You see, I came from a very

that's a little bit of business that I learned from her when I was a kid,’” he

humble family. And my mom used to have to hide the leftover rice from

smiles. Susur’s mother’s work ethic was also instrumental is shaping her

the night before at the bottom of the pot, and cover it up with fresh rice

son’s attitude toward work, and wanting not to do just a good job, but a

on the top. But I knew it wasn’t all fresh. And when I didn’t think it was

great job. “My mom had to wash the officers’ uniforms by hand. It was

good, I’d just stop eating.”

hard work. It was so hard on her hands; they were always peeling,” he

While Susur admits to having been a chubby kid, he earned the

remembers. “When I was young, I didn’t understand how much suffering

nickname of “Picky Wei” for being a very picky eater. His mom didn’t

she went through, how hard she laboured, what she was putting into her

have the luxury of time to master her home cooking, so in order to feed

job.”

the whole family as easily as possible, she’d just put everything in a pot

But Susur’s dad also played a big part in feeding his son’s dreams. A

and boil it. “Actually, that kept us very healthy. We never fried anything.

well-educated accountant, he’d take his pay cheque at the end of every

And that was good,” Susur reflects. He claims he absorbed so much as a

month and splurge on taking his young son out for dim sum. Fine food

kid — between watching his mom’s way in the kitchen and her buying

became very special for Susur, as it marked special occasions. “That was

everything fresh at the market every day because they didn’t have a big

something you really looked forward to,” he says. And then, of course, he

fridge for storage. That helped him understand the value of freshness. He

learned quite a lot from his four sisters. “They sort of became my parents

also learned a lot about business from his mom, even though she was un-

because when my mom wasn’t there, they were the ones in charge. And

educated, and worked as a “tea lady,” babysitter and laundress for officers

they were good cooks. Each one had her specialty in making something

in the British army. Still, she had a kind of savvy that ended up serving

amazing at home,” he says fondly. “And I was always curious to know

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what went into every dish.”

Despite his growing knowledge about food and cooking, Susur wasn’t academically inclined, admitting to being “terrible” in school. His understanding mother allowed him to drop out and he got a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant at the age of 14. A couple of years later, he began apprenticing in the kitchen at Hong Kong’s prestigious Peninsula Hotel.

It was there where he met his first wife — a slightly older Canadian woman, Marylou Covey, who inspired him to come to Canada. Except for a trip to Thailand, Susur hadn’t seen any of the world at that point. Arriving in Toronto at the age of 20 opened his mind to glorious possibilities. “I wanted to see other parts of the world because I was not educated with culture. I wanted to know what makes people eat differently, according to religions and cultures.

I wanted to know all that.” Susur and Marylou travelled around the world frugally for a year before landing back in Canada. “We travelled throughout Asia, the Middle East and Europe before going back to North America. It was all a huge learning experience, like a true education for one full year,” he says.

The couple decided to move back to Hong Kong a couple of years later in 1983, with Marylou going ahead of him. Tragically, she died aboard the Korean Airlines plane she was travelling on: It was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet when it violated Soviet airspace. The grieving Susur decided to remain in Toronto and pick up the pieces of his life. The following year, at Toronto’s Peter Pan Bistro, he met the talented Brenda Bent, a local clothing designer, who he married eight years later. Brenda strongly encouraged Susur’s creativity and, in 1987, he began making huge waves on the Toronto dining scene with Lotus, his first eatery that boasted a chic, intimate atmosphere and an extraordinary tasting menu. (I personally had the pleasure of dining there back in the day, and can only say it felt like a near religious experience.)

The care and attention Susur put into every detail and dish was unprecedented. A meal at Lotus was considered the ultimate in luxury and chef Lee, hailed as a “culinary genius,” was catapulted to the top of the chef-as-rockstar heap.

A decade after opening, Lotus closed its doors.

Susur spent the next three years re-energizing in

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“Cooking for my family is number one.

I love cooking for myself because cooking at home is important.

Singapore and acting as a consultant for a restaurant group there. When he

it’s only a party of four,” he says. “‘Hey, Susur,’ they tell me, ‘You have a great

returned to Toronto in 2000, he opened his second restaurant, Susur, and

restaurant, but you don’t have damn matching wineglasses!’” he laughs, admit-

his wife Brenda helped with the design renovation. In 2004, inspired to

ting that he doesn’t spend a lot of time entertaining at home. Does cooking

offer a more casual ambience, the entrepreneurial chef opened the popular

for others still give him the kind of joy as it has in the past? “Cooking for my

Lee. Once again, Brenda, now partnered with designer Karen Gable, worked

family is number one. I love cooking for myself because cooking at home is

in conjunction with the architect to design the King Street West restaurant’s

important. I eat very healthy. I eat very well. And in terms of cooking for

relaxed glam interior. The highly popular spot caters to legions of devoted fans

my friends, well, I do. But you know, I just have a few friends who I hang out

with an innovative mix of Asian/Euro-fusion dishes. But the star attraction

with and because I’ve known them for years, we’d get together and cook in

on chef Lee’s menu is his famous Singapore Slaw, comprised of 19 ingredients

their kitchens. I will bring the food and then we just hang out and everybody

and presented and tossed at the table like some sort of mini art installation.

brings their various dishes. So that’s really the kind of entertaining I love,” he

While Lee remains the jewel in Susur’s crown these days — he’s opened

reveals. “ I don’t have too many friends, but they all love food.”

and closed a healthy handful of interesting eateries over the past couple of de-

Having always been extremely creative, ambitious and driven, Susur seems

cades, including a restaurant named Fring’s, which he co-owned with Drake

to have struck a wonderful balance in his life these days and claims to be

— Susur’s current roster includes Lee Kitchen at Pearson International Airport

in a good space. He adores spending time with his dog, Nyla, a five-year-

and a restaurant in Singapore called TungLok Heen. His two older sons, Levi,

old Husky that his son Levi gave him two years ago. And his love for his

32, and Kai, 30, were involved in the business with him for a while, but even-

family — and his passion for his métier — keep him happy and engaged. But

tually decided restaurants weren’t for them. “They were with me for almost

while he loves to work, he stresses that he’s not a workaholic. “I’m excited to

five years, and saw how I worked and how complicated the business is and

come to work because I create new things. That makes me want to come to

how complicated it can be dealing with people,” says Susur. “And they said

work. But I don't like to go behind the stove,” he confesses. “I create the dish,

to me there were a few things they didn’t like about the business. So I said,

I process it in terms of ingredients and presentation, and tell my staff how to

‘Okay, you should quit and do things that make you happy.’ And I’m happy

articulate where the dish comes from. I make it, taste it, teach them how to

that they quit and are doing their own thing. I support them fully.” Levi and

make it and then I leave them to produce it. I don't sweat behind the stove.

Kai now live in LA and are involved in a YouTube channel. Susur’s thankful

I constantly help to organize the kitchen, making sure the staff know all the

to have a great relationship with them. His youngest son Jet, 24, still lives at

protocols of how to serve. That is my joy. I call it my duty.”

home, and judging from TikTok, father and son are very cool collaborators.

Of course, since rockstar chefs cannot live on merely running successful

Susur’s family home, located in Toronto’s Trinity-Bellwoods neighbour-

restaurants alone in this age of celebrity brand building, the dashing Susur has

hood, was designed by his wife’s Bent Gable Design company, and has a

also been active in the media spotlight over the years, appearing on shows like

casual, urban feel. As for the kitchen? “Oh, it's a very nice kitchen, because

Iron Chef America and Top Chef: Masters. I asked him how much he enjoyed be-

my wife designed it,” laughs Susur. “But it’s not like a high-end professional

ing out there in the limelight over the years, so emblematic of his brand. “The

kitchen. I never cook in a complicated way at home. I cook very casual,

stardom thing didn’t really get to my head, to be honest,” he tells me. “It's so

healthy food. Lots of boiled vegetables or sautés — things that are very

nice to go to a coffee shop and be recognized. But day to day, it never really

healthy and provide great nutrients. I don’t cook at home the way I cook at

changed me from who I was. I have a great family. I have a great relationship.

the restaurant. Just give me a stove and pots and pans and that’s all I need!”

I have a great staff. Those things are really satisfying. I don't need more than

When friends come over, Susur doesn’t even have wine glasses for them. “And

that. My ego values are different, let’s put it that way.”

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Chef Lee's bathroom is a serene oasis, the perfect place to recharge after a busy day.

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Jewel The Hidden

This Muskoka, Ont. residence is the epitome of opulence and comfort.

Designed by none other than icon Ferris Rafauli, it is a master class in fine living.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Birdhouse Media

T

his is a true landmark,” says Kevin Crigger, the broker and team lead of The Kevin Crigger Real Estate Team, who along with his

colleague Claudine Montano, the broker of record and team lead of The Montano Group, is selling this remarkable abode in Muskoka, Ont. Located on the highly sought-after Lake Rosseau, “Chateau du Lac” as it is known, truly acts as a refuge. “For someone who has a more formal property in the city or a residence elsewhere, this is a hidden jewel in that the entire property is bordered by a granite-rock face that provides this gated estate an incredible amount of privacy from passersby,” says Montano. On the water side of the property, you see the splendour and natural beauty that is Muskoka. And when inland, there is a perfect promenade where you walk to the front door, and you are surrounded by the granite and tree line (the homeowner had hundreds

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“For designers like Ferris who are so incredibly talented, without patrons, there would be no way for the world to see the beauty of their spaces and creations.” of trees planted around the property). “You could be anywhere on Earth, and you really feel as though you are in this private slice of nature. When you pull in from the road, you leave the outside world and experience the world of acclaimed interior designer Ferris Rafauli for a time,” says Crigger.

Rafauli is the mastermind behind this house, making it one of the most desirable homes in Ontario’s coveted cottage country. “To me, Ferris is truly an artist in terms of the creation of his work.

And those who engage him are patrons of the arts,” says Crigger. “For designers like Ferris who are so incredibly talented, without patrons, there would be no way for the world to see the beauty of their spaces and creations.”

Known for his unparalleled level of customization and detailed work, Rafauli built this almost 10,000 square-foot living space to be a landmark property — it is very much a home of permanence. From the moment you set foot into the space, Lake Rosseau is a key feature — there is a keen sense of light and connection to the nature that surrounds — but so is the generous and impeccably executed interior. “It is not a home that you just walk through without taking in the details. The first time I entered the space, I spent 15 to 20 minutes standing in the foyer, just taking it all in,” Crigger beams. “Every room, big or small — from the powder room to the great room — are for those who appreciate design. You can sit for days experiencing level upon level and layer upon layer of detail.”

Consider the guest bathroom. “It is not a gargantuan space; it is perfectly suited in size to the bedroom suite it is attached to. But when you walk into the black-marble-clad space and look at the various cuts and intricate design of the tone-on-tone material, and the layering of materials, it really is unbelievable,” Montano says. There is an abundance of natural stone throughout the home, and rare 124

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materials such as ostrich leather, pony hair etc. sourced from all over the world. “In many cases, for many of the stones, they bought the entire lot, so once the stone was crafted and polished and cut for this home, they are never to be seen again. There is a coldness to stone but the interesting element in this space is there is a real juxtaposition of incredible natural stones that draw you in. Plus, there is no repetitive design, and the level of craftsmanship is rarely seen. There is an obsessive level of detail that sets Ferris apart.”

It goes without saying, but the kitchen also rises to the occasion.

Bordering the great room, the kitchen is a space that was designed

OPPOSITE PAGE: TKTKTK

for entertaining on a grand scale. There is a spectacular solid bronze THIS PAGE: TKTKTKTKT

table that grounds the space. (It required a huge crew to move it in.

“It is a piece that will be around long after we are gone. It is a piece of art that came from the design mind that is Ferris,” says Crigger.)

Everything from the table to the chairs to every element of the design is truly bespoke. “Then there is a substantial island in an L-shape that lends itself to cooking, entertaining and socializing. When there is a party, this is where everyone congregates. As a guest standing in front of the counter, you feel incredibly connected and there is a level of intimacy you share with the homeowner.”

Every inch of the home is meticulously planned and fabricated.

The bar near the home’s entrance, for example, is clad in lacquered wood and marble with gorgeous veining. The pops of gold give it so much personality. Then there is the room that can be used as a den or office — it is a cozy, rich space that feels homey and luxe at the same time. And the bright, airy master suite is majestic, with a beautiful bed designed with curved details that carry through to the ceiling.

The space is dressed up in layers of elevated features, making it feel very warm and inviting. “You have these grand principal rooms that are open spaces, then you have smaller areas for people to cocoon.

It has an incredibly understated comfortable feel but with a sense of grandeur. There is a sense of simplicity, approachability and calm that emanates through every space in the house, but there is nothing simple about the design,” says Crigger. “Ferris’s unique attribute is the belief that all things are possible, and the ability to transform those ideas into tangible interiors that are worthy of what he imagined.”

The home may be surrounded by glorious nature, but it does not feel like a kitschy wooden cabin — it is a substantial home that any owner could easily fall for. The dramatic waterfall-edged infinity pool, tennis/basketball court and boat slips are also a luxury lifestyle plus for the next elite homeowner. “When you have these incredible vistas and a magical property, you can really create something beautiful.

This is at a completely different level than anything that has been in the marketplace in Muskoka. We have represented some pretty incredible residences in our careers, and this is just one of the most spectacular homes we have seen.”

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DESIGNER: CHRISTINA FOX, STYLIST: BEVERLEEY BINNS

COMING OF AGE

When her clients moved to their new condo, Christina Fox of Binns Kitchen & Bath Design knew just what the space needed to reflect the couple’s vibrant personalities.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Vincent Lions

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THERE’S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR AGING GRACEFULLY, AND THERE’S MUCH TO BE SAID FOR AGING IN PLACE. That’s what the couple who own this unique condo in Rosedale were keen to do when they bought their penthouse. One of the homeowners had sustained an injury and the pair had to sell their three-storey walk-up in the city. They were delighted when they found this century-old building with the renovated top floor and decided it would be the place where they’d settle. “The condo needed some tender loving care. It was outdated and didn’t reflect my clients’ personalities,” says Christina Fox, the designer from Binns Kitchen & Bath Design who brought this spectacular redesign to life. “They really needed to create an accessible space. They’re empty-nesters and they plan to age in place as they live here. The one thing I told them was that getting older didn’t mean they had to sacrifice style or sex appeal,” she says.

She’s right. Aging in place can look and feel sexy, and Fox was determined to ensure the kitchen and bathroom exuded personality, confidence, sexiness and accessibility.

The kitchen, of course, is a case in point. The couple indicated that they were looking for much more storage than the existing kitchen offered.

“There was a lot of underperforming real estate in the kitchen, and I really wanted to maximize the potential,” says Fox. “Before, there weren’t a lot of cabinets, and these homeowners are avid cooks and bakers who needed space for their appliances.”

Fox was quick to plan for plenty of accessible and functional storage, as well as lots of drawers and pullouts, which she says are perfect for those who are aging in place.

“Initially, the space was slightly off-white and had a blue glass backsplash. It had a very institutional feel that was not reflective of my clients’ personalities,” she explains. “I knew I wanted to 130

keep it in a monochromatic style and move away from white because the condo

in place, but it also brings in exquisite details, like the bronzed-glass partition with

has a wall of windows and it’s already very bright.” That was the impetus for se-

a matte black detail that stands in front of the tub, and the vessel sinks — sculp-

lecting moody onyx oak laminate cabinetry. “I really wanted to delineate the space

tural art elements that inspired the rest of the room. Fox took inspiration from the

from the rest of the open-concept condo and have this incredible colour story.”

matte black and found functional grab bars for the shower area, as well as matte

The couple are big entertainers — for their grandchildren. So many of Fox’s

black valve controls and equipment. “Colour-blocking is so important when aging

decisions took the kids into consideration. “For example, they love to bake with

in place, as when the eyes degenerate, you have a visually contrasting element, so

the kids, and we know how messy children can be when it comes to baking, so I

you know where things are,” she says. Fox opted to put in a wet room instead

made a dedicated baking station with full electrical and a quartz backsplash with a

of a smaller shower and selected four different porcelain tiles to showcase in the

pocket door system that slides away secretly into the cabinetry,” she says.

bathroom. “Designing is an intuitive process for me, so I knew the tiles I chose

The stunning quartz countertop, with its brilliant gold veining, wasn’t Fox’s

would be the right ones. The tiles on the shower floor have more texture to them

original pick, but she says she gasped when she saw it and knew it would make

for the clients as they age and the one used behind the vanities, for example, pulls

the perfect piece to tie the kitchen and bathroom stories together. “I was planning

the eye up and gives a moment of pause,” she says. “My clients are avid travellers

another countertop, but it was too busy and starting to compete. I wanted a

and they really wanted their bathroom to feel like they were staying in a luxury

sophisticated subtlety here,” she says.

hotel. I think that was achieved.”

She also wanted to bring that sophistication into the couple’s bathroom. The

The homeowners were equally thrilled with Fox’s work in both the kitchen

only request the homeowners had for Fox was for a more comfortable tub — they

and bathroom, and Fox says she was ecstatic to give the pair a space that better fit

prefer the shower themselves, but their grandchildren love splashing around in their

their personalities where they could age gracefully. “There’s a subtle softness to the

grandparents’ tub. The bathroom is not only a masterclass in accessibility and aging

space, and I can really see the two of them through the design.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADM DESIGN INC.

ow F

A

C

T

O

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For Andrea McMullen, designer and owner of ADM Design Inc., the bathroom is the perfect room in the house to make a splash — both literally and figuratively. She took us through four unique spaces and spoke about what makes them so awe-inspiring.

By Lisa van de Geyn

W

need to think that way.”

about it all the time. I like my spaces to work with

using it, how they’re using it and how best to facilitate

whoever is living in the home,” says Andrea

that function. But it’s also about exercising your cre-

McMullen, the designer extraordinaire behind the

ativity. “Beyond your kitchen, your bathroom makes

four bathrooms featured in the pages that follow. “But

you the most money in your house, so why not be

really, I always look for that wow factor and the wow

creative, interesting and innovative?” McMullen asks

feature. If you want to be in that world of luxury, you

passionately. “Bathrooms are smaller spaces so per

here do I start when designing a bathroom?

I like to have both form and function. I talk

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When considering bathrooms, it’s all about who’s

Feature Slug

It’s very hotel-chic.” square foot, you can put more money into them. It’s an opportunity. Just

glass art piece, vintage black-and-white retro photos and, the pièce de

because it’s a bathroom, it doesn’t mean it can’t be the most spectacular

résistance, the chandelier hung prominently above the tub. “The chande-

room in your house.”

lier was taken from the dining room in her old house. It’s just massive.

We had to measure her height and stand in the tub to make sure she could get in and out comfortably. Not everyone is going to think to put a piece like this above their bathtub. It certainly makes a statement,”

in Toronto. “The homeowner is super glitz,” says McMullen. “It’s not the

she says. “I love repurposing people’s sentimental pieces in different,

first house I’ve done for this client, who’s all about luxury.” McMullen

unexpected ways that they’d never think of.” This house is also filled

dolled up this bathroom by adorning it with the perfect amount of

to the brim with luxury brand names, and the principal bedroom this

glamour — she opted for Rubinet faucets with black crystals, a mosaic-

bathroom is attached to is a Versace room, complete with Versace bed-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON HARTOG

GLITZ AND GLAM This black-and-white bathroom is in a townhouse on Lakeshore West

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ding and accents. “I also love the contrast between the black and white in the bathroom. There’s a feminine boldness in the black, but the chandelier, crystal, Versace, Dior and Chanel all over the house really add a lot of sparkle to the entire space. It was a really fun house to design.”

REST AND RETREAT Sometimes homeowners, especially those who travel extensively or who have vacation homes, want their ensuites modelled after spas — a more relaxing retreat than a bold space. That was the case in this bathroom, done in Innisfil, Ont.’s Friday Harbour Resort. “We did a full renovation on the unit and this bathroom was just so lovely,” says McMullen. “The homeowners are an older couple, and I was happy that they allowed me to get inspired and just let us take the design where we wanted to go.” The bathroom has an incredibly serene feel — you can almost imagine it being attached to a luxurious spa. “It’s their vacation home, and we wanted it to be elegant and fresh. I think it works beautifully.” In this room, it’s all about the details. The gold circle mirrors with gorgeous ribbing detail are perfection — they’re classic but unexpected. “There’s also a beautiful gold-threaded bathmat from St. Genève of Quebec. It’s an exclusive high-end line that ADM sources for our luxury clients,” she adds. The custom-made lights are also remarkable. “Not only did they luminate the space perfectly, but they were also exquisite in design. A large window sits above a beautiful soaker tub, allowing natural light to bounce off the mixed metals in this space.”

While the ensuite is a spa-like haven, the powder room in the house is a work of art. With an awe-inspiring, back-lit glass built into a custom wooden case, the changing, dancing light leaves guests with a real wow factor. “We built a massive frame to fit the panel of onyx exactly. You walk in this long, narrow powder room, and it’s on the back wall. It’s such a statement and can be used as PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY ARNAL

a nightlight. People don’t want to leave this bathroom, it’s that incredible,” McMullen says. “The rest of the room is simple and white with luxe chrome features, but that wow feature has made it the most popular room in the house when guests come over. Everyone is wowed by it.”

nautical mirrors, but then really wanted to do something big and wow, so I used a textured metallic silver tile and it’s such a feature

PLAY AND STAY

that it completely elevates the entire look of the space,” she says.

There’s nothing like a cool bathroom for the younger set. And the

“With an exciting, trending, 3D tile in a metallic sheen, this elevates

young guys who get to use this one love the nautical feel of its grey

the space to a next level. For this bathroom, it’s for young guys and

studded mirrors, the bidet and the colourful graffiti art above the toi-

I wanted the design to reflect who would be using the space. It

let. The LED-luminated faucets that light up when engaged would

would’ve been fresh and new and clean, but it wouldn’t have been

be enough to excite any jetsetter. These are all neat features, sure,

spectacular if I hadn’t done the feature wall. You can see how they’d

but the wow factor in this long, skinny bathroom is certainly the

want to leave the bathroom door open when you can look in and

shower. “I did the vanity in navy and paired it with interesting

see this.”

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Not everyone wants a lot of frills when it comes to their kitchen.

This space is pure and simple — exactly what the talented designer and homeowner had in mind.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Michael Mahovlich

There’s something magical about perfectly designing a minimalistic space. And it’s not just about leaving out the clutter — it’s about knowing how to maximize the space you have in a very effortless way. If you ask Russell Dearsley, a design consultant for Downsview Kitchens, he’ll tell you he tends to gravitate toward openconcept spaces that are fresh and clean-looking. It’s one reason he decided his family’s kitchen had to look as pure and simple as possible.

This grand 6,000-square-foot abode is near the lake in southwest Oakville. It was a brand-new build for the Dearsleys, who wanted a very classic-looking house on the outside, but with a much more contemporary feel on the inside, complete with stunning limestone-like slab work throughout.

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" It speaks to homeowners who love a streamlined, unique kitchen with design that takes a very easy, unpretentious approach."

This kitchen is a master class in exceptionality — it’s not designed for

lighter tones in the rest of the room. Dearsley also opted out of going with

those who crave a lot of frills and details in their spaces. Instead, it really

the typical lighting for the kitchen — he didn’t select hanging pendants or

speaks to homeowners who love a streamlined, unique kitchen with design

obtrusive lights because simplicity was key. “We did pot lights and floor

that takes a very easy, unpretentious approach. “We wanted fresh and clean

lights, as well as lighting that runs above and below the shelf over the

tones and a very minimalistic and uncluttered feel,” says Dearsley. “It was

cooktop,” he explains.

important for us to have a clean-looking space with unique features, like

There are a few super impressive features encasing the main kitchen. The

the hood design (which is actually drywall — it’s flush at the top and then

first is the pantry off to the side that acts as a secondary kitchen, com-

slides out at the hood), all the drawers at the perfect height so my wife

plete with microwave, sink, countertop, a second dishwasher and freezer

didn’t have to reach for anything, and we built a pantry and secondary

drawers. Directly opposite is where all the family’s dishes and cookware

kitchen off the main area.”

are stored. “It’s floor-to-ceiling dishware and it’s all behind glass that has a

The spacious main kitchen is made up of a 12-foot island (which houses the dishwasher, recycling and garbage centre and the utensil and cutlery organizers), marble countertops and backsplash, and flooring done in five-

rubbed bronze finish. We did that to keep all of these elements out of the kitchen and out of the way,” he says.

The second feature Dearsley points to are the 10-foot-tall black doors

by-10-foot porcelain slabs from Italy. There’s a series of drawers all the way

that run all the way across the back of the kitchen and the rest of the back

across the cooktop wall and tall cabinets (perfect for storage) along the

of the home. When these exquisite doors are open, they can be pinned back

other side of the room. The cabinets and drawers are done in quarter-cut

and there’s a big open space that connects the kitchen and family room

oak and painted in a custom silvery-taupe shade that works beautifully

with the patio and backyard. “It’s truly an indoor-outdoor space when

with the clean whites. Everything has its place in this kitchen, and almost

those doors are open. And when the blinds are up, I ensured they’d go into a

everything is hidden in that place. For example, beside the wine fridge on

cavity, so you don’t see them at all — they’re hidden in the wall. Again, we

the cabinet wall, there are two doors that open and slide outwards. Inside

wanted it to look seamless and simple and not detract from the beauty of

you’ll find a complete coffee station and toaster filled with everything the

the doors,” he says. “The house was built for entertaining — we love having

Dearsleys need for their breakfast and morning cup of java.

friends and family over. And this kitchen gives us everything we need. We

The eating area in the kitchen is done in a bespoke prefinished hardwood and it’s also ultra-minimalistic and done in darker shades to contrast the

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really wanted something that doesn’t appear in every other house — something that has a unique feel. And we certainly feel like we’ve achieved that.”

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With inspiration taken from the silver screen, Dima Ahmad of Dima Ahmad Interiors Inc. shares the design behind this impressive retreat.

By Lisa van de Geyn Renderings by Dima Ahmad Interiors Inc.

I

t all started with a movie. It’s no secret that designers can find inspiration from anywhere, but, for the first time in her career, Oakville, Ont.-based

interior designer Dima Ahmad was asked to draw inspiration from a feature film. In one of her first conversations with the gentleman of the house, he said he wanted a Scarface bathroom — arguably one of the most iconic bathrooms in cinematic history. “I initially thought he was just kidding, but through further discovery and conversation, I learned the homeowners are actually quite creative and really open to this kind of ingenuity,” she says. “There was a lot of learning on my part. I had heard of Scarface, but there was a lot of research that had to be done. I spent the time watching the movie and really understood Al Pacino’s character and why it fit him so well to be sitting in that tub,” Ahmad explains. “It was certainly the first time I used a movie reference as inspiration.”

So, she promised the homeowner he’d get his Scarface bathroom — not an ostentatious room, like the one in the film, but a tastefully done space, complete with a bathtub where he could relax and look up at the stars.

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“It’s like being tucked away in your own oasis ” .

The homeowners of this 40-year-old home in rural

stars when soaking. There will also be windows behind the

Caledon, Ont., are commercial builders. They were keen to

tub that open, with a balcony that will surround the room

find a home their young family could grow into together.

overlooking the infinity pool.

On the 14-acre property, there’s an existing 2,100-square-

For the shower area, Ahmad took inspiration from one

foot home, but Ahmad is currently in the process of adding

of the homeowners’ requests: They asked for lots of secret

an extension — the new construction will add another

rooms and hidden spaces to be built throughout the home.

4,000 square feet of living space for the couple and their

(There are plans to create a secret room in the bathroom; it

young children. “They entertain a lot and they both come

will be hidden behind a beautifully curated bookshelf.) “The

from big families, so they wanted a home they could invest

shower area is private, and you’re secluded when you’re

in and have their extended families over,” she says. The

inside — it’s like being tucked away in your own oasis.

home is surrounded by forestry. “I practice mindful design,

They wanted their home to feel like a resort and having the

and it’s important to be mindful of the outside. When you

two showers on either side of the tub elevates the entire

have the liberty of having no neighbours and you can just

experience.” The woman of the home told Ahmad she didn’t

be surrounded by beautiful nature, it becomes part of the

want to feel cold or have a large shower area — instead, she

architecture and design of how you experience the house.

wanted a smaller space that was more intimate. “It’s still

You need to take advantage of the foliage around you,” she

grand and luxurious but it’s certainly not cold,” she says.

says. The existing home is very much a Red Cedar log home

The shower zones are also completely personalized: Ahmad

with walls and vaulted ceilings clad in wood. While the new

takes measurements of her clients to make sure the rainfall

addition will lend itself to a more modern space, Ahmad is

shower heads are perfectly situated, and the jets are hitting

careful to respect the original property and plans to incorpo-

the appropriate pressure points. “I would feel like a goddess

rate some of those wood elements and history into the

showering there,” she says.

new build.

The principal suite, which features this exquisite bath-

The floor is also a showpiece. It was initially out of Ahmad’s comfort zone, but the homeowners were vocal

room, is being built at the intersection of the old house and

about wanting something completely unexpected. “It’s

the new abode — where the two buildings connect — so the

jaw-dropping. It’s sassy and you get that vibe from the cou-

floor plan has been challenging to work with. Still, it hasn’t

ple that they’re low-key, but a bit spicy, too. I went through

stopped Ahmad, who has designed a space that perfectly

multiple floor options, but I kept coming back to this one. It

suits the exuberant, worldly couple.

really sets the tone and vibe of the entire suite.” The material

In designing the ensuite, Ahmad researched Scarface and

cladding the walls throughout the space is micro-cement.

how the tub in the famous scene was created, and she opted

“The space is meant to get wet,” says Ahmad, adding she

to play with organic shapes when it came time to select

chose the colour because the tone worked with the flooring,

a tub. Her goal was for it to be an art piece — a state-

and it had an “element of exhale that I wanted to capture in

ment-maker. “Clearly the tub mattered to the homeowner,

juxtaposition to the loud flooring.”

and that also determined where we were going to place it. I

It goes without saying that the homeowners and Ahmad

chose to put it where you could see it from all angles of the

can’t wait to see the finished space. “It’s been a lot of work

bathroom. I want it to shine,” she says. The ceiling is made

and we’ve been able to be so creative, thanks to the couple’s

up of windows (and the plan is to make them retractable,

inspiration. It’s been quite the experience to work on this

permits pending), giving the couple the perfect view of the

property, that’s for sure,” she says proudly.

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GO WITH THE

FLOW In this home, various areas were each created to be stand-outs, but they are all still intricately tied together.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Madi Sanaei 145

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There’s something truly luxurious about this pristine transitional space.

the island, and we try to create working spaces so that the kitchen is useful for everyone, whether they’re cooking, cleaning or washing,” he says. The hood area is done in porcelain, and Shamohamadi points out the new trend is to have wall sconces on both sides of the canopy hood instead of attaching cabinetry to it. “We went with stone all around for a cleaner, sleeker look,” he explains. There’s also a huge focus on storage. In fact, they added a coffee station inside the pantry so there’s plenty of space left on countertops for food preparation and other work. The showpiece in the room, though, is undoubtedly the exquisite island. It’s done in porcelain and has the appearance of floating stone. “We had to make the whole structure to give it that floating look — there are no legs attached to it,” he says, adding it makes the perfect eating area, complete with comfortable chairs surrounding it. The staggered island is done in a super-light colour, which contrasts beautifully with the medium-grey MDF-painted and stained rift-cut white-oak veneer that Luxeme Kitchens used for the cabinetry. “Grey is very trendy these days,” says Shamohamadi. “It looks sharp with the lighter porcelain used on the island and countertop.” He points out there are almost no handles used on the cabinets.

Thanks to the team at Luxeme Kitchens Inc., the lucky own-

“Everything is integrated finger-edge pull. It’s sleeker and it’s a

ers of this stunning abode are in for quite the treat when they

newer trend for modern cabinetry not to have handles.”

move in. And it’s all about linking the elements together.

Across from the kitchen is the family room, where the wall

When Kam Shamohamadi, the CEO of Vaughan, Ont.-

unit is done in the same combination of MDF-painted rift-cut

based Luxeme Kitchens Inc., is called in to do a project, you

white oak. There’s a divider separating the family room and

know it’s going to stand out — spaces where themes flow

staircase in the room that also pulls in materials from the

from one area to the next. Luxeme works with some of the

kitchen: It’s done in MDF-painted wood (in the same grey that

finest designers, and should the clients not have one in mind,

the kitchen cabinets are done in), glass and the same porcelain

Luxeme is able to help them through the design process. It's

from the kitchen to connect the areas. It’s sublime.

the personal knowledge of the Luxeme team, paired with

Luxeme Kitchens was also asked to do the vanities, clos-

the great partnerships they have with both designers and

et and bar area. The bathroom vanities have the same kind of

builders, that truly brings their projects to life.

feel as the kitchen — the porcelain countertops are light and

Vicolo Construction Inc, the builder of this newly finished

most of the vanities are done in MDF-painted. The stream-

5,000-square-foot home in North York, Ont., has a history

lined, sleek closets are spacious, and the one in the principal

with Shamohamadi, and they knew he and his team would

bedroom has a pretty makeup area. The gold hardware adds a

bring professionalism, sophistication and creativity to the

grand feel. The bar is a focal point, with its built-in fireplace,

spaces they were asked to transform — the kitchen cabin-

wood accents (it’s done in white oak) and dark grey façade. It

etry, vanities, closets and bar area. “Builders look at some

makes a definite statement and echoes the grey in the kitch-

of the previous jobs we’ve done and they like our projects,”

en, which helps to tie the space together.

says Shamohamadi. “Then they tell us what they want and what their needs are, and we go from there.”

“This was a great project for Luxeme Kitchens — it came together just how we envisioned it,” says Shamohamadi. “The

Take the kitchen. It’s more of a transitional space and

homeowner who moves into this brand-new build will enjoy

designed to keep a smooth flow in the house. Shamohama-

the luxuriousness of the space and all the details that bring it

di has a very methodical way of working when it comes to

to life.” And all those details have been designed and crafted

building a kitchen. “We always concentrate and focus on

to blend together for a look that stands out, and a look that

the middle of the hood being aligned with the centre of

stands together.

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EXPOSED

genius These two delightfully different and decadent spaces are the perfect examples of the way little touches can truly make a house a spectacular home.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Valerie Wilcox

W

hile these two homes are very differ-

That’s something that attracted designer

ent, there’s one important charac-

Jack Creasy to their showroom. And it’s why

teristic they both share — unique products

he continues to work closely with Lisa Lyras

backed by incredible customer service from

from the knowledgeable team at Cesario &

Cesario & Co. Based in the Greater

Co to create beautiful spaces and incredible

Toronto Area, the Cesario & Co showroom

experiences for his clients. These particular

is a go-to resource in the design industry

clients, homeowners of this marvellous

to the finest, high-end tiles and plumbing

space, renovated the main and second floors

fixtures. The sales and design teams assist

of their detached Victorian house in Toron-

trade professionals and their clients in

to’s Riverside neighbourhood. When it came

the selection process for their new build

time to start their project, the clients, who

or renovation projects. Their remarkable

are good friends of Creasy’s, knew that he

product offerings combined with exceptional

was the only designer they would consider

customer service create the best experience

hiring. They love Creasy’s sophisticated and

for designers and homeowners alike.

bold approach to design. Their renovation

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“Let your home be a destination designed to inspire.” must-haves included a spa-like bathroom, a kitchen fit for a chef and a conversation-starting powder room infused with personality.

In the powder room, Nero Marquina floor tile sourced from Cesario & Co grounds the space. The peacock wallpaper, representing the national bird of India, infuses the client’s request of Indian influences into the design aesthetic. And the lilac marble floating vanity, complete with a sink and French brass faucet from Cesario & Co contrasts the black wall panelling behind and creates a stunning focal point. “It’s a dramatic moment that ignites conversation among dinner guests,” says Creasy.

The second-floor bath is a true retreat. With an immersive spa-like experience, it’s a perfect space for the homeowners to relax, unwind and recharge.

Whether you opt for a tranquil, candlelit soak in the tub or a rejuvenating steam shower, you can’t help but leave this spa bath feeling refreshed. In addition to the fixtures, the beautiful onyx large-format tiles from Cesario & Co drape the room in soft, iridescent hues. Flanked by hidden linen storage and reeded glass scones, the French brass lavatory faucets from Cesario & Co adorn a brilliant opaque black oak vanity by Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry.

Meanwhile, the kitchen is a chef’s dream come true. But not without some challenges. As the main artery and the heart of the home, the kitchen had to be functional while keeping in mind the inherently busy traffic patterns of a galley-style kitchen. Creasy placed a sink and faucet on both sides of the room,

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in either run of cabinetry, creating two distinct work zones. This allows for prep work to be done in either sink or in both sinks at the same time — a great detail for when the homeowners are entertaining.

The sink beside the range also comes in handy during cooking. “I love a chef’s sink beside the range, it’s so convenient when filling and emptying pots, or as a place to toss a dirty spoon after a taste test,” says Creasy. Custom-framed inset cabinetry

by Bloomsbury maximizes storage, fitting perfectly around beams and obstacles while retaining the character and charm of this century home. “I opted to envelop the entire room — from the cabinetry to the walls and even the trim — in a deep, moody black-green hue to disguise bulkheads in the room that we couldn’t relocate. Accented against the light, white oak herringbone floors and Arabescato porcelain counters,” says Creasy. “It’s bold, sophisticated, yet traditional, dramatic and daring. And I’m so grateful my clients trusted the design vision every step of the way.”

This second project also pushed the envelope in terms of design vision.

Toronto-based influencer Roxy Earle is

The loft is airy and open, but also has a lovely contrast be-

behind this impressive loft — a 2,500-square-foot space

tween the natural stone, cement floors and black opaque

that overlooks the city. When it came time to design and

oak cabinetry. Earle’s kitchen, designed in collaboration

furnish this rare gem, it was crucial for Earle to get the

with designer Jack Creasy and Bloomsbury Fine Cabine-

most elevated and luxe pieces she could find from Cesario

try, grounds the space perfectly. The contemporary,

& Co. She says it was important for her to support local

English-framed inset cabinetry sets the scene for a state-

businesses during COVID-19, and a lot of the pieces she

ment plumbing fixture. The faucet, selected from Cesario

selected were custom, giving her the ability to support

& Co, is the epitome of luxury that commands attention.

Canadian-made artists.

Earle first saw the faucet in a photo of Taylor Swift’s

Her followers on social media have caught glimpses

home and thought it was absolutely stunning. Plus, the

of her powder room, which is akin to a butterfly conser-

exaggerated height beautifully complements her soaring

vatory. Earle loves butterflies and really wanted to make

14-foot ceilings. There’s a striking combination between

the room as whimsical as possible — it’s an immersive

raw and luxurious materials that encapsulates the space.

experience, with butterflies coming out of the wall. The

These spectacular homes, inspired by their clients,

inspiration behind selecting the Cristallo Rosa quartzite

exude personality, charm and comfort, thanks to the

came from the private club Annabel’s in London — it

talented designers behind each project and the experts at

works beautifully with the rose-gold faucet and stunning

Cesario & Co. Let your home be a destination designed

hammered sink she found at Cesario & Co.

to inspire.

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DOWN TO THE LAST

Detail

As a bona fide millwork master, Flexwood Fine Cabinetry’s Martin Guzda is all about a home’s intricate elements.

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Darex Studio

W

hen Martin Guzda, of Toronto-based

were left on the stairs. Wolfe ID was careful

Flexwood Fine Cabinetry — one

to preserve some of the home’s unique

of the premier companies specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and interiors — was

history, but we really updated the rest.”

Guzda’s work is found throughout the

brought in to handle the millwork for this

entire space — there’s nowhere in the

older home in Rosedale, all he could see

house that doesn’t feature Flexwood Fine

was potential. “Wolfe Interior Design and

Cabinetry’s touch, skill and sophistication.

DRM Development Group were working on

Standing in the front foyer, you see the

restoring this old home and adding onto it.

integrated doors and dark wood archways

We worked together seamlessly, and I knew

done in white oak — they’re statement-

we could make a huge difference in how

making features that add vitality and

this new space would come together,” he

personality to the space. Taking a cue from

says. “It’s an old historic house and inside,

the dark front door, the archways offer

we made it very eclectic by adding some

contrast and pop when looking at the

modern elements mixed with traditional

hallway’s white wainscoting. Then there

elements, like the old wood railings that

are the details in the walk-in closets, where

152

153

you’ll see shelving units done meticulously

wall leading to the back door is a shallow

with LED lights to brighten up the area.

geometric-shaped built-in with shelves

There’s minimal hardware in these spaces, to

where the homeowner can display important

keep that streamlined look (Guzda says it’s

knickknacks.)

trendy now to use integrated hardware) and

The bedroom and the office are tied

the island, risers and kick plates are done in a

together beautifully. In the bedroom, there’s

dark hue while the cabinets take on a lighter

intricate wall panelling behind the bed, and

taupe-grey shade.

integrated porcelain tiles in the shelf build

The kitchen is also the perfect example

to give it a higher-end feel. The metal doors

of Guzda’s skill on display. He had to

leading into the office are reminiscent of the

work around the existing structure of the

bedroom’s entryway, but it’s the back fluted

house, which meant hiding the staircase

wall done in walnut with floating shelves

behind cabinets that truly look like usable

that really pulls focus and adds interest.

drawers. “We also mixed different materials.

Finally, the basement is full of Guzda’s

To give the space contrast with the light

work, with built-in storage areas for the

island, we opted for dark cabinetry and

homeowners, as well as the built-in that

did a panel on the wine fridge to make it

features a fireplace and countertop that runs

blend in effortlessly with the cabinetry,” he

above a set of drawers. “The countertop meets

explains. The integrated fridge and freezer

the drawer front joint on a 45-degree angle,

stand side by side and are hidden to match

so it’s seamless — you don’t see the thickness

the streamlined, clean look and feel of the

of the counter or the doors. The counter is

kitchen. Instead of taking away storage by

porcelain cladded while the built-in is done

adding a range hood, Guzda and the Wolfe

in white oak veneer,” he says. No detail was

ID added more cabinets over the stove and

left behind, no stone left unturned. The

incorporated an open shelf in the same

team managed to turn an older home with

colour as the island that acts as a decorative

tired elements into a stunning, seamless

element tying the kitchen together — it

showpiece the homeowners can be proud of.

just adds personality. (There’s also a special

It’s no easy feat, but one that sees Flexwood

feature behind the kitchen — hanging on the

Fine Cabinetry excel.

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155

CARPET | AREA RUGS | SISAL | HARDWOOD | LUXURY VINYL | LAMINATE | CORK

103 MIRANDA AVE, TORONTO, M6B 3W8 (416) 787-1707 | WWW.ALLANRUG.COM INFO@ALLANRUG.COM

The Market Buyers’ Guide & Directory

Fazzini Duvet Cover Set

157

DAVID’S FINE LINENS 2901 Bayview Avenue, North York davidsfinelinens.com 416-590-7311

|

The Market / Buyers’ Guide

With such a beautiful open-concept space, these stunning views make it easy to unwind.

Come check out our new location!

CHATEAU WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS 170 Tycos Drive North York chateauwindows.com, 416-783-3916

Cloud Swing Daybed: A luxury swing daybed that’s made of rust-free aluminum, available in two frame finishes, as well as 300-plus Sunbrella® materials. The roof also opens and closes for 100% UV protection, with additional curtains for privacy.

GENERAL PRODUCTS INC. 160 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill gppatio.com, 905-709-1162

Another look from one of our new wallcoverings.

Come by and see all the new patterns. The answer is yes, we can help!

VILLAGE PAINT & WALLPAPER 4949 Dundas St.W, Etobicoke villagepaintwindowcoverings.ca.

416-231-2831.

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Our designs can transport you seamlessly from the living room to the office to the media room, even if it is all in one room. Contact us to find out more.

KOMANDOR 863 Rangeview Road, Mississauga. komandor.ca. 416-251-0880.

Made from cast aluminum, this custom metal door is composed of interlacing and overlapping squares, which flow continuously throughout the design. The symmetrical and straight-line pattern remain consistent from the metal door to the custom staircase, creating one seamless entrance design.

ART BOULLE 7250 Keele Street, Unit 41 & 42, Concord artboulle.com, 905-878-6833

The New Z10: With a touch of a button, prepare authentic and trendy coffee drinks such as espresso, latte macchiato and flat white. Say hello to your personal barista. Coffee pleasure — freshly ground, not capsuled. Jura is the leader in producing super-automatic specialty coffee machines.

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

159

Our beautiful pieces can complete any room in an upscale stylish way. Make it simple, but significant.

European cladding profile: A true game-changer in the composite industry.

Replaces natural wood for long-lasting, maintenance-free beauty. Contact us for more details!

UNIQUE ART & DECO 1762 Avenue Road, Toronto. uniqueartdeco.com, 416-897-1818

NEWTECH WOOD CANADA newtechwood.ca, 416-885-7330

Casement Windows: Skilled services and a wide variety of quality products have delivered homeowners across the country, increased property value, improved curb appeal and enhanced energy efficiency for many years to come.

EUROSTAR WINDOWS 55 Administration Road, Unit 22-24, Concord eurostarwindows.ca, 416-633-5921

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The Market / Buyers’ Guide

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Maroc: The texture shines through in this Maroc 14 & 15 design. Smart and sophisticated yet casual for any interiors. This beautiful rug can both cool down a historic house and warm up a modern loft.

WEAVERS ART 1400 Castlefield Avenue, Toronto weaversart.com, 416-929-7929

DARLENE JANEIRO DESIGN 92A Dunn Street, Oakville darlenejaneirodesign. com, 905-339-8118 Stunning bar cabinet, with cerused oak finish and offset antique brass hardware enhanced with adjustable glass and wood shelves and storage drawer for your bar is the perfect accent piece!

First Class Flooring is a retailer in Etobicoke specializing in unique hardwood flooring that’s typically sought out by custom builders and designers. We have a 10,000-squarefoot showroom, a designer lounge and conference room, and installed virtual room kiosks to help customers with their flooring decisions. We have knowledgeable staff who are qualified to answer any of your questions.

FIRST CLASS FLOORING 10 Marmac Drive, Etobicoke. firstclassflooring.ca, 416-740-6183

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Christine Rezvanian Fashion Editor

INSTILLING CONFIDENCE WORLDWIDE

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Cofounded in 2004 by Torontobased designers Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe, SMYTHE has evolved into an internationally distributed and recognized brand.

Their mission was to create the perfect women’s blazer, and today, their foundational and transformative pieces have the power to instill confidence in the women who wear them.

The iconic Patch Pocket Duchess Blazer is SMYTHE’s perfect blazer, tailored and detailed to create an essence of confidence for all women who wear it.

Dress up any pair of jeans with the Frontier Blouse. It has pretty sleeves and details you’ll adore.

The perfect transitional piece, the Crochet Cardigan can bring you season to season in style.

The Oversized DB Blazer is perfect for this time of year. Pair with the Cubano Shirt and Boxer Short for days that warm up and evenings that cool down.

In February 2022, ready-to-wear brand SMYTHE reached a new milestone with the opening of its first brick-andmortar location in the Summerhill neighbourhood of Toronto. In addition to seasonal collections, the retail location includes special collaborations. The store will also be the exclusive location to sample the first-ever fragrance

by SMYTHE, created using globally sourced ingredients in partnership with perfume Brand Fueguia 1833. shopsmythe.ca.

The Yoda Blouse has a gorgeous silhouette and sleeves.

The ’90s Blazer is an iconic piece to add to your wardrobe and perfect to layer over shorts, shirts or pants. The Piped Cubano Shirt, Piped Boxer Short are perfect for summer days and nights.

@smythejackets 162

@smythebrand 1116 Yonge Street, Toronto

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SMYTHE

The Embroidered Cropped Tunic Top is a super-cute transitional piece for the season.

The Market / Fashion Editor’s Picks

DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES

125 $

Rebates starting at

DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES

$

Increase your comfort and help lower your energy bills year-round with insulating Hunter Douglas shades.

Rebateyour savings available for details.

Increase comfort andnow. helpAsk lower your energy bills

year-round with insulating Hunter Douglas shades.

125

Rebates starting at

on select styles March 12– June 20, 2022

Rebate savings available now. Ask for details.

PANTONE 476 u

*

*

on select styles March 12– June 20, 2022

PANTONE 549 u

V I LLAG E PAI N T SERVING ETOBICOKE SINCE 1953

V I L L A G E PA I N T A N D WA L L PA P E R L I M I T E D 4 9 4 9 D U N D A S S T R E E T W E S T.

ETOBICOKE, ON

M9A1B6

416-231-2831

villagepaintwindowcoverings.ca

* Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made March 12 – June, 20, 2022 from participating dealers in Canada only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card mailed within 6 weeks of meeting all promotional eligibility. Funds expire 18 months after activation. Funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Company (CDIC). See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask dealer for details or visit https://hunterdouglaspromotions.com for rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW BACKYARD TM

General Products Outdoor Furniture www.gppatio.com

160 East Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 26, Richmond Hill 905-709-1162

GATES, DOORS, STAIRCASES,

BESPOKE FURNITURE AND MORE...