Montreal Home - Outdoor 2017

AT HOME WITH

CHERYL HICKEY THE ET CANADA HOST RELAXES IN HER BACKYARD

FOOD GARDENS How to grow your own veggies

HEAVEN SCENT The power of

OUTDOOR KITCHENS The joy of cooking

LIVING OUTSIDE The trend toward

aromatic plants

and dining outside $6.95

outdoor rooms

BIG-SKY COUNTRY The art of

www.movatohome.com

Irma Soltonovich

SERENITY IN A COUNTRY HOME

A ROSEMÈRE MAKEOVER

THE GOOD LIFE IN MONT TREMBLANT

DESIGN AND REALIZATION OF

CUSTOM PATIOS AND TERRACES

1368-7 MONTÉE MASSON LAVAL (QUEBEC) CANADA, H7E 4P2 Résidentiel - Commercial - Industriel

(514) 728-4633 WWW.PATIODESIGN.CA

Original art... for the original you!

34, SAINT-PAUL OUEST MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) H2Y 1Y8

T : 514.845.2525 F : 514.845.2124 info@galerielebourget.com

www.galerielebourget.com

Annabelle MARQUIS Blue Tiger, 48 x 48 in.

66, SAINT-PAUL OUEST MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) H2Y 1Y8

T : 514.848.8944 F : 514.848.7230 info@leluxart.com

www.leluxart.com

Dominique DESMEULES En chantant, 48 x 48 in.

34, SAINT-PAUL OUEST MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) H2Y 1Y8

T : 514.845.2525 F : 514.845.2124 info@galerielebourget.com

www.galerielebourget.com

Richard FORTIN La mer nous sépare, 30 x 60 in.

66, SAINT-PAUL OUEST MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) H2Y 1Y8

T : 514.848.8944 F : 514.848.7230 info@leluxart.com

www.leluxart.com

Najib CHAKCHEM The Red Flower of the Sun, 48 x 48 in.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

INSIDE OUT. This is how I have come to regard backyards. What was once the exclusive purview of a home’s indoor space – kitchen, living room, TV room, bar, and nap corner – are now part of the outdoor landscape, too. The indoor life has moved outside.

I believe that the accelerated speed of modern life has created in us a need for sanctuary, and many of us are creating peaceful refuge in our backyards.

In this issue, we show you the extent to which homeowners are going in search of that peace just beyond the back door, or, more specifically, the large glass folding doors that permit a seamlessness between the indoors and out.

From outdoor kitchens to elegant sitting rooms outside, we’re making the most of our backyards, be they an acre of wooded land with a babbling brook or a modest fenced space in an urban area.

Some of us who do have a little space to garden are also doing something that has not been a widespread activity since the 1940s: we’re growing our own food.

Alarmed by the prevalence of pesticide-laden produce and genetically modified food, Canadians are opting to grow organic vegetables and fruits at home. Julie Gedeon spoke to some of the garden designers and landscape architects who are creating food gardens for their clients. Far from being utilitarian rows of plantings, these gardens are highly aesthetic, incorporating ornamental plants in beautiful built structures.

And because gardens are such a sensuous experience, we’ve scoped out some of the best aromatic plants for you to incorporate into your own landscape. Try walking down an allée of lavender without being intoxicated by its scent.

Every year, when our editorial team researches the latest trends in outdoor spaces, I wonder how much more living we can pack into our already-fabulous outdoor spaces. And then someone surprises me. Consider, for example, the two Montreal entrepreneurs who have devised a means of protecting art from the elements so it can be displayed outside. When I learned about their work, I had the same reaction as writer Susan Semenak, who profiled their company. Of course, I thought. We fill our homes with art; why not the yard, too?

This issue is packed with beauty. I hope it will make you want to go and kick back in the backyard.

STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@movatohome.com

There are several ways you can stay in touch with us: @leahlipkowitz, @movatohome @leahlipkowitz, @movatohome @movatohome

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CONTRIBUTORS

PHILLIPA RISPIN Writer/editor Phillipa Rispin says she thoroughly enjoyed writing our cover story about the home of ET Canada host Cheryl Hickey. “Some renos require only a few tweaks, some a lot of change,” Phillipa says. “Cheryl astutely realized that several upgrades in her kitchen were all she needed, and she put her dreams and energy into having a backyard that’s a haven for adults and children alike. She struck the right balance.”

Volume 9, number 3, Outdoors Issue 2017 Date of Issue: August, 2017

6100 TransCanada Highway Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 1B9

Call 1-866-846-1640 movatohome.com sales@movatohome.com

JULIE GEDEON A writer for all seasons, Julie Gedeon still loves summer best, especially after learning how to make outdoor living all the more exquisite. The edible garden designs that she explores for this issue provide not only the freshest of salad greens, but also show us how to grow fruit and vegetables among other plants to showcase nature’s splendor. Deck, patio and rooftop entertaining have been taken to a whole new level with the newest outdoor kitchen options that she also profiles – going from grill to glare-free television sets.

SUSAN KELLY The ins and outs of what makes superb design have long fascinated writer Susan Kelly, a frequent contributor who specializes in style and decor matters. For this issue, she profiles a stylish update of a gorgeous backyard. But what if you don’t have a wooded acre of land, complete with brook and pond? Designer Evelyn Eshun explains how to get the look, with tips for your outdoor space, no matter the size or situation. “There are rules and trends, but I think the takeaway would be to your own design sense be true,” says Susan.

PUBLISHER Leah Lipkowitz ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sharon Azrieli

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne EDITORIAL MANAGER Tracey MacKenzie ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Diane Dollisen

OPERATIONS MANAGER Lynn Tremblay PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper DIGITAL MARKETING Karine Bellisha ACCOUNTING Jenny Marques

Carmen Lefebvre DIRECTOR OF SALES CONTRIBUTORS

Kelly Chicoine

Julie Gedeon Susan Kelly Phillipa Rispin

SALES EXECUTIVE Joanne Mayoff

Susan Semenak COLLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Trudy Kerman

Larry Arnal Jean Blais Amielle Clouâtre Gillian Jackson

LEGAL DEPOSIT issn

1920-1370 Montreal Home

magazine Inc. 2017. All rights STYLISTS Evelyn Eshun Jean Monet Vanessa Suppa

reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Montreal Home magazine is strictly prohibited.

Publication # 41959020

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CONTENTS

62 ON THE COVER CHERYL HICKEY AT HOME

The ET Canada host relaxes in her backyard

ROCKS AND RIVER

An Eastern Townships country home in the woods is a peaceful refuge for its owners

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HOME-GROWN

In a search for pesticideand GMO-free food, Canadians are growing their own

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SMALL YARD, COOL POOL A splash pool is the perfect water element for a modest-sized backyard

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CONTENTS

42 BIG-SKY COUNTRY

Victoria artist Irma Soltonovich captures the spirit of vast landscapes

12 EDITOR’S LETTER 20 THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home

34 THE ART OF OUTDOOR LIVING A Montreal company sells art that can be displayed outside

SYBARITIC LIVING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

40 GET YOUR ZZZZZs A new-to-the-market foam mattress promises a cushy, cozy sleep

A spectacular Mont Tremblant home offers luxury surrounded

by Mother Nature

52 LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE Outdoor rooms move indoor lifestyles out into the backyard

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82 ALFRESCO CUISINE Outdoor kitchens have become a must-have for many homeowners

90 A FAMILY AFFAIR A St. Lambert art gallery is run by a family that is passionate about art

92 SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY Aromatic plants enhance the sensuous appeal of a garden

106 ONE-STOP SHOPPING Le Quartier Design Royalmount is a destination for all things design

108 A ROYAL RENOVATION The venerable King Edward Hotel gets a $40-million makeover

MODERNIZING A MID-CENTURY HOME

Built in the ’60s and renovated in the ’80s, a Rosemère home was ripe for an update

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DESIGN

1. PICTURESQUE PIGGY ——— This adorable painted porcelain piggy bank by Jocelyne Lapointe, called “Apollon,” measures nine-by-18 inches and is available at Le Balcon d’Art.

——— Galerie Le Balcon d’art 650 Notre Dame Ave., St. Lambert 450-466-8920 www.balcondart.com 1 2

2. AN EVENING AT THE BISTRO ——— Although perfect for everyday use, this lovely collection of tableware recalls chic Parisian bistros. This 16-piece set (four place settings) is available in black and white or blue and white. Made of porcelain, it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Available at Linen Chest.

——— Linen Chest www.linenchest.com

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NOUS SOMMES

LA VOIX DE L’IMMOBILIER DE LUXE

Campground Domain With Private Lake Ste-Agathe, QC | $3,950,000 | MLS 19693084 237 acres with a pristine spring fed private lake, sandy beaches surrounded by mountains & spectacular views. Currently established as a 4-star campground with 300 campsites & infrastructure, 2 homes, sport facilities and trails. Direct access to 200 km Petit Train du Nord.

Ideally located between Ste-Agathe & Mont-Tremblant access 117 & 15. Build your own community retreat.

1.514.606.7200 We sell homesmcaro@sothebysrealty.ca just like yours.

MELISSA CARO*

Architectural Masterpiece Magog, QC | $2,995,000 | MLS 26388437 Elegant 4 bedroom country home that has been impeccably renovated with distinctive features. The inground pool, large terraces and lakes provide the perfect setting for entertaining. Magnificent views throughout the house. Double garage with upstairs guest house.

Exclusive and peaceful environment. The perfect retreat!

MARIE-PIERS BARSALOU ** JOHANNE MEUNIER*

450.577.0272 514.926.5626

Majestic Manor Pointe-Claire, QC | $5,798,000 | MLS 20950014 A custom-built home sitting on a private 20,000 ft2 lot with unobstructed water views. Located in a cul-de-sac and in a very prestigious neighborhood of the West Island, this home includes: 6 bedrooms, 4+1 bathrooms, quality finishings, a wine cellar & a heated in-ground pool. Only 20 minutes away from downtown Montreal!

JOHN DI PIETRO*

514.726.1400

Luxe Location | Cours Mont-Royal Golden Square Mile, QC | $1,495,000 | MLS 13743989 Elegant open-concept living is what you will find upon entering this beautiful 12th floor apartment. Adorned with high-end finishings throughout, this fully renovated apartment is turn-key and will appeal to any discerning purchaser. The spacious master suite includes a grand master bathroom with its separate showers and double sinks, leading to custom built cabinetry in a comfortable walk-in closet.

JESSICA LOMBARD* ELIZABETH COX*

E&O.E: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. *Real Estate Broker, **Certified Real Estate Broker, ±Residential Real Estate Broker, ‡ Asking price. Real estate agency. Sotheby’s International Realty Québec, Independently Owned & Operated.

514.476.9700 514.577.2737

sothebysrealty.ca

WE ARE

THE VOICE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Domaine des Huards St-Sauveur, QC | $2,950,000 | MLS 9871656 Magnificent stone manor situated on 3 acres in the mountains.

A charming European ambiance with spacious rooms. Luxurious dining room, cathedral ceiling, gourmet kitchen, security system and cameras, and entrance from private road with electric gated fence.

Completely furnished. 5 minutes from Mont St-Sauveur & 45 minutes from Mont-Tremblant.

JENNIFER VIENNEAU *

514.265.3669

Luxurious Condo Le Plateau Mont-Royal, QC | $569,000 | MLS 17071037 Fully renovated from top to bottom, this unit boasts premium quality construction materials & amenities. High ceilings, heated quartz flooring & beautiful hardwood. A chef’s kitchen complete with high-end stainless steel appliances, central heating & a/c. Combined interior & exterior usable space of over 1,650 sq.ft.. Historic property and originally built near the turn of the last century. Situated in one of the up and coming area’s in Montréal, the McGill Ghetto.

GABRIELE DI IORIO**

514.267.8596

View of Lac Masson Estérel, QC | $1,250,000 | MLS 17238727 Modern architecture combining natural elements to its environment.

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms plus a double garage, shed with a terrace above and a private dock with sandy beach. Prestigious and sought after motorized lake. 175 feet of shoreline. Near a ski resort, restaurants and all amenities. Only 1 hour from Montréal.

STÉPHANE LARRIVÉE*

514.809.8466

Louis Boheme | Quartier des Spectacles Montréal, QC | $640,000 | MLS 11533600 Bright open concept with 1,100 sq.ft., 2 bedrooms and 1+1 bathrooms in modern tower with all amenities. Direct metro access and parking included. Located on de Maisonneuve at the corner of rue de Bleury, in Montréal’s emerging Quartier 0 Spectacles. Experience the freedom to live life with a difference in an inspired and inspiring environment!

Slightly bohemian, somewhat chic.

JOHN R. DOW *

sothebysrealty.ca

514.586.3032

E&O.E: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. *Real Estate Broker, **Certified Real Estate Broker, ±Residential Real Estate Broker, ‡ Asking price. Real estate agency. Sotheby’s International Realty Québec, Independently Owned & Operated.

WE ARE

THE VOICE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Navigable Waterfront on Champlain Lake St-Georges-de-Clarenceville, QC | $795,000 | MLS 21124053 Magnificent waterfront property with direct access to Champlain Lake, sited on a large 21,950 ft2 landscaped lot with 115+ linear ft on the lake. Custom built home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms offering panoramic views of the lake and stunning views of the mountains of the Eastern Townships and Vermont. Located only 45 minutes from Montreal and 5 minutes from the US border.

DIANE OLIVER**

514.893.9872

Penthouse Montréal, QC | $1,299,000 | MLS 21461357 Unique 2,105 sq.ft. penthouse located in the heart of Plateau MontRoyal. 4 bedrooms, huge private terrace on the roof with panoramic views of Montréal. Incredible open kitchen and rotunda living room providing a contemporary look and plenty of daylight.

KEVIN PERREAULT * VINCENT G. BUSSIÈRE

±

514.774.5932 514.816.3231

Superb Country Chic St-Sauveur, QC | $1,098,000 | MLS 9041933 Superb country chic home warm and welcoming. Offering rooms of generous proportions, ideal to receive family and friends. Refined interior design, large equipped kitchen with oversized island, wood fireplace and 3 season solarium. Many terraces overlooking the mountain views, pool and much more. Only 5 minutes from ski resorts and services.

MICHEL DAVIDSON*

514.239.7399

Stunning Gardens St-Lambert, QC | $715,000 | MLS 23016920 Beautiful renovated Canadiana style turn-key residence, with stunning backyard and professionally landscaped gardens. Perfect for a family with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs. Walking distance to the Longueuil subway station. Steps away from the best private and public schools.

ROGER QUIRION**

E&O.E: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. *Real Estate Broker, **Certified Real Estate Broker, ±Residential Real Estate Broker, ‡ Asking price. Real estate agency. Sotheby’s International Realty Québec, Independently Owned & Operated.

514.246.2017

sothebysrealty.ca

WE ARE

THE VOICE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Riverfront Oasis Laval, QC | $1,599,990 | MLS 24514101 Spectacular property located on a huge lot on the shores of the Rivière des Milles-Îles. 100 feet of shoreline and a private dock. Well set back from the street, this enchanting site offers absolute privacy, breathtaking views of the water, a beautifully landscaped lot with an inground pool, fountains and ponds, and a three-car garage.

SERGE BÉLANGER*

514.926.5319

Centennial Triplex Facing Park Montréal, QC | $1,475,000 | MLS 20680345 Downtown triplex in an exceptionnel area, Shaughnessy Village. This centennial building, rarely on the market, offers a lot of character; exposed brick wall, high ceilings and a superb wooden staircase. Each apartment is equipped with a fireplace and are available for occupancy in 2017: 8 ½, 4 ½ and 3 ½. Great income opportunity, located in a sought after area. Includes 3 outdoor parkings.

MARIE-JOSÉE ROULEAU *

514.660.6682

RECENTLY PURCHASED

West Island Waterfront Beaconsfield, QC | $4,400,000‡ Magnificent contemporary residence located on the shores of lake Saint Louis. Design and architecture by Gagnier & Villeneuve.

Exquisite coupling of warm natural materials and stylish lines.

Spacious 7,000 square feet of state-of-the-art construction.

Luxury living at its finest.

BARBARA BAUDINET **

514.825.9890

Urban Design Nuns’ Island, QC | $389,000 | MLS 19498946 SAX design is an accomplishment of the architect Dan S. Hanguanu.

Spacious and elegant open-concept condominium with beautiful interior. Includes a chef-style kitchen and 2+2 bedrooms.

This residence also offers direct access to bike paths. A true gem.

JOHANNE TURENNE**

sothebysrealty.ca

514.909.9029

E&O.E: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. *Real Estate Broker, **Certified Real Estate Broker, ±Residential Real Estate Broker, ‡ Asking price. Real estate agency. Sotheby’s International Realty Québec, Independently Owned & Operated.

WE ARE

THE VOICE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Tropiques Nord Waterfront Montréal, QC | $695,000 | MLS 13254755 Unique tropical theme with 60,000 plants, palm trees, waterfall and a lagoon shaped pool (video tour available). Waterfront condominium with 2 bedrooms and office, 2+1 bathrooms and over 2,000 sq.ft. of living space, 24-hour doorman, 2 pools, tennis, 5-minute private shuttle to town. Only 2 condos per floor.

DAVID WILKES*

514.947.5152

Impressive Townhouse Golden Square Mile, QC | $2,195,000 | MLS 20345623 Located in the heart of the prestigious Golden Square Mile. One Chelsea Place is elegant and charming. Classic Georgian architecture in this townhouse with luxury finishes, high ceilings, original paneling and garage(s). The home boasts stunning rooms, perfect for dining and entertaining. Exceptional – A must see.

SAGUY ELBAZ*

514.892.7653

Spacious and Elegant Residence Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Montreal, QC | $979,000 | MLS 16385805 Discreetly tucked away in the heart of Bois de Saraguay, this spectacular custom-built home is set on a beautifully landscaped lot of over 8300 ft2 bordered in the back by the Bois de Saraguay Forest.

Spacious and elegant, it features 4 bedrooms, open dining and living room, huge basement and a spectacular wine cellar.

CARLO PAOLUCCI** BO SHI LI ±

514.802.4004 514.998.1835

Navigable Waterfront Pointe-aux-Trembles, QC | $1,195,000 | MLS 11954468 Stunning residence with breathtaking river views. This home has access to the river and is conveniently located close to amenities and public transportation. Featuring 10,118 sq.ft. of land, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a double garage.

BO SHI LI CARLO PAOLUCCI** ±

E&O.E: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. *Real Estate Broker, **Certified Real Estate Broker, ±Residential Real Estate Broker, ‡ Asking price. Real estate agency. Sotheby’s International Realty Québec, Independently Owned & Operated.

514.998.1835 514.802.4004

sothebysrealty.ca

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DESIGN

PEACE & SERENITY

DOWN BY

THE RIVERSIDE

A family’s Eastern Townships country home provides year-round tranquility

BY SUSAN SEMENAK • PHOTOGRAPHY: JEAN BLAIS • STYLING: JEAN MONET Floral arrangements: Le Marché Aux Fleurs du Village, St. Lambert

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DESIGN MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

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DESIGN

IT WAS THE RIVER THAT first captured their imagination. A clear, cool river whose rocky bottom glistened through rushing water.

The Jackson River runs through the 17acre Eastern Townships property that a Montreal couple bought as a weekend escape. The homeowners, Christian and Chantal, are avid outdoorspeople, as are their three children, aged 17, 19 and 21. They cross-country ski in winter and kayak in summer. Sometimes, Christian grabs his fishing pole and ambles down a path to the river and, if he’s lucky, pulls out a perch or two.

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The homeowners looked to the architectural styles of the West Coast in the design of their home in the woods. Polished concrete floors create a seamlessness between the indoors and outdoors.

DESIGN MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

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This is exactly what the family had been yearning for – a place to get away from the busyness of weekday life, to find solace in the rustle of leaves, the splash of water, the calming presence of distant mountains. In awe of the unspoiled beauty of their new place, the homeowners agreed to place 12 acres of the Sutton property into a land trust, guaranteeing that it will never be developed.

“We wanted an opening onto the forest. We wanted the feeling of being outside even when inside,” says Chantal. “And in this house on this spot, surrounded by trees, every season has its own special charm.”

The homeowners, working with architect Rob Miners, a partner in the Montreal firm Studio MMA Architecture + Design, and with Frelighsburg-based Constructions Boivin Inc., set about designing a one-and-a-half-storey contemporary house that felt open and expansive, but still intimate. •

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DESIGN

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DESIGN MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

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Her number one request, Chantal says, was for ample and unadorned windows with large expanses of glass without divisions.

“Too many country houses have these small windows. What we wanted was large and unfettered views, from every possible angle,” she says.

The couple looked to the architecture styles of West Coast houses, such as those in British Columbia and Oregon, whose style is clean, but natural. They asked Miners to incorporate BC fir in the interior beams and also as majestic columns outside. They clad the bottom portion of the house’s exterior in slate-grey stone and the rest in wood siding.

Wherever possible, they blurred the boundaries between indoors and out. The f loors, for example, are polished concrete throughout the house. The same material is used on the floors of the patios, but left unpolished.

Sometimes, the homeowners reached right into the landscape. They saved rock from the excavation and incorporated it into a large rock garden. One impressive feature is a pair of moss-covered boulders that were a consideration in the siting of the house. “The house was sited, in part, to allow the homeowners to appreciate these large, moss-covered boulders from their living spaces. They’re beautiful, natural elements,” says Miners. •

Generous fenestration blurs the lines between the home’s interiors and the forest beyond.

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DESIGN

“You come up a long, winding road, along the driveway and as you turn a corner, the house is revealed, perched above the rock garden that climbs from the driveway,” he says.

The front entrance opens to the east – or sunrise – terrace. Grand and impressive as it is, the entrance features a few of the friendly details for which Studio MMA Architecture + Design is known. For instance, the architects did away with the need for a downspout by incorporating a rain chain, which diverts water from the roof to the ground in a graceful swirl.

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Once inside the front door, guests are welcomed in a large entry lit from a skylight.

There’s a bench for removing shoes, and ample storage for coats and boots. At the other entrance, dubbed the “ski door,” the architects incorporated an outdoor shower for washing off after summer sports and a ski-waxing zone for winter - plus ample storage for all the paraphernalia. •

DESIGN MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

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DESIGN

The house stretches north-south to make the most of eastward mountain views. Its living spaces were positioned so that the large, open kitchen and living room with their 12-foothigh ceilings captured natural light from sunrise to sunset. At the north end, the bedrooms are tucked inside a cozy space up a few stairs.

“We wanted the house to be clean and modern, but comfy, too,” says Miners. “And everywhere we could, we brought nature into the equation.” •

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DESIGN MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

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(Opposite) This covered terrace allows the homeowners to enjoy the outdoors despite rainy weather. (Below) The river that runs through the property was one of the natural elements that initially attracted them to the site. They used rocks that were excavated during the construction to create a rock garden.

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discover transitional FINE F URNITURE & DESIGN

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ART

A Montreal company produces artworks that can be displayed outside

BY SUSAN SEMENAK

Art by Andrea Sampaolo

THE ART OF OUTDOOR LIVING

WHY IS IT THAT THERE’S ART in just about every room in the house, but almost never any outdoors?

That’s the question that led Nancy Lahaie and Marie-Claude Marchand to launch their company deiNERI, which specializes in outdoor art - or as they call it “art without boundaries.”

“No one ever considers a room without something on the walls,” says Lahaie. “But outdoors, art rarely comes up. People don’t

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want to drill into exterior walls. Or they worry about damage from the elements.”

The two scientists had worked together in the biotech industry decades ago. They met again at a chance meeting while on separate vacations in Florence, Italy, and began working together as business consultants. One of their first clients was an artist looking for new ways to exhibit his paintings. And that’s how the idea of art for outdoors came up.

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Art by Jean-Claude Poitras and Omen

ART MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

Lahaie and Marchand tested materials, such as acrylic glass and UV-resistant inks, that would withstand sun, rain and high winds. Then they designed a free-standing steel base which could reliably hold the 54-inch-tall and 22-inch-wide panels on which the artworks are displayed.

They set about curating a selection of works by artists, both new and established, working in a variety of styles from

contemporary, abstract and urban to traditional, and in media that include oil and acrylic paints for original pieces or special inks for reproductions. One collection is from fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras, who lent bold black-and-white and colourful fashion sketches. Another is from Montreal artist Kevin Ledo, who recently painted the Leonard Cohen mural in Montreal. •

“An outdoor painting is a very stylish way to modernize a space, to add a touch of personality.”

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Art by Liz Davidson

ART

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Art by Vicki Filiault

ART MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

So far, deiNERI’s stand’Art units have been selling in Montreal, New York and Miami, with a few buyers in Europe. They are used as privacy screens on condo balconies, patios and courtyards, and as sculptural elements by swimming pools. Prices range from $2,000 for works by an emerging artist to as much as $8,000. Buyers can even supply their own images: a family photo or a cherished landscape, which deiNERI prints on its acrylic glass or tempered-glass panels.

“An outdoor painting is a very stylish way to modernize a space, to add a touch of personality,” Lahaie says.

The company’s stand’Art units were conceived for the outdoors, but Lahaie says they also make great indoor art. Some buyers have used them as room dividers in large open lofts or behind a sofa in an open-concept living room. deiNERI is one of the winners of the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Foundation’s emerging entrepreneur contest, an initiative that recognizes and rewards Québec entrepreneurs who contribute to the evolution of business by demonstrating creativity and innovation. The stand’ART was also a finalist for product of the year at the Grand Prix du

Design 2017, and was nominated for a Best of Year award by Interior Design Magazine.

“What we’ve done is take two-dimensional art off the wall and make it free-standing and resilient – outdoors or in,” Lahaie says. •

www.deiNERI.com

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DESIGN

GETTING THOSE ZZZS IN CUSHY COMFORT A Montreal company introduces a hybrid foam mattress that responds to the need for sleep

BY JULIE GEDEON

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP is a luxury that everyone craves. Having the right mattress goes a long way to making good slumber happen.

To facilitate good sleep, a Montreal company has created a hybrid foam mattress that contours to a sleeper’s every move.

“We worked side-by-side with chemists to create a product that responds to the body like traditional memory foam but pops right back up as soon as a person shifts away,” says Jeremiah Curvers, director of marketing of Polysleep, the company that created the mattress. “The rebounded foam immediately encompasses a person’s new sleeping position, and the polyester/spandex cover keeps everything cool.

“A plush top layer absorbs the body’s pressure points so people don’t wake up sore,” Curvers adds. “The mesh fabric allows the foam to breathe and bend.”

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Top quality is assured with 100 per cent Canadian materials. The mattress and foam are manufactured in St. Leonard while the mattress cover is made in St. Laurent. “We started the company a year-and-a-half ago, but it took us a good nine months to develop the ideal foam and mattress structure,” Curvers says.

CertiPUR-US-approved, the mattress is safe even for newborns. “There are no harsh chemicals, odours or chance of the foam disintegrating into the air,” Curvers says.

“It’s treated with an anti-microbial agent so if someone sneezes on it, germs won’t spread, and a liquid repellant ensures that any coffee spilt during breakfast in bed immediately beads to be wiped up.”

Side rails are incorporated so the mattress keeps its shape even if somebody sits down to pull on socks. Integrating the side rails into a mattress that’s rolled up into plastic and a cardboard box for shipment was one of the company’s biggest challenges and best innovations.

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Every mattress – regardless of size – arrives in the same 17-by-17-by-41-inch box and weighs about half of what a traditional mattress would. The packaging makes it easy to get a king or queen through narrow staircases or hallways.

“When the box arrives, just carry it into the bedroom, take the rolled mattress out, remove the plastic and let air refill the foam within half a minute,” Curvers says.

Polysleep sells exclusively online to make its mattresses affordable. “We offer a 100-nights trial so if you don’t like it for whatever reason, we’ll pick it up and refund you, no questions asked,” he says.

Delivery is across Canada. “We’ve shipped to some remote places, including summer cottages,” Curvers says. “Parents also like the convenience of sending a comfortable mattress for their kids away at school.” •

Polysleep www.polysleep.com 844-869-7659

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ART

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WHERE EARTH MEETS SKY Victoria artist Irma Soltonovich draws visual inspiration from living in big-sky country

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ART

YOUR ROOTS – HOW AND WHERE YOU ARE RAISED – play a major role in your life. They set the parameters of your formative years. And that can run deep. But for Irma Soltonovich, it also runs wide.

Raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, Soltonovich was influenced by her surroundings, which gave her a sense of where she stood in the world. The vastness of the prairies left an impression. But it was the ethic that came with growing up on a farm that gave her an appreciation for hard work and honesty.

These forces came into play for her as an artist. But to simply say they inspire her painting would be a cliché that mischaracterizes her work. No, for Soltonovich, her roots are her work. For her, it’s all about where things meet.

“I would say I am an abstract landscape painter,” she says. “It means you can certainly tell what my paintings are. I am known for my landscapes. They’re long and narrow and always have a horizontal line.”

Soltonovich, who lived in Alberta after leaving Saskatchewan, now lives in Victoria.

“I like to live where sky meets ocean, or where sky meets land. It grounds me. It also somehow grounds me back to my childhood.

It gives you a sense of place in the world – that you’re not the most important thing. The land – the terroir – is who I am.” •

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ART

The horizon is at the centre of almost all of her works. “You are always reminded when you live in the Prairies that nature is really in command,” she says.

Soltonovich grew up in Nipawin, a small rural town in central Saskatchewan, east of Prince Albert. “I grew up in a very rural existence,” she says. The family did not have a lot, she adds, but there was always something to eat. “We always had steak.”

She left the farm as a teenager and attended what was then known as teachers’ college. From there she obtained a master’s degree. “I didn’t really paint till I got my master’s in fine art,” she says, explaining that she had always enjoyed drawing and had taken a few art classes while completing her undergraduate degree.

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“I am driven to do art from a different place than most artists.”

After completing her master’s, she went to the University of Oregon for a doctorate, but never completed it. “I quit my Phd. I was very disillusioned with the world of art education. I didn’t paint again – or draw, or do any art – from 1968 till 2001 – almost 35 years. I collected art. I hung out with artists. I taught art,” she says. But she did not paint.

Soltonovich decided to go back to teaching, but not in the school system. She spent her days working with both youths and adults in the criminal justice system. She specialized in working with clients suffering from mental health issues, addiction and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It was a career choice that her family, especially her father, did not understand. Coming from a long line of teachers and farmers, she explains, “no one ever broke the law.”

The work satisfied her creative need, however. •

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ART

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But Soltonovich would later return to her roots as she embraced her art in the launch of a second career. She returned to where the sky meets the land, where the horizon provides a sense of centre. “My capturing the landscape comes from seeing underlying structure and simplicity and from my drawing background.

I am driven to do art from a different place than most artists,” she says. “I paint in spurts.

I don’t paint every day.”

Images of barren rocks, prairie fields and the line that defines the edge of the sky. These elements help Soltonovich share her sense of place. They run deep. And they run wide. •

Irma Soltonovich is represented by The Gallery at Mattick’s Farm in Saanich; the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Her website is: www.soltonovich.com

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MAKING ROOM OUTDOORS Perfectly appointed outdoor rooms take the good life outside in the warm months

BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL STYLING: EVELYN ESHUN

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IT’S ENOUGH TO GIVE anyone garden envy. An idyllic one-acre wooded lot, complete with rippling brook and Monet-esque pond dotted with lily pads and reeds. Overlooking it all, a 14-by-30-foot terrace offers ample room to dine next to the outdoor kitchen. Oh, and the Mississauga home is also very close to Lake Ontario.

“It’s true I had a beautiful canvas to work with when placing the furnishings,” says Evelyn Eshun, principal designer at Evelyn Eshun Design Inc., who decorated the space with furniture. “But you can get a coveted look no matter where you live or how big the backyard.”

A backyard need no longer be just a backyard. Add the right hardscaping, furnishings and accessories, and a once-humble space can be transformed into an outdoor room that rivals the indoor version. •

Creating activity zones is one of the most important steps in designing a backyard, according to designer Evelyn Eshun. Here, two inviting chaise lounges clearly mark this corner of the terrace as a place for relaxation.

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How do you make an otherwise ordinary yard a stunning space like this one for outdoor living? Here’s how Eshun accomplished it: CONSIDER THE CANVAS: First, empty the space and take a hard look at the hardscape. Varying textures create instant design interest, says this designer. Here, a traditional brick wall plays against earthy stone pavers and a weathered wood deck.

Bonus: they feel good underfoot. If your own space is lacking, she suggests adding them, even if it’s only some new paving stones. Do get expert advice; beyond aesthetics, such factors as sun exposure and water runoff affect the choice of materials.

ZONE OUT: “Next, it’s time to create zones,” Eshun advises. “Here the wood deck naturally defines the dining area, while paved areas are used for the lounge areas.” Step back and look at how you will use the space. Prioritize that which you do the most: sit-down dinners, lounging, barbecues, swimming. Throw rugs can instantly delineate a zone, as can strategically placing furniture and planters.

Outdoor kitchens are becoming a de rigueur feature, but you can keep it simple, says designer Evelyn Eshun. Here the barbecue and refrigerator are a backdrop to the dining area, which suits the homeowners’ lifestyle. Weathered parsons dining table and Kabu Gray all-weather-weave chairs: Belmont by Casualife Outdoor Living.

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STYLE MATTERS: There is no need to be too slavish to one period or style, Eshun says. In this garden, the brick wall and floral arrangements set a traditional English-country tone. Yet she used an egg-shaped modern love seat that would fit right in at a trendy spa. The shape tucks beautifully into the curved niche and instantly defines it as a space for private moments. As well, the massive weathered wood dining table is informal, bordering on rustic.

It works because the Parsons-table style, is such a timeless classic, it goes with anything, and the wood finish is similar to the decking.

The chairs around it were chosen from a different set. “Matched sets can look rather stiff and generic,” she says. “I prefer a coordinated look. One that looks intentional is much more interesting and easy to live with long term.” •

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DESIGN

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: Use fire and water to enhance the mood.

People sitting in this garden are treated to the sounds of the pond’s running water. That element seems to have a universally soothing effect on people. And even a very small fountain tucked in a corner can provide big effects.

No room for a fire pit? Consider adding a coffee table with an ethanol-fueled fire feature or strategically placed torches and candles.

GO GREEN: Even if, as in this garden, you’re surrounded by greenery on three sides, it’s important to add some more to the outdoor living space. For one, f lowers and shrubs soften all the hard surfaces. They also help set the style; as in this garden, a riot of multi-coloured perennials say “traditional scheme.”

For a contemporary look, monochromatic is the way to go. Using white flowers only can be the ultimate in chic, setting green plants in series or repetitions. Designer tip: When entertaining, take some of your houseplants outside and use them to create table centrepieces, as seen here.

Furniture can make a strong design statement and be highly functional. The designer liked the way this distinctive egg-shaped cabana loveseat creates a sense of cozy intimacy and offers shade from the sun. Sol Maya Daybed: Casualife Outdoor Living.

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When entertaining, advises the designer, consider supplementing the decor with plants and decorative items from indoors. Anything that remains outdoors, such as furniture, upholstery and cushions, must be weather-resistant. Sectional: Alyssa by Casualife Outdoor Living, cushions in Sunbrella fabric, Canvas Coal.

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COLOUR COORDINATE: Once you’ve created zones and invested in major furniture pieces, it’s time to have fun, says the designer. Splashes of colour can be added at whim and changed as styles or the seasons change. In this garden room’s patio sectional, the colours in the bright throw pillows reflect those in the surrounding planters.

A bright turquoise throw and side table grace the secondary lounge area. “It’s nice to send such subliminal messages to both yourself and your guests,” Eshun says. •

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ENTERTAINMENT

TONIGHT

AT H O M E Two revamped spaces make entertaining easy for ET Canada host Cheryl Hickey

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: GILLIAN JACKSON STYLING: VANESSA SUPPA

CHERYL HICKEY IS REALLY JUST A HOMEBODY. Sure, she gets to interview the glitterati in her glamorous job as host of ET Canada, but home and family are important to her. It’s something that she realized from a young age.

“When I grew up, there was an open-door policy at our house,” Cheryl says. “One really warm memory I have is my parents always had our friends and family over. There were always barbecues going, there was always music, there were always people around. To me, that is family. That is home. Now that our kids are getting out of the baby stage, we want to create that as well for our family.” •

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Cheryl’s kitchen is compact but functional. Cosmetic changes, including painting the cabinetry white and adding subway tiles to the backsplash, along with the uniformity of appliances in stainless steel, make it feel larger than it is.

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Cheryl and her husband moved into their north Toronto home seven years ago. The house wasn’t quite perfect for them, and they talked about demolishing it and starting afresh. However, with a one-year-old baby, that seemed like a bad idea, so they settled in and decided to make incremental changes.

One project was an addition on the back of the house to provide a dining space, extend the kitchen, and add a master bedroom and bathroom. Several years later, it was time to finesse those changes. It’s perhaps no surprise that Cheryl focused first on her kitchen, today’s favourite domestic gathering place.

“That’s where it starts,” she says.

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The original kitchen ended just to the left of the dishwasher. The extension made room for an island as well as an airy dining room. When it came time to give the kitchen its “facelift,” contractor Janos Nagy finished the job on budget, in a blistering week and a half.

Through the recommendation of a friend at ET Canada, Cheryl found contractor Janos Nagy, an invaluable help. He suggested changes – nothing radical, but enough to make a difference. The dark wood cabinetry was painted white, and the brown-and-white backsplash gave way to white subway tiles.

The wooden windowsill was replaced with a slab of pale marble.

The facelift also included removing the microwave oven above the stove and replacing it with a range hood. The cabinets received new hardware and were topped with crown molding. •

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If the kitchen can be said to have received a facelift, then the backyard underwent major surgery. Cheryl describes it before the change as “a big green space. There was no garden.

It was grass and a crab-apple tree; that’s all we had. And it was great: we played baseball back there, the kids would run, all that stuff, but that was it. There wasn’t any entertaining space at all. There was nowhere for anyone to sit.

“We decided that we really wanted a place where we, as a family, could relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy, and a place where family and friends could do the same.”

One element that Cheryl was adamant about adding was a swimming pool. “That was something I grew up with, and my kids, they’re fishes; they love to swim. But when you have a pool, you need a deck, right?” •

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The lot is pie-shaped. The pool that Cheryl wanted is large: 14 by 32 feet. With children around, she’s very safety-conscious, so safety features such as fencing were paramount. She also wanted plenty of deck and patio space for entertaining. And she wanted spectacular lighting that would be nonetheless soft.

The pool and decks cover about 50 per cent of the backyard, but because of the property’s wedge shape, the complete installation appears to cover nearly all of the yard. It offers a dining space under a pergola, with a barbecue area. There’s plenty of lounging space, open to the sun. A linear firepan provides drama beside the pool.

There’s a lot of deck in this backyard, so helical piles from Techno Metal Post were used, rather than concrete, to ensure a solid foundation.

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THE BEST OF MOVATO HOME One unobtrusive safety feature is the railing around the pool, which is solid glass and has no top rail or support posts, so the view is barely obstructed.

“This was very exciting for us,” Cheryl says of the transformation of her backyard and home. “I’m absolutely in love with it.” • ET Canada is broadcast weeknights at 7:30 p.m. ET on Global.

A glass wall fence by Regal Ideas has no top rail or support posts, providing safety with a view.

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“We decided that we really wanted a place where we, as a family, could relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy, and a place where family and friends could do the same.�

The outdoor furnishings are from D.O.T. Furniture. Decking and outdoor cabinetry: Trex; patio: Permacon; fireplace: Napoleon.

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More than one address for design‌ a district.

Town of Mount-Royal Economic Development: 514.734.3048 www.town.mount-royal.qc.ca

www.q uar tierd esig n royalmo u n t.co m

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DESIGN

NOT YOUR AVERAGE LITTLE CABIN IN THE WOODS

This Mont Tremblant home offers luxury surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty

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AH, THE PROVERBIAL CABIN IN THE WOODS. For generations it has been portrayed as that rustic little place where all its charm stems from being in the middle of nowhere. It’s quiet, private and comes complete with the sound of birds chirping in the morning, crickets at night and the calming acoustic of the occasional bee passing by during the day. Breathe in deeply. This is how you really get away from it all and unplug.

But wait a minute; let’s think about this: If you brushed aside all the rustic romanticizing, it wasn’t really that glamorous. It was old, creaky and usually had some sort of plumbing problem.

What if there were a better cabin in the woods? What if you could get all the quiet and private you want and do it while relaxing in a luxurious estate? Throw in a few to-die-for mountain views, a private chef, your own hottub and a living room with a fireplace, cathedral ceilings that are simply stunning and panoramic windows. Now, breathe deeply.

This is how you really want to get away from it all.

“The vacation rentals business used to be: ‘I am renting your house.’ Now it’s: ‘I am renting your house with hotel services,” explains Joan Bou, president of Tremblant Living, which specializes in “superior luxury vacation rentals” in the Mont Tremblant area of Quebec’s Laurentian mountains.

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But Tremblant Living does not offer just any house. It has the most luxurious estates available. This includes the Forêt Blanche, a home on three levels in the Versant Soleil area of Tremblant, considered the most exclusive ski-in and ski-out residential area at the world-renowned resort location. Minutes from the casino, it is also the only rental in Tremblant that has a five-star rating, issued by the Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec. In fact, it is only one of five vacation rental residences in the province that has earned the CITQ’s top rating.

“It’s not easy to find homes that meet our standards,” Bou says. “The expectations are high.” •

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DESIGN

So what should you expect from Forêt Blanche? It accommodates 13, has five bedrooms, eight bathrooms – including five ensuites – a gym, a hot-tub, sauna, a billiards table, three fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, an elevator, WiFi, five flat-screen TVs, two deck areas and all sorts of space – 7,000 square feet in all. Those are just the stats. Now for a few details: Gleaming hardwood floors, vaulted cedar ceilings with spectacular A-frame beams, a dining room table that seats 12 comfortably, stainless-steel appliances, a professional gas range, two wine cellars and a living room area on the upper level that has amazing mountain views.

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Bou says the house is available for rent in every season. The most frequent renters are families, usually inter-generational groups, who are looking to vacation together. Often, friends who want to spend family vacations together share the space. But a growing segment is companies looking to host corporate retreats.

It is for “privacy and socializing,” he says.

“It’s a different atmosphere you create in a house in the forest. There’s a lot of bonding.”

It’s not for everyone, he cautions, however.

It’s not like a hotel where there is a restaurant off the lobby. If you don’t splurge for the option of hiring a private chef, which Tremblant Living will arrange for you, you have to do your own cooking.

But there certainly won’t be any plumbing problems. •

Forêt Blanche rents for $1,425 to $3,840 per night, depending on the season. A three- to four-night minimum stay may apply.

Tremblant Living 1-888-932-1131 www.tremblantliving.ca

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DESIGN

SPLISH SPLASH

One of the newest swimming pools on the market was a perfect fit for this modest-sized yard

IT WAS THE PERFECT HOUSE. When Jean Monet downsized to a Longueuil bungalow from a two-storey home in Boucherville two years ago, he was thankful that he would be relieved of many maintenance chores. Smaller home. Smaller yard. No swimming pool to clean every week.

“The lot at my former house was 38,000 square feet,” he says. “It had a large pond, a large swimming pool and a lot of garden. It was a big chore to take care of it all. I knew that in my new home, I would not want a swimming pool.”

The lot surrounding the bungalow is 11,000 square feet, and the backyard is too modestly proportioned to accommodate a large pool. And for awhile, says Jean, who is Montreal Home’s stylist, not having a swimming pool was just fine.

“Then in May this year, I heard about splash pools,” he says. “Splash pools are a new trend. They’re smaller and are not meant for swimming laps. They’re meant for cooling off. And you can use them to do aqua fitness. They’re perfect for children, who don’t swim laps. •

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“I had a waterfall installed on one side of the pool and I hear the soothing sound of water cascading into it.”

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“I knew that a splash pool would not dominate the backyard. I wanted something that could be discreetly integrated into the existing garden.”

The garden (profiled in Montreal Home a year ago) was mature; the house was built in 2008 and is surrounded by well-established trees.

“The problem would be getting a backhoe into the backyard without destroying the landscaping,” says Jean. “This house is in an established neighbourhood.”

Basement window wells had to be filled with gravel. Stone pavers at the side of the house were removed to prevent cracking.

The fence, cedar hedge and perennial border on one side of the house were temporarily removed, and Jean got the permission of his neighbours to run the backhoe across the flank of their lawn. Because there would be no question of getting a dump truck into the backyard, the backhoe made dozens of trips back and forth to dispose of what Jean calls “a mountain of excavated earth.”

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“I freaked out when I saw the damage caused to the garden, but once the pool’s form was poured, I could see that it had been worth the trouble,” he says. “We reestablished the landscaping and reinstalled the fence and pavers.”

The pool is a strong draw every morning before work and every evening at the end of the workday. “It allows me to release the stress of the day,” Jean says. “I had a waterfall installed on one side of the pool and I hear the soothing sound of water cascading into it.

Building a pool in an established landscape is stressful. Friends asked me, given the fact that the pool is small at nine-by-15 feet, is it worth it? Believe me, it is worth it.” •

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THE GREAT CANADIAN COOKOUT Homeowners are installing kitchens outdoors for alfresco cooking, dining and entertaining

BY JULIE GEDEON

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THERE WAS A TIME WHEN ALFRESCO DINING was a process that began indoors.

Food would be prepared in an indoor kitchen and carried outside to be consumed under the sun or stars.

An increasing number of foodies who like to dine outside, however, are now opting to have kitchens outside, too. These outdoor kitchens are so well equipped that they rival their indoor counterparts.

Clunky brick-and-mortar setups have given way to sleek workstations that fit outdoor appliances like a glove and withstand any weather. The array of options has a lot more people cooking with gas on their patios, decks and rooftops from early spring through late autumn, if not year-round. • Photo by Christina Esteban

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Baby boomers are driving the trend, according to Ryan Bloom, founder and co-owner of Urban Bonfire, a one-stop outdoor kitchen design, manufacturing and installation company based in Montreal. “Retiring boomers are downsizing from their large suburban homes, but they’re not willing to give up their outdoor enjoyment or entertainment,” Bloom says. “So they’re actually making their new condo homes larger by investing in an outdoor kitchen and entertainment space.”

A case in point is one Montreal couple who downsized from a single-family home to a condo in Point St. Charles. They’ve capitalized on the city’s skyline view from their sixth-floor patio. They had Urban Bonfire set up their outdoor kitchen to look out at the downtown skyscrapers and Mount Royal as well as the Lachine Canal below.

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Photos by Christina Esteban

“I don’t regret downsizing for a second because of this indoor/outdoor setup.”

“My wife and I have this unbelievable view while we’re making a meal several times a week,” says one of the homeowners. “And everything we need – plates, serving platters, barbecue utensils, meat, vegetables, and even cold beverages – can be stored in the outdoor modules so that we don’t have to keep going in and out.”

The couple have significantly increased their patio entertaining because their outdoor kitchen makes cooking so easy, and guests appreciate the urban panorama. “I don’t regret downsizing for a second because of this indoor/outdoor setup,” the homeowner says. “After seeing how we have the best of both worlds, several of our friends have put their houses on the market, too.” •

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DESIGN

A greater value placed on time has younger couples opting for smaller urban homes and likewise investing in outdoor kitchens to expand their family and entertainment space.

“What’s nice is that we make everything in modules so an outdoor kitchen can be taken apart and quite easily moved if people change locations,” says Stefan Marchant, also a coowner of Urban Bonfire. “The modules are fairly light, which is particularly important for rooftop terraces.”

Vast improvements in barbecue grills as well as television cooking shows dedicated to alfresco eating have more people investing in outdoor kitchens, which boost the value

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of their homes. “Property owners who invest in a good landscaper and outdoor kitchen designer are still in the minority,” Bloom says. “So their backyards make the strongest impression on prospective buyers.”

Outdoor kitchens are particularly gaining popularity in prime real estate locations.

“With the crazy Vancouver housing market potentially making a move so expensive, more people are deciding to invest in outdoor kitchens to expand the functionality of their current property,” says Ben McIntosh, a designer/business developer for Genesis Kitchens & Design in Coquitlam.

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lot,” McIntosh says. “And the pizza oven has a stone base that can get up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit to bake chicken and a lot of other things besides pizza quickly.”

Skilled outdoor kitchen designers pose various questions about a family’s lifestyle and intended use, along with assessing the available space. “For instance, which way does the wind usually blow so we can prevent smoke from entering the house?” McIntosh says.

“And is the house fridge right inside a patio door, or will you have to walk some distance and trek up and down steps to get to it?” •

Photos courtesy of Genisis Kitchens

Another key motivator: spending as much time outdoors as possible. “We’re getting so many calls as people realize how convenient these kitchens are for maximizing outdoor time with family and friends,” he says. “We often recommend purchasing weather-proof, glare-resistant television so homeowners can gather friends outdoors for a major sporting event or movie night, as well as just enjoy warm days as they’re preparing family meals or simply relaxing on their own.”

Options abound with everything from pizza ovens to beer kegerators. “The beer pump is great for people who entertain a

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Photo courtesy of Genisis Kitchens

Many people are choosing to build a pergola off an existing pool house so they can take advantage of the available plumbing to install an outdoor sink.

A covered space is optimal. “If an outdoor kitchen is covered by a pergola, awning or other roof structure, it typically gets double the use,” Bloom says. “We have clients grilling year-round because a grill is quite warm if there’s no snow falling on top of you.”

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Rain cover is pretty much essential on the West Coast. “We also installed a couple of outdoor heaters so that we get a good nine months of use from our setup,” McIntosh says.

Improved stainless steel materials weather the elements and fit snugly together to prevent mould or mildew. Powder coatings offer a range of new colours and provide additional protection. Shaker cabinet designs mimic the warmth of wood minus the maintenance, although stainless slabs remain popular for a modern chic.

Photos by Christina Esteban

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Counter space is becoming more of a priority as homeowners seek to replicate the modern kitchen’s island hub as an outdoor nucleus. “A lot of people are extending the counter to include a bar area,” McIntosh adds.

Designers highly recommend Dekton for outdoor countertops. Available in dozens of colours, the non-porous composite is resistant to ultraviolet light so it won’t fade or degrade. “It’s also ideal for outdoors because it’s lightweight and extremely stain-resistant,” McIntosh says.

Outdoor kitchens have become more affordable for many with the gamut of good products. “Our grills range from $1,500 to $30,000,” Marchant says. “And if, for example, a homeowner decides one day that he wants a meat smoker, we can simply add that module.” •

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ART

A LOVE THAT SPANS GENERATIONS

The owner of a St. Lambert gallery bestows her passion for art on her children

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LIKE A PEBBLE TOSSED INTO A POND, Bonnitta Beauchamp’s love of art has sent ripples across her life and those of her children.

To hear her daughter Natalie tell the tale, it was a true love – one that sparked early and grew over the ensuing decades. It was initially seen the year when, as a teenaged girl Bonnitta landed her first summer job. With the money she had earned, she bought two things she wanted: a pair of shoes and a book about art.

And the flame was lit.

While she was raising a young family in south shore St. Lambert, her love of art was stirred again with the discovery of a local art gallery. When her youngest of two daughters was old enough to head off to school, Bonnitta bought the gallery to give herself a focus and to fill her days.

The move not only fanned the flame that would fill Bonnitta’s life with her passion for art, it would profoundly influence the course of her children’s lives. That was 32 years ago.

Today, Le Balcon d’Art gallery has transitioned from hobby to a family-run business, where the love of art not only burns brightly, but, like a torch, it is carried by Natalie Beauchamp and her sister Fay. Now, in a bigger location, but still in St. Lambert, Le Balcon d’Art specializes in Quebec and Canadian art.

“The dream of the parents has been transferred to the children,” says Natalie, the company’s secretary-treasurer. She joined the business, as did her sister, after completing her education. Their mother, however, is still very active in the day-to-day operation.

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“This is not really a business you retire from,” Natalie explains. “It’s a passion. To own a gallery, you have to love art.”

Their mission is to share their love and make art accessible to everyone – one piece at a time, one customer at a time. It’s a very personal experience.

Every customer, Natalie explains, whether they travel by private jet and arrive by a chauffeur-driven car or stop in while cycling, wearing shorts and carrying a helmet, are treated like family, and receive a warm welcome.

Customers are not limited to people who buy art. The gallery also offers custom framing. “We are members of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) and offer custom design services for framing of all sorts: paintings, works on paper, sports memorabilia. We take the time to find the perfect design for every client and job,” she says.

The gallery is also a venue that can be rented to host receptions, corporate events and parties.

The family loves to expose people to their enthusiasm for great works.

But some customers know what they want.

Such as the woman who loved the work of French artist André Bertounesque, who immigrated to Canada and did most of his painting in Quebec. According to Natalie, this customer’s husband wanted a lot of children, and so the couple struck a deal: They would have as many kids as the husband wanted on condition that he buy his wife a Bertounesque

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painting upon the birth of each child. The woman, over the years, would come to own four 36-by-48-inch works.

“Those paintings – for that family – represent the birth of each child. We get to share these beautiful moments with our clients,” Natalie says.

“A piece of art – a true piece of art – is an emotion. You can fall in love over and over again with the same piece,” Natalie continues, tossing another pebble into the pond and watching the ripples spread. •

Le Balcon d’Art 650 Notre Dame St., St. Lambert 450-466-8920 ~ 866-466-8920 www.balcondart.com

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COMMON SCENTS Aromatic plants enhance a garden, whether it’s a vast border or a single container

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

Lavendar

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Linden

Heliotrope

Mint

Honeysuckle

A WAFT OF LILAC BLOSSOMS in the warm spring air. A whiff of heliotrope in a window box.

The aromatic punch of an allée of lavender.

A street lined with lindens.

Plant scents have the power to trigger vivid memories, to transport us back in time. And when those scents are planted in our gardens, they can have a strong impact on our psychological well-being. Many a bad day has been turned to good through the simple gift of flowers, and when those flowers engage the olfactory sense, the “good” gets better.

Whether scented plants populate our backyard borders or our container gardens, they are a gift to the soul. Choosing the right aromatic perennials, annuals or flowering

shrubs and trees can turn an average garden into a sea of scent that attracts butterflies, birds, bees, and us.

“Herbs such as lavender, mint and thyme, are great for pathways because their scent is released as you brush up against them. They also work well in window boxes,” says plant expert Stephen Scheunert, owner of Pointe Claire Nursery. “Lavender is also a popular plant for container gardening and border edging.”

If you have the space, consider planting f lowering shrubs and trees. Lilacs, honeysuckle, and lindens release strong scents in the spring. •

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Schuenert also recommends Brugmansia (commonly called Angel’s trumpet), in a large container on a patio or deck. It’s tropical so must be moved indoors for the winter.

“Perennials such as lily of the valley, evening primrose and Stargazer lily, are also very fragrant,” Scheunert says. “If you want to plant bulbs, freesia and hyacinth are also popular.”

Planting scented flowers and shrubs strategically throughout a garden can add scent at various times of the day and year. Lily of the valley, for instance, has a constant scent, while evening primrose and jasmine release their aromas only after the sun sets, so they should be placed near a seating area.

Hyacinth

Jasemine

Lily of the valley

Urban dwellers and anyone who is daunted by the task of cultivating a garden can opt for containers. Lily of the valley does well in pots, but because it’s poisonous, it shouldn’t be planted where children play. Hyacinths require more care but their fragrant blooms are definitely worth the effort. Jasmine is fragrant but releases its scent only at night. Rosemary is another good choice for containers because it’s easy to grow, has a strong, herbal scent and bears tiny purple flowers.

Rosemary

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Petunia

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Deep purple petunias and heliotrope in a window box or clay pot can make evenings on a deck or patio a sensuous experience.

Herbs also fill the air with delightful aroma. Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, helps to keep mosquitoes at bay. But like mint, it ramps through a garden so is best confined to pots.

Basil, which foodies cultivate for cooking, renders up strong scent when touched.

Basil

And at the end of the summer, lavender can be harvested to create scented sachets for drawers and closets; it deters insects while delicately perfuming surroundings. One whiff in the darkest days of winter can recall the brightest days of summer. Add lavender to sugar as a perfect addition to Earl Gray tea.

Whether you create a sweeping backyard garden, a container garden or simply have a few window boxes, the addition of scented plants will fill your olfactory sense, enhance your life and improve the environment. •

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A DANCE OF DECADES

A 1960s Rosemère home, renovated in the ’80s, gets a new look for today

BY JULIE GEDEON • PHOTOGRAPHY: AMIELLE CLOUÂTRE

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STÉPHANIE LEBLANC HAD DIFFICULTY VISUALIZING the possibilities for a 1960s house, which had a tired decor dating to the 1980s. “Some rooms were too large, while others, such as the kitchen and formal dining room, were way too small and totally closed off,” she recalls. “The room’s configurations dated back to when people led more separate lives and entertained a lot more formally.”

Her husband, Sylvain Martel, along with designer Virginie Lamothe at Bipède Atelier de Design, persuaded her that the Rosemère split-level could be turned into a spacious, bright and open abode that pays homage to 1960s modernity, albeit with a contemporary flow.

“They reassured me that a structural engineer could help us to lift a ceiling, move walls and install windows most everywhere to create the space that we sought within the existing footprint,” Stéphanie says.

Already charmed by the private treed lot in a pleasant neighbourhood, she agreed to the home purchase and renovations, still holding her breath until she began to see the reconfigured space take shape.

Lamothe and her team started by expanding the kitchen and making it feel a lot more open. They replaced a standard eight-foothigh ceiling with a vaulted one by taking advantage of existing attic space.

By installing an exposed pine ceiling beam, they were able to remove a wall and open the kitchen to overlook the new dining and living areas. •

The kitchen gives the homeowners unobstructed views through many windows as they work behind the long island. The slight grey in the chevron marble tiles on the backsplash and the silver stools bridge the gap between the ’60s and today’s stainless steel appliances.

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Picturesque windows and large patio doors dramatically frame nature at almost every turn throughout the home. “We made this new space so that everyone could really appreciate an unobstructed view from the kitchen right out into the backyard,” Lamothe says.

“The many windows and large patio doors almost make it feel as if the home is extending into the outdoors and, since the property is so densely treed, there wasn’t any need to add window treatments for additional privacy.”

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Earthy slate tiles attractively blur the indoor/ outdoor living space. (Opposite) A corner of the minimalist space is cozied with a shag rug and a fireplace that works at the flick of a switch.

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The couple’s minimalist furniture makes the combined room feel all the more spacious and contemporary. Large grey slate tiles ground the space and connect the room with the concrete patio. The outdoor furniture provides a mid-century nostalgia that’s notably different in a garden milieu. “The set is specifically made for outdoor use,” Lamothe says.

“And I love how it blurs the lines between the indoor-outdoor boundaries of the home.”

Lamothe’s team custom-made the metal lighting fixtures over the dining table to work as eye-catching art without obstructing the outdoor views. A gas fireplace adds coziness to the living area. •

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StÊphanie adores the 13-foot-long kitchen island that provides ample space for her to prepare meals while her children sit at the counter doing homework or the family’s guests relax and chat over beverages.

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An existing kitchen skylight was reincorporated into the design to maximize natural light in the central space. Discreet recessed lighting provides lustre to the white-lacquered cabinetry while pendulum globes light up the key work area. A classic marble tile boasts a chevron pattern on the backsplash.

Walls were removed to open up the kitchen. The ceilings were heightened by opening up dormant attic space.

Windows dramatically frame the densely treed property.

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“We chose Russian plywood for some of the kitchen shelving and the dinette’s corner banquette as a nod to the simple light woods that were so popular in modern homes in the 1960s,” Lamothe says. “We also refinished the existing oak floors to return them to their original light lustre.”

The dinette’s banquette takes up the entire walls in the space that was opened off the far side of the kitchen. “We extended it the whole length so there’s room to have cozy cushions and stretch out to relax or read under all of the natural light,” Lamothe says.

From the kitchen, the elongated window over the banquette is like a picture frame. “I feel like I’m always looking at these wonderful nature canvasses,” Stéphanie says. •

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She and Sylvain opted to keep the now family room’s original wood-burning fireplace with its floor-to-ceiling stone casing, as well as a similar partial accent wall. Both echo the stonework that figures prominently on the home’s exterior, which the couple were also determined to save. “We felt it was important to preserve some of a home and neighbourhood’s original character,” Stéphanie says.

“Too many homes look far too identical both inside and out these days with their history completely erased.”

Hints of the home’s 1960s origins are evident in the stone fireplace. The homeowners kept the original masonry indoors to preserve some of the past.

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The accent wall has been reincarnated with new stairs, along with two unobtrusive storage chests that were custom-built in the same light oak to give the family’s youngsters a place to dump their backpacks when they arrive home from school through a side door.

“We also replaced a wavy gold-and-white railing that dated back to the glitzier ’80s with plainer dark metal that matches the stone better,” Lamothe says. “Not all of the decor ideas out of the ’80s were great.” •

The new stairs and discreet storage bins were made to complement the oak flooring, which was refinished to restore its original light grain and lustre.

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ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR ALL THINGS DESIGN

Quartier Design Royalmount is a hub for stores specializing in home design and renos

WHO DOESN’T LIKE ONLINE SHOPPING? It’s easy. It’s efficient. It’s convenient. Everything is right there. You can browse. They deliver. There are no parking hassles. Oh, and it’s easy. Did we mention that?

But sometimes, online shopping just doesn’t cut it. Right? Sometimes you just have to see it, touch it, browse the old-fashioned way. Especially when you’re redoing a room.

Or putting in a new bathroom. Or a kitchen.

There are a lot of moving parts to get right: the lighting, the tiles, the hardware, the accessories, a rug, but not just any rug.

What if it could all be done in one place?

Your list of what is needed might be exhaustive, but it doesn’t have to be exhausting.

Discover Quartier Design Royalmount.

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“It’s the biggest concentration of retailers in the decor business,” says Yves Gignac, director of economic development for the Town of Mount Royal. “You come here, it’s a one-stop shop – with free parking. Name it, we have it.”

With 65 retailers in one hub, Quartier Design Royalmount is the largest grouping of renovation and decor outlets in the province of Quebec, Gignac adds. Located in T.M.R., south of Highway 40, on Royalmount Ave. at the Decarie Expressway, it has developed into a shopping destination for decor and design options.

It started as a spontaneous concentration of shops, an area where architects and designers would turn to in T.M.R.’s industrial zone, Gignac says. But then, about a decade

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ago, the municipality of T,M.R. worked on attracting a wider range of decor-focused companies to develop the concept of creating a retail hub catering to the home design industry. Today, it’s a thriving must-see district open to everyone, with shops specializing in lighting, furniture, accessories, design, art, flooring, countertops, cabinetry, fabrics, rugs, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances – and the list goes on.

“We had a few leaders in the industry and we built around them,” Gignac says. The older industrial buildings in the area, which no longer met the needs of the manufacturing sector, were ideal for showrooms that could be open to the public. “It created an effect, where others wanted to be there.

“If you want something for your decor, come to T.M.R.,” he says. “You want something chic, come to T.M.R. Parking is free.

And you can take all the time in the world to shop and compare.” •

Quartier Design Royalmount 514-734-3048 www.quartierdesignroyalmount.com

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TRAVEL

A RENOVATION FIT FOR ROYALTY

Toronto’s century-old Omni King Edward Hotel gets a major makeover

BY TRUDY KERMAN

THE WHO’S WHO OF CANADA’S ELITE have visited it.

It has hosted such luminaries as Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain and Louis Armstrong.

The Beatles occupied its royal suite in 1964.

And a king of England bestowed his name upon it.

Toronto’s Omni King Edward Hotel has seen a lot of life since it was built in 1903, two years after King Edward VII ascended the British throne.

This architectural beauty, designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and Toronto architect E.J. Lennox for developer George Gooderham’s Toronto Hotel Company, was built for a then-staggering $6 million. It’s seen many upgrades in its 114-year life, including the addition of an 18-storey tower in 1922.

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But the latest renovation, which began in 2014, was an extensive $40-million restoration that upgraded the entire structure.

The crowning touch was the $6.5-million refurbishment of the historic Crystal Ballroom, which dates to the 1922 addition and was the go-to venue for Toronto’s elite from the 1920s until it was closed in 1970.

From the ’20s to the ’40s, big bands ruled the dance f loor, showcasing such kings of swing as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.

Toronto musicians held their own, with Romanelli and his Syncopated Swingers performing as the King Edward’s in-house band, back in the day.

The Crystal Ballroom’s ornate moldings and eight-metre-high coffered ceilings have been preserved in the renovation, while original floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the city. The 6,500-square-foot space comfortably accommodates 300 for dinner. Recently added features include a period-style bar and orchestra balcony. Updated chandeliers are in keeping with the style of the 1920s.

“I was coming to a hotel that was being revived; I was very exited to be a part of this,” says Christophe Le Chatton, the Omni King Edward Hotel’s general manager. How to dust off and revitalize a century-old hotel while still accommodating guests is tricky and best done quickly.

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“The good thing about renovating all at once is that the design space flows from the rooms above to the meeting space, to the lobby. It all flows because it was done in one operation,” says Le Chatton.

“We had to work with designers and contractors in a timeline that began in May 2014 and finished in May of 2015,” he says. Some 301 rooms were modernized on 16 floors, along with 22,000 square feet of meeting space and three other ballrooms.

“The lobby was closed for nine weeks. It was a real challenge. We relocated the hotel entrance to the side,” says Le Chatton.

Updated and restored to its former glory, the Crystal Ballroom was inaugurated with the grand opening in April, celebrated with a 1920s big band theme. Meals were re-created from 1920 menus. Staff were dressed in period costumes, with cigarette girls serving drinks, and dancers mingling in their retro looks.

Guests included members of the business community, including the wedding industry, historical societies, tourism industry, and members of the hospitality trade.

Visiting the King Edward is special, says Le Chatton. “So many milestone events have happened here.”

Amenities include a full-service spa, 24hour gym, high tea, and such family-friendly services as babysitting. Rooms that are wheelchair-accessible have roll-in showers. And pets are welcome in this venerable landmark that has been transformed into a jewel in the crown of Omni Hotels & Resorts. •

The Omni King Edward Hotel 37 King St. E., Toronto 416-863-9700 www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward www.omnihotels.com

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FARM-FRESH FOOD AT HOME Canadians are increasingly cultivating their own organic, non-GMO produce in their backyards

BY JULIE GEDEON

A JOKE THAT RECENTLY MADE THE ROUNDS on the Internet points to the effort many of us make to save a couple of dollars by growing our own tomatoes. Yet there’s something exceptional about watching the fruits of our labour come to harvest, and biting into food that couldn’t be any fresher.

Despite the challenges of cultivating food, Canadians love their gardens. More than half of Canadian households (59 per cent) reported growing fruit, herbs, vegetables or flowers for personal use within the previous 12 months, according to a 2016 Statistics Canada report.

Concern about pesticides and certain fertilizers has an increasing number of us turning to our own backyards for organic produce.

Investing in the most local of food is another motivator as people become aware of the need for greater environmental sustainability. •

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Photo courtesy of Glenna Partridge

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Photos courtesy of Glenna Partridge

Eating local has gained new meaning for a Vancouver family who transformed a small backyard into a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate with the help of Glenna Partridge Garden Design. “Glenna’s artistry in arranging plants creates a multi-layered, multi-textured, colourful vista that enhances their appearance,” the homeowner says.

Landscape designer Glenna Partridge always integrates a family’s preferred vegetables – and even fruit – as much as possible within the available space while also taking into account the sun, soil and drainage conditions to create a functional garden that’s stunning to view.

She uses evergreens to establish yearround structure and punctuates the entire garden with one new bright colour of various annuals as an eye-catcher from early spring through late fall. “I plant the vegetables among the shrubs and flowers, taking advantage of the amazing colours and textures of their foliage, such as the multi-coloured hue of a Bright Lights Swiss chard, to create a beautiful aesthetic,” Partridge says.

Incorporating tips from Mel Bartholomew’s Square Foot Garden, she plants densely to provide a gamut of fruit and vegetables and no large gaps when one is harvested.

She notes the increasing demand for edible gardens as Vancouverites strive to eat organic produce and become more sustainable.

Beginning from scratch, Partridge’s client took the opportunity to integrate a brainstormed wish list. “This is our forever home, so I wanted raised beds for when I’m in my seventies,” the homeowner says. “The irrigation system built into each bed is also wonderful.”

Hooks within each bed hold a greenhouse sheet over plastic tubing to extend the growing season for root vegetables well into November.

The raised beds also help the soil to warm up earlier in the spring so that carrots, peas, kale and lettuce can be planted in March. The beds are custom-made of long-lasting ipe wood and are incrementally graduated in height so even the farthest one can be admired from the back deck of the house. •

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Photo courtesy of Glenna Partridge

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Varied bed shapes invite exploration of the garden’s pathways. “I spend hours out here, taking breaks from my work to mindfully walk around to see what’s sprouting or to just meditatively gaze out at it all,” the homeowner says. “The garden has enriched my life and my family’s.”

The initial spark for the garden was to produce fresh greens for healthy longevity in a sustainable way that also teaches the couple’s pre-teen son about growing organic food. “We planted artichokes at his suggestion this year, leaving some plants to flower, which was also his idea, because they’re just so beautiful,” the homeowner says. “He also helps to find new recipes for the food we grow.”

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Mélanie Coulombe, a landscape designer at Plani-Paysage in Terrebonne, Quebec, derives her inspiration from the kitchen gardens at the Château Villandry in France’s Loire Valley, teeming with vegetables in an ornamental showcase. “These potagières are magical,” Coulombe says. “It’s essential for the food gardens that I create to be as beautiful as they are practical.”

She finds garden edibles are becoming increasingly popular among young people who not only love having fresh salad and herbs on hand, but also the pleasure of watching seeds break soil and grow into harvestable food.

“They’re also keen to eat organic,” she adds. •

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Photo courtesy of Plani-Paysage

“It’s essential for the food gardens that I create to be as beautiful as they are practical.” — Mélanie Coulombe

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Photos courtesy of Plani-Paysage

Combining design skills with horticultural knowledge, she pairs up plants for not only the best visual effect but for long-term success. Marigolds and nasturtiums, for example, are both attractive and protective companion plants for tomatoes. Coriander helps potatoes to ward off pests while pleasantly occupying the space around the spuds. “My primary goal is to achieve the most visually pleasing effect,” Coulombe says.

She wonders if the current trend toward edible gardens in the Montreal area began ornamentally, with decorative cabbages, for example, taking root in a once strictly floral gardener’s heart. “Edible cabbages now come in so many different colours and shapes to contrast wonderfully with other plants, especially mint which has a scent that wards off bugs,” Coulombe says. “Less structured planting among ornamentals creates a feast for the eyes.”

She again turns to European inspirations to position raised beds so they form a magical space. One of her recent projects converted a former driveway into a garden bistro. The homeowners can relax within a nook of raised garden beds filled with cucumbers, nasturtiums, kale, cabbages, Swiss chard and a variety of herbs within a modest space. Vine tomatoes and climbing beans provide vertical interest. “Several varieties of Spanish beans produce abundant flowers,” Coulombe adds.

In Toronto, keeping racoons and other critters out of food gardens was the main challenge that Meredyth Hilton of Artistic Gardens undertook within her own backyard.

“Having just completed major home renovations, we didn’t have the budget to install the elaborate landscaping that as designers we naturally want,” Hilton says. “So we took our interim steps as an opportunity to experiment with raised beds on behalf of clients who are increasingly requesting food gardens.” •

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Photo courtesy of Plani-Paysage

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Placing legged beds a good distance from trees and shrubs that otherwise could be used by various animals as launch-pads into vegetable patches seems to have done the trick. “We picked cedar to avoid growing food within treated wood,” Hilton adds. “And raised beds ensure our soil remains organic.”

The family currently has basil, thyme, oregano, sage, mint, tarragon, lovage, marjoram and other edible herbs lushly growing in one bed, while another brims with various lettuces bordered by strawberry vines. “The pink f lowers in spring are spectacular,” Hilton notes.

Other beds are devoted to a variety of tomatoes and climbing beans. The modestly priced experiment proves how food gardens can be made a part of any backyard landscape.

“And I love grabbing a bunch of greens for lunch as I walk through the garden from my office at the rear of the property back towards the house,” Hilton says. “So we’ll definitely incorporate the beds in our elaborate plans.”

She’s finding the strongest demand for garden edibles among parents who want to teach their children about growing sustainable, healthful food. “We have the kids plant radishes so they can harvest them within 10 days,” she says. “They love it!” •

Photo courtesy of Artistic Gardens

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IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

There’s a nip in the air and the leaves are changing colour. It’s time to say goodbye to the garden and the outdoor spaces you’ve inhabited all summer as you make way for cool weather ahead. As your attention turns inward to the interiors of your home, we invite you to read the Autumn issue of Montreal Home. It’s packed with stories and information designed to help you create the kind of home you’ve always dreamed of.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD DESIGN

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONLY $17.23 www.movatohome.com

866-846-1640

BUYER’S GUIDE MONTREAL OUTDOORS 2017

WHERE EARTH MEETS SKY Artist Irma Soltonovich www.soltonovich.com A LOVE THAT SPANS GENERATIONS Le Balcon d’Art www.balcondart.com 450-466-8920 ~ 1-866-466-8920 GETTING THOSE ZZZs IN CUSHY COMFORT Polysleep www.polysleep.com 1-844-869-7659 ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR ALL THINGS DESIGN Quartier Design Royalmount www.quartierdesignroyalmount.com 514-734-3048 PEACE AND SERENITY DOWN

BY THE RIVERSIDE Studio MMA Architecture + Design www.studiomma.ca 514-388-3451 FARM-FRESH FOOD AT HOME Glenna Partridge Garden Design On www.houzz.com 604-716-4790

Artistic Gardens www.artisticgardens.ca 416-488-2174

A RENOVATION FIT FOR ROYALTY The Omni King Edward Hotel www.omnihotels.com 416-863-9700 THE ART OF OUTDOOR LIVING deiNERI www.deiNERI.com 514-400-3389 MAKING ROOM OUTDOORS Evelyn Eshun Design www.evelyneshun.com 289-460-3306 ~ 1-888-557-0183

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Avenue Design BCBG Benjamin Moore Comptoir St-Denis Empire Wallpaper Fabricville Galerie le Bourget Grandchamp Tends JC Perreault Le balcon d’art Linen Chest Paramount Group Patio Design Portes Alain Bourassa Presti Quartier Design Royalmount Sotheby’s Quebec Sylvie Ménard Zytco Solariums

NOT YOUR AVERAGE LITTLE CABIN IN THE WOODS Tremblant Living www.tremblantliving.ca 1-888-932-1131 A DANCE OF DECADES Atelier Bipède www.bipede.ca 514-273-0500

Plani-Paysage www.planipaysage.com 514-346-2915 ~ 450-838-8686

THE OUTDOORS ISSUE

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Montréal (KirKland) 17 850 Transcanadienne 514 695.7211 1 866 695.7211 • St-roch-de-l’achigan 5 IndustrIelle 450 588.7211 1 800 588.7202 laVal 1900 MaUrice -GaUVin 450 681.7211 1 855 681.7211 • St-hUBert 2049 F.X. saBOUrin 450 462.7211 1 888 462.7211 • Joliette 5 PaPIneau 450 752.2595

www.jcperreault.com