Toronto Home - Trends 2016

THE HIPPEST HUES Colour trends now

IN GOOD TASTE

Wine-appreciation classes

GOING WITHIN

The meditative art of Rachel Ovadia

BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN

GOOD FOR THE PLANET

INSIDE THE DESIGNER’S FOREST HILL HOME

The benefits of green roofs

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KITCHEN DESIGN IN 2017

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THE TRENDS ISSUE

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EDITOR’S LETTER

IF YOU OBSERVE culture and design long enough, you’ll notice that trends are periodically repeated. You may be about to sell off the 1960s Danish teak furnishings you inherited only to discover that they’re highly prized again and top designers are snapping them up in garage sales. Everything old is new again.

Observing design trends isn’t about slavishly jumping on the bandwagon to acquire the latest look. If the return of bellbottom pants in the late 1990s was as unappealing to you as it was to me, chances are you ignored that trend. If you’re uninspired by the return of Mid-century Modern design, you’ll ignore that trend, too. Observing design trends is about noting what’s new and deciding whether it’s something you’d want to live with.

Design changes quickly because it’s driven by creative minds. And that’s what makes it fascinating. In this, our third annual Trends issue, we show you some of the changes that are driving design, architecture and lifestyles.

One of the phenomena that excites me most is the trend toward creating green roofs. If they become ubiquitous – and I hope they do – gardens and ground covers planted on the rooftops of commercial and residential buildings will have a salubrious effect on our ailing environment.

In the area of lifestyle trends, writer Julie Gedeon tells us about wine-tasting courses across the country. I think their growing popularity was inevitable. So many of us are earnest foodies who want to know about the wines that pair with the dishes we whip up for guests in our kitchens.

Also affecting our lifestyles are the things with which we surround ourselves, including our immediate environments. Susan Kelly tells us all about the colours you can expect to see in design in the coming year.

In addition, we take you into the Toronto home of designer Brian Gluckstein, who designed his 1916 Forest Hill home for timeless appeal. Past, present and future are embraced in Brian’s home, which defies trends altogether.

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

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

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@leahlipkowitz, @movatohome

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CONTRIBUTORS

LARRY ARNAL Photographer Larry Arnal says he enjoyed the various assignments he tackled for this issue. “I was able to experience a range of trends – from casual, relaxing outdoor spaces to copper statement pieces – in an unusual Richmond Hill home,� he says.

JULIE GEDEON Julie Gedeon invoked some of her decades of experience as a wine writer to report on the latest trends in wine-tasting classes across Canada.

Also for this issue, she enjoyed temporarily losing herself in the canvases of two intriguing Toronto artists.

Volume 6, number 4, Trends issue 2016 Date of issue: August, 2016 4020 St. Ambroise St. Suite #367 Montreal, Qc. h4c 2c7

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PUBLISHER Leah Lipkowitz ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Hana Rakovski

SUSAN KELLY For this issue, writer Susan Kelly turned the tables on designer Brian Gluckstein. After all, he’s come into her house for years. “I munch my morning toast off a plate he designed as I watch him on the Cityline (Citytv) show,� Susan says. “Now I got to enter the private life of this eminent designer.� She also toured the homes of up-and-coming design stars and a hidden-gem boutique or two. Susan is a long-time contributor who specializes in writing about style and design. “There’s such a deep pool of design talent in Toronto,� she says. “I loved taking the plunge!�

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Jennifer Mula

ART DIRECTOR

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Mark Ruzayk

Sheila Toby

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Phillipa Rispin PRODUCTION ARTIST Marieve Gagnon

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Tova Zajdel ACCOUNTING Joseph Tsang

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

SALES DIRECTOR

Wendy Loper

Hazel Rapanan

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Diane Dollisen Carmen Lefebvre CONTRIBUTORS Julie Gedeon Susan Kelly

LEGAL DEPOSIT issn

1927-324x Toronto Home

Magazine Inc. 2016.

All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Toronto Home Magazine is strictly prohibited.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry Arnal Brett Ryan Studios Kelly Horkoff Jefre Nicholls

Printed in Canada

STYLIST Vanessa Suppa

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CONTENTS

142 ON THE COVER

Designer Brian Gluckstein’s 1916 Toronto abode is a warm, embracing refuge.

HAPPY HUES

Warm, bright colours and more neutrals are trending for the year ahead

120

THIS JUST IN

An array of new products for your home

86 THE GREENING OF OUR ROOFS Planting vegetation on roofs is good for the planet

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CONTENTS

BOLD STROKES

Artist Zan Rococo makes a statement with her large paintings

96 18

EDITOR’S LETTER

42

CLEVER USE OF COPPER Unusual textures and materials make a Richmond Hill house a standout

60

RED CARPET WELCOME Jewelry designer gives his clients the A-list treatment

62

GOING WITHIN Artist Rachel Ovadia enters a meditative state to paint

74

STYLISHLY SUSTAINABLE An Armour Heights home is built to be environmentally sound

86

THE GREENING OF OUR ROOFS Planting vegetation on roofs is good for the planet

102

TOMORROW’S ANTIQUES Company crafts high-end furnishings that become heirlooms

106

ON DECK FOR GREAT REDESIGN An inconvenient backyard layout is replaced with a superb deck and cabana

114

DECK AND POOL New materials are upping the style factor in backyard living

120

HAPPY HUES Warm, bright colours and more neutrals trending for year ahead

138

GLITTER AND GLOW The latest in exquisite jewelry

142

LARGE HOME, COZY FEEL Designer Brian Gluckstein’s historic Toronto home is warm and inviting

154

FLOOR ALLURE Choosing the right flooring can amp up a home’s decor

168

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL A look at kitchen design trends in the year ahead

170

VERSATILE TILES How to use porcelain and why we love it

182

LOOK-ALIKES Stonecast mantels are just like traditional stone versions

186

WINDOWS AND WALLS New trends in blinds, wallpapers and paints

190

APROPOS OF APPLIANCES An expert’s guide on how to outfit a large or small kitchen

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132 GLASSES IN CLASSES

Foodies flock to wine-tasting courses across Canada

THE GALLERY LOOK

Carefully curated collections are on offer at Hollace Cluny

136

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DESIGN

1. RECLINE IN STYLE Comfort Design of North Carolina offers this high-leg reclining chair, the Avenue CLP702. Boasting a diamondtufted back, loose seat cushion and nailhead finish on the arms and bottom panel, this recliner is suitable for transitional-traditional and eclectic decor. Limited lifetime warranty.

——— Hide House 49 Eastern Ave., Acton www.hidehouse.ca 519-853-1031

2. AUTHENTIC QUALITY The Raftwood Atelier collection is reclaimed 300-year-old Dutch white-oak flooring. The planks are hand-crafted, smoked and oilfinished for authentic effect.

——— European Flooring Group 1310 Castlefield Ave., Toronto www.europeanflooring.ca 416-967-9200

4. CLASSIC CONSOLE With its elegant, understated styling, this console will be equally at home in the front hall to catch keys, sunglasses and mail, or in the living room, serving as a bar or occasional table. It features a metal base and is topped with Carrara marble.

——— Elizabeth Interiors 409 Brant St., Burlington www.elizabethinteriors.com 905-333-6670

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3. TRY A TASSEL This sconce is part of the Tassel series by Apparatus. The series includes various styles of sconce and pendant luminaires made of brass and glass cylinders. Emanating from a brass dome, light is amplified as it refracts through mold-blown glass cylinders. Available in several finishes.

——— Hollace Cluny 160 Pears Ave., Suite 203, Toronto www.hollacecluny.ca 416-968-7894

480 EGLINTON AVENUE WEST TORONTO 416 256 5229 9033 LESLIE STREET RICHMOND HILL 905 881 5229 MARKLASH.COM 1 866 881 5229

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1. GEOMETRY AT YOUR FEET Bring architectural detail to a room with Hathaway Chain from Rosecore. We show this geometric pattern in Canvas, a sophisticated blend of taupe, beige and cream.

With the Hathaway collection, you can create interest with an area rug or wall-to-wall broadloom.

——— APT Custom Carpets 75 West Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 1, Richmond Hill www.aptcustomcarpets.com 905-764-1588

2. PERSONALITY PLUS The Kate Spade collection of fabrics from Kravet is typical Kate: colourful and whimsical. We show the Kate ottoman in just one of the many patterns and colourways that the collection features, adding personality to toss pillows, drapes and furniture.

——— Barrymore Furniture 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto www.barrymorefurniture.com 416-532-2891

4. RECLAIMING HISTORY Wood reclaimed from the floors of such old factories as Massey-Harris and Studebaker has been used in a unique collection of dining and cocktail tables. Each table top is completely individual, and a limited number of tables can be crafted from the board feet available. The tables can be customized even further with a variety of base options.

——— Almira Fine Furniture 4747 Highway #7 E., Unionville www.almira.com 905-477-5524

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3. ROCK ON! What child wouldn’t want to gallop off the back deck and into her imagination? Her faithful steed is hardy, too. This rocking horse features an aluminum frame with all-weather weave. $235.

——— Casualife Outdoor Living 6 Shields Crt., Unit 1, Markham ~ 905-475-8353 100 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga ~ 905-990-5433 www.casualife.ca

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DESIGN

1. DECO DUO From the 1940s comes this dining set in the Art Deco style. The table is enveloped in rosewood veneers with rich textural slate grey accents, and has recently been restored to its original lustre.

Designed in the classic Deco aesthetic, the centralized double U pedestal supports a thick slab top with extension pulls on both sides to accommodate a leaf at each end.

The beautifully constructed set of Art Deco chairs boasts solid walnut frames and gorgeous cut-velvet upholstery. The frames are finished in deep, rich espresso and feature elegantly tapered legs, straight in the front and subtly curved at the back, for a perfect small and comfortable seat that will enhance your dining experience.

——— Carrocel Interiors 245 Bridgeland Ave., Toronto www.carrocel.com 647-694-4683

2. BEAUTIFUL BUNCH Modern meets Chinois with flair in the Chin Hua coffee table. Bunched together or separate, these tables offer versatile design options. Available in a vast array of colours.

——— Creative Avenues 378 Fairlawn Ave., Toronto www.creative-avenues.ca 416-783-0220

3. COOL CABINET The Carrara cabinet is a piece of art inspired by the eponymous marble. The reverse-painted glass is sleek, modern and unmistakably refined. With four doors and interior shelving, in ebony/glass/ celtis/steel. 88"W x 19"D x 38.75"H. Available also as a nightstand.

——— Barrymore Furniture 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto www.barrymorefurniture.com 416-532-2891

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Š2016 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

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DESIGN

1. MID-CENTURY MEETS MODERN With a modified cantilever design, this chair adds a modern twist to a MidCentury classic. A minimalistic seat and back complement its chic design.

——— Creative Avenues 378 Fairlawn Ave., Toronto www.creative-avenues.ca 416-783-0220

2. GO FOR GEOMETRICS Geometric patterns are on trend, and this Julia carpeting in the style of David Hicks is an up-to-date look.

Made of all-natural woven wool, it can be installed wall to wall or fabricated into an area rug.

——— Dominion Rug & Home 52 Samor Rd., Toronto www.dominionrug.com 416-485-9488

4. VERSATILE CONSOLE Designed with a crisp, modern silhouette, the handsome Windermere console/entertainment unit lends a sophisticated profile to any decor. Featuring a Graphite finish and accented by bold metal handles, this four-door unit has a tray drawer, adjustable shelves, and back-panel ventilation with wire-management slots.

——— Decorium Furniture 363 Supertest Rd., Toronto ~ 416-736-6120 1212 Yonge St., Toronto ~ 416-515-1212 www.decorium.com

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3. MISS POPULARITY GODI’s signature H-01 vanity with a singlevessel solid-marble sink is Dezign Market’s most popular style. That’s no surprise, considering it’s made with solid ash, features hand-carved legs, and comes with three distinct finishes: wash white, dark cherry or rose pink.

——— GODI Bathroom presented by Dezign Market www.godibathroom.ca 1-­888­-398­-8380

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DESIGN

1. NATURAL BEAUTY The ErthCOVERINGS Ledgestone panel series has expanded with two new colours: White Wolf and Blustone.

Made from all-natural marble and limestone, the pieces are formatted into easy-to-install panels and are also available with corners. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

——— ErthCOVERINGS 55 Silton Rd., Unit 1, Woodbridge www.erthcoverings.com 905-265-8565

2. RETRO MEETS THE FUTURE SMEG Retro Style refrigerators are a kitchen conversation piece. But there’s nothing retro about the latest technology they use to ensure top performance and high levels of energy efficiency.

The shelves can be adjusted to various heights and are easily removable for cleaning, and there’s also a small icebox for convenience. Available in 10 colours, from subtle cream to vibrant green.

——— Euro-Line Appliances 871 Cranberry Crt., Oakville www.euro-line-appliances.com 905-829-3980

4. DINE ELEGANTLY The Pavilion dining table is alluring and elegant.

Finished in Brownstone, it’s crafted with a solid wood top featuring geometric patterns with smoothcurves. The polished metal base creates a sleek contrast.

——— Decorium Furniture 363 Supertest Rd., Toronto ~ 416-736-6120 1212 Yonge St., Toronto ~ 416-515-1212 www.decorium.com

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3. HURRAY FOR HEXAGONS Whether laid wall to wall or fashioned into an area rug, Moya carpeting, with its subtle hexagonal pattern, is in style.

In all-natural woven wool, Moya is available in four neutral colours.

——— Dominion Rug & Home 52 Samor Rd., Toronto www.dominionrug.com 416-485-9488

Impressive 10,000 square foot showroom. Wide range of quality hardwood floors, wide plank flooring, AC5 laminates, vinyl planks and carpets.

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Breathtakingly Beautiful

B Make a grand entrance with our stunning

selection of outdoor wall, ceiling, post lights and garden lighting. Stylishly crafted, in a wide array of finishes and glass creations for the most discerning homes. Hundreds of styles instock.

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DESIGN

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DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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TEXTURES AND CURVES A Richmond Hill home shines with unusual materials and artful arcs

BY SUSAN KELLY · PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL · STYLING: VANESSA SUPPA

THIS NEWLY BUILT RICHMOND HILL HOME has definite curve appeal. “My husband and I like contemporary design, but had always lived in more traditional homes,” says dermatologist Jaleh Rangchi, who lives there with her husband Khosrow, a civil engineer. “Our designer thought adding more soft shapes would make modern decor easier for us to live with.”

This yin-yang approach – combining the linearity of modern design with curved motifs – is most evident in the kitchen of the home.

Banks of squared-off, plain-panel cabinetry are unbroken by any visible hardware, and accessed by hidden latches. Instead of a uniform highgloss finish, they are covered top to bottom with white mdf with distinctive textures that create a 3d wave pattern. “We just love this room,” says Jaleh. “It’s really different, but also easy to live with. We get many compliments from guests.”

It would take many tests of various materials to find just the right combination of texture and pattern for the cabinetry finish. “Modern interiors are often so linear and rigid,” says the designer Sherry Larjani, principal at NettHaus Design-Build, who conceived and executed the project. “So we added curved shapes and natural elements wherever possible.”

That design approach is most evident in the central staircase. The simple structure takes on a sculptural quality, composed of vertical oak planks cut into curvaceous shapes.

Its planning and construction was more like that of an art installation. Because each board is slightly different in curved shape and size, they all had to be laser-cut and then installed.

There are hundreds of them, and it was a lengthy process to get just the right curves in just the right places, says the designer. •

The wall around the fireplace is painted deep apricot, inspired by the copper sheeting on the surround. Cut into sinuous shapes, the metal accent mimics a form taken from Nature, while fireplace flames appear to rise from it. Tufted leather and chrome sofas, side tables: Bijan Interiors.

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DESIGN

The central staircase is a sculptural element, constructed of hundreds of oak planks, each of a different size and curvature. They were custom-cut by Toronto’s Lumicision Inc. to meet the designer’s exacting design.

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The staircase is the first thing to strike the eye when one walks through the front door. Behind it, hidden from view, is the family room. The stairs facing the door lead to the second floor; behind a central partition, another flight of stairs descends to the finished basement, which has an additional bedroom and full bathroom.

The bold use of copper accents in the open-concept kitchen, dining area and living room also has a softening effect, says the designer. Larjani wanted to use metals, but Jaleh worried the effect might be harsh or overly industrial. However, she liked the softness and warmth of copper, a luxurious metal long associated with high-end gourmet cookware.

But would it be too much? Especially since the designer had planned to have sheets of copper custom-cut into an organic shape and applied to the fireplace surround. Set against a wall painted a deep apricot, it would become an arresting focal point. “To test public reaction, we first showed a prototype design in a home-show display,” says Larjani. “We not only got lots of compliments but also an award for best booth.”

The copper will develop a patina naturally over time and harmonize even more beautifully with the natural woods used throughout the home. Hardwood flooring of five-inch oak planks stained onsite flows seamlessly •

DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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Dining table: Bellini Furniture; copper Real Good chairs: Urban Mode.

“It’s really different, but also easy to live with.

We get many compliments from guests.”

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DESIGN

The distinctive wave pattern on the kitchen cabinets plays beautifully against the copper counter stools, chandelier and range hood. The island is topped with an eight-inchthick slab of reclaimed walnut.

MDF: Richelieu Hardware; appliances: KitchenAid; counters and backsplash: Caesarstone; copper Real Good bar stools: Urban Mode; chandelier: Universal Lighting.

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DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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The family room’s minimal decor keeps the focus on the fireplace and television. Curved architectural details are carried from ceiling to floor along the surround, and inset lighting eliminates the need for additional lamps. Twopiece sofa: Versace.

“To test public reaction, we first showed a prototype design in a home show display.

We not only got lots of compliments but also an award for best booth.”

Designer Sherry Larjani found this sculpture by an unknown artist while shopping for furniture. The Kardashian-esque shape seemed to epitomize the design concept: white and clean with lovely curves.

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DESIGN

A soft purple accent wall helps personalize the master bedroom.

“White is very soothing and calming, but a little bit of colour is always needed in a bedroom to get you up and out of bed.�

The custom headboard continues the curved theme to create a sculptural wall feature, to which the bed frame is attached.

An all-white colour scheme helps create a serene oasis for the homeowners with ample cabinetry to keep them organized. A strip of black glass mosaic tiles provides textural relief and a pebble effect against the plain white marble floor tiles. Rectangular bathtub: Taps Bath Centre; tiles: Oro.

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DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

through both storeys. A slab of reclaimed walnut sits atop the kitchen island, and cross-cut slabs of the same wood were used in the living room’s side tables.

The homeowner’s favourite room is the master suite, with its large walk-in closet and all-white bathroom. The bedroom’s large custom headboard adds curved shapes and becomes a sculptural feature. The designer injected colour into the all-white colour scheme through accent walls, here a lovely soft purple.

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A different accent colour was used to distinguish each of the four upstairs bedrooms and their ensuite bathrooms. Bright red appears in one, yellow in another, and black-and-silver in the third. “White is very soothing and calming, but a little bit of colour is always needed in a bedroom to get you up and out of bed,” says Larjani.

The designer configured the main floor with entertaining in mind. Guests who enter have a choice of heading for the living and

dining rooms to the left, or the kitchen and bar area to the right. Now that the couple’s young adult children have all moved out, more gatherings with family and friends lie ahead. “We just might work less and entertain more,” says Jaleh. “It will be a pleasure to show people our beautiful home.” •

The main floor powder room has a striking feature wall. The glass mosaic tiles carry over the 3D effect that appears throughout the home. Checkerboard pattern marble floor tiles and a gleaming white sink and vanity complete the look. Tiles: Oro Tiles.

(Left) Every second-floor guest bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom, each of which was given an individual colour scheme. Splashes of red accent this one, yellow and earth tones another, and the third is silver and black.

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DESIGN

1. SILVER SHIMMER This Argento bow-front cabinet on tapering square legs, crafted in 19th-century Italy, is adorned with hand-painted floral vases. Below the bow-front drawer, two central doors open to reveal an adjustable shelf.

——— Import Temptations 1287 Caledonia Rd., North York www.import-temptations.com 416-256-3150

2. LIGHTHEARTED FUN This pendant light features glass globes perched on fully adjustable arms, so have fun and customize it to suit your taste. It’s finished in your choice of burnished brass or polished nickel, detailed with two-tone flatblack inflections.

——— Litemode 8355 Jane St., Unit 2, Vaughan www.litemode.ca 905-738-8889

4. STRONG PRESENCE This tufted-back sofa combines comfort and good looks in one impressive package. Also available as a sectional, it can be custom-upholstered in any fabric or leather. For instance, you could go for the tufted back in leather, with cushions upholstered in fabric. Choice of wood or metal legs. Made in the USA. ——— Import Temptations 1287 Caledonia Rd., North York www.import-temptations.com 416-256-3150

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3. CURVE INTO COMFORT The sinuous curves of the Organic Chair are welcoming. With a fibreglass frame, it’s supported by legs of solid American walnut. We show it in leather, but it can also be obtained in a wool/polyester fabric in light grey, red, black, green tweed or charcoal tweed.

——— Morba 665-667 Queen St. W., Toronto www.morba.ca 416-364-5144

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DESIGN

1. DECK DETAIL Decks situated low to the ground can be a great alternative to stonework around pools and other areas in the backyard. Not only do they add extra dimension to design, but they’re also more pleasant to walk on and heat up less in the sun.

——— Royal Decks B10 - 996 Westport Cr., Mississauga www.royaldecks.ca 905-901-3560 ~ 1-866-399-4616

2. BANISH THE DARK Channel your inner Jedi with the Light Sabre ceiling fixture. Its height is adjustable, as are its individual arms. Composed of glass tubes and metal frames in either gold or matte black finish, it’s available in a small or a large version.

——— Morba 665-667 Queen St. W., Toronto www.morba.ca 416-364-5144

3. A LULU OF A SOFA The Lulu sofa, made in Spain, is a reinterpretation of the classic Chesterfield. Its beautiful curve can be a striking feature in an open-concept space, and cozy in a small space. We show it in a luxurious velvet, but many other fabric selections are available. Exclusively at Martin Daniel Interiors.

——— Martin Daniel Interiors 2663 Steeles Ave. W., Toronto www.martindanielinteriors.com 416-667-0080

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Pool Party Pool Party

PowerView™ Motorization PowerView™ Motorization

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PowerView ItIntroducing moves your Motorization shades,from soHunter youDouglas. don’t have to. ™

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Introducing PowerView and activities. Just program your personalized settings with your smart phone or tablet, and let PowerView do the A remarkable that automatically moves your shades throughout the day,designed according to your schedule rest.* You cannew evensystem activate a pre-programmed setting with a touch of our brilliantly PowerView Pebble™ and activities.

JustHow program your personalized settings with your smart phone or tablet, and PowerView dousthe Scene Controller. smart—intelligent shades that simplify your life. To see PowerView in let motion, contact today. rest.* You can even activate a pre-programmed setting with a touch of our brilliantly designed PowerView Pebble™ Scene Controller. How smart—intelligent shades that simplify your life. To see PowerView in motion, contact us today.

The PowerView Pebble is available in seven colors.

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Bring this ad in to receive free install on your Hunter Douglas product.

CELEBRATING 63 YEARS!

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*The PowerView App and additional equipment required for programmed operation. © 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

14-09-26 3:56 PM

Visit our new 10,000 sq. ft. Designer showroom located at 35 Dufflaw Rd. X-TILE TORONTO NORTH 78 Signet Drive, Toronto Hwy 400 & Finch Avenue 416.749.7111 X-TILE MISSISSAUGA 563 Queensway East, Mississauga Queensway & Cawthra Road 905.949.8453

X-TILE TORONTO CENTRAL 35 Dufflaw Road, Toronto Dufferin & Lawrence 416.783.8453

SIGNET LOCATION CLOSES AT 4PM ON SUNDAY

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DESIGN

1. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Whether you’re a fan of Ondrícek or Queen, this Bohemian Rhapsody carpet will have you singing. Its playful design can be interpreted as a blown-up floral, and at the same time it almost has a look of marvellous sea creatures growing on the ocean floor. This finely hand-knotted carpet of wool and silk adds a touch of whimsy.

Sand is the colour shown.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 www.weaversart.com ^ ^

2. FORM AND FUNCTION REDEFINED The Sony premium 4K Ultra HD TV offers the brilliant contrast, colour and detail of 4K with high dynamic range and the power of Android TV. Enjoy the breathtaking brightness and detailed black levels, plus lifelike colour, of the Triluminos display.

With its super-thin design, this TV is as beautiful to look at as it is to watch.

——— Trutone Electronics 980 Dundas St. E., Mississauga www.trutone.ca 844-980-3838

4. BOWFRONT BEAUTY This okoume-veneered break bowfront console dessert features fine brass mounts and a white-veined black marble top above three frieze drawers. Below is a mirror back before panelled square legs joined by two brass gallery undertiers, on square tapering legs with brass feet.

53"W x 17"D x 37"H. ——— Treasures & Company 8101 Yonge St., Thornhill 905-763-0349 www.treasuresco.com

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3. RADIATING CHARM The sleek and functional design of the Runtal Flow Form baseboard radiator presents the nostalgic charm of early industrial design while being a contemporary twist on modern aesthetics. It’s available in an array of finishes in both hot water (hydronic) and steam heat models.

——— Runtal North America www.runtalnorthamerica.com 1-800-526-2621

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DESIGN

1. NORTHERN TERRAIN Inspired by the craggy landscape of the Canadian North, the Cemento carpet features stony shades of brown, intersected by silken blues ranging from pale and watery shades to deep slate. This carpet has been finely knotted in Nepal of Tibetan wool and silk.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 www.weaversart.com

2. BEAUTY SLEEP The Swirl King Venetian upholstered bed, by fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, boasts three varieties of mirror on the headboard – Venetian, églomisé and mercury glass – all etched, scalloped and dusted in silver, topped with a mirrored cartouche. With a frame of poplar and hardwood solids, this beauty is ready to whisk you off to dreamland. Also available in queen size.

——— Zilli Home Interiors 672 Chrislea Rd., Woodbridge www.zillihome.com 289-268-0020

3. A SETTEE FOR THEE AND ME The Connaught settee from Theodore Alexander has an ebonized solid mahogany frame with gilt detailing, and a seat upholstered in linen-weave fabric. This settee presents comfortable seating without the bulk of a typical sofa. 50"W x 25"D x 33"H. ——— Treasures & Company 8101 Yonge St., Thornhill 905-763-0349 www.treasuresco.com

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YOUR ROME AWAY FROM ROME FOR

YOUR HOME

A Time to Celebrate ...

Since May 1986, we have continued the family tradition of offering the finest service to match the finest in European furnishings. We would like to thank our customers for their continued loyalty and look forward to serving you in the future.

Visit our showroom and enjoy!

The Simone family

CONTEMPORARY | MODERN LIVING | CLASSIQUE

2663 Steeles Ave. W., Toronto, ON | 416.667.0080 www.martindanielinteriors.com

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LIFESTYLE

STAR

TREATMENT

Beloved by celebrities, jewelry designer Mark Lash gives all his clients a red-carpet welcome

BY SUSAN KELLY

Mark Lash 480 Eglinton Ave. W. ~ 416-256-5229 9033 Leslie St., #8, Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229

IT’S EASY TO GET STARSTRUCK at Mark Lash, a company that designs and sells fine jewelry at two Toronto locations.

In addition to moviestar good looks, the designer behind the name has built quite the reputation over the past 30 years as designer to the celebrity elite. Bruno Mars, Shania Twain, Anne Murray and Jessi Cruickshank are just some of his famous clients.

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It’s also a great place for those of us who aren’t front-row at the Grammys or Juno Awards to get some A-list treatment.

What sets Mark Lash apart is his bespoke approach. He creates and showcases unique jewelry that is not only perfect for the occasion but that captures the wearer’s personality. He’s also known for his custom engagement- and wedding-ring designs, says Dalia Lash, who is married to Mark and is co-owner of the Eglinton Ave. location along with business partner Laurie Goodman.

“We work closely with clients just as we would with a stylist,” says Dalia Lash. They might come in with an outfit or an idea as a starting point. Dalia recently helped a bride’s mother find vine-motif earrings in the in-store collection that perfectly complemented her gown.

Custom-made pieces can be created by Mark Lash or one of the other talented designers on his team. Behind everything created is an experienced team of sales associates, designers and gemologists. Pieces are handcrafted in the state-of-the-art workshop and platinum studio located in the Richmond Hill store.

The stores also carry a collection of jewelry suited for casual lifestyles, such as lariat necklaces, bangles, earrings or rings that are contemporary and can be worn daily. And customers can keep it ultra-simple by adding a pair of “climber” earrings set with tiny diamonds, or a chunky grey sapphire ring. The Eglinton Ave. location also offers ear-piercing services.

Just walking into the stunning Eglinton Ave. store can feel like a red-carpet occasion. Toronto design firm Burdifilek has won international design awards for the elegant space with its cool marble and patterned glass interior. Floor-toceiling mirrors slide along the walls, so clients can get the full effect when trying on jewelry.

But there’s also a very personal touch at both Mark Lash locations. Some people wouldn’t trust anyone else to custom-design, redesign, repair or appraise their most precious jewelry.

And some turn to Mark Lash to commemorate milestone occasions.

“We start them young with ear-piercing, and our relationships continue to grow over the generations,” says Dalia •

LIFESTYLE TORONTO TRENDS 2016

“We work closely with clients just as we would with a stylist.”

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ART

Artistic Expression From Within Toronto painter Rachel Ovadia looks inward to create her abstract works

BY JULIE GEDEON

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ART TORONTO TRENDS 2016

VARIOUS SHADES OF WHITE occupy focal space in Rachel Ovadia’s paintings these days. The white reflects the pure state of consciousness this painter meditatively enters into to paint from an inner voice. “My sole responsibility is to create art that imparts the purity of my thoughts, feelings and sincerity,” Ovadia says.

Reaching this point has been a long and sometimes arduous journey. Growing up in Lithuania under Soviet rule, Ovadia never felt safe expressing herself in art. “We were always guided in terms of what and how to draw, which shut down my inner voice,” she says. “But I still admired the art I saw in buildings and recognized that art and design are intricately linked.”

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The liberty she embraced after fleeing her country of birth gave her an immense desire to experience more of the world’s greatest art and architecture. She enrolled at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels and journeyed throughout Western Europe to see original works by various masters.

“When my instructor said my paintings reminded him of Willem de Kooning’s style, I knew nothing about the artist,” she says. But she made it her business to learn all about the Dutch-American abstract expressionist, whose life spanned most of the 20th century.

The limited opportunities for young artists to exhibit their work within Europe’s cultural centres prompted Ovadia to immigrate

to Canada. “I studied the North American art scene by visiting numerous galleries and exhibits, while also finding and expressing my own voice,” she says.

North American art impressed her in the late '80s and early '90s, but she rejected what she later found to be a lot of repetitiveness. “It’s easy for artists to become overly influenced by trending structures, colours and styles,” Ovadia says. “Fortunately, it prompted me to go deeper inside myself to express my uniqueness – totally abandoning the idea of doing what’s ‘right’ in favour of what’s ‘real’ for me.”

Her artistic freedom derives from extensive soul-searching. “I finally came to the conclusion that my work doesn’t need to be

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ART

“I finally came to the conclusion that my work doesn’t need to be perfect, which enables me to paint without anxiety.”

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ART TORONTO TRENDS 2016

• perfect, which enables me to paint without anxiety,” she says. “My art is a journey with each painting expressing another step along the way.”

Ovadia’s work has been exhibited in galleries across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. She’s currently working on a new series titled Botanicals. “It’s not so much about the outside of a flower, but the depth of Nature’s beautiful symmetry if you closely examine how flowers are constructed,” she says.

Some of her current abstracts contain the soft hues of the meditative state she enters into to listen to her inner voice. “I hope this art instills that same quietness/calmness for

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others when they need it most,” she says.

The bright orange and red in other pieces represent life’s energy, while dark greens, and even grey, acknowledge there are days when the sun doesn’t shine, although its imminent return is indicated with minor yellow brushstrokes to give us all hope.

Ovadia’s work often explores the outdoors.

Her large Magic Forest canvas, for example, depicts Nature’s loveliness but also the darker elements of fear that a child experiences walking alone under hovering trees.

Ma ny of her pieces feat u re t he symbol of eternity. It’s emblematic of her

determination to work ad infinitum at her art.

The various shades of white representing the purity of her intentions also underscore her belief in the Japanese principle of giving empty space the same importance as filled areas. “You can’t clutter a piece and have the real art come through,” she says.

Black is the hue that rarely appears in Ovadia’s paintings. “To me, black evokes nostalgic elements of grief and pessimism,” she says.

“So I turn to a pure palette of colours that represent optimism when I’m expressing myself.”

To this artist, it’s all about finding the white space at the centre of everything. •

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DESIGN

1. VIVID VIBE Layers of lime green and clear sky blue give a happy tropical vibration to this Antigua carpet. Perfect for a bright family room or cottage, this 100-per-cent wool design is light and lush, yet tough enough for a busy family space.

——— Weavers Art 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 416-929-7929 162 Bedford Rd., Toronto ~ 416-923-7929 www.weaversart.com

2. AN ECHO OF ART DECO From Theodore Alexander’s Vanucci Eclectics collection comes the Tulip console table. In rosewood with brass stringing, it features a rectangular brass-edged top and an inswept tulip base on a sweeping stepped plinth base.

50"W x 16"D x 36"H. ——— Treasures & Company 8101 Yonge St., Thornhill 905-763-0349 www.treasuresco.com

3. WRITE WITH JOY This exuberantly decorated piece of furniture is aptly known as the Fleur de Glee writing desk. From fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, it’s crafted from poplar and hardwood solids and ornamented with birch veneers, metal, silver leaf, floral paper and tempered glass. It also boasts a fluted-leg base, drop-front drawer for keyboard use, protective glass top, and drawers with strong dovetail construction.

——— Barrymore Furniture 1168 Caledonia Rd., Toronto www.barrymorefurniture.com 416-532-2891

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Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional or ultra-modern, we create to please the mind's pursuit of excitement and luxury.

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In Select Stores Across Canada and USA 1168 Caledonia Road Toronto North of Castlefield Avenue 416-532-2891 barrymorefurniture.com Handmade in Toronto

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DESIGN

NOBLE MATERIALS New home in Armour Heights is built for beauty and sustainability

BY SUSAN KELLY · PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL · STYLING: VANESSA SUPPA

The homeowners wanted one large combination living and family room. The wood-burning fireplace of custom-fabricated black steel provides the focal point. Metal fireplace and coffee table: Bazay Blacksmithing; patchwork carpet of recycled rugs: Elte Second Life; sofas: Montauk; side chairs: Cisco Brothers.

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DESIGN

“WE WANTED THE MATERIALS THEMSELVES TO SHINE THROUGH AND EXCEL, AND WE INSISTED ON REAL VERSUS MANUFACTURED ELEMENTS WHEREVER POSSIBLE.”

THE OWNERS OF THIS STYLISH and distinctive newly built home in Toronto live in their own material world. “We wanted the materials themselves to shine through and excel,” says the homeowner. “And we insisted on real versus manufactured elements wherever possible.”

The couple, who work together in a family business, were first attracted to the lot in the Armour Heights area. About 60 feet wide by 160 feet deep, the irregular-shaped lot, an overgrown grassy patch, was home to wild rabbits and had several graceful mature trees.

They could easily envision a new four-bedroom home there, the perfect place to raise their three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter.

The homeowner and his wife provided architect Mahir Manios of Manarch Design with layouts of houses they liked in the neighbourhood. Determined to get the modern and minimalist look they were after, they remained hands-on during the entire project. “We weren’t going for unique, although that’s what happened eventually,” says the homeowner.

“Resale or profit was never on the table; we built it for us, for the way we wanted to live.”

On the home’s front facade, artfully arranged Eramosa limestone brickwork is punctuated

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by aluminum panels and a striking mahogany-planked door on the two-car garage.

“The doors and windows were integral to the modern design,” says Edgar Sigal, principal and owner of Chateau Window & Door Systems, adding that in installing the home’s windows and doors, his company worked closely with the architect “to come up with a slim-line solution to enhance the design.”

The windows’ edgy asymmetrical design enhances the modern signature. The smaller portion can be opened and shut, while the larger is a fixed pane. And all products at this company are Canadian-made in factories with a green commitment, which was also a must for the owners. The materials used are non-toxic and produced in an environmentally sensitive manner, using low-VOC paints, for example.

A 20-foot-wide set of sliding doors helps keep things light in the kitchen and dining area. The doors were essential when so many of the design elements are on the dark-toned side, such as the seven-inch planks of hand-scraped brushed oak underfoot throughout the ground floor, a coved ceiling with inset Douglas fir, and countertops covered with black leathered granite. “Even with such large •

DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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The contemporary design showcased such natural materials as Eramosa limestone bricks and rich mahogany.

Windows of varying sizes enhance the aesthetic.

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DESIGN

and heavy panels, the glass doors lift and slide easily so two thirds can be open at a time,” says Sigal. “The lift-and-slide doors were manufactured with the narrowest possible profiles to maximize the glass area in the kitchen and dining room. And the windows and doors were custom-made from vertical-grain Douglas fir to complement the ceiling.”

For the homeowners, it also created a seamless flow from the kitchen and dining area to the back deck. “It’s the part of the house we spend the most time in,” the homeowner says. “Being open to the backyard in summer is a huge bonus.”

Here, as in every room in the house, having an integrated sound system means the family can listen to music while cooking, which is important to them. These days, the homeowner admits, most of the playlist is geared toward the little ones.

On the opposite half of the wide-open-concept main floor is the living room. Here the couple bucked conventional design wisdom.

Although advised to have separate living and family rooms, they knew that one large, 21-by25-foot space would better suit their lifestyle.

The focal wall is partially covered with the same limestone used on the exterior. A towering ponytail palm sits on the stone hearth, one of several large houseplants in the home.

The emerging trend for more interior greenery aside, the owners believe plants perform an important function as living things that help to clean the air. •

Flat-front cabinetry, leathered granite counters and unobtrusive appliances create a functional and stylish kitchen and dining space with a view of the outdoors. Dining table: Cabinet; chairs, counter stools: Elte; light fixtures: Commute Home; custom range hood: Bazay Blacksmithing; 48-inch gas range: Wolf; dishwasher, Bosch.

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DESIGN

“EVEN WITH SUCH LARGE AND HEAVY PANELS, THE GLASS DOORS LIFT AND SLIDE EASILY SO TWO THIRDS CAN BE OPEN AT A TIME.”

Designer Jodie Rosen created a wall feature of Japanese porcelain tiles to form a backdrop on the landing of the steel-framed staircase. Tiles: INAX Japan; chandelier: VISO.

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DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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The large window in the home office helps create the appearance of seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, a highly desired feature for the homeowners. Window: Chateau Window & Door Systems; chairs: Style Garage; end table: Elte Market; plant: Sheridan Nurseries.

This bedroom is inhabited by the homeowners’ son.

It was purposely designed for him to grow into.

“And he just loves having a big-boy room,” says the homeowner.

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DESIGN

Large Mare Bianco limestone tiles were laid at angles in the chic master bathroom. A stand-alone tub is largely decorative; the homeowners make most use of the shower with its sophisticated steam feature, rain head and four inset body jets. Chandelier: Royal Lighting.

(Top) As in the rest of the home, large windows in the master bedroom keep things bright and maintain a sense of connection with the outdoors. Chandeliers: Royal Lighting.

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DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

And the logs piled under the elongated hearth are not for decoration: it is a wood-burning fireplace. “We know gas is the thing these days,” the homeowner says. “But there really is nothing like a wood fire, and it’s something we really wanted.” The dramatic black steel fireplace surround and coffee table were custom-made by Bazay Blacksmithing of Toronto, which also crafted the range hood in the kitchen.

The home’s showpiece stands stage centre.

The stairway leading to the second-floor bedrooms is a modern, linear confection of black

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steel pickets and posts, and an oak railing.

Behind it, there’s a dramatic backdrop: an imposing wall feature of black architectural ceramic tiles by INAX Japan that spans two floors. The panel is framed in metal and is LED-backlit, which renders it a virtual art installation. This, as so many masterstrokes in the home’s design, was the inspiration of the couple’s interior designer, Jodie Rosen of Jodie Rosen Design.

So much of building a new home is best left to the experts. But the homeowner and

his wife find a great sense of joy and pride in being in on the important decisions. “It turned out even better than we expected,” says the homeowner. “It’s the ideal house to raise our children in and is true to the kind of people we are.” •

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Hot Water (Hydronic)

Electric

The Fine Art of Radiators

Our showroom is located at: 2861 Sherwood Heights Drive, Unit 21, in Oakville.

Hours are: M-F 9-5 or by appointment.

For a virtual tour go to: www.runtalnorthamerica.com.

Tel: 1-905-829-4941

From baseboards to wall panels, to elegant curves and towel radiators, Runtal manufactures the perfect welded steel radiators for hot water (hydronic) and electric heating systems.

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ARCHITECTURE TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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HEAVEN’S ABOVE

There’s a certain charm to the idea of a rooftop terrace, a patch of green amid all the grey and brown, the concrete and tar of most city skylines.

But there’s also a great deal of benefit from a rooftop terrace or, better yet, an entire green roof.

Green roofs confer aesthetic and environmental benefits

Photos courtesy of Architek

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN PHOTOGRAPHY: BRETT RYAN STUDIOS

The term “green” is sometimes defined rather loosely, so we’ll go with the definition used by Green Roofs For Healthy Cities, a North American industry association: a green roof is a “contained green space on top of a human-made structure,” a form of “living architecture.”

Ron Schwenger is principal of the firm Architek Sustainable Building Products, a living architecture technologies company in Vancouver. He explains a green roof as “vegetated overburden” on a roof, analogous to the overburden of shingles or tar and gravel. And we’re not talking about planters or other containers scattered decoratively across the expanse; we’re talking major coverage – up to an entire roof. •

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There’s no doubt that green roofs impart a sense of beauty and a feeling of being close to Nature amid urban concrete and glass. Green roofs touch both the public and private domains, says architect Owen Rose, principal of Rose Architecture in Montreal who has been building green roofs since 2004. “Greening of the city helps calm people down and produces less stressful environments,” he says. He also points out that “with any gardening, whether it’s the roof or the front yard or wherever, it creates opportunities for social exchange.” In addition, “There’s also a better connection between us and Nature. We’re more connected to why the environment is important.”

Apart from aesthetics, green roofs have immense practical value. They reduce the urban heat island effect. All those areas of the city that used to be grass and trees are now glass and concrete, being hit by sunlight and keeping local temperature elevated – a microclimate that’s unwanted in what seem to be increasingly warm summers. Countering this is vegetation, which has a daily dew and evaporation cycle. It also shades and reflects sunlight, helping to cool the area.

Green roofs play another important part in local ecology. “We rely very heavily on pollinators, both insects and animals, for our food supply,” Schwenger says. “A green roof provides habitat for insects.”

A vegetative carpet insulates a building during the winter and provides cooling through transpiration in the summer. According to the 2015 Annual Green Roof Industry Survey, some green roof systems reduce daily energy demands by as much as 75 per cent. The survey also notes that they provide an acoustic buffer year-round and help reduce pollution by trapping particulate matter and airborne pollutants.

Storm-water management is a major, if not the major, objective of green roofs in urban areas. Joy Schmidt, president of Vitaroofs International, points out that in dense urban areas “lots of condos are being built. Green spaces are being replaced with impermeable surfaces like concrete. Where is all the water going?” A heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm storm sewers, as residents of Toronto and Montreal know all too well. •

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“A green roof retains a certain amount of water on the rooftop so it’s not a strain on the sewage system,” Schmidt says.

Although green roofs have been popular in Europe for decades, they’ve only recently been making an impact in North America. Schmidt did her bit to start the trend. In her native Germany she worked with Wolfgang Behrens, known as “the father of green roofs.” She was part of Behrens’s team that installed in 2002 what is one of the world’s largest extensive green roofs, on the Ford Motor Company’s plant in Michigan. When she arrived in Toronto, she continued advocating for green roofs. She was commissioned by renowned architect Eberhard Zeidler to install on his home what is claimed to be the first green roof on a Toronto residence.

In 2009, the City of Toronto, cognizant of the benefits of green roofs, became the first city in North America to require green roofs on most new development whether residential, commercial or institutional. Quebec is the first jurisdiction in North America with a province-wide set of norms for green roofs.

What goes on a green roof depends on the local climate. Sedums are popular, being hardy succulents that are drought-tolerant.

More elaborate installations can include grasses, flowers, vegetables and even shrubs.

For a homeowner, there’s an immediate practical reason to want a green roof: it protects the roof membrane. A green roof on a residence typically consists of several layers: at the bottom a root barrier, then a protection mat or a drainage layer (which usually can hold some water), a filter sheet, growth medium, and vegetation. These layers are protective of the roof membrane.

“A green roof can give a huge return on investment,” says Schwenger. “Roof membranes break down because of temperature differences between night and day; membranes are constantly expanding and contracting. A green layer on a membrane keeps the temperature constant, so a roof membrane can last four times as long as normal.” •

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“There’s also a better connection between us and Nature. We’re more connected to why the environment is important.”

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DESIGN

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities - North America Inc. www.greenroofs.org

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Green Pages: Green Roof & Wall Industry Directory 2015/16. www.issuu.com/grhcna/docs/grhc

Annual Green Roof Industry Survey. www.greenroofs.org

DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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Practically any flat roof can be “planted” as long as it is structurally able to carry the weight involved. (Some sloped roofs are also suitable but can be more complicated to deal with.) The investment required varies widely, depending on the type of roofing – membrane, built-up (tar and gravel), or modified bitumen (single-ply rolled) – and the structural strength of the building.

Rose, who has leed certification and is active in the Groupe de travail sur les toitures végétalisées (gttv) of Montreal, estimates that, in Montreal, costs run between $18 and $25 per square foot for a new membrane and a uniform vegetated roof; for a green roof system alone, the cost per square foot could be $12-$16 for a basic installation.

The roof must also be maintained, just like a garden. Regular maintenance is required to sustain lush and healthy vegetation. The upside is that regular maintenance probably costs less than fixing a neglected roof, says Schmidt.

Installing a green roof is not a do-it-yourself project. The building must be structurally sound, which often requires assessment by a structural engineer. The installation is also best left to experts such as companies with plenty of experience or individuals with Green Roof Professional accreditation, conferred by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Some professionals with leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification are also well-versed in the installation of green roofs.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities publishes an industry directory of reputable companies.

Having a green roof takes some forethought, but the results are worth it. It’s a boon for the environment, it’s a civically responsible thing to do. And it can soothe the spirit. As Rose says, a green roof can be “captivating, poetic.” Good reasons, all. •

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ART

BOLD STROKES

BY JULIE GEDEON

VISITORS to the Art Gallery of Ontario can experience the impact that Toronto abstract artist Zan Rococo achieves with her large-scale paintings. “I often create a surface that lends itself to people standing in front of art much larger than they are and being pulled into the work for the closer look,” Rococo says. “But the lines and angles in my work are so condensed that you also have the effect of being pushed out again to view it from more of a distance. This pull and push is the part of the physical effect I aim to have on viewers with these works.”

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Photo: Jefre Nicholls

Abstract painter Zan Rococo stretches the bounds of artistic expression

Rococo’s works include a series inspired by Chinese calligraphy; however, she takes that art form beyond its traditions. Her early paintings are examples of practising calligraphy strokes while taking them to a much larger canvas, making them uniquely her own.

“I start every work with a balance between a plan and responding to what the piece requires in that moment,” she says of her process.

“I see how far I can go beyond the rules or limitations that I impose on myself with the media I’ve chosen for the work.”

Rococo often transcends the artist’s canvas through her creative process. “Some of my works are a long-term process of accumulation that involves using about two gallons of latex paint in multiple layers and sandpapering each layer so that the canvas itself disappears even when you look up close,” she says. “Someone might ask why I don’t just paint on a smooth texture instead but I’m still very much a canvas painter exploring how to push the bounds of that medium while maintaining it as my foundational structure.”

She has been motivated to use various means other than a paintbrush. “I’m drawn to ink, spray paint, large markers and paint rollers – anything that gives me the ability to create my own gestures,” she says.

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NIKO, latex paint and ink on canvas, 80" x 56"

ART TORONTO TRENDS 2016

TFCG, latex paint and ink on linen, 132" x 60"

“I’m drawn to ink, spray paint, large markers and paint rollers…”

Rococo says she has always been contemplative in her approach, naturally as a child and consciously as she became older. “It wasn’t just about doing the art assignment or activity,” she says in reference to her school days.

“I would really think about it to the point where it seemed like I was sitting there doing nothing.”

Her seriousness ironically almost caused her to fail art at the Catholic high school she attended near Toronto, while also launching her creative force. “Most of the regular art curriculum involved spending days recreating Renaissance paintings, using raw sienna and burnt umber paints to reproduce the skin tones,” she recalls. “I didn’t connect with realism, and it was only when I replaced raw sienna with primary yellow that I began to find the avenue for my art and started to develop ideas about what I wanted to do next.” •

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ART

Swans Paradise, latex paint and ink on canvas, 98" x 56"

LEHMB, latex paint and ink on linen, 132" x 60"

While still in high school, Rococo independently sought out $10 drop-in life-drawing classes at ocad (Ontario College of Art and Design), which featured a nude model. “If I didn’t have these kinds of separate facilities, I don’t know how I would have developed my own voice,” she says.

Back in high school, she arrived at a point when she refused to participate in her art class until her teacher permitted her to produce what she wanted. “I painted these two beautiful canvases without instruction,” Rococo says. “I needed the freedom to do things my own way.”

At Ottawa’s Carleton University, she enrolled in philosophy and law. “I wasn’t really interested in going to art school,” she says. “I was asking questions that were informing my art that were really outside the realm of an art curriculum. They were more philosophical questions and a lot of my work doesn’t have to do with the art itself, but questioning.”

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“I see how far I can go beyond the rules or limitations that I impose on myself with the media I’ve chosen for the work.”

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IFTTS, latex paint and ink on canvas, 120" x 60"

PVC, latex paint and ink on linen, 132" x 60"

Rococo’s first gallery exhibit took place after she boldly approached renowned artist Gerhard Becker. “I literally walked into his Ottawa gallery with my student portfolio of paintings on paper and said, ‘Hi, I’d like to show you my work.’ At first his jaw dropped because it’s not done that way, but then he said, ‘Okay, let’s see’ and agreed to exhibit several canvases.”

The bold lines in some of her current works often appear to push beyond the boundaries of the original canvas. “I want these site-imposed works to be intrusive – very much in your face – rather than site-specific,” she says.

Once she has envisioned the challenge for a new work, she allows it to emerge with spontaneous immediacy. “I don’t like to redo anything,” she says. “Once the coat of white is down and I begin according to what I had planned, everything from that point has to be very instinctual for me, as unedited as possible.”

When a painting is completed, Rococo is interested more in how other people view it rather than imposing her own interpretation of it. •

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DESIGN

INSPIRED BY THE PAST, CRAFTED FOR THE FUTURE Family-run business makes fine furniture in time-honoured fashion

“VALUE IS A WORD THAT I KEEP COMING BACK TO,” says Leah Sherwood, design specialist at Chic By Janssen, makers of fine furniture. “Our workmanship is a source of pride for us, and the quality is a source of pride for us.”

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“Having our own manufacturing facility is quality control that you can’t buy.”

Rug by Weavers Art

CHIC BY JANSSEN 3836 Main Street, Jordan ~ 905-562-0083 1184 Castlefield Ave., Toronto ~ 647-925-3098 www.chicbyjanssen.com

Sherwood and her brother, operations manager Jesse Janssen, help to run Chic By Janssen, the company started by their father nearly three decades ago. The company was originally focused on selling antique furniture imported from Europe but, over time, the family patriarch wanted to be able to offer fine-quality reproductions.

Being Dutch, he and his business partner were aware of the exotic woods and fine craftsmanship in Indonesia. “They went to Indonesia, the two of them, and basically walked the streets until they found a manufacturer that made similar styles of hand-carved furniture,” recounts Jesse Janssen. “Eventually they built the company up enough that they could purchase their own factory. That way they could control the quality and the designs themselves.”

“Having our own manufacturing facility is quality control that you can’t buy,” adds Sherwood. She emphasizes that it’s not a cookie-cutter operation, churning out cheaply made

reproductions. The furniture is made in traditional ways, with attention to time-tested details, such as dovetailed joints. The factory also hires specialist artisans (leather stampers, for example) to teach Janssen employees their methods. “We keep coming back to the craft,” says Sherwood.

Most of the wood for their furniture is ethically sourced in Indonesia. The species used, such as mahogany, Asian oak, white cedar and rosewood, are native to Indonesia and harvested legally.

This attention to materials, craftsmanship and detail results in the superb reproductions (even the queen of England has used one of their writing desks) to be found in their showrooms in the town of Jordan, in the Toronto Castlefield Design District, and in an additional showroom in their Beamsville headquarters. But their market is even larger than that: through their website they sell to many locations around the world.

Recently, the showrooms have also been featuring transitional designs, constructed as ever with high-quality materials and workmanship. Chic

By Janssen is aware of the needs and aesthetics dictated by a wide range of upscale dwellings, from large homes to condos. For instance, the company sells small round dining tables that seat four but also offer longer tables that, when extended, will seat 20. In addition, the company has the right to replicate and sell library furniture called Studio Globe Wernicke. This is substantial, all-wood modular furniture in a traditional style that can be arranged to suit a variety of spaces.

The patriarch of the family is still involved in the business. Meanwhile, his children continue the tradition of craftsmanship and attention to detail. It’s a family affair, they say.

“We’re not just talking about genes,” Sherwood says. “There are people who have been working out of this head office for 20 someodd years. We also have clients who have been with us for that long.”

“The quality is there, and that's the first thing that everyone notices: the quality of the craftsmanship,” says Janssen. “We make furniture that can be kept in the family for generations.”

It might be said that Chic By Janssen is making today what will last to become the antiques of tomorrow. • THE TRENDS ISSUE

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AMENDING THE AMENITIES Replacement deck makes this backyard much more liveable

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN // PHOTOGRAPHY: LARRY ARNAL // STYLING: VANESSA SUPPA

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SOMETIMES, HAVING DYSFUNCTIONAL AMENITIES is worse than having none at all. When the current occupants bought this Lorne Park home, it had a deck, a pool and a cabana. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? But it was more frustrating than nice.

“There was no shade on the deck,” says one of the homeowners. “The cabana was way down at the end of the garden and had no practical use. There was little room for pool equipment,

no shade over the seating, no storage space. And the barbecue was there, too, but I couldn’t be bothered to cart everything way down there. It all felt so disconnected and meagre.”

After five years, the homeowner had had enough. It was time for a makeover. A new cabana was erected nearer the house, and she had Royal Decks build a larger deck. The patio, pool and cabana are directly outside the back of the house,

and immediately around a corner, but a storey above pool level, is the deck. It overlooks the pool at one end but gives onto dense foliage on the side.

“We wanted to maximize the deck size without obstructing a pathway below, alongside a retaining wall,” says Miro Simecek, president of Royal Decks. “We ended up designing an overhang above the retaining wall, and you can’t see the wall when you’re on the deck.” •

“The cabana is just perfect: we have shade, a TV, speakers, a fire table – it fulfills all our needs,” says the homeowner.

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The new deck is 14 feet deep – affording more than enough room for a dining table and chairs – and 23 feet long. To reinforce its generous, airy feeling while providing shade when necessary, Simecek and his team installed a retractable Sunbrella awning, operated by remote control.

One stipulation the homeowner made was that the deck blend in with its surroundings better than the former deck had. “We live on a ravine, and there’s lots of Nature around

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us,” the homeowner says. “I wanted it not to deck superstructure from hemlock. “It’s substand out, not detract from the surroundings. stantial, to give that nice rustic look, and the It should feel more of a part of everything.” hemlock will weather to grey,” Simecek says. • The sense of being connected to Nature is strong: instead of the traditional wooden rail- The ceiling of the cabana ings on the deck, “we installed a glass railing to is clad in ipe. “It’s low preserve the view,” Simecek says. “When you maintenance,” says Simecek. sit on the deck you almost don’t see the railing.” “It’s been oiled, and we’ll Other materials that were used also main- probably never have to tain that connection. Royal Decks built the repeat that.”

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“We live on a ravine, and there’s lots of Nature around us. I wanted it not to stand out, not detract from the surroundings.”

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The homeowner is delighted with the results, and also the process of getting those results.

“On the whole it went smoothly,” she says.

“Work started when Miro said it would. They took a lot of care in planning, giving us three-dimensional drawings so we could visualize the end result. It helped prevent major changes. I was impressed to see how well the construction went. This is what it should be like.”

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Now the main features of the backyard – deck, come around because we have lots of different pool and cabana – are all near each other, mak- spaces and don’t feel crowded. It gets us outside ing entertaining easier. The deck is accessible more. The whole backyard feels private, really from indoors and also from the backyard by calm and quiet, like you’re on vacation.” • steps at the corner of the house, which lead down to a smaller deck next to a hot tub and The flooring of the deck is pvc for low maintenance.

“I’m pleasantly surprised by how well the deck is weaththen down some more to the patio.

“We’re enticed to use the backyard a lot more,” ering,” says the homeowner. “And on the surface, you can’t see any nails or screws. It’s really great to walk on.” says the homeowner. “It’s great when friends

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LANDSCAPE

SWIM TIME

Backyard water features create an ultimate outdoor lifestyle CANADIANS LOVE THEIR BACKYARDS, and a growing number of us are transforming them into outdoor rooms, complete with decks, patios, spas and swimming pools. Toronto Home asked builder Rose Barroso, owner of Barroso Homes, for her take on what’s new in backyard installations.

“Modern luxury outdoor space will most likely include clean straight lines in swimming pool design.”

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Q: Rose, the metamorphosis of the backyard from nondescript patch of lawn into a total lifestyle space has been remarkable in the past decade. Describe the elements that Canadians are installing in their backyards to create outdoor rooms?

A: A home’s backyard is integral to creating a cohesive atmosphere from the interior to the exterior of the home. We continue to see a rising demand to make ordinary backyards extraordinary and luxurious.

Homeowners are now very interested in new tech-driven amenities. What matters most for consumers is the lifestyle a home offers.

The more amenities it has that cater to the luxurious lifestyle the more valuable the home becomes. Modern luxury features include outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, smokers and rotisseries, home theatres, fire features and such water elements as an infinity pool or koi pond.

For those looking for a more technological approach, projector screens and outdoor audio systems can be installed. Underwater speaker systems are also available so you can listen to your favorite calming music or party tracks.

Q: Manufacturers of materials used in outdoor rooms are responding. What new materials are being used to build decks and patios?

A: The available decking options are as vast as those for interiors. There’s classically inspired Italian marble, traditional concrete that has been reinvented and reinvigorated with an array of decorative finishes, flagstones with their natural feel, and innovative options, such as composite decking.

“The more amenities it has that cater to the luxurious lifestyle the more valuable the home becomes.

Modern luxury features include outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, smokers and rotisseries, home theatres, fire features and such water elements as an infinity pool or koi pond.”

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Q: What new materials are being used in swimming pools and pool decking?

A: From the simplicity of the standard white plaster to today’s array of multi-colored surface finishes, the choices are exciting. Pool plaster has evolved to include aggregates and other stones that add customizable effects, colours and textures. Aggregate pool finishes are noted for their beauty and durability. One of my favourite finishes is Pebble Tec (from Pebble Technology International), which has transformed the pool-building and remodeling industry with innovative pool-finishing techniques. Homeowners looking to mimic Nature with natural-looking finishes reminiscent of riverbeds can install a Pebble Tec pool finish.

Decking is one of the most important elements in the backyard and is the design choice that pulls everything else together. Composite decking is a modern product with a traditional look. It can be used as wood is, offering the same natural look, but in various colours. Concrete is associated with a contemporary look.

And pavers are the choice for a natural look. They’re like building blocks, so the designs can be as complex and imaginative as you and your builder/designer decide.

Barroso Homes www.barrosohomes.com 416-723-9984

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Q: Swimming pools have come a long way, too.

What kinds of pools are Canadians installing?

A: Some people enjoy the comfort of intelligent houses, in which they control everything from room temperature to music in one interface.

Automated swimming pools offer the same possibilities on a different scale. A great advantage of automated swimming pools and spas is the self-cleaning function. You installed the spa in your backyard for relaxation and not to give you another thing to stress over.

Ozone cleaning is one of the most advanced and nature-friendly alternatives to date, and automation can switch it on at a set time.

You can install pool alarms as an addition to the intelligent pools system. They’re useful, especially for families with young children and pets, as they’ll alert you of a possible risk.

Modern luxury outdoor space will most likely include clean straight lines in swimming pool design. The appeal of an infinity pool, the fun of a water slide, the romance of a bridge, the after-hours effects of lighting and fire features – all are possible.

Q: Pool deck jets are trending now. What is a deck jet and how does it enhance the pool experience?

A: There are many types of water features to choose from. Deck jets shoot streams of water from the deck into the pool. You can get a dramatic effect with laminar jets, which produce a solid stream of bubble-free water, and add colour by illuminating them with fibre optics. Deck jets reflect sunlight; in fact, laminar jets create a prism effect. Deck jets can be installed in almost any combination, and since they can be rotated 360 degrees, the dazzling effects they create can be changed to suit your mood. Wall jets are a similar product but are designed specifically to be wall-mounted. What makes water features so appealing is their fluid motion. •

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Photo: Farrow & Ball. Walls: Drop Cloth No.283 Estate Emulsion. Baseboards: Shadow White No.282 Estate Eggshell. Floor: Manor House Gray No.265 Floor Paint

DESIGN

WARM AND COMPLEX Saturated hues and variations of yellow will be among the trending colours in the year ahead

DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

ANTICIPATION IS BUILDING in colour forecasting circles in advance of the fall launch of new collections from the paint companies. Will pale pastel or all-white interiors continue to prevail? Or are there more vibrant colours ahead?

Quebec-based Sico is a paint company that maintains a team of colour experts.

They analyze trends in everything from technology to fashion and lifestyle to determine which colours will resonate with consumers, says Geneviève Paiement, Sico’s brand manager. “Last year Buckwheat Yellow was our 2016 colour of the year,” she says. “We think it will have a place of prominence into the new year, and you’ll see more warm golden colours as well.”

In that, Sico may have been ahead of the trend. Colour experts who have released forecasts for 2017 say yellow will be strong, with the shade influencing other colours as well. It adds warmth to shades of greens and turns blues into variations of aqua.

An independent organization that looks at colour trends, The Color Marketing Group, has already chosen a 2017 Color of the Year for North America: Thrive, a fresh, yellow-based green. In a release, the group said: “… this green will establish itself as a colorful symbol for growth, strength and endurance.” •

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“… this green will establish itself as a colorful symbol for growth, strength and endurance.”

Photos: Farrow & Ball. (Left) Lower Walls: Peignoir No.286 Estate Emulsion. Upper walls: Inchrya Blue No.289 Estate Emulsion. Woodwork: Worsted No.284 Estate Eggshell. Floor: Worsted No.284 Floor Paint. (Right) Wallpaper: Gable BP5406 is priced $230 per 11-yard roll.

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DESIGN

Paiement sees a gradual evolution in colour choices ahead. Pastel shades, especially delicate shades of pink and purple, will continue to be strong. In parallel, there are pale sandy tones and water-inspired blue-greys and blue-greens. “It’s all part of the trend of seeking more calm in the home,” she says. For drama, accents of contrasting darker neutrals – charcoal, deep brown, black – will be big.

Sherwin Williams surprised colour observers when it named an off-white called Alabaster its 2016 Color of the Year. Benjamin Moore was on a similar wavelength, naming Simply White (oc-117), a warm creamy hue, its favourite for 2016. “White can’t be ignored. It continues to be so prevalent and highly important in home decor,” says Sharon Grech, colour and design spokesperson for Benjamin Moore and regular decor expert on city-tv’s Cityline show. “It was time to acknowledge that.” Purists might quibble that white is a neutral and not a colour. But Grech points out there are 250 shades of white in the Benjamin Moore collection. And while warm-undertoned Simply White (oc-117) would qualify as a neutral, there are definitely non-neutral whites out there, such as Ice Mist, with its hint of cool blue. •

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“White can’t be ignored.

It continues to be so prevalent and highly important in home decor. It was time to acknowledge that.”

Photos: Benjamin Moore.

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Photo: Farrow & Ball. Walls: Peignoir No.286 Estate Emulsion. Cupboard: Worsted No.284 Estate Eggshell.

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Looking ahead to 2017, Grech says, change is in the air and it could mark a dramatic shift. “I think we’re moving away from the pastels,” she says. “More saturated colours are set to enter.” As well, she adds, colours will be more complex, tinged with other tones, especially grey. But have no fear that the effect will be sombre or depressing; this design expert sees them as simply more serious and grounded.

And that could mean it will be more difficult to tell the neutral shades from the true colours in 2017. Grech sees such colours as Benjamin Moore’s Antique Pearl as indicative; it’s slightly pink with a hint of grey and purple-grey undertones. Expect to see more complex combinations, she says.

The forecasting season culminates in December when the Pantone company also names a colour of the year. It then becomes a benchmark that guides the design choices of everyone from interior and fashion designers to wedding planners and florists. Pantone’s dual picks for 2016 were Rose Quartz, a pretty pink, and Serenity, a sky blue. “They’re kind of like deeper tones of what we used to associate with babies,” says Aleem Kassam, designer and partner at Kalu Interiors, an interior design firm in Vancouver. Baby love aside, he’s fond of using them as accents against neutral grey-and-white colour schemes for his clients. The effect has been soothing, nostalgic and easy to live with. His business partner, designer Phyllis Lui, has incorporated Rose Quartz into her own home, as accents in the bedroom, and living and dining rooms. “And so far, my husband has not complained,” she says. •

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“I think we’re moving away from the pastels. More saturated colours are set to enter. As well, colours will be more complex, tinged with other tones, especially grey.”

Photos: Sico.

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DESIGN

Like the non-colour white, metal finishes will become colours in 2017, the designing pair say. Coloured metals such as copper, gold, rose gold, brass and pewter are items of discussion in the design industry. Look to see bolder statements on hardware, or furniture or appliance finishes. And, just as in fashion, a metallic can be used as a neutral.

Kassam and Lui agree with Grech that emphatic and saturated colours are increasingly on-trend. The pair especially love jewel tones such as sapphire blue, ruby red and topaz yellow. “I recently covered a sofa with emerald-green upholstery,” says Lui. “It’s so dramatic and a big punchy piece, especially with accessories in gold, which is so in now.”

Whatever colours come into vogue, good design is about how they’re used, Kassam says. Make a bold colour statement in one room as a focal point, and then have it play a supporting role elsewhere in the home. And carry it from room to room. “Let it disappear and then reappear strategically throughout the home,” he says, “and create an intriguing scenario.” •

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“I recently covered a sofa with emerald-green upholstery. It’s so dramatic and a big punchy piece, especially with accessories in gold, which is so in now.”

Photos: Sherwin Williams.

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Raising a glass in class Canadians are increasingly turning to courses to learn about the complex subject of wine

BY JULIE GEDEON

IT WASN’T SO LONG AGO when the wine that Canadians drank came from a family’s stomped backyard grapes or a bottle of Baby Duck – neither being consumed often, if at all.

Canadians have dramatically expanded their palates in recent decades and are, globally, one of the top consumers of imported red, white and rosé wine by volume. In fact, Canadians consumed 32.7 million cases of imported wine in 2014, according to the wine and spirits trade show Vinexpo.

On average, we Canadians enjoy a bottle and a half of wine per month – double what we drank in 1990. This love of wine is widening among young adults and has led to a nationwide trend to learn more about the nectar of the gods.

Zeina Abdulkarim, who launched Zeina’s Kitchen in St. Lazare, Quebec to offer easy gourmet cooking classes, was eager to add her husband Robert Aboud’s passion about wine into the mix. “I had the holiday appetizers class planned and invited Robert to speak for a few minutes about the kinds of wine he would suggest for entertaining,” Abdulkarim says.

“People found it so interesting that I asked him if he wanted to hold a class every month.” •

“People found it so interesting that I asked him if he wanted to hold a class every month.”

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“My interest was sparked by several former co-workers who were aficionados.

I started taking part in informal wine tastings and picking up books that just amazed me in terms of how much there is to learn about the different varietals, styles, regions, climate, geography, history and culture.”

iYellow Wine Club www.iyellowwineclub.com ---------UBC Continuing Studies www.cstudies.ubc.ca/wine 604-822-5606 ---------Zeina’s Kitchen zeinaskitchen@weebly.com 514-867-6138

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Aboud was eager to share the knowledge he’d gained over the past 13 years. “My interest was sparked by several former co-workers who were aficionados,” he says. “I started taking part in informal wine tastings and picking up books that just amazed me in terms of how much there is to learn about the different varietals, styles, regions, climate, geography, history and culture,” he says.

To further his understanding, he completed the certification courses offered by the globally recognized Wine and Spirit Education Trust (wset) in various cities, and he takes a systematic approach to wine tasting. “There are tools to assess a wine’s quality regardless of what you may think of it personally,” he explains. “Of course, the classes are all themed by grape, region or producer so most people sign up for the ones they prefer.”

Abdulkarim prepares tapas and other bitesized delights to complement the wine selection.

“Robert also explains what doesn’t go well with a particular style of wine,” she adds.

Wine clubs are providing another way for people to learn and to discover their preferences.

Angela Aiello began sharing her knowledge of Niagara wine by hosting informal tastings to make new friends when she moved to Toronto after growing up and working in wine country. A decade later, the iYellow Wine club boasts 20,000 members, most of them women.

“I had a sense from my work at a wine store that people wanted unpretentious, affordable and fun ways to learn about wine, as well as to meet others who shared their enthusiasm,” Aiello says. iYellow now runs approximately 60 classes annually at the iYellow Wine Cave on Queen St. The club also organizes casual wine-tasting

events in Toronto, as well as curated tours – often with vip access to winemakers – throughout the Niagara region.

“People learn differently,” Aiello says. “So we give them various options.”

Membership is free with a pay-as-you-play fee structure and vip packages.

Various continuing education programs are now offering wine courses, including the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

The five-week (three hours an evening) introductory course covers all the basics of how whites and reds are respectively made and the whole range of varietals.

“People can subsequently take courses about the wine regions of specific interest to them,” says Nina Parr, program leader of Languages, Cultures and Travel at ubc Continuing Studies.

“Our main instructor, Lynn Coulthard, is wset-certified, a sommelier, and very close to becoming a Master of Wine,” Parr adds. “She has used her vast knowledge to create a cohesive curriculum for us.”

In the yearly wine-and-food-pairing course, for example, Coulthard explains some of the chemistry involved as well as how to identify a wine’s components to know how to match them with specific food.

The classes are primarily for amateurs but some people in the restaurant business also pursue them. “Our courses are for beginners who do want to go more in depth in terms of acquiring tasting skills and doing some sensory training,” Parr says. “We started out offering the wine classes to complement our French and other language courses, but the strong interest in wine has given these classes a life of their own.” •

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DESIGN

THE ART OF OFFERING GREAT DESIGN Browsers and shoppers alike are warmly welcomed at Hollace Cluny’s gallery-like showroom

BY SUSAN KELLY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS CAN BE DECEIVING AT HOLLACE CLUNY. For one, the Designers Walk location on Pears Ave. might lead one to believe that interior design credentials are needed to gain access.

Once inside, it's easy to mistake the spacious showroom for a gallery, what with one artful display after another of forward-looking furnishings, lighting and decorative objects.

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“Our customers count on us to provide options that are special.”

HOLLACE CLUNY 160 Pears Ave., Suite 203, Toronto 416-968-7894 www.hollacecluny.ca

Owner Susan Fowlie admits that she gets that reaction on occasion since the move from a Yonge St. storefront to the second-floor location three years ago. And gratifying as the gallery comparison is, she hopes people won’t be intimidated by it. "We’ve always been open to the public,” she says. "And we like to feel it’s also a warm and welcoming place.”

Adding to the misimpression of the store as a gallery, Fowlie and her team carefully curate the strictly contemporary offerings. She calls the mix of items “soft contemporary,” and believes that this style of design does not have to be "all hard edges, glass and steel."

One has only to look to the classic contemporary lines she carries. Typical of the look she and her clients prefer is Knoll, which produces furnishings by such eminent designers as Mies van der Rohe, designer of the iconic Barcelona chair, and the eminent Scandinavian firm Carl Hansen & Son.

Don’t expect to encounter anyone on the shop floor named Hollace Cluny. In 1995, Fowlie, a former librarian and stay-at-home mum, found herself with an empty nest. She opened her first shop on Yonge St. and began the journey that eventually led to an untapped passion for contemporary design. When it came time to put a name over the door, “I knew that as we grew, the collections would evolve,” she says, “and I didn’t want a name that would limit us in any way.” So she went with her middle name, Hollace, and the name of the street she lived on at the time, Cluny.

“The selection of a middle name and street name is, in fact, how one chooses her ‘soap opera name’ and that is how the name was selected,” she adds.

The company’s website showcases full bios of all the artisans behind the products Hollace Cluny carries. “We’re not just selling another lamp or sofa," Fowlie says. “We only choose pieces we feel passionate about. And we love to tell the story behind each.”

The extensive list includes many established names, such as Canadian Martha Sturdy.

But there are also many up-and-comers, such as Coolican & Company, which produces hand-crafted furniture, Miles & May, and work by the ceramics artist Mirena Kim. Fowlie recently signed on rising star David Weeks, and Hollace Cluny will soon be the only place in the city stocking the David Weeks Studio line of lighting, along with Lindsey Adelman, Apparatus, and others.

Fowlie regularly scours the grapevine for fresh talent. She also makes frequent forays to such international shows as London’s 100% Design or to Maison & Objet in Paris to seek out new and unusual finds. The biggest thrill comes from finding them. Consider ceramicist Reinaldo Sanguino who was virtually unknown when Fowlie began carrying his RS Ceramics line with its “amazing” stools that also work as side tables. Now he is a well-established international artisan working in New York City.

“Our customers count on us to provide options that are special,” Fowlie says. “I think our artisan-based approach works; so much of what we carry just can’t be found elsewhere.” • THE TRENDS ISSUE

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LIFESTYLE

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DESIGN

The art of making a large home cozy Designer Brian Gluckstein’s 1916 Toronto abode is a warm, embracing refuge

BY SUSAN KELLY // PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY HORKOFF // STYLING: VANESSA SUPPA

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“COZY” is an adjective usually re- “I think of all my three homes, this is the coziest, served for cottages, not the six-bed- perhaps because we’re here a lot in the winter,” room house of a n accla imed says the founder of Gluckstein Design Planning, Toronto designer renowned for designing whose line of lifestyle products, GlucksteinHome, swank international hotels. But that was exact- is available at Hudson’s Bay. “It’s also the most ly the effect Brian Gluckstein was after when traditional.” In contrast, the couple’s Manhattan he renovated the Forest Hill home he has apartment is done in cool and urban contemshared with partner Gary for the past 16 years. porary design while the Palm Beach house has a

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more relaxed modern decor. “There’s a different aesthetic in all our homes, so we get to reflect the various aspects of our personalities,” Brian says.

The home was built in 1916 and has an adjacent coach house with a one-bedroom apartment above. Updates over decades had stripped the main house of its original character, including such details as cornices and fireplace mantels. •

The original home’s hallway was dark and cramped. Brian created the effect of a light-flooded courtyard with a clear view to the back garden. Limestone tiles were used on the floors, and the walls are painted to mimic that stone. A series of pilasters, each with distinctive light fixture, creates the effect of a candlelit corridor at night.

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Brian decided to demolish the interior – keeping only the front and side walls intact – to start afresh. He kept five of the original seven fireplaces and converted them to gas-burning.

The home has a traditional layout, but has an open feeling with sightlines to the gardens.

But it is up the stairs and to the master bedroom that Brian retreats after a day at

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the office or filming a design advice segment for city tv’s Cityline show. He changes his clothes, sits down on the sofa or one of the chairs, and turns on the television that is discreetly stowed in the armoire. The massive canopy bed dominates the room, elegantly draped in worsted wool fabric to ramp up the coziness factor. Sleep is an ultimate

luxury for this designer, and he finds the bed provides a sense of enclosure ideally conducive to peaceful slumber. “I could probably live in just that one room,” he says.

“I actually miss it when I’m away from it.”

Distinctive artwork graces the walls in this and every room in the house. Brian calls art “the soul of any house” and spends a lot of time •

Brian likes the coziness a fireplace adds, whether for a quiet night at home or when having friends over for Sunday brunches. Visitors are always surprised by the kitchen, he says, mistaking it at first for another library. Custom cabinetry and island: Gluckstein Design Planning; countertops: black marble; pendant: vintage.

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in galleries sourcing for clients and himself.

Among his favourite creators are Montreal-born photographer Robert Polidori, who focuses on thoughtful studies of architecture. He owns several works by David Bierk, a Canadian painter who does classical paintings with a modern twist; and a cubist work by Georges Braque from the 1930 s hangs in the family room.

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If pressed to choose a favourite room, Brian cites the master bathroom, complete with freestanding tub, a fireplace and comfy terryclothclad chairs. One of the original eight bedrooms was sacrificed to create the fireplace area of the master bathroom. In another area, the designer has taken his love of reading in the bathtub to a whole new level by having floor-to-ceiling

bookshelves along one wall. “Books are everywhere in the house, scattered over coffee tables, in armoires, on shelves,” he says.

Brian estimates his total book collection to be in the thousands, devoted mostly to biographies and tomes on design, art, architecture and travel. To house it, another original bedroom was scrapped to build a two-storey •

To help bring the home back to its original glory, Brian added architectural details in all rooms, including the family room. The television is hidden behind a wall panel. Four sets of French doors open into the back garden. Sofas, coffee table, lighting: custom designed by Gluckstein Design Planning; vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk.

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library. The designer says it also allowed him to “One room that always surprises visitors is the play with creating vertical volume by inserting kitchen,” Brian says. “They think they’re enan overhead balcony that rings the lower level. tering another library.” The effect is entirely There an open hearth and chaise longues intentional; when glimpsed across the hall, invite lingering over a good read. The effect is the designer prefers to see “something beautione of grandeur but also the sought-after cozi- ful and other than appliances.” What’s on ness. The designer’s desk is on the second floor view: A bank of 10-feet-high walnut cabinets so he can keep the paperwork for his eyes only. and an elegant breakfast nook tucked in the

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bay window overlooking the garden. Besides the fireplace and television, the imposing cabinet houses Brian’s copious collection of 18th- and 19th-century silver and dishware.

The working end of the kitchen is distinguished by white-painted wood cabinetry and open shelves, with all appliances besides the cooktop and hood hidden from view. •

The mezzanine level of the two-storey library houses a good portion of Brian’s extensive book collection. He especially loves biographies, a preference he says is an extension of his design work, which involves getting to know people, how they live and what makes them tick. The painting is by Canadian artist David Bierk.

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A massive canopy bed dominates the master bedroom. The designer finds the enclosed ambience it provides ideal for peaceful slumber.

Sofa and chairs: Gluckstein Design Planning; canopy fabric: Holly Hunt.

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A family room lies at the back of the house; the living room is at the front. Both rooms share the same approach to decor. It’s all in the mix, Brian says: lots of deep-seated, ultra-comfortable transitional-style sofas, chairs that might be more formal or of a different period, and sisal carpeting to add informal warmth. Layering is important, and not only

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in furnishings and fabrics. The designer took a matter of small refreshes, rotating the artgreat pains to add depth and interest to the work or certain pieces of furniture. “I think if walls by applying moldings and painted panel- you design a house well and it really reflects ling throughout the house, which also helped you, your lifestyle and personality, there is no restore some of the home’s original look. need to change it up so frequently,” he says.

Brian has made no major changes over the “And so far, this house is very right for us.” • years to his original design, though that may change in the near future. For now, it’s just

The designer’s favourite room, the master bath, has a fireplace and comfy terrycloth-covered chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make it easy for Brian to indulge his love of reading in the tub. Tub: Kohler; custom chairs: Gluckstein Design Planning.

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DESIGN

DESIGNING FROM THE FLOOR UP

Company helps homeowners, builders and designers tap into the best flooring trends

BY SUSAN KELLY

Chestnut Flooring 8601 Jane St., Units 1-2, Concord 905-761-6655 www.chestnutflooring.ca

EVERY HOME IS BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP. And every decor evolves from the floor up, says Nemo Shavandi, founder and president of Chestnut Flooring in Concord. “Flooring can make or break the look you’re after,” Shavandi says. “That’s why it’s so important to get it right.”

Shavandi has been helping homeowners, contractors and designers to do just that for more than 20 years. His company’s work can also be found in high-end retail shops at Pearson Airport and in many malls. He opened a palatial 7,000-square-foot showroom on Jane St. four years ago so folks could get the full picture of what’s out there. He keeps upwards of 5,000 samples on display and most are in stock.

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These days, Shavandi says, not everyone is craving a total hardwood floor makeover. “I find the biggest flooring trend now is patterns: mosaic, herringbone, chevron, or other geometric designs. What used to be only on backsplashes and walls is now interpreted in wood.”

Unlike 1980s patchwork parquet, today’s patterns can be bold and oversized, and totally elegant. Shavandi’s team has installed this

type of floor in everything from a one-room condo to a 12,000-square-foot mansion. Those with open-concept floor plans should tone it down, he counsels, lest it become too busy.

And in traditional high-end homes, the look of solid wood with inlaid marquetry borders is often more appropriate.

Hand-scraped engineered f looring can be just as beautiful as and more appropriate

DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

than hardwood in some instances. Carpet, tiles, laminate, bamboo, vinyl – they all have their virtues. Trending very strongly now is vinyl, Shavandi says, with technology pushing it into the luxury category. “We have some that you have to touch to know they’re not real aged barn wood or driftwood planks, or slate tiles,” he says. “And this type of flooring feels good underfoot.”

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Flooring also constitutes a sizeable portion of any decorating budget, so such practicalities as function, foot traffic and location are equally important. The team at Chestnut Flooring has been handpicked, and all team members share the owner’s passion for the business. The sales associates are up on trends and technical aspects. On the rare occasion a product sought is not in the database, they track it down.

There are also three interior designers on staff available to help homeowners who don’t have their own stylists. Walk-ins are welcome here, but it’s best to call or send an email query first.

That way, a package of suggested looks and materials will be waiting come appointment time at the showroom.

Custom work is a specialty here, and Shavandi oversees 13 teams of installers who work exclusively for Chestnut Flooring. Staining and finishing of raw wood floors requires skill and finesse. It can be particularly challenging taking, say, just the right shade of trendy gray from a client’s vision to reality throughout an entire open floor plan. “More than being right, it needs to be right for the person living there,” Shavandi says. “There’s no such thing as a small job to us. Every project is important.” •

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Image Courtesy of Black Tusk Development Group

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LIGHTER AND LARGER

A dark, cramped duplex is redesigned for space, light and family life

BY SUSAN SEMENAK // PHOTOGRAPHY: MAXIME BROUILLET // STYLING: LA SHED TEAM

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“It’s a house, not a museum, a place where people live and cook and eat.”

THE CLASSIC MILE END DUPLEX, with its brick facade and spiral exterior staircase, is a heritage treasure. Inside, though, it is often dark and cramped, with its small rooms opening off a long, sombre hallway.

That was the scene when the team from award-winning architectural firm La Shed arrived to visit the young couple who wanted to convert their Mile End duplex to a single-family home. The homeowners wanted a bright, fresh modern house with a family room, an open kitchen and a patio in the backyard. They dreamed of a home that would be warm and calm, a place of respite from their busy urban lives.

The trouble was that their brick house, built in the early 1900s, had suffered a series of unfortunate renovations over the years, botched jobs that had stripped its interior of character and history. What’s more, there were problems with mould and structural weakness.

The facade of the historic house, with its spiral staircase, guillotine windows and worked-metal cornice, was protected by heritage regulations, so it could not be altered. That meant keeping the original small windows and front door.

For the interior, however, the architects – led by the firm’s founders Yannick Laurin, Renée Mailhot and Sébastien Parent – imagined a wide-open, three-storey contemporary space with sunlight flooding in through generously proportioned windows and doors at the rear of the house. •

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La Shed custom designed the kitchen cabinets, leaving ample open shelving to display tableware and serving pieces.

The countertops and island counter are made of polished concrete, which repeats the concrete used in the flooring in the living room, dining room and vestibule. It was also used for the outdoor patio. Stools by Hay: Jamais Assez; pendant lighting above the island counter: Lambert et Fils.

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DESIGN

“From the minute the walls came down, everything in this house changed.�

The fridge is hidden, built into the wall beneath the stairway, which also hides the doorway to the basement. In the dining room, the Scandinavian-inspired furniture is from Jamais Assez.

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The interior of the structure was gutted and the spaces reconfigured to create an open plan on the main floor, with a kitchen, living room and dining room.

The architects designed a vestibule just inside the original front entrance and also a bicycle workshop (one of the owners is an avid cyclist who owns several bikes), plus a powder room and laundry room.

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase serves as the dividing feature between front and back, public and private – what the architects call a barrière d’intimité. Beyond it, the new part of the house is aglow; sunlight streams in at every possible angle because of a wall of windows and sliding doors.

On the main f loor, there’s a large and airy kitchen clad in knotty pine, chosen for its homey look and natural warmth. Unlike some contemporary kitchens, it boasts open shelving and ample space to display utensils and serving ware.

Architect Yannick Laurin says the family wanted their house to feel lived-in, and that’s the kind of house his award-winning firm designs. “It’s a house, not a museum, a place where people live and cook and eat,” says Laurin. “We like to highlight the everyday in our designs, not hide it.” •

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The new kitchen, which is in a 10-foot extension at the rear of the house, is the centrepiece of the design. It is a two-storey space with views onto the garden and an ample island with a long polished concrete countertop. It can be seen from anywhere on the first floor and even the second floor, thanks to an open office that overlooks it.

Throughout the house, white walls and tiles keep the decor decidedly spare, with touches of black – in the kitchen stools and light fixtures, for example – as a counterpoint.

Exposed wood beams, knotty pine f loors and kitchen cabinets add organic warmth.

And because a lively family lives here, there are a few well-placed jolts of colour: in the canary-yellow floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that lead to the patio, for example, and in the children’s bathroom, where an orange inset cabinet forms a horizontal stripe.

The bedrooms are located on the second f loor, with a hallway connecting the children’s rooms to the master suite, which includes a bedroom, bathroom and open office.

Atop the roof, the architects added a smaller third floor with generous windows and sliding doors onto a deck, a space whose vocation is fluid. For now, it serves as a family room and music room for the owner, who uses it to play his guitar.

The views here are spectacular: on one side the copper dome of Église Saint-Michel l’Archange, and on the other the iconic Mile End château d’eau.

“From the minute the walls came down, everything in this house changed,” says Laurin. “It was all cramped and dark, and now it’s nothing but light.” •

A white metal staircase in a zigzag configuration is anchored to the walls and connects the three storeys of the house. It is closed in between the first and second storeys, to make room for the fridge, but upstairs it remains open to allow light to enter from the rooftop mezzanine. To maximize light, the bathroom features two sliding doors that, when open, let light move through the second floor.

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From concept to completion, our experienced staff will help you design the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.

905 335 0808

DESIGN • SUPPLY • INSTALL

1515 North Service Rd., Unit A Burlington, ON L7P 0A2 www.conceptkandb.com

TORONTO

ARCHITECTURAL SURFACINGAND DESIGN STONE SURFACING FOR ARCHITECTURE

COSENTINO CENTRE TORONTO 80 KINCORT STREET TORONTO, ON M6M 5G1 416.247.9090 F CosentinoCanada

COSENTINO CITY TORONTO 665 CALEDONIA ROAD TORONTO, ON M6E 4V8 647.350.6009

Flooring Facades Wall Cladding Interior And Exterior Countertops

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DESIGN

KITCHENS AS KEY LIVING SPACE The important room that is the focus of our homes is seeing new design directions KITCHENS HAVE undergone a major evolution in the past two decades and will continue to metamorphose in years to come. Toronto Home asked Beverley Binns, owner and designer at Binns kitchen + bath design, for her insight into the trends that are driving the design of this important room.

Binns Kitchen + Bath Design Toronto Showroom 1055 Bay St., Toronto 416-286-2222 Pickering Showroom 333 Kingston Rd., Pickeirng 905-509-5555

Q: Beverley, homeowner preference in recent years has been for all-white kitchens.

Will that trend continue?

A: The all-white kitchen will always be a classic choice but I think homeowners are now looking to mix things up a bit. There seems to be a shift towards warmer, richer and deeper colour and material selections, even metal finishes that are warm, such as bronze or matte gold, are being introduced into kitchen design. White or off-white may still be part of the colour story but they’re becoming less predominant and are often combined with other finishes.

Q: What materials do you foresee used in the kitchen in the next year?

A: This may be one of the most exciting trends happening in kitchen design right now. Along with all the mixing and matching of materials and finishes, there are so many interesting new options available that are not only more durable for everyday family life but are also more sustainable. European wood laminates, for example; I am so amazed at how realistic-looking these materials have become, and sometimes even I have to look closely to distinguish the difference. One new exciting material I was recently introduced to is called Fenix. It’s a nanotech matte material that has anti-bacterial properties, is anti-fingerprint, resistant to heat and scratches and can be thermally healed of micro scratches. It’s going to be a game changer!

www.binns.net

“Lighting is possibly the most overlooked but most important part of any kitchen design.”

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Q: The design of kitchens has been driven in recent years by lifestyles. Homeowners have largely opted to have kitchens that are open to the contiguous spaces in their homes. Is that trend likely to continue?

A: I do think this is a trend that will continue even though I have noticed that it is no longer top of the list for everyone now. What I am seeing as an emerging lifestyle change in open kitchens is the introduction of a separate servery area that becomes almost a second kitchen. Increasingly, I am planning areas that are tucked away and not in the obvious sight-line of the living space where all the messy kitchen stuff is done.

Q: Europe has given us the concept of kitchens that do not look like kitchens. Is that catching on in North America?

A: Absolutely. This is the evolution of the open kitchen and it’s also driven by smaller home footprints in which spaces must function more cohesively. The challenge that people are trying to resolve now is that we are living in our kitchens. I predict that kitchens will start to look even more like living spaces and the transition between kitchen and living area will become even less defined.

Q: The right lighting is important in any room.

What lighting trends are we seeing in the kitchen?

A: Lighting is possibly the most overlooked but most important part of any kitchen design.

Most homeowners now understand that task lighting should be included along with general lighting, but there is a third type of lighting that can make a big difference: ambient. Think of it as bringing lighting down to an intimate level. You can include wall sconces around a feature area in the kitchen or incorporate lighting in an unexpected way, such as a single pendant hung over an island that bathes a counter in soft, indirect light. Try directing the light up instead of down for a unique effect.

For example, in-floor lighting looks stunning and can make a huge architectural impact.

Q: We’ve noticed homeowners installing art in their kitchens recently, transforming the space into more than just a utilitarian room designed for cooking. Is that a widespread trend and if so, where is it going?

A: I am always encouraging homeowners to incorporate art in some form or another into their kitchens. Every space in a home tells a story about the people who live there, and what better way to tell it than to introduce personal items? It may be a significant piece of art on a feature wall or an open shelving area that showcases a prized ceramic collection. I think this trend is about making kitchens reflect the people who live in them and it might be my favorite; I love helping my clients tell their stories. •

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DESIGN

VERSATILE TILES Porcelain and ceramic are for more than just flooring PORCELAIN TILES HAVE been making inroads where once only broadloom, wood, paint and wallpaper were to be found. The variety of sizes, colours, patterns and finishes makes them smart decor choices for kitchen, bath and beyond. Toronto Home asked Edward Saunders, sales manager and international buyer at X-Tile Canada, about the tiles that Torontonians are seeing and wanting.

Q: Why are porcelain tiles a good choice for walls and floors?

A: Porcelain tiles absorb only minimal amounts of water, which makes them a very good option for areas that can become wet, such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms.

They also wear well while looking good, and current styles are suitable for most areas in the home, including fireplaces.

Q: Tiles used to be confined to kitchens and bathrooms, but that’s changing. Where are tiles being used now?

A: We’re increasingly seeing tiles used in living rooms as accent walls, especially with integrated televisions and fireplaces. In bedrooms, we’re noticing more use of porcelain tiles made to resemble wood. They’re very strong and come in “planks” of six-by-24 inches, eight-by-36 inches, and eight-by-48 inches. They’re a great maintenance-free option for busy homeowners.

X-Tile Canada 563 Queensway E., Mississauga ~ 905-949-8453 35 Dufflaw Rd., North York ~ 416-783-8453 78 Signet Dr., North York ~ 416-749-7111 www.x-tile.net

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Q: Some porcelain tiles look like natural stone.

Tell us about the kinds of finishes now available?

A: There are the wood-look tiles I mentioned.

And the new technologies are so advanced that we also have tiles that look like real honed and polished marble and several other natural stones. Colour and pattern choices run from classic Statuario and Calacatta marble to the more exotic stones of the world, such as Butterfly Red from Iran. They’re available in oversize tiles of 24-by-48 inches that look like the traditional marble slabs on floors. Our new 10,000-square-foot designer showroom on Dufflaw Rd., which is open to the public, is organized to display all these choices; it looks almost like an art gallery.

DESIGN TORONTO TRENDS 2016

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“New technologies are so advanced that we also have tiles that look like real honed and polished marble and several other natural stones.”

Q: The choice of patterns is wider than it used to be. What types of patterns are currently popular or trending for 2017?

A: The porcelain tiles that resemble natural stone – mostly marble – are currently the most popular. However, we’re also experiencing a surge in demand for the “wood” planks that look so natural but don’t require the maintenance and care needed to ensure longevity of a natural wood floor. In winter you can enter the house wearing your boots, bringing in slush and salt, and you just have to mop the porcelain floor for it to look brand new, ready for another day.

Q: Is it possible to have tiles customized?

A: We’re pleased to offer some exclusive designs in tiles and natural stone, which our discerning clientele can custom-order to suit a particular project. Keep in mind that it takes at least six to 12 weeks to receive a special order of any tiles. The cost of air freight is rather expensive, so we normally put special orders in the same containers as our regular shipments, departing from ports all around the world. •

“The porcelain tiles that resemble natural stone – mostly marble – are currently the most popular.”

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Full Academic Curriculum JK to Grade 8 Before and After School Care Tutoring JK to Grade 12 Summer Camp

210 Wilson Avenue, Toronto | 416.484.9494 www.glenbriaracademy.com

FAIRLAWN MEDICAL CENTRE

2401 YONGE ST. SUITE 209, TORONTO, ON | 416 322-9933 | APPOINTMENTS@DMULAMEDICINE.COM

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TRAVEL

CANADA’S WINTER DESTINATION Lakeside living in the midst of wine country is clipping the wings of snowbirds

BY JULIE GEDEON

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SOME SNOWBIRDS are heading for the driest part of Canada instead of points south and many are happily arriving forever at Osoyoos Cottages. The 285 homes built or still planned for the 70 acres bordering pristine Osoyoos Lake in the Okanagan Valley were originally intended for summer vacationers, but retirees have been snapping them up.

Eric Van Maren, the managing general partner of Osoyoos Cottages Limited Partnership, doesn’t usually “fall in love” with land he buys to develop, but the lakeside region nestled an equal distance from Osoyoos and Oliver stole his heart.

“It’s a spectacular location with 1,800 feet of waterfront – a third of it sandy beach – surrounded by open meadow and hillside vineyards,” he says. “I’ve been in real estate development for almost 43 years and this project will be the capstone of my career.”

The initial model homes weren’t open for long when prospective buyers made it clear they wanted more space for visiting family and friends, a garage and other contemporary upgrades for year-round living. •

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DESIGN TRAVEL

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“About 75-80 per cent of our residents are retirees,” Van Maren says. “They love the lifestyle we offer with the lake, boat slips in a quiet cove, wine country, two swimming pools, hot tubs and a clubhouse with tai chi lessons, wine and cheese parties and other activities organized by the residents.”

The weak Canadian dollar and steep insurance premiums for health care outside the country have prompted many retirees to opt for Canada’s only official desert region as a winter haven. “With minus five or minus 10 degrees Celsius being about the coldest it gets with just a dusting of snow, it’s certainly warmer than Winnipeg,” Van Maren says. “And less than 12 inches of rain annually makes for a lot of sunny days.”

Local hotel/motel accommodations that sat empty as of October a few years ago are now already booked for next January. “And the community has responded wonderfully by keeping restaurants and entertainment venues open to cater to snowbirds year-round,” Van Maren adds.

Everyone at Osoyoos Cottages has time to enjoy activities or to just relax with all the landscaping maintained by the developers.

The company offers more than a dozen contemporary floor plans to get buyers started, but goes out of its way to customize each property. “Kitchens and bathrooms are most often upgraded,” Van Maren says. “Vaulted ceilings, hot tub installations and a double garage are important additions for many.” •

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“Less than 12 inches of rain annually makes for a lot of sunny days.”

All the house sidings and trims by Hardie were chosen for their appealing durability, and the Magnum Glass and Door windows for their high level of energy efficiency. The landscaping is handled by the Strata Homeowners’ Corporation to resemble a well-maintained park setting.

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TRAVEL

“The gorgeous lake in the middle of wine country makes it appealing for relatives to spend their vacation time here.

Grandchildren love it.”

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The houses are strategically placed on the hillside to give every owner the best possible views of Lake Osoyoos. Glass railings ensure that the view is as clear as possible from each balcony.

With most residents being 55 years and older, the developers have kept the needs of this aging demographic in mind. All the master bedroom suites, for example, are located on the main floor of each house regardless of its style. Decks and patios are readily accessible.

The overall project has been designed to facilitate easy walking throughout the property. “There are small groups of residents who gather throughout the day to go for a hike on the trails down to the beach or up the hills for a bit,” Van Maren says. “There’s also a fitness area with commercial equipment to stay fit, as well as 160 boat slips.”

Many buyers initially express interest in a home without any stairs whatsoever, but most opt for a two-storey house to better accommodate visiting family and friends. “The gorgeous lake in the middle of wine country makes it appealing for relatives to spend their vacation time here,” Van Maren says. “Grandchildren love it.”

The two-level hillside homes are ideal for people who want a beautiful view of the lake but aren’t as interested in water-related activities.

While the local towns fill with visitors come summertime, the Osoyoos Cottages on the north end of the lake remain tranquil.

“Boats from Osoyoos rarely come all the way to this side,” Van Maren notes. “We’re also far enough from the highway so we don’t really hear it and yet it’s only about a 12-minute drive to Osoyoos or Oliver.” •

The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake 855-742-5555 www.OsoyoosCottages.com

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DESIGN

A NEW WAY OF DOING AN ARCHITECTURAL CLASSIC Company creates cast fireplace mantels that look like stone

BY JULIE GEDEON

OMEGA MANTELS 855-712-0123 www.omegamantels.com

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“We use metal scissors to cut templates.

The only machinery is a table saw.”

THROUGHOUT HISTORY, people have loved stone fireplace mantels. The modern version of this majestic architectural elemen – the stonecast mantel – has a timeless and refined elegance that never loses its appeal.

Leo Montagnese, one of the owners of Omega Mantels, a Toronto company that specializes in creating stonecast mantels, is well aware of the current love for these historic classics. “No two mantels are identical,” he says of the ones his company makes. “We can have the same employee fill the same mold, but the pressure in that person’s hands will differ.”

Everything at Omega Mantels is handcrafted.

“We use metal scissors to cut templates,” Montagnese says. “The only machinery is a table saw.”

New employees work under the supervision of experienced team leaders until they’re ready to lead a team based on their particular strengths.

“We all know how to do everything,” Omega partner Sue Festa says. “I can go into the shop to fill a mold or package a mantel, which is also done by hand.”

Festa started out as a customer when Omega was focused primarily on making plaster moldings a decade ago. Impressed with the company, she applied for a part-time job, was soon hired full-time, and subsequently became a partner.

Coincidentally, Rose Montagnese, Leo’s mother, began at the company in much the same way. “She needed plaster moldings for a new house, decided to work for the company, and ended up running it for 20 years before retiring,” Montagnese says.

He became a molding installer in 1991 and moved into the shop seven years later – about the time Omega started making stonecast mantels. “A designer showed us a magazine

photo of a mantel she wanted and we don’t like to ever say no,” he says. “We applied everything we learned from making crown moldings to this new challenge.”

Omega is now among North America’s largest manufacturers of stonecast mantels, boasting a vast selection. “It’s amazing how many people want one as soon as they see them,” Montagnese says. “And we keep coming up with new designs because every single mantel is made not only to a customer’s specifications but to fit the precise size of the fireplace and room.”

The 16 available colours and three finishes allow homeowners to install a mantel that adds modern flare to a room.

Omega takes the project from design to the removal of the existing fireplace surround to the installation of the stonecast mantel.

“It’s much lighter than it looks, so there’s no load-bearing issue,” Montagnese says. “And unlike a wooden frame that requires a granite or marble surround, it fits right to the firebox.” • THE TRENDS ISSUE

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CUSTOM CARPETS

Please visit our showroom where one of our professional consultants will be pleased to assist you with all of your custom rugs, stair runners & wall to wall carpeting needs

APT CUSTOM CARPETS 75 West Beaver Creek Rd. Unit #1 Richmond Hill, Ontario 905-764-1588 www.aptcustomcarpets.com

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DESIGN

Village Paint and Wallpaper 4949 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke 416-231-2831

WINDOWS AND WALLS The latest trends in blinds, wallpapers and paints TRENDS in wallpaper, paint and window coverings contibute to defining the decor of our homes. Colours come and go and paint companies continue to develop products that are benign for both the environment and human health. Toronto Home asked David Bell, owner of Village Paint and Wallpaper in Etobicoke, for his take on where we’re headed in the next year with paint, wall coverings and window treatments that allow us to beautify our homes.

Q: David, what trends in wallpaper are you seeing? What can we expect in the coming year?

A: Wallpapers today are better than ever. The trends we’re seeing include large prints and a lot of geometric patterns. However, metallic and textured wallpapers are still selling well.

In the coming years, you will see more themed patterns, such as steam punk and cityscapes.

Q: What are the trends in window coverings?

A: The trends in window coverings are blinds, which have come a long way from your grandma’s roller shades or two-inch metal blinds.

Our best-selling blinds are Hunter Douglas’s Silhouettes, Pirouettes and Duettes. And the hottest trend is having them motorized. They can be operated from an iPad or iPhone from anywhere in the world. They look great on their own. However, non-operable side panels with a decorative rod are still popular and they can add warmth to a room!

(Below) Photos courtesy of Benjamin Moore

WALLS: Paper White OC-55 PRODUCT: Regal® Select, Eggshell

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CABINET: Simply White OC-117 PRODUCT: Advance,® Satin

ACCENT WALL: Banana Yellow 2022-40 PRODUCT: Regal® Select, Eggshell

WALL & CEILING: Paper White OC-55 PRODUCT: Regal® Select, Eggshell (wall) Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra-Flat (ceiling)

EXTERIOR SIDING: Black PRODUCT: Arborcoat,® Semi Solid

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(Above) Photos courtesy of Hunter Douglas

Q: In recent years, environmentally benign paint has become a must-have for many homeowners.

Is the demand for such products growing?

Where is the market going for these products?

A: Most paints today meet or exceed environmental requirements for low vocs (volatile organic compounds). Benjamin Moore manufactures the Natura line, which contains no vocs. In our market, Benjamin Moore’s top-performing Aura line, which boasts low vocs, is a best-seller.

WALL & TRIM: Simply White OC-117 PRODUCT: Regal® Select, Eggshell (wall) Regal® Select, Semi-Gloss (trim)

Q: What colours are in demand right now?

A: The hottest colours are still the grey tones.

However, Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year for 2016 is oc-117 Simply White, a complex and creamy version of white.

WALL: French Press AF-170 PRODUCT: Aura®, Eggshell

CABINET: Ice Mist OC-67 PRODUCT: Advance,® Pearl

Q: Is there anything new on the market in the field of paint applicators?

A: Paint applicators have changed as quickly as paints and the right ones can make a big difference in the final results of any paint job. A lot of the paint used today is 100 per cent acrylic. So the microfibre paint roller refill and the 100 per cent nylon brush are highly recommended for application of acrylic paints. These fabrics both hold and release a lot of paint. •

WALLS: Ballet White OC-9 PRODUCT: Natura,® Flat

FLOORS: Gray Owl OC-52 PRODUCT: Floor & Patio, Low Sheen

FLOOR: Simply White OC-117 PRODUCT: Floor & Patio, Low Sheen

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H2O2 WINE CELLAR DESIGN has been involved in many wine

cellar design projects for individuals and restaurants throughout Toronto, we understand your needs when it comes to building a wine cellar and can convert almost any space into the wine cellar you've always wanted.

WINE CABINET COOLING SYSTEM MODULAR WINE RACK CUSTOM WINE CELLAR STONE WORK

Showroom: (By appointment only) 32 Cathedral High Street • Markham, Ontario Tel: 416-388-9388 • email: info@h2o2winecellardesign.com

www.h2o2winecellardesign.com

from hardwood, laminate, cork and luxury

103 Miranda Avenue . Toronto, Ontario . M6B 3W8 Tel: 416-787-1707 • email: info@allanrug.com

www.allanrug.com

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DESIGN

APROPOS OF APPLIANCES There are many new products on the market for kitchens IF YOU’RE PLANNING a kitchen renovation, there’s a good chance you’ll be in the market for new appliances. You want the best, but choosing the right appliances can be a challenge. We asked Mark Eglington, president of Euro-Line Appliances, to discuss current trends in his industry, what’s next for appliances, and how our lifestyles are affecting those trends.

Euro-Line Appliances 871 Cranberry Crt., Oakville 905-829-3980 www.euro-line-appliances.com

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Q: Mark, in urban areas, people are living in smaller spaces than ever before, yet homeowners in modestly sized condos and apartments still want top appliances. How can they have the best appliances despite restricted floor space?

A: Living spaces today are getting smaller at a time in which property values continue to escalate. It’s important to choose appliances to suit your lifestyle while ensuring they don’t occupy prime kitchen real estate. We are seeing a trend among homeowners of small- to midsized condos opting for German and Italian products, which typically are smaller, boast the lowest energy consumption in the industry, and are built to the highest standards.

Q: In some cities, small homes – laneway homes in Vancouver, for instance – are affecting the appliance market. What are you seeing in that regard?

A: Our focus at Euro-Line has always been to meet the needs of consumers in shrinking living quarters. It started with the multi-residential construction boom in densely populated Canadian cities, which proved that smaller living quarters can still provide a beautiful lifestyle, and has evolved into the conversion market. We are seeing garages, basements, sheds, and laneway structures converted into micro-homes that can accommodate boomerang kids, rentals, in-laws and out-of-town guests. These spaces are tiny, but living small does not mean compromising the quality of the home. We have created the Kompakt Kitchen, which comprises everything you need and fits into just six feet. We’ve won awards for this, with the most recent being at the International Interior Design Exhibition (iidex), where it won gold. The Kompakt Kitchen, with appliances from Porter&Charles and Liebherr, provides an oven, microwave, fridge, induction cooktop, sink, faucet, instant hot and cold water, soap dispenser, dishwasher, hood fan, pull-out table and storage space in a concise and functional space. This configuration has also been well received by the hospitality industry, as well as university residences.

Q: What appliance finishes are popular right now?

A: There is a handful of appliance finishes available: enamel (white and black), glass (white and black), stainless steel, or fully integrated.

Glass and enamel products are considered the most value-friendly while stainless steel is the most premium. Fully integrated offers a customizable space, so costs fluctuate depending on the finish. Stainless steel has always been the most popular. It offers durability, great aesthetics, a sanitized surface, and will match any kitchen. There’s even fingerprint-free stainless steel, which facilitates cleaning without corrosive chemicals.

Q: Panelled appliances – those that are concealed behind cabinetry – have gained in popularity in recent years. How is the appliance industry responding to that shift?

A: People gravitate to this option because they want uniqueness in their kitchens. The European products we represent have always been strong in integrated appliances. Liebherr, for example, has a large market share in Canada in this category. Of course, cooking appliances cannot be panelled because they generate heat.

So manufacturers such as AEG have moved toward f lush-fit built-in appliances with a stainless steel finish.

Q: What are homeowners most likely to want: gas or electric cooktops? Why? A: It depends on where they live as well as personal preference. For most urban condos, the original owner decides on the type of cooking s/he prefers and the unit is built accordingly.

Even if you renovate your kitchen, you will likely face problems in terms of the cost of running a new power-supply line, as well as the red tape involved in getting permits from a condo corporation for the change. As a result, new owners tend to keep the type of cooktop that they have in their unit. Generally, electric burners are safer and easy to use, but they eventually shows signs of wear and tear.

On the other hand, gas is a consistent and inexpensive heat source, and the temperature is immediate and easily controlled. However, some people shy away from the open flame, and the thought of gas lines running through their homes can be unsettling.

Q: Induction ranges have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Is this a trend that is likely to continue?

A: Induction is one of two major advancements in the home cooking industry (the other is steam – so good). Induction gives you all of the benefits and safety features of cooking on an electric surface combined with the precision temperature control and immediate results offered by a gas cooktop. It doesn’t create a source of heat directly from the cooktop to the cookware. Instead, it uses an electromagnetic current to activate the magnetic materials in the cookware, turning the pot or pan into the burner itself. Any change in temperature is immediate, and the reaction at full power is so strong that you can even boil a small pot of water in as little as 90 seconds. Moreover, the cooktop never gets hot enough to cause bodily harm, nor does it get hot enough to burn food onto the surface, so cleanup is quick and easy.

Induction is not a new method of cooking; it’s been used in commercial applications for years but it has been too expensive for the home market. Modern manufacturing technologies have made it possible, and now induction cooktops are the most heavily sought-after piece of cooking equipment. •

“Living small does not mean compromising the quality of the home.”

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AD LIST TORONTO TRENDS 2016

BUYER’S GUIDE

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION FROM WITHIN Rachel Ovadia, Artist www.ovadiaart.com BOLD STROKES Zan Rococo, Artist www.zanrococo.com SWIM TIME Barroso Homes www.barrosohomes.com 416-723-9984 Betz Pools www.betzpools.com 416-798-7955 KITCHENS AS KEY LIVING SPACE Binns kitchen + bath design www.binns.net 416-286-2222 APROPOS OF APPLIANCES Euro-Line Appliances www.euro-line-appliances.com 905-829-3980 WINDOWS AND WALLS Village Paint and Wallpaper Ltd. 416-231-2831 VERSATILE TILES X-Tile Canada www.x-tile.net Mississauga ~ 905-949-8453 North York (Dufflaw Rd.) ~ 416-783-8453 North York (Signet Dr.) ~ 416-749-7111 A NEW WAY OF DOING AN ARCHITECTURAL CLASSIC Omega Mantels www.omegamantels.com 855-712-0123 TEXTURES AND CURVES NettHaus Design * Development * Build www.netthaus.com 905-695-9052 AMENDING THE AMENITIES Royal Decks www.royaldecks.ca 905-901-3560 DESIGNING FROM THE FLOOR UP Chestnut Flooring www.chestnutflooring.ca 905-761-6655 INSPIRED BY THE PAST, CRAFTED FOR THE FUTURE Chic By Janssen www.chicbyjanssen.com Jordan ~ 905-562-0083 Toronto ~ 647-925-309

THE ART OF OFFERING GREAT DESIGN Hollace Cluny www.hollacecluny.ca 416-968-7894 STAR TREATMENT Mark Lash www.marklash.com Toronto ~ 416-256-5229 Richmond Hill ~ 905-881-5229 WARM AND COMPLEX Benjamin Moore www.benjaminmoore.com Sico www.sico.ca Kalu Interiors www.kaluinteriors.com 604-816-5158 Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com Sherwin Williams www.sherwin-williams.com HEAVEN’S ABOVE Vitaroofs International Inc. www.vitaroofs.com 905-565-9669 Rose Architecture www.rosearchitecture.net 514-528-9839 Architek www.architek.com 604-714-0028 ~ 1-888-317-9226 RAISING A GLASS IN CLASS iYellow Wine Club www.iyellowwineclub.com UBC Continuing Studies www.cstudies.ubc.ca/wine 604-822-5606 Zeina’s Kitchen zeinaskitchen@weebly.com 514-867-6138 THE ART OF MAKING A LARGE HOME COZY Gluckstein Home www.glucksteinhome.com GlucksteinDesign ~ 416-928-2067 GlucksteinHome ~ 416-923-6262 NOBLE MATERIALS Chateau Window & Door Systems www.chateauwindows.com 416-783-3916

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Allan Rug Co. Almira Fine Furniture Apt Custom Carpets Atlantis Bath Centre Barroso Homes Barrymore Binns Kitchen + Bath Design Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry Bone Structure Bourassa Doors Cairo Glitz California Closets Carrocel Casualife Outdoor Living Chateau Window & Door Systems Chestnut Flooring Concept Flooring Concept Kitchen & Bath Cosentino Creative Avenues Decorium Dezign Market Dominion Rug & Home Elizabeth Interiors Erth Coverings Euro-Line Appliances Inc. European Flooring Executive Yacht Fairlawn Medical Centre Georgian Custom Renovations Glen Briar Academy H2o2 Wine Cellar Design Hide House Hollace Cluny Import Temptations Improve Canada Interstone Jura Knar Jewellery Litemode Mahzad Homes Mark Lash Martin Daniel Interiors Morba Morelli Fine Cabinetry Netthaus Omega Mantels Papro Wine Cellars & Consulting Patterned Concrete Royal Decks Royal Lighting Runtal Radiators Scavolini Simply Closets Southport Outdoor Living Sutcliffe Kitchens & Renovations Tom Lee Music Toute Suite Treasures & Co. Trutone Electronics Village Paint Walker’s Wine Bar & Grill Weavers Art X-Tile Canada Yorkville Design Centre Zilli Home

ManArch Design www.manarch.ca 416-414-2635

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EXTRAORDINARY CUSTOM HOMES YOUR CUSTOM DREAM HOME Have you dreamed of someday owning a home with a walk-in boudoir, home gym or custom wine cellar? BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME may be your best option to making those dreams come true. Building your home gives you the ability to customize every detail to suit your specific needs. There are truly no limits to what can be achieved with a fully qualified team of designers and craftsmen intent on making your home building experience fully satisfying and personal.

LET GEORGIAN BUILD YOUR CUSTOM DREAM HOME!

“Working with Georgian was truly a blessing! From our very first Meeting they eliminated any apprehension we had about building a New home and took every negative notion out of the equation. With their attention to detail and skilled guidance we now have a beautiful and unique home. As an added bonus to having the home of our dreams we have gained a life-long friendship with Georgian” — JEFF & CAROLINE —

SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

(905) 405-7276 | WWW.GEORGIANRENO.COM

WINNER OF THE 2015

TORONTO HOME SHOW O F E XC E L L E N C E

& 2016 NATIONAL

HOME SHOW