4 T H I N G S N I KO HOMES C O - OW NERS J OAN N A
DECOR
JANUSZEWSKA AND RAFAL WIECZOREK DID TO THEIR ROXBORO HOME T O PREPARE FOR THE NEXT FLOOD. 1. A stronger foundation. “We reinforced the basement footings, walls and floor to withstand the hydraulic pressure from any flood waters,” says Januszewska. “This helps prevent any cracking or breakage of the foundation.” 2. Waterproofing. “We used an elastomeric rubber coating on the entire foundation to provide a waterproofing barrier.” 3. Better basement windows. “Our basement windows are recessed to allow flood gates to be installed in minutes, and there are no vents or openings whatsoever in the basement walls.” 4. Main-floor mechanical. “After the 2013 flood, the City recommended that homeowners put their mechanical room on the main floor. That way, if there is a flood, the electrical
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BOTTOM LEFT Perfect for holding tastings or smoking a cigar, the wine cellar/cigar room suggests an Old World European tavern with its tiled floor, cherry-wood shelving and a wine barrel imported from Italy used as a table.
TOP RIGHT An 18-foot wall of accordion doors opens the kitchen and den to the rear courtyard, which features a poured-concrete floor made to look like old stone.
panel, furnace and hot-water tank are protected. And displaced homeowners don’t have to wait weeks for hot water and power when they are allowed to return home.”
BOTTOM RIGHT Januszewska’s office features custommade shelving displaying a curated collection of family photos and treasured mementos. The desk and chair are antiques paired with a new light fixture from Restoration Hardware.
In building the home, Januszewska and Wieczorek wanted to ensure it would withstand not only a potential flood, but also the rigours of family life and lots of entertaining. They chose finishes and materials that will stand up to spilled drinks, high heels and the crush of little feet at birthday parties. “We love our house and don’t see ourselves moving anytime soon,” says Januszewska. “But we are in the business, so never say never.”
Outdoor photograph Copyright © 2017 Sona Visual
The kitchen offers further evidence of European influences. Here, Januszewska used rift-cut solid white-oak flooring, large-scale lights that resemble gas lanterns and brass pulls on the cabinets and drawers. The apron-front sink and custom-made brass-plated range hood in the kitchen are reminiscent of a French country kitchen. In the pantry, Januszewska installed produce drawers fronted with mesh screens to allow for air circulation. “It’s something you see in the Old Country,” she says. Her choice of belle époque-inspired tiles in the butler’s pantry, downstairs powder room and utility room continues the heritage feel. Throughout the home, the couple used a custom-calibrated signature stain. Januszewska also had a built-in cabinet made for the dining room, modelled after the one her great-grandmother had in her dining room in Poland. With its tiny drawers and smoked-glass antique-style mirror, the cabinet is indeed a special piece, although it had the potential to make the room look too traditional, so the couple paired it with a statement chandelier from Restoration Hardware for balance. Although new, the fixture’s tapered-glass cylinders suggest candles, further driving home the Old-World Euro vibe.
TOP LEFT Homeowners Joanna Januszewska and Rafal Wieczorek in the kitchen of their home in Roxboro.The five-by-10-foot kitchen island is stained in a custom-created colour called Charcoal Mist, which was used throughout the home.