Curb Appeal Toronto West - ISSUE 02 • 2024

311 Roncesvalles Avenue Toronto, ON M6R 2M6

toronto west, high park, roncesvalles village, parkdale, bloor west village, junction

$1,899,000

$2,199,000

61 DELMA DRIVE

Impressive Alderwood 2 Storey Custom Re-Build on a 45’ x 110’ Corner Lot. Complete 2012 Reno with Open Concept Main, 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Spacious Primary with Ensuite & Large Walk-in Closet. Hardwood Floors, Modern Bathrooms, 2016 Family Room Addition Features Floor to Ceiling Windows, Gas Fireplace & Crested Mansard Roof, Finished Basement. Back-Yard Botanists Rejoice! Exceptional Landscaping with Rare Succulents/Annuals & Peaceful Zen-Like Cabana. Easy Gardiner/QEW Access, Steps to Local Schools & Shopping.

alderwood

307 Pacific avenue

Stately 2.5 Storey Victorian Multiplex On Coveted Pacific Avenue, Circa 1888 Detached with Period Brick Facade, Inviting Front Porch, 6 Well Designed Suites, Interior & Mechanical Renovation In 2006, Over 3,500Sq.ft Finished On 4 Levels, 6 Hydro Meters, 5 Gas Meters, Convenient Coin Op Laundry, Multiple Decks & Outdoor Space For Tenants, Turn Key Property, Fully Tenanted: $106K Net Income; 4.8% Cap w/Upside, Low Maintenance 25’ X 78’ Lot; Tenants Manage Refuse & Snow. Short Stroll To The Junction, Bloor West Village, High Park & TTC.

high park

133 BERESFORD AVENUE

Renovated Swansea Gem! Traditional 2 Storey Detached on a Manicured 25’ x 94.5’ Lot, Wonderful Marriage of Modern Convenience & Original Period Charm, Open Concept Main w/Hardwood Floors, Brick Fireplace, Stained Glass, Renovated Cook’s Kitchen w/Quartz Counters & SS Appliances, 3 Generous Bedrooms, Primary w/Bay Window & Ample Closets, Spa-Like Bathroom, Spectacular Basement Reno w/High Ceilings & Heated Flooring. Swansea PS Catchment, Steps to BWV Shopping & Entertainment. Tremendous Turn Key Family Home!

realestatesolutions@rogers.com www.kerbler.com

42 Ellis avenue

swansea

81 Ellis avenue

swansea

PUB RECIPES TO RECREATE AT HOME Tasty

MANY OF US HAVE BEEN AVOIDING GOING OUT TO EAT DURING THE PANDEMIC, STAYING SAFE AT HOME WHILE GRABBING TAKEOUT OR ENJOYING OUR OWN COOKING. BUT IF YOU'RE GETTING BORED OF THE SAME STAPLES OR CRAVING YOUR WINTERTIME PUB FAVOURITES, IT’S TIME TO EXPERIMENT IN THE KITCHEN WITH DIY RECIPES.

Featuring wholesome ingredients like fresh mushrooms, this steak and ale pie recipe by Jenny from The Brunette Baker lets you easily recreate Englishstyle comfort food in your very own home, at a fraction of the cost of takeout. Bold, hearty and delicious, it’s everything a savoury pie should be.

STEAK + ALE MUSHROOM PIE

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 2.5 hrs | Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 pounds bottom round beef, trimmed and cut into small chunks

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, divided

• 1 tsp vegetable oil

• 2 carrots, peeled and roughly cut

• 1 large onion, chopped coarsely

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 package button or cremini mushrooms

• 12 ounces brown or red ale beer

• 2 tsp liquid beef bouillon or 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 1/2 cup boiling water

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 3-4 whole sprigs of fresh thyme

• Several pieces of whole fresh parsley, stems included

• 1 large bay leaf

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 box ready-made frozen puff pastry, thawed

RECIPE TIP: While you can make and eat the stew filling the same day, the flavours will be more concentrated and delicious if you refrigerate overnight. It’s worth the wait for best results!

DIRECTIONS

STEP ONE

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, sweat onions and garlic until transparent. Add in mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

STEP TWO

Place a large stewing pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Toss the beef in 2 tablespoons flour and season with salt and pepper. Once the stew pot is hot, add oil to coat the bottom surface. Add in beef, but only enough so there is room for each piece to properly sear. Shake the pot occasionally and the cubes will come undone as they finish searing. Don’t force it as it will tear the meat. Continue to sear remaining pieces of beef. Once completed, remove meat from pot and reduce heat.

STEP THREE

In a heat-safe container, pour in liquid bouillon and remaining 2 tablespoons flour. Stir. Mix in boiling water and stir until incorporated and dissolved.

STEP FOUR

In the same pot where you seared the beef, add liquid bouillon mixture and Worcestershire sauce. Skim the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and get up all that goodness left over from searing the meat.

STEP FIVE

Toss meat back into stewing pot along with sweated vegetables. Pour in ale. Give a good stir and add in fresh herbs, submerging them. Remove from heat, cover pot with a lid and place in oven at 325°F (162°C) for 90 minutes.

STEP SIX

Remove from oven, allow to rest and completely cool. Remove thyme sprigs, parsley and bay leaf and discard. Refrigerate overnight for best results.

STEP SEVEN

Once ready to bake, transfer stew mixture into a casserole dish or individual ramekins for single serve. Carefully place thawed puff pastry over top, leaving an inch hanging over. Press and seal pastry to the side of the dish. Apply egg wash for shine if you desire.

STEP EIGHT

Bake at 375° F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown and filling is warmed through.

STEP NINE

Remove from oven and allow to rest before cutting. newscanada.com

EASY HACKS TO SAVE ENERGY AT HOME

SAVING ENERGY DOESN’T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED OR EXPENSIVE. WITH A FEW SIMPLE UPGRADES AND CHANGES IN DAILY HABITS, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT AND HELP LOWER UTILITY BILLS.

Embrace natural light

Take advantage of natural light during the day. Open curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. You won’t need to turn on as many lights, plus it will make your home brighter and more inviting. Keep in mind, this can heat up your home on hot days, but the extra heat is a good thing as the weather cools down.

Light the way with LEDs

When you do need to turn on lights, choose energy-efficient LEDs. They use less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. By switching to LEDs, you can reduce both your energy use and the number of bulbs that end up in landfills.

Adjust your thermostat

Save energy without sacrificing comfort. During cooler months, lower your thermostat by a degree or two and put on an extra layer of clothing. In summer, raise the temperature a bit and use fans for added cooling. Also consider a smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

Unplug and power down

Many electronics and appliances use standby power — also known as phantom power — even when they’re turned off. It’s a good idea to unplug them when not in use to reduce energy waste. Also think about using power bars with switches to easily turn off multiple devices at one time.

Seal energy leaks

Are your windows or doors drafty?

Use inexpensive weatherstripping and caulking to seal up gaps. This simple step can keep your home better insulated and temperatures more

stable. That way, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfy.

Tap into local programs

Check out programs that help homeowners reduce energy use, such as Home Efficiency Rebate Plus. A partnership between Enbridge Gas and the federal government, it offers rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, such as insulation, windows, doors and more.

Find more information at enbridgegas. com/herplus. ◆ newscanada.com

LAKE FRONT LUXURY BY DESIGN

By Diana Rose Design | Photography by Mike Chajecki

CHOOSING A COLOUR PALETTE CAN BE A CHALLENGING PART OF THE INTERIOR DECORATING PROCESS, WITH SO MUCH CHOICE AND NOT ALWAYS A CLEAR VISION OF WHERE TO START. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF AMONG THE LOST, JUST LOOK AROUND AND YOU’LL FIND THAT INSPIRATION IS ALL AROUND YOU. FOR THIS BRANDNEW, CUSTOM-BUILD HOME, ALL I HAD TO DO WAS LOOK OUT THE WINDOW FOR MY COLOUR CUES.

I wasn’t the only one drawn by the view. The lakefront community also attracted the homeowners and my clients, a family of three and their little pup. They were clearly enamoured by the water outside, so I decided to invite and let it influence the colour palette .

The 3,800-sq.-ft. home features five bedrooms, six bathrooms and a stunning main living area, with a modern clean aesthetic with an eye to the breathtaking view of the lake. The three-storey layout was designed to maximize the seasonal beloved views, with an open-to-above main living area and large windows that flood the upper and lower levels with natural light and scenery.

We also used the home’s strong vertical configuration to put our chosen colour palette into deeper context (pun intended). Our hues were not just inspired

DIANA ROSE is the Principal and Creative Director for Diana Rose Design. Nationally published known for creating tailored interiors that enhance and complement your lifestyle. Servicing Toronto & GTA, Muskoka.

by the ocean’s colours, but by its layers as well. Thus, we visually organized our colour scheme in tiers to match. The bright “sunlit” level boasts lighter hues in areas like the kitchen, dining and living room. As you move into the more-intimate family lounge and bedrooms, you can feel a distinct change into what can be described as a darker, more cocoon-like look and feel.

The main feature wall became another focal point, secondary to the view. It spans the home’s three levels, and was finished in a silver/gray wallpaper boasting an organic pattern that mimics large ocean waves. This feature wall is commonly visible across each of the home’s levels, creating a sense of continuity throughout.

To balance the blue tones and complete our oceaninspired aesthetic, we incorporated black, silver, green and sand-coloured accents. The staircase accent wall is painted in dark metallic hue, adding a nice dose of drama. Never overlook the accessories. Here nature-inspired accents, such as driftwood,

green plants, and a cluster of marble coffee tables that echo the look of seashells, served to bring my aquatic motif to life.

TIP: You can create a feature wall in any size of room, by following a few tips. When choosing your wall, consider where the eye is drawn to when you first enter the room. This is where to focus your attention—and if all goes well, everyone else’s, too. Consider a bold colour contrast, in the form of paint or a really great wallpaper or apply custom mouldings. Be bold and push the boundaries. Remember, the goal is to make it stand out. If you get tired of it eventually of have second thoughts, it’s a relatively small area to change in the future. Angle a furniture grouping to face it, acting as a conversation-starter. As a final step, ensure your feature wall is well-lit.

When designing this home’s interior, I found myself continually looking outward for cues on colour, texture and esthetic. And with a stunning view like this, which served as an equally strong inspiration, I found that I had plenty to work with. The result is a modern family retreat with a style as cool and fresh as an ocean breeze. ◆

HEARTH & HOME

A GUIDE TO CHOOSING A FIREPLACE

By Designer, Jessica Cinnamon

The fireplace has always been an essential part of the home – historically out of necessity as a primary source of heat and light; today as a symbol of style and for the ambiance it brings to the home. While homes have evolved, one thing hasn’t changed – the fireplace continues to be the hub of the home, a natural gathering place and focal point.

Photo by Stephani Buchman

PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS FIREPLACES OFTEN USE GLASS AND STONES WITHIN THE FIRE BOX OR PIT, WHICH EVENLY DISTRIBUTES THE GAS AND CREATES A BARRIER BETWEEN THE BURNER AND FLAMES. Your fireplace media is also an opportunity to add some colour, sparkle and sophistication to the unit.

In addition to traditional placement in the living rooms of virtually every home on the block, fireplaces have become unique features raising the bar on bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, offices and outdoor entertainment areas. Each application has specific requirements, and a style that’s best-suited to its intended placement and purpose.

If you’re considering installing a fireplace, there are crucial steps to follow to ensure your project’s success.

Before you get too deep into the ashes, ensure the fireplace is permitted and possible. Regardless of the type of dwelling, obtaining a building permit is essential, and failure to do so may lead to costly delays, legal complications, or even the removal of completed work.

Regency Fireplaces

WHEN CHOOSING A GAS OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE, PAY ATTENTION TO EACH UNIT BTU OUTPUT.

The rule of thumb is approximately 40 BTUs per square foot of living space. So, a fireplace with 40,000 BTUs will be sufficient to heat a space measuring 1,000 sq. ft.

Once you know if you can do it, find out what exactly can be done. Is your space suited to the style of fireplace you’re dreaming of? Here’s my overview of three popular options:

A wood-burning fireplace is unlike anything else, with its crackling sound, smoky aroma, and warm, flickering glow. However, installing a woodburning fireplace can be a costly effort, requiring major structural work and a chimney built of masonry, which may not always be a viable option in some homes. Beyond that, owning a wood-burning fireplace requires effort, including building and maintaining fires, storing firewood and annual cleaning.

Gas fireplaces offer all the allure of a traditional fireplace at a fraction of the cost and effort and added safety,

making them a popular choice among many homeowners today. Modern advancements in technology have made gas fireplaces more stylish and efficient then ever, such as radiant gas fireplaces that circulate heat efficiently while keeping the surrounding area cooler – a great option for condo owners and families with small children and pets. A gas fireplace can be installed virtually anywhere, and a simple flick of the switch instantly wraps the room in a warm glow. Simply put, gas is easy and low-maintenance, with the ambient beauty of a traditional wood-burning unit.

Electric fireplaces are another great option when a real wood-burning or gas fireplace just isn’t an option. This “plug-and-play” option is great addition for condos or homes where a gas line is not possible, or where the

budget doesn’t quite match the vision. Electric fireplaces have certainly have come a long way, artfully emulating the appearance of real flames, and in some cases, the sound of crackling logs, with some units even equipped with a realistic “smoke” effect. Electric units are easy to use, just plug it in and enjoy the heat and the flickering “flame.”

Aside from the fireplace itself, comes everything that surrounds it. In my designs I like to bring in custom builtin shelving surrounding a fireplace as a way to frame this feature, or create a streamlined display with a simple but bold piece of framed artwork, suspended above or placed on the mantel.

Even if a fireplace is no longer functional, it can still be fabulous and serve as a lovely visual focal

point. Arrange firewood neatly inside the fireplace alcove and embellish the mantel space with seasonal decor or candles to achieve a finished appearance. This imaginative technique adds character and elevates a room’s overall atmosphere.

The concept of “home” usually encompasses an element of “warmth” in some capacity, often manifested through a comforting style, a cozy feel or an inviting atmosphere. And in my designer opinion, the most wonderful, welcoming home designs encompass all three. Not sure where to start? Look to your fireplace, or the empty spot where you plan to install one, for the easiest and most effective way to warm up your space, and take your place from “house” to “home.” ◆

JESSICA CINNAMON is the Principal Designer and founder of Toronto based Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc

$4,250,000

This classic two and half story stone and tudor home, grandly set back from the street, is located in the most prestigious part of The Kingsway. The historical touch from its construction in 1934 by R Home Smith & Co combined with modern upgrades create a unique blend of charm and functionality.

The home features 4 + 1 bedrooms and 6 baths. A traditional centre hall plan, this home has been upgraded with modern conveniences. It’s fabulous wainscotting, wood trims, leaded glass, elegant formal rooms along with lovely hearthed living room give it so much warmth and comfort.

The large bright open concept renovated

kitchen/family room overlook south/west facing gardens. Spacious bedrooms, primary suite with walk-out, 2 ensuites and a bright skylit third floor makes for comfortable family living. The professionally finished lower level has a recreation room plus extra bedroom. The mechanics of this home have been completely redone including a dual heating/air conditioning system, electrical, waterproofing, plumbing.

A detached 1 and 1/2 car garage plus long driveway allows for parking for 7 cars. Steps to Bloor St, Subway, Humber River, this is truly a fantastic home for someone who values both historical character and modern amenities!