Curb Appeal Toronto West - ISSUE 01 • 2023

12 Cochrane Drive $2,149,000

This sweet custom re-build fits the bill for just about anyone including downsizers who just can’t be convinced of a condo. It’s the perfect size, open concept easy layout & location across from the dearest park. You can sit on the front porch and people watch day & evening! Includes all the latest features & finishings, chef’s kitchen, stunning fireplace, convenient mud room, private yard. In an up & coming neighbourhood with easy access to major routes, quick to downtown, shopping at doorstep & near popular Mimico/Royal York baristas, delis and bake shops, Mimico GO station. All about it is a delight!

18 Langmuir Crescent $4,480,000 Warm & inviting custom build in a magical setting by the Humber River, Old Mill Inn & Baby Point mansions. Built of Indiana limestone & brick, this dream home boasts 4400 sq. ft. total living space & includes everything on your wish list - 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, high ceilings, attached garage with direct access, DOG WASH, chef’s kitchen/family room overlooking beautiful secluded & terraced yard. Walk to Old Mill or Jane subway, eclectic Bloor West shops, dining, pubs, hidden parks, walking/cycling trails along Humber River to lakefront

Rising energy bills and an increased focus on the environment have led many homeowners to consider solar power. But harnessing the power of the sun requires some planning and professional help.

Solar energy and energy storage systems (ESS) come with some daunting considerations, including overcurrent protection, disconnecting means, wiring methods, grounding, etc. These are all better left for the professionals to manage.

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Knowing where to place your solar panels, correctly wiring them both inside and outside the home and ensuring you are receiving the correct amount of energy can be complicated. Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) can guarantee you are getting the most out of your systems. Beware of advertisements for installations of solar panels from unlicensed contractors, which are often accompanied by the promise of cheaper or low-cost work.

BENEFITS OF ESS & SOLAR POWER

Solar and ESS systems can have a major impact on electricity bills by storing low-cost energy to use during peak hours. Both systems can provide peace of mind, as they can provide power during times of disruption, such as blackouts or other power failures. While both systems can increase

reliability and offset costs, they can also work to reduce environmental impact. By lessening dependence on traditional power, greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased.

CONNECTING TO THE GRID

Typically, ESS and solar power systems do not operate as stand-alone power sources. They often work in parallel with utility supplies, which in turn have many safety implications. When switching to solar energy, be sure to hire an LEC who can help you navigate these nuances, take out the proper notifications, ensure a safe and diligent installation and provide you with an ESA certificate.

Switching to solar energy is not the right time for a DIY project, always do your research and consult with professionals. Learn more at esasafe.com

JR.

OF

Wakame is dried seaweed. I buy it in a health food store.

MAKES: 10 Servings

DIRECTIONS

STEP ONE: In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add carrot, onion, celery and turnip, cook for 10 minutes. Break up the wakame in a few pieces and add to the pot.

STEP TWO: Add the apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos and diced tomatoes, cook for 1 minute.

STEP THREE: Add the white beans, red lentils and quinoa, toss and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

STEP FOUR: Add the stock, water and salt and pepper, bring to a boil. Cover, turn to low and cook for 3040 minutes.

STEP FIVE: Stir in the lemon juice. Serve and enjoy.

CAROLYN COHEN , Founder/Chef/Recipe

Developer of DeliciousDish. DeliciousDish Cooking School specializes in Whole Food Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Developing and Healthy Eating. #CookAtHome

d : 416.200.3522

e: deliciousdishcookingschool@gmail.com deliciousdish.ca

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 1 onion, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 small white turnip, peeled and diced

• 3-4 pieces of dried wakame

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp coconut aminos

• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, diced, about 2 cups chopped

• 1 1/2 cup canned white beans (14-ounce can/360ml bottle), drained and rinsed

• 1 cup dry red lentils

• 1/3 cup dry quinoa

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Dr. Jodi

’s

CLEAN EATING NOTES:

This gluten-free “pseudograin” is in the same family as spinach, chard, and beets — not in the wheat or grain family. The little seeds are packed with fibre and protein, along with the anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Quinoa is also a compete protein – giving you all the essential amino acids our body needs to replenish cellular function. jodilarrynd.com ◆

Welcome to 6 Wilgar Road

Splendid and spacious Georgian family home in the heart of The Kingsway!

Located on beautiful tree-lined Wilgar Road, this gracious 5+1 bedroom with exceptional curb appeal tastefully pairs mint traditional elements with high quality renovations. The layout is ideally suited to relaxed everyday living and gatherings of friends & family. There are so many desirable features to love including a welcoming foyer; wood floors, wainscotting and trim; an elegant living room with wood burning fireplace and bay window; a separate formal dining room with wainscotting; a fabulous renovated kitchen with centre island, a skylit main floor family room with walkout to deck and garden and a convenient main floor 3 piece. The second level offers a primary bedroom with a semi-ensuite (easily converted to a private ensuite), four additional well-proportioned bedrooms with excellent storage and a second family bath. The lower level has a bedroom,

workshop, laundry and 3 piece bath. Updates include a Marana kitchen equipped w/ Wolf, Sub-Zero, Asko & Faber appliances, mainly new windows, refinished hardwood floors, gas boiler and central air, rewired 100 amp service and spray foam insulation in selected areas. The gardens are landscaped and low maintenance. The private drive & built in garage accommodate three cars. 6 Wilgar Road is perfectly situated to take full advantage of the wonderful Kingsway lifestyle and amenities. Stroll to shops, restaurants, cafes, subway, Brentwood Library, Memorial Pool & Recreation Centre, Central Tennis & Arena. First rate school catchment area includes LKS; ECI; Our Lady of Sorrows; Bishop Allen; ESA and Kingsway College School. This is a superb movein-ready opportunity in a destination neighborhood!

A BLANK Canvas

By Jason Stacey | Photography by Stephani Buchman

An unused space in any home offers an abundance of possibilities. Mention an unused room to an Interior Designer and their eyes light up! It’s the blank canvas that all designers dream about. When Claire Jefford was approached by the homeowners of this older home in a beautiful mature neighbourhood in Aldershot, she was tasked with helping the client bring their vision to life for an inviting living space in an unused area of the home.

Claire Jefford’s interior design process always starts with an indepth conversation at their initial consultation meeting with the clients, to help the team understand the client’s lifestyle and precisely assess how they need a space to function for their needs.

THE CLIENTS SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH THIS AREA,” REMARKED CLAIRE. “AFTER REVIEWING THE SPACE WITH MY TEAM, IT WAS HARD NOT TO GET EXCITED. WE GOT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY.

“In that initial meeting, we discussed many topics including design styles and preferences for colours,” added Claire. “The clients made it very clear what they were looking for which was fantastic. Understanding the clients wants and needs is crucial to any successful renovation.”

From that meeting, the team including lead designer Karen Dunn, designed two layout options which were presented via 3D renderings so that the client could completely visualise their new space. In order to allow for enough room for everything on their wish list, they all agreed it necessary to tear down a wall to achieve an open floor plan between the kitchen and the new Great Room.

“In discussing the needs and wants for our clients, we thoughtfully designed an entertaining area that the entire family could enjoy. It was important for us to accentuate the great architectural features in this room, such as the tall, slanted ceilings and abundant windows that provided a glorious view to the lush gardens in their backyard.”

Because the space was being opened up from the kitchen, see through acrylic panels were used as opposed to railings that can often look busy and create a visual distraction. This seamless design element is a great way to keep the eye moving and was enthusiastically welcomed by the clients. ▹

FOR THE COLOUR PALETTE, CLAIRE ADMITS SHE LOVES BEING INSPIRED BY FABRICS

“Typically, I use one or two swatches that become the ‘jumping off point’ for the entire design,” said Claire. “From there we look at other decorative elements to support the design palette, mixing in some warm tones as well, which you see reflected here in the coffee table and walnut shelf on the media unit. Then we add in more layers such as the area rugs and accent cushions. The wall colour is ‘Gray Owl’ by Benjamin Moore.”

GREAT ROOM

The main focus of this project was the addition of the custom media wall unit and new fireplace that was designed using soft white shiplap and a small marble herringbone tile. There was an emphasis on creating a coastal colour palette with nautical hints to complement the new shiplap fireplace. Beautiful dark blue fabrics were used in the conversational seating area, as well as in the other blue tones incorporated into the children’s new crafting area.

CRAFTING AREA

The space allowed for the addition of a kid’s crafting area in the corner by the large windows. This area used to house an old hot tub which the clients never used. With the additional sunlight that pours into this room from the skylights above, it was the perfect spot to create a cozy little nook.

“The custom bench seat that sits perfectly within the bay window area not only looks great, but the drawers underneath for storage of colouring books, pencils, games and puzzles means that it’s super functional as well,” added Claire.

Claire Jefford’s industrious and spirited personality brings something special to each project she works on. Along with her team, their job is most meaningful when client’s trust them to create stunning and functioning spaces for gathering and

making memories. From the colours to the fabrics, the clients were thrilled with the result. Having a space with multiple functions that the whole family can use has made this once unused space into the most popular spot in their home. ◆

About CLAIRE JEFFORD

Whether she’s guiding a homeowner through colour, fabric or furniture selections, presenting a fully custom 3D design plan, or coaching another interior design professional on how to bring a successful business to life, Claire is untiring in everything she does.

Her designs are stunning, tailored and timeless, and her energy is ridiculously contagious.

Claire’s work has been featured in Lux Lifestyle Magazine, and Maria Killam’s White e-book and blog.

She’s a prominent keynote speaker, and she’s also co-authored an interior design business book.

Simply put, Claire Jefford walks the walk.

ClaireJefford.com

WHITE DONE RIGHT

HOW TO OWN THE TREND

As the design industry looks ahead to 2020 design trends, we’re seeing monochromatic white kitchens continue to dominate modern interiors. This look has been hot for some time, with many variations of the original. If you’re going to own the white kitchen trend in 2019, the trick is to make it yours. Here’s my own take on the trending white kitchen, and a sneak peek at how I applied it to my own space.

I punctuated this classic, white palette with the glamour of satin-brass and walnut accents. These cognac-coloured materials instantly bring warmth to the space and an element of luxury. These luxe finishes also tie in beautifully with the original 100-year-old quarter-sawn oak flooring and wall paneling found in principal spaces of the home. A natural showpiece in any kitchen is the feature wall behind the cooktop. I designed a custom-made

white-and-walnut fumes hood to grace the space. This substantial, simple piece was planned to be slightly oversized to bring balance to the angled wall. The design of the hood fan becomes an immediate focal point and an anchor for the eye.

A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES

As you look down the hall of the home, past the kitchen cabinet fronts, what would otherwise be a plain side panel becomes an unexpected showpiece that stands out for all the right reasons. Featured here is a stunning walnut panel with brass inlay, boasting an asymmetrical line detail that was thoughtfully planned and scaled. It’s a work of art: It is the hero piece in the kitchen. This finishing touch provides a killer sight line all the way from the front door of the home - a welcomed sight indeed!

Satin brass and white sconces placed by the main sink punctuate the window and provide lovely accent lighting to the kitchen area. A pair of contemporary styled faucets and cabinet hardware are also presented in stain brass to unify the feeling in the kitchen.

For the backsplash, I wanted to keep, things simple yet luxurious. Covelano marble was used for the countertops as well as the backsplash. This marble has an overall fresh, white colour with beautiful warm tones of grey and cognac in the veining. The character of the marble added interest to the kitchen while alluding to the other warm tones of brass, walnut and white oak found in the new kitchen and in the other original finishes in the home.

The marble backsplash is timeless; simple yet luxurious. It makes perfect sense that this material is among the most-requested options on the market. I also added marble window sills, which added a sleek and luxurious touch to the space, as well as practicality in the form of a moisture-proof surface near the sink!

The white fridge and freezer panels are custom pieces, designed to conceal the appliances in an outstanding way. And there’s more to these stunning cabinets than meets the eye! An integrated walk-in pantry is invisible on the extensive cabinet wall that also houses an oversized pantry drawer system for added function.

Overhead, applied molding in the ceiling adds that final finishing touch. This detail doesn’t impede ceiling height, but adds impactful visual interest and dimension to the ceiling.

As the designer and dweller of this stunning new kitchen, I can attest that trends aren’t written in stone, nor are they steadfast. Take a look at what you love, be inspired and make it your own. I owned white with brass and walnut - what will you use to stand out in a sea of white?

SARA BEDERMAN , is the Principal Designer for Sara Bederman Design. For over a decade this Toronto bespoke design firm has become known for creating stylish, thoughtfully curated and livable interiors. The firm provides residential design services for projects of all sizes. Sara Bederman Design works throughout Toronto, GTA and beyond.

sarabederman com Instagram: sarabstudio