Living Luxe Magazine - Summer 25 • VOL. 07 - ISSUE 03

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN

DEMI MOORE

The star reflects on her bold and dazzling career and her most recent film in an exclusive interview

ARTFUL SIMPLICITY

OE Design by Omid Taba creates a modern estate in Forest Hill that epitomizes tranquility and elegance

A HOME WITH A VIEW

Jane Lockhart Design transforms a mid-century home in the Niagara Gorge into a contemporary retreat

FURNITURE COURTESY OF CALLIGARIS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIMKAT.

The New Decorium

Where design leads the way. At our core, design is who we are. Our passionate team is dedicated to crafting beautiful, comfortable spaces that inspire.

Transform your living experience with Stressless — meticulously designed to adapt to your every move. Elevate your lifestyle and experience unparalleled comfort with furniture that responds to you.

The ONE

113 Elgin Street

OFFERED AT 13,800,000

Paradise takes form in The ONE—a modern marvel where architecture, innovation, and nature converge in spectacular fashion. This estate is more than a home; it’s a vision realized. Designed by the renowned David Small Architects and brought to life with interiors by the celebrated Coz Design Inc., The ONE redefines luxury living through a lens of serene sophistication and bold expression.

This is true cutting-edge architecture—visionary, bold, and entirely unforgettable. The ONE is not just a home. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an estate that exists beyond compare, and beyond your dreams. In close proximity to Golf and Country Clubs, fine shops and fine dining, the country’s best schools.

A World of Magnificence Awaits!

Dr. Philip Solomon OTOLARYNGOLOGISTHEAD & NECK SURGEON PRACTICING IN FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

The Art Of Surgery

22-55 Administration Rd

Concord ON L4K 4G9 (416) 633-5921

1400 Plains Rd E Burlington ON L7R 3P8 (905) 581-4015

101-6 Bexley Pl Nepean ON K2H 8W2 (613) 731-6224

Design changes everything.

Every moment becomes more if you dare to design it. Presenting

What are you packing in your beach bag this summer?

ANTHONY SIRIANNI

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF LIVING LUXE MEDIA

“Summer is a time for vitamin D, barbecues and patios! I’m packing water, sunscreen and a towel in my beach bag. Less is more!”

SASHA REID-DEMPSTER

CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR OF LIVING LUXE MAGAZINE

“In my makeup bag, I’ll be packing my Augustinus Bader SPF lip balm, Valmont hand cream, Merit lip liner, Chantecaille rose spray, and Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint. I’ll also have my Bottega Veneta sunglasses, Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ‘97 Eau de Parfum, an Eric Javits sunhat, Clé De Peau Beauté UV Cream SPF 50+, Hermès Les Mains Hermès nourishing oil and a copy of SeaOfStrangers by Lang Leav.”

ALI ABDALI

CEO OF MARBELLA CANADA INC.

“This summer, I’m packing a lightweight Turkish towel in a soft neutral, a beautifully designed water bottle that keeps things chilled, oversized sunglasses with just the right amount of drama, and the latest issue of  Living Luxe magazine for some sun-soaked inspiration.”

JANE LOCKHART

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF JANE LOCKHART DESIGN

“With good beach weather upon us, I will definitely be packing my Leus Towel that is eco-friendly and super colourful, my goodr ‘I Come with Baggage’ sunglasses—I love their retro, ‘70s shape—and, of course, Attitude Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick (SPF 30).”

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Lipkowitz

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Anthony Sirianni

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Hana Rakovski

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Zoë Teufel

Volume 7, Number 3, Summer 2025

CHIEF

EXECUTIVE OFFICER Je rey Boro Advertising

deadlines and information, email anthony@livingluxe.ca For SUBSCRIPTION inquiries and address changes, email subscriptions@livingluxe.ca | livingluxe.ca | info@livingluxe.ca 14 Leswyn Road, North York, Ontario M6A 1K2

Natalie Belmont, Charlotte Bushnell-Boates, Nancie Heiber, Susan Kelly, George Pimentel, Rosie Prata, David Saini, Susan Semenak

Valerie Simmons, Dr. Philip Solomon, Eve Thomas Samantha Vecchiarelli, Fabián Waintal

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Douglas

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Juliana Holly

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Elia Essen

COPY EDITOR

Stephanie Whittaker

PROOFREADER

Phillipa Rispin

CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR

Sasha Reid-Dempster

The new S8 with a P.A.G.2 grinder and Sweet Foam specialties

An Outpouring of Gratitude

Hello Everyone,

As my team and I take a moment to reflect, we’re filled with immense pride over the success of the Living Luxe Design Show 2025. I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you. Without our sponsors, exhibitors, partners, team and everyone who attended, none of this would have been possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

A special acknowledgment goes to my right hand and partner, Anthony Sirianni, and our dynamic show partner, Diana Pires, who brought this vision to life. Our gratitude also extends to Toronto Fashion Academy and International Fashion Encounter for this year’s fashion shows.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, JennAir, who has supported us from the beginning, and to our other valued sponsors, KOHLER, HP Canada, Union Lighting & Furnishings, The Rosarium Luxury Roses, OE Design, Title Building Group, Lawrence Park Development, and many more. A huge thank you, also, to all of our media sponsors for amplifying our voice and vision. To our more than 80 exhibitors: you delivered unforgettable experiences. We remain in awe of what was built at the Toronto Congress Centre in just four days!

Congratulations to OE Design by Omid Taba for winning the Most Outstanding Booth Award, Cava Surfaces for the inaugural People’s Choice Award, and to all the winners of this year’s Living Luxe Awards Gala. It was an honour to celebrate your achievements. The gala, hosted at the elegant Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, was made possible thanks to the support of Cosentino, Marbella, Khayeri Flooring, House of Rohl, and all our sponsors.

I’m excited to announce that this year’s City Couture Fleurs De Rouge Gala, presented by Simons in support of the SickKids Foundation, raised over $100,000, helping us fulfill our four-year pledge of $275,000 in just three years. A huge thanks to my committee, co-chair Marialisa De Gasperis and our wonderful sponsors. Special thanks to Sienna Binns for sharing her powerful story and reminding us of the importance of supporting organizations such as SickKids.

We are also honoured to support events in the city and have been proud media sponsors for Scrubs in the City, Arthritis Society Canada’s Fashion on Fire event, Fashion Art Toronto, Shelter Movers, The Edge at Sheridan College, and the Law Suits Charity Gala.

As we continue to push boundaries and grow Living Luxe, we look forward to sharing what’s in store. But for now, I hope you all enjoy the calm and warmth of summer.

Jennifer Lipkowitz Publisher

e Sweet Taste of Summer

Dear Reader,

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a lot in my life. From a three-month homestay in Zanzibar to luxury media trips in Iceland, I’ve trekked, tasted and twirled my way across the world and have even lived in three countries. From all this wandering, there’s one thing I know for sure: No one does summer like Canadians.

To Canadians, the thrill of summer doesn’t disappear into the drudgery of a nine-to-five after graduation—instead, the entire country seems to tremble with that “school’s out” excitement of a child. For three blissful months, thoughts of winter tires, snow plows and waterproof everything are replaced with batch cocktail recipes, parade and festival calendars, and as many weekend getaways as possible. Work slows down, and the relaxation amps up—just as it should.

To me, summertime is all about gathering—whether that’s poolside, on a patio, at a wedding or by a barbecue. Nothing beats a warm day spent outside alongside people I love, especially if there’s corn on the cob and watermelon involved.

This year, though, I suspect the best gathering of the year has already occurred. I was honoured to attend the Living Luxe Design Show—my very first one—last month and was blown away by the talent, energy and turnout. And while I wish I could take credit for what a rousing success this year’s show was, my work mainly stays within these pages. All the recognition goes to the amazing team who brought it to life—Jennifer Lipkowitz, Anthony Sirianni, Diana Pires, Jennifer Douglas, Melissa Ahmetovic, Juliana Holly, Bright Uchechukwu, Vanessa Pellegrini, Jamie Mendel, Marialisa De Gasperis, David Boanuh, Frazier de Mesa, and of course, the charming and savvy Zoë Teufel, whom I have had the privilege of knowing for many years and who just keeps shining brighter. Of course, there are so many others, including all the amazing exhibitors, sponsors and attendees, who played a role in bringing the show to life: I applaud each one of you.

I’m already looking forward to next year, which I know will be even bigger and better. But for now, if you’re looking for me this summer, I’ll be lakeside, reading and sipping on something fruity.

Enjoy the sunshine—I know I will.

Cheers,

Elia Essen Editor-In-Chief

WHAT’S NEW

DINNER WITH A VIEW

After a brief hiatus, Spanish dining destination Beso by Patria has reopened to unveil stunning new interiors designed by Toronto-based, award-winning design studio NIVEK REMAS. Echoing the vibrant and bold cuisine, the interiors celebrate movement, energy and tradition. The crown jewel of the new restaurant is an expansive mural by art studio CROW depicting matadors, flamenco dancers and bullfighters that took 10 days to hand paint. www.besotoronto.com

SUMMER STYLE

Ready for a summer wardrobe refresh? Look no further than ba&sh’s new summer collection. Inspired by the island of Mallorca and aptly called LA ISLA, the latest collection by the effortlessly chic Parisian brand embodies European summer getaways with breezy fabrics, natural textures and feminine silhouettes designed for movement. From relaxed maxi dresses to crocheted tops, LA ISLA brings Mallorca to you—no plane ticket required. www.ba-sh.com/ca

WEEKEND ESCAPE

LUGGAGE WORTH TALKING ABOUT

’Tis the season of weekend getaways and trips to the cottage. Pack in style with Monos’ latest pattern addition, the woven Houndstooth Check. Paying homage to the iconic Pepita pattern that was once used to upholster Porsche interiors, this chic black and white small-scale pattern elevates the style of any traveller. The Metro Tote Bag and Metro Carry-All Duffel are available in Houndstooth Check, and as with all Monos bags, they’re designed right here in Canada. ca.monos.com

For those seeking the perfect weekend escape from Toronto, a new retreat in Caledon at the edge of Forks of the Credit National Park beckons. The Liberty Inn is a cozy collection of five thoughtfully appointed suites in a historic building constructed in the 1850s. Adorned with personal touches, including plenty of pottery made by one of the owners and local artwork, the inn blends modern luxury with heritage charm. Plus, a private bookable Nordic spa with a cedar hot tub, Finnish sauna and cold plunge makes it the perfect wellness getaway. www.thelibertyinn.ca

A NEW WAY TO SHOP SURFACES

Laminam, a global leader in Italian porcelain surfaces, has opened its North American flagship showroom in Vaughan, Ontario. The 30,000-squarefoot facility is a hub for interior designers, architects, builders, developers and end users to engage with Laminam’s premium surfaces in an immersive, hands-on environment. The space features a 2,500square-foot showroom, a working slab gallery, and a 28,000-square-foot on-site warehouse for streamlined material selection and procurement. www.laminam.com/en

THE FACELIFT FORMULA

Why more people are turning to facelift surgery for long-term, naturallooking rejuvenation.

By Dr. Philip Solomon & Nancie Heiber

Aesthetic medicine is always evolving; trends come, some stay, and some go. To discuss the most recent shift, we checked in with Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon, practising in Facial Plastic Surgery.

“FACELIFT

SURGERY IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE ANTI-AGING PROCEDURE AVAILABLE.”

More people are opting for facelift surgery in lieu of nonsurgical treatments such as filler, Botox and energy devices to reverse or mitigate decades of aging.

These “anti-aging” treatments are used in hopes of delaying surgical intervention. “While they can help slow down the aging process or lessen the appearance of aging, nothing comes close to replacing the facelift,” says Dr. Solomon.

He points out that facelift surgery used to be considered exclusive to an older demographic or was assumed to be available only to the upper echelon of society, associated with movie stars or the very wealthy of a certain age. “Today, facelifts are sought out by people from a larger demographic and socioeconomic background, many of whom are younger, in the early stages of aging,” Dr. Solomon says. “While we see a broad range of both men and women ranging in age from their mid-40s to mid-70s, a significant portion of my practice is in their late 40s to early 50s and simply want to look their best without skipping a beat.”

Patients have also become aware that while filler is a great tool, its results are more limited and can distort the face, causing a “pillow face” effect when overused. Facelift surgery allows patients to restore their youthful appearance without the yo-yo effect, where one ages over the course of decades, then radically improves their appearance with facelift surgery, and returns to looking youthful.

“Facelift surgery is without a doubt the most transformative anti-aging procedure available,” says Dr. Solomon. “Facelifts have been around for decades. However, previously, this surgery may have left tell-tale signs of an ‘overdone or operated’ appearance that may have turned people off. Nowadays, and depending on the expertise of the surgeon, more advanced techniques can achieve more natural and quite outstanding results.”

Dr. Solomon says his job is to execute a facelift that eliminates the obvious signs of aging—including drooping jowls, lack of neck definition, and a deflated mid-face—that can make a person look older. “We aren’t changing one’s looks; we are reversing what has transpired as a result of the natural aging process. We are enhancing one’s natural beauty, reflective of how they looked 10 to 20 years ago.”

Dr. Solomon specializes in the deep plane facelift at his uptown

private surgical facility, The Solomon Nasal and Facial Plastic Surgery Centre. “I have found that since I have added the deep plane facelift technique in the last decade of my practice, my patients’ results are better than ever. It is rare that I will perform a facelift now without performing a deep plane technique. We also offer a mini deep plane facelift to address our younger demographic who want to address the mid-face and jawline and don’t need as much work on the neck.”

According to Dr. Solomon, a facelift is the gold standard of treatment for the aging face. “That being said, it doesn’t fix everything and non-surgical treatments still have a place in cosmetic medicine to soften wrinkles, volumize the face and improve skin quality. Many of our patients include laser resurfacing to address skin tone and texture, facial fat grafting or filler to address volume loss and further enhance the facelift outcome,” he says.

Dr. Solomon’s theory is that one plus one plus one equals 10, meaning one procedure alone will not be the only solution. “By combining multiple modalities, we can often reach a 10.” It’s a formula. And it’s a formula that Dr. Solomon knows well.

CANADIAN SOPHISTICATION IN TURKS AND CAICOS

Founded by a Canadian entrepreneur, Wymara Resort + Villas is a dreamy and sophisticated slice of oceanfront paradise.

By Valerie Simmons

We settled into our waterfront table, the sun shimmering across the turquoise sea, and ordered a leisurely seaside lunch. Just as the first notes of The Tragically Hip drifted through the air, we learned that this sleek, luxurious hideaway in Turks and Caicos has a distinctly Canadian connection—one that extends far beyond the playlist.

Welcome to Wymara Resort + Villas, a contemporary, designforward escape set along the pristine shores of Grace Bay Beach, widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. With its powder-soft white sand, dazzling waters and sweeping views, Grace Bay alone makes a compelling case for Turks and Caicos as a top-tier dream destination. But it is Wymara’s seamless pairing of chic resort living and ultra-private villa seclusion that truly sets it apart.

Canadian entrepreneur Bruce Maclaren envisioned Wymara as a place where design, nature and service converge to create something exceptional. “From the start, my goal with Wymara Villas was to design a place where architecture and landscape work together to create something extraordinary,” Maclaren says. “We

“WE ARE DELIVERING A LEVEL OF LUXURY AND SECLUSION THAT IS TRULY UNMATCHED IN THE CARIBBEAN.”

are delivering a level of luxury and seclusion that is truly unmatched in the Caribbean.”

A trip here begins at the 97 studios, suites and penthouses Wymara Resort, where oceanfront suites offer front-row seats to Grace Bay’s legendary sunsets. Guests can spend sun-drenched days lounging by the stunning 7,000-squarefoot infinity pool, indulging in cocktails at the beachside Pink Bar or unwinding at the newly refreshed Wymara Spa, now partnered with acclaimed skincare brand 111SKIN. The spa’s bespoke wellness treatments, including its sought-after facial therapies, bring a cutting-edge, science-backed approach to island relaxation.

For those craving a heightened sense of privacy, a short seven-minute drive leads to Wymara Villas + Beach Club, an ultra-exclusive enclave perched on the serene Turtle Tail peninsula. Here, guests will find the Caribbean’s first in-ocean pool, a remarkable 130-foot ocean-fed masterpiece carved directly into the coastline, along with private modern villas boasting panoramic sea views and infinity-edge pools.

The new Land + Sea restaurant rounds out the villa experience with a refined open-air dining concept shaped by its spectacular setting. Led by executive chef Andrew Mirosch, the menu balances premium prime cuts with freshly caught, sustainably sourced seafood, all served against the backdrop of Sunset Cove. By day, the atmosphere is airy and relaxed; by night, it transforms into a more intimate dining destination, perfect for cocktails, conversation and candlelight.

Canada’s fascination with Turks and Caicos is long-standing. For more than a century, discussions have surfaced about the possibility of the islands becoming part of Canada, a tropical province tucked into the Atlantic. While such political ambitions have never come to pass, Canadian travellers remain among Turks and Caicos’ most devoted visitors.

At Wymara, this connection feels intentional and inspiring. It is a place where Canadian sophistication meets Caribbean soul, where every detail, from eco-conscious operations to thoughtful design, reflects a commitment to luxury with purpose. For Canadian travellers seeking a sun-soaked escape that feels both elevated and familiar, Wymara offers not just a destination but a home away from home.

Sasha Reid-Dempster

Contributing Fashion Editor

A SECOND LIFE FOR LUXURY

LEFT: The Helsa cream long dress features a round neckline, dolman long sleeves and an open back with elasticized waist.

RIGHT: Sleek and refined, this timeless style exemplifies the House savoir-faire with handwoven natural rattan, leather top handles and an interior drawstring pouch in blue Dior Oblique jacquard.

RIGHT: Turn heads in this Magda Butrym pink midi dress, which has a halter neck with back hook and eye fastenings, an open back, dual flower appliqués at the left hip and a daring side slit.

LEFT: This Louis Vuitton white Bella bag, with a signature Mahina perforatedmonogram leather body, wows with silver-tone hardware, an adjustable drawstring open-top compartment, four metal feet and detachable chain and adjustable crossbody straps.

By Sasha Reid-Dempster

Portrait by Adrian Fiebig Photography

Hair by Victoria Bonika

Styled by Black Book Style

High fashion finds for fashionistas who care about the planet.

BELOW: This Dolce & Gabbana pink and white shirt features the signature Majolica print, spread collar, button front, tie hems and cuffed sleeves.

For an effortless mix of sustainability and high fashion, consignment stores offer the perfect solution. At VSP Consignment’s new private boutique in Toronto, you’ll discover a charming collection of luxury and high-fashion collectibles, perfect for discerning collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Showcasing must-have pieces for the summer, this season’s lineup features on-trend designers that include Loewe, Victoria Beckham and Khaite, alongside the rising Polish brand Magda Butrym. You’ll also find treasures from esteemed fashion houses such as Alaïa, classic baroque styles from Dolce & Gabbana, vibrant and sophisticated designs from Prada, and timeless French favourites such as Dior, Roger Vivier, and Hermès—so there’s something for any occasion. So, for all my fellow fashion lovers, step into the captivating atmosphere at VSP for a personalized client experience that makes your next wardrobe addition one to remember.

puff sleeves with elastic cuffs has a concealed back zip closure, attached wrap belt, gathering detail and a flared skirt.

LEFT: With adjustable ruching at the left side, this Missoni multicolour sparkly mini dress features one-shoulder strap styling and a woven pattern throughout.

even more.

BELOW: Add a bit of pink perfection with these Roger Vivier satin heels, featuring a covered square toe and a pink satin heel strap. The square heels clad in crystals and silver-tone crystal encrusted buckle up the

RIGHT: This stylish Alaïa black medium Le Teckel bag is made of grained leather, with tonal stitching, gold-tone hardware and a matching gold-tone stamped logo at bottom centre front. Dual rolled top handles with press stud tab make for easy carrying.

BELOW: Elevate your everyday denim with these Khaite light wash Danielle jeans, featuring belt loops, zip fly, high waist, five-pocket styling and a straight leg.

LEFT: Add a splash of colour to your look with this cheerful Hermès Kelly 2015-Red

RIGHT: For a touch of breezy romance, this Dolce & Gabbana green and pink silk sheer shirt features a lovely floral print, a V-neckline with a collar, a button front, and fold-over cuffs with crystal cufflinks.

A NEW LANDMARK

At the gateway of Toronto’s prestigious Bridle Path, North Drive’s latest project, 2 Post Road, blends classic architectural style with modern updates and amenities for the best of luxury living.

By Charlotte Bushnell-Boates

A new condo development in Toronto’s coveted Bridle Path neighbourhood offers residences unlike any other. Now available for purchase, the newest project by North Drive—2 Post Road—is a collection of 612 luxury residences that are unique within the Bridle Path and beyond.

“If you’re looking for a true luxury building and want to avoid the congestion of more urban locations, there’s not an enormous

number of options,” explains Barry Cohen of Barry Cohen Homes, the broker of 2 Post Road. “The few that exist are dated and require significant renovations. This new development offers modern layouts and luxury amenities, all within a spectacular new building.”

The residences at 2 Post Road flow seamlessly within the Bridle Path neighbourhood. Designed in a Beaux-Arts style by worldrenowned architect Richard Wengle, 2 Post Road is a landmark property that beautifully combines a classic architectural style with modern facilities and amenities. “This project has really served the community since you have a lot of people rightsizing into their homes,” explains Cohen. “Instead of downsizing, it’s really rightsizing; now you have the opportunity to live in a square footage comparable to a house, but in the community you were raised in or raised your family in. At the same time, you have this magnificence of amenity and security.”

The property, which will be ready for occupancy in the

summer of 2028, offers a distinctive location with easy access to downtown Toronto, while still being residential, secure and defined by unmatched quality. Residents will be only minutes from soughtafter neighbourhood amenities, including prestigious schools and clubs, exceptional restaurants, ample parks and green spaces. The building itself is also home to a large fitness facility, a pickleball and basketball court, golf simulators, a party room, a catering kitchen and more, allowing residents to experience luxury without leaving the property.

The exclusive and limited suites from North Drive are highly customizable. Residents can opt to combine units for larger floor plans and additional bedrooms, and they can choose between finishes to personalize their homes. Each suite features 10-to-12foot ceilings and luxury design elements, including wide-plank hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, gas lines for outdoor barbecues, and spacious kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances.

Outdoor space is also prioritized in each abode, with massive covered dining and patio areas in the Garden suites and generously sized balconies and terraces in the Signature suites and Penthouse collection. “2 Post Road will feel like a boutique hotel, complete with so many incredible amenities and luxuries,” says Justin Cohen of Barry Cohen Homes. “North Drive isn’t like a typical condo builder. Instead, everything they make is custom for the neighbourhood and its residents.” An enviable gem of elevated homes, the address is set to provide an unparalleled residential opportunity in Toronto’s Bridle Path.

A GRAND REVEAL

The 2025 Living Luxe Design Show kicked off with a glamorous and inspiring opening night party.

Photography By George Pimentel

The Living Luxe Design Show opened its doors this year with a spectacular opening night party at the Toronto Congress Centre, North Building. Drawing more than 4,000 guests, the evening set the tone for a weekend that celebrated the very best in interior design, architecture, fashion and real estate. Visionaries across these industries came together for an unforgettable evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration that included a fashion show in collaboration

with Toronto Fashion Academy. The event honoured those who are driving innovation and setting new benchmarks of excellence across their fields. Like the show itself—which spanned three days in April—the opening night was a celebration of creativity, passion, and the forwardthinking individuals who are redefining their industries.

RUNWAY WITH A PURPOSE

City Couture: Fleurs de Rouge shines for SickKids Foundation.

By Sasha Reid-Dempster

Photography By George Pimentel

The third annual City Couture gala dazzled at the 2025 Living Luxe Design Show, embracing a romantic Fleurs de Rouge theme. Presented by Simons and produced by Diana Pires Events, the evening—held at the Toronto Congress Centre—was a stunning fusion of high fashion and heartfelt philanthropy, all in support of the SickKids Foundation. Guests experienced an immersive evening, complete with lush, rose-inspired decor and a runway show curated by the Toronto Fashion Academy and International Fashion Encounter. With support from generous sponsors—Simons, The Rosarium Luxury Roses, Doorland Group, 2Fifteen by DBS Developments, The Golden Valley Estate Wine & Spirits, Living Luxe, venue sponsor the Toronto Congress Centre, and more— the event raised more than $100,000, contributing to a three-year fundraising total of $275,000. Blending beauty with purpose, City Couture united elegance, empathy and impact in one unforgettable night, proving once again that fashion can be a powerful force for good.

TO

1.

EVENTS WWW.SICKKIDSFOUNDATION.COM

THE SPARKLE OF SUMMER

LADYLIKE PEARLS

Pearls are bringing elegance and grace to every summer outfit. The Biko Amorpha Pearl Earrings and Lariat Necklace offer a modern twist on classics, while the Amour Pearls Cultured Freshwater Two Strand Necklace adds just the right touch of vintage charm. It’s the perfect way to channel timeless beauty with a contemporary edge.

SNAKE MOTIF

Snake motifs are slithering into the summer spotlight, bringing a bold, edgy vibe to your jewellery lineup. Wear the Evera Diamonds Lab-Grown Snake Ring or the Stefano Oro Gold Torchon Snake Ring for a striking flair that adds just the right amount of attitude and intrigue to your style.

LAYERING

Turn up the heat on your summer style with TSC host Natalie Belmont’s favourite jewellery trends of the season. From vibrant beaded designs to bold snake motifs and modern takes on classic pearls, these standout trends are made to shine. Read on for must-have jewellery guaranteed to elevate all your summer looks.

Layering is key to effortless summer styling, and Biko makes it easy with delicate pieces that shine together. Try mixing different sizes of the Galina Necklace for a look that’s personal, polished and perfectly on-trend.

BEADS

Beads are making a major comeback, adding a playful, boho touch to summer accessories. Go for vibrant charm with the Amber Extraordinaire Sterling Silver Amber Talisman or Round Amber Bead Toggle Bracelet. For a touch of refined elegance, the Himalayan Gems Sterling Silver Fishhook Earrings are a standout on their own. It’s all about texture, colour and effortless style.

go-to place to discover great offers on quality products and top brands that make a difference in your life. From jewellery and beauty to tech and home essentials, every collection is thoughtfully curated with you in mind. Whether through our app, website or live on TV, we make shopping easy and enjoyable. Breathe new life into your summer outfits with new jewellery from TSC, featuring exciting offers every day on quality rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles, and more pieces to refresh your look. tsc.ca | @shoptsc | @nataliebelmont_

PURE LUXURY, INSIDE AND OUT

Much more than just a place to grill or chill, our outdoor spaces have become sophisticated extensions of our homes. Protégé Casual Outdoor Living shows how to get it right.

By Susan Kelly

Sometimes, seeing things out of context is a good thing. Or so Paulena Paton finds every time she glimpses the chic outdoor furniture designed by her company, Protégé Casual, gracing a downtown Toronto indoor living room. “It happens more than you’d think, and it’s an extension of the major trend towards outdoor spaces being designed to blend seamlessly with a home’s interior,” says the managing director of the family-run Concordbased business. “It’s something we prioritize in both our in-house collections and other luxury brands we carry.”

Of the 18 Protégé Casual-designed collections, the Castelle sofa and club chairs are especially popular in this regard; about 75 per cent of clients from across the country buy them for indoor use. On trend with the natural look, handwoven twisted wicker wraps seamlessly around gracefully bowed arms, a stunning addition to any elegant contemporary or transitional decor, inside or outside the home.

Paton has been part of both the design and the research and development sides of Protégé Casual since 2017. She works alongside her father, Vaskin Jakarsezian, who founded the company over 40 years ago. With his extensive experience, he brings expertise in creating outdoor furniture to withstand the Canadian elements. “We stay ahead of the curve when it comes to world trends, but put a lot of time and effort into making our

“ULTIMATELY, YOUR PATIO OR OTHER OUTDOOR SPACE IS AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME, AND YOU SHOULD BE EQUALLY PROUD OF BOTH.”

collections durable and a joy to use here,” Paton says.

It takes up to 18 months for Protégé Casual’s elegant collections to go from drawing board to showroom. Though frames and mechanisms are largely sourced overseas, all design work is performed in the Concord headquarters. Testing for UV and saltwater resistance and strength is also conducted there, as is the custom crafting of upholstery, cushions and protective covers by skilled staff once customers have chosen from the thousands of fabric options available in varying textures and tones. Turnaround time is swift: With highly coordinated operations, a custom order takes on average about two weeks from the time it’s placed to when the furniture is delivered.

Dealers carrying Protégé products can be found across Canada, but the Concord showroom is open to the public, offering 8,000 square feet over two floors in which to browse. That makes for hundreds of options for every taste and lifestyle: ever-popular deep seating or sectionals, club chairs, gliders, chaise longues and more.

Plus a wide choice of shade solutions and outdoor accessories, including lights, ottomans and coffee tables. Outdoor heat and fire features are available to warm the chilly nights and help prolong the season. Customers within 150 kilometres of the GTA, including the Muskoka region, can also request an in-home consultation, one of many complimentary services offered to clients.

Wherever you meet a Protégé professional, be prepared to answer a lot of questions—whether kids, pets and extended family are to be considered, how often you entertain and what kind of shindigs you like to throw, and the like—all aimed at getting to know you, and your needs and tastes. “Ultimately, your patio or other outdoor space is an extension of your home, and you should be equally proud of both,” Paton says. “We’re here to help you create the perfect oasis in which to share an elevated experience with friends and family, and make beautiful memories now and for many summers to come.”

CURTAIN CALL

From daylight on demand to designer drapery, The View Window Fashion proves that windows should never be an afterthought.

By Susan Semenak

Pina Andreoli brings more than 30 years of business experience and a decade-long background in interior design to her design firm, Gifted Design Inc. But as the owner of The View Window Fashions, window coverings are her main focus and passion. Her expansive showroom in the Toronto International Design Centre (TIDC) on Airport Road in Mississauga has become a hub for designers looking for window-covering solutions for their many projects.

Andreoli, who has been operating The View since 2021, firmly believes window coverings are key to completing a room. “They are both form and function,” she explains. “You have the practical light-filtering function but also the design element that different fabrics and styles of window coverings bring to a room.”

Think of a simple roller blind, for instance. Its function can be to block or filter sunlight. A sheer curtain, by contrast, adds softness to a room. Then there’s the cutting-edge Hunter Douglas Aura Illuminated Shade, which features a textured front shade

and a room-darkening liner, along with built-in illumination. It is designed to create “daylight on demand” by providing a warm, relaxing glow on a rainy, overcast day or adding ambience to a room after the sun goes down. The View is one of only a few Toronto-area distributors of the innovative three-in-one Aura Illuminated Shade.

Andreoli says The View’s specialty is working with designers to find solutions for their projects, and she and her team are involved from the first consultation to measuring and right up to the final installation. “We bring a unique blend of technical and creative expertise,” she says. “That’s why our trade program with architects, builders and designers is so robust.”

Another area of expertise The View offers is in automation. Andreoli provides valuable product specifications and advice to designers and builders during construction or renovation on how to bring low-voltage wiring to the windows in order to

accommodate automated window coverings, which are controlled with a remote control or a smartphone app. She says that automated window coverings are game-changing. They can be programmed to open and close at the start and end of every day, so you never have to manually adjust a covering. They can also help provide security when homeowners are away by scheduling the blinds’ positions at varying hours to appear as if someone is home. One of her clients even found that her blinds’ automatic closing in her child’s room provided a gentle prompt that it was bedtime.

The View also offers solutions for those looking for an alternative to fully custom-made drapery. Andreoli has curated a collection of drapery fabrics in a range of popular colours that can be made to a client’s specifications in a fraction of the time it usually takes to get custom-made options. They are available online through The View’s website. She calls them “custom ready-made” and explains that “they are for clients who want a quick solution without sacrificing on quality.”

Andreoli’s next venture is to introduce a collection of Canadianmade dining chairs, ottomans, sofas and side chairs through The View’s sister company Gifted Design, which shares a showroom, in response to a burgeoning demand for Canadian-made furniture. The dining chairs will arrive in her showroom by summer, and the other furniture will follow shortly afterwards.

OUTDOOR ELEGANCE

Specializing in architectural concrete paving and flooring, Bomanite Toronto draws on international expertise and local know-how to create luxurious outdoor escapes.

By Charlotte Bushnell-Boates

When it comes to renovating your outdoor space, there are probably even more options than you think.

Bomanite Toronto specializes in architectural concrete paving and flooring and uses an innovative combination of materials and processes to help customers create exactly the look they want—whatever that may be.

The team has been offering custom, quality solutions to the Greater Toronto Area for more than 40 years, whether it’s creating a luxurious driveway, a large pool

to host family and friends or durable concrete flooring that still looks chic.

“We specialize in achieving different finishes and looks,” says Robert Fallone, president of Bomanite Toronto. “For example, we were recently asked to make a driveway look like jewelry. We changed some of the

raw materials in the concrete and brought in marble to achieve this finish. Changing raw materials and using different techniques to achieve architectural finishes is what we do best.”

Compared with traditional concrete and asphalt companies, Bomanite offers a huge variety to choose from that’s perfect for customizing outdoor areas to a customer’s exact specifications. With more choices for colours, patterns and designs, there are many possibilities for creating a personalized, durable and beautiful outdoor environment. Bomanite can also mimic the look of materials such as slate, stone or brick, allowing for more costeffective solutions.

Beyond offering a range of premium quality options, the company has also simplified the process. With an extensive network of skilled employees and a talented in-house design staff, the entire Bomanite team is set up to make the design and construction processes as streamlined and straightforward as possible. “As opposed to dealing with multiple contractors, we have everyone

“WE STRIVE FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE JOB RIGHT TO THE END TO MAKE IT PERFECT AND CREATE THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULT.”

in-house,” Fallone says. “We work closely with our suppliers so we’re able to come up with new formulations and finishes. We always have new options and solutions.”

As an all-in-one solution, Bomanite can design and create outdoor features that go beyond walkways and driveways, whether a client is looking to incorporate a custom-built swimming pool into a backyard, find the perfect outdoor lighting for entertaining, or add artificial turf for a low-maintenance lawn. The team is fully equipped to design and install soft landscaping, trees and plants, outdoor lighting and sprinkler systems.

The company prides itself on a meticulous and comprehensive approach, where each solution is tailor-made. “I think it’s just our attention to detail,” Fallone explains. “We strive from the beginning of the job right to the end to make it perfect and create

the best possible result.”

A perk of being under the umbrella of the larger, international Bomanite brand is having access to the company’s vast expertise, which includes new finish innovations, access to specialized trainings for employees and more. The Toronto team blends that international knowledge with local know-how to offer unparalleled services. Bomanite Toronto manufactures all of the materials within Ontario—from the dry-shake colour hardener to the release agents—allowing the company to have a high level of control over the quality of the materials.

For those looking for stylish and lasting options for their outdoor renovations, Bomanite brings together a commitment to exceptional service, premium quality and value for luxurious outdoor oases.

Creating Spectacular Residences and Moments for Generations

AN ARTFUL ENTRANCE

Through innovative design, this world-renowned company manufactures doors that are head-turning masterpieces, setting new standards in luxury and elegance.

By Susan Kelly

More than just an entryway, every door in a home can set the tone for what lies beyond, be it the clean lines of contemporary design or the intricate details of classical elegance. Think of each as a canvas for self-expression, says Andrea Granzotto, president of Doorland Group in Vaughan.

“Distinctive, even one-of-a-kind, is the design direction discerning homeowners are taking today,” he says. “From bold finishes and inlays to colour, they’re out to make a grand and individual statement.” The same holds true for the thousands of luxury hotels, upscale fine-dining spots and posh retail outlets around the world that are accessed via a door made by the Canadian company.

Doors with intricate inlays have become something of a trend, Granzotto notes. Some elegant and inviting options feature hardwoods inlaid to form striking patterns, such as large abstract lines or dramatic sunburst patterns, or hexagonal panels that evoke a beehive. “Other projects call for incorporating glass, metals or fabrics,” he says. “And one client challenged us to infuse banknotes into the finish.”

Founded in 1979, Doorland Group pioneered the art of crafting doors that go beyond functionality to become statements of style and sophistication. The company’s journey began with Granzotto’s father, Elio, a skilled sculptor whose vision transformed the art of door-making into a thriving global enterprise. Now a leading manufacturer of custom-engineered doors and wood mouldings, it continues to innovate and expand, recently welcoming U.S.based MDF door manufacturer DoorWorks Company to the family. Besides expanded geographic reach, “it will mean faster turnaround for our customers with continued design leadership across North America,” Granzotto says.

Over the years, Doorland’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and artistry has earned the loyalty of a clientele that includes elite builders, designers and architects, along with design-oriented homeowners. The company frequently collaborates with leading designers to create bespoke entryways that stand out for being both highly functional and elegant artistic statements. All are realized using state-of-the-art machinery and software, combined with generations of expertise.

“If you can dream it, we can make it,” Granzotto says. “Each door is tailored to reflect the essence of what the client and their design team envision.” Like a work of art, each door design encapsulates the essence of the imagined space, in line with their preferences and identities. By marrying superb craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, Doorland has achieved an unparalleled reputation within the industry.

Beyond their products, the company takes pride in fostering a workplace culture rooted in innovation and community. Doorland invests heavily in employee training and development, ensuring its team stays at the forefront of design trends and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. “Our people are our greatest asset,” Granzotto says, emphasizing the importance of skilled artisans and dedicated staff in bringing their intricate designs to life.

As they look toward the future, the Granzotto family remains guided by the principles of creativity, ethics, and environmental stewardship that have defined Doorland’s legacy. With plans to expand its product lines and strengthen its global footprint, the company is poised to continue shaping elegant spaces for generations to come. “Every project reminds us of the power of creativity and craftsmanship,” Granzotto says. “This, along with excellent customer experiences, is the cornerstone of what we do, and what we will continue to build upon.”

A TILE AND SLAB SHOWROOM DESIGNED AS A CENTRAL HUB, CATERING TO THE NEEDS OF DESIGNERS, HOME BUILDERS, AND HOMEOWNERS ALIKE

A Toronto-based, family-owned business skillfully guided by its founders, Sareh and Ali, boasts over two decades of expertise in the construction sector. With a profound love for design and aesthetics, Floorence Tile & Slab offers unparalleled access to cutting-edge tiles and slabs meticulously sourced from premier European brands.

SWEET SUMMER SLEEP

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about choosing the best bedding for summer from the expert behind David’s Fine Linens.

Warmer weather means picnics in the park, summer days on the water and evenings on patios. But it can also mean sweaty, stuffy nights of tossing and turning if you don’thavetherightbedding.Togiveusinsightintosummerbeddingforthesweetest sleep, we chatted with connoisseur David Saini, owner and founder of David’s Fine Linens, a luxury linens retailer with locations in North York’s Bayview Village Shopping Centre and the Toronto Design District. Read on for all the answers to your questions about the season’s most stylish colours, styling your cottage, and how to stay cool all summer long.

Living Luxe Magazine (LL): As the weather heats up, what bedding materials should we choose to keep cool?

David Saini (DS): Natural breathable fibres are a good starting point—think cotton, linen, modal, and bamboo. Modal and bamboo have moisture-wicking properties that will keep you cool, and they are natural fibres, so they all breathe. Look for 100 per cent long staple or Egyptian cotton (especially Giza cotton), particularly in percale or sateen weaves. Linen is known for its exceptional breathability and body temperature-regulating properties. All linen will naturally soften after washing, but if you prefer sheets with an even softer feel, look for stone-washed linen, which is a higher-end finish.

Pirouette® Window Shadings

PROVENANCE® WOVEN WOOD SHADES Crafted from natural materials, these shades bring a touch of the outdoors, in Artistically woven. Woods, reeds, grasses and bamboo. 80+ fabric/color choices

Designer Banded Shades with adjustable, layered sheer and solid fabric bands, providing enhanced light and privacy control.

LL: Why is breathable bedding so important when it comes to getting good sleep?

DS: It allows air to circulate freely, helping to wick away moisture and prevent overheating. Breathable fabrics help maintain a comfortable microclimate between your body and the bedding, ensuring you stay cool, dry and relaxed. Synthetic material will do the opposite, trapping heat and moisture and disrupting sleep, often leaving you feeling clammy or restless. The luxury is not just about how your bedding looks but how it performs.

LL: Summer means it’s cottage season. How would you suggest picking out linens for a cottage?

DS: Colours and florals are always nice. When you are doing a cottage, you want it to be fun and not overly dressy. A more relaxed look is always a good idea. I recommend choosing easycare, high-quality natural fibres and layering with coverlets, quilts or blankets instead of heavy duvets. It is always easier to take off a couple layers to get to your desired comfort.

LL: What are your go-to colours this summer?

DS: This summer, I’m drawn to a palette that feels fresh, airy and inspired by nature. Think crisp whites, which never go out of style, paired with soft, mineral tones like seafoam green, sky blue and dusty taupe. For more colour, sun-washed pastels like mauve, pale blush and buttery ivory are an easy way to introduce warmth without overwhelming the space. Summer is the time to embrace a lighter, softer palette.

LL: What do you wish more people knew about selecting linens for the summer?

DS: That the best bedding is what you decide is best. Bedding is extremely personal. One person may swear by linen, and another may prefer the complete opposite, such as silk or cotton-sateen. The performance of your bedding is just as important as how it looks, if not more. Never compromise when it comes to natural fibres. Embrace layering—light quilts, cotton blankets and breathable sheets give you the ability to adjust your bedding to the temperature you desire.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE

Beloved neighbourhood restaurant La Vecchia will serve up its fresh and authentic Italian food in a third location on Bathurst Street, set to open this summer.

By Rosie Prata

For those who live nearby, Italian restaurant La Vecchia is a household name. It’s a classic for a reason, hitting every note for what makes a successful staple eatery: cozy, friendly ambience, stellar service and delicious, comforting food. The first location opened in 1996 at 2405 Yonge Street, in the uptown Toronto neighbourhood of Yonge and Eglinton. It was followed by the Lakeshore venue, at 90 Marine Parade in Etobicoke, and this summer, the third La Vecchia will open at 8700 Bathurst Street in Toronto.

“We’re very excited to be part of the Thornhill community,” says Pawel Nurzynski, La Vecchia’s vice president of operations. He joined the restaurant in 1999, just three years after it opened, and has been there ever since. Many of the other staff members have been there for years, too—a testament to how well the restaurant cares for both its employees and patrons. “When the owners moved here from Torino in Italy, they brought that sense of warmth and hospitality to the neighbourhood,” says Nurzynski of the restaurant’s most longstanding address. “We have been part of the Yonge and Eglinton community fabric for close to 30 years. We’re part of the BIA and are engaged with the community through different events. Over the years, many guests of La Vecchia have become close friends.”

Beloved and trusted by its regulars, La Vecchia is where locals come to celebrate milestone events. The restaurant’s elegant private dining rooms are the ideal setting

to celebrate anything from birthdays and engagements to religious celebrations and even intimate weddings. “It’s amazing to share those happy moments with individuals,” says Nurzynski.

He notes that Yonge and Eglinton is undergoing extensive change, with many new developments under construction in the area. “Now we have a new wave of individuals moving in,” says Nurzynski, “And we have to reroute ourselves as a neighbourhood restaurant even though we’ve been there for so long. It’s an exciting time.” He describes the Lakeshore location as hosting “a vibrant, lifestyleoriented community” of active people who love to be out and about.

“Even though we are expanding, we don’t want to lose that neighbourhood feeling,” says Nurzynski of the restaurant’s planned growth in Thornhill. “Human-to-human interaction is really important to us.” To draw people in at the new location, La Vecchia will continue its popular themed nights, such as live music Mondays, date night Wednesdays, and fresh pasta Thursdays. “We’ll have a live pasta cooking station, and one of our chefs will create a special regional fresh pasta for that night,” he explains. On Fridays, there is always fresh seafood.

If Nurzynski had to recommend one dish for diners to try, “It’s a no-brainer for me: capellini sardi,” he smiles. It’s a bright and fresh angel hair pasta with sautéed shrimp and scallops, artichokes,

black olives, green onions, diced Roma tomatoes, and an aglio e olio sauce. “It’s just full of flavour. It’s reminiscent of being on the Amalfi Coast. You pair that with a nice glass of white wine, and it’s just a match made in heaven.”

STYLISH SURFACES

Marbella provides distinctive and dependable engineered surfaces crafted with a forwardthinking approach.

By Samantha Vecchiarelli

From dreamy ivory tiles to technical porcelain slabs, Marbella Canada Inc. is on a mission to change the way people think about surfaces. In prioritizing style, performance and sustainability, the brand has become a trusted name in Canada’s design and development community. Situated in Toronto’s design district, the company offers intentional solutions for countertops, flooring and wall features in custom residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Each product is built to last, with sustainability and environmental responsibility at the forefront.

CEO Ali Abdali plays a key role in keeping the brand at the cutting edge of the luxury engineered surfaces industry by continually challenging his team to rethink the role of surfaces. “Not just in terms of aesthetics,” he explains, “but how they perform and contribute to the spaces they inhabit.”

To sustain its market leadership, Abdali says, Marbella expertly sources “exclusive, high-quality engineered surfaces from Europe, ranging from porcelain slabs and premium tiles to engineered hardwood materials.” By delivering premium products engineered to withstand the rigorous use and creative demands of designers and architects, Marbella empowers professionals to push surfaces beyond expectations. “Whether you’re working on a traditional home renovation or a bold, ultra-modern commercial space, our materials are designed to adapt to any aesthetic and function,” he says.

Every product Marbella provides is exclusively distributed by the brand within Canada, guaranteeing a curated selection of surfaces designed to inspire and impress. Most important, these surfaces

“WHETHER YOU’RE WORKING ON A TRADITIONAL HOME RENOVATION OR A BOLD,

ULTRA-MODERN COMMERCIAL SPACE, OUR MATERIALS ARE DESIGNED TO ADAPT TO ANY AESTHETIC AND FUNCTION.”

leverage modern technology to deliver a significantly enhanced experience compared to traditional options. For instance, Abdali explains, “The porcelain slabs are virtually maintenance-free, durable and chemical-free, built with state-of-the-art European technology.” The brand’s engineered hardwood also combines timeless character with structural resilience, while the tiles are versatile enough to elevate interiors or stand up to high-traffic commercial use. “We are constantly exploring new technologies in design that align with and support the evolving needs of architects, designers and homebuilders across the country,” he says.

As the industry continues to evolve, Marbella remains committed to not only meeting emerging environmental standards and aesthetic trends but actively shaping them. “For us, sustainability isn’t just a selling point, it’s a responsibility,” he says.

Olivia Dobrovich, sales manager, shines a light on the growing passion for natural textures, earthy tones, and tactile finishes— trends that come alive in Marbella’s stunning new ARKÈON porcelain slab collection by Infinity Surfaces. Unveiled in Italy at Salone del Mobile 2025, this collection, crafted by visionary architect Giuseppe Bavuso, masterfully blends elegant design with cuttingedge technical precision. Exciting synergies between Marbella and leading Canadian architecture and design studios are currently shaping bold residential and hospitality projects across North America, with more inspiring details to be revealed soon.

Today, Marbella stands as more than a supplier; it’s a brand rooted in craftsmanship, creativity and care. And with intention, innovation and soul at the core of its practices, Marbella is redefining what it means to design for the future.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Boko Designs brings high-quality custom Canadian-made beds (and more) to life.

By Eve Thomas

“You know how our grandparents had that furniture that lasted forever, that they got as a wedding gift and kept their whole lives?” asks Danijela Brkovic. “That is what we are trying to achieve, that Old-World European quality that lasts a lifetime.”

When Brkovic and her husband, Stefan Arsenijevic, moved to Canada from Serbia about 12 years ago, they saw room in the market for this kind of furniture, manufactured in the country using quality Canadian hardwood, high-grade foam and the finest fabrics. So, after working for almost a decade in upholstery, the couple founded Boko Designs (a nickname for Arsenijevic’s younger brother Bogdan) in Concord, Ontario, though the company serves Canada and the U.S. now. There, their team creates custom beds and more, with Arsenijevic working on and inspecting all of the upholstery—he studied across multiple disciplines in Serbia, as well as under his father at their familyowned furniture company—and Danijela doing “a little bit of everything” behind the scenes, including guiding clients every step of the way.

While their signature products are grand—custom beds with sturdy wooden frames and plush headboards—Boko also brings

the mix of luxury and comfort to other furnishings and accents around the house, including wall panels, bench seating, and sprawling home theatre setups, which usually include oversized sofas and chaises, complete with acoustic foam and custom builtin cupholders and outlets.

While the showroom features myriad fabric swatches, Brkovic adds, “If we don’t have it, we will source it from anywhere in the world.” She notes that the most popular fabric for beds is, by far, velvet, followed by non-trackable velvet, thanks to its durability against marking, and chenille. As most designers and decorators can attest, bouclé had a moment recently, but its wild popularity seems to be ebbing. Vinyl and faux leather are also consistently in demand (another option is real leather, although she says, the Italian imports they use demand a high price).

By working across so many disciplines and with various teams, she has a privileged view of the market and overarching trends, especially over the past decade, including a shift from maximalist to minimalist upholstery. “It used to be busy patterns and fabrics, gold and lace, traditional tufting,” she says. And now? A rising demand for “super modern, clean, straight panels.” Like many in

the world of design, Brkovic has also observed ubiquitous stark greys softening into warmer beiges and creams.

So what really sets Boko Designs apart? “It’s the quality,” she says. And that includes a lifetime guarantee on wooden structures, as well as an in-house upholstery expert who works on and inspects every piece the company creates and has multiple generations of expertise to draw on, such as Arsenijevic’s father.

“At one point, we were so busy and short-staffed, we asked his father to come help us. He was here for about six months, but Stefan still was in charge of the finishing touches,” Danijela says. “His father taught him everything he knows, and he still wanted the last look! That’s why people come to us—that attention to detail.”

The future of Boko Designs’ growth is rooted in creativity. As demand continues to expand, the studio plans to open a flagship showroom in the United States—the team is eyeing Miami at the moment—where clients can experience the brand’s quality and customization in person. Also in the works: collaborations with renowned interior designers and boutique developers on full-scale residential and hospitality projects. But no matter how much Boko grows, its values will remain the same: thoughtful design, honest materials and a deep respect for the people they build for.

MOTIVO MODERNO SERIES

Inspired by contemporary design, the Motivo Moderno series features subtle texturing while incorporating sleek and refined joints, making it great for public places, patios, pool decks, and areas with a modern intent.

BEYOND THE BRUSH

Etobicoke’s Village Paint & Wallpaper blends tradition with modern design, offering its customers premium paints, wall coverings, high-quality window treatments and over 70 years of hard-earned experience and expertise.

By Samantha Vecchiarelli

Located at 4949 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke’s Village Paint & Wallpaper has been a trusted icon in the community since 1953. As its neighbourhood has evolved, so, too, has this stalwart shop, and today it is a destination for those seeking premium paints, wall coverings and high-quality window treatments, including shades and shutters from the trusted brand Hunter Douglas.

As a proud locally owned and operated business, Village Paint & Wallpaper continues to uphold its long-standing tradition of personalized service and deep-rooted community commitment. Ruth and David Bell became the second family to own Village Paint & Wallpaper in 1999 and have preserved its legacy ever since. “The previous owners’ son wanted to be sure that the succeeding owner would carry on business in the manner that his parents started,”

David says. “We were originally customers,” adds Ruth. “We both knew him quite well, and we approached him to get into business. We thought paint was a good fit because David was in the paint sundries industry, and we both loved paint and home decor.”

Their shared passion for decorating has become a cornerstone of the business, and today the shop boasts both excellent-quality products and a plethora of expertise, which they happily share during personalized consultations.

With an eye on what’s next, Ruth and David ensure the business stays ahead of design trends by guiding customers through evolving palettes and finishes while remaining loyal to trusted brands. “We’ve definitely noticed a recent shift,” Ruth says.  “Darker colours are still trending for exteriors, particularly on window trims, roof edges and garages, while interiors are  moving away from cool grays and embracing warmer taupes again.”

As for windows, David highlights a growing interest among customers in power-automated blinds. “You can actually operate the blinds on your smartphone or tablet basically anywhere in the world,” he says. “You can go away on vacation and set the blinds to open and close so it appears that you’re home.” He notes that this added layer of convenience and security is becoming increasingly

important to clients.

Village Paint & Wallpaper also provides high-quality window film installations to meet the needs of its homeowners and businesses. Its range of window films includes energy-efficient solar films, privacy-enhancing frosted films and security films.

Throughout Village Paint & Wallpaper’s more than 70 years in business, personal connection has remained a cornerstone. Familiar customers are greeted by name, and cans of paint are carried out to each customer’s car. “We provide all those personal services, which we can do, as a small business,” Ruth says.

Since taking ownership, the Bells have also built and maintained a detailed customer database, recording names and purchase histories to support long-term project needs. “Say they need a touch-up five years down the road, we know exactly what product they purchased because we have everything tagged,” David says.

As they look toward the future, the Bells remain dedicated to preserving the community-driven ethos that has defined Village Paint & Wallpaper for decades. The duo’s hands-on approach, combined with a deep understanding of design trends and customer needs, along with the personalized colour consultation appointments for both interiors and exteriors they offer, ensures the business will continue to thrive for many decades to come.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The NKBA Ontario Design Awards Gala celebrated Ontario’s best in kitchen and bath design with an evening of red carpet glam.

The NKBA Ontario Design Awards Gala celebrated Ontario’s best in kitchen and bath design with an evening of red carpet glam.

The 21st Annual NKBA Ontario Design Awards Gala lit up the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex with a spectacular Red Carpet Glam evening, celebrating Ontario’s best in kitchen and bath design. More than 225 guests from across the industry gathered to honour exceptional design, creativity and craftsmanship. The night featured a red-carpet film crew, inspiring speeches and 25 awards, including the prestigious Pinnacle Award, spotlighting the top project of the year. With live entertainment, an elegant dinner, and unforgettable moments, the gala reaffirmed NKBA Ontario’s commitment to elevating kitchen and bath design excellence across the province.

The 21st Annual NKBA Ontario Design Awards Gala lit up the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex with a spectacular Red Carpet Glam evening, celebrating Ontario’s best in kitchen and bath design. More than 225 guests from across the industry gathered to honour exceptional design, creativity and craftsmanship. The night featured a red-carpet film crew, inspiring speeches and 25 awards, including the prestigious Pinnacle Award, spotlighting the top project of the year. With live entertainment, an elegant dinner, and unforgettable moments, the gala reaffirmed NKBA Ontario’s commitment to elevating kitchen and bath design excellence across the province.

the

When it comes to luxury real estate, Steve Bailey stands in a league of his own. As Broker and Managing Partner of The Agency’s offices in the Waterloo Region, Oakville, Muskoka, and beyond, Steve combines a two-decade career of record-breaking sales with an unmatched dedication to his clients. Whether you're navigating the sale of your dream home or searching for the perfect property, Steve’s forthrightness, expertise, and passion for excellence make him the go-to advisor for luxury living. Discover the difference of working with a true professional who’s redefining what it means to deliver results.

THE OF A REINVENTION POWERHOUSE

Interview by Fabián Waintal

Introduction by Elia Essen

Photography by SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Santa Barbara Film Festival

Demi Moore has been breaking barriers throughout her career. The actress first emerged on the scene in her late teens and early 20s in films and shows that included General Hospital, Blame It On Rio, and St. Elmo’s Fire with a quiet tenacity that soon catapulted her to the upper echelons of Hollywood's A-list.

As Moore’s fame grew, her film credits expanded to include a diverse number of complex and often controversial female characters, from a wife offered $1 million to sleep with another man in Indecent Proposal to a lieutenant commander in A Few Good Men. Off screen, she has also never shied away from boldly and unapologetically staying true to herself—even if it means enduring backlash. Such as what followed the contentious $12.5 million paycheque she received for Striptease that made her the highest paid female actor in the world at the time.

Moore’s name has become synonymous with a certain sexy panache, not just from her trademark long, dark hair (she made waves for shaving it for her role in G.I. Jane—further proof she’swillingtogothedistancetoimmerseherself in her characters) and soulful eyes, but from

the effortless confidence she exudes and the unquestionable talent she brings to each role.

Throughout her career, Moore has defied the typecasts Hollywood often requires female actresses to conform to and has instead proven that beauty has no expiration date—just take the iconic bikini scene she shot at age 40 for Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle or the risqué Vanity Fair cover shoot in the early 90s she did while seven months pregnant.

Now, at 62, after a slew of smaller films and taking time to focus on her three daughters, the star is back in the limelight. Her role in The Substance as an aging starlet who uses a blackmarket drug to create a younger version of herself earned Moore a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award and her first Academy Award nomination. She also won the Icon Award at the 2024 SCAD Savannah Film Festival for her contributions to the film industry. And if one thing is clear, it’s that the actress is just getting started. In an exclusive interview for Living Luxe magazine, journalist Fabián W. Waintal spoke to Moore about The Substance, how she chooses her projects, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Read on for the full scoop.

Fabián W. Waintal (FW): Is life as a celebrity as glamorous as people imagine it to be?

Demi Moore (DM): Well, I don't know if I could really speak about it. I think my life is very similar to anybody else's. Maybe there are more things, maybe there are more clothes, maybe there are nicer cars, but our life is the same. The problems are the same for everybody.

FW: Does making a movie change your perception, as if you were seeing yourself in the mirror?

DM: Well, there is freedom in fully claiming who I am as I am in this moment. My own personal gift was even a greater level of liberation, showing up to do The Substance because I knew I was signing up for something that wasn't about being shot in the most glamorous ways. In fact, in order to tell my story, I have to be willing to show the parts of myself that you don't necessarily want everyone to see.

FW: Do you feel some type of pressure to avoid any preconception people have about Demi Moore?

DM: There is a different type of pressure. Obviously, I'm human, so I have moments of confronting my own ego, but I think the beautiful thing for me is that my starting point is already in a place that is in much greater acceptance and with a much greater sense of appreciation and love of self, which then allows me, I think, to go to darker places in a movie.

FW: What's the first thing about a movie that makes you say, “Yes, I want to do this”?

DM: I think the only similarities in terms of themes for me are taking on things that I feel have the potential to move culture forward, that really are thoughtprovoking, that maybe could be considered risky. In a sense, I think that the idea of doing things that push me out of my comfort zone, I hope, in some ways, pushes others out of theirs—to re-examine, to process deeper questions. I also think that we have interesting stories to tell at all ages. We all have more stories to share. I think that we can't wait for the world to say: “Yes, that's what we want.” We just have to continue to create.

FW: And how do you react when things do not go the way you want?

DM: Sometimes it's about getting it wrong so that we have an opportunity to overcome. I think sometimes those are the better opportunities because when it all works well, we give less thought to it. We put less energy into it, and sometimes when it doesn't, we really have such an enormous opportunity for growth.

FW: How did you react when you were nominated for an Academy Award (although Mikey Madison won for Anora)? Did it occur to you that you might be an award contender at this point in your career?

DM: It was never part of my thinking. I was like, “I'm going over to make this little movie in France.” I really had no expectations. Then I saw the response at the Cannes Film Festival—that was also my first time really seeing it complete—and I was really just kind of in shock and awe.

And I feel completely humbled continually with how this has been unfolding. I mean, I’ve been at a screening where people had seen The Substance three and four times, which is remarkable. I feel just so proud to be in something that's pulling people into the cinema to have a communal experience. I haven't been in anything that was in this genre.

FW: Is the story in The Substance based on your own story?

DM: Coralie Fargeat wrote and directed the movie. And I think my character Elisabeth is Coralie because this is a very personal story for her in many respects. It is part of her experience. And Margaret Qualley’s character, Sue, is, in a way, I think, the girl of the '90s and early 2000s that perhaps she felt pitted against or was judged against. Knowing that, just really spending the time with her, at one point, I felt kind of compelled to give her my memoir because I felt there were things in that that would help her understand my own journey with my own violence against myself in relation to my body, my self-judgment. For me, the most resonating part of this story that really just hit me so deeply was not the circumstances—because, in a way, we all know it's not new, this idea of women of a certain age being somewhat marginalized—but it was that idea of what we bought into, as well as the violence that we have against ourselves. Then, my job was to really anchor it in reality. Otherwise, it could have easily become a little bit two-dimensional or a little bit too over the top.

FW: Could we talk about the Academy Award scene of the lipstick smearing in front of the mirror?

DM: I didn't have anyone else that I was playing off, which was also a very unusual kind of dynamic. It's almost like the mirror was my partner. It is a very intimate experience when we're in front of the mirror, often naked. And I always felt that was one of the most important scenes in the whole film because we're witnessing someone who has a sliver of hope of stepping out of this self-imposed prison. And I think in some ways, we've all been there where we try to make something a little better,

only to make it worse. And this is just the extreme version.

FW: Does prosthetic makeup help you perform better as an actress?

DM: I think as an actor, being able to have that time in the chair, even though it was a lot, also allowed for my time to shift and then start to embody this whole different aspect. I was also trying to make sense and create our own logic within the absolute illogical. I mean, obviously, having the full prosthetics on is very different; it feels different. You carry it differently. This was a very challenging shoot where we did 15 takes for each section.

FW: When you perform a scene 15 times repeatedly, how do you keep it fresh?

DM: For me, it was just important that each time I was still having a full conversation. It was a lot of takes, and in a way, I'm sure that just kind of the raw repetition may have played into it. I don't know, but it's just a very different experience when you're doing something where you have no one else to play off of besides yourself. I think we've all had moments of that self-loathing and that way in which we can be so harshly judgmental—not even about our external beauty, but whether we're smart enough, successful enough, all of those things. And I definitely had a well to pull from.

FW: What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from working on a movie?

DM: I was actually talking with one of my daughters who is reflecting on this moment of The Substance, when Sue has that first moment of seeing herself—me, seeing myself—in the mirror, but in this new, younger body, and really appreciating it. When it got into the battle with me overeating and torturing her, it was really also about that battle we can have with ourselves, how it can be desiring to blame someone outside of ourselves, but in truth, it always comes back to us. There is no her, there's only you. And that is, I think, the biggest part.

ELEGANCE Al Fresco

Artist extraordinaire Lori Morris brings her signature extravagant and opulent design approach to outdoor living areas, taking inspiration from this estate’s modern architecture and verdant landscape for a stunning poolside oasis.

By Susan Kelly

An artist needs two things to begin creating: inspiration and a fresh canvas. And Lori Morris, one of the world’s most soughtafter designers of haute luxe homes, found both in the stunning architecture of this elegant country estate outside Toronto. “In designing the outdoor living spaces, I was struck by the splendid limestone exterior, an exquisite, elevated blend of modern with traditional touches that evoke a villa in Tuscany,” she says.

Blending classic elegance with bold innovation to create spaces that resonate with individuality and opulence is something of a specialty for Morris. Her House of Lori Morris Design (LMD) stands as a testament to her unparalleled creativity in redefining the design landscape through highly original work. Over an illustrious 38-year career, she has gained acclaim as one of the leading designers of luxury properties in the world.

The masterful modern architecture that so inspired her is the work of Tony Gornik, principal at T. Gornik Build/Design. He custom-designed and built the home to reflect the owners’ highly sophisticated and cosmopolitan taste in design and architecture. When not travelling the globe with their four children, the owners spend as much time as possible outdoors on the estate’s beautiful grounds, complete with sports courts, swimming pool and dining areas.

Equally inspiring for Morris was the estate’s sylvan setting. The graceful and stately mansion is virtually surrounded by mature trees that provide a richly varied and verdant backdrop. “I felt it was imperative that the outdoor living areas actually engage with the landscape of which they are a part,” the vivacious design dynamo says. “My goal was to enhance the magical feeling of both nature and architecture, intertwining them with magnificent design.”

Mission accomplished, as dramatically evidenced in the covered loggia.

Atop the limestone-paved patio, a massive dining table and two long sofas take pride of place. Morris flanked them with large Etruscan-style urns, puckishly topped with globe-shaped topiary. With the exception of the bright green throw pillows, the furniture and accessories are a deep rich ebony hue. “Black adds modern sophistication and is very dominant,” she says. “Yet when applied artfully, the colour is grounding as well.”

To extend the palette and create a seamless flow, the savvy designer carried this approach into the pool area, where a striking and ornate limestone feature designed to look as if it might have come from an Italian palazzo is the focal point. Strategically placed umbrellas, chaise longues and side tables, sleek and stylish and black, were all that was needed. “In both areas, the colour black perfectly emphasizes the dark trunks of the surrounding mature trees. Together, we have a synergized palette that highlights the beautiful backdrop of the sumptuous grounds,” Morris says.

In bold contrast, a floral paradise awaits in the pool-adjacent cabana room.

My goal was to enhance the magical feeling of both nature and architecture, intertwining them with magnificent design.

Its bi-fold doors open completely to the outside, which includes the estate’s lush and extensive gardens. Morris intentionally evoked the plants and bright flowers found there, commissioning a custom mosaic mural depicting whimsical blooms and butterflies. The work covers an entire wall, greeting people on their way to the shower and sauna with cheerful, summer-fresh colours.

In the cabana lounge area, a massive limestone fireplace echoes the exterior architecture and makes a perfect pedestal for a large viewing screen. The designer also added wood accents to the ceiling surround and in niches, to evoke the woodland without. In contrast, white lattice panels give an intimation of a garden. One side wall is mirrored to reflect natural light and give depth to the elegant space.

After using the pool, swimmers can relax on one of two sofas upholstered in water-resistant fabric flanking the fireplace or in one of the plush chairs that can be moved in for close conversation or pushed aside for more floor room. Each is covered in a different and exuberant shade of green, each with its own texture and tactile experience. Brightly coloured, floral-patterned throw pillows complete the look. “Decorating with green in the interior brings outside in, and bright colours bring joyful energy,” Morris says. “Plus, when you have them both in your landscape and in your interior, it creates a cohesive flow, a blending of textures and patterns and colours like is found in nature.”

The homeowners can now fully enjoy summer in their beautiful estate. With yet another successful project on her long list of credits, Morris has moved on to the myriad projects that await as House of LMD continues to create lavishly layered bespoke environments with a soupçon of sex appeal all over North America. “We’re very proud and grateful to have these opportunities to display our artistry in so many luxurious and beautiful homes,” she says.

ARTFUL SIMPLICITY

Complete with a stunning staircase and elegant pool, this modern estate by OE Design creates an immersive experience of curated calm in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood.

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On Old Forest Hill Road in Toronto’s highly coveted Forest Hill neighbourhood, luxury is a given. Every house is beautiful, every lawn manicured, every lot expansive. The question becomes: How does a home stand out? In a private residence conceived by visionary designer Omid Taba of OE Design, and newly built in 2023, the answer comes from abiding by an unwritten rule among those accustomed to quality: true elegance doesn’t shout, it whispers.

This stately home, which enjoys a lavish footprint of 10,500 square feet, is a testament to quiet sophistication. With its circular driveway, it is graceful and striking in its simplicity, with a distinct architectural sensibility that relies on clean lines and an abundance of large glass panelling. Even the door to the garage is designed to integrate with the windows to create a sense of unbroken symmetry.

OE Design founder Taba believes that “a home should be immersive, telling its story through every deliberate and thoughtful detail.” To allow these details to shine in the spotlight, the home is decorated in a neutral, refined palette of soft whites, warm greys and cool silver. This allows texture, materials and smart architectural features to occupy centre stage.

"A HOME SHOULD BE IMMERSIVE, TELLING ITS STORY THROUGH EVERY DELIBERATE AND THOUGHTFUL DETAIL."

Polished Bianco Vanilla stone floors sparkle and gleam in the bright light that streams in through the many windows. Living areas offer an atmosphere of openness and intimacy, with curved arches gracing doorways to soften transitions. Furnishings are plush and inviting, and the overall atmosphere is one of warmth and comfort, aided by the inclusion of multiple fireplaces throughout, to be used on chilly winter nights.

The home features six bedrooms and eight bathrooms and is perfectly equipped for those who love to entertain. In the kitchen, a monolithic island that doubles as a seating area makes a sculptural statement beneath suspended wire-basket lighting, while seamless cabinetry conceals stateof-the-art appliances. A breakfast nook is located beside tall windows to create a picturesque backdrop that changes with the seasons. “Every

home is a masterpiece waiting to be brought to life,” says Taba.

The kitchen opens onto a double-height living area flanked by windows that extend up nearly two storeys. The ceiling itself, which is decorated with a light fixture that resembles a string of pearls, features graduated levels. The effect is subtle, but the impact is profound and illustrates Taba’s point: “Our commitment is to serve and astonish.”

Concealed behind the fireplace, there is a bar for preparing refreshments, and the room opens onto a vast deck that overlooks the garden.

Upstairs, which is accessed via elevator or sweeping staircase, which boasts a glass banister, is the spacious primary bedroom equipped with two generously proportioned walk-in closets and a large ensuite bathroom. A dignified office area and a second bedroom are also located on this level. On the next level, there are three more bedrooms,

all with walk-in closets and deluxe ensuite bathrooms, as well as an entertainment area with a built-in wet bar.

Throughout the home, fixtures are understated yet beautifully crafted; every handle, hinge and light switch is chosen with the same consideration as a work of art.

Perhaps the most captivating feature of the home is its indoor swimming pool. Encased in floor-to-ceiling glass, the pool area is a study in serenity, with soft lighting, a minimalist waterfall feature and a refined palette that echoes the rest of the home. Large glass

panels open onto a private courtyard, allowing natural light to flood the space while maintaining privacy. A dry sauna, home theatre and entertainment area, also located on this lower level, set the stage for maximum relaxation.

In this Toronto residence, every element, from the architectural layout to the smallest interior detail, has been orchestrated to support a lifestyle of elegance and simplicity. This is modern living, distilled to its purest, most luxurious form—and Forest Hill is all the better for it.

ome ome sweet

How Tapestry Decor’s Rosalia Fazzari put her skills to work in her own house.

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Rosalia Fazzari does it all. As the president and lead designer at Tapestry Decor, she heads projects from interior decorating to renovations to project management for new builds and sees them through from the first steps and sketches to the finest finishing touches—right down to the flower arrangements.

“I’m fortunate that clients trust in the process, in me, in my team,” she says from her Mississauga home, where she is, appropriately, transforming a roomful of white orchids and greenery into bouquets for a client’s project—a skill she says she picked up decades ago when she was making arrangements for weddings. “Making bouquets calms me. I get so excited working with clients when I know something’s going to work. They say I should have my own reality TV show. I say: ‘Okay, but it’s a comedy!’”

It’s this balance of lightheartedness and expertise, not to mention flexibility, that works so well in an industry that can be intense. “I try to make it all as stress-free as possible,” she says.

But there is one person Fazzari has to try especially hard to please: herself. She’s been in her Mississauga home for about 28 years, and it has been a work in progress the entire time. And while she has the skills and trusted vendors to transform any of her ideas into reality, she also has to contend with her own whims and desires (as well as those of her husband, who is a landscaper, though she says he leaves interiors up to her—understandably).

Though there’s not a room that’s been left untouched, there is one that she says is close to her heart: the kitchen. “It’s the starting point, the heart of the home.” Her father, a woodworker hailing from Italy, created it by hand some 27 years ago. “I designed it and he built it

to perfection, all birch and maple, hardwood finish,” Fazzari says. When he saw its latest incarnation, he was impressed. “He said, ‘I made it timeless, but you gave it new life.’”

The latest revamp includes an island topped by a dark leathered granite slab, two-foot-by-two-foot porcelain tiles (replacing slate floors), warm grey paint, and glass-front cabinets. Though she admits it’s a smaller kitchen than she’d have created were this a new build—“I cook and I bake a lot; I could cook for a group of 50 here with my eyes closed”—it blends seamlessly into the family room it shares space with. “I wanted it to feel like furniture, not sterile,” Fazzari explains.

This includes the fireplace nearby, which was adjusted to complement the kitchen, including swapping out the same slate used previously. Now, individual tiles create an almost optical illusion against the wall, something like greyscale lenticular art. “If I had to describe my taste, it would be very eclectic,” Fazzari says. “Each piece tells a story.” This is confirmed by the dining room, which boasts another testament to her hosting skills (not to mention Italian heritage): a floor-to-ceiling Prosecco wall, with bottles of bubbly gleaming between the glass and the lights.

Steps away, the jewel-box-sized powder room has been a particularly popular site of experimentation for Fazzari. Today, it has a Zen vibe, with a black toilet and sink, and backlit wood slats. But she notes that it has had

many previous looks, including whites and florals.

Another favourite change downstairs is the new sitting room, which was once closed off. “I hated the fact that when you walked in, there was a wall.” The space now welcomes guests, including her adult children, for coffee, cake, and perhaps a tune or two on the baby grand piano, which is painted silver.

Upstairs, one of the bedrooms was recently converted into a home office after her son moved out (“They couldn’t believe how quickly we did it,” she says with a laugh.) In the breezy master bedroom, custom wall cabinetry frees up the room from bulky furniture, and one panel hides a secret: a door leading to the ensuite, complete with light marble and a curved white soaker tub.

When asked how long these renovations took, Fazzari cannot offer an exact answer because, to her designer’s eye, every nook and cranny is full of potential. Even as she works, she says she changes as she goes, tweaks ideas, or chooses a new paint. And, while touches of her clients’ homes can be found in her house—and vice versa—because she’s her own client, there’s no set timeline. But there is one thing all her projects share: a mix of form and function. “Everybody uses every space in this house,” she says, once her home tour is done. And with clients? “I listen to their mood and what they want, try to elevate their home but not make it so trendy that it won’t last.”

A HOME WITH A View

Jane Lockhart Design and Chapman Murray Associates Architects, Inc. teamed up to transform this mid-century home in the Niagara Gorge into a contemporary retreat—all while preserving its original character and unbeatable views.

By Charlotte Bushnell-Boates

Photography by Alex Lukey

When the owners of this exceptionally well-positioned residence in the Niagara Gorge sought to bring the midcentury home into today’s era, they turned to Jane Lockhart Design. Looking to preserve the character of the spectacular architecture, Jane Lockhart Design worked alongside the original architect who constructed the home in the 1960s, Wayne Murray of Chapman Murray Associates Architects, Inc.

The result: a jaw-dropping home that appears to elegantly float atop the Niagara River. The renovations deeply respected the original character of the mid-century architecture, while bringing it into today’s world through a cohesive interior update. What began as a kitchen renovation evolved into an extensive project that encompassed the entire home, including new flooring, adjusted ceiling heights, custom millwork and furniture, and more.

“What’s unusual for the Niagara River Gorge area is a home with this 1960s low modern feel, and the homeowners wanted to preserve that,” says Jane Lockhart of Jane Lockhart Design.

“They wanted to highlight the river views even more and make sure that the interiors matched what we have today—to make it airy, modern, plush and with updated services.”

The renovation has maximized the river views throughout the home, creating an elevated space that’s strikingly elegant and beautifully integrated with the outdoor surroundings. New floor-to-ceiling windows admit ample natural light and further emphasize the views.

A custom floor-to-ceiling glass-walled fireplace creates a stunning centrepiece for the living area. Encased in glass and separating the living and dining rooms, the fireplace adds ambience and functionality, all without obstructing vantage points to the river. The stone base of the fireplace artfully mirrors a stone wall outside the property that dates to the 1800s, further highlighting the indoor and outdoor connection. “The homeowners had a vision that they really wanted the home to maintain its warmth and not become ultramodern and cold,” explains Lockhart. “There’s lots of

"A JAW-DROPPING HOME THAT APPEARS TO ELEGANTLY FLOAT ATOP THE NIAGARA RIVER."

wood and stone throughout the interior to help emphasize this. With the fireplace, it helps the interiors feel warm and comfortable, while at the same time ensuring we weren’t designing anything that took away from the view.”

The spectacular location of the home was considered during every stage of the renovation, down to the details. Take the residence’s servery and kitchen storage area, where antique mirrors were added to the backs of the cabinets to reflect the natural surroundings, ensuring exceptional views at all times and in as many spaces as possible. Working alongside Chapman Murray Associates Architects, Inc., Lockhart ensured that any updates were carefully planned to respect the charming mid-

century architecture. The custom millwork, added by Jane Lockhart Design, Estate Interiors and Thorpe Concepts Ltd., provides a thoughtful homage to the original architecture and an elevated, elegant feel. Further nods to the era’s design are dotted throughout the residence, including large square handles on the bathroom cabinets and vertical design in the bathroom vanity’s mirror.

Beyond the interiors, the garden and outdoor areas of the home were also entirely transformed. “The homeowner loves gardens and landscapes,” Lockhart says. “With that in mind, the home boasts a beautiful cascade of outdoor landscaping right to the property’s edge.” Multiple levels of descending garden beds and lounge areas

"THE HOME IS BEAUTIFULLY INTEGRATED WITH THE OUTDOORS. IT’S NOT TOO ULTRAMODERN. INSTEAD, IT’S GRACEFUL, COMFORTABLE AND SIMPLY TIMELESS.”

provide a beautiful and layered look to the exterior space. The outdoor seating areas and comfortable, modern furniture are positioned to take in the sprawling river views, while the lower level of the home features sliding doors to create an expansive indooroutdoor living experience.

Lockhart also carefully considered furnishings for the home to provide both comfort and practicality. In the living room, a custom-made sectional sofa offers varied back heights to minimize obstruction to the river view. The kitchen’s eat-in dining nook was also designed with the landscape in mind. “We chose to have a bench in addition to chairs around an oval table, which allows the architecture to be free,” says Lockhart. “I love how nothing interferes with the view; the window is so big that you can see fully out of the property

and onto a beautiful tree that was preserved, while also feeling cozy and comfortable.”

Materials such as white oak and natural stone connect the interiors with the landscape, creating a sense of flow and cohesion. Intended to be timeless and elegant, soft fabrics and gentle curves enhance the living spaces with warmth and approachability. Throughout, the residence’s colour palette—creamy beiges, warm taupes and contrasting charcoal—adds both lightness and visual depth.

Lockhart explains that this home is a celebration of both mid-century architecture and contemporary design—all while keeping the client’s exceptional vision at the forefront. “The home is beautifully integrated with the outdoors,” she says. “It’s not too ultramodern. Instead, it’s graceful, comfortable and simply timeless.”

where hi y meets

xury

Tucked amid relaxed English-style gardens on an expansive double lot, this Tudor-style home from 1912 features spectacular millwork, plenty of windows and modern luxury updates.

By Susan Semenak

It would not be a stretch to imagine this Tudor-style house on a rolling estate in the English countryside. Instead, the expansive brick and plaster house, with its leaded windows, nestles within romantically landscaped gardens in leafy Rosedale, right in central Toronto. The house, currently listed for sale with Barry Cohen Homes, is a heritage building—one of Rosedale’s original houses—constructed in 1912 and completely updated in 2017. “It is bursting with Old World charm but with a contemporary twist that is bright and sunny,” says Barry Cohen, who oversees one of the largest inventories of high-end homes in Canada.

As one of the owners puts it: “This is now a thoroughly modern home that retains all the charm and character of yesteryear.” The owners were first attracted by the property’s large double lot that stretches more than 100 feet wide, but also by its generous expanses of window, thick walls, extraordinary millwork and multiple fireplaces. It’s a spacious house boasting 13,000 square feet of completely finished and usable space set

over four levels. “It’s solid and quiet and you feel good just to be in it,” the other owner says. “The rooms all feel so spacious. You never feel enclosed. The house breathes.”

But when they first arrived a decade ago, the old house, gracious as it was, felt dark and disjointed. The owners opted to keep the spectacular original millwork but gave it a modern, light feel by painting everything white, which had a brightening and unifying effect. “Making things white really changed everything,” one owner notes. “The whole house is light and sunny now. It has southern exposure, so it is bright even on dark days.”

The layout of the house also contributes to its wide-open feel. All of the main floor rooms radiate from the central foyer. There are no small dark corridors. The owners say this layout lends itself well to entertaining large groups, noting that it is conducive to mingling. They’ve held functions at which a speaker giving a talk in one room can be heard in all the adjoining main-floor rooms.

The spaciousness continues in the kitchen, which boasts a long

island counter, a mini wine cellar, a microwave steam oven and a butler’s pantry with a bar area. “This is a kitchen for many cooks,” the owner laughs. “There is so much space, no one ever gets in anyone’s way.” And with a family room located right off the kitchen, there’s space for younger children to be within eyesight, but not underfoot.

The owner says one of her favourite rooms is the large rear entrance area, which leads from the three-car heated garage to the kitchen. There’s an elevator here for going up and down, but also a powder room and an enlarged mudroom with a sink for washing the dog, all bathed with light from a large floor-to-ceiling window.

The home’s seven bedrooms, six of which have their own ensuite bathroom and large built-in closets, are set across three storeys, including a suite on the top floor complete with a sitting area and kitchenette. The master bedroom, which the owners call their

retreat, features a fireplace, an ensuite bathroom, a sitting room and a full-sized dressing room. “It’s a calm and quiet place to prepare yourself for the day or the evening,” she says.

On the bright and airy lower level, there’s a games room, a temperature-controlled wine room and a fully-equipped gym, which features a pool, steam room, rowing machine, treadmill and space for Pilates machines.

The home’s outdoor spaces are charming extensions of the interiors. The backyard features a resort-like pool with a hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen with fridge, gas barbecue and a Green Egg smoker. There’s a generous dining space but also a large lounge seating area around a fire pit, and on the other side of the garden is a more intimate space, perfect for quiet contemplation. Front to back, the property overflows with lush and romantic plantings in the style of a loose and carefree English garden. The owner says she planned the gardens to

This is now a thoroughly modern home that retains all the charm and character of yesteryear.

complement the house, with native wildflowers and winding walking paths. It couldn’t be too fussy, she adds; it had to fit in with the neighbourhood with its lovely old trees. She added hedges for privacy, all manner of shrubs for summer-long blooms and a winding path leading to the front door. The owners say they sometimes feel as if they are in the country,

though they are in Rosedale, with its top-notch access to transit, amenities, parks and schools. “Rosedale has a real feel of neighbourhood, of community. It’s a great quiet neighbourhood with very little traffic and many parks and shops within steps of home,” one of the owners says. “It’s the kind of place where people stop to talk to each other while walking their dogs.”

THE MARKET

STRESSLESS SAM (TOP): True to its Scandinavian design heritage, Stressless® Sam has a generous open design with soft round shapes and a curved back and seat that invites you to relax. All comfort functions—including the headrest, back and footrest—are motorized, synchronized and individually adjustable via an intuitive touch-button remote.

PONTE DINING TABLE (BOTTOM): Made in Italy, this ceramic dining table features a sleek ceramic top and offers customizable finishes and sizes. Timeless design meets modern functionality in this stylish table.

Inspired by Italian landscapes, Opulence’s Venetian glass creations can be used to clad a variety of surfaces, including furniture, wall coverings and room dividers.

OPULENCE ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

126 Tycos Dr., North York, ON opulencesystems.ca 647-409-8922

The new E8 from JURA is upgraded with the Professional Aroma Grinder 2, a 3.5-inch screen and 17 coffee specialties at the touch of a button. Incredibly simple to use, the new E8 combines delicious coffee results with sleek modern design.

JURA

115 Matheson Blvd. E. Mississauga, ON ca.jura.com/en 905-501-8600

This home cinema blends acoustic elegance with a stunning star ceiling, soft wall lighting and sleek paneling to transform every movie night into a magical event.

A.V. STYLE CORPORATION 556 Oster Ln., Unit 1 Concord, ON avstyle.ca 647-812-1275

DECORIUM TORONTO decorium.com

EuroStar’s new aluminum bifold doors offer high-performance thermal efficiency, exceptional security and fully bespoke design options. Sleek and durable, they seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces—perfect for modern living with uncompromising style, strength and ease of use.

EUROSTAR WINDOWS 22-55 Administration Rd., Concord ON, eurostarwindows.ca info@eurostarwindows.com

FIFTH AVENUE (TOP):

A tribute to Manhattan’s most iconic boulevard, Fifth Avenue embodies timeless sophistication and urban elegance. Inspired by the avenue’s sleek architecture, luxury fashion houses and cultural grandeur, this rug weaves together refined textures and a rich, balanced palette to blend modern glamour and classic design.

GRAND CAYMAN (RIGHT):

Underfoot, the wool’s dense, springy pile offers a cushioned comfort reminiscent of soft coral sand, while the silk highlights draw your eye into an ever-changing play of light—just as the Caribbean’s waters dance from dawn to dusk. This rug doesn’t just decorate a room; it transports you to Grand Cayman’s crystalline shallows, where each step feels like a stroll along a palm-fringed shoreline under endless tropical skies.

WEAVERS ART

120 Tycos Dr., Unit 2, Toronto, ON weaversart.com 416-929-7929

NEPTUNE (LEFT):

The Pure Cube Neptune Sauna brings the outdoors indoors with its large glass front wall. Surround yourself with nature in this spacious interior with fully insulated floor, walls and roof. This modular sauna kit is easy to assemble in any location. Now available in mirrored glass.

REVIVE HEATER (RIGHT):

The Revive Sauna Heater is a sleek and modern, high-end heater designed for the sauna user who desires increased humidity for a truly enhanced experience. It’s available for multiple sizes of sauna rooms.

SAUNAFIN

106 Rayette Rd., Unit 1, Concord, ON saunafin.com

905-738-4017

Crafted with extraordinary ingredients using the finest chocolatier techniques, these artisan hand-painted bonbons are designed to offer the ultimate flavour and visual experience. Made in Toronto in small batches, Aline Nasseh Artisan Chocolates’ hand-painted bonbons are edible art designed to impress guests and clients by enriching gifting at weddings or corporate events with sophistication, creativity and unforgettable flavour.

ALINE NASSEH ARTISAN CHOCOLATES

877 Alness St., Unit 22, North York, ON alinenasseh.com 647-804-1605 contact@alinenasseh.com

New for 2025, the Grande Collection boasts a low, sleek profile with built-in cushions, offering a modern twist on classic design. The rich, variegated Barley and Coal weaves cover the reticulated foam, ensuring exceptional comfort and quick drying times. With modular pieces, including a chaise longue and multiple table options, the configuration possibilities are vast.

PROTÉGÉ CASUAL

OUTDOOR LIVING

100 Four Valley Dr., Unit A Vaughan, ON protegecasual.com

905-761-1411

Modern sophistication is sculpted in contrast with this dining set, which pairs bold, cylindrical matte black legs with soft, rounded upholstery in textured neutrals. A dark walnut table anchors the look, blending natural warmth with minimalist elegance. Refined and contemporary, it redefines luxury dining through timeless materials and geometric form.

LUXURY FURNITURE

Toronto 647-866-0290

Los Angeles +1-310-597-7260 maryamdesignstudio.ca

The Bona Spray Mop is an all-in-one solution to clean and reveal the natural shine of your floors. Its gentle and unique pH-neutral formula will clean, care for and protect your floor. Crafted with plant-derived ingredients and containing 95 per cent USDA certified biobased content for a more sustainable cleaning experience.

FIRST CLASS FLOORING

10 Marmac Dr. Etobicoke, ON firstclassflooring.ca 416-740-6183

HEART DRESS HEART MULTI: Taking inspiration from original dresses, this Rock ‘N Karma dress from the Spring 2025 collection is cut from the brand’s signature miracle fabric and hand painted in an original design. It can be worn front or back. Hand-painted hearts cut-out at the back, making it just the right amount of flirty and feminine.

ROCK ‘N KARMA

132 Cumberland St. Toronto, ON rocknkarma.com 416-504-4637

PERGOLINO BY STOBAG (LEFT)

Pergolino stands out with its sleek design backed by proven, robust technology. Sliding brackets guarantee highly flexible mounting options.

TENDABOX BY STOBAG (RIGHT)

The Tendabox is suitable for shading medium-sized to larger patios or seating areas. It is available in a round or square design.

SHADINGS

1270 Caledonia Rd. North York, ON shadings.com 416-999-9676

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS AND DOORS IN THE WORLD