Issue N° 2, 2023

The Reno Diaries

Five top-to-bottom makeovers
$6.95

+ kitchen ideas, local art and shops

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 Contents 9

17
17 Stuff
Design-driven acoustics; Yaw Tony’s
new art book; sculptural objects
and bookshelves; and DIY expert
Alexandra Gater

26 Stone Age
The latest in countertops and
surfaces, plus architect Daniel
Germani’s new line with Cosentino

30 Art & Culture

At MOCA Toronto, Paris-based artist
Kapwani Kiwanga’s new exhibition
contemplates the varieties and
mysteries of plant life

52 32 Local Act
Black Rock Studio owner Catherine
Carroll walks us through the art of

The Reno Diaries

handmaking tiles

35 Look Book
Three kitchen renos with optimized
Ingenious home makeovers, modern kitchens, and products space, ample storage and friendly
colour palettes
for a curated space
82 End Note
We hit the streets to bring colour
to the city with artist-interventionist
43 Frame of Mind Martin Reis
A young family calls on architect
Brenda Izen to reinvent a century-old
detached into a dwelling all their own
65
by REBECCA SHORE WINN

46 Clean Slate 71
cover and top photo by ARASH MOALLEMI; right photo by SCOTT NORSWORTHY

Architect Noam Hazan’s post-war

North Toronto home gets a custom
expansion in the nick of time
by SILVANA LONGO

52 Amazing Space
Tura Cousins Wilson of SOCA Design
seamlessly modernizes a historic
semi in Leslieville
by CHRISTY WRIGHT

59 Cool Factor
A rundown 1970s pile emerges as a
party-ready, modern home with
a SoCal connection
by MATTHEW HAGUE
Shop Here
65 Dreaming in Colour 72 Flooring, Surfacing & Tiles
A full-gut renovation of a family home 74 Kitchen & Bath
in Little Portugal brimming with art 77 Lighting
by DEBORAH WANG 79 Windows, Doors & Fireplaces
 Vol. 22, No. 2
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 Contributors

Stay in A-Team

the loop!
Receive weekly news from
Toronto’s ultimate guide to
design, highlighting the very Matthew Hague
best in modern living
Matthew Hague is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School
of Architecture who has written about design, interiors and
architecture for many of Canada’s top publications, including Toronto
Life, the Globe and Mail, Azure and, of course, Designlines. When it
comes to home renovations, Hague considers no design feature to be
more impactful than a big, bright, south-facing window.

In this issue
Hague chronicles a unique, SoCal-inspired reno of a 1970s home in
Mississauga. Find it on page 59.

Deborah Wang
Deborah Wang is an architect, designer and curator. Alongside her
role as Artistic Director of the non-profit DesignTO Festival, she
recently launched her own multidisciplinary design studio. Her vision
for Toronto’s future is one with more critical design beyond
the status quo.

In this issue
Wang explores the full-gut renovation of a Little Portugal
home housing a family of three and their sizable art collection.
Find it on page 65.

Matthew Hague photo by JENNA MARIE WAKANI; Deborah Wang photo by CHRISTINE LIM

Patrick Biller
Patrick Biller is an interior design photographer based in Toronto
with a knack for capturing exactly what designers are looking for.
Collaborations with creatives, artisans and makers in the city are his
constant source of inspiration. Among his latest – a shift away from
bright and airy photography and toward warmth, mood and shadow.

Sign up for In this issue

Biller captures the light and warm modern interiors of a full-gut
our e-newsletter: renovation by Conik Studios. Find it on page 59.
dlm.ag/my-enews
 Letter from the Editor

Inspiration
delivered!
Get any issue
shipped to your
door, right now

Of the moment
In walking this city, I have come to see what we value in terms of
design, how we push forward. It’s also been eye-opening to see
our urban landscape through another person’s lens. For this issue,
I walked with artist Martin Reis around Queen West, where he added
his own stamp with stickers and miniatures he affixes to posts with
the purpose of delighting passersby, and adding colour to this
often-grey town. As a metaphor, his work is ideal for our annual
renovation issue, as he continues the European tradition of street
artists there “mending” walls with Lego. The work is beautiful,
colourful and poignant — Lego as a building block is universal in
its language. Photographer Arash Moallemi shot the story (pg. 82)
on film (the first time in 20 years!) at the CAMH wall at Queen and
Shaw streets, where Reis (along with my 10-year-old son) bridged
gaps of age, time and history with the iconic moulded bricks.
When it seems the construction in Toronto is getting out of hand,
the artists remind us what life here can be. Writer B.F. Dawes explores
the art of making tiles with Etobicoke’s Black Rock Studio for our Local
Act story (pg. 32), and we’ve expanded our pages to include more art
and culture – the first installment being Simon Lewsen’s piece (pg. 30)
on artist Kapwani Kiwanga’s show “Remediation” at the MOCA. We
also sneak a peek at Yaw Tony’s endlessly beautiful new art book Black
Palette (pg. 24).
The renovations in this issue are spread out all over the city –
from North Toronto to Leslieville and Little Portugal (and one in
Mississauga). Most of them either started or ended during the pan-
demic, which spawned some fresh rethinking of necessary space.
photo by B.F. DAWES with illustration by ANNA LIN

All the houses are full to bursting with personal expression, colour
and art – something that’s resonating with us all, it seems.

Go to: – Catherine MacIntosh,

Editor-in-Chief
dlm.ag/ShopDL
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 Stuff 17

One Thing
EzoBord reinvents soundproofing with design-driven acoustics
by JOSEPH CICERONE

From wall dividers in the shape of cityscapes to

cloud-like ceiling fixtures, Ayrsonics brings beautiful
design to sound control. The manufacturer has
reimagined soundproofing with its high-quality, custom
acoustic materials in innovative forms. Among its most
prized products is EzoBord, a raw, sound absorbing
material made of 100% PET plastic.
Engineered using bespoke print capabilities to
create intricate designs and a wide range of colour
choices, EzoBord merges visual interest and high
functionality. By adding depth and texture to a space,
this innovative material confronts design through
touch, sight and sound.
When augmented as acoustical netting, a series of
interlocking and precision-cut louvres are designed to
rest on top of modular wall systems or to be suspended
from ceilings, creating an encapsulating atmosphere
enhanced by embedded lighting. AYRSONICS.COM
photo by YARON EINI
18 Stuff

Home Gallery Sculptural objects to inspire a curated living space

NATUR AL FORMS
In her DesignTO debut, artist
Elena Mahno showcased
a collection of ceramic
vessels inspired by organic
feminine silhouettes. While
the festival may be over,
this unique art piece makes
a great collectible for your
home gallery. Pricing upon
request, through Elena
Mahno.

STRIPPED Among the

many one-of-a-kind objects
in Leslieville’s Mararamiro, this
unglazed sculpture by local ceramicist
Angela Cho proves the beauty of
handmade vessels – even in their
most raw and natural state. $1,150, at SOUTHERN CHARM The
Mararamiro. Danzante textile table sculpture hails
from the workshop of female artisans in
Querétaro, Mexico, and is made of 100
per cent raw cotton, sansevieria, waxed
thread, wood and steel. $375, at Obakki.

FREESTANDING In collaboration
with industrial designer Diego Olivero, the
Black Circles Floor Sculpture measures 41
inches tall, making it a standout feature for
minimalist living rooms and workspaces.
$224, at West Elm.

OLD WORLD Interior

designer Athena Calderone’s
La Struttura Terracotta
Sculpture draws the eye upward
to break the plane of a room. Finished
by hand, each warm and earthy
sculpture is entirely unique. $60, at
Crate & Barrel.

RIGHT ROUND Made of solid

concrete, the Allium Sphere won’t
roll away thanks to a subtly designed
flat bottom. Measuring about the size
of a softball, this object displays well
on its own or in clusters. $16, at Mkt.
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20 Stuff

Bookish Types
Stylish and functional shelves for your favourite reads

OUTSIDE THE BOX Colourful

tempered glass boxes differentiate the
Quantum bookcase by Glas Italia from
anything you’ve seen before. Designed
by Piero Lissoni, this timeless piece
has the staying power and appeal for
generations to come. $14,765, at Kiosk

TALL ORDER Natural oak forms a

tall, clean frame for spacious shelving in
the Harrow Bookcase. Its ’70s-inspired
arch peaks at nearly seven feet tall and
offers timeless appeal in a sleek black
finish. $1,965, at Mkt

LIGHT READING French

STATEMENT PIECE designer Jean Louis Iratzoki
The wall-mounted Branch Shelving System by Gus brings a playful twist to the
Modern is a minimalist and modern bookshelf open shelving concept with
option made of solid wood with metal hardware. the Kai Shelving unit. Walnut
The adjustable shelves can be configured to make and white pair beautifully
the most of your space. $2,590, at Simons in this design. $4,120, at
Design Within Reach

BE SQUARE Designed by architect

Dan Svarth, the Bookkeeper is a whimsical
alternative to traditional book displays. Or,
it can act as an accompanying piece to
large bookcases where current reads are
stored for quick access. $539, at AAVVGG
 Architecture by BDP Quadrangle
Interiors by Mason Studio

Designed for
authentic luxury living.
Craft is a boutique condominium in the heart of The Junction created
for people who value thoughtful design. Offering just 86 uniquely
crafted suites, in one, two and three bedroom configurations, Craft
expresses a design language dedicated to aesthetic simplicity, which
is the quintessence of thoughtful architecture.

Curated Suites from the $800s VISIT OUR SALES GALLERY

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Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. Rendering is artist’s concept only. Sales & Marketing Consultant: RAD Marketing
22
Coffee with Designers
DIY pro Alexandra Gater shares
her tips for renter-friendly
renovations
by JOSEPH CICERONE
To her more than 500,000 YouTube
subscribers, Alexandra Gater is not merely
another content creator, she’s the inspiration
behind every decorative cabinet knob and
statement wall in their homes. Gater’s playful
and trend-driven DIY hacks cater to renters
in small living quarters – encouraging them
to shape-shift their homes into personalized
pads. “I felt there was a gap in the world of
home decor and understood the importance
of making your space feel like your own,”
she says. “It inspired my entire career.” We
caught up with Gater to discuss the rise of
renter-friendly renovations, styling tips and
her debut coffee table book, Own Your Space,
hitting store shelves April 25.
Stuff
The DL
Why do you think more renters are
investing into their homes today?
DL’s Picks
Millennials are renting for much longer Peel-and-stick tiles to make a
than any generation before them, splash in your kitchen reno
especially in the city. As our homes
become less temporary, people are
finding the value in a functional and
Metro Fiona Smart Tiles
personalized space. I think folks have
These emerald Smart Tiles are heat resistant
also come to understand this over
and suitable as a backsplash in bathrooms or
the course of the pandemic.
even around a fireplace. $32/4 tiles, Lowe’s.
What’s your golden rule for renter-
friendly renovating?
When making reversible changes, be
sure the products you use are indeed
reversible and that you are using
them properly. I’ve seen people on
social media incorrectly uninstalling
peel-and-stick wallpaper, for example,
without the use of heat, and then
claiming the products stripped their
walls. What it comes down to is under-
standing how to reverse the changes
just as much as applying them.
What are some of your favourite shops
in the city for home decor?
I love supporting small businesses in Tetra Peel and Stick Backsplash
the city. One of my favourites is SOCCO These modern peel-and-stick tile panels by
Living, which has a great selection of WallPops have a high shine finish and can be
bed linens and small accessories. I’m easily trimmed with scissors or box cutters.
also a frequent shopper at Tonic Living $45/4 tiles, The Home Depot.
for fabric and pillow covers, as well as
Easy Tiger Goods and Rose City Goods.
Euclid Farms on Queen West is also
an awesome spot to get fresh flowers
in Toronto.
What are some of the products you feel
make the biggest impact in a space?
Peel-and-stick backsplash can totally
transform the feel and look of your
kitchen. This is the most magical fix
for outdated backsplash and even floor
tiles. They’re a great renter-friendly
reno option because they stick right
on top of the permanent tile and are
completely waterproof.
Read more online at
azm.ag/AlexandraGater
Shaman Vinyl Tile
Toned-down neutrals in a trendy angular motif
make for a subtle yet eye-catching complement
to bright white kitchen countertops.
$29/8 tiles, Quadrostyle.
Alexandra Gater photos by CARLA ANTONIO
24 Stuff

Yaw Tony’s World

Black Palette is the consummate book-lovers art book
by CATHERINE MACINTOSH

A yellow-scarfed peacock pulls at a string while a pink face looks on from
the doorway above, leading to a utopian setting with an “eye” looking
out with an astronaut on the moon (he’s also the same size as the moon).
This is but one scene from the hundreds of glossy full-page artworks in
this gorgeous book by Yaw Tony. It should be noted that most of the
animals wear scarves in Yaw Tony’s world. Civilized and fashionable,
surreal and poignant, the Toronto artist’s work, like the man himself,
is truly one of a kind. Tony is a trained architect, artist and textile
designer with a penchant for philosophy.
Themes emerge as you move through the multi-coloured pages of
his new art book, Black Palette. Tony revisits five questions, he says,
we are all asking, or should be: Who am I? Where am I from? Why I am
here? What can I do? Where am I going? The answers take the form
of beautiful images, historical and allegorical references, poetry and
discourse. While drinking in the words interspersed between Tony’s
luminous artworks, the reader is surprised, delighted and informed. It
leaves a feeling with you long after you close the book. You come
back to it again and again and see something new and thought-pro-
voking each time. There are patterns and palettes that please the eye
and words on self purpose, life’s meaning, and the true measure of
success in a framework that’s poetic not preachy. The hefty book,
which was printed with multiple cover variations, comes with a reference
guide at the back. It’s rare to see an art book of this size and one where
every page is a standalone beauty.
Black Palette – COLour Odyssey – (Collection of ourselves).
Hardcover, 30.48 cm x 30.48 cm, 352 pages. YAWTONY.COM

Rising Stars
Three emerging brands now available in Toronto

Vaarnii Cyrc Kyle Parent

This Finnish design company produces
brutalist-inspired objects made of domestic
pine, which, in lighting, creates a gentle
glow reminiscent of balmy summer days.
1003 Hans Pendant. $2,040, at Klaus.
In the pursuit of circular design, this
Montreal-based studio manufactures beautiful
3D-printed objects made of recycled food
packaging waste. Conan Vase.
$140, at 313 Design Market.
Evident in his commission for Ace Hotel
Toronto, mother-taught textile artist Kyle
Parent produces quilts that read more like
art than bedding. Toronto Quilt.
Approx. $480, at Atelier Ace.
Views by Bigfoot Door.

German engineering. Canadian made.

High performance windows and doors
for extraordinary homes.
If plenty of light and an impressive appearance
are important, the ASE 80.HI lift-and-slide door
system is made for you. This system is designed
for large opening widths. It is constructed from
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boasts remarkable watertightness, excellent
sound reduction and impressive burglar
resistance. Enjoy the sleek style that lends a
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sliding fly screen unit is also available.
Architect: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
Photographer: Shai Gil

bigfootdoor.com
26 Stuff

Stone Age
These counters and surfaces don’t settle when it comes to quality or aesthetic
by JULIA LANDOLFI

AU NATURAL Laminam produces innovative, high-quality ceramic surfaces. From its Fokos
collection, the tactile and nature-inspired Talco surface can withstand high-traffic areas, both
indoors and out. Pricing upon request, at Stone Tile.

SMOOTH AS SILK Cercan Tile offers a multitude

of contemporary styles in a diverse material portfolio.
LEFT: The Outdoor collection makes for an elevated
sunken firepit. BELOW: Travertine Avorio Silk porcelain
flooring is the perfect backdrop to bold contemporary
designs. Pricing upon request, at Cercan Tile.
 Stuff 27

COUNTER ACT Whether you choose

moody, charcoal Metallio Black or textured,
stone-like Concrita counters, these custom-
izable surfaces will transform any space they
inhabit. Like all Caesarstone-manufactured
surfaces, both are made from naturally
occurring minerals with a deep concern for
environmental sustainability. Pricing upon
request, at Caesarstone.

DAY DREAM
Since its founding in
1983, Toronto-based
Marble Trend has
manufactured its
own original products.
Handcrafted from
sintered stone,
Dreaming Green
boasts premium
durability and natural
veining. Pricing upon
request, at Marble
Trend.
28
Ode to Italy
Daniel Germani’s latest collection for Cosentino reimagines classic stones for modern living
Over the past decade, Argentinian architect
and industrial designer Daniel Germani has
partnered with Cosentino on three occasions,
bringing his eye for industrial materials and
forms to their Dekton line of engineered
stone surfaces. His latest collection for the
brand, Pietra Kode, strikes a traditional note,
referencing the classic natural stones of
Pietra di Vicenza, travertine and Ceppo Di Gré.
In conversation with Designlines, he shares
how it came to be.
Did you have any points of inspiration in
mind as you developed the series?
I had lived in Italy for a long time and I have
deep roots here, working, and now teaching
at the Institute of European Design. This
place is very much ingrained in my aesthetic
and my love of Brutalism, and I think that’s
why it came together so naturally. On top of
that, it’s a collection that I wanted to be used
everywhere – in the kitchen, the bathroom,
in flooring and furniture. These stones have
history and versatility – half of Milan is built
in Ceppo Di Gré. They do not have of-the-
moment characteristics.
How do you take the characteristics of
natural stone and transfer them to an
engineered composite stone surface?
Stuff
by ROSEMARY POOLE
“In looking at the structure
of these stones, Vicenza,
travertine and Ceppo Di
Gré, they’re very uneven in
their design and I think that
chaos really attracts me.”
It’s a very laborious process, not tedious, but these stones, Vicenza, travertine and Ceppo
intense. We’re trying to take the best qualities Di Gré, they’re very uneven in their design
of each natural stone and make them more and I think that chaos really attracts me.
usable. We look at how it decays, its porosity, COSENTINO.COM
how it ages, and select the best parts. We
might go through 50 or 60 iterations of a slab
before we reach the end.
The patterns in this series are distinctly
muted and tonal, whereas in recent years,
we’ve seen a lot of high contrast surfaces
with sweeping veins.
I am bored to tears with veining. How many
more veins do we need to see in Carrara
marble? It’s enough! [Laughs] I like more
Brutalist images. I like subtlety. Also, with
traditional veining, it’s hard to do large
amounts of repetition. These patterns are
super versatile and can be mixed and
matched. They’re not a dysfunctional family!
They all get along very well.
This is your third collaboration with
photos by PILAR NAVARRO
Cosentino in the past decade. How has
your work evolved over time? Is there a
common theme?
I think the link between the collections is the Pietra Kode slabs are available in three thicknesses,
exploration of the imperfect. I think there’s 0.8 cm, 1.2 cm, 2.0 cm. A 3cm thickness is available by
tons of beauty in the imperfect – it’s less special order. The retail price range for the series is
predictable. In looking at the structure of $105 to $138 per square foot installed.
 Uppers Vetro Bianco Lucido - Lowers Nobilitato Eucalipto Noce Scuro LR29

trevisanakitchens.com
FOR LIFE
CRAFTED IN ITALY
IN TORONTO.
30 Art & Culture

In Remediation, the
artist contemplates
the varieties and
mysteries of plant life
by SIMON LEWSEN

Enter the lobby of MOCA Toronto, and
you’ll encounter a heavy curtain sus-
pended from the ceiling, its material
thick and woolly, like fibreglass insula-
tion or bison pelt. This textile sculpture,
called Elliptical Field (2023), is the work
of Kapwani Kiwanga, the Hamilton-born,
Paris-based artist.
Her current exhibition, Remediation,
occupies half of MOCA’s ground level
and all of its second floor. She made the
piece in the lobby from sisal — a fibrous
plant with spiky leaves and numerous
ally rich as its complex history.
Hardy materials and fraught histories
are Kiwanga’s speciality. Her exhibitions
usually focus on a central theme, which
she researches exhaustively. One last
year at New Museum, in Manhattan, dealt
with the subject of illumination, with its
links to surveillance and racism. (In eigh-
teenth-century New York City, enslaved
individuals were required under law to
carry lanterns so that white citizens could
monitor their activities.) The MOCA show,
meanwhile, is all about plants — their
photo by BERTILLE CHERÉT (portrait)

industrial applications, including cordage mysteries, their medicinal effects, their

Kapwani Kiwanga will represent Canada at the
2024 Venice Biennale.
and carpets. Originally cultivated by the
Mayans and Aztecs, the species was
later shipped to the Rift Valley, where it
became a cash crop, and then a chief
export for the postcolonial United Repub-
lic of Tanzania, which used revenues
from the sisal trade to support agrarian
socialism.” Kiwanga describes the plant
as “rough and soft and knotty,” as textur-
status as crops, commodities, and curios.
But a show about plants is also, inescap-
ably, a show about humans.
The most politically urgent work in the
gallery is Residue (2023), a wall tapestry
of dried banana leaves, which Kiwanga
describes as “witnesses of pesticidal
overdose.” But she doesn’t limit herself to
bleak subject matter. In Keyhole (2023),

she reconstructs a keyhole garden, a
type of circular, raised flowerbed. The
plant species growing here all have
restorative properties — elephant ear
pulls formaldehyde from the air, broad-
leaf cattail removes industrial toxins from
the water. For The Marias (2020), she
commissioned an artisan to make paper
reproductions of a Caesalpinia pulcher-
rima — a fronded plant, with elaborate
stamens, which slaves from Suriname
once used as an abortifacient, to resist
bearing children into bondage. “Ongoing
in my work,” says Kiwanga, “is the notion
of plants as allies in various human
endeavours.”
photos by LAURA FINDLAY
Once you become aware of this motif,
you see it everywhere. The theme of
nostalgia, however — a common one
in art about nature — is conspicuously
absent. There’s no pining for a pre-
industrial Eden. “I don’t believe in a
pristine, untouched, pre-contact place,”
Art & Culture 31
Residue, (2023). Installation with drywall
construction, dried banana leaves.
The Marias, (2020). Installation
with mural, two paper plants on
personalized bases.
Elliptical Field, (2023). Installation
with sisal fibre and steel.
says Kiwanga. Like vines encircling a
trellis, plant life is intertwined with human
industry. We can’t undo this relationship.
The goal, for Kiwanga, is to harmonize it,
ensuring we give as much as we take.
The most idiosyncratic work in Reme-
diation is a suite of three PVC sculptures
inspired by old Wardian cases — sealed
terrariums that enabled tropical plants
to grow in Victorian London despite the
filthy air. Rather than imitate these typol-
ogies, Kiwanga has abstracted them,
creating biomorphic forms that bulge
and taper. She has also inverted their
purposes, imagining these sculptures
as prototypes for future horticultural
technologies: not display cases, but
armatures, around which plants can
grow. “The plants would enclose the
structures,” she says, “melding with Vivarium: Apomixis, (2023).
them and resisting capture.” MOCA.CA Installation with PVC transparent,
steel, colour, MDF.
Remediation runs until July 23, 2023.
32

The Fine
Arts of Tile
Catherine Carroll of Black Rock Studio lives and breathes
all things clay in her Etobicoke studio.
by B.F. DAWES
photos by ARASH MOALLEMI

Black Rock Studio believes in the William Morris adage, “Have nothing in
your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
The useful beauty of all things clay is what fired up studio founder
Catherine Carroll to aim for the higher ground of education starting with
Sheridan College, then the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (NSCAD
University), followed by the Banff Centre, and then Boston University,
where she earned a master’s degree in fine arts. Carroll, the only artisan
in her family, was a studio potter for 15 years before turning to tile.
She was raised in a large Irish family with four sisters and two brothers
by her mother who came from Belfast, Northern Ireland and her father
who hails from Bantry Cork in the south (Black Rock Road to be specific).
So, it’s no coincidence her favourite tile colour is emerald green and her
tile lines are all named after special Irish places that relate to her parents.
Now in their third year, Caroll finds herself and her staff of two, Angela
Brock and Sue Ramirez, surrounded by all things clay, as “clay is endless,”
another favourite saying. The tile-making process starts with the extruder
and cutting for size and shape, then hand pressing into moulds created
in-house by Carroll. A large collection of past numbered moulds are off
to one corner. On the loading dock sit two hundred boxes of wet clay,
each weighing 20 kilograms, which is the reason most pottery studios are
located on the ground floor.
Poking around the studio reveals stacks and racks of trays each loaded
like cookie sheets. The shaped and soon-to-be-baked tiles first need
colouring — hand-brushed or sprayed pigments make each tile truly
unique. The finished tiles have an innate warmth and tactile appeal. They
look and feel special.
The studio spends each day filling orders of their artisanal ceramic
for residential and commercial use on floors, fireplaces, countertops,
backsplashes, bathrooms, vestibules, and perhaps a breezeway, in pat-
terns from crosshatch to weave, herringbone and beyond. Next up is
growing the business with a little more room for production, and a larger
showroom for getting a closer look at these colourful works of fine art.
BLACKROCKSTUDIO.CA

IN STUDIO
Clay Hands
Tile-maker Angela
Brock readies the
clay for one of the
studio’s custom
moulds, designed
by Catherine Carroll.

Heritage work
Carroll makes
original decorative
tiles by hand.
 Local Act 33

Catherine Carroll (left)

and Angela Brock at
Black Rock Studio.

Hot Stuff
Checking glazes at
one of three kilns,
which operate at
up to 2260 degrees
Fahrenheit.

Studio Visit
Black Rock now
has a showroom
(by appointment)
to see their
one-of-a-kind tiles
up close.
 Contemporary Power ‘Motion’ Sectional
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 Look Book 35

Gather Round
Three kitchen renovations designed to withstand pets, guests and time
by ROSEMARY POOLE

True to Form
Like so many homes in its vicinity,
this three-storey Edwardian near
High Park had been carved up
into apartments long ago, much
of its original character stripped
away. The current owners, a couple
with two children and a dog, had
purchased the home a decade ago
with one set of parents who moved
in on the main floor. The young
family moved upstairs, imagining
an apartment that would connect
to the home’s architectural past and
its generous landscape. “The first
thing we did was move the kitchen
from the back sunroom to the centre
of the space and add a door to a
photo by DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY
was a backyard.” The new kitchen
is oriented to that view and strikes
a distinctly traditional note: classic
Shaker cabinets are installed
below the ceiling height to look
like unfitted furniture and painted
in Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, lending
a gently aged quality to the room.
Counters in honed, 3/4-inch-thick
Carrara marble and pendant lighting
in pleated ceramic follow the theme
without feeling too heavy. “The
client was interested in traditional
interiors,” says Popovska, “but
she knew that I like to design in a
more contemporary way, so we
found this perfect balance, adding

roof deck and new staircase down a little bit of detail while striving to
to the backyard,” says architect keep it very serene and modern.”
Yvonne Popovska. “Before that, DPOARCHITECTURE.COM
you really had no sense that there

TOP The opening between the kitchen and dining room was reframed
to add an arch, a nod to the home’s original architectural style.
LEFT Wood knobs from Lee Valley were painted to match the cabinets.
Counters and backsplash, Marble Trend.
36
TOP White cabinets feature triple-step shaker
fronts that mirror the fireplace surround in the
adjacent family room. Pendants, Union Lighting.
ABOVE Pullout surfaces add additional counter
space and are strong enough to support small
appliances.
Look Book
Highly
Entertaining
The challenge facing the designers of this new-build in
Kleinburg? How to take a blank canvas and give it form
and purpose. “The space was too big and the finishes
were quite plain,” says Shima Radfar of RZ Interiors, who
led the redesign with partner Bahar Zaeem. “We had to
create different zones.” Lowering the ceiling around the
perimeter of the work area created a cove framework up-lit
by dimmable LED strip lighting. Wall sconces and additional
accent lighting similarly add definition, highlighting
photo by RYAN FUNG PHOTOGRAPHY
different zones, from the coffee bar all the way back to the
full-service prep kitchen. Despite its formal appearance, all
of the materials were selected for their practical qualities,
a key consideration for the homeowners, who are avid cooks
and love to host. To wit: the counters, backsplash and island use a marble-look-alike
porcelain that can handle a red wine ring. “The right material was a major focus and
concern,” says Radfar. “We needed to make sure that down the road, it can hold up
to everyday use.” Adds Zaeem: “Our forte is creating spaces that are highly detailed,
but very minimal looking. It’s always done in a way so that nothing is bothering your
eye.” Perhaps only guiding it. R-ZINTERIORS.COM
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38 Look Book

Curve Appeal
A scroll through the portfolio of Prop Architecture reveals a
predilection for wood of all types and tones, often used to
counter crisp whites and clean lines. “Wood is a material we
always go back to,” confirms principal architect Derrick Lai.
“We live in a Canadian climate that’s often grey and cold, so
we like to use wood to add that warmth.” In the case of this
recently renovated home in High Park, the wood used is
engineered: floors are hard-wearing vinyl – “It’s really come
a long way,” says Lai of its grain detail and overall look and
feel – and cabinets are oak laminate, framed with a pencil-
thin oak trim. The practical materials can travel from room to
room with ease and were selected with Kingston, the owners’
St. Bernard–poodle, in mind. Out of reach is the textured
zellige wall tile, prized for its uneven, handcrafted detail, and
the grandest gesture of all: a swirling section of ceiling that
Lai conceived to both demarcate the kitchen from the dining
room and lead the eye around the bend to the living room at
the back of the house. The lowest drop mirrors the footprint
of the island below, and lines up with the centre point of the
photo by KUBA LOS PHOTOGRAPHY

new arched window – a feat executed by multiple teams of

trades, says Lai, adding, “I don’t think this kitchen would be as
special without that ceiling.” PROP.CA

TOP A ceiling feature makes the 160-square-foot kitchen

feel larger than it really is.
LEFT The island incorporates a beverage fridge, storage,
and a pullout drawer for the garbage and recycling.
SURFACES FOR 



40 Look Book

New Classics Keep It Classico

Design-savvy products to keep your From slicing a pizza to
chopping fresh herbs,
kitchen current and cool the Alpen 8″ Italiano
Classico kitchen scissors
offer a luxurious and
ergonomic design
that’s safer and easier
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knife. Home chefs will
especially appreciate
the clever centre tool for
cracking lobster shells.
$109, at Ciselier.

Rise and Shine

Made of thermal shock–resistant
borosilicate glass, the Pour Over
Carafe by Yield allows for easy
handling and superior heat retention.
Not to mention, its emerald hue makes
a modish display piece on countertops.
$110, at Easy Tiger Goods.

Lightly
Seasoned
MENU’s Bottle
Grinders in Sand
Ceramic are
designed by Norm
Architects and
shaped to cleverly
trick the user into
engaging with the
design in a playful way.
Long lasting ceramic and silicone pair
wonderfully and reflect the studio’s knack
for soft minimalism.
$269, at AAVVGG. COM

Fruit Full
Designed by Ettore Sottsass, the
ES15 Sottsass Twergi Centrepiece
in Yellow is part of Alessi’s instantly
iconic Values collection. At
its base, a dash of yellow enhances the
lime wood’s naturally sunny undertones.
$440, at Studio Brillantine.

Knives Out
The Bistro Knife Block by Bodum features
hundreds of tiny plastic rods that fit any of
your big or small knives. Its matte silicone
casing serves a stylish and functional
purpose, preventing slip on messy, wet
countertops. $50, at iQliving.
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 43

A young family calls on architect

Brenda Izen to reinvent a century-old
detached into a dwelling all their own
BY
REBECCA SHORE WINN
PHOTOS BY
SCOTT NORSWORTHY
44

A tree-framing
window offers a
front-row seat to the
changing seasons.
Chandelier, Lukas
Peet for ANDLight.
 45

LEFT The dramatic

entryway conceals
custom storage
solutions large enough
for a bike, a kid-friendly
coat closet and more
behind its slatted walls.

RIGHT The Marquis

Grand fireplace
conceals a storage
space for toys. Marble,
Vicostone; chair and
rug, Elte; sectional,
Montauk Sofa.

LEFT In the primary
bathroom, ample
sunlight brings out
the nature-inspired
textures of the walls
and floors. Bathtub,
Slik; chandelier,
Workstead.
This home had plenty of unique elements to work with.
For one, the 30-by-145-foot lot sits at the junction of a
T-intersection that points straight into a park. “It’s an inter-
esting moment on a map where you have energy coming
to the house from three directions instead of just east-west,”
says Izen. And, the new open floor plan would mean an
extra infusion of light.
For one of the homeowners, who works in the wellness
industry, natural light, natural everything, really, is para-
mount. Izen achieved an indoor-outdoor sensibility with
fully glazed back exterior walls, where the primary bedroom
sits, and the use of organic textures – grainy woods, veiny
marbles and dark slates.
The airy new foyer boasts the real showpiece, a collab-
oration between Izen and the 45-foot northern catalpa out
front. A generous two-storey picture window on the front
exterior frames the tree from the inside, and the pleasing

T
he new owners of this house first reached out to architect Brenda Izen after
seeing one of her previous renovation projects – a century-old, two-storey,
red-brick detached with a hipped roof. They, too, had recently bought a
two-storey, detached, red-brick house, also a century old, also with a hipped
roof, in Wychwood.
Izen’s prior work hit all the right notes for the couple. The revamped interior was
modern through and through, but the exterior maintained its original pitched roof,
while making room for innovation with a striking flat-roof portico. Think: the little red
schoolhouse spends a semester in Oslo. “They saw [the other reno] and thought they
wanted that exact thing,” says Izen. “But we don’t like replicating. We like to reinvent
the wheel on every project.”
lines of the white oak stairway from the outside. The stair-
way, a showstopper in its own right, even serves a dual
purpose. “At a party, the good conversation always seems
to start for the first time when you’re wearing your jacket
and boots by the door,” says Izen. “So, we thought it’d be
cool to incorporate oversized risers that could also be used
as an ‘exit living room.’” It’s not a coincidence, either, that
the stairway’s resulting silhouette resembles the base of a
tree. “We’re always mindful of things like that.” Certainly,
the homeowners found the perfect place to put down their
own roots. IZENARCH.CA
 47

Work Life
Balance
Architect Noam Hazan builds a
dreamy new home for his growing
family and business

BY
SILVANA LONGO
PHOTOS BY
ARASH MOALLEMI

LEFT The kosher kitchen When architect Noam Hazan purchased a 1950s red-brick bungalow
has much storage for in a North Toronto neighbourhood, it looked like it hadn’t ever been
double sets of plates, renovated. He lived there for seven months with his wife Eden and
plus a hidden pantry, two children, Benson, 6, and Bailey, 4, before embarking on the
coffee nook and bar. project. After a few touch-ups, and a concerted effort to remove some
RIGHT Homeowner mid-century mustiness, the British-born architect knew this true relic
and architect Noam carried the potential to realize his dream home and course-correct
Hazan painted ‘Shalom’ his trajectory. “I started it whilst running an automated retail start-up,”
in multi-coloured block recalls Hazan, who took a two-year hiatus from the architecture
letters to greet you at industry. “I knew I wanted to pivot back to architecture, and I wanted
the front door. this to be the standout show home for potential future clients.”
48
With an affinity for Modernist design, strongly influenced by his
early career experience at Meier Partners in New York City and Foster
+ Partners in his native London, Hazan combined his pronounced love
of light, nature and nostalgic references from his life abroad into the
design of his home. The result is a custom renovation that invokes a
sense of awe, while effortlessly meeting every need of family life.
Beyond the opportunity to make this next-level design truly his own,
Hazan set out to prove that a custom home doesn’t need to take 18
months before you can move in, or come at an exorbitant cost. He
had his work cut out for him though, as the goal was to move into the
new home before then-pregnant Eden gave birth to their third child.
“I was determined to finish the project in eight to nine months,” says
Hazan. Tick tock.
He opted for a renovation rather than a new
build, which meant retaining at least 50 per
cent of the existing structure. So, he kept half
of the exterior walls, but knocked out the front
and the back, and added an extension to the
rear and a deck off the kitchen. He cut costs
by obtaining at least three quotes for each
trade. “You spend more time and effort when
you get involved to this degree, but it can save
you a lot,” he says. Frustrated with the lack
of transparency in contractor relationships,
Hazan says that this approach of diving in and
assessing market value every step of the way
 49

LEFT Doors by Pro Glass &

Railings frame the office off of
the dining room. Light fixture,
Beta-Calco. Painting (at right)
by Menashe Kadishman.
ABOVE The light-filled office
at the front of the house.
RIGHT An elongated,
pill-shaped island anchors
the party-ready kitchen.
Engineered Hardwood
flooring by terra legno.

RIGHT Eden and

Noam Hazan with
baby Jaden in the
front sitting room.
50

TOP LEFT “The staircase is strategically tucked

away at the side of the house, intended to take
up minimum footprint, whilst also creating a
visual division between the public and private
areas,” says Hazan.
MIDDLE LEFT The upstairs hallway leads to
four bedrooms, laundry and three bathrooms.
BOTTOM LEFT Hazan gleaned design ideas
from the U.K. and from his grandparents’
vacation home in Israel, including skylights,
terrazzo and towel warmers.

saved him $30,000 on his kitchen.
Upon arrival, you can’t help but be drawn
in by the large-scale windows and striking
facade. “I wanted to achieve a monolithic look
as if it were one piece of stone,” says Hazan.
To maximize light and not impact the
aesthetic of the front facade, he designed an
internal window that allows the light to come
in while enhancing sightlines. “Daylight is an
important factor in the design, and I wanted
to bring that into the vestibule,” he says. The
51
window frames a tall plant, which echoes the important biophilic
theme in the home.
In the kitchen, a curved fluted island with a quartzite surface is
crowned by a custom fixture overhead that Hazan designed and
named the Ophilia Planter-Light – a play on biophilia – bringing the
outdoors in and, as Eden attests: It just makes you feel good.
Finally, after eight years in Canada, the couple has the ultimate
family and entertaining space. In the end, despite a few setbacks,
Hazan met his 10-month timeline and was successful on all fronts —
they moved in one day after baby Jaden was born.
NOAMHAZAN.COM
52

SOCA reimagines
a narrow Toronto
Victorian for a
family of four

Architect Tura
Cousins Wilson used
white oak throughout
the house.
 53

LEFT The new

configuration floods
the home with natural
sunlight. Artwork by
Gonzalo Cienfuegos;
table and chairs, Kiosk;
pendants, Muuto.

BY
CHRISTY WRIGHT
PHOTOS BY
ANDREW SNOW

“We started out wanting a third-floor master

suite with a washroom. Tura provided us
with a vision of a full renovation,” says Tricia
Holzworth, who lives in this late Victorian
bay-and-gable with her husband Scott
Daigneault, their two sons, Henry, 14, and
Theodore, 8, and a wheaten terrier called
Bruno. The idea of renovating the family’s
entire 1,830-square-foot residence came easy
to architect Tura Cousins Wilson, principal at
Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA).
“It was clear Tricia and Scott needed more
living space to accommodate at-home work,
stay-over guests and additional private areas
for themselves and the boys,” he says.
When the couple bought the home in 2007,
its circa-1890 interior was a record of owners
past – think a blow-out-the-walls, ’90s kind of
reno with a few traditional crown-moulding
stragglers left in situ. A brighter aesthetic,
and respect for the character of the front of RIGHT Limestone
the home, guided Cousins Wilson’s vision, slab is used on the
which tackled more than just the top floor. kitchen and powder
“The house is only 15 feet wide, so there was a room floors.
54

Built-in bunk beds in

one of the two boys’
bedrooms. Flooring by
Relative Space; artwork
by Maya Hanisch.
 55

LEFT A light palette ABOVE Architect

with warm texture Tura Cousins Wilson.
and black accents
runs throughout.

BELOW Oversized
porcelain tile with the
look of terrazzo in the
principal bathroom.

strong desire to create airy common spaces

from top to bottom,” he says.
The attic, a once uninhabited space
accessed by a ladder through a hatch door,
was earmarked for the primary suite. “It was
just joists and fully open to the neighbour’s
attic, so we added a sound-proofed party
wall and converted the space into a
400-square-foot bedroom with an ensuite,
a new rear dormer and walkout patio,”
says Cousins Wilson.
On the second floor, he bookended a
family/guest room with each of the boys’
bedrooms. “The family room has pocket
doors that let in greater natural light when
open, alleviating the claustrophobic quality
of the narrow hallway that’s typical in many
Victorian houses.”
The small-space challenge popped up
in the kitchen as well. “Like many Toronto
homes, this one is narrow at the back, so I
designed a linear ‘service wall’ for the kitchen
appliances and cabinetry,” says Cousins
Wilson. “While the main floor is spatially wide
56

A triangular window
in the peak of the roof
defines the third-floor
office nook.

open, there’s still a nice sense of separation

between the kitchen and living area, with
the new powder room acting as a buffer
in between.”
The home now functions as much as it
thrills with many pause points of delight,
including whimsical, Baltic-birch bunk beds
that blur the line between architecture
and furniture; a primary bathroom tricked
out in terrazzo-look porcelain; generous
slabs of limestone flooring; and white-oak
millwork crafted with hawk-eyed precision.
“It looks beautiful and is really comfortable
for our family,” says Holzworth. “I’m so glad
Tura convinced us to do the whole house.”
SOCADESIGN.CA

RIGHT The
renovation maintains
the semi-detached
home’s historical
facade and roof slope
for a cohesive look.
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 59

Designer Marcus Iafrate

of Conik Studios.

A rundown 1970s pile emerges as a sunny,

party-ready home
BY
MATTHEW HAGUE
PHOTOS BY
PATRICK BILLER
60

“I've rarely seen

a place in such
bad shape.”

LEFT An unexpected,
asymmetrical stucco
treatment on the
fireplace is the focus
of the living space.

Entrepreneur Randall Papineau lives in Mississauga,
but his newly renovated home evokes Southern
California, where he often travels. Throughout the
3,000-square-foot space, sand, sage and sunset
tones pop against a neutral palette. “I often feel like
I’m my best self when I’m down south, on the coast,”
says Papineau. “It’s so beautiful, I wanted my place
to reflect that.”
After Papineau bought the house in 2022, he
easily found the right designer – Marcus Iafrate,
founder of Conik Studios. Papineau had long
admired Iafrate’s work on Instagram, particularly
the warm-modern mix of clean lines and punchy
colours. The hard part was, sadly, the house itself.
“I’ve rarely seen a place in such bad shape,” says
Papineau. “It was incredibly dirty,” adds Iafrate.
Built in 1976, the two-storey home had an enviable
location on a prestigious street. The size was also a
plus, with rooms big enough for entertaining, which
Papineau does often. But those rooms, all blah ’70s

RIGHT In the family

room, herringbone
brick tile gives
the fireplace
more warmth and
character.
 61

The sculptural desk

in the office is
from local shop
Bettencourt Manor.
62

LEFT The kitchen

island is topped in
leathered granite,
a rich texture
created by rubbing
a diamond-tipped
brush over the stone.

“There is an effortless,
earthy quality to the
palette.”

beiges, had not been updated much in the past
40 years. Worse than being dated and dingy: the
most recent owners had left food in the fridge,
algae growing in the pool, and uncleaned kitty
litter throughout.
“I had to wear a mask just to go inside,” says
Iafrate. “Because of the condition, we had to bring
everything right back to the studs.” At one point,
they thought they could salvage the drywall, but
because it had absorbed an unfortunate amount
of cat smell, that too had to go.
Tearing down walls gave Iafrate the opportunity
to open up the floor plan, which had too many
partitions chopping up the main rooms. “To ensure
the home had better flow, we removed the wall
separating the dining room and kitchen, as well as
the wall separating the kitchen from the front hall,"
says Iafrate. "This created a main floor that's perfect
for entertaining.”
Now, through the front door, a grand foyer on the
main floor flows into a formal living room and an
open kitchen, dining room and family room. (There

RIGHT Dining chairs

by Abacus Furniture,
fit beautifully around
the table, which has a
radial grain to match
the circular shape.
FAR RIGHT In the
principal ensuite,
large tiles from
Cercan Tile frame a
dramatic soaker tub.
 63

ABOVE In the
principal bathroom,
the mirrors are
mounted against
the shower glass
instead of creating
a wall, which allows
for an abundance of
natural light.

ABOVE Furniture was

chosen to reflect the
owner’s love of casual
California living.

“The tile helps create is also an office off the foyer for when Papineau
isn’t travelling.)
Within the reconfigured floor plan, every colour,
that inside–outside, material and piece of furniture was replaced with
casual living in mind. There is an effortless, practical,

California feel.” earthy quality to the palette, including lots of wood,

stone and leather. “We used large-format porcelain
tiles for most of the flooring,” explains Iafrate. “Randall
is a shoes-on-indoors type of person, and the tile
helps create that inside-outside, California feel.”
Plaster stucco adds another layer of character to
the house. It’s rendered on the range hood, a wall
in the family room and, most notably, around the
fireplace in the living room. The tan hue evokes
the desert, and the asymmetrical composition makes
an existing non-descript fireplace look really cool.
Upstairs, Iafrate converted one of the four bedrooms
into a massive ensuite. The size accommodates a
spa-like space, including a soaker tub and a massive
walk-in shower with side-by-side rain heads. “The
new principal bathroom is a true oasis,” says Iafrate.
It might not be right by the beach, but it’s certainly
a transportive place to chill. CONIKSTUDIOS.COM
 65

Dreaming in
Colour BY
DEBORAH WANG
PHOTOS BY
SCOTT NORSWORTHY

With an outdoor pool,

downtown location and
great bones, this Little
Portugal reno has it all

An underground
passage leading to
the garage is painted
out in Vardo by
Farrow & Ball.
66

RIGHT A painting by
Kim Dorland hangs
at the bottom of the
stairs. A lightbox
by artist Howie Tsui
hangs on the wood
partition between
the living room and
kitchen.
 67

ABOVE A palette RIGHT A painting

of grey cabinets, by Moridja Kitenge
white-oak floors and Banza hangs in an
full-height cabinets office nook in the
is punctuated by kitchen, beside a
a gold-leafed vent thangka painting
hood. from a hillside
Monastery in
Kathmandu (left).

As Toronto renovations go, this one stands

out. In 2019, homeowners Matt Kingston and
Michelle Bilodeau weren’t looking to move,
but the opportunity to purchase a detached
house with great bones on a quiet street
was too good to pass up. Located in Little
Portugal, near the Cadbury Factory, this
ABOVE The kitchen’s
ambitious full-gut renovation gave the couple
large dining area,
the opportunity to customize a house for their
with wood chairs by
family of three and sizable art collection. The 2,500-square-foot house now boasts
Coolican & Company
Designed by David Carrothers of a nine-foot-tall basement with a sauna and
and stools by Muuto,
Carrothers and Associates, and built by gym, ensuite bathrooms for each of the
faces the backyard
Damien Dupuis of Craftsman Modern, the three bedrooms, plus a third-floor retreat,
designed by North
renovation was a true collaboration with the all within the original footprint of the house.
Design Office.
homeowners. “It was a good match, where White-oak herringbone floors, white metal
everyone was experienced in the process,” screens around the stairs, and grey cabinets
says Dupuis. The vision was clear from the are punctuated with the homeowners’ love of
beginning, decisions were made deftly, and colour and contemporary art. A deep purple
they collectively weathered challenging door greets you from the street, while the
circumstances. We all know that renovations tunnel from the basement to the garage is
aren’t easy, but Carrothers underscores that bathed in aquamarine, imparting the feeling
they are often more challenging than a new of being underwater – apropos of its proximity
build. A professional friendship between to the swimming pool above. In the kitchen,
Carrothers and Kingston, paired with a a gold-leafed wall is the perfect complement
previous renovation by the homeowners, for a large Kent Monkman painting in an
Kingston’s background in development and ornate frame that sits adjacent to a wall of
construction, and a design-savvy contractor glass sliders connecting the kitchen to the
gave them a leg-up. enviable backyard. A wood box between the
68

ABOVE A door painted Yves BELOW Images derived from the

Klein blue leads to the principal French street artist Space Invader
ensuite, with a double-sided are the backdrop for outdoor
fireplace between the bed and living and dining areas shaded
bathing areas. by a purple sail.
 69

living room and kitchen helps define the two

spaces, while concealing a powder room,
pantry and integrated appliances.
The design started pre-pandemic, but
as things evolved with shutdowns and
sheltering at home, the owners added one
major self-declared “pandemic purchase”:
a backyard with an expansive wood deck,
pool and garden. This sounds straightforward
enough, except that the pool sits on top of
the garage, which is one storey lower, owing
to the sloping topography of the site. Plus,
the shipping-container pool had to be craned
over the house. “Matt loves big projects,” says
Michelle. The final result, a tunnel-connected
garage, pool and deck requiring its own
Committee of Adjustment application was
worth the effort. Now Kingston and Bilodeau
have a house swimming in colour and the
scent of chocolate in the air.
CARROTHERSANDASSOCIATES.COM

ABOVE Vibrant
blue tiles frame
the entry to the
basement sauna.

LEFT A lively
wildflower garden
designed by North
Design Office was
inspired by Dutch
garden designer
Piet Oudolf.
 A wide selection of luxurious hand-crafted tiles

Our suppliers

133 Miranda Ave, York, ON M6B 3W8 | 416) 782-8453 | toronto@surfacesco.ca | surfacesco.ca
 71

Shop Guide
Inside – Renovations
Flooring, Surfacing & Tiles Kitchen & Bath Lighting Windows, Doors & Fireplaces

72 74 77 79

TORP
Triple-glazed doors and
windows featured in the

Clear
Ancaster Creek project by
Williamson Williamson.
TORPINC.COM

View
Local glass door and window
retailers to take your renovation
to new heights.

*For more listings, visit designlinesmagazine.com

72 Shop Guide

Creekside Tile Splurge on a graphic, hand-knotted Henzel

Flooring, Colour reigns supreme in Enrique Garcia’s Studio rug or step up the look of your staircase
Castlefield showroom, where internationally with creative stair runners. 491 CHAMPAGNE DR
Surfacing & Tiles sourced decorative tiles shine with a focus 416 799 0888 BY APPT ONLY FIBERANDCLOTH.COM
on the handmade and handcrafted. Its wares
include marble or natural stone mosaics, large- HanStone Quartz
Caesarstone
format porcelain, encaustic cement and custom Over 45 colours and patterns of pristine quartz
Consult Caesarstone professionals on your
glass in lustrous hues. Make a show-stopping samples – manufactured in London, Ontario –
desired applications of their proprietary quartz
powder room with glazed pastel ceramics headline this showroom. Close inspection reveals
slabs; this global innovator’s Toronto showroom
and glitter grout. Porcelain tiles with digitally sweeping or subtle feathered veining and a palette
features 62 varieties. Use Piatto’s deep black hues
printed micro-crackling details lend rustic of glossy, matte suede or dimpled river-washed
for dramatic kitchen islands and backsplashes.
charm without the upkeep. 66 CLARKSON AVE finishes across the extensive stock. An adjacent
Calacatta’s oversized greige veins traverse a crisp
416 256 3800 CREEKSIDETILE.COM warehouse is filled with the HanStone collections’
white back- ground, creating that marble-clad
slabs just waiting to be cut into countertops,
spa effect for your bathroom. If the industrial
Crystal Tile & Marble backsplashes and fireplace surrounds – wherever
look is your thing, pair Oxidian countertops with
The natural and exotic stone slabs at CT&M’s you wish to create a handsome focal point. 150
gunmetal cabinetry and copper hardware. 350
showroom sparkle like art-gallery treasures. CALDARI RD, VAUGHAN 905 660 3770 BY APPT ONLY
CALDARI RD, CONCORD 416 479 8400 CAESARSTONE.CA
But stroll behind the scenes into the massive HANSTONE.CA
adjacent warehouse and you’ll see where the
Cambria Gallery
magic starts: three-metre slabs of glistening Havwoods
Cambria’s Corktown gallery showcases American-
marble, onyx, granite, limestone, and natural Established in 1975, Havwoods – with its
made natural quartz surfaces in over 160 designs
and artificial quartz. CT&M’s skilled craftspeople collection of engineered hardwood available
spanning from pale neutrals to rich jewel tones.
can custom shape and detail your countertop, in an extensive range of colours, finishes and
See the brand’s durable, stain-resistant, main-
vanity or fireplace surround with a wide range plank dimensions – is billed as the United
tenance-free lines on display in kitchen and
of edge profile options. 23 APEX RD 416 781 5671 Kingdom’s foremost wood flooring supplier.
bathroom vignettes. Think beyond countertops
CRYSTALTILEMARBLE.COM Its downtown Toronto showroom greets
and backsplashes to clad walls, fireplaces and
architects, interior designers and homeowners
shower surrounds. Inject a sense of motion with
Deco-Tile alike with a curated selection of large panels,
bold charcoal veins that zebra across white
Deco-Tile dazzles with an array of glass, ceramic, with decorative herringbone, parquet and
backgrounds, or opt for more muted tones with
porcelain and natural stone from Italy, Spain, wood cladding options. Also here: faux brick
wispy white veining. 91 PARLIAMENT ST 416 363 8801
Brazil and beyond. For a classic look, try marble wall panels. 201 FREDERICK ST 437 370 7337
CAMBRIACANADA.COM
mosaics in Carrara basketweave, brick, classic HAVWOODS.COM
penny-round or custom blends. Porcelain with
Centura Tile
a reclaimed-wood look suits contemporary Lovewood by Zoltech
This venerable purveyor of North American
or rustic spaces; for a bolder statement, try LBZ espouses quality craftsmanship in fitting and
and European tiles and flooring from Mirage,
elongated hexagonal ceramics in emerald or finishing floors. It is the exclusive distributor
Atlas Concorde and Italgraniti elevates home
the Gatsby series of ceramic tiles, which offers of custom and engineered hardwood flooring
surfaces. Its sun-filled showroom displays
several unique shapes and colours to bring a from Schotten & Hansen, which champions
endless porcelain, ceramic and natural stone.
room to life. 143 TYCOS DR 416 413 7985 DECOTILE.COM sustainable practices, all-natural materials and
For a twist on subway tiles, try classic English
manually applied finishes. S&H’s range of shades
brick infused with Pantone neutrals or bold
European Flooring extends from sand to soft bark-grey to intense
hues. Further finds: vinyl and rubber flooring
EF’s luxurious hardwood flooring includes black. Go beyond with Mafi’s flex technology,
from Forbo and Tarkett. 950 LAWRENCE AVE W
its exclusive Khayeri curated line, featuring which bends and curves planks for ceilings,
416 785 5165 CENTURA.CA
the minimalist Scandinavian and handcrafted pillars and organic wallcoverings, as well as
Versailles collections. Try extra-wide and -long composite decking and cladding by Millboard.
Ciot
precision-engineered planks without bevelling 483 DUPONT ST, UNIT #102 416 936 8113 BY APPT ONLY
While Ciot is known for specialty custom
for a seamless finish (these pair brilliantly with LOVEWOOD.CA
mosaics, its ceramic, glass and stone tiles are
matching flush- mounted vents and nosings).
equally notable. Dress up your backsplash,
Specialty 300-year-old reclaimed French oak M2 Tile & Stone
vanity or mantel with slabs of granite, onyx,
flooring adds sophistication and old-world M2’s big, bright and unpretentious gallery-like
quartz, or porcelains that evoke marble. For
elegance to a contemporary condo or cottage. showroom carries porcelain and ceramic wall
chic decor, clad walls in glassy ceramics or
These certified installers can assist from subfloor tiles from Europe, as well as exclusive natural
glossy stoneware tiles in chevron patterns.
to finish. 1310 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 967 9200 APPT slate from Brazil. All of its lines are on hand –
Exceptionally hygienic types will love Ciot’s
REC EUROPEANFLOORING.CA most notably, large-format porcelain tiles and
high-performing surfaces infused with Microban.
porcelain slabs. Find inspiration in M2’s new
Also here: invisible cooktops and hardwood
Euro Tile & Stone Italian collections: the Reverse series sports
flooring. 1020 LAWRENCE AVE W 416 785 8080 (ALSO:
Headquartered in Ottawa with showrooms bold, modern natural stone patterns for
8899 JANE ST, CONCORD 416 739 8000; 3050 VEGA BLVD,
in Montreal and Toronto, Euro Tile & immediate impact, while Waystone expresses
UNIT #1B, MISSISSAUGA 905 606 2468) CIOT.COM
Stone has been serving homeowners, alpine landscapes with subtle white veining
designers and architects with premium and cool grey tones. 26 DUFFLAW RD 416 850 1045
Cosentino
floor and wall tiles since 1987 with a focus APPT REC M2TILESTONE.COM
This Spanish company is an innovator in
on personalized customer service. With
sleek stain- and scratch-resistant stone
an array of collections from terrazzo to Marble Trend
surfaces for countertops, walls, flooring
marble to porcelain, its wide selection has Conveniently sited along Highway 400, MT
and facades. Its versatile creations include
something for everyone. 80 DUFFLAW RD 416 has been supplying quality natural stone and
Dekton, an ultra-compact engineered stone
860 3615 EUROTILESTONE.COM engineered products and surfaces across the
for interior and exterior applications. The
GTA since 1983. Its bright showroom displays
Sensa treatment protects radiant Indian
Fiber & Cloth Showroom tiles and mosaics alongside branded collections:
and Brazilian natural granites from stains.
F&CS specializes in exclusive European flooring Balux concrete basins, Vetrazzo recycled glass
Silestone’s quartz Loft collection – inspired
and wallcoverings, plus inspired and unique panels and Lithos Design and Kreoo luxury
by the urban textures of Barcelona, NYC,
custom rug designs made on site. Bassano marble furnishings. Check out Stone Italiana
London and Detroit – goes industrial in
Parquet’s hardwood takes centre stage, sporting quartz, Natura’s uber-resistant Sintered Stone,
concrete shades from light to dark and
updated chevron and herringbone patterns and Listone Giordano’s designer wood flooring.
everything in between. 665 CALEDONIA RD
or interesting rustic brushed or white pickled View endless rows of glistening stone slabs in
416 247 9090 COSENTINO.COM
finishes. Its textured, vari-profiled Wallwood the adjacent warehouse. 310 OAKDALE RD 416
panels create visual interest in any room. 783 9911 MARBLETREND.COM

Mettro Source
MS offers hand-picked Spanish and Italian
ceramic, porcelain and mosaic tiles, so creative
possibilities abound in Sean O’Neail and Myriam
Velasquez’s design studio–meets–gallery space.
Be inspired – mix bold trompe l’oeil geometrics
for backsplashes, choose decadent vintage-
inspired patterns for powder rooms, or source
XL-format matte surfaces for foyers. Among
the porcelain favourites are Vives’s upscale
concrete and wood-inlay hexagons that interlock
to create pyramid shapes and Aparici’s floral
Mediterranean Coast designs. 14 RAITHERM RD
416 913 1722 BY APPT ONLY METTRO.CA
Midgley Tecnica
MT is a distributor of design-forward technical
porcelain and ceramic tiles for commercial and
Shop Guide
residential applications. Boasting an extensive
network of suppliers and manufacturers from
across the globe, MT is also Eastern Canada’s
exclusive distributor of Crossville, whose high-
quality, large-format, made-in-the-U.S. porcelain
tiles are ideal for indoor and outdoor floors,
walls and countertops. Crossville’s advanced
coatings make for sustainable, protective and
beautiful finishes. 117 TYCOS DR, UNIT B 647 999 9433
MTECNICA.COM
Moncer Specialty Flooring
This boutique takes well-appointed, sustainably
harvested European white oak wood from forest
to floor. Moncer is known for offering exception-
ally long, wide planks in its small-batch stock
from Austria, Belgium and Germany. See fine-
grained, hand-finished textures with plant-based
oil for a natural matte finish. Moncer’s minimalist
showroom highlights such fine craftsmanship as
dramatic smoked planks and distressed French
herringbone alongside metalwork from local
artisans. 275 MACPHERSON AVE, UNIT #105/106 905
562 0100 (ALSO: 3836 MAIN ST, STE #2B, JORDAN
73
VILLAGE 905 562 0100) BY APPT ONLY MONCER.COM
Moscone Tile & Marble
Since 1952, this family-owned purveyor of
porcelain, glass and mosaic tile has helped
homeowners take their renovations to the
next level. While the shared showroom features
natural stone mosaics, textured and glossy
ceramics, 3D wall tiles and slim porcelain (the
next big thing for walls and fireplace surrounds),
the adjacent warehouse is filled with slabs
of natural and engineered stone. 8830 JANE ST,
VAUGHAN 905 761 5722; 905 856 8400
MOSCONEMARBLE.COM; MOSCONETILE.COM
Olympia Tile + Stone
As Canada’s largest tile showroom, this go-to
source for mid- to high-end tiles and stone
slabs comprises a massive gallery, a clearance
centre and a slab division. Scour hundreds of
globally sourced three-metre hulks of marble,
granite, slate and gemstone. Alongside these
are ceramic, glass and porcelain tiles of every
effect, simulating concrete, limestone and
ItalDESIGN
VIVA Porte’s Bellagio sliding
glass door and VSE Minima
door in a project by Graziani +
Corazza Architects Inc.
ITALDESIGN.CA
74

brushed steel. Try antique-style terrazzo, large- Italian-made flooring from Itlas – including its
Stone Tile
format wall tiles in vibrant colours or glazed attractively priced Labor Legno collection – as
This elegant showroom displays over 500 lines
porcelain in a marbleized design. 1000 LAWRENCE well as Andrea Castrignano’s diamond-shaped
of premium tile and slab sourced from Europe,
AVE W 416 785 6666 OLYMPIATILE.COM boards that sport an innovative multicolour,
India, Brazil and beyond – ideal for indoor and
multi-width chevron pattern, and T&T’s Wood
outdoor applications. Samples of marble, limestone,
Porcelanosa Private Collection, which offers bespoke wide-
travertine, porcelain, ceramic and quartz hang
A global trendsetter since 1973, this Spanish and long-plank flooring in a variety of custom
from armatures. Get lost discovering artistic
surfacing manufacturer and distributor has finishes. Not to miss: Progetto Bagno bathroom
designer tiles from Mutina, extra-slim profile
packed its sun-filled Toronto showroom with furnishings combining wood with marble, resin
porcelain from Laminam and bevelled mirrored
lifestyle vignettes showcasing kitchen and and quartz. 63 MCCAUL ST 647 347 4767
mosaics. ST’s engineered wood flooring ranges
bath systems, fixtures and accessories. Peruse TRENDSANDTRADES.CA
from rustic to exotic. 1451 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416
its range of contemporary tiles and porcelain
515 9000 (ALSO: 80 KINCORT ST, YORK 416 515 9000)
slabs for custom countertops and backdrops. Vicostone Canada
STONE-TILE.COM
Go bold with wood-look tiles, copper or glass Engineered stone brings the best of nature and
mosaics, and floor slabs in ever-growing sizes. science from Vietnam to Toronto’s contemporary
Stone Tile
Porcelanosa’s colourful solid-surface Krion, residential design scene. Vicostone’s array of
This elegant showroom displays over 500 lines
for counters and backlit panels, is sure to colours and applications will convince you to
of premium tile and slab sourced from Europe,
turn heads. 735 CALEDONIA RD 416 782 5394 (ALSO: explore quartz further: there are 61 colours in
India, Brazil and beyond – ideal for indoor
8905 HWY 50, UNIT #2, VAUGHAN 905 454 1053) standard size (and 39 in cost-effective jumbo
and outdoor applications. Samples of marble,
PORCELANOSA.CA size) waiting to be used as surfaces, focal walls
limestone, travertine, porcelain, ceramic and
and backsplashes. Vicostone’s slabs also deliver
quartz hang from armatures. Get lost discovering
Olympia Tile + Stone on variety; see their wispy clouds, lightning
artistic designer tiles from Mutina, extra-slim
As Canada’s largest tile showroom, this go-to bolts, and authentic marble and concrete effects.
profile porcelain from Laminam and bevelled
source for mid- to high-end tiles and stone 341 EDGELEY BLVD, VAUGHAN 905 760 7888 BY APPT
mirrored mosaics. ST’s engineered wood flooring
slabs comprises a massive gallery, a clearance ONLY VICOSTONE.CA
ranges from rustic to exotic. 1451 CASTLEFIELD AVE
centre and a slab division. Scour hundreds of
416 515 9000 (ALSO: 80 KINCORT ST, YORK 416 515 9000)
globally sourced three-metre hulks of marble, York Fabrica
STONE-TILE.COM
granite, slate and gemstone. Alongside these This stone and porcelain surfacing supplier
are ceramic, glass and porcelain tiles of every unites old-world craftsmanship with the latest
Surfaces & Co.
effect, simulating concrete, limestone and technology. Its portfolio ranges from onyx
S&C offers North American–made artisanal
brushed steel. Try antique-style terrazzo, fireplace surrounds and bookmatched marble
tiles displaying traditional and contemporary
large-format wall tiles in vibrant colours or focal walls to quartz kitchen islands and showers
motifs with a touch of opulence. Find
glazed porcelain in a marbleized design. 1000 with cleverly hidden drain slabs. Inspect the
curated handcrafted ceramic, encaustic
LAWRENCE AVE W 416 785 6666 OLYMPIATILE.COM wall-mounted samples under different lighting
concrete and hand-painted terracotta.
conditions, then tour the warehouse’s alleys of
Glamorous stone collections resembling
Quartex Surfaces Inc. slabs in search of the perfect one. On trend:
seashells with gold glass from Mosaïque
This Toronto-based quartz and porcelain supplier countertops and one-piece backsplashes in
Surface are arrayed in polished compo-
boasts over 50 colours and six different finishes engineered surfaces inspired by natural and
sitions, while Ann Sacks’s ruched tone-
to choose from. Tour its warehouse and choose industrial materials. 2 SHEFFIELD ST 416 235 0161
on-tone tiles add dimension, texture and
slabs resplendent with black veining or a grey YORKFABRICA.COM
shadow to wall surfaces. Customize your
concrete effect for your mono-white kitchen.
stone mosaic by adding metal, Venetian
Add drama with azure and topaz waves – a
translucent, otherworldly experience when
glass or mother-of-pearl inlays to create
something unique. 133 MIRANDA AVE 416
Kitchen & Bath
backlit. Quartex emphasizes the versatility of
782 8453 SURFACESCO.CA
porcelain for countertops, benches and fire- Amati Canada
place surrounds, and its online store makes AC’s focus is squarely on kitchen and bathroom
Three Trees Flooring
purchasing easy-peasy. 31 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, fixtures. Among the 50-plus brands in store are
A vital design element, quality wood flooring with
UNIT B, CONCORD 905 482 7082 QUARTEX.COM faucets by Blanco and Hansgrohe, rain showers
a custom finish sets the ambiance for the whole
by Aquabrass and Dornbracht, commercial-grade
home. Catering to designers and builders, this
Relative Space sinks by Elkay, elegant free-standing soaker
Toronto-based manufacturer, an established
RS is devoted to environmentally and socially tubs by Porcher and therapeutic bath systems by
leader in high-end engineered hardwood, imports
responsible, meticulously engineered European- BainUltra. Also in store: minimalist fixtures from
its 100 per cent FSC-certified wood flooring
made wood flooring by Foglie d’Oro, Bauwerk, Riobel, Philippe Starck’s wall-mounted toilets for
directly from Europe, with three collections –
Energía Natural and more. Sumo’s extra-wide Duravit and extraordinary faucets from Graff.
Veneto, Nordic and Elemento – complemented
planks – spanning 30 inches – offer an oil-finished 105 DONCASTER AVE 905 709 0881 AMATICANADA.COM
by made-to-order finishes that ensure durability
matte look that requires little maintenance,
and moisture resistance while adding character
while Salis sports slim planks for “strip-style” Appliance Canada
and colour. 20 ALNESS ST, UNIT #1 416 665 2624
straight runs and herringbone patterns. Drink in Find the latest innovations in ultra-premium
THREETREESFLOORING.CA
Parador’s diamond-shaped planks of wood, metal appliances here, including Thermador ovens
and marble at RS-affiliated Milky’s on Dundas with patented Star Burner technology (which
TilesInspired
West. RS also carries antibacterial wood flooring delivers superior flame spread) and Freedom
Dylan and Rebecca Vokey are big into renovating.
and greener alternatives to vinyl. 330 KING ST E induction cooktops that are controlled using a
Their experience shines through at this easy-
416 961 6891 RELATIVESPACE.COM full-colour touchscreen. Consider Hestan wall
to-shop online tile boutique featuring gems from
ovens, refrigerators, wine cellars and outdoor
Italy, Spain and Portugal. Organized by shape
Saltillo Imports grills with colourful finishes, and Fisher & Paykel
and finish, these locally stocked collections make
Every surface at SI displays natural stone, dishwashers that offer the convenience of two
surfacing a breeze, especially for novices. Give
porcelain, ceramic and terracotta tile; even its independent drawers. 1380 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416
yourself over to these bestsellers: glossy scalloped
floor reveals a patchwork of options. Compare 785 7083 (ALSO: 8701 JANE ST, UNIT #1, VAUGHAN 905
ceramics, porcelain tiles with delicate lines, and
samples side by side as you mix and match 660 2424; 3050 VEGA BLVD, UNIT 8A, MISSISSAUGA 289
bold hexagons with deep, dark floral, carnival or
wood-, metal- or limestone-effect porcelain and 652 1935) APPLIANCECANADA.COM
fanfare patterns. 416 303 5669 TILESINSPIRED.COM
handpainted cement encaustic tiles. Mosaics
infuse even the smallest of spaces with richness: Aquavato
Trends & Trades
choose from dozens of enamel or stained- glass Perfectly situated among the showrooms of
Opposite OCAD U, this boutique showroom
options, or combine water-jet marble and metal King Street East’s design mile, this boutique’s
offers beautiful hardwood floors, bathroom
for a timeless look. 115 TYCOS DR 416 441 2224 primped industrial space – a former meatpacking
furniture and stone products. Find high-end,
SALTILLO-TILES.COM facility – is dotted with vignettes featuring the

latest designer kitchen and bath fixtures. Here,
you’ll find artisanal etched-stone sinks by Kohler,
cube-like 3D-printed faucets from Kallista, hand-
crafted vessel sinks and tubs courtesy of Apaiser,
and an array of faucets in luxury finishes from
Gessi and Watermark Designs. 416 566 5229
AQUAVATO.COM
Atlantis Bath Centre
Amongst ABC’s plumbing supplies from every
distributor are sleek bathroom fixtures and
hardware, like the black titanium faucets in
Kohler’s minimalist Composed collection. For
a stately aesthetic, Tailored Vanity combines
hardwood finishes in customizable drawer
configurations. It’s easy to fall in love with the
elegant fixtures in Brizo’s Litze collection – a
Bauhaus-inspired range of softly angled handles
and spouts. 665 CALEDONIA RD 416 307 2570 (ALSO:
201 AVIVA PARK DR, WOODBRIDGE 905 856 6263
ATLANTISBATHCENTRE.CA
AyA Kitchens & Baths
AyA’s forte is versatile kitchen systems in a
wide variety of materials and finishes – many
of them eco-friendly – with configurations that
suit homes big and small. Among the standout
offerings is AVANI, AyA’s strictly modern, fully
customizable luxury brand, as well as the new
AyA Elite line of cabinetry with linen-print
interiors and stainless-steel bottom liners. Also
innovative are desk–Murphy bed hybrid units
and kitchen counters with pullout dining tables.
1551 CATERPILLAR RD, MISSISSAUGA 905 848 1999
(ALSO: 1290 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 789 0194; 1195
NORTH SERVIFE RD W, #1&2, OAKVILLE 905 847 1522;
458 FAIRALL ST, AJAX 905 686 1008) BY APPT ONLY
AYAKITCHENS.COM
Bauteam Toronto
Bauteam offers contemporary cabinetry and smart
storage solutions for tailored kitchens, baths and
closets with made-in-Germany precision. Check
out Bauformat revolving inlays, sleek drawer
inserts and push-to-open cabinets in innumerable
lacquer options from bronze to salmon pink.
Elevate door fronts with slate, porcelain or exotic
woods – even textured finishes. For the ultimate in
luxury, discover BT45’s sublime marble surrounds
and concrete doors ingeniously engineered for
light-touch opening. 322 KING ST E, TORONTO 416
366 3888 THEBAUTEAM.COM
Binns
Binns’ two-storey showroom is dedicated to
high-end kitchen and bath design, with all the
accoutrements included. Consider SieMatic’s
SLX Pure system: a 2020 Red Dot Award–
winning, handle-free concept whose recessed
grip is a tactile treat. It’s eye-pleasing, too: just
look at the integrated LEDs and delicate metal
frame. Dramatic range hoods complement sleek
appliances from Miele, AEG, Bertazzoni and
Liebherr, as well as chic fixtures from Dornbracht
and Kohler. 1055 BAY ST 416 286 2222 (ALSO: 333
KINGSTON RD, PICKERING 905 509 5555) BINNS.NET
Bulthaup Toronto
Cabinetlab builds bespoke, high-quality,
smallbatch cabinetry for the home. With over
30 years of experience in the GTA, Cabinetlab
integrates progressive design and expert
craftsmanship to find the best solutions to meet
its clients’ needs. Bulthaup's selection of fine
cabinetry is designed to maximize space and
storage through personalized configurations,
Shop Guide
and customers can choose from a vast array of
materials, finishes and colours. 138 TYCOS DR
416 787 1900 BY APPT ONLY CABINETLAB.COM
Cameo Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry
Expertly fabricated custom cabinetry and
millwork are Cameo’s specialties, and have been
for 35 years. Its showroom comprises six kitchen
concepts spanning traditional, transitional and
contemporary styles. With specialized designers
in house, Cameo turns your millwork goals into
reality with deft appliance concealment and a
host of ingenious accessories – see their drawer
inserts, pullout tables, ironing boards and wine
racks. 1020 LAWRENCE AVE W 416 256 2553 BY APPT
ONLY CAMEOKITCHENS.COM
Canaroma Bath & Tile
At CB&T, state-of-the-art tiles and fixtures for
spas and kitchens from such exclusive brands
as Graff, Vissoni and Zucchetti abound. There
are modern soakers from Victoria + Albert and
Wetstyle, faucets from CEA and Dornbracht,
and floating double-sink vanities from Artelinea,
Baden Haus and Oasis. The tile centre’s 15 lines
impress, including wall and floor collections
from Fap Ceramiche, Porcelanosa, SICIS and
Versace Ceramics. 25 TORBARRIE RD, NORTH YORK
416 642 2525 CANAROMA.CA
Cesario & Co.
Transform your bathroom into an oasis with
C&C’s bathroom surfacing, hardware and fixtures.
Try William Holland copper baths (the only manu-
facturer in the world that allows you to specify
both the interior and exterior finishes of your tub),
and pair it with a stunning faucet from Gessi,
Dornbracht or Samuel Heath, available in an
array of colours. An expansive tile centre show-
cases large-format porcelain tiles, Walker Zanger’s
handmade tiles and Artistic Tile’s beautiful
waterjet patterns and mosaics. 1911 DUNDAS ST E,
MISSISSAUGA 905 625 4435 BY APPT ONLY
Drôrs
Drôrs’s showroom operates out of a space
shared with architects, designers and artists –
a collaborative set-up that signals what’s in store
for clients. As the Ontario distributor of Centro –
a European-designed and -manufactured line of
modular kitchen, living and workplace cabinets
and furniture – Drôrs customizes and tailors each
component to individual needs and preferences.
Consider the Scandinavian-inspired kitchen
cabinetry featuring textured stone or the light-
weight wall-hung buffet. 163 STERLING RD, UNIT #189
705 796 7589 (ALSO: 110 DUNLOP ST E, #201, BARRIE) BY
APPT ONLY DRORS.CA
Eggersmann
This long-standing German manufacturer is
known for smooth, handle-free surfaces, cubic
shapes and a neutral palette. Eggersmann’s Unique
series offers stone-faced cabinetry alongside
matching countertops and concealed innovations.
For the highly organized, aluminum cutlery
drawers are fitted with suede-lined bento-like
boxes with exquisitely arranged specialty knives,
spices and rolling pins. Schmalenbach’s tailor-
made wardrobes offer a luxury store fit-out
experience for the home. 1360 YONGE ST 416 420 9565
BY APPT ONLY EGGERSMANNTORONTO.CA
Faema Showroom
Two Ford Model Ts grace the floor of North
America’s largest showroom for coffee
75
equipment – a tribute to the site’s former life
as an assembly plant. Today, it’s filled with sleek
coffee makers from Faema and Jura just waiting
for a test drive. Alongside these, you’ll find
grinders, French presses, milk frothers
and tea kettles. The ease of Jura’s Z8 will turn
even the most undercaffeinated into a barista.
672 DUPONT ST #201 416 535 1555 (ALSO: JURA CANADA,
115 MATHESON BLVD E, MISSISSAUGA 905 501 8600;
3175 RUTHERFORD RD BUILDING E, UNIT 11, VAUGHAN
905 738 6060) FAEMA.CA
Ginger’s
Ginger’s is a premier source for high-end bath
and kitchen fixtures and furniture. Its expansive
showroom boasts such specialty brands as Fantini,
VOLA, THG Paris and Franz Viegener. In addition
to these contemporary masterpieces, classic
options also abound. For a touch of nostalgia and
spa-like luxury, consider Claybrook’s chic free-
standing Soho bathtub and Waterworks’ knobs,
pulls and spouts inspired by the stepped details
of 19th-century telescopes. 95 RONALD AVE 416
787 1787 ELTE.COM
Irpinia Kitchens
Since the 1960s, this full-service Richmond
Hill factory has produced custom cabinetry
with designs that maximize storage space for
kitchens, bathrooms and wardrobes. Its Leaside
showroom features the latest trends in traditional,
transitional and modern styles, including open
shelving, appliance-disguising panels and clever
multi-level pullout drawers that conceal every-
thing from flatware to wine bottles. 278 NEWKIRK
RD, RICHMOND HILL 905 780 7722 BY APPT ONLY
IRPINIA.COM
JennAir Experience Centre
JennAir’s latest design expressions in fullsized
kitchens will make any home cook swoon.
Fan favourites include Trifecta, the quietest
luxury dishwasher on the market, and column
refrigerators and freezers with obsidian interiors
illuminated by 650 LED lights. The new Rise and
Noir professional ranges connect to the JennAir
Culinary Centre via an app, allowing you to
choose from over 55 cooking modes and calibrate
cooking times and temperatures. 118 THE
ESPLANADE, 2ND FL 416 792 7762; 800 536 6247 BY APPT
ONLY JENNAIR.CA
Knife
The handcrafted Japanese knives on offer from
the forges of Fujiwara, Yu Kurosaki, Nigara
Hamono and Mcusta Zanmai (and many more)
are artisanal labours of love. Skilled blacksmiths
forge and fold layers of high-carbon and stainless
steel to craft these razor-sharp blades. The
detailing is painstakingly intricate, from their
carved wooden handles to their keen points. Also
here: hand-forged Japanese cast iron, whetstones,
24-hour knife-sharpening services, ceramic
pour-over coffee filters and kitchen tools. 803
DUNDAS ST W 647 996 8609 KNIFETORONTO.COM
Kohler Signature Store by EMCO
The popularity of Kohler’s kitchen and bath
products is undeniable – they can be bought
at just about every fine faucet retailer in the
city. Going straight to the source certainly has
its advantages: homeowners and designers can
experience the full Kohler family of brands
here, including Kohler Plumbing, Kallista
Plumbing, Robern and Ann Sacks Tile & Stone,
76
as well as recent product launches like Kohler’s
new Ombré Vibrant faucet finish and Kohler
Lighting, all under one roof. 735 CALEDONIA RD
416 371 6076 KOHLERSIGNATURESTORETORONTO.COM
Leicht Toronto/Appliance Haus
Enlist this team to envision refined cabinetry
integrating top-quality Miele and Gaggenau
appliances. LT is the exclusive purveyor of
German manufacturer Leicht, whose sleek
systems and flexible modules are as well-suited
to downtown condos as they are to suburban
homes. Angled corner units, backlit drawers
and high-capacity pullout cupboards increase
functionality and ease, while tailored wardrobes
and walk-in closets from Nolte Möbel will impress
fashionistas. 10800 BAYVIEW AVE, UNIT #7, RICHMOND
HILL 905 737 7701 LEICHTTORONTO.COM
Luxe Appliance Studio
Culinary passion, hands-on experience and such
powerhouse brands as Bosch, Thermador and
Gaggenau converge in this striking munitions
factory turned high-end kitchen appliance show-
room. Before you commit, test drive the smart,
connected appliances with the specialists on staff,
including full-surface induction cooktops, sous
vide cookers and the latest steam convection
oven innovations. Consultations and culinary
demonstrations are available by appointment.
334 KING ST E 888 966 5893 BY APPT ONLY
BOSCH-HOME.CA; THERMADOR.CA
Miele Experience Centre
While the esteemed German manufacturer’s
premium appliances can be found all over town,
this outpost offers a hands-on look at the complete
inventory of refrigerators, ventilation hoods,
Shop Guide
touch-controlled dishwashers, steam convection
ovens and induction cooktops. Coffee lovers can
test out Miele’s coffee equipment, and if you’re
prone to making a mess, check out the label’s
best-in-class vacuums, too. YORKDALE SHOPPING
CENTRE, 3401 DUFFERIN ST 647 715 3708 (ALSO: 161 FOUR
VALLEY DR, VAUGHAN 866 758 0462) MIELECENTRE.CA
Monogram Design Centre
This contemporary space offers a “try before
you buy” approach. Book a tour to fully
experience the performance of Monogram’s
luxury appliances. Explore the newest ranges,
speed-cooking ovens and refrigeration options
– or, post-purchase, try your hand in the on-site
interactive culinary studio. Also recommended
is a demo of Monogram’s exclusive indoor Hearth
pizza oven, prominently featured in an elegant
kitchen designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects.
1290 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 781 3579 APPT REC
MONOGRAM.CA
Moralia
A trusted source for modern, high-end custom
kitchen solutions, as well as custom storage
solutions for bathrooms and closets, living rooms
and home offices, including flush doors and
bespoke wall panel systems. Their designs have
an infinite number of modular compositions,
materials, finishes and functional components and
are built with sustainablity in mind. 446 NEWBOLD
ST., LONDON, ON 1-800-582-7177 APPT REC MORALIA.CA
Muti Kitchen & Bath
MK&B boasts a wonderfully laid out
1,115 square metres of space displaying
custom cabinetry solutions for modern
or transitional kitchens, bathrooms and
KOVA
The innovative Window
Wall System suitable for
homes and high-rises.
KOVAPRODUCTS.COM
living rooms at affordable prices. Urbanites
peruse MK&B’s wide selection of bath
fixtures, vanity combinations, lighting and
accessories, including its in-house brand
Veneto Bath. Keep the look coordinated with
quartz backsplashes and countertops from
Cambria and Caesarstone. 143 TYCOS DR 416
792 6839 (ALSO: 550 SPEERS RD, OAKVILLE 905
844 3773) MUTIKB.COM
Nella Cucina
A two-storey outfitter of kitchen equipment
and housewares, NC is beloved by novices
and pros alike. Find a rainbow of Le Creuset
cookware alongside Vollrath frying pans,
Lodge cast-iron skillets, Wüsthof chef’s knives
and Levo’s herb infuser – plus an assortment
of tableware, glassware and cutlery. On trend:
on-site cooking courses, and molecular gas-
tronomy supplies to transform your culinary
delights into scientific endeavours. 876 BATHURST
ST 416 922 9055 NELLACUCINA.CA
Nima Kitchen & Bath Centre
In looks ranging from modern to home-sweet-
home, much of Nima’s custom kitchen and
bathroom cabinetry is made in its on-site
manufacturing facility. The family-run boutique
is also Canada’s exclusive carrier of Italy’s
Aran Cucine. Think beyond greige by dressing
your cabinets in bold matte lacquer finishes
or interchangeable vinyl graphic covers, then
 77

further the look with hardware from Emtek or closets and bathrooms to full-home renos
Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove
Berenson and countertops from Cosentino or and new builds. Outfit your modern or
Showroom
Silestone. 2060 STEELES AVE W, CONCORD 416 667 8910 classic kitchen with the latest offerings:
Sub-Zero’s refrigerators look great alongside
NIMAKITCHENS.CA invisible cooktops, Miele aroma-inten-
Wolf’s ranges, convection steam ovens and module
sifying steam ovens or Neolith cabinet
cooktops. The brand-new vacuum-seal drawer
O.NIX Kitchens & Living cladding that transforms your island into a
preserves food and open wine or infuses sous-vide
This lakefront showroom helps customers work solid stone block. 87 AVENUE RD 416 922 6620
dishes with flavour. The kitchen holy trinity is
up their custom kitchen, bathroom, living space YORKVILLEDESIGNCENTRE.CA
now complete with the introduction of Cove, the
and closet solutions, drawing from exclusive
only built-in dishwasher with Sub-Zero and Wolf
German and Italian lines. In kitchens, look for
Biefbi’s integrated-handle units, Störmer’s
DNA. Bring your apron: the showroom invites
homeowners to try everything out. 280 KING ST E,
Lighting
versatile grid-based systems and Zeyko’s clean-
STE #101 855 914 4488 BY APPT ONLY
lined pairing of oak segments with concrete The Adelaide Project
SUBZERO-WOLF.COM
lacquer. Artfully showcase your belongings with Here’s something a little different: innovative
easily customizable wall-mounted wardrobe luminaires in a lovingly restored and fully
Taps Bath Centre
systems from Olivieri. 130 QUEENS QUAY E, #1016 W furnished heritage home where consumers
Looking for inspiration for your next bathroom
TOWER 647 499 1150 BY APPT ONLY ONIXLIVING.CA and industry pros alike can explore functional
and kitchen refresh? Start with the hundreds of
vignettes of architectural and decorative lighting.
gleaming faucet options at Taps. You’re sure to
Raywal Cabinets Good ideas abound: Nod suspension lights by
find one that matches your style; consider Graff’s
A manufacturer of made-in-Canada kitchen XAL in the bedroom create a variety of moods
knurled knobs, Franz Viegener’s edgy forms,
systems, Raywal serves up three main styles: thanks to a rotatable head and changeable height;
Phylrich’s colourful handles, and fittings in wood
clean contemporary, moderately detailed and in the living room, the fabric diffuser of the
or stone by Brooklyn’s Watermark. Continue to
Euro-traditional. Choose from a range of panelled celestial Manto suspension lamp by Axolight
spa it up with shower fixtures and fittings from
or sleek door fronts in neutral finishes and pair provides the perfect balance of illumination and
such top brands as DXV, Dornbracht and Toto. 1020
with countertops in granite or Cambria quartz. ambiance. 509 ADELAIDE ST W 416 538 6548 BY APPT
LAWRENCE AVE W 416 785 0224 (ALSO: 3050 VEGA BLVD,
To complete the look, add decorative valances, ONLY THEADELAIDEPROJECT.COM
MISSISSAUGA 905 569 1262) TAPSBATH.COM
crown mouldings or glass cabinets. Choose from
innumerable in-drawer accessories and storage AM Studio
Toronto Vanity
solutions to create a versatile kitchen. 270 AM’s versatile custom lighting studio is
Head to this Stockyards showroom to soak up
MONARCH AVE, AJAX 905 427 4009 BY APPT ONLY home to intricate and imaginative fixtures
its affordable and well-appointed inventory
RAYWAL.COM handmade in Toronto. The gallery is aglow
of contemporary bathroom fixtures and hard-
with Swarovski crystal, metal, and glass
ware. Browse vignettes of free-standing
Roman Bath Centre fused, blown and drawn into dramatic
bathtubs, floating vanities, cabinets, mirrors and
RBC’s design-savvy clientele appreciate the sculptural forms. Find shapely porcelain
accessories. TV prides itself on its fully stocked
delightful bathroom and kitchen displays pendants, linear sconces or staggering
Kubebath products, which homeowners and
composed of products from such top brands plate and orb chandeliers designed in
contractors can get in a jiffy – invaluable if you
as Victoria + Albert, Toto and Graff, all with collaboration with glass artist Karli Sears.
are up against a plumbing deadline. 451 ALLIANCE
personalization options. For instance, consider The showroom also showcases ready-made
AVE 416 274 3244 TORONTOVANITY.COM
faucets and shower fittings from Phylrich’s 24 beauties from Bomma, Lasvit and Siemon
exclusive colours. Complete your spa experience & Salazar. 80 KINCORT STREET. 647 559 9690
Trevisana Kitchens & Interiors
and elevate your evening soak with acrylic or AMSTUDIO.CA
Family-operated TK&I manufactures
concrete free-standing bathtubs and RBC’s
well-dressed kitchen systems from “back
selection of luxe towels and accessories. 883 Artemide
home” in Italy. Its versatile, functional
CALEDONIA RD 416 787 1219 ROMANBATHCENTRE.COM Toronto’s Distillery District hosts this Italian
kitchens, vanities and closets trend
lighting brand recognized for its iconic collab-
modern using top-quality materials and
Scavolini Store Toronto orations with renowned designers. Founder
hardware. Choose from a variety of
Scavolini’s meticulously engineered Ernesto Gismondi’s Discovery pendant remains
layouts, cabinet types and surfaces; all
kitchen, bathroom and storage systems a sleek and futuristic favourite – a ring whose
are available with soft-closing doors,
are synonymous with adaptable modern transparent interior magically fills with light. No
easy-access interior corners and deftly
living. These range from sleek to lightly shade: we also love Bjarke Ingels Group’s portable,
concealed storage. Craft an enviable
transitional, and conceal plenty of pill-shaped rechargeable lamp with soft gradient
and organized wardrobe or mudroom
design surprises; one bathroom vanity light, as well as Tolomeo Bicolor, an update to the
with Trevisana’s smooth sliding doors.
incorporates familiar gym elements. quintessential original with pops of vibrant colour.
12 DENSLEY AVE 647 748 8874
The closets, bookcases and media units 5 MILL ST 416 628 6718 ARTEMIDE.NET
TREVISANAKITCHENS.COM
also evince the brand’s refined simplicity
in streamlined ensembles with expertly Casa Di Luce
Tubs
integrated reveals. For colour, look no CDL’s scrupulous selection of modern European
A temple to kitchen and bath wares, Tubs offers
further than the Dandy Plus line featuring a residential lighting boasts classics from Artemide
redemption to your fading faucets, vanities, surface
unique rounded silhouette. 1330 CASTLEFIELD and Luceplan alongside statement-makers from
tiles and, of course, tubs. Over 100 vignettes will
AVE 416 961 2929 SCAVOLINITORONTO.COM Lodes, Foscarini and Vistosi. You’ll also find
help you visualize and complete your job. Browse
outrageous offerings for the aesthetically
rows of fixtures and fittings from brands you know
Sköna Design adventurous. Case in point: Slamp’s billowy
and love, including Vida, Franke, Toto, Aquabrass,
Castlefield and Caledonia grows again with the forms in unconventional materials will banish
Riobel, Hansgrohe and Fleurco. Tubs now carries
addition of this 465-square-metre showroom bland from your home. Other spotlight-stealers
paint from Farrow & Ball and tiles from Fap
dedicated to premium-quality kitchen, bathroom that will dazzle include the graffiti-like pendant
Ceramiche. 45 SAMOR RD 416 665 8787 (ALSO: 80 THE
and closet design. A one-stop shop, Sköna Design from Pallucco, galazy-like clusters by Vibia and
EAST MALL, ETOBICOKE 416 640 8827; 7979 WESTON RD,
offers modern and contemporary styling with an graphic luminaires from Axolight. 89 TYCOS DR,
VAUGHAN 365 300 3743; 2575 DUNDAS ST W, UNIT #12,
affinity for the clean lines, minimalism and use of UNIT #102 416 650 9837 CASADILUCE.CA
MISSISSAUGA 905 608 8827) TUBS.COM
natural materials characteristic of Scandinavian
design. With Sköna’s in-house design team and Dark Tools
Yorkville Design Centre
manufacturing facilities, clients can customize DT’s showroom exemplifies how architectural
Helmed by architect Thomas Tampold,
and outfit with their choice of appliances from illumination systems define space and deliver
YDC is a full-service design firm and
the likes of AEG, Smeg and Liebherr, as well as ambiance. Uncover such unconventional lines
the exclusive retailer for artfully crafted
hardware from Richelieu and Blum. 81C RONALD as BuzziSpace, Pallucco and Petite Friture
Downsview Kitchens. YDC’s team will
AVE 416 782 7882 WEEKDAYS BY APPT ONLY SKONA.CA among familiar favourites like Artemide, Flos,
conceive and plan everything from kitchens,
Pablo and Viabizzuno. DT’s consultants will help
78

you experience how each fixture shapes light.

Barely there recessed channels emphasize room
height, create depth and provide visual interest.
Also here: bollards, in-floor fixtures and surface
mounts for the outdoors. 750 LAKE SHORE BLVD E,
UNIT #2 647 725 3275 DARKTOOLS.COM

Eurolite
Homeowners will find striking European lighting
at Eurolite’s Riverside showroom: beauties from
Ilfari, Dark, Ferrolight and Ingo Maurer. Compare TORP
fabrication innovations from Bocci with clever Danish windows and sliding
repeatable forms from Toronto darling Anony. doors in Tower House by
Astro’s bathroom and bedside lights tuck discreetly
Agathom Co.
into walls and headboards, while Vesoi’s thin
linear LEDs with cables on either end span room TORPINC.COM
widths to maintain spatial harmony. An exterior
section showcases contemporary bollard, in-
ground, flood and wall options. 9 DAVIES AVE, UNIT
#112 416 203 1501 EUROLITE.COM

Canada craftsmanship and limitless customization

LightForm
LF’s sprawling showroom espouses the
raw aesthetic of the Engelite lamp factory,
the building’s former tenant. Imports from
international designers include exciting
collections from Foscarini, Moooi, Estiluz,
Parachilna and Roll & Hill. Boundary-pushing
options include fluid stainless-steel mesh forms
by Arturo Alvarez and infinitely adaptable
light constellations by Lee Broom. Book lovers
will covet Contardi’s gooseneck portable lamp,
which rests across your favourite chair’s arm
or back. 280 KING ST E 267 NIAGARA ST 416 745 5656
LIGHTFORMSHOP.COM
Lightmaker Studio
Michael Stamler and Denise Murphy’s snazzy,
made-to-order lighting fixtures fuse mid-century
modern and industrial influences into truly time-
less pieces. Elegant handcrafted luminaires pair
opalescent opaque, clear or smoked grey glass
with vintage or blackened brass components. The
curvy Sweetie wall sconce boasts an exaggerated
hourglass form, while Parallel’s blown-glass
vessels adorn a brass framework that sprouts
treelike from the ceiling or wall. 416 855 4144
LIGHTMAKERSTUDIO.COM
Litemode
Litemode’s vast showroom packs in thousands
of affordable fixtures from Kuzco, CWI, Maxim,
options – brings its first showroom outside of
Quebec to Leslieville. Some of our favourites
include a linear pendant that dims from cool to
warm, simply beautiful handcrafted terrazzo
pendants and cheerfully coloured retro Nube
wall sconces, all of which can be tailored. Consult
with a lighting adviser from the comfort of
home. 1027 QUEEN ST E 416 580 3978
LUMINAIREAUTHENTIK.COM
Prima Lighting
PL’s spacious showroom flaunts an elegant array
of floor lamps, dramatic pendants, and grandiose
chandeliers from Swarovski and Allegri Crystal.
Find understated and chic luminaires from
Visual Comfort, Arteriors Home, WAC, Hinkley,
Maxim, Regina Andrew and Kelly Wearstler.
Rounding out the showroom’s selection are
sophisticated ceiling fans and furniture accents
ET2 and Eurofase. The latest trends for home
for the home by Nuevo, including the leggy
offices are well-represented here, including
Noori console and the Egon wraparound steel
shapely table lamps and adjustable task lights.
coffee table. 255 BASS PRO MILLS DR, VAUGHAN 905
To inject personality, go big with sculptural
851 1188 PRIMALIGHTING.CA
statement lighting or, for more boho chic, opt
for brass chandeliers. Litemode also stocks
Robinson Lighting & Bath
ceiling fans, outdoor luminaires and all manner
Taking over Sescolite’s Castlefield showroom,
of bulbs, LED strips and wall plates. 88355 JANE ST,
this trusted lighting, bath and kitchen specialist
UNIT #2, VAUGHAN 905 738 8889 LITEMODE.CA
operates 32 locations across Canada, in addition
to its well-stocked online shop. Browse an
Luminaire Authentik
extensive selection of luminaires from designer
Founded in 2015, this lighting manufacturer –
brands Moooi, Flos, Kuzco, Marset, Flos and
known for its Scandinavian aesthetic, made-in-
 Shop Guide 79

and Rocky Mountain. Unlock your creative side

Ultra Lighting
with stylish jewelled knobs by Matthew Studios,
UT’s new Mississauga digs carry the same eclectic
leather loop straps by Scrim or custom forged
trove of lighting that cost-conscious shoppers
bronze handles by Hamilton Sinkler. Or go the
relished at its former Spadina at Richmond locale.
minimalist route: tiny knurled pulls by Vesta or
Eye-catching luminaires include blade-thin
barely there designs from Atlas. Next door, in
aluminum LED sconces, mini chandeliers that
ADH’s skylit design studio, custom hardware
add a touch of glam and app- or voice-controlled
projects are resolved. 1750 AVENUE RD 416 785 8393
mood lighting. Look for fixtures from ET2, Maxim,
ADHHARDWARE.CA
Eurofase and Jonathan Adler, as well as a growing
selection of home decor items including rugs,
Alleen’s
mirrors and condo-sized furniture. 805 DUNDAS ST
Alleen’s offers window treatments for every need
E, MISSISSAUGA 905 272 8766 ULTRALIGHTING.CA
and budget. Choose from hundreds of custom
coverings including curtain textiles by Robert
Union Lighting
Allen, Joanne Fabrics and Kravet; blinds by
Canada’s largest lighting showroom vaunts a
Altex; shutters by Shade-O-Matic; and motorized
staggering supply of chandeliers, sconces and
skylight shades by Hunter Douglas. Adjust your
floor and table lamps alongside home accessories
blinds or shades with ease from your phone, tablet
and furnishings. For a true sense of the scope
or remote by connecting them to smart home
of its offerings, expect to spend a full day
systems by Lutron or Crestron Home. 444 YONGE
exploring the sprawling showroom’s curated
ST 416 847 0947 (ALSO: 74 ST.CLAIR AVE W 416 977 2551;
vignettes. UL’s dining sets, bedroom suites
130 KONRAD CRES, UNIT #12, MARKHAM 905 475 0943)
and buffets range in style from tastefully modern
ALLEEN.COM
to delightfully retro. Also available: outdoor
patio furniture and designer-inspired drapery.
Alumilex
1491 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 652 2200 UNIONLF.COM
Alumilex manufactures high-end
contemporary custom windows and doors
Viso
that deliver everything from oversized
Architects and designers task Viso to devise
lift-and-slide patio doors to tilt-and-turn
custom decorative light fixtures and art
windows. The aluminum systems are
installations for commercial and hospitality
available in an array of colours and can
settings. View its striking two-storey installation
be fitted with solid-wood interior panels
at Sud Forno Temperance or the curved ceiling
for one-of-a-kind combinations. The
lights that illuminate Holt Renfrew’s concourse
exceptionally energy-efficient ALX 2060
at 50 Bloor Street West. Lighting installations that
and ALX 2066 series bonds up to three
sport dazzling design patterns enhance spaces
panes of insulating glass for extra-toasty
with impact and elegance. Treat your staircase to
(and budget-friendly) winters. The main
suspended cascades of half-tone marble and glass
showroom is in Montreal, but Alumilex
globes. 388 CARLAW AVE, STE #207 416 461 8476 BY
has multiple local partners that will see
APPT ONLY VISOINC.COM
to your project, start to finish. 866 955
Artemide. Equally impressive plumbing collections 4135 ALUMILEX.COM
Zaneen
feature products from Brizo, Duravit, Aquabrass
This showroom is a must for contemporary
and Blanco. With lighting and plumbing needs Bauhaus
European fixtures. Architectural standouts
under one roof, you’ll save time developing a Bauhaus has been designing and manufacturing
include colour-accented adjustable disc diffusers,
holistic update to your home. 1461 CASTLEFIELD covetable contemporary windows and doors
interchangeable pendants, and sinewy ceiling
AVE 416 651 6570 (ALSO: 4175 FAIRVIEW ST, BURLINGTON right here in Toronto since 1990. The detailed
huggers from Prolicht. Panzeri’s linear recessed
905 632 8659) ROBINSONCO.CA craftsmanship of its solid wood entrances and glass
line has gold, copper or silver leaf reflectors
systems – featuring hardware from luxury Italian
to accent ceilings and walls. Current faves include
Sistemalux brands Colombo Design and AGB – is fitting for
adjustable Icone sconces, streamlined wooden
This Montreal manufacturer outfits institutional homes and cottages alike (including the illustrious
Tunto pendants, and rope or satin ribbon–
and commercial spaces – check out how the Fogo Island Inn on Newfoundland’s rugged
dressed Fambuena drums. Quasar offers wondrous
Bolla pendant bedazzles Springdale Library’s coastline). Its lift-and-slide doors glide with almost
forms of twisted metal wires punctuated by mini
reading room. Sistemalux also carries bespoke no friction; even a child can operate a 300-pound
LEDs. 30 TYCOS DR 416 247 9221 ZANEEN.COM
architectural lighting for the home: ultra-modern sash effortlessly. 1173 PETROLIA RD 416 924 0996 BY
mini wall-washers, recessed luminaires, and APPT ONLY BAUHAUSDOORS.COM
track systems with striking focused effects. New
additions include ceiling-hugging aluminum
Windows, Doors Bigfoot Door
rings for wet areas and dot diffusers in creative
wall-mount patterns. Also here: streamlined
& Fireplaces Bigfoot Door puts 30-plus years of
experience into its European-engineered,
pieces by iGuzzini and exterior lighting from Canadian-manufactured large and super-
1925Workbench
Simes. 383 ADELAIDE ST W 416 408 3995 BY APPT ONLY sized glazing. Windows and entrances boast
A true love of craft – for solid wood and traditional
SISTEMALUX.COM such slender profiles, you’ll forget how
techniques – is on full display at 1925, with its
super-insulated and heavily secured they
studio in the front, workshop in the back. The
Standard Shop are. Test the easy operation for yourself in
specialty: handcrafted solid wooden doors and
SS is a design sourcing platform that provides 3.5-metre-tall manual or motorized sliding
furniture, panel and glass doors, and hand-welded
professionals and residential clients with aesthetic door systems and motorized windows
metal. Highlights include patented single-track
expertise and full project management, as well controlled from one spot using concealed
bypass barn-door hardware (made in Canada),
as elevated and unique pieces from such top-tier, actuator technology. BD’s aluminum swing
walnut slab doors with transom-like cut-outs and
design-focused manufacturers as Spain’s Marset, doors are equipped with features like
nearly five-metre-tall rolling or hook ladders.
the U.S.’s Matter Made and Denmark’s Woud. keypads and scanners. 1677 AIMCO BLVD, UNIT
198 30TH ST, ETOBICOKE 416 878 1869 BY APPT ONLY
Is buying local important? Consider the Dot A, MISSISSAUGA 905 602-5887 BIGFOOTDOOR.COM
1925WORKBENCH.COM
chandelier from Montreal’s Lambert & Fils, which
pairs geometrically arranged spheres with brass Casson Hardware
ADH Fine Hardware
rods, or, from Vancouver’s ANDlight, the zig- Architects tool structures down to their nuts
ADH offers tried-and-true solutions – in traditional
zagging Pipeline pendant. 366 ADELAIDE ST E 647 and bolts but often struggle to find distinctive
and contemporary styles – from Baldwin, Emtek
367 1695 BY APPT ONLY STANDARDSHOP.CA hardware for their projects. No more. CH is
80
BIGFOOT DOOR
Structurally glazed corner
windows customized for
panoramic views.
BIGFOOTDOOR.COM
a treasure trove of fasteners and doorknobs,
mingling eclectic and minimalist styles with
heirloom quality. Make a statement with Object/
Interface’s punchy Y-shaped wall hooks that
can be rotated on their axis pre-installation –
or flush polished-brass pull handles from
century-old Belgian atelier Maison Vervloet.
416 953 9519 CASSONHARDWARE.COM
Chateau Window & Door
Systems
Peruse custom door and window styles
at CW&DS’s Castlefield showroom with
on-site consultants. Canada’s Lepage
Millwork features solid wood, fibreglass and
aluminum-clad wood options. Germany’s
Unilux goes a step further, impressing with
nearly three-metre-high lift-and-slide doors
that are a breeze to open. Its glazing systems
can be flush with floors and stained to match
for a seamless look, perfect for those over-
looking a backyard or patio. 170 TYCOS DR 416
783 3916 CHATEAUWINDOWS.COM
Custom Fireplace Design
CFD’s talented team of designers and metal
craftspeople shape raw steel into one-of-a-kind
custom fireplaces you can admire year-round. The
VITA Fireplaces collection includes suspended,
wall-mounted and built-in linear models available
with Vapor-Fire burner technology, which uses
regular tap water to create a simulated flame –
a unique effect that requires no venting. 5230
HARVESTER RD, UNIT 2, BURLINGTON 905 681 3070 BY
APPT ONLY CUSTOMFIREPLACEDESIGN.COM
Shop Guide
you set the scene from your smartphone or tablet,
The Door Store
managing your shades whether you’re at home or
A Toronto institution since 1972, TDS holds an
away. 1075 YONGE ST 416 924 5062 (ALSO: 990 KINGSTON
expertly curated collection of local and imported
RD 416 755 1990; 10 CLOCK TOWER RD 647 242 8565)
architectural salvage: doors, lighting, fireplace
NIGHTANDDAYDECOR.COM
mantels and more. Iron consoles, textured rustic
doors and massive Egyptian globe pendants make
Paloform
for a dramatic focal point. Vintage hardware
Khai Foo brings 25 years of experience honing
repairs and restoration are the house specialty –
high-performance concrete into firepits, mantels
exquisite bronze, crystal and brass doorknobs are
and surrounds handcrafted to spec, with multiple
adapted with modern mechanisms. You’ll also find
fuel and finish options. Online, you’ll find models
an eclectic abundance of small decor objects here.
ranging from thick concrete bowls to low-slung
1260 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 863 1590 THEDOORSTORE.CA
rectilinear forms with folded aluminum sides.
Hard tops turn your firepit into a coffee table when
Door Studio
not aflame. 888 823 8883 PALOFORM.COM
DS collaborates with builders, homeowners and
architects to enhance homes with all manner of
The Sliding Door Company
manual- and power-operated glazing solutions,
Transform spaces with SDC’s diverse interior
front doors, garage doors and height-adjustable
sliding-door solutions, including room dividers
terrace windscreens. Its showroom boasts over
and partitioned or free-standing office enclosures,
250 models, among them European openings
as well as customized closet, swing and barn
framed in insulated aluminum with wood interiors,
doors. Walls disappear with a nudge, effortlessly
as well as automated garage doors from Hörmann.
adjusting the flow between spaces. SDC’s patented
The real standouts are DS’s custom swing, fold,
easy-gliding roller system is the smoothest and
lift-and-slide and tilt-and-turn doors. 5456 TOMKEN
safest on the market; its aluminum frames in six
ROAD, UNIT #1, MISSISSAUGA 905 755 9448 BY APPT ONLY
finishes are combined with tempered glass in
DOORSTUDIO.CA
varying degrees of transparency. 1146 CASTLEFIELD
AVE 416 637 4620 SLIDINGDOORCO.CA
Euro + Glasshaus
Designed in Germany, E + G’s energy-efficient
steel-reinforced vinyl windows and doors are
Tiltco
Made-to-order, robust European glazing systems
manufactured in Woodbridge. The shared
make this manufacturer a homeowner’s dream.
showroom demonstrates proprietary oversized
Tiltco’s bi-fold tilt-and-turn windows and lift-and-
and tilt-and-turn models in any colour for those
slide doors will transform any room into an
unobstructed views. An exterior showroom (a
open-air terrace in a snap. Tiltco installs versatile,
Glasshaus shipping container retrofitted with
highly insulated systems – oversized doors and
4.9-metre-long bi-parting glass doors) could serve
windows – with virtually invisible framing. Come
as a garden shed or studio space. 167 CASTER AVE,
for the products’ scale and strength, stay for the
UNITS #1 & #8, WOODBRIDGE 905 851 9711 EVW.CA
more than 200 colour finishes and options for
European hardware. 1200 STELLAR DR, NEWMARKET
Igne Ferro
905 853 9955 TILTCO.COM
Craftsmanship and innovation permeate this
custom fireplace design house. Curating luxury
Torp
fireplaces from Ortal, Montigo and Town &
Torp is Toronto’s go-to for impeccably made
Country, IF’s designers and fabricators manage the
and highly energy-efficient modern Danish
entire project life cycle while artfully integrating
windows and doors (Kastrup Vinduet, Hajom,
bespoke iron, stone and wood surrounds. This
Lacuna, UD). Its Ave and Dav showroom
tech-savvy team creates fire features in electric,
features the very best of Danish design – in
ethanol, gas or wood varieties for luxury homes,
many iterations – from classic and modern
hospitality spaces or chimneyless condos. IF works
furniture (Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner
with Hestan, Twin Eagles and Dekko for outdoor
and Poul Kjærholm) to contemporary design
kitchens and firepits. 680 CALEDONIA RD 416 239 3556
(Erik Jørgensen, Möbel, Louis Poulsen and
IGNEFERRO.COM
Brdr. Krüger) to lighting and accessories
(Nuura and Georg Jensen). Fritz Hansen’s
Luxury Glass & Hardware
new lounge line is a collaboration with Jaime
Opened in 2018, LG&H offers unique architectural
Hayon. 245 DAVENPORT RD, STE #200 416 968 2768
hardware previously unknown to most of Canada.
TORPINC.COM
Its curated collection includes high-end shower
enclosure hardware, solid stainless sliding, pivoting
Upper Canada Specialty Hardware
and barn-style door hardware and modern ladder
Knobs and pulls, hooks and hinges, doorbells, floor
systems. This standout lineup of products is drawn
grates and knockers: UCSH has every imaginable
from Germany’s MWE and Astec, as well as U.S.-
category of architectural hardware. Best bets
based Krownlab. Coming soon: concealed pivot
include sleek handles from Richelieu, including
hinge systems from the Netherlands’ FritsJurgens.
lines from Mario Mazzer and Jean-Claude Poitras.
40 N RIVERMEDE RD, STE #2, CONCORD 416 240 8686 BY
Browse collections from Scrim, Colombo Design,
APPT ONLY LUXURYGLASSANDHARDWARE.COM
Emtek, Myoh and Rocky Mountain Hardware.
Also here: Gallery Specialty Hardware’s hinges
Night & Day Window Decor
and kickplates, soft-close pocket-door systems
Find treatments for every window with N&DWD’s
from K.N. Crowder and Mantion, and Baldwin’s
custom-made energy-efficient blinds and bespoke
app-controlled entry sets. 10 BRENTCLIFFE RD, UNIT
drapery. Explore Hunter Douglas shutters, louvres
#15 416 696 8358 UCSH.COM
and shades. Want that soft glow effect? Try the
dual-layer Sonnette Cellular roller shade. Or, for
the deepest sleep, the Duette LightLock system
could darken even Philip Johnson’s famous Glass
House in Connecticut. Motorized coverings let
 April
13-16
2023
Better
Living
Centre

theartistproject.com
82 End Note

Patch Work
When the city goes big, artist Martin Reis goes small with
statement-making street art that fills people with joy
by CATHERINE MACINTOSH photos by ARASH MOALLEMI

“I want to add colour to the city. We have to

ask, ‘what do we want our cities to be?’” says
multimedia artist Martin Reis. We meet up two
Saturdays in a row at Queen and Shaw streets,
first to select a good spot for patching a brick
wall with Lego, something he does regularly
called Dispatch work. “It’s done a lot in Europe
and I noticed nobody was doing it here in
Toronto,” he says. As we talk, he slaps down
a sticker onto a pole to say hello to a fellow
street artist and affixes a few of his fascinating
miniatures dubbed “Tiny Townies” to posts
with push pins, or to walls with super glue.
“This one will be good,” he says. “There is a big
spot there and one here your son can do,” says
the affable artist outside the historic CAMH wall.
Reis, who was born in Germany and moved
to Scarborough at age 14, thoughtfully mixes
activism with his art, citing street photography
as his first love. An accomplished documentary
photographer, he now finds himself on the other
side of the lens. “I believe cities must be joyful
places bursting with wonder, fun, art and colour.
And we have the right to add these things to our
cities if they are missing.” Today’s patch fills in
crumbling gaps with select colourful bricks, one
with an eye looking over us. Lego is universal in
its language — everyone who walks by smiles.
With Toronto forever on the rise, Reis is deeply
feeling the ongoing condo boom. “I feel so small
next to all these tall buildings, so I am creating a
response to this New Toronto that is being forced
upon us: A playful world in which we have become
so small that maybe no one even notices us
anymore. It’s about noticing the small things.”
Keep your eyes peeled. @mrtineaux
 HA N DC RA FT ED DE S I GN E R J E WE LRY

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