By Rebecca Dumais / Photos by Alex Lukey | 

Form and function permeate every aspect of our lives via feasibility and visual appeal. From practical pieces to those of pure aesthetic, it’s a designer’s role to create interiors that tell a story.

Emily Cade’s self-described design aesthetic is “curated modern,” but it’s not limited to just that. “It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving entity,” says the co-owner of Arcade Home and custom furniture designer. “I’m in a perpetual state of evolution as a designer, constantly refining my filter and design voice. While I deeply respect classic design principles, I don’t feel confined by them. Instead, I find my passion in the interplay of contrasts and juxtaposition within my work as a multi-disciplinary designer.”

Cade began her career in fashion styling, followed by set design for the film industry. When fashion styling began to expose its limitations and couldn’t sustain her creative interest, she began working on sets and became immediately loved the process. Creating new worlds and atmospheres “felt so much more involved and layered,” she says.

She aspires to design spaces that convey a sense of gradual curation over time, to speak from the soul of the home and the client. Cade is launching a new line of furniture and accessories, which will coincide with a celebration around the store’s first anniversary on September 22.

The new collection will include pieces Cade has already created and that are on display in the store. Pieces include marble goods and hardwood furniture such as dining tables and chairs, coffee and side tables, and customizable upholstery in bespoke shapes and forms.

Being unable to find appropriate designs she felt matched her vision or was unable to access spawned the creation of Arcade’s line of goods. Opening the store on the heels of COVID was also a factor. “We wanted to bring a high level of design and quality, I didn’t want to bring things in from overseas,” she says.

What made the most sense was to carry over her independent custom furniture design for clients into what would be offered in the store. She felt that High-end dining tables were lacking in the industry, specifically quality solid wood. Gorgeous hardwood is sourced mostly from British Columbia, and marble pieces are carved from blocks (not slabs) of Turkish marble.

There’s heavy inspiration from the 70s in Cade’s design work seen in the shapes and material finishes. “I’m very much inspired by chrome again, which was huge back then – and marble; heavily-veined marble was very much of that era.”

A chair in the store covered in a rich avocado green fabric is a clear design nod to the 70s. This and other earthly tones of rust and shades of caramel with warmer woods sees Cade designing pieces that are moving away from that Scandinavian minimalist look.

“We’re kind of going back into an overdecorated and lush (design). “What happened for me when designing and creating the line, I was coming from a place of wanting to create a comfortable environment but inspire form and function and make it accessible. I wanted to push the envelope and bring some wild pieces in that would be unexpected but show a very organic palette. It makes it feel approachable, accessible and comforting,” she says.

After COVID, Cade felt that people needed that and designers have put forth work that’s a little bit more layered, warm and textured. No one wants to live in a showroom, they want it to feel like lived-in luxury.”

Cade also favours organic forms and loves to create juxtapositions between brutalist profiles and sharp angles. “I love mixing and you’ll see that in the new collection,” she says. “You’ll see a collection of organic forms and shapes – things that you’ll notice in nature.” This could include pebble-like forms and edging; freeform and organic elements that fall into more of a natural palette.

This intersection of different design elements is where Cade finds the most excitement. “Throughout my journey, I’ve amassed an assortment of past and present influences that I incorporate into my creations,” she says. “I cherish the process of reinventing my approach, especially when confronted with projects that push me to innovate and produce something entirely outside the box.”

Most of her creative work takes place late at night – there’s too much is happening in the middle of the day. “I like nighttime. I like quiet and just to deep dive into it, but you can’t force it.” Sketchbooks are at the ready (in her bedroom or on her desk) for drawings and ideas that can be explored further and transformed into new pieces.

There’s a heavy slant toward sculptural furniture and interesting pieces in an unexpected mix. “That’s where the eclecticism comes from that you see that in my body work but I could go super minimal, I can go super decorated and I can go classical or somewhere in the middle because I appreciate all levels of design.”

Cade’s biggest inspiration in the design world is Kelly Wearstler. “She’s one of the best, most inspiring designers of our generation, in my opinion.” There’s a kinship that they speak the same language. “She’s a little bit wild; a little unexpected. Someone said to me ‘You’re good at good at picking the thing (you’d assume) that’s not going to work and somehow make it work.” 

That in itself describes the role of a curator. “The tagline for the store is ‘Curated for living’ so it was that idea of being a curator more than anything else,” she says of gathering all of the inventory of everything in the store. “I’ve always considered myself a curator. Obviously, you need things in your space, you need the function but how do we make that beautiful? How do we make it inspired and timeless, even if it’s trend forward? The things around it can change. We can have form and function and not have to sacrifice design.”

In her 14 years of professional design, Cade says there’s a confidence that happens from experience, the mistakes we learn from that result in adaptation. “There’s that ability to be confident in your decisions and also not hang on to things. I think you have to be malleable; you have to be flexible. If something doesn’t work, well there’s an opportunity to pivot and maybe it’s going to be better. It pushes you to rethink and re-imagine. I’ve had lots of that in my career. It’s made me quite resilient.”

For more information visit Arcadehome.com

It’s all about the lake. And that view! As with any home on the lake, the waterfront views are of paramount importance.

When building this majestic home on Muskoka’s Lake Joseph (designed by Architect Firm MPS Engineering & Design Services Inc., interior design by Alison Knapp Interior Design, and built by Caruk-Hall Inc.), the goal was to capture those panoramic lake views from all the principal rooms, while creating a stunning four-season retreat for the homeowners. Mission accomplished.

“My involvement with this project started three years before completion of the home when I met with the clients numerous times to understand their vision,” says Knapp. “This was a new build from the ground up, so the goal and their vision was to capture the views of the lake from as many vantage points as possible and to bring the outdoors inside in this magnificent home on Lake Joseph.”

The architecturally stunning home sits high on a hill overlooking the lake. The exterior is a masterpiece of natural stone, black Maibec Siding and cedar accents. The wow factor is evident in the expansive and soaring wall of windows, which at the peak extend 20 feet in height.

A portico on the main level welcomes guests and features a cedar-lined ceiling and Douglas fir posts accented with natural stone. The exterior design takes its cue from the natural surroundings.

Step inside the foyer and underfoot the entrance way has natural flagstone heated floors which lead to the gleaming engineered white oak wide plank floors by WUD Flooring which are found throughout the main level. It’s completely understandable if you don’t notice the flooring, as it’s seeing that great room that will surely take your breath away! 

That wall of floor-to-ceiling windows reaching 20 feet in height were custom-made by Ridley Windows & Doors to fill the expansive space. The great room windows frame a breathtaking, panoramic view of Lake Joseph, reminding you of a Group of Seven painting.

Your eye naturally travels up to the soaring vaulted ceiling which features tongue and groove shiplap detail, punctuated by double wooden beams. 

“The ceiling was vaulted and there was a void of open space, so we collaborated with Alison to install engineered white oak double beams with saddle brackets,” explains Dan Hall, co-founder of Caruk-Hall Inc. “The beams also have LED lighting on top. Everything is fully automated by Solutions A/V so you can set the lighting, the music, the mood, and even the time the lights turn off or on.”

Knapp adds that the double beams are a highlight of this design. “The centre beam forms a square which is attached to the ceiling, giving the appearance that the beams are floating in space. The ceiling beams radiate out from the square beams and a 60-inch round chandelier from Restoration Hardware drops through the square.” 

Yet another focal point in the great room is the majestic 20-foot-high natural stone, wood-burning fireplace. “The stone on the fireplace (by Hamilton Builders Supply), is the same stone used on the exterior of the home. The fireplace unit has glass guillotine doors. The stone fireplace has a unique black slab tile (in Radium by Dekton) on the front which looks like beautifully aged, oxidized metal,” she says.

One of the biggest challenges with the interior design was the lack of wall space in the great room.

Knapp says she had to design wall space on each side of the fireplace to accommodate two large paintings that the homeowners bought before the house was built. “The painting of the bear and a moose are oversized – 74 inches high by 43 inches wide. We designed the great room around them. They work nicely with this home’s northern Ontario/Muskoka feel.”

Knapp pulled the neutral colour scheme for the great room from the paintings. “The goal with the interior design was to create an extremely warm and welcoming feel where you can put your feet up and relax,” she explains. “We pulled the colour palette from a combination of black, sage green, a birch colour, and bleached oak from the large artwork pieces.”

A new sofa and chairs were added from Cocoon Furnishings. “I carefully chose every piece of furniture to be sure the lake views could be seen from multiple vantage points. In an open-concept space, the placement and style of furniture are very important. I chose chairs that float and look good from the front and back.”

Knapp points out the unique coffee table which was custom-made to be a statement piece in the living room.

“Many of the furniture pieces are white oak to match the flooring, but the coffee table we had custom-made from an exotic wood that has interesting grains running through it,” she explains. “We used a lot of texture in the room including the hand-knotted carpet, nubby linens and accents like a lamp that looks like cracked clay and has a bit of an aged feel or that home-crafted look.” 

The kitchen is the ideal gathering spot for lively conversation at the large centre island. The island is topped in Kasmir Cream Granite from Interstone Marble & Granite and York Fabrica, which perfectly matches the granite used for the backsplash.

“The goal of the kitchen design was to create an unfitted kitchen look with varying finishes,” she states. “In the corner of the island, we created a round butcher block feature that is ideal for serving charcuterie, wine, or dessert. The stone wall behind the sink was inspired by a photo the homeowners showed me of an old stone wall that they just loved at their golf course.”   

Hall points out some of the other unique features which make this unfitted-style kitchen so special: “The custom cabinetry is by Brad Stutt of Stutt Kitchens. (The finish is a custom powder-coated matte black aluminum with Smoke Grey Glass with lower cabinetry in a colour called Fume.) The face of the hood fan is porcelain slab tile with metal strapping. The tile (Radium by Dekton) is made to look like rusting metal. The natural stone wall and tongue and groove shiplap ceiling detail add a lot of character and texture.”   

The rustic, yet chic pendant lights in the kitchen are reminiscent of jars turned upside down. Called the Silverlake Pendant light fixtures, these lights and the wall sconces over the sink (Ivy Sconces) are from Robinson Lighting. 

There’s a great view from every seat in the house in the adjacent dining room. The family-sized white oak Axis II dining table has a warm, white-washed finish, with soft seating provided by Scoville Chairs from Cocoon Furnishings. A statement-making Peralta 48-inch linear pendant chandelier from Restoration Hardware casts a warm glow over the table as guests enjoy their meal and that million-dollar view.  “I like to design for a client’s lifestyle, and I knew the couple like to entertain, so I chose a table that could be extended to accommodate a large group of people. The open-style chandelier was specifically chosen so it wouldn’t obstruct the view of the lake from the kitchen,” Knapp says.

Double sets of sliding Ridley glass doors open wide from the living and dining areas to allow guests to walk out to the expansive deck to enjoy the waterfront views. A much-coveted feature at any lake property is The Muskoka room, which features retractable screen walls to keep the bugs out. 

“The Muskoka room has a 70-inch TV screen and 60,000 BTU heaters so you can probably make use of this room until early December,” describes Hall. “Walk down a few steps and you’ll discover a 12-person dining area, an outdoor kitchen, BBQs, a fridge, a sink and even a beer keg!” You can fill your glass and then head to the nearby firepit to roast some S’Mores and perhaps sing a song or two.

After a day of swimming and boating, this retreat offers relaxation in luxurious comfort in the principal bedroom. The main-floor bedroom is a resort-like haven with a custom-made bed and headboard, which Knapp designed. “There was no room for night tables, so we created a custom headboard with built-in shelves and retractable night lights as well as plug-ins for tech gadgets. Overhead is a floor-to-ceiling wall in walnut in a chevron pattern which matches the ceiling beams,” she notes. The bedroom has a private balcony where homeowners can enjoy their morning coffee.

The principal ensuite is an architectural wonder. “From the front of the home, you notice that the octagon-shaped room mirrors The Muskoka room at the opposite end of the house to create symmetry,” Knapp says. “I got involved with the design process of the ensuite as I wanted the homeowners to be able to see the lake from the shower instead of having it tucked away in a corner. The full octagon shape of the room provides 180-degree views!

A custom-made walnut ceiling wraps this gorgeous space in sheer luxury. Heated tiles, a spacious glass shower, an oval-shaped tub and elegant faucets, all from Watermarks Kitchen & Bath Boutique, add to the resort-like feel of this ensuite. “To maximize the waterfront view, the ensuite vanities are placed under the windows and a floating mirror was designed to hang from the ceiling,” she says. “Again the goal was to be able to enjoy the views from every room, including while having a shower in the ensuite!” 

Hall points out that his highly skilled team installed the custom chevron wall in the bedroom; the walnut ceiling in the ensuite, as well as the beams used throughout the main floor. “What I am most proud of is the level of craftsmanship that is evident as our signature touch in this project and the flawless execution,” he says. 

Caruk-Hall Inc. is owned and operated by master contractor Jim Caruk, and Dan Hall. The contractors have 80-plus years of home building and construction experience combined throughout the GTA and cottage country. If their names sound familiar, that’s because Jim Caruk was the host of the HGTV series Real Renos as well as Builder Boss. He is proud to have launched the non-profit Renos for Heroes Foundation. Hall also has TV experience, having co-starred with his twin sister Nicole in the W Network TV series Sibling Rivalry, which follows the siblings as they simultaneously design and build their own custom dream homes. Today Caruk-Hall continues to build dream homes by listening to the needs of their clients and building their vision.

One of Hall’s favourite spots in this four-season home is the lower-level entertainment zone. Fun amenities include a green golf simulator which doubles as a movie screen with a projector in the ceiling; a pool table, bar area, walk-in wine room, and a luxurious bathroom with a frameless glass steam shower and an oval-shaped tub by Watermarks Kitchen & Bath Boutique. There are also two bedrooms; one with a double set of custom-made bunk beds. The flooring is poured, polished concrete with radiant heat which gives the entire level more of an industrial feel.

Knapp’s favourite room is the great room and those double beams. “It’s a very effective architectural detail and I am beyond thrilled with the results,” she adds. 

Double sets of sliding glass doors open wide from the lower level to give visitors access to the outdoor hot tub, and just a few steps more, to the fire pit. A few more steps and you are at the dock and the lake. 

“This is Muskoka living at its best!” sums up Hall.

For information: Knappinteriordesign.com

& Carukhall.com.

By Laurie Wallace-Lynch, Photos by Jason Hartog Photography |

Luxury is redefined in this stunning Georgetown home, thanks to a strategic makeover, which includes an exterior redesign and the addition of a dramatic two-storey great room.

Far more changes were part of this major makeover undertaken by Architect John Willmott and Interiors Manager Erica Sharp of John Willmott Architect, Inc. in Oakville. “Outside we addressed the home cosmetically to update the Spanish-inspired Tudor style to give the home a more grand and more contemporary vibe, with new paint, a limestone façade, and the addition of an impressive front porch with columns,” says Interiors Manager Erica Sharp. “One other dramatic change was taking what was once an unused outdoor courtyard and closing it in to create a new two-story great room.”

As you step through the double solid mahogany front doors into the elegant foyer, your sightline is drawn to the hand-carved marble statue which Sharp had designed and fabricated by Traditional Cut Stone in Toronto. “It represents the family welcoming guests into their home and sits in front of a backlit LED walnut panel.”

The foyer floors are gleaming oversized white and grey porcelain tiles from Ciot, which also continue up the walls of the adjacent staircase. New railings in black wrought iron with brushed brass detailing add stunning architectural interest to the space. “The (repeated) use of the porcelain tiles from the floor were used on the staircase wall to take your eye up to the skylight,” says Sharp. “Hanging from the skylight is a statement-making fixture by designer Aerin Lauder from Visual Comfort.”

The showpiece of the adjacent piano room is the stunning black, self-playing Steinway baby grand piano. Behind the piano are a beautiful black marble desk and leather studded chair by designer Timothy Oulton. The hardwood floors feature a distinctive inset herringbone pattern that’s finished with a black and brushed brass edging fabricated by metal master Filo Timo (who also completed the staircase railing). “I used the same herringbone hardwood and edging for continuity in the great room, dining room, the upper hallway and the primary bedroom,” she adds.

Dramatic and awe-inspiring best describe the great room with its 22-foot-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling fireplace and two-story windows, which bathe the room in natural light. “Your eye is drawn to the woodburning fireplace to the centre of the room with its porcelain slab mantle and façade by Dekton, which extends from floor-to-ceiling and is edged in black, brass and dark walnut strips,” Sharp describes. “This room is all about symmetry. It’s quite large, so we created two separate seating areas: a formal one by the fireplace and a more casual area in the foreground, so two groups of people can gather and have separate conversations.”

To anchor each seating area, Sharp added matching rugs from the ELTE Eskayel Collection with warmer tones of grey and blue and mauve. “The three-ring fixtures are strategically placed within the three sections of the coffer plaster ceilings,” she explains. “They’re called Potter Chandeliers by Curry and Co. The antique brass fixtures bring texture to the space with their spiked extensions and add a playful element to a rather formal space.”

The glamour continues in the dining room where underfoot are the signature herringbone-patterned floors, while overhead is a stunning chandelier with antique burnished brass arms from which cascade oval alabaster drops, which softly filter the light while guests dine in luxury at the expansive table.

Great meals will be created and consumed out of the new state-of-the-art kitchen. The former space was renovated to create a more family-friendly layout with a breakfast nook and a stunning 10-foot-long island, which houses a six-foot galley sink with slide-in accessories and double faucets. The island steals the show in this kitchen with its Cambria quartz countertop and distinctive veining pattern.

The kitchen countertops and the wall behind the Wolf Range (all other appliances are Miele) feature a deeper charcoal colour quartz, which coordinates with the charcoal veining on the island. Both the backsplash and hood fan are designed with custom cut Ciot tile that matches the flooring.”

Sharp designed the kitchen cabinetry, which was fabricated by Thorncrest Kitchens. The built-in fridge and freezer are framed in dark walnut custom cabinetry. The lower cabinets are dark walnut and the upper cabinets are finished in a warm greige colour (Benjamin Moore CSP-100 Cosmopolitan). An artistic touch is added using an antique mirror on the pocket doors leading to the pantry/servery. “We added a smoothie bar with slats on the wall to hold black wire baskets for fresh fruit.”

The family will certainly enjoy snacks from the pantry as they gather in the family room. It’s a comfortable space with a 15’ x 15’ custom-designed oversized modular sofa. What looks like a painting over the fireplace is a Samsung Frame TV. “We painted out the existing dark coffered ceiling to lighten the space, added a modern plaster mantle around the fireplace and hand placed 3D gold leaf medallions from ELTE on two walls which add a warm and reflective visual element on two walls,” Sharp notes.

She describes the main floor powder room as a “moody, dark and sophisticated space.” The flooring features a multitone marble mosaic by Ciot, set against a dark-stained walnut panel wall. The sink is a lightweight vessel marbleform “Eigg” by Claybrook.

The main floor also has a top-of-the-line laundry room, a study and a full in-law suite.

Upstairs, a Juliette-style opening gives you a bird’s eye view over the great room where you can truly appreciate the majestic size and beauty of this space.

The primary suite is designed for relaxing in luxury with custom-made furniture, bedding and drapery. Drama is added with the use of an upholstered velvet headboard that’s flanked on each side by custom wooden slats, backed with mirrors. Overhead the 42-inch circular starburst fixture is from Global Views. The celestial fixture pairs well with the two gilded golden wings art prints by Celadon Art in Burlington. Indeed, this suite does feel rather heavenly!

The adjacent primary ensuite has oversized 48-inch-square Cercan Tile floors in dramatic black, white, taupe and grey, which lead to the glass-enclosed double shower. In the bay window sits a freestanding oval soaker tub with jets for relaxation. “The luxurious light fixture over the tub is called The Meshmatics by Moooi and is made from three layers of wire netting so the light subtly reflects off the metal, which when lit is like the colour of champagne,” Sharp says. 

This 15,000-square-foot home has four bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, a home gym, a pool with a surrounding outdoor kitchen, a basketball court and meticulously landscaped grounds. The square footage also includes a new four-car garage with a high-end apartment above which was also designed by John Willmott and Erica Sharp.

The lower level boasts a lounge, theatre room, bar, wine room, whiskey display area, games room, and a full spa bathroom with a sauna. “The climate-controlled wine room has storage for over 300 bottles,” Sharp says. “It’s fully cladded in a creamy stone veneer and has walnut panelling and a glass front. There’s a unique faucet by Gessi that’s mounted from the ceiling and drops down to the black stainless-steel sink.”

Surveying the elegant home with every creature comfort imaginable, Sharp adds that this project was her pride and joy for two years. “The garage/apartment and great room were designed and built from the ground up by our team. I’m proud that we managed to create cohesive and coordinating spaces as the scope continued to increase, and that we had the opportunity to work with such worldly brands and a team of talented trades to really elevated the space to a new level of sophistication.”

For more information visit Jwarchitect.com

Additional Credits: Most lighting fixtures by Visual Comfort, Curry & Co. and Sonnemon (provided by Elte). Cabinetry designed by Erica Sharp, fabricated by Thorncrest Kitchens. Bathroom plumbing fixtures by Waterworks (provided by Ginger’s). Automated blinds by Avaton Sight, Sound and Security. Custom furniture, bedding and drapery designed by Erica Sharp. Seamless vents by Aria Vent and interior door hardware by Classic Brass.  

By Rebecca Dumais, Photos by Navigator Visuals | 

There’s probably not much of a debate when it comes to the quintessential cottage setting. Being on the water is where it’s at.

For the clients of this newly built cottage perched high above Lake Joseph in Muskoka, the view is paramount. “The clients, well versed in cottage life and demonstrating a strong grasp on form, laid out a design brief that was small on ego and big on proportion,” says David Gillett of David Gillett Design Ltd., the firm that designed the home. “They wanted a building that would accommodate a growing family while at the same time sitting lightly on the land and making the most of the steeply sloping lot, distant lake views and mature woods.”

Bigger was not better in the clients’ eyes, Gillett mentions. The right size and a working layout were factors that mattered, “and if we could find some flourishes to give the building some delight, so much the better. With clients like these, the building practically designed itself,” he says.

In Muskoka, the natural landscape of a property is always an initial concern before a project starts. Before the foundation is laid, there’s a significant amount of planning involved to make sure the site is prepped, properly excavated and blasted in order to begin the build. “This site, of course, was one that needed all of the above,” says Hayden Woods of Earl Ferguson Construction. “Once the blasting and excavation were complete, we had a flat surface to build off of. This helped with making the remainder of the build smooth.”

Concerning the finishes and overall look, a Scandinavian feel was the look the clients chose. According to Woods, some more specific details were to have clean lines, lots of wood and for it to feel uncluttered. “They wanted to maximize the view from all principal rooms, including the bedrooms. They wanted something low maintenance but still keeping it warm, inviting and cozy with the open concept,” he adds.

The entire lake-facing side of the cottage is all windows so that the exterior almost became a part of the interior. Much of the colour palette was developed with what Mother Nature placed in front of them: varying shades of green and birch bark grey tones.

The master bedroom, one guest bedroom, and powder room are located on the main level along with the kitchen, dining area and great room.

The design of the great room came together after the selection of the stone on the fireplace, which was also repeated on the cottage’s exterior. The interior design is light and airy, with caramel, cream and green tones. The owners are empty nesters with five granddaughters and two more on the way, and some family portraits and memorabilia are displayed in the room.

The heavy use of hardwood, installed by Wüd Floors, located in Oakville, adds to that warm, welcoming cottage feel. Tammy Kember, Co-President of Wüd Floors says the clients were drawn to a raw-looking white oak. “We call it naked oak because it brings out the natural character and beauty of the raw white oak,” she says. “It very much looks like a raw, unfinished white oak, but it is pre-finished for durability and longevity.”

The final product they chose was a seven-inch European white oak “in character grade, showcasing natural variations through both the mineral and knots that can be seen, says Kember. “This product boasts premium length boards. Over 80 per cent of the floorboards are between six and seven-a-half feet in length.”

The boards on the ceiling are five-foot-long white oak, also in character grade.

Engineered flooring for cottages in northern lakeside settings are ideal, Kember notes, where temperature and climate changes need to be considered. “Engineered flooring thrives in this environment where the humidity fluctuates in summer and winter.”

The ceiling is a truly unique architectural detail. “The single slope roof, which floats above the open plan living space, is highlighted by a wedge-shaped, airplane-like incision in the ceiling, leading the eye like an arrow to the lake,” says Gillett. “It’s actually the underside of a gable that, in its practical role, helps shed water and ice from over the entry.” The monopoint lighting on the ceiling highlights the unique lines and angles on the ceiling, as well as draws the eye from the front entry right to the back of the cottage.

The wall to the left of the fireplace in the great room has a long horizontal window along the top, which was done to let light in from the back of the window-filled cottage to the front entrance and stairs that lead to the lower level.

After meal preparations in the kitchen, there is welcoming seating at the dining table or at the large triangular island, which again features the unique slatted wood look in its tambour-like design at the end. The design feature is carried over to the range hood’s metal slat design. The fridge is tucked behind the kitchen’s crosscut oak cabinetry.

The covered porch, accessible from the main level, features a BBQ and some seating where people can gather for a drink, a meal or even a bit of rainy reading, with unobstructed views of the lake, or be comfortably sheltered by the retractable bug screens. Retractable storm shutters will protect the space in bad weather and avoid snow accumulation in the off-season.

The design theme, colours, tones and material carries into the master bedroom. The ceiling, again, wood, has a unique detail of its own. The perimeter has a bulkhead with a raised centre where wood slats were installed. The addition of pot lights adds warmth and interest. The colours for the room were pulled from the carpet, which has a relaxed, comfortable nubby texture.

Guest will appreciate the emulated design elements from the master – the use of similar tones in the guest room, set against a blue accent wall. The walkout balcony offers a perfect view while enjoying that first cup of coffee.

The gorgeous oval tub with its wooden deck makes for an inviting evening after a long day playing outdoors. The ensuite also features a glass shower and double vanity with a back shelf.

Smaller but mighty in detail, the main floor powder room was designed with a woven three-dimensional stone tile on the back wall and a stone sink. Further details are illustrated through the rectangular faucet and bump out of the vanity.

Following the waterfall staircase down leads to the lower level, which has a full bathroom, two guest rooms, a laundry room, and a media room with a bar.

Even at this level, the outward view from the rooms does not disappoint.

The bathroom has a large glass shower and large windows which reach down to the floor. Here, the tile on the accent wall picks up on the colours you’ll see while gazing out the window, perhaps still rubbing the sleep from your eyes. The view from this room may even make you feel as if you’re in a treehouse, looking out over the water.

When it’s movie night or on a rainy day, the clients can retreat to the media room, finished in muted teals, to watch TV (the only room in the cottage with one). They can also mix themselves a drink from the bar, and the comfortable oversized poufs are up for grabs as seating. Here there is a sliding glass door that leads onto a stone walkway, then down the stone steps to the boathouse.

Some landscaping was done around the cottage, though it was kept natural with simple foliage, and many large stone slabs were placed along the back perimeter.

Of all its many gorgeous finishes, features and details and floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room, Wood believes that the highlight is “no doubt the terrific views and natural light that shine on your face as you walk through the main entry. As a contractor, you take these views for granted, working in the cottage every day. But now and again you have to go back, and the view surprises me every time.”

The entire project, he says, was enjoyable to work on. “Working with such great sub-trades as well as clients, architects and designers, the building process is nothing short of fun. And seeing something start as a hole in the ground to what it is today, makes you love what you do.”

Architecturally speaking, Gillett says despite the building’s obvious contemporary form, there were some ageless Muskoka details and materials brought into play: granite stonework, natural wood highlights, and large lakeside decks. “Some things just work in this part of the world, and never get old.”

For more information, visit Davidgillettdesign.com & Earlferguson.ca

When designing a vacation home with summer and winter living at its heart, it pays to integrate the natural backdrop into the soul of the home so that it’s a true-blue four-season home away from home. That’s if you’re lucky enough to have an ever-changing seasonal canvas to work with – a setting that showcases blossoms in springtime, long sun-dappled summer days, the glorious colours of autumn and winter’s crisp powdery snow.

SMPL Design Studio had precisely that when crafting this modern 2,700 square-foot home in Thornbury, Ontario. A stone’s throw from Georgian Bay and the ski hills of Blue Mountain, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom home features a clean minimalist design that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

Construction of the home was completed by Ecnomus Construction, whom SMPL has worked with for 10 years.

The home’s exterior features modest grey wood siding, a black metal roof and granite river rock – but don’t let the simplified exterior fool you into assuming the interior is anything but stunning. The designers decided on a daring twist with the use of breezeways to connect the home’s diverse living areas. This created separate spaces to move throughout the day and enjoy different lighting, angles and views. The breezeways promote a little peek into other rooms and provide views of the exterior design, making the home experience entirely holistic and interconnected.

“It’s a matter of analyzing the site: where (there are) key views, the sun’s path and orientation of bedrooms versus bathrooms,” explains Joel Tanner, CEO and creative director at SMPL Design Studio, a full-service residential and interior design firm that specializes in modern design. “It’s about how to properly lay out and schematize the design. Whether working on a country, city, or riverfront property, it’s all about indoor and outdoor connectivity.”

What made this design especially exciting were the clients, a family of four for whom SMPL had designed their primary home in Oakville. Tanner says the family came into the project with eyes wide open and a willingness to let loose and be creative. “We’re insanely passionate about clients that are passionate,” Tanner says. “We are always willing to push the boundaries as long as the client is willing to do the same. Typically, a client is holding back which is fine but with these clients, we could get creative and indulgent on detailing, and that helped make the project what it is today.”

The garage leads into the mudroom where there’s generous space for storage and removal of ski gear or towels and flip-flops after a day at the beach.

Passing through the mudroom you’ll access the heart of the home’s entertaining zone – the kitchen, which is complete with black-painted oak veneer cabinetry from Bendt Kitchens and Millwork, a smart contrast of light and dark that carries throughout the home. The kitchen invites you in to cook a superb meal, enjoy a glass of wine or just relax and unwind.

Adjoining the bright and airy kitchen is an open-plan dining room that features three skylights, making the room an ambiently-lit oasis for dining, working or just easing into the day or night. From here you can access the outdoor barbecue area or enjoy a warm soak in the hot tub.

Another unique feature is the formal entry vestibule for guests. Taking two steps down brings you into the living room that’s complete with a wood-burning fireplace, storage for wine, television and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow outdoor views to the both back and front yards. Sumptuous custom furniture was designed with comfort and attractiveness in mind. Custom millwork, again, from Bendt Kitchens and Millwork and a dry-bar area add detail and interest. A lift-and-slide patio door takes you out to a vaulted hip-roof structure with a gorgeous wood-burning fireplace made locally by Steve Masonry.

The home was designed with the overall core living spaces on one side, divided by the kitchen and dining spaces, which separate the more active flow of living from the quiet retreat of the bedrooms. “Open-concept living is nice to a degree,” says Tanner, “but the activities in a home can get loud quickly. Pushing the bedrooms away from living spaces was important. We wanted to incorporate the idea of being able to segregate these areas and still enjoy the home at different hours of the day. That was the driver behind the design schematic.”

An inviting oak veneer staircase beckons to the upstairs of this partial two-storey home. At the top stairs is a little hangout nook for kids to play, with views of Georgian Bay. A guest bathroom flows through to a double-sided bunk bed with queen beds on the bottom, single beds on the top, and lots of built-in storage. The space on the opposite side, divided by a sliding door, is a connected secondary bunk room that essentially mimics the bedroom with which it connects, creating a good deal of space for guests large and small. 

Designers were careful to push all of the home’s single-storey space to the front of the house. The team wanted a design that didn’t dominate the landscape, with a front elevation roofline that sits well below the tree canopy. “Placing the guest bedrooms on the second floor at the back of the property allowed us to achieve this while also providing a sneaky view of the Georgian Bay from the top of the stairs,” Tanner says.

SMPL specializes in modern architectural residential designs, with some light-duty commercial builds throughout the year. Their work is largely based in Ontario, although Tanner and his team have taken on projects throughout Canada and the Caribbean.

Careful thought and planning went into the home’s products and energy efficiency. Triple pane windows were ordered from Europe, the white cedar siding was sourced locally, and the striking grey steel roof serves to maximize its lifespan. The entire building was wrapped with not just one but two layers of foam insulation to round out the building’s energy efficiency ratings.

SMPL’s main focus with all of their unique, one-of-a-kind designs is to create something that’s “gnarly,” as Tanner puts it, and that stands out from the neighbours’ homes. “We want architecture to be bold, and exciting yet still relevant 20 and 40 years from now,” he says. “We want our clients to enjoy these homes, which we spend so much time designing and building with them, for decades to come. That’s the essence of why we do what we do; to enrich the lives of our clients and the neighbourhoods in which we design and place them.”

For more information visit smpldesignstudio.com

]]> http://www.westofthecity.com/home-and-garden/home-tour-elevated-elegance/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:43:07 +0000 http://www.westofthecity.com/?p=16929 by Laurie Wallace-Lynch / Photography by Photography by Q studios and Santeezy Media 

Located on Oakville’s waterfront, this custom-built Cape Cod exterior-style home would be at ease in Martha’s Vineyard or perfectly poised in the Hamptons.

“The Dutch gables, the use of shingles on the exterior and the glass rotunda are just a few of the Cape Cod style features you would see at the upscale beach houses in the Hamptons in New York,” states builder, Fil Capuano, owner of Chatsworth Fine Homes in Oakville. “This is a second residence for the homeowners, who wanted a resort-like getaway on Lake Ontario. It’s complete with a 15-man infinity edge hot tub overlooking the lake. This home was designed to accommodate large-scale entertaining as well as intimate family gatherings.”

While the Dutch gables anchor both ends of this luxurious home beautifully one’s line of sight is immediately captured by the circular window-filled rotunda feature, which houses a custom-made curved staircase and a large, stunning waterfall light fixture. The fixture itself has 19,000 crystals cascading over 32 feet from the upper-level ceiling down to the basement and is illuminated by six bands of continuous LEDs from the ceiling to the floor. “The waterfall light fixture was custom-made by Ridgely Studio Works to extend from the top floor to the lower level,” explains Capuano. “The glass shards extend out onto the floor on the lower level to resemble water spilling out of a waterfall. Designed by Rodney Deeprose, it’s truly a work of art and the focal feature of this home. The curved staircase was a challenge as it floats away from the wall and relies on geometry to make the pieces work together perfectly.” 

Upon entry into the home through the enormous mahogany front door, the staircase and waterfall light beckon as you enter the breathtaking two-storey foyer.

While many Cape Cod homes favour a casual, relaxed feel, here the homeowner opted for an ultra-upscale look, evoking the world’s most luxurious resorts. “The homeowner wanted a five-star hotel or resort-like look where guests can get away for a weekend and relax in luxury,” explains Capuano.

The foyer captures that lavish feel.  The ceiling soars upwards to where the glimmering chandelier spreads rainbow-like beams of light cascading throughout the space. The creamy white marble floor is inlaid with burnished metal in an intricate pattern and anchors a trendy, modern Divan couch. On the second level, an open Juliette balcony offers a bird’s-eye view of this spectacular entranceway.

Four-inch-thick solid mahogany doors lead into the expansive Piano Room where guests can relax in front of the fireplace while listening to music. Rich, dark mahogany wraps the walls in luxury and warmth.

The home’s layout is open and inviting with expansive, castle-sized rooms designed for entertaining in style. No detail has been overlooked in the principal rooms, which showcase originality and beauty, using detailed millwork and custom-appointed ceiling details.

The Great Room is truly deserving of the name with its arched ceiling and custom diamond pattern millwork. As in many of the principal rooms, the custom flooring features intricate artistry. In this case, the light-coloured white oak floors are inlaid with contrasting dark exotic wood which echoes the richness of the mahogany accents. The fireplace was imported from Italy and adds a cosy ambiance to this graciously appointed space. You can just imagine curling up on the sofa as you enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and gaze out onto the majestic view of the infinity hot tub, Lake Ontario and beyond.

The elaborate coffee bar features an Italian imported machine that makes 15 different types of coffee. Surely guests must mingle there as they enjoy their lattes. The use of mahogany continues to add depth and warmth to the space, while a blue-toned backlit marble acts as an awe-inspiring backdrop. The fine wallcovering has a mica laminate overtop, which glistens in the light. 

“An arched ceiling leads to the gourmet chef’s kitchen, which features furniture-maker-grade custom cabinetry, a stainless-steel cabinet and a custom-made stove, which has two mirrors above it,” says Capuano. “The ceiling is art nouveau plaster, reminiscent of perhaps a European restaurant. Big sliding doors lead to the enormous, screened porch  to provide instant connectivity between the indoors and outdoors.” 

The home is fully automated with wall-mounted control panels throughout to permit convenient control of the lights, music, heat, security system and even the heated driveway. As per labels in the Energuide program, the home is almost NetZero-ready, according to Capuano. Chatsworth Fine Homes is a renowned NetZero home-certified builder.

“We build our homes like you would build a Bentley or a Tesla and excel at taking homes to the next level,” says Capuano. “We build very seductive and luxurious homes for our clients. NetZero homes are super energy efficient and provide health benefits to the occupants. We are future-proofing our homes to be sustainable, with social consciousness in mind. We don’t need to sacrifice home design to build NetZero energy-efficient homes. It’s science combined with beauty. This home is planned to be NetZero-ready in the future. We’ve added several energy-efficient features. With the addition of heat pumps and solar panels, it would be a full NetZero home.” 

At 7,500 square feet, the home features architectural design by Oakville firm Hicks Design Studio and interior design by Rodney Deeprose. Extravagant accommodations are found in the four bedrooms and bathrooms. A Nanny Suite, complete with an ensuite was included on the lower level. Each bedroom features intricate details that include luxury wallcoverings and amusing textures achieved through custom millwork treatments on the ceilings. 

Defined by elegance and sophistication, the main floor principal bedroom is purposely designed to offer the homeowners panoramic views of Lake Ontario. “The ceiling is curved plaster with gold foil wallpaper, and in addition, grasscloth was used to add further detail,” adds Capuano. “I like that there’s a desk area that looks out onto the porch and the lake, which makes this an absolutely beautiful space.”

The adjacent dressing room features custom mahogany millwork in a wave wall that gives it a corrugated look.

With the push of a button, the panel door opens automatically. The ensuite features furniture-grade cabinetry and a soaker tub encased in black and white marble.

The marble bench and floors are heated for ultimate comfort.Imported marble graces several of the ensuites in various designs and customized patterns from tone-on-tone white marble to dark, multi-veined marble customized with intricate detailing. 

The lower level is the entertainment zone complete with a movie room, a games room and billiard table, a home gym and a sauna. The use of mahogany and detailed millwork ties the lower level to the design elements used throughout the home.

Venturing up the back stairs, you’ll transition through the garage and into the lavish gardens. A graceful and angelic statue anchors the landscape, beckoning almost as the prow of an ancient vessel whispering to the sirens.

At first glance, the expansive hot tub resembles a splash pool until the beach entrance and seats tell the story, inviting guests for fun and entertainment, perhaps relaxing with a cocktail while musing on the vistas that draw one’s eye across the lake.

Moving back under cover, one can enjoy a lazy afternoon with a book in the protection of the screen porch. Heaters and a fireplace make it possible to enjoy an earlier spring and later fall, adding weeks of enjoyment for visitors to this wonderful retreat.

For more information visit Chatsworthfinehomes.com

]]> http://www.westofthecity.com/home-and-garden/nest-notes-13/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:26:41 +0000 http://www.westofthecity.com/?p=16731 2023 Paint Colours of the Year: Paint manufacturer PPG Industries has unveiled the 2023 Colour of the Year for two of its paint lines, Sico and Dulux. Sico Paints has unveiled Melt Water, a grounded, refreshing teal that combines the healing powers of water and nature with balance and tranquility. Dulux’s colour is Vining Ivy, a striking green-blue jewel-toned hue symbolic of deep water. Behr Paint Company’s tone of choice is Blank Canvas, a hopeful and welcoming warm white that offers limitless design and décor possibilities. Ppg.com, Behr.ca

Everything Pan: Concerned about toxins in cookware? Canadian company Kilne Cookware recently launched the Everything Pan. It’s made with non-toxic materials and has an environmentally conscious design that cuts energy consumption in manufacturing. According to Kilne, the pan’s unique coating is the best non-stick performance ever achieved from a ceramic coating. Those pancakes, bacon and eggs will slide onto the plate perfectly on Christmas morning. Kilne.com

Arcade Home Now Open: Downtown Oakville has a new destination for all things home furnishing and fashion. Arcade Home, located at 142 Lakeshore Road East, offers “a curated selection of artisanal décor and modern furniture.” You’ll find all the items you’ll want to kit out your kitchen, elevate your living room or boost your bedroom. Instagram.com/arcade_home

Cosentino Opens in Burlington: Cosentino recently opened its newest Canadian Centre in Burlington. Located at 3485 North Service Road, the 4,000-square-foot showroom features a sample atelier, a space for continuing education and events, various surface installations, plus an outdoor kitchen concept featuring Dekton’s exterior capabilities, a ventilated wall façade display, Dekton flooring, and seamless integrity sinks. Cosentino.com

The Pina Lamp is on Point: Meet the Pina Pro, the lamp that’s appearing on tables of the trendiest eateries in New York City. Created by Italian design company Zafferano, demand for the lamps surged after Barrett Gross, the president of Zafferano America, spent one night in June 2020 selling them door-to-door to restaurants in SoHo. Source yours from Gerrie Lighting Studio, the only currently authorized dealer in Ontario. Gerrielightingstudio.ca

by Laurie Wallace-Lynch / Photography by Carole & Roy Timm Photography

Ramsin Khachi is charming, stylish, warm and welcoming — not unlike the Oakville home he designed for himself and his family. It’s easy to see why this designer and builder is a favourite design expert on The Marilyn Denis Show.

As CEO and Principal Designer of Khachi Design + Build in Oakville, Khachi’s enormous talents and love of state-of-the-art technology are evident in every room of his new home, exuding easy-going elegance and effortless functionality. He chose a purpose-built 3,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath home and designed the layout and interior to suit his family’s needs.

The interior is a natural extension of the home’s attractive architecture. Khachi’s home is nestled on a quiet court along a street that street wraps around a park and playground. The home’s brick and stone exterior is classic and welcoming. But it’s inside where Khachi’s love of design and technology comes into play.

A dramatic foyer with a 10-foot-high ceiling greets guests who step onto a dramatic white porcelain tile floor inset with a rich brown listello detail. Huge, oversized duo closets add to the drama of the space.

To the left, an elegant dining room beckons you to sit down and relax. The focal point of the room is a giant multi-bubble glass chandelier which holds centre stage over the large dining table, which can be expanded to seat up to 12 people. “The ornate ceiling design is the perfect balance of traditional and modern,” says Khachi. “I love antiques, but am also a huge fan of simple, clean lines. The ceiling is traditional while the lighting adds a contemporary aspect.” 

Khachi points out the unique wainscotting and wallpaper treatment in the dining room. “It’s the details that count,” he says. “The chair rail is typically what you would see in traditional wainscotting, however, the panels below are constructed of fine wooden beaded detail that is unique. The textured wallpaper above looks like a handstitched fabric adhered to the wall. One of our guests recently said, ‘this house is so warm and inviting that it feels like home.’ To me, that is the best compliment anyone could ever give.” 

The term ‘great room’ is often overused and not usually the best way to describe the space.  This is not the case at the Khachi residence. Step into the great room and be prepared to be wowed by its size and beauty. The castle-sized kitchen and family room run the entire length of the house. “This kitchen delivers on a very personalized definition of luxury and was designed for a modern family where everyone in the household cooks, where healthy cooking is of the utmost importance, and where integration of the adjoined family living space is vital,” Khachi explains. “I live with my two adult kids Brianna and Dane, my girlfriend Judy and her two young children Jayden and Hayleigh. A home, to me, is a place where you can live together comfortably, be a family, but have the flexibility to have our own spaces.”

The gourmet kitchen, installed by Downsview Kitchens was designed to allow several people to cook simultaneously and entertain friends and family with ease. The curated appliance package features two 30-inch induction cooktops chosen for their performance, design, and ease of cleaning. The cooktops are set flush into the Dekton countertop for a seamless look. “Dekton is an extremely durable manmade product that looks beautiful, is heat proof and most importantly, it’s stain resistant.”

“I designed the kitchen in zones, so we’re not bumping into one another,” he says. There are distinct areas, such as the placement of the full-sized fridge away from the cooking area and the coffee station zone, along with the eating area and the enormous island for preparation and cooking. “There is a beautiful balance of stained wood cabinetry with understated classic details, high-gloss lacquer finishes with contemporary details, and a mix of metals that all blend harmoniously to create a kitchen that delivers a purposeful balance of classic and contemporary design.”

No detail was overlooked in crafting the kitchen.

“The interior of the cabinetry utilizes the best available Blum hardware to provide excellence in functionality and ergonomics,” notes Khachi. “The Dekton countertop carries over as a waterfall edge on the island with an oversized high gloss bevel detail that wraps into the front façade. The Dekton continues up the backsplash and into a floating shelf for accessible storage.”

The island boasts a popup electrical tower while the kitchen servery features a GROHE Blue carbonated water faucet to reduce bottle waste. The servery also houses a stunning wine display and bar area that services both the kitchen and the dining room.

Throughout the house, Khachi seems to have thought of everything to make life simpler: a Lutron lighting system, automated drapery, and whole home audio with Nakymatone invisible speakers, which can be operated by simply talking to Josh.ai, his private home assistant system.

The motto of Khachi Design+Build is ‘Designed with Intent, Built by Hand.’

“I have renovated and built hundreds of homes and I keep mental notes of what works and what doesn’t,” he says. “I think through every system and every component of the house.”

The open-concept family room is a warm and welcoming space with a large screen TV on a wall with wood cladding, and a fireplace with two beautiful types of stone. The décor features comfortable seating in soft neutral tones and beautifully curated accessories from Arcade Home in the family room and kitchen.

The lower level is the entertainment zone. Movie nights are important in the Khachi household. The expansive theatre room has eight big, comfortable reclining chairs. You can put your feet up and dive into the popcorn. A giant screen and surround sound create a professional theatre atmosphere, while blankets on the chairs add a cosy touch.

Adjacent to the theatre is the home gym. “An important starting point in this space was the intricate mural from Crown Wallcoverings. It set the tone for the design,” says Khachi. The woven vinyl flooring material is the durable stage for Khachi’s chosen fitness equipment. Above it all, a glowing six-panel ceiling distributes even lighting.

Khachi founded Khachi Design+ Build in 1990. He’s joined in the business by several family members including Brianna, Dane, two sisters, and a niece and nephew. As both a designer and a builder, Khachi’s talent is unique in the industry. “I take care of everything for the client. If you do it right, construction can be an amazing process.”

During his TV design segments on The Marilyn Denis Show, Khachi talks about everything from design consulting to the best building techniques and the latest technologies for the home.

“I’ve always been a handy guy, raced Motocross for decades, worked on cars, houses and electronics, and have always been into automotive and technology,” he explains. “I travel the world to find inspiration, examine artistry and discover the latest in technology. Design is the bridge between technology and human experience – it’s about thoughtfully identifying how technology can enhance the functionality of a space. Making it look good is easy.”

Khachi doesn’t like to talk about design trends but speaking about ‘lifestyle’ trends is different.

“Design trends are meaningless to me,” he says. “You like blue, and I like yellow, but is my opinion more important than yours? I have no problem talking about lifestyle trends. If you clue into lifestyle trends that’s when you understand design. For instance, our kitchen is a lifestyle trend. Using technology to manage the functionality of a home is a lifestyle trend. The psychology of design is understanding how people need and want to live.”

When asked what he likes best about his new home, Khachi’s reply is simple. “I love that it feels like home.”

For more information on Khachi Design+Build visit Khachi.com

]]> http://www.westofthecity.com/people-and-events/the-zen-of-organization/ Sun, 30 Oct 2022 14:32:16 +0000 http://www.westofthecity.com/?p=16603 THE BENEFITS OF DECLUTTERING ARE GREATER THAN YOU THINK, SAYS OAKVILLE HOME ORGANIZER MEGAN ARTHURS

By Laurie Wallace-Lynch

The austere appeal of a well-organized and decluttered room is obvious to the eye but delve deeper and you’ll discover that having a decluttered home is good for body, mind and soul.

This is the inspiration behind H:OM ORGANIZING owned by Oakville’s Megan Arthurs, a well-known expert on decluttering who’s often seen sharing her organizational tips on Breakfast Television, Global News Morning and CHCH Morning Live. “Clutter can have a huge and profound effect on a person emotionally, physically and mentally, and can even affect your relationships with others,” says Arthurs. “Your home can either drain you or energize you. Often homeowners are stressed and not feeling good about a space because it looks chaotic. There can also be a certain level of shame or guilt, feeling that we should have an extremely organized home, but we can’t do it all. My job is to turn chaos into calm. It’s about finding the Om in your home.”

Typically, her clients are families who live a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time or the inclination to declutter. Tackling that crammed bedroom closet or the wall-to-wall toys in the playroom can be overwhelming.

She’s also called in to create her makeover magic during life’s big moments such as getting a home ready to sell or helping homeowners organize their new space. “Generally, decluttering and organizing is about creating function and flow,” she says. “It’s about what the space looks like, the functionality, space management and where things live – making sure everything has a home.”

Giving away or throwing out mementos, travel photos or your kid’s artwork can be difficult. “I’m well versed on the deeper reasons that many people have trouble parting with things – it’s a safety net or there’s a sentimental attachment,” explains Arthurs. “I’ve heard so many remarkable stories about keepsakes and the reasons why someone can’t part with this or that. My rule is this: if you’re not using it, or you don’t love it, out it goes. Clutter is anything that’s in the way and taking up space. Photos are a huge undertaking, but you can pare them down by making a photo disc online or just keeping a few treasured photos. Believe me, the work to declutter pays off big time. The benefits of decluttering and organizing include reduced stress, more free time, saving money by eliminating over-purchasing, and an overall sense of happiness and well-being.”

Home organizing is “super trendy” right now, according to Arthurs. “It’s a hot trend as it’s so relevant and many TV shows and online sites are talking about decluttering,” she states. “I’ve seen a huge boom in the requests for my services since the COVID-19 pandemic. People spent two years at home and want their home to be their sanctuary. We are products of our environment. Our homes are our sacred space, so we need them to adhere to our lifestyles in ways that create calm and flow.”

The process begins with a client consultation. “This is my favourite part, as I get to know people as we discuss their challenges, goals and lifestyle,” Arthurs says. “The four spaces that most clients want decluttered are the kitchen and pantry, the closets in the principal bedroom, the play area, and the garage. When you’re saying you have nothing to wear or you hate your kitchen, it’s time to purge. I love helping people fall in love with their home again.”

Arthurs can help transform one space, or several, using a ‘system of three.’ “I collaborate with clients to create three piles which include keep, donate/sell and recycle/garbage.” You might call Arthurs the basket and label queen. “We shop for clients and put everything in baskets and bins, and everything is labelled so it looks tidy and uniform,” she explains. “I’m a huge fan of clear bins and canisters as you can immediately see what you have and aren’t buying duplicates.”

Arthurs is a former dance teacher with a Master of Arts Degree in Dance. How did she become a professional home organizer? She says that even after studying and following one’s passion for many years, sometimes you need to step away. “I’ve always had a passion for organizing. As a child, I would organize my Barbies and be constantly cleaning and rearranging my bedroom. Now I love helping others discover inner peace by having a neat, organized home. My philosophy is that the space around you reflects your inner spiritual space.”

Arthurs is emphatic that transforming a space can change someone’s life. “When clients see the ‘after,’ they sometimes get quite emotional,” she states. “I’ve had people cry or hug me. Clients tell me it’s like a giant weight has been lifted off their shoulders. I do a check-in with clients after the session and they’ve told me they sleep better, they now have time to go to the gym, they’re entertaining again, and one client told me that she and her family are eating healthier meals now that their kitchen and pantry are organized.”

So how do we continue to keep our pantry or closet neat? Arthurs says it’s simple. “Everything has a home and a label, so after you use it, put it back.”

Decluttering & Organizing Tips:

Arthurs offers her top tips to create an organized and decluttered space.

YOU MUST BE READY TO LET GO. You need to be at the point of wanting change and transformation to purge and let go of things you no longer love or no longer use.

ASK YOURSELF why you’re doing this and why it’s important to purge. Realize a goal in terms of the look and feel you would like to see in a space.

MEASURE FIRST AND TAKE PHOTOS. This will save you time by not having to return items.

PURGE AND KEEP ON PURGING. Once your purge is completed, continue to purge every couple of weeks or every month.

THINK SMALL TASKS. Tackle one closet or one room at a time so the job isn’t overwhelming.

THINK IN THREES. Take everything out of a closet or cupboard and then sort it into three piles: keep, donate/sell, recycle/trash.

FOLLOW THE 30-MINUTE RULE. Do a half-hour purge session. Set the timer for 20 minutes and allow 10 minutes for cleanup.

Visit homorganizing.ca for more information