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Location: Canada

Architect: Lorne Rose

Photography: Mike Chajecki

The newly constructed family residence situated on a vast plot of land merges contemporary design with the timeless essence of a classic legacy home. The Interior Designer, Douglas Design Studio, ensured that the interiors complemented the building’s strong yet delicate architectural structure, reminiscent of a French chateau. The transitional, contemporary European style of furnishings with pan 20th century references forms the theme of the house. Symmetry, balance, and connectedness define the spaces within the home, especially in the delineation between the semi-public and private spaces. 

The property has a pool with a cabana, outdoor kitchen areas, and a generous forecourt surrounded by beautiful landscaping flowing into the protected forest area. The house features five bedrooms, a spa with a massage room, a 4,000 sq feet garage, capable of accommodating six cars, and an all-season barbecue room with built-in grills and ventilation. The back of the house has a secondary private staircase that speaks to the house’s volume and largeness, while an elevator offers added convenience. The spaces are designed for easy and luxurious family living for both the current and future generations.

One challenge was to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a vast house with 11 ft ceilings and large rooms. The design team used a variety of wall finishes, such as hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper in the dining room, sateen wall coverings in the living room and master bedroom, and leather panels in the entry hall, to give a cozy and comfortable feel to the expansive spaces. The structure of the barrel-vaulted ceilings in the family kitchen, evocative of a traditional Italian cookery, posed another pleasurable design puzzle. The adjacent back kitchen, butler’s pantries, and servery room offer additional workspace and generous storage, separated from the kitchen by reeded glass doors. The highly functional wall covering used in these spaces is easy to clean and even be wiped down with bleach, combining luxury with practicality.

The living room has a custom bar with countertops of carved marble sitting on polished nickel, and the family room features a custom design shearling ottoman and an extremely large and comfortable sectional from B & B Italia. The master bedroom has satin wall panels coordinating with the marble used for the fireplace and custom-made floating credenza. The walk-in closet features a leather-covered island with custom-made matching handles. The adjacent master ensuite has lavish marble, a makeup area with integrated lighting, and a custom design standalone tub with the best view of the sweeping greenery outside.

In conclusion, the newly constructed family residence exudes a timeless charm with contemporary design and modern convenience. The interior design by the Douglas Design Studio pays great attention to the quality of craftsmanship and luxury that complements the architecture.