2022-06-01 House & Home

Beauty Beyond
Natural


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PERSONAL STYLE

Tracey Pritchard (left)
and her daughter,

Fresh AlexO’Shea.
FROM
THEFarm

Tracey Pritchard turns a Produced by Stacy Begg/Styling by Christine Hanlon
crumbling heritage building
into a buzzy country bakery. SEE SOURCE GUIDE

Photography ROBIN STUBBERT | Text AMANDA ROSS

50 H&H JUNE 2022

THE FLOUR MILL FOOD SHOP, ST. MARYS, ONT.

W hen the kids finally move out, some people take the
opportunity to downsize. Others, like Tracey Pritchard — a
food entrepreneur and the creator of a frozen pastry business
— find themselves doing quite the opposite. After her last

child moved out in 2016, Tracey decamped from her Victorian

house in Toronto’s west end to a 3,000-square-foot, early Dutch American–

style house in Stratford, Ont., all the while casting about for a small space to

run her business, Perfect Pastry. But when Tracey’s son, Nick, a commercial

real-estate agent, found a 150-year-old heritage building in neighbouring

St. Marys, Ont., small became big — almost 13,000-square-feet big.

Tracey knew 6 Water Street well: it was a stone’s throw from her parents’

old 40-hectare farm where her kids had spent their summers; daughter Alex

TOP LEFT: The Farm Juice Co.’s cold- had not only gotten married there,
pressed organic juice is one of many food but had stuck around in Stratford.
and beverage items made on site. “The building was in rough shape,”
TOP RIGHT: Produce and local organic says Tracey. “And when I found out
grocery items line shelves made with it was part of an old flour mill, I just

wood recycled from the building. had to have it.” Her friends thought
CENTRE LEFT: The shop’s pretty exterior she’d gone mad, but Tracey and Alex
is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy. hatched a plan: they would open an
BOTTOM LEFT: The Flour Mill Food Shop épicerie and bakery together and call
sells farm-fresh, local free-run eggs; they’re it The Flour Mill Food Shop.
the only eggs Tracey will use in her baking.

H&H JUNE 2022 51

TRACEY’S PIEDÀTERRE

The sink in Tracey’s
tiny kitchen is a
pint-size bathtub
she bought at a
secondhand store
across the street.

52 H&H JUNE 2022 SEE SOURCE GUIDE

TOP LEFT: Tracey and Bear. An
old basket chest from the family

farm now serves as Tracey’s
granddaughter’s toy box.
TOP RIGHT: Old chairs see
new life when re-covered in

a pop of bright pink.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Baskets
hold hundreds of Tracey’s

cooking magazines.
BOTTOM CENTRE: The dining
table — custom made from old
barnboards — is from the family
farm. “It was the scene of so many
wonderful meals, laughs and
fond memories,” says Tracey.
BOTTOM LEFT: Framed posters
pay homage to Tracey’s Toronto
roots; the antique painted table

came from her Ukrainian
grandparents’ farmhouse.

H&H JUNE 2022 53

PERSONAL STYLE

TRACEY’S PIEDÀTERRE

Despite its dilapidated state, “the building had an ABOVE: A window casts light on a primitive table,
energy and I immediately felt drawn to it,” says Tracey. butter bowl and rug — all from antique shops in the area.
She enlisted the help of designer Valerie Farrell, whom LEFT: In the lounge, Tracey built a sideboard to hide
she’d met 30 years prior when the pair worked in the old ductwork, as well as to display art and pottery.
restaurant industry together (while Valerie studied
architecture). The designer set about carving up the Her patience was rewarded when gems literally started
building’s cavernous space into a seamless layout that to come out of the woodwork. “St. Marys is a quarry town,
could house retail and residential, and even host events. so most buildings are made of stone,” she says of the stone
walls, which had been lying dormant behind layers of dust
First up, temporary quarters were constructed so Tracey and drywall. “The building kept on giving.” Magnificent
would have a place to live while overseeing the massive stone arch windows and even the building’s original
project. A tiny but sophisticated pied-à-terre on the antique doors were all uncovered with further excavation.
mezzanine floor of the building was created with simple The Flour Mill Food Shop now showcases cabinets and
white walls and painted floors. Tracey’s mix of antique counters crafted from original baseboards and doorjambs.
furniture and eclectic textiles brought old world charm to “We repurposed and reused everything, ” she says.
the circa-1863 space, which overlooks the Thames River.
Like one of her signature recipes, all the ingredients
But soon, the pandemic hit and everything slowed to worked their magic under Tracey’s deft hands. Soon,
a glacial pace, compounded by the fact that two entire the former pied-à-terre will become terrace space for
storeys hadn’t been occupied in more than 100 years. Tracey’s two-storey owner’s suite and an adjacent Airbnb
“Save for my two big dogs, Bear and Beau, I was rattling apartment. A yoga studio sits on the second floor and,
around in this giant building all by myself for almost two on the ground level, The Flour Mill Food Shop is one of
years — yet it always had a really great vibe,” says Tracey. four retail spaces, and sells everything from homemade
chia pots to potpies. “This is the most exciting thing I’ve
54 H&H JUNE 2022 ever done,” says Tracey. Adds Alex: “When we lock up
the shop at the end of the night, there’s nowhere else we
can imagine ourselves being.”

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

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111 Queen’s Park, Toronto

Photography by Hannah Sunderani (top left)/Alex Lukey (top right)/Angus McRitchie (bottom left) This issue is packed with the
kind of advice we need right now, from

managing a budget (hello, inflation)
to living with bold colour and pattern.

For those of us who moved to the
country, there are tips on tackling

a farmhouse reno, and there’s a
primer on pools for anyone who’s

ever wondered where to start.
Plus, our best advice for taking your

rooms from ho-hum to happy.
Be inspired to get going!

JUNE 2022

HOUSE & HOME OF THE MONTH

BEYOND THE

Design MONICA FRIED | Photography NICOLE FRANZEN | Text BARBARA SGROI

58 H&H JUNE 2022

PALE

Produced by Stacy Begg MONICA FRIED SHARES HER
BEST ADVICE FOR USING
SEE SOURCE GUIDE COLOUR IN A SUBLIME
WAY, AS SHE DID IN THIS
CONNECTICUT HOME.

LEFT: Venetian plastered walls are paired with
sculptural seating in the living room. Sofa, Vladimir
Kagan; daybed by Kevin Walz, Ralph Pucci.
TOP RIGHT: Originally all white, the mudroom now
features glossy yellow cabinets, allowing the sight
line to the powder room to shine.

H&H JUNE 2022 59

YOU DON’T ALWAYS
NEED COLOURFUL WALLS.

One strong art piece like
this one can do it.

PUNCH UP A DARK
FLOOR WITH
AN AREA RUG.

This jigsaw-edged
rug is floor art.

Designer WWHETHER YOU LIVE IN A CASTLE OR A CONDO, the pull to decorate
Monica Fried. and surround yourself with whatever makes you happy — be it
a comfortable chair, a flower-strewn wallpaper or simply a colour
that puts a smile on your face — is irresistible. For some people,
the pursuit of a beautiful home is the pursuit of happiness.
Back in 2020, clients of New York–based designer Monica Fried
bought a recently built, white clapboard house on one and a half
hectares in Greenwich, Conn. Inside, every wall, ceiling, sink,
cabinet and counter in the seven-bedroom home was white. It was

heavenly, but the young family with three kids (plus two cats

and a new puppy) knew exactly what it would take to make them

happier: colour, and lots of it.

“I wanted to live with colours that bring me joy,” says the

homeowner. Contrary to the usual push-pull between colour-shy client

TOP LEFT: Graphic art, colourful sconces and designer, she found herself encouraging Monica to go bolder,
and a veined fireplace surround energize this corner rather than quieter, with their palette. Buoyed by the clients’ wishes
and given the challenge of infusing life, personality and patina into
of the living room. Sconce, Ozone. a huge house that was barely a year old, Monica began by swapping
TOP RIGHT: Pale, silver-toned walls in the entry are out the vanilla vibe for a juicier palette of gutsy, saturated shades.
calming. Pendant, Apparatus Studio; entry table, Atra.

60 H&H JUNE 2022 SEE SOURCE GUIDE

“When you’re in the dining room with all that lovely
greenery inside and outside, you feel like you’re eating
outdoors,” says Monica. Chandelier, Studio Van den
Akker; wallpaper, de Gournay; rug, Kyle Bunting.

H&H JUNE 2022 61

A burnished walnut table with a mid-century
modern vibe serves as a stylish spot for family
dinners. Ceiling fixture (over table), 1stDibs;
table by Jean Prouvé, chairs, Vitra.

62 H&H JUNE 2022 SEE SOURCE GUIDE

“I find that when
the mix is more eclectic,

it becomes timeless.
It’s those interesting

pieces that give
a room personality”
— Monica Fried, designer

LEFT: “We wanted marble that was elegant, dramatic
and good at disguising stains, and a showstopping vent hood that

would be a focal point,” says Monica’s client. “I think of these
elements as jewelry, pieces that make a dress — or a room —

special.” Faucet, Waterworks.
BELOW: The home’s cosy dark blue family room is dubbed the
“Bistro Room.” Table tops, Concrete Collaborative; wingback

chair, Craft Associates Furniture; rug, Woven.

PAINT THE CEILING!
Wrapping the room in one
colour expands the space.

H&H JUNE 2022 63

BE CONSISTENT. Paint the
millwork, walls and ceiling

in the same hue.

64 H&H JUNE 2022 ABOVE: “It’s a misconception that dark colours make a room feel
smaller,” says Monica of the home’s intimate, olive-toned library. Floor
lamp, The Future Perfect; slipper chair, Luteca; coffee tables, 1stDibs.
LEFT: Veined marble and bold wallpaper transform a formerly all-white

powder room. Wallpaper, Ricci Studio; hardware, Waterworks.

“The home had great bones, with tall windows, beautifully
proportioned rooms and 10-foot-high ceilings, but it was bland,”
recalls Monica, who adopted a relaxed approach to decorating
risks. But there was a caveat. “This home’s traditional,
symmetrical architecture lent itself to different colours because
the rooms were clearly defined. This wasn’t something you
would do in a modern, open-plan home, where you’d want it to
be more neutral and have more flow from space to space.”

So pale, wishy-washy hues were banished — the mission was
to amp things up, not dial them down. Formerly blah walls
were layered with vibrant paint, Venetian plaster or wallpaper,
lending each space its own personality. Hues were chosen to
create a specific mood; smile-inducing pink in a little girl’s
bedroom, energizing saffron in the mudroom and calming
olive green in the library.

“Sometimes you want to feel refreshed, and sometimes
you want to be embraced,” says the client. “Our previous home
had a lot of greys and blues, but I wanted warmer colours
because this house is so spacious. I wanted to make sure the

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

“This home’s traditional, symmetrical architecture
lent itself to different colours because the rooms were

clearly defined” — Monica Fried, designer

MATCH DRAPES TO
WALLPAPER.

Repeating one pattern in
a room is a classic look.

ADD PERSONALITY WITH
COLOURFUL ACCENTS, like this
pair of glossy lamps, rust-toned
headboard and deep blue throw.

TOP LEFT: The entry wall colour continues up to the second-floor landing to create a gallery-like
setting for the homeowners’ art collection. Pendant, Apparatus Studio.

TOP RIGHT: Pink wallpaper and matching drapes in a vintage-inspired floral print bring a cheerful, enveloping
vibe to a younger daughter’s bedroom. Chandelier, 1stDibs; wallpaper, House of Harris.

BOTTOM LEFT: Densely patterned wallpaper and mid-tone wood furniture create a sophisticated scheme
in a young boy’s bedroom. Wallpaper by Lee Jofa, Kravet; nightstand, 1stDibs; table lamps, Schoolhouse.
BOTTOM RIGHT: A custom built-in desk provides the perfect homework nook. Desk chair, Muuto; desk lamp, Schoolhouse.

H&H JUNE 2022 65

PULL YOUR PALETTE LEFT: Monica
FROM A PRINT. The wallpaper’s chose blush
soft pinks and purples guided the tones for a luxe,
relaxing vibe in
paint and fabric choices in the principal
the principal bedroom. bedroom.
Wallpaper by
66 H&H JUNE 2022 Lee Jofa, Kravet;
mirror, 1stDibs.
OPPOSITE, TOP
LEFT: A calm,
pattern-free
corridor leads to
the principal
bathroom. Ceiling
fixture, The Urban
Electric Co.; runner,
The Rug Company.
OPPOSITE,
TOP RIGHT: The
principal bedroom’s
mohair-upholstered
headboard and
waterfall bedside
tables are vintage-
inspired yet
thoroughly modern.
Custom bed frame
and headboard,
Métaphores; vintage
table lamp, 1stDibs.
OPPOSITE,
BOTTOM RIGHT:
To create a
timeless look,
Monica replaced
the principal
bathroom’s white
cabinets with
oak vanities and
mirrors framed
in Arabescato
marble. Sconces,
Allied Maker.

rooms felt warm and cosy; we love to entertain, and now the H&H JUNE 2022 67
house has an inviting quality that people respond to.”

In Monica’s hands, the spaces have a sense of connection that
stems not from repeating colours but from consistently mixing
old and new elements — a vintage-style chandelier hovers above
a contemporary sectional, and pop art sidles up to a classic
marble mantelpiece. “I find that when the mix is more eclectic,
it becomes timeless,” says Monica. “It’s those interesting pieces
that give a room personality.”

Now, the house has an easy polish that reflects its carefree
owners. Although this is the home of three young children,
sophistication is never sacrificed for style. Nothing is off-limits
and no room is out of bounds. “If things get stained or scuffed,
we’ll just use it as an opportunity to find another fun fabric.
I don’t want them to feel like they’re living in a museum,”
laughs the homeowner, as her young daughter and a flock of
friends skid by in a blur of pink and giggles. “We all feel blessed
that we get to live amidst such beauty. We couldn’t be happier.”
Mission accomplished.

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

RENOVATION

“Vintage rugs last forever, are
easy to clean and can hide any
spills or stains,” says designer
and homeowner Sappho Griffin.
This one was purchased from
a local dealer 17 years ago.
Sofa, Pottery Barn Canada.

Design SAPPHO GRIFFIN
Photography JANET KIMBER

Text EMILY EVANS

Heart&Soul
HOW A NOVA SCOTIA DESIGNER USED HER DISCERNING EYE
AND A DISCIPLINED BUDGET TO GET THE HOME OF HER DREAMS.

68 H&H JUNE 2022



Sappho made the
cutting boards herself,
and the wooden
spoons are from
a local market.

70 H&H JUNE 2022 The upper level houses the principal ensuite, a bedroom for their
10-year-old, two mudrooms and living rooms, the kitchen and
dining room, as well as the office and powder room. “There was
nothing that needed to change floor plan–wise,” says Sappho.
“There were mostly only cosmetic changes to do, which was good,
as I was building my design firm and didn’t want a large project.”

Sappho got to work, converting a garage into their eldest
teen’s bedroom and lounge, gutting the kitchen, painting the
entire house and adding wallpaper in a couple of rooms. Thanks
to careful planning, the whole project took just two months.

As for the budget, she capped costs at $130,000 and set a
realistic wish list. Some things, like new living room sofas, would
have to wait — she re-covered a vintage set in natural linen for the
time being — and the bathroom was just freshened up with paint.
The bulk of the reno budget, around $90,000, was allocated to
the kitchen, with new flooring, cabinets, marble counters, open
shelves and a walnut butcherblock island transforming the space.

LEFT: The lower cabinets were stained for practicality. “Our family of five
is active in the kitchen and a stained finish hides a lot of sins,” says Sappho.
Custom cabinets, appliances by JennAir, Genuine Kitchens.

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

*Costs are from 2017 and do not include tax A work table in the kitchen has a walnut
butcherblock top and plenty of storage
below. Backsplash, Olympia Tile & Stone.
OPPOSITE, TOP RIGHT: Sappho splurged
on a handcrafted table for the dining
room. Wallpaper by Anna French, Kravet
Canada; custom dining table, Amos Wood;
wicker chairs, Henhouse Interiors.

BUDGET
BREAKDOWN*

Sappho’s kitchen
reno costs.

Contractor fees:
$40,000
Cabinets:
$20,000

Appliances:
$15,000

Marble counters:
$6,000

Custom island:
$2,500
Lighting:

Approx. $1,500
Sink:
$1,200
Faucet:
$900

Ceramic backsplash:
Approx. $500

H&H JUNE 2022 71

BOTTOM LEFT: The The living room has a boho feeling
antique chair in the with textured accents, rich textiles and
an ornate coffee table. Painting by
living room is a Shelley Mansel, Argyle Fine Art.
Kijiji find, updated
with a brushstroke- HOW TO BUDGET FOR A RENO
style fabric. Chair
upholstery fabric by THINK ABOUT RESALE VALUE. “In our last home, we installed high-end
windows but the eventual buyers didn’t care,” says Sappho, who kept
Quercus & Co., the builder-basic vinyl windows in her new home.
Memo Showroom.
DISTIL YOUR GOALS AND WISH LIST. Be precise and stick to it as much as
OPPOSITE, you can, so renovation costs and scope do not creep out of control.
TOP LEFT: In the
principal bedroom, FIND BUDGET-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES. Instead of artisanal tile, Sappho
a mix of textiles adds chose a ceramic option that looks handmade but costs a lot less.
warmth and character.
SAVE FOR THE NEXT RENO. In the principal bathroom, all she did was
Table lamps, paint. This is a future project, and it was good enough for moving in.
Currey & Company.
CHOOSE USED OVER NEW. “I don’t have the budget to buy all-new, so
OPPOSITE, I hunt for vintage pieces. They often have more soul and patina anyway.”
TOP RIGHT: Old shell
SEE SOURCE GUIDE
boxes and a vintage
painting bring an East

Coast vibe to the
principal bathroom.

OPPOSITE,
BOTTOM LEFT:
Sappho has had this
dresser for more
than 20 years; a
painting of a local
scene hangs above it.
Spheres, box, vase,

31 Westgate.

72 H&H JUNE 2022

“I’M ATTR ACTED TO COLOUR, BUT
I KEPT REMINDING MYSELF THAT THIS
HOUSE IS SOFT AND QUIET, LIKE AN
ENGLISH COTTAGE” — Sappho Griffin, designer

Once the reno dust settled, it was time to pack in the
pretty. “In our last house, I used primary reds, blues and
yellows because I was interested in folk art, but I needed
a change — a more sophisticated palette with muted tones,”
says Sappho, who admits it took some discipline. “I’m
attracted to colour, but I kept reminding myself that this
house is soft and quiet, like an English cottage.” With no
room in the budget (or desire) to buy everything new, she
filled her 4,000-square-foot home with the Canadiana
furniture she’s been collecting for the past 20 years,
bohemian textiles and pottery from her mother’s collection.

Sappho’s cousin, designer Emily Griffin, also weighed
in to share tips and processes. “When Emily was here
visiting, I asked for her opinion on my bedroom because
it wasn’t feeling right,” says Sappho. “She suggested
removing some pattern and making the small space more
neutral. I reupholstered my headboard in a natural woven
and replaced the carpet with jute — now, pattern and
colour come from the bedding and vintage paintings,
and I love how it feels.” Staying true to her own style has
served Sappho well and, five years after renovating,
there’s little she’d do differently. “I really love what we
tackled and, though I’m ready for a few tweaks, the good
bones are there.”

H&H JUNE 2022 73

DESIGN

A Touch of

TUSCANY

Design HALINA CATHERINE
Photography ALEX LUKEY
Text IRIS BENAROIA

An unobstructed Produced by Stacy Begg/Styling by Christine Hanlon
vista makes relaxing on
74 H&H JUNE 2022
the porch something
special. Ceiling fixtures,

Circa Lighting; sconce,
South Hill Home; rocking

chairs, Jardin de Ville.
OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT:

Halina refreshed
the exterior with a
patchwork of stones
and a new metal roof.

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

Graphic black windows
frame the pastoral views.

HALINA CATHERINE
RENOVATES

A STONE FARMHOUSE
IN MONO, ONT. —
COMPLETE WITH

A CANTINA — FOR A
YOUNG FAMILY.

BOTTOM LEFT: The couple brings in
as many as 35 Angus cows to graze on the

property over the summer.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Colomba and Pat Lamanna with

their son, Jude. A canopy of trees over the lane
leading to the barns is picture-perfect.

H&H JUNE 2022 75



two-year span, they retained their Toronto condo Colomba prefers to keep the quartzite-
as a pied-à-terre and spent the bulk of their time topped kitchen island for food prep only,
at the farmhouse, a better place to raise their son, so it’s designed without seating. Cabinets,
Jude, 3, and his new baby sister, Elliegrace. Tuscan Woodworks; sconce, South Hill
Home; sink and faucet by Rocky Mountain
Designer Halina Catherine had beautifully Hardware, Simon’s Hardware & Bath.
renovated the couple’s condo, so they hired her for
round two. (“If I could do 10 houses with Halina, H&H JUNE 2022 77
I would,” says Colomba.) Halina has been designing
high-end homes and commercial spaces for more
than 30 years in both Toronto and St. Simons Island,
Ga. “The setting blew me away,” says Halina of the
farmhouse. “But it was old and had dated finishes; it
wasn’t what you’d call historical, more like a replica
from the early 1980s.” A total gut job, with the
exception of the stone foundation, was necessary.

Halina favours a sophisticated yet comfortable
decorating style. “I like the idea of informal
formality,” she says. “There’s something formal

RIGHT: The arched brick wall, long trestle table and leather
chairs conjure warmth and romance in the dining area.
Pendants, Trianon Design; dining table, RH; custom dining
chairs, Halina Catherine Design.

To create an airy feeling in the
great room, Halina blew open the
roof and added timber beams
that draw the eye up. Chandeliers,
South Hill Home; sofas, RH;
armchairs, Kelly Wearstler.

78 H&H JUNE 2022 SEE SOURCE GUIDE

TOP LEFT: A kitchen pantry and powder room are
hidden behind reclaimed white oak–panelled walls.
BOTTOM LEFT: Pat’s office is painted in Farrow &
Ball’s Hague Blue. Beamed ceilings, a motif running
throughout the home, continue here. Desk, RH;
desk chair, South Hill Home.

about Southern elegance, but you don’t feel uptight —
it’s soulful.” Having grown up on an equine farm
outside of Kingston, Ont., Halina “rode horses before
I could walk,” and her grandparents also had a
cottage on the property. The nuances of a country
build are in her bones: from her Czech grandmother
she picked up Old European design habits, employing
brick, linen and plaster in her creations.

For the Lamanna farmhouse, the goal was to merge
the couple’s styles. “My husband likes new things, and
I like old things,” says Colomba. But Pat’s not all flash,
either; he didn’t want an extravagant house. It was
important to carve out special spots “to carry on the
traditions we’ve been brought up with,” he says.

The foundation ties in to the new stone-clad
exterior, assembled using five different types of stone
that Halina picked herself. “It resembles an old
romantic Tuscan villa,” she says of the structure.
The footprint of the house remained unchanged
except for a low-ceilinged bedroom that was turned
into a glorious vaulted great room. Salt-toned plaster
walls add to the farmhouse charm. “The great room
had the best view, so I made the roofline as high
as I could and added a loft with stairs overlooking it,”
says Halina, likening it to a barn loft where hay
would be stored.

In the basement, Halina created a cantina; the
family makes sausages, wine and tomato sauce, and
also dries herbs and preserves vegetables plucked
fresh from the garden. The cantina’s ancient stone
foundation walls are a fitting backdrop. The kitchen,
in a modern farmhouse style with heritage touches,
is deliberately intimate, with ceilings trussed in
white oak beams. Ditto for the rugged brick in the
mudroom off the side porch and foyer. And when
selecting the palette, Halina went with fresh and
punchy hues, uniting tonal white, cream and some
of Farrow & Ball’s deepest blues.

Today, the couple is overjoyed with the result of
the renovation. (Halina is also on the hook for round
three, involving a future carriage house, second
kitchen and barn.) “We absolutely love it,” says Pat.
“My favourite place is the great room; it’s very
calming. We don’t have a television — we listen to
music and have martinis.” Adds Colomba: “With the
old-school wood-burning fireplace and the light
coming in from the huge windows, it’s gorgeous —
it’s the perfect combination of elements.”

H&H JUNE 2022 79

The basement mudroom is the epitome
of country charm, with its putty paint
colour and tongue-and-groove panelling.

80 H&H JUNE 2022 “I LIKE THE IDEA OF INFORMAL FORMALITY.
THERE’S SOMETHING FORMAL ABOUT
SOUTHERN ELEGANCE, BUT YOU DON’T FEEL
UPTIGHT — IT’S SOULFUL” — Halina Catherine, designer

TOP LEFT: Beadboard and upholstered linen walls (far left, above panelling) bring
cosiness to the powder room. “I remember details like this in my grandmother’s
house,” says Halina. “In days gone by, they would use this technique to insulate
the walls.” Vanity and sink by Waterworks, Simon’s Hardware & Bath.
CENTRE LEFT: A graceful wrought-iron staircase leads to the new loft Halina
fashioned into a cosy library.
BOTTOM LEFT: Homemade preserved tomatoes and olive oil line the rustic
wood shelves in the basement cantina; the wine cellar is in the distance.
OPPOSITE, BOTTOM RIGHT: Wallpaper with a farm scene is perfect for the guest
bedroom. Wallpaper, Farrow & Ball; wall light, CB2; bed frame, nightstand, RH.

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

THE REAL DEAL

Halina’s tips for getting a new-old farmhouse right.

DON’T GO TOO GRAND. “Not everything has to be large and
imposing. Little areas are more quaint and charming,” says Halina,

who suggests keeping the entry restrained. “I love the nooks
and crannies that add an element of surprise.”

TREAT THE WALLS. Bring in character with wallpaper,
fun fabric or textural linen, as well as historical paint colours.

BLEND OLD AND NEW. Don’t be in a rush to tear everything down.
Marry the past with the present, so it’s not boring. Reclaimed wood

beams and panelling add old world character.

CONSIDER OPENING IT UP. If it makes sense, create one large
space from the kitchen and dining areas. “It’s more contemporary

and becomes the heart of the home,” says Halina. Balance the
look by keeping finishes rustic with reclaimed materials.

ABOVE: The modern-rustic principal ensuite
has a walk-in shower and stand-alone tub.
The wood ceiling has integrated mood lighting.
Tub, Atlantis Bath Centre; tile, Stone Tile.

The principal bedroom
on the main floor has
20-foot-high ceilings,
reclaimed wood beams and
a stunning view. Chandelier,
RH; bed frame, bench,
Halina Catherine Design.

H&H JUNE 2022 81

BEST ADVICE

Take It From the Pros
Some of the best designers
in the business answer your
biggest decorating questions.
Produced by EMMA REDDINGTON

Q: When should I use roman blinds versus drapes? Photography by The Collective You (Gillian’s portrait)/Nick Mele
A: I generally use a roman shade when we have smaller-scale windows and drapes on larger Photography (living room)/Room design by Gillian Segal (living room)

82 H&H JUNE 2022 windows. Drapes are wonderful for adding softness to a room and can help emphasize the
height of space beautifully. I also consider how often the window covering needs to be opened
or closed; if you have lots of windows and constantly want to be adjusting for light control,
romans will not be very functional, unless they’re automated. — GILLIAN SEGAL, Vancouver

SEE SHOPPING LIST

Photography by Ema Peter (Alda’s portrait, living room with three artworks)/Karolina Jez (Celia’s portrait)/Lauren Miller Q: What should I hang behind my sectional sofa? Q: Can I mix roman blinds
(Shauna’s portrait, dining room)/Maxime Desbiens (living room with drapes and blinds)/Room design by Alda Pereira A: Choosing art for a room requires consideration of the overall
(living room with three artworks)/Celia Bryson (living room with drapes and blinds)/Shauna Walton (dining room) with drapes?
concept. It can be evocative or still; it can also mirror the personality
of the client. Though there are no real hard-and-fast rules for injecting A: Of course! I love a layered window covering look —
a space with art, some of my suggestions include considering the
viewing height — art should be placed at sight lines in the home — it makes a space feel more finished and creates a tailored
choosing a spot for art other than behind the bed, and adding frame for the view. Beyond aesthetic reasons, multiple
strong background colours to emphasize the art and create depth. window treatments allow for flexibility in controlling
— ALDA PEREIRA, Vancouver light and privacy. — CELIA BRYSON, Montreal

Q: How high should my dining

room light fixture hang
above my table?

A: I suggest 33 to 34 inches above

the table for eight-foot ceiling heights.
For every additional foot of height,
add three inches more to that number.
And make sure there’s about six inches
of clearance from the table edges so
you don’t bump your head!
— SHAUNA WALTON, Toronto

H&H JUNE 2022 83

Q: What do I need to know about skirted sinks? Calgary’s Nyla Free Photography by Katie Charlotte Photography (Cortney’s portrait, vanity)/Phil Crozier (Nyla’s
A: They’re so much fun! We love this fresh approach to the common vanity cabinet. answers questions about portrait)/Kim Jeffery (stairway)/Room design by Cortney Bishop (vanity)/Shirley Meisels (stairway)
what it’s like to work with
For the best outcome, incorporate a modern pleat on a colourful outdoor fabric with
a repetitive pattern in a smaller scale. — CORTNEY BISHOP, Charleston, S.C. a designer at her firm.

Q: What’s the current trend Q: What can I expect at

in stairway design? my first meeting?

A: We’re getting away from A: We walk through images,

the hard glass and steel look. talk about the overall aesthetic
The trend is toward a more enclosed goals and learn about our
stairway, often with soft, curved client’s lifestyle. It’s an
details or wood panelling; it gives
a home a more cosy feeling. extensive meeting that kick-
— SHIRLEY MEISELS, starts the creative process,
MHouse, Toronto and allows us to dive deep into
understanding our client’s

needs and wants.

Q: How do designers

calculate their fees?

A: As every designer has

a different style, so too will
they have differences in their

experience, offering and
business structure. Hourly
rates, a scale of fees or an
overall flat fee are all common
ways to charge for services.

Q: Will designers work with

any budget, or do I need
to have a minimum amount?

A: This will largely

depend on the designer
but, ultimately, we feel the
numbers need to make sense.
A project with a small budget
is not necessarily a good
match for a designer who has

a higher hourly rate.

Q: Will designers find a

contractor for the project?

A: Absolutely! We’re happy

to recommend a contractor
we know and trust. Doing so
often brings a lot of benefit
and value to the client and

project as a whole.

84 H&H JUNE 2022

Photography by Angie Choi, Eyekahfoto (Nike’s portrait)/Maxime Desbiens (Luke’s portrait)/courtesy of Montana Burnett Design Q: How can I add character to Q: How do I get the
(Montana’s portrait)/Studio Ode + Jena Nasser (dining room)/Salt by The Caza Project (table and stool)/Luke Havekes (living room)/Room
design by Nike Onile + Jena Nasser (dining room)/Luke Havekes (living room)/Bauwerk paint, Salt by The Caza Project (table and stool) a space that’s like a white box? plastered wall look?

A: My favourite equation for enticing the senses is to play with A: To get the best results, I use Bauwerk’s Lime Wash.

scale, contrast and texture. In this project by Studio Ode and Jena It’s mineral-based, natural and nontoxic, plus it’s easy
Nasser, we opted for white oak slat walls as a base to contrast with to use and comes in many colours. With a Bauwerk brush —
the dark floors, and layered in texture in abundance with a large- you can get one through Salt by The Caza Project — make
format, raw cotton yarn wall hanging from Caralarga. Doubling loose, free strokes in all directions, being careful not to
down on our play with scale, a cloud-like pendant from New Works leave drips. Over time, your colours will develop subtle
mirrors the size of the table below it, creating major impact. highs and lows, creating a unique and beautiful finish.
— NIKE ONILE, Studio Ode, Toronto — MONTANA BURNETT, Toronto

Q: What kind of rug do H&H JUNE 2022 85

I pair with a curved sofa?

A: If the curved sofa is in an open-

concept or strangely shaped space,
a round rug often makes the most
sense. Its curve will keep any corners
from awkwardly sticking out from
under furniture and soften the room’s
lines. This creates a more natural
transition between zones, such as
the living and dining spaces.
— LUKE HAVEKES, Montreal

SEE SHOPPING LIST

Q: Is there an option other than using sconces Q: How can I break up an upper Photography by Matthew Williams (Damian’s portrait, powder room)/Stef & Ethan (Rebecca’s portrait)/Michelle Johnson (Jenelle’s portrait,
mudroom)/Mike Chajecki (hallway)/Room design by Studio DB (powder room)/Rebecca Hay (hallway)/SmithErickson Designs (mudroom)
for my powder room? hallway full of doors?

A: With a wider vanity, one option is to offset the sink and A: Pocket doors are a great solution when you want

hang a pair of pendants. It emphasizes the height of the space occasional privacy but still want the space to feel open
and inviting. Using translucent glass or painting the doors
and provides visual intrigue, especially when set against graphic a bold colour helps add further interest and detail.
— REBECCA HAY, Toronto
wallpaper. — DAMIAN ZUNINO, Studio DB, New York

Q: How do I create a brick web For more designer advice, visit SEE SHOPPING LIST

floor in an existing houseandhome.com/june2022
room? Won’t the
bricks be too thick?

A: It’s now much easier to create

a brick-floor look, as there are
many brick veneer tiles available.
The brick tiles are as thick as your
average tile and can be installed
by a tile installer. In this mudroom,
we did a herringbone pattern and
specified an overgrout application
to give it an authentic look.
— JENELLE ERICKSON,
SmithErickson Designs, Calgary

86 H&H JUNE 2022

Experience Casper comfort.

Spring is the time for fresh flowers, a fresh slate — and a fresh bed
setup. Count on the award-winning comfort of Casper mattresses to

deliver your best night’s rest this spring, and all year long.

Visit casper.ca or a near you.

*Winner mattress category.
Survey of 4,000 people by Kantar.

POOLS

DEEP

88 H&H JUNE 2022 SEE SOURCE GUIDE

DIVE HOW THREE
FAMILIES CHOSE
THEIR PERFECT
POOLS, PLUS OUR
TIPS FOR TAKING

THE PLUNGE
YOURSELF.

Text WENDY JACOB

Produced by Stacy Begg This large pool blends
in to its surroundings
with a subtle palette and
monochromatic plantings.
Pool construction, Daccord
Webster Landscape.

H&H JUNE 2022 89

WHAT THEY WANTED:
A large pool that suits

the forest setting, with a
10-foot depth for diving

POOL TYPE: Gunite
(a type of concrete)

WHY THEY CHOSE IT:
Concrete pools can be any

depth or dimension,
and the grey finish gives

water a subtle hue

THE DIMENSIONS:
40' l. x 20’ w. x 10' d.

THE COST:
Approx. $100,000-
$200,000 for a custom

pool with steps

90 H&H JUNE 2022 1. Eastern Townships

Design NATHALIE DESJEAN, STUARTWEBSTERDESIGN
Photography ANGUS McRITCHIE

THE BACKSTORY: This expansive pool in Quebec's Eastern Townships
is made from a variety of concrete called gunite — a hard-wearing mix
of concrete, sand and water that’s applied using a high-pressure hose.
Landscape architect Nathalie Desjean of StuartWebsterDesign took
care of everything, adding a new deck and coping made from St-Marc
limestone in a honed finish. “Our plan was to do laps every morning but,
of course, kids, friends and even our dog, Echo, use it all the time,”
says Nathalie's client. The 10-foot depth and broad steps are accented by
in-pool lighting that is dramatic in the evening, and the naturalized
look blends seamlessly with the backdrop of waving pines. “You can see
the bocce ball court from the pool; it draws you even more into the
magnificent native setting,” says Nathalie. “Now, it’s a real gathering
place.” Her client agrees: “It’s definitely a magnet. There’s no better way
to enjoy our short-lived summers — don’t think twice about putting in
a pool; just do it!”

SEE SOURCE GUIDE

“YOU CAN SEE THE BOCCE BALL COURT FROM
THE POOL; IT DR AWS YOU EVEN MORE INTO

THE MAGNIFICENT NATIVE SETTING”

— Nathalie Desjean, landscape architect

TOP RIGHT: Hydrangea
bushes with lacy blooms are
set in large weathered urns.
LEFT: A dead space behind
the garage was turned into
an enclosed kitchen garden
where leafy vegetables,
tomatoes, raspberry bushes
and flowers are planted in
self-watering raised beds.
OPPOSITE, TOP: St-Marc
limestone coping frames
the pool’s deep blue waters.
Beds of easy-care vinca
are bordered by tidy
boxwood hedges near
the shingled house.
OPPOSITE, BOTTOM:
A bocce ball court completes
the resort-style feel of
this backyard.

H&H JUNE 2022 91

ABOVE: A pillow-laden sectional and umbrella create
a shady oasis near the pool. Throw pillows by Thibaut,
Kravet Canada; House & Home woven table, HomeSense;
white side table, West Elm.

2. Backyard Beauty

Design FEASBY & BLEEKS DESIGN | Photography DONNA GRIFFITH

THE BACKSTORY: Many years ago, designer Erin Feasby installed
a spa in the backyard of her suburban home west of Toronto. But as her
three active children, Max, 11, and twins Emmy and Lola, 9, grew up,
it wasn’t getting used as much. “My husband, Sam, didn’t want a big
play structure on the lawn, but we wanted the kids outside when they
were home,” says Erin. “The pool makes our yard a destination. We
always wanted a house where everyone likes to hang out with their
friends.” They chose a fibreglass pool because it could be lifted into
their backyard in one day, and it’s less costly than a concrete version.
Erin opted for a clean look that would blend in to the spa’s hardscaping
with large-scale concrete pavers around the pool, natural Eramosa
stone coping and a light grey liner to match the existing spa. The pool
has broad steps and tanning ledges in the deep end that can support
chairs or rambunctious kids. Erin says that, with the landscaping,
custom cabanas and furniture, the final tally inched up near
$200,000 but reasons that you have to think of it as a cottage in
the city, “and there’s no long commute!”

TOP LEFT: Inset wood planks create a dock-like effect in this seating area.
Fire bowl, Dekko Concrete; pavers, Rinox; decking, Thermalwood Canada.
RIGHT: Inside one of the cabanas, woven pieces and exposed rafters establish
a beach house feel. Porcelain tile doesn’t have to be sealed and comes in many
colours. Pendant, Ikea; tile, Saltillo Imports.

92 H&H JUNE 2022

WHAT THEY WANTED:
A large family pool

with fun play features

POOL TYPE: Fibreglass

WHY THEY CHOSE IT:
It was cost-effective
and easier to install
than a concrete pool

THE DIMENSIONS:
35' l. x 16' w. x 6'6" d.

THE COST:
Approx. $50,000–
$60,000 (pool only)

“THE POOL MAKES OUR YARD A DESTINATION.
WE ALWAYS WANTED A HOUSE WHERE EVERYONE

LIKES TO HANG OUT WITH THEIR FRIENDS”

— Erin Feasby, designer

SEE SOURCE GUIDE Twin cabanas house the pool
mechanics and a changeroom,
respectively. A pair of hanging
chairs are suspended on a
pergola for Erin’s twins. Pool,
Leisure Pools Canada; hanging
chairs by Mut Design, Tusch
Seating International.

H&H JUNE 2022 93

WHAT THEY WANTED:
A spot for kids to cool
off without sacrificing
the bulk of their
backyard to a pool

POOL TYPE:
Galvanized metal

WHY THEY CHOSE IT:
It’s economical and

easy to use; at the end
of the season, they can

just flip it over

THE DIMENSIONS:
11' diam. x 2' d.

THE COST:
$1,250 for a 10'-diam.

pool, plus shipping

3. City Oasis SEE SOURCE GUIDE

Design ARREN WILLIAMS | Photography STACEY BRANDFORD

THE BACKSTORY: When Sarah and Adam Cooper asked their
designer, Arren Williams, for a fun addition to their rustic backyard,
he floated the idea of a galvanized metal stock tank pool. This playful
alternative to a typical aboveground pool is usually used to water
cows. “They wanted something that was easy and doable,” says Arren.
“The boys are always outside playing with friends in the neighbourhood
or jumping on the trampoline, so this tank is just what’s needed to cool
down.” The pool arrived on a truck so installation was immediate,
and it’s easy to maintain. Adam watched YouTube videos to learn how
to install the pump and filter. “It’s very low-maintenance and a lot of
fun,” says Sarah. “The boys have invented a lot of games to play —
pool hockey, basketball and water gun battles — and it’s been an
inexpensive source of summer fun.” The family can always transition
to an in-ground pool down the road, but this tank is great for testing
the waters to see if they want to make a more permanent arrangement.
“It’s two feet deep, but it’s not just for the kids to splash around,”
says Arren. “You can sit in there with a glass of wine.”

TOP LEFT: Sam, 8, perches on the side of the pool; the galvanized metal doesn’t
get too hot and the lip isn’t sharp. The pool and yard stay clear of plant debris,
thanks to the evergreens that don’t drop their leaves.
RIGHT: The pool is screened by mature pines for a cottagey look that suits the
rustic pool. The galvanized tank is accented by an equally rustic boulder-like firepit.
Pool, Livestock Equipment Canada; firepit, Muskoka chairs, Wayfair Canada.

94 H&H JUNE 2022

“THE BOYS ARE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING WITH
FRIENDS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, SO THIS TANK

IS JUST WHAT’S NEEDED TO COOL DOWN”

— Arren Williams, designer

H&H JUNE 2022 95

Testing the Waters THE EXTRAS

A QUICK PRIMER FOR THE To create a truly relaxing,
POOL-CURIOUS. resort-like feel, invest in...

FRENCH ACCENT LUMBER
This powder-coated SUPPORT The earthy
aluminum-frame lounge
chair has luxe white cushions combination of teak
for a Côte d’Azur vibe. Nevis lounge and mesh gives this
chair, $1,695. ARD Outdoor.
chaise laid-back
appeal. Key Largo

chaise lounge,
$2,395. ARD Outdoor.

ADVICE FROM A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT HEAT IT UP This Photography by Kim Jeffery (Testing the Waters, pool)/courtesy of ARD Outdoor (The Extras, lounge chairs)/
zen-like fire bowl has a Jardin de Ville (The Extras, firepit)/Lowe’s (The Extras, planters)/Summerwood Products (cabana)
Joel Loblaw shares his top tips. powder-coated aluminum
top that transforms it into
SMALL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL. Little pools (10' x 12') are a coffee table. Serenade
a huge hit with kids, as are one-level pools with a depth natural gas firepit, $2,650.
Jardin de Ville.
of about four feet so swimmers can play volleyball.
PLANT THE
THE GRASS IS GREENER. People want to feel SEEDS Lightweight
like they’re swimming in a lagoon, so let the plant planters add drama

matter grow right to the edge. and soften pool
hardscaping. Garant
BUDGET FOR LANDSCAPING. Consider where pool Resin planter in Off-
mechanics will be housed and whether you’ll need
white, $40; Garant
a custom outbuilding to house them. Plus, fencing and Resin planter in Grey,
patio enhancement can cost $30,000 to $40,000.
$55. Both at Lowe’s.
TALK TO AN ARBORIST. If you have large,
mature trees in your yard, local regulations may POOL HOUSE This cabana kit has a covered
canopy and can house mechanics or serve as
prohibit their removal for a pool. a changeroom. $23,138. Summerwood Products.

A QWHAT’S THE MOST A QWHAT IS THE QUICKEST SEE SOURCE GUIDE
POPULAR SIZE? POOL TO INSTALL?

Approximately 500 Fibreglass. Heather
square feet. “People use says this pool type
a pool lengthwise, not can be installed in as
widthwise, so we advise people little as a day. The shells are
to go skinnier,” says Marc Luff moulded in a selection of
of Betz Pools, who notes that shapes and sizes so the
14' x 30' and 14' x 32' are two placement of features such as
of the most popular sizes. For steps are predetermined,
fibreglass pools, the most popular and they’re a budget-friendly
shell size is 15½' x 30', according way to add elements such
to Heather Laing of Leisure Pools as splash decks or
Canada in Vaughan, Ont. tanning ledges.

96 H&H JUNE 2022

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FOOD & ENTERTAINING Produced by Alexandra Whyte/Photography courtesy of Two Spoons (Hannah’s portrait)/Quotes from Hannah excerpted from The Two Spoons Cookbook
by Hannah Sunderani ©2022 Hannah Sunderani. Photography by Hannah Sunderani. Published by Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Canada, a division of
LEeattTVhege!m Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved

HANNAH SUNDERANI’S SEE SHOPPING LIST
VEGAN TAKE ON CLASSIC
FRENCH FOOD INSPIRED
A POPULAR BLOG, AND
NOW A NEW COOKBOOK.

Text ALEXANDRA WHYTE
Photography HANNAH SUNDERANI

“IN A CULTURE WHERE FROMAGE, foie gras and
charcuterie are everyday staples, a plant-based diet
was not always celebrated,” says Toronto blogger
(and vegan) Hannah Sunderani, who moved to
France in 2015. While the relocation was for her
husband’s job, Hannah took it as a chance to explore
her passion for food. But the locals didn’t share the
same excitement for her veganism. “Calling ahead
to restaurants to inform them of my diet was often
met with displeasure and, one time, resulted in
being served half a cooked carrot as my main course.
What they did with the other half, I will never know.”

Out of necessity, Hannah figured out how to adapt
French food into at-home vegan dishes and shared
those findings with hundreds of thousands of readers
on her blog, Two Spoons. After spending four years
in France, Hannah returned to Toronto and created
The Two Spoons Cookbook, which is packed with
recipes for many dishes you probably didn’t know
could be vegan, from cheese fondue to croissants. But
nothing is overly complicated. “It’s not a cookbook for
French cooking enthusiasts or masterful chefs… it’s
for the everyday home cook, one who wants to add
more plant-based recipes into their diet without
compromising taste,” says Hannah.

Hannah has learned a lot from the French about
eating (and living) well, despite their feelings about
her plant-based diet. Perhaps the most important?
“Enjoy your dishes as an occasion to be celebrated,
no matter how big or small, even if just for a moment.”

98 H&H JUNE 2022