Calico Wallpaper selected Milan Design Week as the setting to unveil its latest collection of wallcoverings. In partnership with interior designer Colin King, Nuance & Perception delves into the intricate layers of the past, revealing a harmonious blend of history and contemporary aesthetics.

King, who frequently references the past in his work, looked to generations of colour that span centuries, evoking patterns and texture for influence. The Perception half of the collection specifically exemplifies the weathered charm of past epochs, rooted in a muted but grounded palate borrowed from yesterday while remaining present.

“I’ve always been captivated by the beauty of patina, the transformation that unfolds as objects age and decay. It’s as if objects reveal their inner truth. It’s a unique quality seen in works of art and architecture affected by the passage of time,” says King on the collection. “The untouched and unrestored have a character and warmth, an effect that feels deliberately incomplete—magnificently imperfect. At the heart of it all are subtleties and nuances that bring depth and richness to the design.”

Two patterning techniques – fittingly named after the collection’s dual themes – are available in eight colourways each. As with all Calico Wallpaper collections, Nuance and Perception were born from original artwork. The brand employs advanced technologies to translate the designs to be utilized for their new ordering system, Panorama. A streamlined process that maintains the custom nature that the brand is known for.

The Colin King wallpaper collection can be purchased directly from Calico Wallpaper, or through local dealers, including NewWall. Photography courtesy of Calico Wallpaper.

In line with today’s trend of curated loft aesthetics, the collection with one of the design style’s most prominent names speaks to the universal desire to shape our surroundings. Through a thoughtful selection of motifs and colours, each piece in Calico’s Colin King wallpaper collaboration offers an expression of pure emotion — one that, like art itself, might read differently to each of us.

The post Calico Wallpaper Introduces Bespoke Collection With Colin King appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

In Toronto’s postwar neighbourhoods, unassuming bungalows are giving way to grandiose faux-historical mansions. A boldly contemporary addition, a new build from Dubbeldam Architecture + Design boasts a stepped facade characterized by protruding and receding volumes. Among a residential Toronto street lined with late-century builds, Shift House stands out for all the right reasons.

The firm opted to allow the interior rooms to shape its exterior, encouraging the livable spaces to come first rather than opting to fit them into a conventional box. With this, the sculpted facade plays with solid and void, creating additional views and access to outdoor space on multiple levels, which responds to the homeowner’s love for the nature and their desire to bring the outside in.

Shift House’s interior reflects its intentional shift through varying ceiling heights, materials and colours. It was designed to have a sense of permeability and openness, offering ample natural light while still maintaining privacy.

A sculptural white oak and Baltic birch staircase dynamically connects the homes upper and lower levels. Its scissor configuration adds a sense of movement and energy to the space. In a way that feels structured without compromising flow, wood-cladding of the stairs extends into the foyer, connecting the varying spaces.

The kitchen makes use of an open plan where the room can flow gently into the adjacent living space, meeting the family’s request for a home meant for entertaining.

Another crucial piece to the dream-home puzzle for Shift House homeowners were the employment of sustainable systems. Dubbeldam explains that they began by maximizing as many passive systems as possible including daylight, natural ventilation with and strategically placed operational windows.

The porosity of the front façade is a friendly gesture to the street. Photography by Riley Snelling.

The home utilizes photovoltaic panels on the roof as an additional source of electricity, LED light fixtures and an efficient cooling system to reduce electricity demand, and triple glazing and low-E coatings on windows reduce both heat gain and loss. Shift House also features green roofs and robust landscaping to help minimize rainwater run-off.

In its final state, Shift House is a light-filled green space, both inside and out. It’s also a case study for how a modern take on architecture turns the notions of standard homebuilding on its head through strategic spatial arrangements we can’t get enough of.

The post A Postwar Home Gets a Modern Point of View appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

With warm weather upon us, it’s time to spruce up our outdoor spaces. To kick off balcony season, Designlines put together a list of renter-friendly balcony tips and décor for bringing your outdoor oasis to the next level – and crafting the ultimate extension of your home.

Multi-purpose furniture

Having one item serve multiple purposes can be key to staying clutter-free. Deck-out your balcony with seating options that allow you to dine, kick back and host, all in one. The Riviera Lounge is a multi-functional seating option that expands in length and width, serving as a chair and table, sofa or sunbed. From $5,300 at Old Faithful Shop.

Plants as privacy

Adding plants to your space not only spices up your balcony but can add a layer of privacy. Hang vining plants from your parapet or guard rails to breathe life into your outdoor sanctuary while screening you from the bustling city below. Here are some of our favourite places to shop plants.

Set the mood with lighting

Picture it, after a long summer day, you are ready to kick back on your balcony and soak in the city from your own oasis– but what about lighting? Setting the mood with lighting will bring your balcony to the next level. The Baba side table will flood your balcony with softened light, while its convenient three-in-one lighting, table and storage components make it ideal for small spaces. From $269 at Jardin De Ville.

Renter-friendly flooring

Amp up your balcony by upgrading its flooring. Renter-friendly balcony flooring options, like Ikea’s MALLSTEN decking, can help customize your space into a European fantasy. Or turn your balcony into your own mini Trinity Bellwoods with their RUNNEN artificial grass. Or mix and match types and textures to create zones. MALLSTEN: $65 per 9 tiles. RUNNEN: $60 per package. From Ikea.

Make it an extension of your home

Create a cohesive story from your home’s interior to exterior. Taking cues from the balcony’s adjoining room and opting for related colour palettes, finishes and textural notes will expand both living spaces, making them feel more ample. Use this as an opportunity to mix and match your indoor and outdoor accessories for multi-use, like the Easy Fit pouf. From $749 at Jardin de Ville.

Here are some of our favourite places to shop outdoor décor to bring your outdoor in.

Set up shaded areas

Make your balcony sun-safe and stylish this summer by setting up shaded areas. Shade options like the Zara Series half umbrella are designed to lay flush against walls without overwhelming your space. Available in four colourways, there is an option to match any aesthetic. $139 at CorLiving.

Collapsible furniture

Create a multi-use space with collapsible furniture. From tanning to dining to entertaining, having the option to easily switch up your balcony layout will help you get the most out of your space. The Jericho Sling Chair will bring a refined luxuriousness while its removable cushions and sleek frame make this seating option easy to stow away. $419 at Rove Concepts.

The post Your Guide to Maximizing Small Balcony Living appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

When she was 18 years old, Meg Graham of Toronto-based architecture and design firm Superkül, bought her first grown-up piece of jewelry from Anne Sportun. Years later, Graham would find her design firm reimagining the jeweller and goldsmith’s Queen West storefront.

Anne Sportun and her daughter and co-owner Haley Woodbury wanted their redesigned space to reflect their essence of their pieces – organic and timeless. Superkül used natural materials and played with texture and lighting to create a space to achieve this. “We have had customers come into the store and use the exact words we gave to Meg as inspiration for the space,” said Sportun.

The exterior design – which include revamped signage, porcelain tiling and bronze metal accents – is carried through to the interior, with custom-cut porcelain tiles, continuing bronze accents and white oak display cases complimenting the presented jewelry collections. The ceiling of the space also got an added touch of elegance, with a faux-curved ceiling. Furniture in the quaint front seating area is by Vancouver-based design group Bensen.

A Marrakech finish on the walls compliments the backing of the wall-set jewelry cases – almost mimic the same felted texture. The finish adds another textural aspect to the space while maintaining its organic feel.

The consultation space features Calacatta Super White marbles displays, bronze-trimmed mirrors and pleated felt walls to add texture and dimension, while dampening acoustics to create a more serene consultation environment.

“We felt it was important to create a comfortable environment for our customer to shop,” said Sportun.

The consultation space was extended to allow for a more comfortable customer experience.

Wall scones and thoughtful lighting choices above display cabinets showcase Sportun’s collections. A pendant light by Luminaire Authentik adds an organic element, complimenting the consultation areas clean-lined finished.

Canadian millwork by Millworks Custom Manufacturing throughout the space provides a sturdy yet elegant place for Sportun’s pieces. Graham and Sportun echoed the sentiment that it is inspiring to work with fellow designers, despite their different mediums, to refine a space. “There is an understanding and a comfortability there that is greatly appreciated,” said Graham. “It makes the process feel intuitive when you’re on the same page.”

The post Anne Sportun and Superkül Team Up for a Storefront Refresh appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

In a quiet residential street north of Toronto’s downtown buzz, Izen Architecture approached the layout of House 333’s 25-foot lot by working with its smaller size, rather than against it. “This lot was a challenge we were determined to overcome, said studio founder Brenda Izen. “I love being forced to be creative in this kind of way, we needed to master this puzzle.”

To do so, the team placed the kitchen above the at-grade family room, giving both spaces the maximum width, while also connecting them to the home’s backyard.

“We wanted to create light-filled spaces while maximizing the common areas, which was one of the client’s key considerations,” says Izen. “When building a home, clients imagine a bustling kitchen, family dinners and movie nights. We didn’t feel we should have to compromise on giving these clients just that.”

The home opens into the living room, which leads into the dining area. Featuring double-height, angled ceilings, these spaces have an ample sense to them. Skylights in the dining room flood the gathering space with light and offer a glimpse of the sky as you move through the home.

The dining room leads into the kitchen, a space that also floods with natural light due to the adjacent backyard. “We put them both at the back of the house to get that full width, but to also give these spaces a connection and view to the backyard. We wanted the primary source of light in those spaces to be natural,” says Izen.

Moving upstairs, a glass-wrapped catwalk takes the place of a traditional hallway, which gives the second floor a private, yet airy feel.

A steel staircase juxtaposes the delicacy of the adjacent living room and kitchen.

For a custom feel, the built-in walnut media unit sits behind the staircase adjacent to large sliding glass doors that lead to the backyard, adding a bright warmth to the space.

“Storage is so important in smaller homes. The stairs that go up from the main floor aren’t stacked, so it gave us ample room for storage underneath them,” says Izen. “We also ensured there was ample storage in the kitchen, with the millwork echoing the shape and structure of the secondary staircase.”

The exterior of House 333 carries a cohesive vision from the inside out.

Outside, the home harmonizes with the modern elements of its interior. “It’s all about holistic design throughout the home,” said Izen. “We want there to be a cohesive atmosphere from the moment you step on the property and we want to experience the landscape from the inside.”

Throughout House 333, there is a structured airiness that gives the home both an easy and functional flow, embodying the latest design trends in seamless living spaces.

The post An Uptown Family Home Designed Outside the Box  appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

It’s a major challenge to craft a multi-generational home for seven people that ticks all the boxes. Armed with a detailed wish list, Great Lake Studio, led by Rick Galezowski designed an efficient layout within a small footprint that did just that, giving the family a warm and calm environment with connections to the outdoors, with a unique architectural expression, to boot.The exterior is modern in form, yet characterful with cladding made of charred and oiled cedar. “It’s a nice neighbour and quiet non-conformist,” says Galezowski of the Etobicoke home that replaced the original bungalow on the lot. We chatted with Great Lake Studio about his process.

Catherine MacIntosh: What was on this family’s wish list?

Rick Galezowski: The most consequential requirement was that this would be a home for a family of five, including three school-age kids, plus a live-in suite for grandparents. One of my principal objectives with any home design is to explore ways of enhancing and enriching family life. Many of our projects involve interconnecting the various regions of a home in interesting ways, always with a view to bringing the family together. On the other hand, with three generations living under one roof, there is a lot of potential for chaos! So, the idea was to provide the most calming environment possible with plenty of options for solitude and escape.

CM: What was the vision or inspiration behind this form?

RG: The clients wanted a distinctly contemporary home that wouldn’t feel alien in its mild suburban surroundings. At first glance, it reflects the general massing and pitched-roof vernacular of its neighbours. Its spare composition of simple geometric forms reflects the efficient and rigorous planning of spaces contained within.

CM: I believed the house replaced a bungalow. Was it a challenge fitting it in with the neighbourhood?

RG: The house did replace a small bungalow. We repurposed the existing basement, which was a budget-saver and made good practical sense, but this limited the overall building footprint, and made planning the lifestyle needs of a large, extended family rather challenging. The solution lay in two highly contrasted approaches to the lower and upper levels.

CM: How are the two floors split up?

RG: The family gathers on the ground floor, which is open and sprawling with an emphasis on fluid movement from the front entrance through the main living spaces, and outside into a back garden. Living, dining and kitchen areas are loosely differentiated by long arms of custom oak cabinetry. They open to one another, but still feel comfortably contained and intimate. Tucked away out of sight is a private live-in suite that keeps elderly in-laws close to the common areas without having to use stairs.

CM: And upstairs?

RG: In contrast to the open, horizontal orientation of the ground floor, the upper level is oriented vertically toward the sky and heavily compartmentalized with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, and a family room. Spaces are compact but feel spacious thanks to the soaring vaulted ceilings and daylighting from skylights.

CM: How did you land on the material and colour palettes used here?

RG: We arrived at a fairly restrained material palette, which is applied consistently throughout the home. This creates a calm and harmonious background that can better withstand (and not be overwhelmed by) the chaos and clutter of family life. The main components are grey elm cabinetry throughout, white oak floors, and grey quartz counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and living areas.

The folded roof slopes steeply toward the back, sheltering a series of private outdoor spaces with deep eaves. The stepped levels create ample conversation zones and create an amphitheatre experience.

CM:  Are there any special features or considerations we might not see immediately?

RG: The Etobicoke home is working hard to do many things at once. It’s like a complex puzzle where each piece is contributing. There are no inefficiencies or wasted spaces. A lot of work is required to achieve that result, but because the pieces fit together seamlessly, it looks effortless. What you see is a calming and durable backdrop for the chaos of family life.

The post Great Lake Studio Strikes a Balance for a Multi-Gen Home in Etobicoke appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

In their latest collaboration, Roche Bobois and Christophe Delcourt, explore the interplay between two staple materials in the brand’s history – walnut and travertine.

The Palatine collection includes a table, a sideboard and seating, which has been credited as the designer’s love letter to Italy, drawing on inspiration from the country’s classic and contemporary architecture.

The Palatine dining table features two semi-cylindrical travertine pillars as the base, connected by a pair of solid walnut bars. The slightly rounded tabletop is solid and veneer walnut with a fine grain, refined veining and a concave travertine insert set in the middle. $15,795 at Roche Bobois.

The Palatine sideboard echoes a similar effect to the dining table. The decorative concave travertine detail is repeated in the double legs that come up along the front, intertwining with the flush doors. The sideboard also features a Roman travertine top with softened edges, juxtaposing itself to its deep Canaletto walnut veneer sides. At Roche Bobois.

Stepping into the living room, the Palatine armchair and sofa’s plump cushions have an inviting look. Clean-lined and timelessly aesthetic, the low-profile armchair and sofa feature piping details that highlight the interlocking seat and armrest. The wool-alpaca bouclé fabric emphasizes the lushness of this piece. Armchair $6,105. Sofa $12,545 at Roche Bobois.

The collaboration between Roche Bobois and Christophe Delcourt looks to the naturalness of two of its prized material, walnut and travertine, to strike a balance between richness and elegance. The rawness of the materials add an essence of whimsy, while maintaining a striking presence in any space.

Celeste 2 armchair, Cedric Ragot.

The Palatine collection is a part of Roche Bobois’ Spring-Summer 2024 releases. Designers featured in this year’s warm-weather release include Alessandra Benigno, Esther Everaert, Christian Ghion, Valdina Manuel, Maurisio Manzino, Cedric Ragot and Joelle Rigal. Their products are showcased throughout the photography in this collection. ROCHE-BOBOIS.COM

The post Roche Bobois Teams Up with Christophe Delcourt for Spring Collection appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

Books are works of art, inside and out. Whether an avid collector, book-clubber or fickle reader, go beyond the bookshelf to display your favourite reads.

Designlines sought out some of the most unique book display solutions that to help you amplify your literary collection.

Noro Stool

Toronto-based designer Chuma Asuzu’s Noro Stool is ideal for displaying your collection in small spaces. Nọrọ, the Igbo word for “stay”, is designed to “celebrate the objects that remain a part of our lives.” The stool can be assembled without nails and provides avid readers a place to enjoy their favourite reads. $180 from 313 Design Market.

Bookworm

From designer Ron Arad for Kartell come the bookworm, a flexible wall-mounted bookshelf sure to be a conversation starter in any space. Marked by a series of bookend supports, the shelf creates an illusion of floating, toppling and gravity-defying books. This mind-bending book display comes in three different lengths, perfect for accommodating growing book collections. From $758.99 at Casa Living Design.

Aimes Brass and Travertine Bookstand

For collectors of visual works, this travertine and brass book stand is ideal for displaying your collection. The honed white travertine creates a sturdy base and its unlacquered brass display will develop the patina of a vintage find overtime. $149.95 at CB2.

Conceal Shelf

Books in themselves are a work of art, so why not display them as such? The Conceal Shelf by Umbra create an illusion of floating books, letting your collection stand out while acting as functional wall décor. Available in two sizes. From $39.99 at Urbane.

Takara Live Edge Wall Shelves

These natural teak shelves add a sense of elevated nature to your space. Made from natural reclaimed wood, their uniquely earthy look makes these bookshelves the perfect place to show off literary works about nature, fantasy, or eco-fiction. From $134 at West Elm.

Primitive Bookshelf XS

Add a pop of colour to your collection with this vibrant bookshelf option. From Studio Nucleo for Qeeboo, the modular shelf has potential for a multitude of styling options, perfect for the maximalist book collector. $1,153.99 from Casa Living Design.

Solis Wall Shelves

Looking to add a bit of interest to your space? The textural and structural aspects of this set of 4 wall shelves make them ideal for the modern yet minimal collector. Made from bent metal, the sleek design adds an air of sophistication to your bookshelf needs.  From $199.99 at Nirvana Home.

The post Go Beyond the Bookshelf With These Unique Book Displays appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

Vives St-Laurent’s latest renovation project in Toronto’s High Park aims to redefine the entire house to meet the contemporary needs of its residents while remaining true to its historic character.

The Montreal-based interior design studio struck a balance by embracing a transitional sensibility to the Edwardian’s interior scheme, which was overhauled with modern fixtures juxtaposed by its existing classic finishes, like dentil moldings that were retained and carry throughout the home.

Brown ceramic tiles add organic texture to the main entryway and compliment a neutral palette that delivers a sense of calm.

In an embrace of warm wood, deep oak cladding extends from the powder room under the staircase into the home’s library, creating a contrast with the surrounding spaces.

“This approach allows for a seamless transition between rooms, creating a harmonious and interconnected layout. By aligning the rooms in a linear fashion, it enhances the spatial experience and optimizes the use of space while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic,” said Lysanne Vives St-Laurent, co-founder.

In the kitchen, an oversized glossy white ceramic hood and ceiling-height cabinetry bring a softened structure to the space, while the Calacatta Viola marble countertops add a stark contrast with their deep-toned veining. French doors provide access to the terrace and amplify natural light in this space.

Upstairs, Vives St-Laurent redesigned the bedrooms with modern touches. Inviting wall colours and custom storage give this floor a uniquely welcoming aura.

“The variations between light and coloured are marked by the existing arches of the house, which creates a frame and consequently a change of ambiance,” said St-Laurent. “We kept all the existing walls … and this approach allowed us to avoid altering the pre-existing structure.”

From this transitional renovation by Vives St-Laurent comes a sense of sustained charm and thoughtful modernization.

The post An Edwardian in High Park Embraces Quebecois Sensibility appeared first on Designlines Magazine.

Laid off during the pandemic, Junction Carpentry partners Michael Taylor and Rene Hugenneyer decided to take a leap of faith into a new endeavour – biking carpentry in Toronto’s West End. “I made a Facebook post asking if anyone needed carpentry work done in the neighbourhood and very quickly realized there was a lot of opportunity out there,” said Taylor.

The team behind Junction Carpentry have known each other for twenty years. When Hugenneyer helped Taylor build a shed in his backyard, they knew there was an opportunity ahead. The experience of building and working together would be the genesis of their company. “Our original idea was to focus on working locally between our two homes rather than a specific type of service. We built a few different projects, and it quickly became clear that we preferred working outside in the fresh air and the elements. We’ve stuck with outdoor work and ultimately achieved our original plan of working in the west end, with some added focus,” said Taylor. “Our current favourite projects are bespoke porches, sheds, and small studios like the beautiful music studio we built alongside Atelier Dalziel.”

The music studio and outdoor room design by Atelier Dalziel was inspired by the public benches of Florentine palazzi. Driven by the architecture firm’s commitment to local and natural materials, Junction Carpentry built it entirely out of untreated Ontario white cedar. In many ways, the project is a quintessential example of Junction Carpentry’s work, its attention to craftsmanship and community spirit.

Operating between Parkdale and Bloor West Village, the bespoke backyard carpenters tried a few approaches before landing on their current business model. Hugenneyer and Taylor utilize the bike-friendliness of the city and ride their modified e-bike to projects.

“There are two big benefits to this,” said Taylor. “The first is that driving and parking downtown is a pain, so that’s avoided, and the other is that cycling is sustainable – not just environmentally, but also in terms of lifestyle – we both have young families and cycling fits within our goal of working hyper-locally, helping work-life balance.”

Junction Carpentry thinks of itself in the same light as the West End district it serves – eclectic and kind. Its design style is bespoke, drawing inspiration from each client and coming to understand their needs.

For this tiny backyard workspace, teaming up with Matthew Dalziel from Atelier Dalziel was a seamless match. The now Oslo-based architect grew up in Toronto and celebrates the project as his first in Canada after more than 20 years of living and working abroad. In many ways, the homecoming project is the perfect case study on Junction Carpentry’s sense of site specificity. The company has found its niche – bespoke craftsmanship that brings beauty to the neighbourhood it calls home.

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