Decor Architecture Design R e n ovat i o n

Interiors 2017

the
interiors
An Elegant
Country
Retreat
A Dark and

issue
Dramatic
A Mid-Century Makeover
Modern Gem Traditional
Gets a Makeover Meets
p. 68 Modern in
Almonte
A Dazzling
Art-Filled
House
Hollywood
Glam on
the Rideau

creativity
Unleashed

I n n ovat i o n s i n Top Design K i tc h e n & B at h

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 Ottawa Magazine covers the people, places, and issues that define the capital. For more content, visit ottawamagazine.com

Volume 19 | Number 5 inteRiORs 2017

76
A sense 0f pLAce
an enterprising couple design the house of
their dreams — one that pays homage to their
almonte street while looking resolutely to the future
BY SARAH BROWN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY

50
Working the
58
BoLdLy does it
68
keeping time
84
the Art of Living
92
hoLLyWood on
AngLes Deep, rich colours and a determined couple keep two artists discover an the rideAu
a creative branding guru an eclectic collection of history alive, undertaking a architectural tour de force Design-savvy home-
takes an imaginative flea-market finds add renovation that gives new in Vanier, and work with the owners and a bold
approach to renovating cosmopolitan flair to this life to a mid-century gem unique design of the house designer recreate the
his gatineau Hills summer design blogger’s home in Rockcliffe to create a warm home that glamorous style of the
BY MELANIE SCOTT BY BARBARA SIBBALD doubles as a showcase for
PHOtOgRaP HY: DOublesPace PHOtOgRaPHY

home, celebrating its quirky late John elgin woolf, an

layout and making the most PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY their art collection architect whose client list
of outstanding river vistas MARC FOWLER GORDON KING BY PAUL GESSELL included a who’s who of
BY HATTIE KLOTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY movie stars during Holly-
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN LALONDE wood’s golden age
CHRISTIAN LALONDE BY SARAH BROWN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GORDON KING

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 15
 Contents
On the Cover

41
Decor Architecture Design r e n ovAt i o n
Features
Interiors 2017

the WAtCHlist
interiors
An Elegant
Country
Retreat
A Dark and

issue Three diverse projects offer visions for a

Dramatic
A Mid-Century Makeover
Modern Gem Traditional
Gets a Makeover Meets
p. 68 Modern in

green future 41
Almonte
A Dazzling
Art-Filled
House
Hollywood
Glam on
the Rideau

creativity
Unleashed voiCe 130
The journey to Find Home
Interiors 2017 $11.95

i n n ovAt i o n s i n top Design K i tc h e n & B At h

BY Ben Bulmer
green Living tA L e n ts trenDs

1_cover_final.indd 1 2017-01-09 9:49 AM

phOtOgraphy:
gordon king

“In order for

the kids to
come into our
private space,
they have to
Interiors 2017

be invited. And
the same goes
for us”

This City Great Taste Indulge

Zibi + the industrial evolution • Random desBrisAY dines GcTc’s chef & Shows
desires • A designer on the rise • Instagram + Arome, Rustiek, and XiangZi 113
for architects • DIY coffee table
CHeAP eAts Dining options for penny-
Plus: Artful Musing • Open Book • Going pinchers 116
Out • Backstage • Scene & Heard 25
CitY Bites local food news 118

HigH sPirits Flavour rules for mixing

drinks 121

PHOTOGRAPHY: juST In vAn leeu we n (41, 105, 113); B eccA wAllAce ( 25)
113
108
Most WAnted canadian cloth 103

trendWAtCH
Favourite on-trend kitchens and bath-
rooms, plus details on how to get the looks

30
105

resoUrCes 124

16 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 © 2016 CFA Institute. All rights reserved. #CFAdifference

We asked:
what is the
most spectacular
room in Ottawa?

the Birch Room at the French eDitOR Dayanti Karunaratne

embassy with its walls and ceil-
ing clad in birchbark. it used to SeniOR eDitOR Matt Harrison there’s none so unique as the
be better known as the Smoking tent Room inside Rideau Hall,
Room and the bark was installed aRt DiRectOR Jane A. Corbett which resembles a candy cane or a
to absorb the smell of tobacco, popcorn box. it was designed by
but i just think of it as the ultimate cOntRiBUting eDitOR Chris Lackner the earl of Dufferin to host the kind
rustic-chic lounge. of indoor parties he recalled from
MY INVESTMENT —S.B.
SPeciaL PROjectS eDitOR Sarah Brown his days in england. the room also
PERFORMANCE eDitORS-at-LaRge Mark Bourrie, Paul Gessell,
doubled as a tennis court.
IS A RESULT –M.H.
Patrick Langston, Fateema Sayani
OF YEARS OF
ReStaURant cRitic Anne DesBrisay
EXPERIENCE 
cOPY eDitOR Lois Casselman

AND A DEEP You can’t beat the glass atrium

at the national gallery.
DeSigneR Jeff Eustace
Mackenzie King led canada
and communed with spirits
amid the Victorian elegance of

KNOWLEDGE it offers fabulous views of

Parliament Hill at all hours, but
during the day it casts rainbows
cOntRiBUtORS Younes Bounhar, Sarah
Brown, Ben Bulmer, Cindy Deachman, Anne
DesBrisay, Marc Fowler, Paul Gessell, Michael
the parlour of Laurier House
in Sandy Hill. Listen carefully:
You might hear barking by the

OF MARKETS. of colour and soft light when the

sun shines, while at night
it twinkles and glows.
George Haddad, Emily Kennedy, Gordon King,
Hattie Klotz, Chris Lackner, Christian Lalonde,
Amanda Large, Anastasia Philopoulos,
ghost of King’s dog Pat.
—P.g.

—H.K.
Caroline Connell, CFA Fateema Sayani, Melanie Scott, Katie Shapiro,
Barbara Sibbald, Anthony Tremmaglia, Jenna
Turk, Justin van Leeuwen, Becca Wallace My four-by-eight-foot office,
Ask firms why they employ investment because no one is allowed to
PRODUctiOn DiRectOR Maria Mendes enter except my cat.
managers with the CFA® designation Unquestionably, the main reading
—M.S.
room of the Library of Parliament
and they’ll tell you that those letters PRODUctiOn ManageR Alexandra Irving
with its carvings, cupola,
represent a proven understanding of statues, and books. Bliss. PRODUctiOn cOORDinatOR Julien Lafleur
investment management, commitment —B.S.
PRePReSS cOORDinatOR Kathleen Fregillana
to ethics, and always putting clients’
interests first. All of which contribute aDVeRtiSing DeSigneR Alexandra Egan
to the integrity and credibility of
their organizations. Because, for our ottAWAMAGAZine.CoM
charterholders and their employers,
DiRectOR DigitaL Sheldon Sawchuk
those three letters are making a real
difference every day. weB ManageR Adam Campbell

cReatiVe DiRectOR, DigitaL

CFAsociety.org/ottawa
Matthew Warland

DiRectOR, DigitaL SeRViceS

Angie McKaig

PROject anD SaLeS cOORDinatOR, DigitaL

Lindsay Thomson

weB DeSigneRS Jennifer Abela-Froese,

Scott Rankin, Urszula Dobrowolska

PROject ManageRS Asmahan Garrib,

Damion Nurse, Ada Tat

through Partners in growth, Ottawa Magazine, in conjunction

with St. joseph Print group and Scouts canada, contributes to the
preservation of our environment. the printing of this magazine
has facilitated the planting of thousands of seedlings on public
parklands and riverbanks across canada.

18 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 ANDRE GODIN DESIGN
E X C E P T I O N A L H O M E S
andregodindesign.com 613.823.8833

publisher Dianne Wing

Ottawa advertising sales Dee Campbell,

Anna Hadden, Julia Wallace

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vice-president, cOnsuMer Marketing

and prOductiOn Darlene Storey

newsstand directOr Annie Gabrielian

cOnsuMer Marketing Manager, web Larry Wyatt

st. JosePH communications media grouP

chairMan Tony Gagliano

president Douglas Knight

general Manager & v.p., finance Karl Percy

vice-president, strategic develOpMent

Duncan Clark

vice-president, research Clarence Poirier

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Manager, cOllectiOns and credit Carmen Greene

credit cOOrdinatOr Sandra DaSilva

cOllectiOns specialists
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Manager, business prOcesses and analysis Ayshe Uraz

payrOll Manager Helia Aiello

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seniOr Manager infOrMatiOn technOlOgy

JP Timmerman

it Manager Eagle Huang

Through Partners in
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O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 19
OMINT_AndreGodin_2-3V_REV3.indd 1 2017-01-06 12:31 PM
 breathtaking beauty inspired by nature
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This Issue

This Issue | By Dayanti Karunaratne

“It’s the craft of putting things together.” Similarly, for the editors and designers involved
An architect I was interviewing recently used in this publication, the many rounds of editing,
this phrase to describe his approach to modern fact-checking, and proofing ensure there won’t
architecture. While a lot of design language can be any audible gasps when the issue hits
seem abstract to outsiders such as me, this one newsstands.
stuck. And it echoed a sentiment made by none Much of this labour for our annual Interiors
other than rapper Ice Cube. In a video that issue is done by special projects editor Sarah
shows him touring his favourite buildings of Brown, whose eye for interesting houses and
Los Angeles, including the home of designers years of experience assembling magazines —
Charles and Ray Eames, the influential not to mention her unending curiosity about all
musician reflects: “It’s not about the pieces, it’s kinds of houses — have built Interiors into a
about how the pieces work together.” (Who structure of integrity in its own right.
knew Ice Cube studied architectural drafting In an age of fake news, internet trolls, and
before he got into rap music?) other digital tools that generate stories with
Maybe the definition sticks, because for me, manipulation in mind, our methodical ways
there is magic in the “putting together” of might seem outdated or overly meticulous.
magazines. It begins with the planning, But, like a house planned with care and built
phOtOgraphy: jaMie krOnic k; clOthin g an d accessOries frOM siMOn s

choosing which stories fit where, and which with love, this book is one that will stand the
don’t fit at all (believe it or not, many gems lie test of time.
on the cutting-room floor).
Indeed, both magazines and architecture Coming Up: Before the “immersive multi-
share a process-heavy approach. For the media production” known as Kontinuum opens
designers, builders, and homeowners whose at the Lyon Street LRT station, our Spring issue
stories come alive in this issue, the “measure will examine how these transit hubs will change
twice, cut once” mantra is second nature — be- the future of Ottawa. We’ll also reveal stories of
cause when it comes to a magnum opus such as people who feel they cannot trust the Ottawa
a custom home, slow and steady wins the race. Police Service, take readers on a tour of the city’s
(That’s not to say mistakes are not made and annual weapons trade show, and explore a trio
lessons learned; I love the humour shown by of gardens created with wildlife in mind.
Mark Willcox when he jokes in “Keeping Time,”
page 68, that ripping out newly installed Dayanti Karunaratne, editor
insulation made it easier for the electricians.) [email protected]

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 21
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 This City “i love the national arts centre. i remember going there a lot as a kid.
it has a dark, brooding interior, and i love that it feels like this fortress
and this sanctuary for cultural things.”—Nico Valenzuela, page 29

Reason to Love Ottawa | Because urban rehabilitation rules at Zibi,

home to one of the city’s hottest party and wedding venues
phOtOgraphy: justin van leeuwen

Let’s call it the industrial evolution. at zibi, the former Domtar lands are being factor to new heights: their 20th-anniversary bash in 2016 (shown above) saw
given a second life by windmill Development group, which is preserving the history the stores building transformed into a carnival of colour and light. party hosts take
of the derelict industrial site on the Ottawa river while looking to the future with note: the bar has been set high for 2017. as Ottawa celebrates canada’s 150th, retro
an ambitious sustainable community. two huge buildings, abandoned for decades, industrial spaces are all the rage, with small, creative businesses increasingly pop-
have been rehabilitated and opened as event spaces, sparking a flood of creativity ping up in old warehouse bays and former factory spaces. looks like all that is
among capital residents. trust global branding agency McMillan to take the cool old is new again! —Sarah Brown
O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 25
Random
new school (Of thOught)
it’s a banner day when a modestly sized photog-
raphy school announces plans to move from its

Desires
cramped Byward Market studio space into a con-
verted warehouse in Little italy that boasts loads
more study space and a gallery. the transforma-
tive project of the School of the Photographic
arts: Ottawa is headed up by its creative/executive
director Jonathan hobin, who will collaborate
What we love, with his father, architect Barry hobin. watch for it
where to find it, and to come together by summer 2017.

sometimes why —
our curated list Beautiful Recycling
of local finds when a skateboard has
been abandoned or is
no longer fit for surfing
the city, Maru the circle
Addictive Window Dressing
coffee love reigns supreme with eepmon’s Brand takes over, pair-
citylights display at Bridgehead’s Rideau Street ing the colourful rock-
shop. the 5-by-11-foot showstopper by digital artist hard maple of that
and creative phenom eric chan, a.k.a. eepmon, is a old board with quality
vision in gold, mixing words and images that speak
to the company’s passion for the bean. Look for the stainless steel to create
citylights to-go cups at your local Bridgehead. the awesomeness that
is the Skate Santoku
knife. Donate your old
skateboard to receive
the ultimate personal
piece.

repurposing a BanK
what better way to put your design chops
to the test than by repurposing an old bank
into a modern display space. the owners
of alteriors modern furniture shop in Old
Ottawa South have done just that, buying
the former tD canada trust location across
the street and transforming it into a sleek
new showcase for their wares. Owners Jacob
Visutskie and Monika Durczak will now
operate out of both locations, turning the
original store into a dedicated Ligne Roset
showroom.
Signs of the times
it must be welcoming; it has to have personality.
even better if it boasts that impossible-to-quantify
“it” factor known as cachet. Orleans-based the
Legendary workshop gets it, furnishing local culi-
nary hot spots with head-turning signs that radiate
personality. Look for their pieces at the Rowan,
the Pomeroy house, the commons, Mason-Dixon
Kitchen + Bar, union Local 613 and, well, every
week a new sign seems to pop up …

26 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
This City

a HOMe Office
With attitude
a moose on a Ski-Doo? a beaver
with an axe? it’s all part of an
epic canadiana-themed cartoon
PHOtOgRaPHy: PHOtOLUx StUDiO (SignS Of tHe tiMe); BaRRy J HOBin & aSSOciateS aRcHitectS (new ScHOOL Of tHOUgHt); DOUBLeSPace PHOtOgRaPHy (exPeRiMentaL KiD StUff); Steven BUtLeR (cRafting fOR gROwnUPS)

scene gracing the home office

of art appreciator Ryan Langlois.
the scene is the result of a part-
nership between Ottawa’s
PDa Projects and Montreal’s
en Masse, a multi-artist collab-
textiles Meet MetaL
orative drawing project. want to
She’s a former forestry worker turned
textile artist, her works drawing crafting for grown-ups learn more about these collab-
inspiration from the natural world. this is what happens when an
engineer and an artist get creative. orators who have also dreamed
Sayward Johnson hand-weaves her
the animal-themed sculpture kits at up permanent art projects for
pieces with copper wire, then oxi-
dizes them to form a complex patina Low Poly crafts, a business launched Shopify and common eatery?
before sealing in the colours. the just last spring by Britta evans-
fenton and adrian Ocneanu, are like PDa Projects recently opened
results are haunting and moody, the
paper-folding on steroids. But, hey, a gallery space at 1073-b Bank
stiff “fabric” manipulated into ridges
and other shapes, embroidery some- the pieces are all pre-cut, pre-scored, St., just across the road from the
times added. the city of Ottawa and pre-numbered. How hard could
it be? Let’s try one and see how Mayfair theatre.
bought one of Johnson’s works for
the first time in 2016, showcasing it it compares to an ikea assembly
as a standout piece in their annual project.
exhibition of new acquisitions.

experimental Kid Stuff

warehouse design company is
always creating — sometimes just
for fun. Understated in sensibility
and cool of form, their epona rock-
ing horse was all the rage when
co-ceO ian Murchison debuted
it at last year’s interior Design
Show in toronto. named for the
gallo-Roman goddess of fertility
and protector of horses, epona is
crafted from recycled copper cable,
nature-inspired art hand-finished canadian maple, and
creativity takes flight when artist-designers Danielle Jones and James Laish rabbit fur. Unfortunately for design-
collaborate. Pairing brilliant archival pigments with state-of-the-art printers, conscious parents everywhere, the
the duo behind Jones+Laish has created the Butterfly Effects series. Striking rocking horse is a prototype, but the
in their intensity, these textural masterpieces are rendered in bold pinks, duo of Murchison and Rohan thakar
turquoises, and golds. Let’s just call them butterflies with attitude. do have lots of other neat stuff for
sale through their website.
O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 27
 This City
Cameo | On the Rise By Dayanti Karunaratne

Houry avedissian of Ha2 architectural Design is a force to be reckoned with.

while her previous experience includes office towers in Montreal’s financial
district and villa design in the turks and caicos, it would seem avedissian has
found her niche in Ottawa’s thriving modern residential scene. From her first
Ottawa renovation — of a traditional detached home onto which she man-
aged to insert a funky pitched roof — in 2010 to her 2016 wins at the greater
Ottawa Home Builders association (gOHBa), which she shared with roy
nandram of rnD construction, avedissian is a bold and dedicated architec-
tural designer. Here, she opens up about past projects, future goals, and what
it means to be recognized by her peers.

That’s quite the staircase. Tell me about You have said that you want your
how it came to be. designs to fit into their surroundings but
well, my initial idea was an industrial spi- also have a distinguishing quality that
ral staircase, but because of code issues, reflects your clients’ lifestyle. How do
a spiral staircase would have taken over you find the balance?
half of the space. so back to the drawing it’s so interesting how it always naturally
board! i suggested, “why don’t we go comes about. For example, the current
for something really fluid?” You see a lot clients i’m working with — for them, art
of that in china — the sculptural trend. is super-important. in one of their first
an artifact in the room — that’s how i emails to me, they sent photos of all
wanted to treat it. the whole idea was to their art and artifacts and sculptures.
keep it as light and airy as possible: so that is the priority: to find space for
narrow walls, sleek handrails, but still all this art. But i also need room for me
sturdy. and i wanted to keep it open so to be creative in my own design ways.
that we can explore what’s going on the open-concept approach means that
underneath it. the whole thing came having blank walls [for art] is harder to
together as a calm, zen space. achieve, believe it or not. so the name of
the next project is going to be galleria.
You have previously designed office the art will be the inspiration. Because if i
towers in Montreal. How would you propose a project that is all glass, they’re
describe the difference between the going to say, “she didn’t listen to a thing
architecture of Montreal and Ottawa? i said! glass is beautiful, but i have no
i think Montreal has a long way to go. place to put my art.”
this shocks everyone. People think that
the architecture i see in Montreal is what In 2016, you won two GOHBA awards.
i’m doing here, which is so not true. what What do these awards mean to you?
i’m seeing in the world is what i’m doing getting the community and your peers to
in Ottawa. Montreal has a lot of catching recognize you is a big deal to me. and it
up to do. validates to me that i’m doing something
right — that what i believe internally
is getting expressed externally. when
allowed to be creative, and follow through
the design of your project from beginning
to end, we can achieve a higher level of
quality and success. Design is in the
details, and that is my strength. i would
like people to engage my services for
what i have shown i can bring to the table
— not to mention the added value and
prestige for your investment when your
project wins awards. PHOtOgraPHY: justin van leeuwen

28 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiOrs 2016 28

 Eye on the Street | Nico Valenzuela By Fateema Sayani

His Instagram feed, @built.ottawa, magnificently captures

the ordinary and elevates the mundane. With two feet, a
heartbeat, and a low-end cellphone camera, the architect —
who works as a designer of user-friendly computer systems
— sniffs out and magnifies architectural details, vistas, and
miscellany with an eye for detail. We draw out the common
themes found in his work.

symmetry
“i don’t set out to take symmetrical photos. Often it’s
inherent in the building that i am taking an image of,
though more and more i am realizing it is something i am
drawn to. i did my undergrad and master’s in architecture.
i work as a computer designer at a tech company, but i
still have a great interest in architecture, so it’s part of me.
a lot of my images are very flat — they’re very orthogonal
and straight. it comes from my time in architecture school,
doing drawings and representing buildings that way.”

strolling
“i walk a lot. Originally, when i started this in 2014, i was
involved with Ottawa architecture week, and as i was
thinking about the city, i wanted to document these con-
ditions that were exciting for me so i could refer to it from
time to time. it was a sketchbook in a way. i tend toward
things that are really worn down, and if i feel connected
to an image, i’ll put it up. there is a lot that i discard, and i
don’t post that often. Sometimes i annoy the people i’m
with because i take time to get a shot.”

Urbanism
“i don’t typically see a lot of photos of Ottawa under the
#guardiancities hashtag. it’s a project of the guardian
media company in the U.K. they discuss urban issues, and
they also have an instagram feed that features photos
by people who focus on urban photography. they got
in touch with me and asked to post one of my photos
[Octopus Books, above] on their feed, which was really
great. it puts Ottawa on the map.”

ConCrete
“My fascination with concrete goes back a little bit. there
used to be a drawing class in first-year architecture, and
one of the projects was to sit in front of a concrete wall
and draw it. the longer you sit there and the longer you
look at it, the more you see. it’s an amazing material, and
there’s so much in it to see, especially when it’s old and
used and you see fragments of what used to be there.
it’s this material that keeps accumulating layers.”

Where’s nico? Some of Valenzuela’s shots are of iconic buildings such as the Blackburn (top right), the national arts centre brUtalism
(bottom left), and national Defence Headquarters (bottom right), but most are of somewhat anonymous structures that he simply “i love the national arts centre. i remember going there a
tags according to their location. For instance, the teardown (top left) is tagged #deconstructed #sandyhill, while an older apart- lot as a kid. it has a dark, brooding interior, and i love that it
ment building (middle left) is given the more detailed location of #centretown #elgin. His instagram followers often jump in with feels like this fortress and this sanctuary for cultural things.
comments when they recognize a particular building i love going in there — you get these conditions where a
beam of light will come through and animate the space.”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 29
Process | On the Table By Matt Harrison

“That live-edge slab coffee table you’re admiring in my living room? Oh, I made
First step: By lottery, students take that with my own bare hands.” Bragging rights are just one of the many pay-
turns choosing their slab from a offs that a collection of aspiring carpenters can expect to receive when guests
collection of locally sourced wood
admire the thing of beauty made during a five-week workshop given by Ottawa
that has been milled and dried.
City Woodshop’s Michael Grigoriev and Matt Wallace. This particular course
involved a handful of students who chose their slab and then painstakingly
transformed the wood into a flat, smooth surface, adding a base and a pair of
wooden legs toward the end. The process itself seems straightforward — most
of the work involved the use of a plane, a sander, and a rotor to achieve a sur-
face as smooth as glass. The reality, however, was more challenging. Grigoriev
guides us through the steps.

Julia Aceti: “I’ve always

had an interest in
woodworking. About a
year ago, I finally started
looking into a course
here and made a
skateboard … I just
recently moved, so I
thought it would be fun
to create something for
my new house. [It has
been] physically tough
at different stages. Lots
of repetition.” But she’s
not dissuaded by the
labour. “I have a fast-
paced job during the
day, so it’s nice to come
here and focus on one
Becky Moshiri: “i chose this [slab] because it’s from Manotick
simple task.”
and i’m from Manotick. it adds to the story. it’s willow, which is a
soft wood and is supposed to be easy to shave down.” turns out,
“easy” is relative: for Moshiri and her husband, Kevin, the stamina
as layers are removed, the grain of required to plane the wood was gruelling. Kevin: “at first, you’re
the wood begins to emerge — it’s not trying to really push, trying to get as much wood off as possible
uncommon to see students lovingly … we were so sore because we were forcing [the plane]. But
passing their palms over the after a while, you realize it’s more about technique, and it got
smooth-as-glass surface. easier as the weeks went by.”

Michael Grigoriev: “The first two or three

classes … as far as the labour is involved, are
about flattening [the slab]. The wood they are
working with has been milled and taken to the
kiln. Lots of things happen to the wood in that
pHOtOgrapHy: Becca wallace

process: it warps, chips, bends, it gets cracks in it

… The jack plane requires two hands, [the] full
body, leaning into it, taking off layers of wood
until the surface is flat. Once they’ve done that,
they’re half-way finished.”

30 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
This City

Michael Grigoriev: “For this class, we’re doing a wood

base. this is local ash — beautiful material. they’ll use a
tool that bores, perfectly, holes into the wood.” these
holes are shaped like a domino into which domino-
Michael Grigoriev: “For some of the pieces, we shaped pieces of wood are inserted to create a joint.
might have to do bow ties, which are just pieces of “it’s a more modern way of joining wood. traditional
wood, shaped like bow ties, that are inserted into joinery would take twice as long.” Once the dominoes
cracks. [the bow tie] bisects the crack in order to are inserted, hardware is added that allows the legs to
prevent it from spreading.” be screwed to the slab.

Once the surface is as “smooth

as glass,” Grigoriev suggests that
the students remove the bark.
This makes many cringe, since
the rough bark is a perfect
contrast to the smooth surface.
The decision is up to the
students, but most take his
suggestion and remove the bark,
since dust and insects —
especially spiders — will make
homes in it. “[The bark] will be
difficult to keep clean, and over
time, it will crumble and fall off.”

Here, Julia is completing the last part of

the process: oiling. typically two or three
layers are applied. “i work for the
government, and at one point, i was
asked what my dream job was. i said
professional surfer-slash-woodworker.
two years ago i learned how to surf, so
now i’m doing this! there’s a spot in my
living room where this [coffee table] will
go. no one’s allowed to touch it — it’s
more of an art piece!”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 31
Artful Musing | By Paul Gessell

the nFB’s Pin-Up Girl the Best Game You Can name
“Propaganda,” declares Carol the title says it all: Hockey in Canada –
Payne, an associate professor of More Than Just a Game. indeed, it is
art history at Carleton University. the canadian soul on skates, with its
She’s referring to the patriotic highs (stanley cup victories for your
images scrolling across the screen favourite team, the opening of a new
of her laptop. There are land- community-funded arena) and its
scapes, industrial scenes, and lows (superstars sidelined by concus-

phOtOgraphy: cOurtesy Of the nfB (Mrs. e. Marr, VerOnica fOster, a.k.a. the Bren gun girl, three inuit Men); Jacques plante’s “pretzel” Mask, designed By w. a. BurchMOre and e. t. p. greenland, early 1960s, fiBreglass, canadian MuseuM Of histOry, 2006.80.1
even some government-funded sions, young players sexually abused
cheesecake of a sexy woman by coaches). an exhibition dives into
caressing a rifle barrel. it all at the Canadian Museum of
These pictures represent the History from March 10 to oct. 9.
approximately 100 photographs Jennifer anderson, exhibition co-
in a travelling exhibition Payne curator, found that everyone she meets has
organized. The photographs will a hockey story, often rooted in childhood. it
be at Carleton University Art might be memories of watching games with dad, dad,
Gallery Feb. 27 to April 30 for dad, meeting gordie howe, or suiting up for the first time. hockey is in
a show called The Other NFB: our literature, our songs, and even our lingo. “stop ragging the puck,”
The National Film Board of you might tell an indecisive, slow-poke colleague at work. expect to see
Canada’s Still Photography these kinds of stories in the exhibition, as well as such artifacts as one
Division, 1941–1971. of goalie Jacques plante’s early face masks, various memorabilia from
Starting in 1941 — this was Maurice (rocket) richard and hayley wickenheiser, and hockey souve-
the Second World War, remem- nirs from average people.
ber — the federal agency best Visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to tell their own hockey
known for its documentary films stories and to explain why hockey, to them, is more than just a game.
sent photographers across the
country to increase patriotism by capturing images of a happy, healthy, modern
country. No slums allowed. No striking workers. Instead, we got hearty Caucasians 25 Years Young
Le Grand défi de l’Accomplissement or
at work and at play. Hommage à la déesse Kali, 2013 Art-image is a gatineau
It’s not that the images lied, but they did not tell the whole truth. These photos public gallery celebrating
are Canada’s version of Stalinist propaganda posters showing merry, athletic com- its 25th anniversary this
rades marching off to work with their hammers and sickles. And they are images year with a show honour-
that coaxed generations of Canadians to think of their country in a particular way: ing 25 artists featured over
white, prosperous, and content. Those sentiments linger. the years in the venue’s
Many of these images, some accompanied by so-called news stories, were sent (almost) annual exhibition
free of charge to newspapers and magazines for publication. The readers of these of up-and-coming artists
publications were not always aware they were viewing government material, just as called Emergence.
newspapers and magazines today slip in “advertorials” — corporate messaging dis- the list of artists in the
guised as news. exhibition Emergence 25
During the Second World War, there was a particular propaganda campaign to contains some of the big-
encourage women to work in factories to replace men fighting overseas. Consider gest names in the Ottawa-
Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl, whose real name was Veronica Foster. In one shot gatineau art scene, people
(below), Foster sits in a munitions factory, smoking and caressing the long barrel of who developed successful
a Bren gun. The image conveyed the notion that women working in a factory could careers as artists or as
be glamorous and sexy. Political correctness would never allow such an image today curators and gallery man-
to be generated by a government agency. agers and who were
a part of Emergence over the past 25 years. the names include
Michèle Provost, Jean-François Provost, Marie-Hélène Giguère,
Dominik sokolowski, Dominique Laurent, Hélène Lefebvre,
and Mustapha Chadid. they will all be showing new works Jan. 10
to March 12.
these artists are grateful for the chance they, as young emerging art-
ists, were given by art-image to exhibit in a professional space. “Being
invited to participate in Emergence was, in a way, like a confirmation
that i was going to be considered as part of the local arts community,”
says Michèle provost, who is most famous for her edgy embroidery.
dominique laurent remains an artist but is also the director of galerie
Montcalm in gatineau. “it was amazing to be a part of that show,”
recalls laurent. “i was able to have nice pictures taken and video shots
for my portfolio, and more people started to follow me.”
32 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
This City

Open Book | By Hattie Klotz

steve st. pierre The Art of the Cover

Steve St. Pierre’s Jacket Everyday project
compels his fans to judge each book by its cover

Why did you decide to do the Jacket Everyday

project?
Two reasons: I was working a solid job as an
interior Design Master Class:
art director at an agency doing branding work 100 Lessons From America’s Finest
for near-billion-dollar companies — and that Designers on the Art of Decoration
was fun — but I wanted to design just for me. Carl Dellatore, editor
Just to have fun again. I had freelanced a few this book is a treasure trove. with chapters
on theory, structure, style, process, ele-
years ago and enjoyed the book-cover projects
ments, and inspiration, there’s an answer
that came my way. Distilling an entire book for every design question. contributors
down to a single image is a great challenge. such as thomas O’Brien on Vintage
So I sorted out a way to do more covers in an Modern, kelly wearstler on glamour,
interesting way that just so happened to be timothy corrigan on welcoming spaces,
Bunny williams on comfort, and kathryn
intriguing to loads of people. ireland on textiles offer inspiration for
Steve St. Pierre designs book jackets for mem- every style.
Are you still doing it?
oirs yet to be written. In March of 2016, the
Since making the jump back to freelance in
local graphic designer began soliciting titles
July [2016], I’ve had to scale it way, way back
through his blog @jacketeveryday and started
as I need to keep food in my mouth and a roof
designing one a day, just for fun. Then the
over my head. Slowly but surely, I’m sure I’ll
CBC and Buzzfeed got hold of the story and he
get back into it with a vengeance. I’ve done
received over 800 submissions in a single day.
around 200. I was only planning 365, but I got
about 1,100 submissions before I had to stop
taking submissions.

Tell us about your three favourite covers so far.

12 Years & All I Got Was the Dog
It was such a heartbreaking title. I ended up
in Bloom: Creating and Living
finding the perfect image: a dog collar with a
With Flowers
heart pendant. I finished the cover and posted Ngoc Minh Ngo
it but realized it was missing something. I took with short essays to introduce each chapter,
the post down, added some cracks to the heart, this book offers photographs that are works
and then it all made sense. of art. In Bloom showcases inspirational
ways to incorporate flowers into life — be
that through your interior decoration, art,
No Pants Ever or garden design.
I was talking with Leah Collins from the CBC,
and she was wondering what her title would
be. She sent me the line and immediately I had
the visual — a rip-off of one of my favourite
designers, Alvin Lustig. He has this mild con-
structivist style about him. This is an instance
where the sketch in my Moleskine came out
pretty well verbatim.

11 Likes
This is an outlier, but I love the simplicity. Tom,
a fantastic illustrator from the West Coast,
submitted this title, and I spent the time going
through his entire Instagram feed looking for a the Perfect Bath
Barbara Sallick
photo that only had 11 likes on it. I had to cheat
for simple but important tips when plan-
a little, as I loved this photo way too much, but ning a bathroom as well as sumptuous
the starkness of the cover speaks to the depress- photos of decadent design schemes,
ing nature of the title. The Perfect Bath inspires relaxation.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 33
Going Out | By Matt Harrison

This City
Making New Memories
anyone in the restaurant biz will tell you that it’s
chaotic, to say the least, on canada Day in the
Byward Market. But when you’re told to bartend on
your first day and you’ve never mixed a cocktail in
your life, and all the while you’re throwing back shots
and feverishly filling drink orders before the fireworks
start — now that’s a memory. it also happens to be
my favourite memory of Memories café. now closed,
the building has been torn down, and a new, modern
glass-and-stone building at 7 clarence will be one of
the Confederation Pavilions, spaces for embas-

PhOtOgRaPhy: DanieL gRUnD, ReD BULL cOntent POOL (ReD BULL Racing); JOeRg MitteR, ReD BULL cOntent POOL (gUOLLa); tUnDe FagBURe (SnOwMan-Making cOMPetitiOn); M&g, cOURteSy OF aLteRna SavingS cRackUP cOMeDy FeStivaL (ROn JaMeS)
sies to showcase their country throughout 2017.
First up is the United States (Feb. 1–20), followed
by Mongolia (Feb. 22–March 6) and the Swiss
confederation (March 8–April 10).

Daniel guolla of Ottawa is out front in a Red Bull

crashed ice race in Belfast, northern ireland, in 2015

Demolition Derby on Skates

Crashed Ice — the name of the event suggests something deadly, and
the icy racetrack images provided by Red Bull, the title sponsor of this
international series, don’t do much to assuage those fears. Here’s how
it works: artificially created courses are set up in downtown locations
where speed skaters — four at a time — navigate tight turns, verti-
cal drops, and other obstacles at speeds upwards of 50 kilometres an Daniel guolla
hour. Elbows fly, legs battle, racers lean on each other. “You can’t just
hit a guy. If we could do that, guys would get seriously hurt,” Ottawa Giant Uncle Buck
competitor Daniel Guolla, 25, cautions. In spite of how dangerous it seems, Guolla insists injuries constructed in Bethel, Maine, with tires for buttons
are rare. “Yeah, we crash, we get bruised up … but broken bones and dislocated shoulders don’t and tree limbs for arms, Olympia Snowwoman
often happen.” looks like a snowy version of the Shwedagon
What kind of person would be attracted to this? Pagoda in Myanmar. at a whopping 11 storeys
Guolla first saw Red Bull Crashed Ice on television when he was 16. Instantly hooked, he came (122 feet), it’s the current guinness world Record-
holder for tallest snowperson. But we’ve got news
to see it as the perfect melding of his two favourite winter sports: hockey and downhill skiing.
for you, Bethel: Ottawa plans to smash your record
Indeed, Crashed Ice includes elements of speed and precision and is not unlike such other hybrid by almost 30 feet during this winter’s Alterna
sports as ski- and snowboard-cross. savings Crackup comedy festival. Unlike Bethel’s
Guolla lives and works in Ottawa, often bicycling by the locks where the race will be held, a forward-thinking snowwoman, Ottawa’s snowman
constant reminder of what lies ahead and the pressure on his shoulders: he will be Ottawa’s only will be shaped to look like Uncle Buck from the
competitor. It’s something he has taken to heart, especially after an injury last year. Motivating eponymous movie in honour of John candy, who
his recovery is the desire to be in shape for the upcoming race. But he’s also excited to share the will be posthumously awarded the 2017 comedy
sport with others. “For the people I’ve spoken to over the years about Crashed Ice, it will finally be Legend award.
a chance for them to see what I do.” as in years past, the festival will also host its
Each Crashed Ice course is unique, and Guolla admits he has no idea of what’s in store for him annual competition to build
as many snowpeople as pos-
during the event on March 3 and 4. This race will be held, in part, on the locks beside the Château
sible in one hour. this year’s
Laurier as part of Ottawa 2017 activities planned in celebration of the nation’s 150th birthday. goal? 3,000! this event takes
place on Feb. 4 at tD Place.
Make sure to check out
Ongoing/Upcoming those with a sweet tooth will be hoping for the crackup’s comedy lineup — in
temperature fluctuations necessary for maple syrup particular nova Scotia’s ron Ron James
For those who just don’t enjoy winter, i sympathize. production, typically in operation from March to James, who performs his
i can imagine how hard it must be to be immersed april. Make a day trip by visiting the following sugar unique style of stand-up,
in Ottawa’s winter-crazed atmosphere, especially bushes in and around Ottawa: vanier’s richelieu alternating between charac-
around winterlude. My advice: camp out at the Park boasts north america’s only urban sugar bush, ters, delivering profane jabs at
paradisiacal waterfall atrium inside the Sun Life Fulton’s Pancake House serves up maple-soaked canadiana, and offering the
Financial centre at 50 O’connor until spring arrives. griddle cakes in Pakenham, there are sleigh rides kinds of humorous insights
For everyone else, there’s still plenty of hockey, ski- on offer at stanley’s olde Maple Lane Farm common around Maritime
ing, skating, and — especially — Winterlude left. near Russell, and nature lovers can enjoy the trail at kitchen tables. James per-
Until Feb. 20. temple’s sugar Bush southwest of carleton Place. forms Feb. 17 at tD Place.
34 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 This City
Backstage | By Jenna Turk
Upcoming

this year’s Undercurrents Festival prom- this fall, the improv embassy opened its
ises the best in original theatre created by doors. as the city’s only studio exclusively
local and visiting artists alike. along with offering classes and shows dedicated to
The Elephant Girls (see left), hot tickets the art of improv and sketch comedy, it
include Tomorrow’s Child, a unique and serves as a workshop for local talent and
immersive audio experience by calgary’s an entertainment venue. On March 9 to
ghost River theatre, and Brotherhood: 11, the embassy is hosting the ottawa
The Hip Hopera, a high-energy rhymed improv Festival, which will feature come-
parody about two brothers living the dic dignitaries from Montreal, toronto, and
thug life, from toronto’s Sébastien Heins. chicago at Arts Court theatre. grab your
Undercurrents runs Feb. 8 to 11 and 14 to visas and prepare for the unexpected —
18 at Arts Court. diplomatic immunity will be in effect.

Margo MacDonald

Margo MacDonald Comes Home

“When I was a young artist just starting out,” says actress and playwright
Margo MacDonald, “I made the active choice to remain in Ottawa and
make theatre happen to prove that it could be done.” And that she did. She
not only founded Shakespeare troupe a Company of Fools 27 years ago but
she has also appeared on all the city’s stages. However, MacDonald recently
relocated to Toronto — not for her career but for love. Fortunately for us, on
Feb. 8, she returns with her one-woman show, The Elephant Girls, as part of
the Ottawa Fringe’s 20th-anniversary series and simultaneously to open the 26 lettres à danser
Undercurrents Festival. Patrick Gauthier, director of both festivals, says it was
a no-brainer, as The Elephant Girls was a huge hit at the 2015 Fringe, sold out
Young learners (kids 4–10) and their parents
on tour, and won many awards. “It was exactly what we were looking for.” can practise their alphabet en français with

PHOtOgRaPHY: anDRew aLexanDeR (MacDOnaLD); ROLLine LaPORte (26 lETTrES À dAnSEr); cYLLa VOn tieDeMann (InFInITY); ROD MaciVOR (TruST)
Based on the true story of a female gang in London known as the Forty 26 lettres à danser. this multidisciplinary
Elephants, The Elephant Girls was such a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe that it dance show, by Montreal’s Bouge de là,
will tour the U.K. later this year. makes us care about letters in a way we’d
But what does this success mean for fans of MacDonald? “I think I accom- never thought possible. Feb. 11 to 12 at the
University of ottawa’s Academic Hall.
plished pretty much everything I set out to do in Ottawa, so now I’m looking
forward to seeing what the rest of the world has to offer. That being said, I do Still reeling from Harper Lee’s reveal in Go Set
hope to be back in Ottawa often.” Ottawa audiences should be so lucky. a Watchman that our beloved atticus Finch is
a racist? turn back time with a trip to north
america’s oldest ongoing community theatre,
ottawa Little theatre, and take in Lee’s
Infinity Underground Fringe true masterpiece, To Kill a Mockingbird,
Ottawa-born theatre darling Hannah Moscovitch onstage Feb. 15 to March 4.
makes her highly anticipated nac debut with her latest
to celebrate canada’s 150th, the Great
play, Infinity, Feb. 28 to March 11 in the nAC studio. Canadian theatre Company is honour- Trust: A requiem for wood and stone
talent fuels dysfunction in this family drama that fea- ing their name and presenting their first
tures live classical music. Presented by toronto’s Volcano production ever to be staged in our other
theatre, a company known for challenging, politically “official” language — with english surtitles, thank goodness cathy Levy renewed her
of course. Les Passants, a co-production contract to keep on programming dance at
engaged work, Infinity is in safe hands with its artistic with théâtre la catapulte, uses vignettes to the nac! not only does Levy, the executive
director, Ross Manson, at the helm. His work uniting joyfully explore the intricacies of life’s little producer of dance at the national institu-
the arts and sciences was recently recognized with a surprises and revels in the beautiful absurdity tion, consistently bring the most exciting
Siminovitch Prize nomination. (the award is named for of human nature. Don’t let it pass you by; it international dancers to our nation’s
runs Feb. 21 to March 12. capital, but this season she has assembled
distinguished scientist Louis Siminovitch and his late
three of canada’s best choreographers in
wife, pioneering feminist playwright elinore, and is meant if you missed the premiere of Trust: A one room for our viewing pleasure. Billed
to honour their marriage of hearts and minds.) it’s the largest theatre prize in canada. requiem for wood and stone at last year’s as The Associates, this blockbuster show
Moscovitch may now make her home elsewhere, but Ottawa remains proud to call her canada Dance Festival, you’re in luck: a new will wow audiences with Étude no 1, a
a native, and with good reason: her career is soaring. She is a multi-award-winning adaptation of this modern dance duet will solo danced in steel-toed shoes, by Marie
be unveiled Feb. 23 to 25 at the Ottawa chouinard; crystal Pite’s moving duet A
playwright and, in 2016, was the first canadian to win the $150,000 (USD) windham- Dance Directive’s space in Arts Court. its Picture of You Falling; and the theatrical
campbell Prize from Yale University. with this heavy-hitting playwright-director duo, chalmers award-winning choreographer Echo by christopher House. March 23 to
Infinity’s theatrical punch is likely to be felt in perpetuity. tedd Robinson is a true original. 24 at the nAC theatre.

36 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
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 This City
Scene & Heard | By Fateema Sayani

“it’s funky,” he replies to his own question. “it’s across the continent looking for
a whole mix of stuff from people from all over.” vintage music on cassette that is of
we’re in Lafrenière’s basement studio, which interest to fellow collectors.
is nestled on a commercial strip in centretown, Lafrenière is channelling that
listening to that hybrid mash of stuff from all interest into a new project called
over. in the centre of the cozy room, there’s an old tropikombo, a twangy, brassy
console lined with gig posters, vintage bric-a-brac, analogue-loving Latin quintet that
and a cast-off wet bar. plays big soul-folk tunes that drip
Lafrenière and his Souljazz bandmates trace with pathos one moment and then
the pathways of the former colonies and find the jump with call-and-response vocals
pidgins, pastiches, and new sounds that arise and snaking horn lines the next. it’s
from these post-colonial mash-ups. they pay one avenue for Lafrenière, who also
homage, build upon the originals, or find their own plays funk and soul under the moni-
groove. the results have been massive and much ker Phil Motion, DJs, and records on
loved: the Souljazz Orchestra has toured europe his Up & Up Music label. (watch for
14 times. an album from songwriter Rommel
Philippe Lafrenière going down the rabbit hole of genres and sub- Ribeiro later this year.)
genres means that between tour stops, the band Meanwhile, the Souljazz Orchestra
members spend hours in record stores all over the is expanding upon the coupé-décalé-
souljazz side Project world. For Lafrenière, the byways are endless. Of style sounds of the track “Shock
“So why are you into this african stuff?” For Philippe late, he’s shifting to South america, discovering & awe” from their 2015 album,
Lafrenière of the souljazz orchestra, the question comes 1960s and ’70s music from colombia, a place he Resistance. expect more clubby disco
up occasionally from fans and friends — sometimes it’s deliv- describes as a hot spot for interesting takes on sounds from the band for their fall
ered dismissively, other times, reverently. the internationally Latin music. He has also been looking at the work 2017 album. See Lafrenière’s new side
loved six-piece has been amping up its afro-soul sounds for of awesome tapes from africa, an online store project, tropikombo, Feb. 25 at
nearly 20 years. run by an american ethnomusicologist who went Le Petit Chicago.

tara Holloway On Her Own Upcoming Hey Buster

For the first time the Bank street Bonbons offer big
in decades, tara brass blasts peppered with the odd
cover tune. the Ottawa octet turns
Holloway, the power-
Britney Spears’ “toxic” into a delicious
house folk-noir and jam and revives “My girl” from cancon
pop songwriter with heroes chilliwack. their original tunes
the raspy voice, has are all cool grooves and big-band
a regular job driving bumps made possible by trombones,
trucks for a catering trumpets, saxes, a sousaphone, and
company. after two drums. Launched by musician Mike
essoudry, the band picks up where his
decades of cross-
former mobile minstrel ministry, the Spend Family Day with Hey Buster. the capital dad
country touring, dive Mash Potato Mashers, left off when band recently branched out into civics with their album
motels, and couch they disbanded in 2014. the Bonbons I Like My Bike, covering — among other issues — cycling,
surfing, the O-town troubadour goes back to the same place bring their sugar and soul to the winter condo development, and sustainability. take the kids
day after day, buys groceries, and cooks at home. this — and edition of the ottawa Jazz Festival for the all-ages 6 p.m. show at House of targ on
the banal working-stiff annoyances of everyday life — are Feb. 11 at the Mercury Lounge. Feb. 20. expect singalongs, cardboard cut-out
costumes, and the collective “pee dance.”
novelties to her. two years ago, she released the plaintive
Lisa Loeb, famous for both her music
and pained stunner Little Ghosts on Vancouver’s Light Organ and her bespectacled presence decades Good Advice, her 2016 Jim James-produced album, is
Records, which came with a management deal and a big before hipster glasses were de rigueur, has notable in that it maintains Basia Bulat’s husky folkie
album budget. She has since parted in favour of going it on branched out. in addition to continuing vocals while indulging full-on in pop-rock trappings.
POtOgRaPHY: MaRc LaBRecqUe (HOLLOwaY)

her own and not having to record on other people’s timelines. to record folk-rock songs in the vein of there is heartbreak, group harmonies, oohs and aahs
Her plan is to write and play locally through the winter months “Stay (i Missed You)” — her Reality Bites- aplenty. this is a marked shift from Bulat’s songwriter
and tour nationally during the summer, provided that it’s cool era hit, now a karaoke staple — Loeb origins, but what remains is the trenchant storytelling
released her fourth kids’ album in 2015. and smart sequencing that carry listeners through
with her new bosses. expect her new eP, out this summer, to
that album will form much of the setlist from the early crumblings of a relationship until well
explore the push-pull between staying put and an inherent, for the afternoon show at Centrepointe after it has all gone to hell. there’s some fierce tender-
all-consuming wanderlust. See Holloway with rebecca noelle theatre on Feb. 18, which is billed as a ness happening when Bulat takes the stage. Hear the
and sammi Morelli at Live on elgin, Feb. 18. singalong. She plays an evening show at album in its entirety with a full band on March 10 at
the venue later that day. the nAC theatre.

38 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 WAtCHList

Down to earth page 42

Village People page 44

REthInkIng thE ARt

of LIvIng gREEn
three building projects provide unique visions for a green future
that combines a sustainable approach to living with a
truer sense of community Betting the Farm page 46
By Melanie scott and Anastasia Philopoulous
Photography by Justin Van Leeuwen

Building with the environment in mind isn’t just about using green
materials, using land efficiently, and reducing waste. It’s also about life-
style. Whether we’re talking a multi-generational farmhouse, an urban
co-operative created for retirees, or a development based on villages
of years past, these new builds laud the notion that there are no rules
when it comes to rethinking how we want to live. Each design speaks
to new — or revisited — approaches in construction while making
community the central focus.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 41
WAtCHList

The Gatineau Hills feature the kind of landscape that most

DOWn TO associate with cottage country: rocky forests leading down

to waterfront. But just northwest of Wakefield, a com-

EARTH munity of young farmers has taken over the rolling pasture-
land. Among them are Alex Mackay-Smith and Juniper
Turgeon, whose Juniper Farm is one of the go-to sources Working with local contractor Ben Chicoine,
for chefs across the city — it supplies 40 restaurants with the family took their time deciding exactly what
fresh produce. The couple first took up farming on a small they wanted. “We made the kitchen and mud-
three generations come plot near Lac Bernard in 2005, then launched the much room as communal spaces,” says Alex. “We all
larger property in 2010. They see it as a way to realize their have the attitude of contributing and helping
together under one roof each other out.” There are also private quarters
dream of making a connection between food and the envi-
and prove that a blend of ronment in their way of life. — a one-bedroom apartment on the main floor
shared and private spaces Juniper Farm now stands out for another reason: a new for Sandy and Gwen and a larger second-storey
rammed-earth house looks out over the fields. It is home apartment for the rest of the clan. On the main
can make for a harmonious to Alex, Juniper, and their two kids. It’s also home to Alex’s level, a huge screened-in porch serves as a
lifestyle parents, Sandy and Gwen Mackay-Smith. Three generations meeting place.
are now living communally on the property, with the middle And what’s it like having three generations
By Melanie scott generation managing the farm. An original farmhouse, likely working and playing together? “We worked
dating from the 1880s, still stands there as well. The family with Alex and Juniper at their first farm,” says
initially looked to renovate it so that the whole family could Sandy. “We got the boundaries sorted out then.”
live there, but they quickly realized that the cost to retrofit Sandy and Gwen have friends who have a simi-
the old building was much higher than building new. lar arrangement with their kids, except in that
That’s when they came up with the idea of their rammed- case, it’s the elder parents who own the farm.
earth house. Rammed earth is a sustainable building tech- “That leads to a struggle of wills,” says Sandy.
nique that involves pressing a suitable mixture of earth to “This is Juniper and Alex’s farm.”
create solid walls. “It was a great compromise,” says Turgeon “It’s wonderful,” adds Gwen. “In order for the
of the new building, reflecting, as it does, their determina- kids to come into our private space, they have to
tion to create something that represents real sustainability. be invited. And the same goes for us.”

42 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 Facing page Juniper Farm is both a thriving business and home
to three generations of one family
this page crafted by local builder Ben chicoine, the main house
embraces new technologies with rustic beauty — beautifully
patterned rammed-earth walls, reclaimed wood, and triple-
glazed windows

Below, middle Filled with fresh vegetables, the farm’s store,

which is separate from the main house, attracts buyers from
across the region. Dozens of local chefs also liaise with Juniper
Farm to get regular produce deliveries throughout the growing
season

Rammed-earth construction is still a new some. The flooring can handle any number of
concept in much of Canada. The skills involved troops. But there’s no shortage of mod cons and
take time to perfect. “It’s labour-intensive,” says clever ideas — radiant heating is supplied by an
Chicoine, “but it’s so rewarding.” Each wall, both electric boiler, and the house faces east, mean-
inside and out, is like a work of art — unique in ing the sun keeps the house warm in winter. As
terms of texture and colour. The actual struc- Chicoine says, “It’s all about innovation,” adding
ture is conventional timber frame, and some that the family’s rammed-earth house is about
of the wood to build it came from a barn that 80 percent more efficient than the standard.
previously occupied the same spot. The barn
also provided all the wood used for the interior Moving into an assisted-living facility is not
cabinetry, each surface seeming to tell a story something that appealed to Sandy and Gwen,
from when the land was first settled. who had given up their much larger house long
While making the most of what could be before this was on the horizon. “It was totally
recycled, Chicoine sourced everything else with by happenstance,” says Sandy of how things
the future in mind. The average Canadian house evolved, but it has worked out very well for all
is built to last just a few decades. This one will concerned. This recent move, he says confi-
stand for many generations to come. The win- dently, is their last. “We’re leaving this house
dows were imported from Austria — they are feet first.”
triple-glazed. “This kind of glass just isn’t avail- The fact that they made the choice to shack
able in Canada,” says Chicoine. up with the kids and grandkids means that each
His attention to detail and passion for quality generation can help the next and vice versa. It’s
are evident everywhere. The kitchen’s custom not the kind of scenario that would work for
stainless counters can take a beating and then everyone — but this family is not everyone.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 43
 Above Ottawa architect Linda chapman designed the four-unit
condo, which upholds the highest standards of green building
and offers a vision for downsizing with community in mind

As architect Linda Chapman pulls up in front of her New

VILLAgE
Edinburgh condominium, her husband, Barry Cooper, jumps
out of the car and yells good-naturedly to a foursome sitting
on the front deck. “Hey Morry! I’ll be back for dinner by
PEoPLE 7 p.m. What’s on the menu?” The group erupts into laughter
and sends jabs back Cooper’s way before he jumps back into
his car with a grin and drives off.
Meet the residents of 308 MacKay St. Unlike your typical
architect Linda chapman friendly neighbours who meet through happenstance, these
six have consciously chosen to live side by side — the set-up
tackles the downsizing is Linda’s brainchild. Well known locally as a green architect, through a plan that will allow you to live out
dilemma by rethinking the Linda, 57, has been thinking for some time about where, your so-called “golden years” in peace, famil-
social side of sustainable and how, she wants to grow old. Her reflections have led iarity, and comfort. “We felt so privileged that
her to design a new kind of sustainable-living arrangement Linda invited us to be part of it,” Judith says.
living in new edinburgh for the baby boomer generation — one that embraces high
standards of green building while addressing the social side Linda wore several hats throughout the project
By Anastasia Philopoulos of sustainable living. “I’ve got a lot of friends who are down- — architect, developer, even head of construc-
sizing to condominiums but who are not happy because tion. She praises the skills of the builder, Engel
there’s no community there,” explains Linda. Construction, but it’s evident that this project
Her solution to the isolation conundrum is MacKay Mews, wouldn’t have happened without her very spe-
a four-unit condo built to net zero standards and completed cific skill set, experience, and vision. MacKay
in 2016. Linda kept one condo for herself and her husband Mews, unlike most other condos, boasts a built-
and sold one unit to long-time friends Christine and Morry in community. That’s comforting to the couples
Appelle. They, in turn, asked their long-time friends Judith who have chosen to live here. “I call it assisted
and Keith Anderson if they’d be interested, which is how the living where you get to choose who assists you,”
third condo came to be sold. They are looking for buyers for Moory says with a chuckle.
the fourth unit. And while none of the condo owners expect
Linda’s green design reflects a long-term vision shared their neighbours to feel responsible for looking
by its residents. Located within walking distance of grocery after them when and if they start to ail, there’s
stores and restaurants, the condo is built with aging in mind. comfort in knowing they live near friends.
The Andersons, both in their 70s, requested an elevator for “Down the road, we will have an understand-
their three-storey unit, despite the fact that they are not ing of our neighbours’ situations — and prob-
currently dealing with physical challenges. “Keith said to ably added compassion,” Christine explains.
me, ‘They’re taking me out of here in a pine box. I’ll be here Community is important at MacKay Mews,
forever,’ ” Linda says with a laugh. “That’s the goal. We’re yet the ties remain casual. Each couple owns
planning ahead.” their own unit, complete with kitchen and bath-
Morbid? Maybe. But it’s also brilliantly astute to think room, but they share parking, storage, and a

44 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Linda chapman and Barry cooper christine and Morry appelle

this page MacKay Mews is a new kind of sustainable-living arrangement for

the baby boomer generation. each couple owns their own unit but enjoys the
built-in sense of community, as well as the shared spaces. the residents also
enjoy the amenities of new edinburgh, including last summer’s pop-up patio on
Beechwood avenue (below) and nearby bike paths

Judith anderson, left, and Linda chapman

communal exercise room. Linda says the group passive solar heating, with triple-glazed, south- cover your usage. She has also settled on xeri-
is working toward setting up habitual com- facing, floor-to-ceiling windows that make the scaping over traditional lawns; in the spring,
munal dinners. And as each couple downsizes interior spaces feel luxuriously wide open. An she will plant drought-resistant native species,
to a single car, they’re considering purchasing a on-demand hot-water unit replaces both the such as the honey locust tree, that need little
communal electric vehicle — a charging station traditional tank and furnace, and each home to no care.
has already been installed. is outfitted with the latest in energy-efficient And while MacKay Mews is not your typical
appliances and LED lighting. condo experience, Linda wouldn’t be surprised
Set on a lot that formerly held a duplex, the Down the road, the plan is to install photo- if her idea for a more holistically sustainable
three-storey 6,000-square-foot building looks voltaic panels on the roof to generate electric- style of downsizing catches on. She bashfully
almost like two stacked townhouses smooch- ity from the sun. “The amount of renewable acknowledges that she has always been a few
ing, as Linda likes to put it. Each unit varies in energy we generate will be equal to, or more years ahead of the curve and opines that many
size and shape, but they all adhere to the green than, the actual amount of energy expendi- baby boomers might not stand for what’s cur-
principles of net zero design, the latest design ture we spend to heat and cool this building,” rently on the market. “It’s about quality of life.
standard in the world of green construction. Linda explains. It’s that sweet spot that net zero It’s about having autonomy, having control, but
The well-insulated building makes use of design aims to hit — create enough energy to still having community.”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 45
WAtCHList

Hendrick Farm is resurrecting

the concept of a true village
— houses surround a working
farm and are connected by
roads designed to encourage
interaction among neighbours

The division between the outskirts of Gatineau and the piece of land. You look at the rulebook and

BETTING municipality of Chelsea to the north has narrowed consid-

erably over the past two decades. Vince Hendrick worked
plan accordingly. You end up with this plan
that’s not based on how people live.”

THE FARM
the last undeveloped piece of land between the two regions That said, working with the municipality of
until just a few years ago, having inherited it when he was Chelsea turned out to be a very positive experi-
15. Now nearing 90, he’s no longer farming, but the land is ence. “We’re lucky,” says McAdam. “We have
still producing an abundance of food. [in the municipality] two planners who are
When Sean McAdam first approached the Hendrick also architects. So aesthetics are important.
By examining old farming family in 2004 about buying the farm, he did so with a plan Walkability is important.” If McAdam was
that throws the idea of a suburb on its ear. Most developers prepared to break the mould of the proverbial
villages and questioning
scoop up acres of green space, raze it, and then fill it with suburb, Chelsea was prepared to go along for
suburban design, Hendrick dozens of identical townhouses. The Hendrick Farm devel- the ride.
Farm is growing a new opment leaves that concept in the dust.
McAdam, who is president of Landlab developments, McAdam started the design process from an
development from the was determined to do things differently. “I wanted to see unusual point of view, asking what the land
ground up if there was a way we could preserve the agricultural heri- was saying rather than what conventional zon-
tage,” he says. He also thought about how communities ing might dictate. In the pre-suburb era, com-
By Melanie Scott grew organically in centuries past, before everything was munities most often began with a farm. Then
designed around the car. “We spent a lot of time looking a church would be built on the land. Then
at old villages,” he says. “What makes you feel like you’re houses would begin to appear. “There was no
almost at home, even if you’ve never been there?” overall plan,” says McAdam. Starting from that
Most suburban planning results in neighbourhoods built notion, the concept for Hendrick Farm began
in concentric circles. They are car-reliant, with the garage to emerge, and it came with three distinct
as the main feature. Many don’t have sidewalks. McAdam ideas for housing: those within the village
takes issue with how this came about. “Zoning is what proper; the farm properties that look out over
started a downward cycle in development. The first thing the working farm; and the park properties, the
a developer does is go to city hall for a zoning code for that most separate and private of the houses.

46 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 this page, bottom left Sean Mcadam, president of Landlab top right and bottom right all of the houses designed for
developments, drew inspiration from villages of years past when Hendrick Farm feature real wood finishes, expansive windows,
drawing up plans for Hendrick Farm and simple but efficient fixtures

The houses themselves are also designed to

foster community. Think front porches and
garages that are separate from the houses. “In
a typical suburb, you come home from work,
drive into your garage, and disappear,” explains
McAdam. “But with the garage being separate,
you have to get out of your car, then go outside
to get to your house, meaning you will likely
interact with your neighbours.”
McAdam says he has been dreaming about
creating a community like Hendrick Farm for
15 years. “I was never trained as a developer or
planner or architect or farmer,” he says, “and I
think that helps.” He may be onto something.
By focusing on efficiency, good design, and
lifestyle — rather than just the bottom line —
McAdam had people buying into the 300-house
development four years before the first house
was ready in October 2016 (the full community sourced from local suppliers. The price of the Hendrick Farm started off as a farm and is
is scheduled to be completed by 2026). houses starts at just under $600,000. about to become a full-fledged community that
It isn’t hard to see why. The floors, base- The idea is that residents aren’t simply buy- lives on a farm. McAdam may not be a devel-
boards, banisters, front porches, and even ing a house but will be moving into a vibrant oper or planner or architect or farmer (“I’m
the porch ceilings are real wood. The ceilings community surrounded by amenities. The farm constantly embarrassing the farm team because
are nine feet high, so even though the biggest store is within walking distance of everyone, I’ll look at a zucchini and call it a cucumber”),
house in the development is a modest 2,250 as is the village of Old Chelsea. The Gatineau but he is a forward thinker. Others would do
square feet, it feels much larger. The builder is Park trail system is within spitting distance, and well to look at what can be accomplished with
local, while key materials and cabinetry were Ottawa is less than a 15-minute drive away. some innovative thinking and chutzpah.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 47
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 Featured Home: Gatineau River

An imaginative renovation turns a dated cottage

into a quirky bird’s nest with outstanding river vistas

by hattie Klotz
Photography by PhotoluxStudio.com - christian lalonde

Working the Angles

Left A view of the cottage When Gordon McMillan bouGht his cottage on
exterior taken from the banks the Gatineau river in 2010, he could see its potential, but
of the Gatineau River shows he was deliberately slow to act, getting to know his sum-
the eccentric angles and mer home for five years before undertaking the bulk of the
varied finishes
changes that have turned it into a bird’s nest in the trees
with incomparable views over the sparkling river below.
right Owner Gordon McMillan
with Marie-Claude Faubert,
Still, he did take on a couple of bold renovations early
whose company, Faubert on. “the first thing i did was move the fireplace back,”
Interiors, oversaw the renova- explains Gordon, “so that it no longer sticks out into the
tion. One of the designer’s living room.” then he went to work on the kitchen, replac-
recommendations was adding ing a dated white-and-blue colour scheme with classic
floor-to-ceiling windows in white counters, sleek floating cabinets of warm walnut,
rooms with spectacular views and stainless-steel appliances.
of the river

Facing page A view from the

deck attached to the master
bedroom. Glass railings ensure
unimpeded sightlines across
and along the river — stunning
on a sunny autumn day

50 interiors 2017
O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 51
 But it wasn’t until Marie-Claude Faubert and her com-
pany, Faubert Interiors, got involved in 2015 that the
makeover was completed. The collaboration between
Marie-Claude, her colleague Sonia Desforges, and Gordon,
who is the founder of McMillan advertising agency in the
ByWard Market, has resulted in a supremely comfort-
able space, one that is contemporary but also remains
very rooted in its attachment to the landscape. “When it
comes to the possibilities, Gordon is very imaginative,” says
Marie-Claude as she walks through the house, indicating
an expanse of glass with river vistas where once there were
small windows.

DeSIGneD By UrBan KeIoS in 1995, the house can

best be described as quirky, with three distinct sections,
each with different exterior finishes and set at odd angles
to one another. “The escher-inspired concrete tiles at the
entrance provide a great example of how the eccentric-
ity of angles in this house shapes pretty much everything.
nothing is at right angles,” explains Gordon. When they
went to lay the tiles, which continue through the hallway
and into the kitchen, Gordon and Marie-Claude were
momentarily stumped. Should they be laid in the classic
way, perpendicular to the angled walls, or skewed to match

Above the front hallway

is all shapes and angles,
with a quirky arrangement
of windows allowing light
to flood in, illuminating the
escher-inspired tiles. the
owner and the designer spent
much time discussing whether
the tiles should be laid angled
or straight

right white and bright, the

revamped kitchen boasts clean
lines and plentiful light, as well
as incomparable views down
the gatineau River

52 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
the angles? A debate ensued, and Gordon won Above Open to the dining
the day. “Angles! Angles! Angles!” he said. room and kitchen, the living
Because the cottage is blessed with abun- room has lots of wall space on
the non-river side for gordon
dant southern and western light, Marie-Claude
to showcase artwork and
envisioned a renovation that would allow
collectibles. the distinctive
more of that light to flow into the house. The mid-century-modern chair,
first task at hand was to replace all the river- reupholstered in a rainbow
facing windows across the top two floors of the of colours, was discovered
house. Today, a huge expanse of glass in the in Montreal
living room, both bedrooms, and the master
bathroom creates the sensation of a house that Left a view of the living
floats in the sky. “We are in the canopy up here,” room looking out towards the
explains Marie-Claude, “so you spend most of river, where the glass “wall”
frames a vast expanse of trees
your time feeling like you’re in a tree house.”
and water. the pair of 1950s
That tree-house feeling is enhanced by the
walnut grasshopper chairs from
reverse layout of the house, which boasts an Belgium are one of gordon’s
80-foot drop from the front door, located favourite furniture finds
at the top of the home, to the water’s edge
at the bottom. “It’s not for everybody, this
house,” explains Gordon. “The layout is defi-
nitely eccentric. But I thought about it for a
year before I bought it and decided that this
country life might have some appeal!” It’s just
17 minutes door to door between the three-
storey house and the McMillan offices on
Sussex Drive.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 53
 The open-plan kitchen and living room, Above a minimalist master
complete with two fireplaces — one wood, bedroom means the eye is
not distracted by clutter, the
one gas — is located on the top floor. Now,
better to appreciate the views.
huge floor-to-ceiling windows with minimalist
the artwork in this room
dark frames offer unimpeded views through is intentionally simple and
the trees to the quiet bay and sparkling water monochromatic
below. Dark walnut floors offer a counterpoint
to all that light and give the room a contempo- Left a detail shot in the master
rary flair. The comfortable living room boasts bedroom frames the classic
a few carefully chosen pieces of furniture, eames lounge chair and otto-
including an expansive white leather sofa, man, carefully located in the
a pair of 1950s walnut Grasshopper chairs perfect reading spot

from Belgium designed by Alfred Hendrickx,

a Montreal-made chair from 1962, and two
custom Danish-inspired shelves made by local
cabinetmaker Frank Prendergast. It’s all space
and light, each piece chosen for its comfort,
usefulness, and refined beauty.
Down one flight of stairs, you’ll find the
bedrooms. A compact spare bedroom is so rest-
ful, it’s a wonder that guests ever leave, while
the master bedroom and bathroom have been
transformed into an oasis of natural calm. This
floor of the house was initially a warren of
dark corridors and enclosed rooms, but Marie-
Claude immediately began mulling over how

54 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
to make the most of the potential views from Left in the master bathroom,
the bedroom and suggested replacing the exte- a photographic print by local
rior walls in both bedrooms with glass. In the artist whitney Lewis-Smith
hangs above the freestanding
master bedroom, the result is an angled canti-
tub, tying the theme of nature
levered glass corner, like the prow of a boat,
inside and outside
with views out between the tree trunks to the
river. A wooden deck of the same proportions Below the colourful
visually extends this space still farther, the autumn leaves are reflected
glass railings ensuring unimpeded views. in the pressed-resin floor tiles.
For the adjacent ensuite bathroom, Marie- clean-lined and simple walnut
Claude designed floating walnut cabinets, cabinets make a quiet contem-
which were then made in Quebec City. The porary statement
floor tiles are neutral, made from off-white
pressed resin — a kind of manufactured
marble. “It has less patterning than marble, so
it feels clean and clear,” explains the designer.
“That was my intent. That your eyes go to
the view so that when you are lying in the
bath, your focus is outside.” A huge soaker
tub and simple glass-walled shower complete
the serene space, a paean to nature with the
reflection of trees cast across the floor. A photo-
graphic nature print by local photographer
Whitney Lewis-Smith is the only artwork.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 55
 Down one further level, closest to the water,
the floors turn from wood to cork and the
aesthetic is decidedly more cottage and less
contemporary comfort. Here, there’s a sauna,
an upscale rec room, Gordon’s immaculate
desk (no piles of papers here), and a screened-
in porch. “It really feels like a cottage in here,”
says Gordon, who, strangely for a man who
doesn’t even fish, designed the overhead can-
delabra made from fishing lures.
The final piece of the renovation puzzle
of this house is the exterior landscaping. A
patchwork of stone retaining walls and huge
fieldstones, planted with creeping thyme, suc-
cessfully anchors all the contemporary angles
firmly in this landscape, one carved from
water, forests, and stone. It’s a rare thing to
find a house that artfully combines contempo-
rary comfort and elements of a rustic cottage:
plenty of beautiful objets d’art and a strong
sense of being at one with nature. “What I like
best about my house is that it is eccentric,”
says Gordon. “It’s nice to live in a space that
mirrors the owner!”

Above the screened-in

porch on the lower level opens
directly to a path leading to the
river. the room has a resolutely
cottage-like atmosphere — the
perfect spot to take a nap or
read, free from mosquitoes

Right the exterior of the

screened-in porch. above it, the
wide expanses of glass in the
main living area allow stellar
views from on high

Far right gordon designed and

made the “light fixture” that
hangs from the porch ceiling,
using an assortment of fishing
lures and candles

56 interiors 2016 | o t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c o M
1.
Painting by Landon Metz
“this painting was done on-site, and it’s very unlike the
BAckstories
Art
Abstracts, lithographs, and a couple of
really great lounge chairs
work he’s doing now,” says gordon. the piece, which
hangs in the living room, was created by gordon’s this house on the river is most immediately
son-in-law, Landon Metz, an up-and-coming american notable for its incomparable views. But when the
artist who lives in new York. while this work showcases visitor does manage to drag his eyes away from
a slightly chaotic mix of colours, Metz, who is known the windows, Gordon’s diverse collection of art-
for his large minimalist installations as well as canvas works beckons. Here, works of art are carefully
works, is currently using dye on canvas in a very minimal chosen, each representing a personal connection
range of colours. gordon has a sample of this newer or an idea that inspires him.
style in his lower family room.

3.
Lithographs by Picasso
in his bedroom hang two limited-edition lithographs
of the male and female. For gordon, the true beauty of
these works lies in how Picasso manages to convey so
much with just a few simple lines and how distinctly
“Picasso” the images are. “Picasso means a lot to me
because he constantly reinvented what art can mean.
in my work in design and advertising, this principle of
constant reinvention is important to keep me motivated
and to be able to present fresh ideas to my clients.”

2.
Morphic grasshopper chairs
designed by Alfred Hendrickx
gordon discovered the 1955-era Morphic grasshopper
chairs on 1stdibs, a website devoted to acquiring and
reselling a carefully curated selection of furniture, fine
art, and jewellery from around the globe. the Belgian
lounge chairs, in walnut with brass hardware, are true
classics — sculptural and comfortable. “they have a
really interesting shape and show real simplicity,” says
gordon. “But look at the geometry of the lines. they’re
a work of art.”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 57
 the dining room is a catchment
area for treasures that have
been sourced online and at
flea markets

58 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Featured Home: Civic Hospital

Boldly Does it
Deep, rich colours and flea-market finds add
cosmopolitan flair to this design blogger’s home

by melanie scott
photography by marc Fowler / metropolis studio

Above left Restoring the It’s the openIng gambIt of a perfectionist. When
downstairs hallway off the Kim Johnson welcomes visitors into her home for the first
entrance was a challenging time, she invariably notes, “everything is a bit of a work-
process, but the results were
in-progress.” to the casual eye, it’s hard to believe that
worth it – think Faust meets
there can be much more to improve, but Kim has a long
aubrey Beardsley. the stairs
and wainscoting were pains-
list of finishing touches and ideas still waiting to be com-
takingly refinished pleted. suffice it to say that what Kim and her husband,
Jeff Jenkins, have accomplished so far makes for a space
Above right the modest exte- you’ll find nowhere else. their house is a true labour of
rior gives little indication of the love, the decor and design based on passion and individual
treasures that lie within. the taste rather than on any kind of trend.
interior is a true labour of love,
the decor and design honouring
the house while expressing the
couple’s unique tastes

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 59
 this page Kim poses with one
of the resident felines in the
living room, where a stack of
hardcover design books serves
as a side table. the pendant
light above her head is by FLOS

Facing page every piece in the

living room is unpredictable,
making for a kind of exhibit of
eras. the large photo on the
wall is by a young photographer
from Bali, while the side and
end tables have been rebuilt by
Jeff. a more modern find is the
floral carpet by Moooi

60 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 A design blogger behind the internationally
popular Desire to Inspire site, Kim engages
with an online community of thousands
of other design junkies while bringing her
own ideas to fruition in the couple’s modest
brick house in the Civic Hospital area. She’s
a woman always on the hunt for unusual
items — the house is filled with quirky finds
that strike her fancy as she trolls flea markets
and one-of-a-kind shops both at home and
abroad. “I like weird things,” she says, point-
ing to a shelf in the living room filled with
an array of appealing oddities. “I found these
dolls at highJinx,” she says, referring to the
Centretown thrift store. “I dropped by one day,
saw them, and said, ‘I need those dolls.’ ”
While Kim blogs and collects, Jeff builds.
With help from carpenter and furniture maker
Matt Wallace of na Coille Studio, he crafted
the couple’s dining room table from hemlock
that was dug out of Toronto Harbour during
an excavation for condos. The age of the wood
is anyone’s guess — the trees might date back
to the 1600s. What is apparent is that in a

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 61
Above the kitchen had a previous incarnation, the boards served some
makeover before Kim and Jeff sort of practical purpose (there’s a visible spike
bought the house, so they just hole in one corner of the table). Jeff claims to
added a few individual touches be a “dabbler” when it comes to carpentry, but if
to make it their own — a new this is dabbling, you’d be hard pressed to define
brass faucet, an eye-catching
a master. The couple’s table is just one of several
tile backsplash, and retro
he has made, though his specialty is refinishing
tile flooring
old radio cases that house modern sound equip-
right another view of ment, which he sells through Daff Design.
the dining room. note the Another notable piece in the dining room is
credenza-like piece on the a sideboard that likely dates from the 1970s.
right under the windows — Kim was originally planning to buy Ikea cabi-
Kim was planning to find a nets, but “they’re not as cheap as you think,”
sideboard at ikea but realized she says. And so she picked up a much more
that the charm of this piece, distinctive sideboard from a Montreal dealer
found in Montreal, warranted
who posts new finds on Instagram. The vin-
a makeover
tage tulip chairs, which came from the same
dealer, are in such pristine condition that they
could have been manufactured yesterday. Then
there’s the spider-like mid-century-modern
light fixture with serious style cred — Kim’s eye
for quirk and quality definitely makes for an
eclectic room.

62 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
While the dining room reflects an assortment kitchen.” nonetheless, a lack of perfection in the spacing of Below left Jeff built the bed
of eras, the entrance hall is all art deco. it came together the tiles doesn’t detract from the overall effect. frame in the master bedroom
slowly — and with a lot of grief. the hand-printed farrow the living room is a repository for gems that Kim has from old barnwood, making
& Ball wallpaper, in particular, proved to be a challenge hunted down over many years. “thrifting is one of my for a rustic feel. with white
to hang. the first contractor the couple hired was simply favourite things of all time,” she says. “When you find trim and rich, dark walls, the
room is enveloping and warm
not capable of hanging it properly. “i left him a note to say something, it’s like the best day of your life.” Also on dis-
it wasn’t working out very well,” says Kim. the next thing play is an assortment of Jeff ’s tables. the original oak
Below right On one wall of
they knew, he was crying in his car in the driveway. Jeff floors are finished in soft grey, while the walls are painted the master bedroom a table
ripped the wallpaper off and they started again with a new in a similar, though deeper, tone. the atmosphere is both refurbished by Jeff sits below
contractor, buying many more rolls of paper. character-filled and moody — it almost feels like a sound- the television, while a gallery of
the hallway wainscotting and stairs were stained mahog- stage ready for a movie shoot. interesting art finds livens up
any, but the wood was far from that. “it was fake,” says Any visitor to the house will notice the cats. the couple the room
Jeff, “and it was primed white underneath.” so they didn’t have several, two of which are feral and need an inordinate
feel any guilt about painting it over with farrow & Ball amount of care. Kim doesn’t limit her affection to her own
paint. they paired the deep charcoal of the wainscotting cats, however. her one-hour walk to work every morning
and stairs with a floor of black-and-white ceramic tile that involves visiting plenty of them. “it’s ridiculous,” she says.
runs through the hallway and into the kitchen. it looks as “i have treats in my backpack.” one feline belongs to an
though it might be original to the house, which dates from elderly woman who told Kim she’ll be getting a call when
the 1940s, but was inspired by a visit to a very modern res- the woman dies — she wants Kim and Jeff to take the cat
taurant. “We went for dinner at supply and demand, and when the time comes.
they have these tiles,” says Kim, “so i got in touch with their the small bedrooms upstairs reflect the era of the
designer and ordered them.” Whereupon a third challenge house. the master bedroom holds the bed, and not much
reared its head — Kim admits, “i’m not happy with the else, while the couple use the remaining two as dress-
tile work. the contractor lost interest when he got to the ing rooms. here again, Kim’s knack for interesting finds

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 63
 Left the Farrow & Ball Below christian symbols
wallpaper that starts in the meet punk in the guest
downstairs hall continues up bedroom with its quirky
to the second-floor hallway. display of religious artifacts,
the three framed creepy- the highlight being a Day of
crawlies seem to be content the Dead image
on their busy black-and-white
background Bottom a wider view of the
guest bedroom, a repository
for all kinds of neat finds,
from a dream catcher to a
1960s globe lamp

is on display — a mannequin wearing a fur stole and fake

pearls takes centre stage, while feather angel wings hang on
the wall. “I have a thing for [American fashion designer]
Rick Owens,” she says, referring to a collection of completely
impractical footwear, some of it vaguely militaristic in tone.
Jeff pipes up: “She gets dressed up as a storm trooper on
Star Wars Day.”
“He’s kidding,” says Kim. “I couldn’t care less about Star
Wars.”

OttAwA ISn’t mucH Of A meccA for thrift stores,

and Kim is glad of this. If she were to live in a larger city
where the pickings are endless, “we’d have to get a ship-
ping container,” she says. “I wouldn’t know what to do
with myself … I mean, where do you start?” these days, as
their “work-in-progress” gets closer and closer to comple-
tion, Kim and Jeff ’s unique style is truly on display. there
is a richness to their house, the decor both preserving the
home’s original features and playing up its strong char-
acter. And as each drama unfolds — the furnishing chal-
lenges, as well as the many triumphs — the design-minded
followers of Kim’s blog and Instagram live vicariously
through the transformation.

64 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 Art
1. BAckstories
cats, bats, tesla, and the kindness
of strangers

3.
kim Johnson buys art with heart. she doesn’t
Cheeks by ranajit sinha choose masterpieces for the purpose of invest-
“cheeks was a stray cat in Lowertown, and several neigh- ment. she collects things that speak to her, many
bours had been feeding him. One day someone in the of which are sourced online. As a design blogger,
building next door called bylaw because he was spraying kim is constantly in touch with creative types
in her basement apartment window. the neighbours around the globe. Her collection is eclectic and
took him in, and he paid a visit to the vet. no one would includes a tesla poster and a crocheted bat by an
actually adopt him (none of their own cats liked him artist from the United states. if she could own Untitled photograph by Amanda sebayang
was the excuse), and they asked if Jeff and i would. any work of art in the world, she says, it would “the large piece in the living room is by amanda
we felt we really had no choice because he would have be For the Love of God, a Damien Hirst piece Sebayang, a 17-year-old photographer i discovered on
been put down, but in the end, it was the best decision that features a platinum cast of a skull encrusted instagram who lives in Bali. i asked her to send me the
we ever made. He turned out to be one of the sweetest with over 8,000 diamonds. But she’d settle for a actual photo, but that would have been too expensive, so
cats we have ever had and became Jeff’s sidekick. By silkscreen print sprinkled with diamond dust. or she sent a high-resolution version electronically. we had it
the time he turned 22, his health wasn’t so great and his an original Banksy — “i would consider him my printed on a panel (i didn’t want it to have glass because
mobility was decreasing. we made the really tough deci- favourite artist. that man’s art and creativity blow of the reflection), and Jeff made the frame for it.”
sion to have him put down at home by our well-loved my mind. i love watching documentaries about
vet while Jeff cuddled him in his lap. Soon after, i found his graffiti and his desire to be anonymous.”
out my colleague’s husband was an art professor. i real- Here kim tells the stories behind three pieces
ized a portrait of cheeks would be an epic way to sur- that have particular meaning.
prise Jeff on his birthday. and it was. when my colleague
brought the painting to work, i burst into tears. it was
identical to the photo i sent him to use as a reference.
when i presented it to Jeff, he burst into tears too.”

2.
Untitled painting by “Angela”
“this painting from an artist in Singapore involved
only a brief email exchange, and i never heard from her
again. all the artist said was: ‘i’ve been following your
posts for years now. Just wondering if you’d like a beau-
tiful painting as my gift for your new home. no charge,
just enjoy, and post it on your website so i can enjoy it
too.’ and also that she wanted her identity to be kept a
secret. which is odd, since she didn’t want the free pro-
motion for her art. Just a kind soul, it seems. People like
this are a rarity these days.”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 65
 613.834.1796 • dbkottawa.com
2035 Lanthier Drive, Orléans, ON (Near Innes and 10th line)
Featured Home: Rockcliffe

A determined couple keep history alive,

taking on a wide-ranging renovation
that gives new life to a mid-century gem

By Barbara sibbald
Photography by Gordon King

Keeping time
Above left the woodwork
in the inner courtyard was
transformed from dull brown to
warm grey, translucent panels
were installed in the fence, and
the garden was simplified to
“This is our life,” says Debbie Willcox. she’s referring to present a modern entryway to
the herculean effort it took to transform a dilapidated mid- the house
century-modern house into a showcase of light and space
and, most importantly, art. from the Murano glass light Above right Despite the
fixture and Alvar Aalto table in the kitchen to their wide- forested setting, sun floods
ranging collection of paintings and sculpture throughout the many rooms, including the
house, Debbie and her husband, Mark, demonstrate a strik- kitchen eating nook where the
willcoxes enjoy a rare moment
ing aesthetic sensibility that is also their passion. “The house
of relaxation
is the envelope,” explains Mark. “it’s not about any one piece
— it’s the compilation of them all that weaves a story.” Facing page in keeping with
the vintage of the house, the
willcoxes sourced Hans wegner
wishbone chairs for their dining
room. “they’re like a little piece
of sculpture,” says Debbie. the
teak dining table was original to
the house and purchased from
the family, while the light fixture
is Murano glass

68 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 69
 That story began with a viewing in Feb- captivated the Willcoxes. “The uniqueness of
ruary 2014. Debbie and Mark were looking for this house drew us in — the unusual entrance-
a place to renovate but immediately agreed way, the screened-in porch, and the courtyard.
that the neglected mid-century house for sale The courtyard was huge for us,” says Debbie.
in Rockcliffe needed too much work. The roof Within 48 hours, they’d made the decision to
and windows leaked, the basement was wet, buy — a decision that still surprises them.
and the fence was falling down. In short, it
hadn’t been maintained for 15 years. And yet, The WIllcoxeS ARe expeRIenceD and
within hours of that initial visit, they found enthusiastic renovators who share a devotion
themselves on the phone with their real estate to good design and workmanship (their first
agent, asking follow-up questions. Sometimes reno came early in their 37-year marriage in
the heart rules the head. “Buying a place like their native Regina). But this house was an
this was certainly based on emotion,” says unprecedented undertaking. Though there
Mark. “We knew the type of house we were was never any question of tearing down the
looking for — this one checked off all the 1961 structure — they appreciated its design
boxes.” Despite the obvious challenges ahead, and potential too much to let that happen — it
the house “just felt so right.” essentially had to be rebuilt. “The only thing
At the time, the couple were living in a we kept the same was the brick on the fire-
three-storey Westboro townhouse. Their son place,” says Mark, noting that they respected
and daughter were launched on their careers, the original design of the house, restoring or
top the former kitchen was completely reconfigured: walls and and it was time for a change — a change that updating the design wherever possible.
headers were torn down, and a modern kitchen with ample storage included fewer stairs and bedrooms and more While researching their new acquisition
and a showpiece island was custom-built by Deslaurier custom living space. The Rockcliffe house boasts ahead of construction, they would learn
cabinets. the marble is Bianco antico from Brazil
1,200 square feet on the main level and 800 much about its pedigree. The original and
on the second, with three bedrooms and a only owner was Gordon Robertson, long-
Above the dinette set is a classic design by famed Finnish architect
large west-facing balcony overlooking their time clerk of the privy council and secretary
alvar aalto. the chairs are composed of his iconic stool with a back
screwed on. a Louis Poulsen light fixture illuminates the area treed corner lot. But though the size was ideal, to the cabinet (1963–75) and chancellor of
it was the home’s distinctiveness that truly carleton University (1980–90). Their house

70 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
was designed by Toronto architect James A. Left Sunlight floods the library
Murray, a man celebrated for his modernist from the inner courtyard. the
leanings and the founding editor of Canadian willcoxes kept the room sepa-
Architect. “Finding this out was just icing on rate in the interest of privacy
but added a narrow entry into
the cake,” says Mark.
the living room to connect the
The Willcoxes began by hiring their long-
spaces. Features such as a well
time architect friend Erling Falck, who had that hides blinds (or drapery
designed their cottage at Big Cedar Lake. tracks) were restored, and
When Erling made the first of many trips up windows were added at the
from Marblehead, Massachusetts, he took bottom to let in more light
one look and told the couple in no uncertain
terms that it would take three years to reno- Below the cantilever fireplace
vate their new property. “We said, ‘No way!’ ” is almost all that remains of the
recalls Mark, “but he proved to be right.” They original living room. walls came
down, carpets were torn up,
credit their friend for having an influence on
and ash flooring was installed.
every detail of the renovation, walking them
every detail is thoughtfully
through it and realizing its potential. “Our real sourced and presented. when
story is in taking a great house and making it lit, the papier-mâché lamp
even better,” explains Mark. “We have Erling to on the piano, a particular
thank for that.” favourite by an italian designer
While careful to retain as much of the origi- out of Puglia, casts intriguing
nal atmosphere as possible, the architect helped silhouettes on the walls. even
the Willcoxes see how best to update and the birch logs waiting to be lit
improve the design. They opened up the main are artfully arranged
floor by removing the wall between the kitchen
and dining area, redesigning the kitchen with
custom cabinetry and a stunning raised island
of quarter-sawn white oak. New windows were

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 71
installed, and many were enlarged; transoms Above left the master
were replaced with lower horizontal windows bedroom is connected to the
at floor level. “We changed the way the win- bathing and dressing areas by
dows are without really changing the look of a floor-to-ceiling pocket door.
the dresser and night tables are
the house. The house now lets the outside in
original to the house, purchased
and gets more light,” explains Mark.
from the previous owners. the
bench is by Finnish designer
The renovaTion began more prosaically alvar aalto
in the fall of 2014 with the nuts-and-bolts
repairs and renovations — the roof, siding, Above right Under the worn
and windows were replaced, and the entire carpet, the stairs were a mix of
envelope was spray-foamed. The team dis- three woods; all were replaced
covered asbestos-insulated pipes so hired a with ash. the cast-iron banister,
hazmat team to rip down walls to remove original to the house, was
painted to simplify its look.
it. The house was officially a mess, but the
the george nelson paper
Willcoxes remained in the fray, cozy in their
shade provides both light and
makeshift basement bedroom. and though an artistic touch
living through a reno isn’t usually recom-
mended, with Mark working long hours on the
house — on top of his job as an executive-level
civil servant — it made sense to stay on-site. Above this view of the guest
“Somehow we kept our sanity,” says Debbie. bedroom showcases the large
“We stayed positive.” west-facing balcony that
When the roof was finished, work began on runs along one side of the
the upstairs bathrooms in January. Unfortu- house with sightlines over the
treed corner lot. the master
nately, by this point they had changed the enve-
bedroom boasts similar views
lope completely and the house rebelled. They
— and a door that opens onto
immediately struggled with condensation — a the balcony
serious issue. The contractor, two roofing com-
panies, and erling’s scientific group all strug-
gled to find a solution. in the end, they had to
wait for warmer weather to tear out the ceiling,
remove the new insulation, and spray-foam the

72 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
roof deck — something that could have been Left and below the willcoxes
done when the roof was originally removed. collaborated with Deslaurier
Had they but known. But at least opening up custom cabinets on this unique
the ceiling made it easier for the electricians, master bathroom encased
says the ever-optimistic Mark. in two types of marble. they
wanted the shower to be
The work would continue, bit by bit, for
designed without a threshold,
the next two years. “This was a job that was
so the stall floor slopes about
over-the-top for us in terms of workload, three-quarters of an inch to
timeframes, and decisions that had to get allow the water to drain on the
made. But we were on the same page all the wall side
way through. It was really a good feeling,” says
Mark. And when major difficulties arose, as Below left the sleek modern
they invariably do with an older house, Erling bathtub is situated in the pri-
was instrumental in keeping their spirits up. vate hallway to the master suite
“He would never say something was unsolv- and bathroom where two huge
wardrobes once blocked the
able. He’d say, ‘We’ll get this figured out.’
high windows. One of several
You need people like that!”
antique turkish rugs the
With work on the main floor and upstairs willcoxes have acquired provides
now done, Mark, who retired in June 2016, is an artful floor covering
planning to begin renovating the basement.
In the meantime, the couple is already enjoy-
ing the bounty of their labour. As they relax
in the library overlooking the newly replanted
courtyard, Debbie and Mark can finally revel in
their art-filled, sun-filled retreat. As they survey
their domain, Mark talks about the design influ-
ences that inspired them, including Frank Lloyd
Wright’s Fallingwater and, closer to home, the
New Zealand residence in Rockcliffe. “We’re not
purists when it comes to mid-century modern,
says Mark, “but we like it.”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 73
 Art
BAckstories
chairs, chandeliers, sculptures, and
the allure of abstract

“can we include furniture as art?” asks Debbie

Willcox. it’s a logical question, given their Alvar
Aalto dinette, sculpture-like Wishbone chairs
by Hans Wegner, Murano glass chandelier,
enza Fasano ceramic, and so on. then again,
the Willcoxes have an impressive collection of
abstract paintings and sculptures as well. they
began buying original art some 12 years ago and
always try to meet the artist. “that’s when the art
really means a lot more to us,” says Mark.
“it’s hard to pick three pieces [to highlight]
because they’re all about a theme — part of

1.
a whole design.”

Enigma by Michael Golland

the willcoxes have acquired nine paintings and sculp-
tures by toronto artist Michael golland (shown, above
and below), who has become a friend over the years.
Enigma (above) is the first piece they bought, and for
them, it represents the beginning of their relationship.
the abstract design is on stainless steel, a material
that the British native previously used in jewellery. More

3.
recently, he created a stainless-steel sculpture in Liberty
Village, where he lives.

Untitled by Christian McLeod

toronto artist christian McLeod’s brightly hued abstract

2.
paintings evoke raw energy and a narrative. while
visiting his studio, the willcoxes glimpsed this painting
hanging over his bed. “we loved it,” says Debbie. McLeod
explains that the work is part of a series visualizing the
passage of time through fragments of light and water
pools dripping through rock, earth, and the stones of
buildings. the willcoxes own three of McLeod’s works.

Obstruction series by Michael Pittman

“there’s huge depth in [Michael] Pittman’s work,” says
Mark. these two pieces are part of the newfoundland art-
ist’s works on mental illness. the history of treatment is
filled with violence, hence the red interruption, which also
represents an obstruction in the artist’s struggle to remove
internal obstacles. the landscape and heavy sky lend a
physical presence as a place of restoration.

74 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
©2017 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. 203209

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613.725.1666 californiaclosets.com
Featured Home: Almonte

An enterprising couple design the house of their dreams —

one that pays homage to the history of their Almonte street
while looking resolutely to the future

By sarah Brown
Photography by Doublespace Photography

A Sense of Place
this page While the Close your eyes for just a minute and think
Jamiesons loved the Victorian back to your childhood home. Picture your room, the street
houses so prevalent in Almonte, you grew up on, your favourite haunts. as the memories
they were also drawn to the
flood back, the lucky among us will revel in our connections
idea of a modern home. In the
to those people and places that played important roles in
end, they incorporated both
our early years. that sense of place grounds us and gives
ideas into their design. A view
from the air shows how the us confidence as we move through life. But in our transi-
house is situated on the lot, tory times, such attachments can be fleeting as we switch
set well back from the road up homes, schools, and friends with increasing frequency.
and surrounded by maples and then there’s michael jamieson, the fifth generation of
jamiesons to call almonte home. His sense of place goes
Facing page The kitchen, back more than a century, with connections that pull him in
located in the modern side on so many levels — geographical, historical, and emotional.
of the house, is inspired by But let’s go back to the beginning. young michael
the café-bistros of Paris, with
jamieson grew up on union street, in the house his great-
marble counters and bistro-
grandfather had built. it was the same street his father had
style globe pendant lights
grown up on and his grandfather before that and so on. it’s
a street with large lots, classic red-brick or stone homes set

76 interiors 2017
O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 77
 way back from the road, and views that take their child in a small town. Slowly a plan began Above James grey, dressed in
in the farmland beside the Mississippi River. to take shape. Michael’s dad, who still lived his best dinosaur outfit, hangs
His wife, Jennifer, also grew up on this idyllic on Union Street, owned an empty lot a few out in the sunny sitting room,
which is open to the kitchen
street, and the two became high school sweet- houses away. Perhaps it was time to build their
hearts, relocating to Ottawa for university and own house and set down roots? In 2012, the
to begin their professional lives. For 15 years, Jamiesons began sketching plans, spending
they lived in the capital, the last seven of those the next 18 months visualizing their perfect
in a 1920s house in Old Ottawa South. They home. “We weren’t interested in compromise
loved their place but increasingly found them- or having someone make decisions for us.
selves drawn back to Almonte. We wanted to be perfectly clear on what we
“It’s funny, because growing up, we couldn’t wanted,” says Jennifer.
wait to escape our hometown where everybody
knew you and your family and your busi- THe JAMIeSOnS’ STARTInG POInT was
ness,” says Jennifer. “Part of what we loved in the setting. Theirs is an established street with
the city at first was the anonymity of it.” But beautiful old houses. That provided the tem-
as city life became routine, their perspective plate for what was to come next. They knew
began to change. They spent many weekends they wanted their new home to fit in seam-
in Almonte, enjoying the outdoors and being lessly. And yet the Jamiesons faced a huge
with their families. They began planning a dilemma. While they loved the charm and
family of their own (James Grey was born in character of the Victorian houses, they were
2013) and were drawn to the idea of raising also drawn to the idea of dwelling in a modern

78 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
“treehouse” with giant windows. “We took that connects the “old” section to the “new,” Below left Design builder
a risk,” says Michael. “We said, ‘If we can’t the decision to bring the modern box to the gordon weima took the
decide, let’s do both.’ ” forefront to take advantage of the best views, Jamiesons’ design ideas to
the next level, suggesting this
They began designing a house with two and the idea to wrap the brick around the side
vertical strip of smoky glass
complementary halves, one side of which of the house into the interior, emphasizing the
that runs through two storeys
would look as if it had always been there, illusion that this is an old house with a mod- and connects the “old” section
the other a modern “extension” with soaring ern extension attached. Michael said he knew to the “new.” Just visible here,
views. Michael modelled their ideas in 3D, they’d got it right because even the experts the brick is wrapped around
using SketchUp, and it became a nightly ritual were fooled. “When the house was almost done, the side of the house into the
to “walk through” the computer model — a people from various trades would come in to do interior, emphasizing the illusion
ritual that continued after they broke ground some of the last-minute bits and pieces. They’d that this is an old house with a
in late 2014. The couple tweaked the render- tell me, ‘I love what you’ve done to the old modern extension attached
ing as the house took shape over the next year. house.’ That just made me so happy. Success!”
Below right From the front
“We must have made about 80 revisions,” says
door, located in the traditional
Michael with a laugh. THe MoDern SIDe of the house consists
side of the house, classic mould-
The couple credit Gordon Weima of Gordon of the kitchen and sitting room on the main ings are visible throughout and
Weima Design Builder for having the confi- floor and Jennifer and Michael’s master bed- Victorian newel posts grace the
dence to take their unorthodox vision and run room and bathroom upstairs. The kitchen staircase. the kitchen is visible
with it. “He didn’t try to change our minds. He and sitting area are where they spend their at the end of the hallway in the
understood that we were building a home for days, enjoying the openness and views. Here, modern section
us, and he stuck with us,” explains Jennifer. 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows
“He took our vision and made it better.” For amplify the bright airiness of the space.
Weima, the project was a chance to have some Inspired by the café-bistros of Paris, the
fun, going the extra mile to design and build a kitchen sees greys and whites matched with
unique house. “I’ll never build another exactly brass accents, the open space anchored by
like this one,” he says with a smile. marble countertops. Michael notes that they
The experienced builder suggested some of actually had to sign a waiver when they chose
the key elements that took their design to the the natural stone, acknowledging that they
next level — the two-storey strip of smoky glass understood that marble is not as durable as

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 79
 the alternatives. “We know it will show a few stains and Above a view of the dining
scratches, but it’s worth it to have the warmth and authen- and family rooms is taken from
ticity of the real thing.” Open shelving, built by Michael, the vantage point of the sitting
avoids the bulky feel of cabinetry and makes putting away room. the family — Jennifer,
dishes a breeze. The tile in the backsplash is left over from Michael, and son James grey —
gravitate to the traditional side
the flooring in their bathroom. The couple waited a year
of the house in the evenings,
before installing it on one busy weekend. “Since the house
closing the curtains and enjoy-
has been built, we’ve slowly filled things in,” says Jennifer. ing the coziness of the couch
“We wanted to live here for awhile to find out what’s miss- by the fire
ing rather than just buy stuff to fill the space.”
In the evenings, the family gravitate to the traditional Left the front entranceway,
side of the house, closing the curtains and enjoying the located in the traditional side
coziness of the couch by the fire. The more traditional of the house, showcases older
rooms showcase the couple’s attention to detail. Having furniture pieces and collectibles
both grown up in old houses, they truly appreciate the
Facing page Having both
craftsmanship of days past. They spent countless hours
grown up in old houses, the
hunting for just the right mouldings, fireplace mantel, and
Jamiesons truly appreciate the
door hardware in order to make the family room perfect. craftsmanship of days past and
Michael, who remembers lying on his back and staring at spent hours hunting for just the
the intricate ceiling medallions in his living room when he right door hardware to make
was a kid, made sure they had authentic plaster medallions the family room perfect
around the light fixtures. Jennifer, meanwhile, refers to the

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O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 81
 Left James grey’s room is
filled with local artworks
and handcrafted items that
Jennifer discovers at craft
markets and stores in almonte

Below the master bedroom,

located above the sitting
room, boasts stellar views that
take in the farmland beside
the Mississippi River

Victorian-era fireplace mantel as a two-year

obsession. She found it at an architectural
salvage store in Toronto and agonized over it
for months before biting the bullet and buy-
ing it. The pretty corbels at the bottom of the
archway between the dining and family rooms
were discovered at the Ottawa Antique Market
in Old Ottawa South. And then there are the
traditional French doors with cremone hard-
ware that connect the family room to the front
porch. They came from Quebec, discovered
online by Michael after he had almost given
up on finding hand-forged bolts and rods.

EighTEEn MOnThS AFTEr moving in,

Jennifer, Michael, and James grey feel as if
this has always been home. “This house is us,”
says Jennifer. “it fits us completely — it feels
like it works itself around our lifestyle.” They
are at peace here, surrounded by the people
and the community that provide them with
that all-important sense of place.
reflecting on returning to Almonte and
building his forever home on the street where
so many of his ancestors have lived, Michael
points to the narrow windows on either side
of the fireplace. Through them is a view of the
red-brick house next door — his late grand-
father’s. “Everywhere i look, there are connec-
tions. it makes me happy.”

82 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 Art
BAckstories
castles, copenhagen, and an artist

1.
named cheryl

the art on Jennifer and Michael’s walls was

chosen because it connects the couple to their
family or reminds them of special times and
places in their lives. in the Jamiesons’ open
dining and family rooms, three diverse works

3.
of art tell a story — one that encompasses their
Alliance signage
history in Almonte and their lives together.
this sign has been in Michael’s family for generations.
His great-grandfather’s firm, greig and Jamieson,
offered insurance services, and this sign hung in the
window of his downtown almonte office more than a
century ago. the insurance firm’s head offices were in
London, england, hence the quotation in British pounds.
Michael’s grandfather, a barrister, kept the sign, and
Michael discovered it in his attic after he passed away. Waiting by Cheryl Langford
“i love the sketch of the castle and the aesthetics of the Michael’s mother owns a number of paintings by cheryl
worn cardboard,” says Michael, who mounted the sign Langford, an artist who worked in the field of psychol-
on the wall before adding a frame to give it more pres- ogy for 40 years before retiring and devoting more time
ence. “it makes me think of my grandfather. it’s a piece to her art. “when we saw her work, it spoke to us,” says
of affection.” Jennifer, who notes that the artist, who had worked with
children in her former profession, found that drawing
and creating artwork allowed them to portray their feel-
ings in powerful ways. the Jamiesons wrote to Langford
asking whether she would paint a piece for their family
room, sending along only the dimensions for the work
and a few of their favourite colours. Langford responded
with Waiting, which the Jamiesons received last summer.
“it feels like it has a soul,” says Jennifer, who is looking
forward to meeting the artist in person to learn the story
behind the art.

2.
Untitled Danish painting
the Jamiesons had just bought their first house when
they travelled to copenhagen to meet up with a
Denmark-based friend of Michael’s. with little cash
to spare, they were looking for art on a budget. “we
found this painting at a pop-up antique stall,” says
Michael. “we loved the thatched roofs of the houses
and the falling-apart look of the painting — also it fit our
budget!” they bought the painting, then strapped it
onto the back of Michael’s bike to pedal home. “if you
look closely, you can see the line where the bike’s spring
clamp came down on the painting and knocked off even
more chips of paint.”

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 83
84 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Featured Home: Vanier

The Art of Living

Two artists discover an architectural tour de force and work
with the unique design to create a warm home that doubles
as a showcase for their art collection

By Paul gessell
Photography by Photoluxstudio.com - christian Lalonde

Facing page The house wraps To discover The asTonishing arT, start from the
around a courtyard with a outside and work your way in. Begin by walking through
rectangular cement pond
the Zen-like pebble garden in front of the 10-year-old
industrial-looking house in vanier’s Beechwood village.
top right The view from the
From here, steel beams — painted blue after they were
street shows the entrance to
that courtyard just behind the rescued from a commercial building that used to sit on
three cedars, which enhance the double lot — form an arch leading to a semi-private
privacy. Landscape architect courtyard behind a detached garage. Pass the small
Mary Faught worked with cement pond, and you’ll find the entrance to the house,
the couple to design the low- an L-shaped one-storey home that’s made up of a series
maintenance front yard and of connected slanted-roof trapezoids mainly clad in cor-
courtyard rugated metal sheeting. once inside, make a swift U-turn
through the open-concept kitchen and dining room and
come face to face with the startling, mysteriously beautiful
art in the living room.

interiors 2017 85
 Straight ahead, mounted on the west wall,
is an artwork doubling as a Victorian-looking
light fixture with a long fringe. It hangs above
a turntable (vinyl is appreciated in this house).
The fringe is real human hair. On the right,
by the gas fireplace, stand two large stacked,
built-in cubes hiding part of an almost secret
staircase to the basement. These cubes make
an excellent display surface for sculptures. So
what sculptures are on show?
When not shipped off to out-of-town exhi-
bitions, the display of choice is an art piece
created from rolled-up pages culled from old
medical texts, then encased, mummy-like, in
white bandages. The exposed edges of the red-
shaded pages look like tendons and muscles.
Could it be that these conceptual sculptures
are meant to make you think of severed
chunks of a human thigh? Welcome to Cindy
and Jonathan’s art house.
Cindy Stelmackowich and Jonathan Browns
are one of the leading power couples in
Ottawa’s contemporary art scene. Cindy is a
curator and a professor, as well as a multi-
media artist who has exhibited widely in
Canada, the United States, and Europe. She
specializes in medically themed creations and
loves natural materials — including human
hair. Much of her work has a definite creep
factor. But her art also has wondrous aesthetic
appeal, even more so in this minimalistic
domestic setting than in the clutter of her
Enriched Bread Artists studio.

Above the living room

boasts a number of windows
at unusual heights — they
provide natural light in
unexpected places and serve
as display niches for cindy’s
and Jonathan’s art pieces

Left the kitchen opens onto

the dining area and living
room. the dark wood cabinets,
mustard-coloured accent walls,
and orange backsplash tiles
delineate the room as its own
distinct space

86 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 Jonathan manages the City of Ottawa’s art
collection, supervises the acquisition of new
works, and makes sure just the right painting
or sculpture is displayed in every municipal
building from city hall to the VD clinic. He
also spent years creating two-dimensional
objets d’art from textured handmade paper.
The two artists are a decorator’s dream:
Cindy creates art and Jonathan hangs it. “We
complement each other all the time,” says Cindy.
“We’re constantly in the same world, but some-
times we are so diverse within that art world
that when we come together, it is great.”

THe 2,700-square-fOOT HOuse they

share was designed by Ottawa architects
Guillermo Ceppi and Veronica silva for their
own use. Two years ago the architects sold the
house to the artists. It was love at first sight
when the house hunters viewed an online
video advertisement. “I remember thinking,
it is so unique, so well done, it’s not a typical
Ottawa home in any sense,” recalls Cindy. “I
could also see immediately that there was so
much room for art.”

Above Over the gas fireplace

in the living room is a diptych,
Mourning I, that Cindy created
by enlarging images harvested
from a medical text. To the right
of the fireplace on the built-in
is Fingers and Knees, Cindy’s
sculpture made of stacked
mannequin body parts

Far right The light fixture on

the living room wall is partially
made from real human hair.
Cindy created this objet d’art
during a residency at the
Bytown Museum to study
Victorian-era mourning rituals

Above right With its various

built-in niches and shelves,
this half wall, located at the
home’s entranceway, is a
perfect home for an art-loving
couple to display their finds

Right A close-up of three

of the ceramic works in the
entranceway niche, including
two by local artist Lisa Creskey
and a “formed tower” by a
Japanese artist
 Unique features in the house include niches
in the walls of almost every room — cut-outs
that are perfect for displaying sculptures and
ceramics. In addition to the couple’s own art,
they have acquired works by many others,
including such locals as Adrian Gollner, Peter
Shmelzer, Dennis Tourbin, Lisa Creskey, and
Jeff Thomas, as well as such Canadian super-
stars as Ed Pien (Toronto), Victor Cicansky
(Regina), and Marcel Dzama (Winnipeg).
Through a combination of the original
architecture and the current owners’ decorat-
ing acumen, the overall feel of the interior is
Above a long hallway joining
uncluttered, bright, and airy. The walls tend to
the private areas of the house be shades of pale grey or off-white, although
to the more public areas most rooms, including the two bedrooms and
becomes a contemplative art a spacious office, feature one wall painted in a
gallery, showing off cindy and strong colour — lime green, fuchsia, and robust
Jonathan’s impressive col- shades of yellow all make an appearance.
lection. the walls never look Those bright contrast walls, along with a
cluttered, in part because of scattering of throw rugs, are among the few
Jonathan’s skill and experience
bold colours in the house. The floors are mainly
in choosing and displaying
blond birch, while the furniture is dark in tone.
art. it helps that many of the
framed artworks are small,
Most of the art on display is small prints in
often in muted colours and subtle colours. Even a numbered print by the
matted in white audacious Salvador Dalí melts into the tranquil
environment. “I’ve always felt, whenever I’ve
Above right this piece by installed artwork, that you need a place to rest
cindy, titled Blue, is from her your eyes,” explains Jonathan. “Open space is
2008 Blinded by Science series very important. You need that in this space,
too, to enjoy the architecture.” There are so
right this window niche
many things to look at, he notes, that you don’t
in the living room is just the
right size for this tiny statue, a
need to have art on every surface.
Merck anatomical Salesman Cindy agrees, saying they each view art all
model from 1958 day in their jobs. “So we need to come home
and get a break from so much art. Having that
basement storage is so good for us because we
can rotate things and put them away.”
Yes, the basement. It is a full, unfinished
space with ceilings 13½ feet high. There are
storage racks for the prints and paintings
not hanging on the walls upstairs. One large
subterranean room is a work-in-progress, des-
tined to become Cindy’s studio. But for now,
the empty space is used for tricycle races. You
heard right. There are three tricycles here, large
enough for adults to ride. They are apparently
great at parties, when the couple’s artist friends
jump on and race around after a few glasses of
wine. Man, after all, cannot live by art alone.

88 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Above and right two views
of the master bedroom and
the adjoining ensuite. in most
of the house, cindy’s art
predominates. But in this room,
we see some of Jonathan’s
works on paper from the 1990s
competing for attention with a
Marc chagall lithograph above
the tall bureau

Left Lots of windows, muted

colours on most walls, pale
hardwood flooring, and unclut-
tered furniture arrangements
make for a well-lit, spacious
feeling throughout the house

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 89
 Art
BAckstories
Masters, disasters, protest,
and enduring love

cindy and Jonathan own scores of artworks,

some of their own creations but many more by
local artists and such masters as salvador Dalí
and Marc chagall. some works are displayed,
and others are stored in the basement awaiting
their star turn on the main floor. every work
comes with a story, often about the circum-
stances of its acquisition, whether that involves
a great bargain, family connections, cindy’s
saskatchewan roots, friendship, or romance. Not
surprisingly, the two artists had a difficult time
deciding on three favourites to highlight.

1.
The Disaster Series: The Great Fire at Montreal –
July 9, 1852 by Cindy stelmackowich
in 2003, cindy created the photo-based The Disaster

2.
Series in which found images of famous scenes of
chaos were superimposed on the reproduced, enlarged
drawings of beatific people populating vintage medi-
cal atlases. the resulting works united cindy’s various
academic and artistic interests. these combinations of
beauty, medicine, and terror sold briskly. cindy’s career
took off. “So i see them as a big part of my identity,”
says cindy. Her favourite, utilizing a dreamy male figure,
Magic Bullet by General idea
is called The Disaster Series: The Great Fire at Montreal
a vaguely pill-shaped silver helium balloon, 24 inches long,

3.
– July 9, 1852.
often floats in one room or another. it is one of dozens of
balloons created by the toronto art collective general idea
in 1992 and exhibited at an aiDS-themed installation at the
Museum of Modern art in new York in 2012. Museum visitors
were invited to take home any balloon that lost its helium
and crash-landed. and that’s how cindy and Jonathan got
theirs. “Our best visit to MoMa ever,” says cindy. the helium
lasts for about two weeks, and the balloon can be easily
refilled at dollar stores for special occasions. Untitled work by Deborah “Chicky” etienne
this artwork began life as a golf club. the artist, a
Mohawk named Deborah “chicky” etienne, decorated
the club with aboriginal beadwork and feathers. it
became a war club and a powerful symbol of the 1990
Oka crisis when a group of Mohawks protested plans
to create a golf course on land they considered sacred.
“Jonathan gave that to me as a gift very early on in
our relationship,” says cindy. the war club is now a
reminder of enduring love.

90 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Featured Home: Rideau River

Hollywood on
the Rideau
Design-savvy homeowners team up with
a bold designer to recreate the glamorous
style of the late John Elgin Woolf, a
California-based architect whose client
list included a who’s who of movie stars
during Hollywood’s Golden Age

By sarah Brown
photos by Gordon King

The 1940s and 1950s were The apex of the Above the front facade (left)
glamorous era in hollywood, a time before Instagram of Valerie and Yves genereux’
and Twitter when the private lives of movie stars were house is based on a sketch by
california-based architect John
more or less private. rarely did the general public get to
elgin woolf, who designed
glimpse inside their well-appointed homes, only guessing
homes for the Hollywood
at what lay behind the striking facades. It was the hey- elite in the 1940s and 1950s,
day of California-based architect John elgin woolf, who developing a style that came
designed homes for the hollywood elite, developing a style be to known as Hollywood
that would come to be known as hollywood regency. his Regency. the back of the house
client list included the likes of Cary Grant, errol Flynn, (right) boasts lovely views over
Katharine hepburn and spencer Tracy, Vincente Minnelli the swimming pool — and the
and Judy Garland … the list goes on. Rideau River

92 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 this page a curved bank of
floor-to-ceiling windows on
the west side of the house
allows light to flood into the
living room. Valerie opted for
a neutral palette, unleashing
her creativity with jewel-toned
accents and emerald-green
upholstered chairs

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 93
 Woolf ’s style, both elegant and theatri- Above Many of the furniture
cal, captivated design fan Valerie Genereux, pieces in the open living and
who came across the Woolf sketch known as dining room are favourites
“Daydream House” one day and was instantly from former homes, including a
glass-topped coffee table from
hooked. And though Daydream House was
the couple’s previous house in
never built, Valerie and her husband, Yves,
Rockcliffe and a curvy chair of
were determined to make the iconic house the
Honduran mahogany from their
inspiration for their own dream home on the caribbean getaway
banks of the Rideau River. In 2011, the couple
called up designer Andre Godin of Andre Left the view from the dining
Godin Design and set the wheels in motion. room shows a large sliding door
“With Andre, you show him your inspira- with a black border. the door
tion and he knows exactly how to run with opens into the kitchen
it,” says Valerie, who has worked with Godin
on a number of their former properties. Over
the years, the homeowners and the designer
have teamed up to update a Tudor home in
Rockcliffe, undertake an Arts and Crafts-style
renovation of their cottage, and complete a
modernist facelift of a condo.
“The architect’s painting of the exterior
formed the concept,” explains Godin. “I then
developed everything around that — a time-
less and classic house rich with details. I like
to fuss around with all the details. I love to
sketch — I still do it all by hand.” The couple
and Godin spent a year collaborating on the
design process, with construction taking place
between 2012 and 2014.

94 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 Because the home faces south, with the
north side looking out over the river, Godin
placed floor-to-ceiling windows along the
west and north sides to allow sunlight to flood
through and to maximize river views. He and
Valerie then set about imagining every detail
for the dramatic interior, which would high-
light 12-foot ceilings, elaborate mouldings, and
bold colours and patterns inspired by the play-
ful work of Kelly Wearstler, a California-based
designer. Wearstler, whose background is in
interior and graphic design, has been described
as a “mega decorator,” a designer whose glam-
orous sense of style includes a love for intense
colours, bold patterns, and contrasting tex-
tures. “Valerie and I would look at pictures of
her work, then modify those ideas to create the
same feeling,” says Godin. The two also studied
the interiors of New York City-based designer
Steven Gambrel, incorporating his apprecia-
Above the kitchen is anchored Below Deep wood tones
tion for theatrical painted ceilings throughout
by a marble-enclosed cooking and brass accents impart an the house. “His work makes me weak at the
area that mimics the feel of a old-world european sensibility knees,” says Valerie with a laugh.
hearth. to the left is a casual to the sizable kitchen. the The entrance foyer sets the tone for the
dining area, which opens out white cabinet doors hide the house — an open, light-filled space anchored
into the couple’s informal refrigerator, which is situated by an audacious floor. Here, the oversize
family room in front of two semi-hidden black–and-white pattern announces that the
pantry spaces retreat within will make a statement. The
opening to the left leads along an open gallery

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 95
 to a formal dining and living room and kitchen.
Valerie opted for neutral tones throughout
to ensure the space stands the test of time,
unleashing her creativity with jewel-toned pil-
lows and emerald-green upholstered chairs.
“I love that they pop with colour, but they’re
also easy to change.” The couple brought select
furniture pieces from previous residences,
including a traditional dining room table, a
very modern glass coffee table, and two curvy
chairs of Honduran mahogany. “Somehow they
all work together,” says Valerie. The shimmering
grey ceiling is wallpapered, Godin’s interpreta-
tion of a silver lacquered ceiling by Gambrel.
The kitchen is a cook’s delight, anchored by
a marble-enclosed cooking area that mimics
the feel of a hearth. Deep wood tones and brass
accents impart an old-world European sensibil-
ity to the room, which includes two semi-hidden
pantry spaces. “We wanted this to feel like a
comfortable room rather than a workspace since
people are passing through all the time,” Valerie
notes. When the couple are entertaining guests
in the formal living room, a sliding screen allows
them to close off the kitchen.
Beyond the kitchen, doors open out to the

96 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Facing page, above the patio and pool space, while inside, three stairs lead down to Above, left and right
view from the sunken family a sunken family room filled with comfortable couches and Designer andre godin recreated
room to the casual dining area chairs and decorated in warm blues and browns. Here the this dramatic staircase based
and kitchen. in summer, the on a design by Kelly wearstler,
ceilings are 14 feet and yet the room feels cozy, anchored
couple enjoy their meals on a well-known designer out of
by a marble fireplace and surrounded by rich linen drapes
the patio, which is through the california. the metallic paint
that, when closed, envelop the room. “Steven Gambrel uses was applied at an auto shop
sliding glass doors
big prints in big rooms, and that motivated me to try it with
Facing page, below the
the drapes,” says Valerie. “I tell her the pattern looks like Left Valerie and Yves
ceilings in the sunken family one of Don Cherry’s jackets,” jokes Yves. During the day, genereux spent about a year
the drapes remain open, offering stellar views over the pool planning their dream home on
room are 14 feet high, yet the
and down to the river. In summer, Yves says, the scenes the Rideau. construction took
room feels cozy courtesy of a
a further two years
marble fireplace and drapes on the river are constantly changing, with a never-ending
that, when closed, envelop array of watercraft, from canoes to luxury yachts, pass-
the room ing by. At night, when the curtains are drawn, the room
becomes an intimate sanctuary.

A pASSAGeWAY to tHe rIGHt of the sunken fam-

ily room accesses the more intimate areas of the house,
including the couple’s master bedroom suite. painted a
soft blue and with a shimmering foil ceiling, Valerie and
Yves’ master bedroom seems to glow from within and
without. Because the land slopes down to the river, the
room appears to float on high, a wall of windows at the
far end of the room opening to a covered balcony that

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 97
Above the master bedroom, overlooks the river. “It’s gorgeous to be here to watch the
with its ethereal silvery-blue early-morning fog — it’s ethereal,” says Yves. In the centre
tones, is a calming space. glass of the ceiling, a delicate white-grey Murano chandelier, in
doors at the far end open to a combination with recessed lighting around the perimeter of
terrace overlooking the Rideau the room, adds a restful glow.
River and the swimming pool
The master bathroom picks up those same cloud-like
right connected to the mas-
hues, a unique blue, grey, and white marble used to full
ter bedroom, Valerie’s dressing effect on both the walls and the floors. It’s a truly luxurious
room is Hollywood glam, with room, the circular tub and expansive shower looking back
a 1940s-inspired vanity and toward matching his-and-hers vanities. Godin, with his eye
cloudlike light fixture for detail, has continued a band of the blue marble along
the base of the wall, behind the vanities, and around the
door frame that connects the bathroom to the master bed-
room. A fully appointed dressing room extends the theme,
with cloud-like pendant lamps creating a delicate radiance
in a room centred around a Hollywood-glam dressing table.
The super-glossy white lacquer of the closet doors reinforces
the luxe feeling of the entire master suite.

WHen sHe relIves All THe plAnnInG and dream-

ing and hours of construction it took to make this house
come together, valerie says it never could have happened
without the committed support of Godin through every
step of the process. “When it comes to design, Yves puts all
his trust in me, then I turn around and put all my trust in
Andre. He’s a natural.”
Godin just smiles. “It works because valerie has a vision.
To have a client who sticks with their vision, it’s huge.”

98 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
 Left the master bathroom
picks up the cloudlike hues of
the master bedroom. godin,
with his eye for detail, has
continued a band of the blue
marble along the base of the
wall, behind the his-and-hers
vanities, and around the
doorframe that connects
the bathroom to the master
bedroom

Below in the main section

of the luxurious bathroom,
a unique blue, grey, and white
marble is used to full effect
on both the walls and floor
behind the circular tub and
surrounding the luxe glass-
walled shower

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 99
 Art
1.
Sculpture by Jorge Marín
this standout bronze sculpture by internationally known
BAckstories
sculpture, surrealism, and some
Mexican finds

their house is filled with an eclectic array of art-

works that Valerie and Yves Genereux have col-
lected on their travels. Valerie says they value the
Mexican artist Jorge Marín holds pride of place at the thrill of discovery, wandering into tiny art gal-
entrance to the bedroom wing of the house. Valerie leries on side streets and discovering the stories
remembers that she and Yves first saw one of Marín’s behind the works on the walls. At the Genereux
sculptures — a larger-than-life masked angel perched home, more costly works of art are displayed side
atop a globe — in the Sierra nevada region of Mexico. by side with inexpensive finds from student-run
the couple, who used to holiday regularly in San Miguel galleries and modest art cafés.
de allende, a Spanish colonial town that Yves describes
as “magical,” have collected many works by Mexican
artists. Marín’s angels are renowned for the level of
detail in the bodies and wings.

3.
two works by unknown Mexican artists
Valerie, who calls this painting of a street vendor her
“favourite all-time piece,” says it reminds her daily that
she is very lucky to have been born in canada and to have
the resources to follow her dreams. all over the world, girls
and women live in poverty, scraping together a living sell-
ing food on the street. “the angle, the shadows on her
face — this painting has such power.” On the opposite

2.
wall hangs a much more lighthearted painting discovered
by Yves hanging in a coffee shop. it wasn’t originally for
sale, but as a dog owner and lover, he convinced the
owner to give it up.

Dreamer, a Modern Mona Lisa by rafal olbinski

Valerie found this work by surrealist painter and illus-
trator Rafal Olbinski, a Polish transplant to the United
States, at a gallery in San Francisco. “i was drawn to
it right away,” she says. “i’m not sure what the artist’s
intended message was, but for me, the painting demon-
strates that even the most iconic of women might have
a mundane life much of the time.”

100 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M

The Details Make The Difference

kitchen • bath • lighting • accessories

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613.749.1902| 1818 Woodward Dr. Ottawa
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2415 Carp Road in Stittsville www.laurysenkitchens.com
 Great Taste “I love the look of white dishes in front of a dark interior ...
Nothing is more decadent in design than using luxurious
materials in discreet applications.”—Dean Large, page 106
p hotography: becca wallace; map mad e by jaNe corbett usIN g “wIt h glowIN g hearts — celebratINg 150 years” fabrIc

Most Wanted | Oh Canada!

Almonte’s Grace Noël has designed the ultimate fabric collection for true north enthusi- ing her spare time designing costumes and sets for school plays. It was around that time
asts. rendered in reds, grey, cream, and soft turquoise, “with glowing hearts — celebrating that she discovered spoonflower, a company that allowed her to upload her sketches and
150 years” is a 21-piece collection developed with quilters in mind. the patterns are inspired have them printed onto textiles. the hugely popular site runs contests for aspiring designers;
by a love for canada and the national anthem, with maple leaves scattered throughout and Noël began entering, vying for prize money and garnering wider recognition for her work. In
such classic canadian iconography as canada geese, beavers, hockey sticks, and Inukshuks 2013, while a grade 12 student, she won a $5,000 prize from the Dragons’ Den gang, using
making an appearance. the funds to build her blog and create promotional materials.
for Noël, who graduated from the interior decorating program at algonquin college in In 2017, her upward trajectory continues. canadian fabric distributor trend-tex has
2016, this latest achievement caps what has been a standout couple of years on her road made “with glowing hearts” the foundation of its annual quilt challenge, with the win-
to becoming an established surface pattern designer. “anything can have a pattern on it,” ning designs to be featured at the 2017 International Quilt market, a huge trade show
explains Noël. “fabric is what people think of right away, but you can put patterns on any based in houston.
surface — ceramics, stationery, furniture, walls. I want to put patterns on every surface I see!” find “with glowing hearts” through the running stitch in Kanata and textile traditions
Noël has always been into drawing but says she really ramped it up in high school, spend- in almonte. — Sarah Brown

o t ta w a m a g a z I N e . c o m | iNteriors 2017 103

 We know cabinetry Let us design your next custom space

Production Kitchen – with

HN Homes & Leonard Vogt Design
2016 GOHBA Housing Design Awards

For more than 35 years, Deslaurier has specialized in creating all

styles of custom cabinetry in harmony with today’s varied lifestyles.

Our exceptional quality products and thoughtful design solutions

are specifically tailored to the individual needs of our customers.

We know cabinetry.

613.596.5155
Ottawa Design Centre
1050 Baxter Road
Production Bathroom – with
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2016 GOHBA Housing Design Awards FOLLOW US     
 Ottawa Magazine visits
nine swoon-worthy kitchens
and baths to highlight the
ideas and products that
make everything come
together so beautifully
By matt harrison and
dayanti karunaratne

trendwatch
photography: justin van leeuwen

T h e l aT e s T i n k i T ch e n and baT h room design — and how T o g eT T h e l ook

o t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c o M | interiors 2017 105

trendwatch

Walnut is the wood

of choice for many
designers: its rich
colour and defined n a marriage of traditional and contemporary was the goal in this astro design centre project. natural american walnut, with its depth
grains bring a warm, and colour, was the go-to material, as it plays beautifully against subdued textures and tones. “i love the look of white dishes in front of a
dark interior ... nothing is more decadent in design than using luxurious materials in discreet applications,” notes astro’s dean large.
natural aesthetic to
modern kitchens. And
it bridges the divide
between traditional
and contemporary,
bringing an approach-
able, friendly vibe to
the busiest room of

photography: justin van leeuwen (top); marc fowler (bottom left); gordon king (bottom right)
the house. Whether
used to frame a bank
of cabinets, ground a
countertop, or con-
nect an open-concept
kitchen with the rest
of the house, wood is
being used to great
effect in houses of all
sizes and styles. While
white surfaces con-
tinue to be the start-
ing point in kitchen
design, wood — and
n american walnut was used in this award-winning kitchen. n the rich colour and defined grain of walnut complement this
walnut, in particular
roca homes worked with dylan o’keefe of O’Keefe Fiorenza kitchen the way a piece of furniture adds colour to a white wall,
— is becoming a
design Group, who used wood to frame the oven wall, which notes conrado canolo of christopher Simmonds architect.
popular, efficient mirrors the waterfall legs of the island. the larger appliances meanwhile, the floating shelves and raised eat-in area, which
accent element. have been panelled in walnut veneer, and the flooring was were custom-made by deslaurier custom cabinets for this
chosen for its dark tone. the resulting effect is that the kitchen hn homes model kitchen, add warmth to a space that is
blends seamlessly into the rest of the house. otherwise mainly white.

106 interiOrS 2017 | o t ta w a m a g a z i n e . c o m

natural
n details
(clockwise from top)

wakefield’s own craft

collective makes sleek ipad
holders — perfect for multi-
step recipes (and binge watch-
ing while bringing that soup to
a simmer). available in walnut
or birch from the Modern
shop.

maple, oak, and walnut veneer

keep time in this clock by
atelier cocotte of montreal.
find the reloj clock at the
Modern shop.

build your table (or console or

bookshelf) to your own specs
with Mobilier de Gaspé’s
online workshop, which allows
shoppers to tweak the dimen-
sions and materials (walnut or
birch?) of their modern wood-
and-steel designs.

the rich, defined grains of

european jointed walnut
from deslaurier Custom
Cabinets elevate countertops
and shelves to the realm of
functional art.

this coffee press by hario of

japan — featuring accents of
olive wood — and the heart
mug by nina marchewka are
available at Goods shop.

(in the background)

the bistrot porcelain tile col-
lection by Ceragres is rustic
but contemporary and inspired
by the wood parquet floors of
old. available in four colours.

o t ta w a m a g a z i n e . c o m | interiors 2017 107

trenDwAtCh

n grey accents were used in this kitchen by Design First

Interiors to complement the doors and windows, which were
painted to simulate metal frames. the appliances continue the
theme, as does the hardware on the lights above the island and
dining table. and, as friedemann Weinhardt points out, grey
always harmonizes well with the warmth of hardwood flooring.

Whether it serves as
a backdrop to custom
millwork, connects
different parts of
a house, or simply
unites stainless-steel
appliances with their

photography: photoluxstudio.com - christian lalonde (top); doublespace photography (bottom left)

white surroundings,
grey is a hard worker.
Not one to steal the
show, this power-
house mutes counter
edges and softens
transition spaces.
The fact that it plays
well with the warmth
of hardwood floors,
drawing out the vari-
ous shades to create a
n subtlety reigns in this kitchen renovation. open to the dining rich, dramatic mood, n the glossy grey pantry and integrated refrigerators of this
and living rooms, the kitchen is not a focal point; rather, it was makes this neutral Potvin Kitchens and Cabinetry project serve as a backdrop
designed to maintain an atmosphere of openness and flow. colour a leader in its to the stove wall, where a combination of grey and walnut adds
rick shean of Christopher Simmonds Architect explains own right. warmth to the room. a thoroughly modern hutch — complete
that the grey ciot tile of the backsplash was also used in the with a waved sliding panel that moves up and down to conceal
hallway that runs to the back balcony, the continuity of colours some of the glass shelves — is the pièce de résistance of this
and materials cleverly enhancing the space. beautifully updated space.

108 InterIorS 2017 | o t ta W a m a g a z i n e . c o m

Neutral
n details
(clockwise from top right)

Tech Lighting’s Manette

pendant — shown here in
Smoke — features a die-cast
metal band and hand-blown
glass and is available through
the electrical & Plumbing
store.

Sit back and relax in the

Leifarne chair from ikea.
With restful flexibility and a
contoured back, it will keep the
dinner conversation going long
after dessert has been served.

From Danish design company

Lucie Kaas comes the Lotus
collection, tableware with
a modern, nature-inspired
motif. Find plates, mugs, and
more from the Lotus collec-
tions — as well as quirky-cute
Kaas tchotchkes — at Modern
Karibou.

This Hansgrohe swivel faucet

offers a variety of spray func-
tions and serves as a stream-
lined accessory to the modern
kitchen. Available in chrome
and steel finishes, The Metris
can be sourced through astro
design Centre.

For the perfect cuppa, use this

Kinto teapot from Modern
Karibou. The shape and
colour soothe, while the filter
allows even the largest tea
leaves to steep to perfection.

(In the background)

Entitled Spoonflower, this
lively wallpaper pattern by
local surface pattern designer
Grace Noël is available
through the spoonflower
website and features fancy
spoons turned into florals.

o T TA W A M A g A z I n E . c o M | iNteriors 2017 109

trenDwAtcH

n Art House took the lead

on this family bathroom.
a sleek, free-standing
bathtub sits boldly in front
of large windows that offer
unobstructed views. alex Diaz
of art house explains that
by using varying formats of
the same tile, they created
a sense of expansiveness.
a slick quartz counter, a
linear drain, and a modern,
sleek faucet punctuate the
otherwise simple semi-private
walk-in shower, adding to
the illusion that the space is
larger than it really is.

The spa experi-

ence is being recre-
ated in residential
bathrooms, where
designers often use n By sourcing materials with natural elements and clean lines
neutral palettes for this master ensuite, Deslaurier custom cabinets and
and soft lighting cardel Homes achieve their goal of inviting the surrounding
to set an ethereal woodlands in. the bath area is neatly divided from the shower
tone. But textural by a feature wall with a unique uneven surface. added warmth
touches are required comes via the grains in the wood flooring, as well as from the
to provide a sense soft, scattered light flowing from a rustic chandelier above the
freestanding tub.
of feeling anchored
to the space. Waves,

photography: John Kealey (top); Dwayne Brown (Bottom right): gorDon King (Bottom left)
clean lines, and vari-
ous nature-inspired
textures catch the
eye, adding depth
and creating visually
interesting points of
reference. The con-
trasting smooth, sleek
surfaces in the details
— faucets, basins,
lighting — form a
juxtaposition of tex-
tures that refocus the
mind and, in doing
n a mediterranean holiday — without leaving home. this bathroom by Gerhard so, prepare it to be
Linse Design was designed to invoke a seaside experience. leD back-lit onyx transported away to a
basins were chosen to “mimic the hues of the setting sun,” says linse, while the more tranquil place.
soft, warm feel of the gunmetal-hued Corian countertops and tub deck are
“reminiscent of sun-drenched rocks.” above the tub, the wavy sky-blue panels
recreate the inviting waters of, say, the riviera.

110 interiors 2017 | o t ta w a m a g a z i n e . C o m

textUral
n details
(clockwise from top)

the Stardust Chrome

Chandelier from Marchand
lighting + electric is unique
in that it features crystal jewels
encased in thin, clear glass,
which helps scatter and soften
the harshness of leD light.

gone are the days when you

tossed your laundry into a flim-
sy plastic hamper. the truss
laundry hamper from eQ3 is
soft but sturdy and has large
magnetic handles that keep it
closed, making it easy to carry
to the laundry room.

signature Hardware is a
Kentucky-based bath and
kitchen company that ships
items like this unique granite
sink to Canada. the smooth
stone basin elegantly contrasts
with the rough exterior.

looking as though it has been

cut from a single smooth stone
and hollowed out for no other
purpose than the bather’s
enjoyment, the maya tub from
Mondeau is available in a
matte or gloss finish.

the mosaic glass tumbler,

lotion dispenser, and waste-
basket set from suite dreams
Home emporium is a textur-
ally unique accessory. with
a gold/champagne finish, it
brings a touch of elegance to
the water-closet experience.

(in the background)

new in 2016, Farrow & Ball’s
arcade wallpaper has a tactile
art deco-inspired design.
available in seven colour pal-
ettes. at Uproar interiors and
the decorators Choice.

o t ta w a m a g a z i n e . C o m | interiors 2017 111

Authentically Modern
AWARD WINNING HOMES IN RIVERSIDE SOUTH & KANATA
DESIGNED BY CHRISTOPHER SIMMONDS ARCHITECT

HNhomes.com
 Indulge “i would visit these friends who had settled down, but i didn’t envy their homes. the sheer
thought of the routine filled me with terror.” —Ben Bulmer, page 130

Here’s the beef: sumptuous beef short

ribs are served with rough-cut pappardelle
noodles and braised mushrooms

Feast day the roasted pig serves as a prop; the Beckta

team assembles platters of cured meat, aged cheeses, and
salted fish, as well as plates of roast pheasant

DesBrisay Dines | By Anne DesBrisay

Chefs & Shows a sauce that became the scarlet canvas for a delicate lasagna, the
“come hungry; leave entertained.” that’s the thinking behind the pasta sheets interleaved with fresh ricotta and an english pea
gctc’s chefs & shows, a marriage of the culinary and theatre arts purée perked with pesto. Over this, he placed seared yellowfin tuna
where the dining foreshadows the drama. crusted with olives, basil, and a crumble of the tomato skin he had
it’s the brainchild of sheila whyte of thyme & again creative dehydrated. You know, that kind of tuna casserole.
catering and Michael Moffatt, chef/partner of Beckta, Play, and the principal prop of the second event was a roasted pig’s head,
gezellig restaurants. For one performance of each of the gctc’s six apple-mouthed and chestnut-ringed. it starred Katie Brown
mainstage productions this theatre season, the first act of the ardington, chef de cuisine of Beckta Dining and wine. she was
evening is a pop-up, prix-fixe communal dinner. it stars a guest paired with The Last Wife, a modernized (and wickedly good)
chef charged with creating a meal inspired by the play. and though reimagining of the relationship between Henry Viii and Katherine
it feels a bit mean to tell you what you’ve missed — four chefs & Parr, by playwright Kate Hennig. this time, the gluttony was
shows have taken place — there remain two, with a plan to run moved to long communal tables in the upper gallery of the gctc.
these pre-theatre dinner parties again for the 2017–18 season. we began the feast with cured meats, aged cheeses, dried fruits,
Gilding the Pig Beckta chef de
the first event featured Pat garland of absinthe café. He was salted fish, and preserves. Bowls of a rich game consommé came
cuisine Katie Brown ardington
puts the finishing touches on a matched with The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, a play next, then platters of roast pheasant with juniper berries, cabbage,
PHOtOgraPHY: Just in Van Leeuwen

roasted pig’s head about the scourge of alzheimer’s in which comfort-casserole and stewed apples; another featured Fogo island cod. Finally, a
cooking features prominently. garland had read Beth graham’s selection of sweet treats. Henry-style, we overindulged.
play and figured the best way to honour it was to open cans of the good sense of chefs & shows is to bring good food and
soup, empty their contents for some purpose other than his dinner, good theatre together — to have one art form add value to the
and use the tins as centrepieces. Because, well, the chef had his other. it’s an idea worthy of a standing ovation. two chefs &
limits, and they didn’t extend to cream of mushroom. He called one shows remain this season: on Feb. 28, arup Jana of allium will
of the three courses “tuna casserole,” though it was no variation i present a meal before Les Passants, and april 18 sees atelier’s
grew up with. garland smoked fall tomatoes and turned them into Marc Lepine teamed up with 1979 by Michael Healey.

OO
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 Indulge
Arôme Rustiek XiangZi
Hilton Lac-Leamy, 3, boul. du Casino, Gatineau, 51, rue St-Jacques, Gatineau, 819-525-3343 1121 Meadowlands Dr., 613-225-3313
819-790-6410
The last time I ate a Christopher Mulder plate of food “Just be careful with the sauce,” my XiangZi server
In a time when restaurants are more and more into the was at the excellent Bistro St-Jacques and the year was cautioned as he set down a big bowl of hot noodles, a
stripped-down look — linens off tables, fabric off walls, 2011. So what pleasure to find him again, at Rustiek, medium-sized bowl of something dark and shiny, and
carpet off floors — and are delivering a din to dining in the space Bistro St-Jacques used to call home. I five little bowls of trimmings. “It can be a bit too much
that can range from very jolly to deafening, Arôme feels think the splashes of red are new to the room, as is if you’re not used to it.” And I guess I looked as if I
something like spa eating. It’s no great looker — a hotel the handsome fun signage, but otherwise the well- wasn’t used to this thick and chunky, strikingly black
dining room generic enough that it could be anywhere. windowed corner restaurant, with its ceramic floor, sauce. These are the famous Chinese zhajiangmian, or
Still, its old-fashioned quiet comforts feel welcome. I small bar, and raised deck seems to me unchanged. fried sauce noodles, which feature small cubes of pork
could hear Husband’s every quiet moan as he plowed Unlike its predecessors at this address (St-Jacques and, belly sautéed with two fermented bean pastes. (One, I
his way through his Cowboy rib-eye. I’ve returned to after it, Gy Resto), the new Rustiek is not a French believe, a yellow soybean, and the other a sweet hoisin
Arôme in the Hilton Lac-Leamy after some years away, restaurant. Indeed, the cooking is more Germanic sauce.) You add this to the hot noodles, customizing the
keen to sample the product of a new dry-aging chamber. or Dutch-leaning, with pork dishes served with bowl with the crunchy raw condiments — cucumber
It’s a cabinet that’s front and centre as you enter the schnupfnudel, smoked duck with pear compote, and and radish, cilantro, chopped scallion, steamed
restaurant, glass-fronted to allow prime viewing of the beer-braised beef with cabbage and apples. Lunch soybean, and minced garlic. If that’s not enough, you
labelled slabs of meat resting, darkening, and drying dishes feature schnitzel in a bun and stamppot, a can also add black vinegar and chili oil. A few visits
beneath dim lights. Ahead of sampling the beef, we find traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes with on, I have learned the ropes enough to add every bit of
other pleasures: the French onion soup is a fine wintery sauerkraut and kale, served with a sausage and crowned the meat sauce, relishing the umami punch it delivers
starter, perfectly seared scallops pair beautifully with with a sunny egg. You can taste the French polish, to the hand-pulled noodles. XiangZi — which means
boudin noir, a puck of well-seasoned salmon tartare though, in some dishes. (Mulder’s verrine of chicken alleyway, I’m told — is newly arrived on the corner of
with squid ink crisps arrives with the bonus of one liver mousse, pork rillettes, and a sparkling apple-gin Meadowlands and Fisher. It serves the comfort food
tempura shrimp. Sharing the plate with an osso bucco gelée is quite wonderful.) But the chef seems intent on of Beijing — noodle dishes, millet porridge, soups,
of venison in a rich and bitter beer broth is a herbed mining his northern European roots at Rustiek. The dumplings, baozi (steamed buns), and fried buns. The
spaetzle and roasted fall vegetables. But it’s the 70-day house-made charcuterie is worth exploring — you’ll find kitchen, where a trio of women craft the dumplings,
aged steaks that really stand out, in particular the bone- real craftsmanship in the smoked beef tongue pastrami is on display behind glass. A seat at the kitchen bar
in rib-eye. With dry aging, moisture is drawn out of in a Reuben sandwich and in the bresaola that elevates offers a view of the kneading, rolling, weighing, filling,
the meat, microbes take over, and flavours concentrate a roasted-vegetable salad. Delicious, too, a salmon pleating, and steaming of the baozi. I’ve tried most of
and intensify. The result is meat that’s slightly sweet, gravlax starter. A cone filled with curry-dusted calamari, their buns — including the three-flavour, which unites
nutty, and cheesy. If cooked properly (not too much, served with a ground cherry salsa, is a lunchtime pork, cabbage, and shrimp — and a few of the pan-fried
lightly seasoned, served without sauce that could mask pleasure. Bring an appetite for the grilled pork chop, stuffed buns. They are all delicious, the dough lightly
flavour), there should still be some juiciness. If you which is served on a bed of herbed schnupfnudel sweet and delicate, the fillings tasty, well-seasoned, and
request it cooked beyond medium rare, don’t come (elongated gnocchi, poached then fried) and sweetened moistened with the steaming juices. The appetizers
crying to me. Arôme’s steaks are well-grilled, perfectly with dark dabs of a fig and orange gel. Save some and specials are written in Chinese only; ask if you
seasoned treats. You’ll want to save up for them: they room for the maple-pecan tart with caramel sauce and need translation. Best to go with friends and share —
come with a beefy price tag. Mains, including dry-aged house-churned ice cream. The mint-laced berries do an dumplings come as a basket of eight, and you’ll want to
beef, $28–$79. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and admirable job of cutting some of the sweet. Mains $24– try them all. Baozi (eight per order) $12–$16. Noodles
dinner. $28. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. $9–$13. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

CUSTOM BUILDER OF THE YEAR &

RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Exceptional Value

Greater Comfort &

Healthier Living

Environmentally
Responsible

Sustainability with Style!

www.rndconstruction.ca [email protected] 613-523-8598

114 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M

 Furniture with tons
of wow factor. As in,
“Wow, I can’t believe
it’s all La-Z-Boy.”

Aberdeen Room Group

If you thought you knew La-Z-Boy, think again. There are so many great-looking options, from sofas to chairs
to sectionals and more — all with the La-Z-Boy comfort you’ve come to know and trust. If you still can’t believe
it, just wait until you sit down.

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lzb.ca

ZZ--Boy Incorporated
©2017 La-Z-
 Indulge
Cheap Eats
From strip-mall gems to food-truck finds to downtown diners — Ottawa Magazine's anonymous food
critics evaluate dining options for penny-pinchers

Centrale Bergham
1611 Bank St., 613-695-8844 portion of succulent meat and curry gravy, that steal the
show. (Newbies note: There will be bones.) The chicken
When’s the last time you heard fast food described as meals can be ordered with your choice of jerk, fried, or
divine? That was the first word uttered by the diner barbecued chicken, but do yourself a favour and go for
at the next table as he inhaled deeply before biting the jerk option. A small portion is a good-sized meal for
into The Shish, a fresh wrap filled to bursting with one: a couple of pieces of chicken, the meat moist and
cinnamon-scented marinated chicken, onions, green the slightly crispy exterior brilliantly spiced, sit atop
peppers, and Algerian sauce. We quickly order the spicy rice and peas and a scoop of coleslaw. If you’re
same — in the process, getting a quick crash course really in a rush, the Jamaican patties are the real deal,
in Centrale Bergham’s dozen sauces, all Belgian-made the curried beef and gravy enclosed in a fresh, oh-so-
(and Belgians know their sauces). When you order a flaky shell. Bet you can’t eat just one. Jamaican patties
sandwich here, you individualize it by selecting the $2, chicken and goat rotis $10, chicken meals $7–$15.
toppings and sauce that go inside. Algerian sauce, it Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
turns out, is inspired by a popular Algerian street food
known as mhadjeb and includes spicy mayo and onions. Muckleston & Brockwell
Other sauces on the Centrale Bergham menu are also 127 Beechwood Ave., 613-745-2244
named after the areas that influenced their flavours
— the Andalusian, the Moroccan, the Tunisian, for New Edinburgh’s upscale Muckleston & Brockwell
example. Then there’s the chili-Thai, the peppercorn, butcher shop has been open for 18 months now,
the garlic. It could take a while to sample all the quickly becoming a neighbourhood go-to spot for meat
possibilities. Centrale Bergham is a fast-food chain with lovers who know their chops and want to know their
roots in Montreal, where it boasts 10 restaurants. The provenance. And as he sees what sells, affable butcher
location at Bank and Heron is the chain’s first foray and man-behind-the-counter Andrew Muckleston
outside la belle province (though at press time, plans has tweaked his offerings — and the store’s layout. In
were well underway for a second location on Donald late fall, he began courting the lunch crowd with a
Street in Vanier). This is fast food with a twist. All is sandwich-and-San Pellegrino combo. These are the
halal, and there is a definite Middle Eastern feel to the kinds of sandwiches Grandma used to make — simple,
flavours. And while the look of the restaurant says fast to the point, and heaped high. You have three options
food, the menu takes it up a notch — reminiscent of — roast beef, chicken, or off-the-bone ham. All are
the meal you might expect from your favourite specialty house-made meats, fresh and juicy. Muckleston piles
food truck. The Majestic sandwich is a popular choice, the meat into a fresh ciabatta roll, adds a smear of
the fresh bun piled high with sliced marinated beef, Dijon, a swipe of mayo, a slice each of tomato and
onions, and peppers and drenched with peppercorn lettuce. There, you’re good to go. Some people get
sauce. We also spot a number of hearty eaters going takeout, but neighbourhood regulars eat in. The front
for The Supreme, a sandwich that combines marinated of the butchery is now home to an eight-seat bar. Chill,
chicken with merguez sausage. This being a Montreal enjoy your sandwich, and check out what’s new in the
chain, poutine is on the menu. It’s not the greatest we’ve freezers along one wall. They’re filled with Muckleston’s
ever had — hand-cut fries are a must in our humble sausages, meats, and broths, but he also carries pastas
opinion — but they know how to layer the gravy and from Parma Ravioli, gluten-free savoury pies from
curd. Sandwiches $7.99–$10.99. (A couple of dollars Aunt Thelma’s, and more pies from Red Apron. Your
extra gets you fries or a salad and a fountain drink.) sandwich is perfectly filling, but somehow you still find
Open Monday to Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m. to yourself leaving with something more for dinner. Stop
midnight, Friday 2 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday noon by early if you can. The sandwiches are made fresh
to midnight. daily, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. Lunch special
Contact us for all your $10 sandwich (available weekdays from 10 a.m.). Open
real estate needs in 2017 Do Good Food Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.
80 Burland St., 613-695-0700 to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Movie theatres are usually parked in suburban mega- Passport Café

malls, surrounded by soulless chain restaurants. And 1489-B Merivale Rd., 613-695-7899
then there’s the Coliseum Ottawa in the city’s Britannia
neighbourhood. Yes, it, too, sits at the back of a giant Passport Café is the perfect little place to find Mexican
parking lot. But within five minutes’ walk, there is a food — the real tomato. Husband-and-wife team
world of good eats to be had before or after the show — Marco and Sylvia Hernandez have no experience in
Little India, Ceylonta (Sri Lankan), Jambo Restaurant the food biz, mind you — his background is in realty,
(Kenyan), and Shawarma Palace are all worthy stops on while she has spent years as a professor of business
this restaurant-filled strip of Carling Avenue. But on a administration. But just try that tortilla soup, with
cold winter’s evening, we have Caribbean food on our its crunchy strips of tortilla, avocado slices, and sour
minds. Just a couple of steps off Carling, Do Good Food cream. Non-traditional mozzarella cheese is welcome.
is the definition of a hole in the wall, a tiny bare-bones (Vegetarians can forgo the chicharrón, i.e., fried pork
takeout with just three or four booths — it’s a secret rinds.) Soft-shell tacos are filled with beef and fresh
Charles Sezlik, Cindy Sezlik, to many in Ottawa but well known to people in this coriander leaves, chipotles adding an earthy spiciness.
Dominique Laframboise, Sales Reps. neighbourhood. Reggae blasts from the speakers as a Bursting with that satisfying triumvirate of aubergines,
steady stream of regulars stops in for grab-and-go eats. zucchini, and peppers, along with mozzarella, corn
613-744-6697 This is Caribbean comfort food at its best, with a pared- quesadillas please to no end. There’s a list of paninis,
down menu that focuses on roti (goat or chicken) and too, all named for cities. A London panini with turkey,
#1 in Ottawa - Royal LePage* jerk chicken (served with rice and peas and coleslaw). however, has tired tomatoes and the avocado adds little.
#1 in Eastern Ontario - Royal
LePage* Sure, there are a few other items on the board, but it’s And the merely lukewarm mozzarella hasn’t melted.
the chicken and goat rotis, both enveloping a goodly Um, isn’t gooey cheese the whole point of paninis?
*Based on closed commission 2016 amongst 33 Offices
and 900 Sales Reps. +/-

116 i n t e r i o r s 2 0 1 7 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
Interiors_2017_issue.indd 1 2016-12-15 10:12:36 AM
Fortunately, two desserts hit the spot. The dense
chocolate cake is covered with old-fashioned chocolate
butter icing. Meanwhile, the Central and South
American specialty, tres leches cake (soaked in three
different kinds of milk — evaporated milk, condensed
milk, and whipping cream) is exquisite. Soups $6; tacos,
quesadillas, and paninis $4–$9; desserts $3–$4. Open
Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Schnitzel Works
1400 Cyrville Rd., 613-695-9577

When I first walked through the door of Schnitzel

Works, I thought it looked like a 1960s dining lounge.
But no, that’s not quite it. I recalled a restaurant like
this on the outskirts of Prague, heavy on clunky Soviet
Bloc decor. And after all, Schnitzel Works’ roots are
in Slovakia, a country that after more than 40 years
under Soviet rule absorbed that style of sameness so
disdainful of style. At least here, a handsome bouquet
of flowers always graces the dessert board. Schnitzel
the dish, originally Austrian, is now known from
Portugal to Peru, each with their own version. Schnitzel
Works takes advantage of such broad dissemination,
offering a dozen or more. German Jäger is served
with sautéed mushrooms in a nicely seasoned red
wine gravy. On a kaiser roll, it’s good, but as part of a
platter with spaetzle, it’s even better. Unfortunately, the
accompanying braised red cabbage was spiced with one
too many cloves. American schnitzel — with onions,
tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles — is plainer. Portions are
gigantic, to put it mildly, and meat is tender with a light
crust. From Montreal’s bakery Wawel come fine cherry
streusel squares. Soups and salads $3–$9, schnitzel
sandwiches $7–$11, perogies $8–$9, platters $16–$40,
breakfast $5–$8. Open Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to
4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7
p.m. Closed Sunday.

A Thing for Chocolate

1262 Wellington St. W., 613-695-3533

Never mind the chocolate, Omar Fares is the reason

everyone’s hanging out at this Wellington West café.
Chief cook and bottle-washer, Fares always finds time
to chat with his customers. Even distracted 12-year-
old boys are drawn in by his warmth. Fares originally
comes from a farming town he calls the ‘Saskatoon
of Lebanon’ but left, declaring he’s never had a green
thumb. (This despite his recently successful garden.)
Fares’ crepes are top-notch. The most popular one
comes with chicken breast, mozzarella, and tomatoes.
The pesto makes it — my friend got the last one made
from Fares’ homegrown basil. As for dessert crepes, the
Au Sucre is a treat, with butter, sugar, and lemon juice
(try the buckwheat version). Crepes with fresh berries
disappoint — huge blackberries and the like would do
better made into a compote. As for chocolate, a perfect
truffle is filled simply with a date, another with creamy
dulce de leche. Fruity, nutty squares with coconut oil
Settle for everything.
are a hit. Although the cappuccino’s topped high with
foam, the coffee lacks flavour. However, a cup of mocha
Call 613-825-0548
latte is rich and warming — a lovely way to while away or email [email protected]
an afternoon chatting. Crepes $8–$14, desserts $2–$7.
Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; chuckmillsdesign.com
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Monday.
2016 DESIGNER OF THE YE AR
GRE ATER OT TAWA HOME BUILDERS’ A SSOCIATION

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 117

 Indulge
Happy 150tH City Bites | By Sarah Brown
CanaDa!
The Kitchen Files
Sweet tooths know Robin coull as the genius candy
maker behind Morsel artisan caramels. now they’ll also
get to know her as the mastermind behind the new
kitchen and specialty food store Pot & Pantry (244
elgin St.). the store, which opened in november, takes a
fresh approach to the general stores of old, with shelves
filled to bursting with a carefully curated cornucopia of
cooking products, handcrafted dishes and tea towels,
and locally made small-batch food and drink by the likes
Jane of cardamom & cloves, Buchipop, Lowertown canning,
Davis top Shelf Preserves, and alicja confections, to name a
few. Meanwhile, over at Kitchenalia (274-a Richmond
Mary Jane Rd.) in westboro, industry veteran Rob Olafson (formerly
of grace in the Kitchen and Serious cheese) has
McKenDry undertaken an epic renovation after buying the business
sales representatives from founder warren Snider in September. the updated
store, now much brighter and easy to navigate, features
613.231.4663 expanded gourmet-foods and kitchenware sections with
more selection in such brands as Lodge, emile Henry,
[email protected]
epicurean, wüsthof, Peugeot, Scanpan, and Riedel.
[email protected]
Aylmer’s Two-in-One Restaurant
He has spent the past few years turning Lowertown the new Lagoon coconut Lagoon on St. Laurent Boulevard is
Brewery into a Byward Market hot spot, a bustling pub undergoing extensive renovations. it has been a whirlwind year for
with its own brewery and a menu of upscale pub grub. chef Joe thottungal, who took home gold at gold Medal Plates
this past year
now chef Kyle Mortimer-Proulx is on to the next
a proudly Canadian company since 2000 challenge, heading to aylmer to lead an ambitious
“double restaurant” housed in a heritage building. On the Coconut Lagoon Journeys
main floor, Le Maçon Pub (61, rue Principale), seats 90, it has been a whirlwind few months for chef Joe
with an additional 100 seats on the veranda and thottungal of Coconut Lagoon, who took home gold
patio. Mortimer-Proulx hopes it will become a in november in the Ottawa segment of the prestigious
neighbourhood hangout, with made-from-scratch pub Gold Medal Plates competition. He won with a
fare paired with a curated list of draft beers and local halibut dish, the fish marinated in green mango juice
craft brews. Upstairs, the 54-seat La Maison Conroy is before being slow-poached in canola oil infused with
a more intimate space that showcases the bones of the garlic, shallots, and a profusion of Kerala spices. the
building through exposed original stonework and rich busy chef is now prepping for the Canadian Culinary
wood. Here, Mortimer-Proulx provides an upscale dining Championships on February 3 and 4 in Kelowna, B.c.,
experience, promising a small- and medium-plates where he takes on top chefs from across the country. if
menu tied to the seasons and supported by local that’s not enough, thottungal is also presiding over a
farmers. “i want residents to come and celebrate with renovation, expected to finish by March or april, which
loved ones, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, date will add 45 seats to his busy restaurant. and, oh yes, it’s
night, or simply an opportunity to catch up with each probably sold out by now, but you might want to check
other over great food and delicious drinks,” says the chef. to see if there are any last-minute tickets left for the
amen to that. chef’s third culinary trip to South india, which runs from
March 5 to 23 and tours tamil nadu, Karnataka, and his
Doughnut News home state of Kerala. the tour is capped at 24 to keep
there’s a new doughnut player in town. Maverick’s things personal.
Donut Company (1500 Bank St.), which opened in the
Blue Heron Mall, is a collaboration between five savvy Lunching at the Innovation Centre
partners who already work together in various capacities tim Van Dyke is an independent, eco-conscious
for the Vittoria trattoria and Lapointe Fish restaurants. entrepreneur — one who has quickly persuaded
the hospitality experts are Harjeet singh, Dominic thousands of downtown office workers to eschew the
santaguida, Geoff Vivian, Kyle Hector, and Jake chip truck for fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches to go.
ellis. the gang has dreamed up a short list of signature Five years after launching LUnCH, Van Dyke now
flavours (including Pina colada, Death by chocolate, and boasts five stand-alone restaurants and food-court
Lemon Ricotta), but kids will likely gravitate toward the locations on both sides of the river and runs a busy
“build your own” option, which allows customers to catering operation. as of December, LUncH is also
choose their doughnut, dip, and a whole host of toppings operating the cafeteria in the innovation centre at
749 Bank Street (toffee bits and sprinkles, perhaps?). Doughnut lovers in Bayview Yards, the city’s brand new entrepreneurial
613.237.1658 thepomeroy.ca other areas of town can take heart. Plans are in the hub. He’s quick to note that this isn’t your standard
works to offer a delivery service for large orders and to cafeteria — the cool spot boasts 30-foot ceilings,
wholesale to various coffee shops around town. and a original brick walls, and views into an orchard that will
second Maverick’s location is slated to open later in 2017, be planted at the back of the centre next spring. if
“One of Ottawa’s 10 Best Restaurants” - Ottawa Magazine though no details were available at press time. you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by for LUncH fare,

118 i n t e r i o r s 2 0 1 7 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
OMINT_Pomeroy_1-6V_REV.indd 1 2017-01-09 3:35 PM
 “DETAILS MAKE PERFECTION, AND PERFECTION IS NOT A DETAIL.”
– LEONARDO DA VINCI –

plus drinks from local heavyweights equator coffee, Six

cold Press Juice, Harvey & Vern’s soda, and Buchipop.
and, yes, there will be craft beer on tap.

QUICK BITES

• Just in time for spring, the Canadian organic

Growers is running a hands-on Growing Food course,
noting that “growing your own food can address food
security issues, allows one to know exactly what they
are eating, offers a new appreciation for the food we
eat, and saves money.” the course includes five
classroom lessons and 11 practical labs that highlight
topics ranging from seeding to foraging and harvesting
to storing.

• Recent restaurant openings of note include raw

Pulp + Grind, which launched in Little italy with a full
slate of cold-pressed juices, salads, and smoothies.
Beechwood avenue finally saw the opening of the
long-awaited sutherland by chef warren Sutherland,
and food-cart favourite raon Kitchen has established CUSTOM HOMES + RENOVATIONS
a permanent location on Laurier avenue west, just
GOHBA 2016 WINNER: BEST RENOVATION $350K-$500K + GREEN RENOVATION
behind the Lord elgin Hotel.

• a big congrats to Beau’s All natural Brewing HOURY AVEDISSIAN 613.883.3830

Company, which headlined a Kickstarter campaign [email protected]
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ha2d.com
this past november that raised $110,400 for the
rwanda Craft Brewery Project. the money will
establish a women-owned brewery in Kigali.

• Hockey-loving oenophiles will rejoice to learn of the

revamping of Club red restaurant & Wine Bar.
Designer Gord Mctavish announced the news with the
quote: “we’ve given it some new rebel attitude, plus a
feature 1,000-bottle wine cellar and tasting room.”

• Mall watch! two independents are taking on the

chains. Hot sauce source Chilly Chiles has opened an
east-end storefront at St. Laurent centre, while the
popular Barrhaven coffee shop Cafe Cristal has set up NEW 2017
a mini location at carlingwood Mall. MODELS
COMING
• Fast-food lovers should be on the lookout for the new SOON
location on Donald Street in Vanier for Centrale
Bergham, maker of awesome halal burgers,
sandwiches, wraps, and poutine. Burgers n’ Fries
Forever now has a second location on Dalhousie (at
Murray), while Colonnade Pizza has a new branch on
carling (in the Fairlawn Plaza). Oh, and at press time,
Chipotle had just tweeted that a first Ottawa location,
to be opened in the Rideau centre, was in the works.

• glebites have likely already discovered the Glebe

Community Café, a.k.a. gccafé, open since October at
the glebe community centre. Makita Kitchen & Bar,
highlighting comfort food with an asian twist, has
opened at the north end of the ’hood in the former
new nupur spot.

• it’s never too cold to be thinking about gelato.

west-siders will be thrilled to hear that stella Luna Ottawa’s Finest Quality Garden Furniture Centre
Gelato Café has plans for a second cafe in Hintonburg www.patiocomfort.ca
this spring. the location? the tamarack wellington
Building on wellington, just east of Parkdale. 881 Richmond Road (East of Woodroffe) 613-728-1773

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 119

PatioComfort_OMIN17.indd 1 2017-01-10 1:47 PM
Exceptional Service Starts at Universal Appliances.

(613) 521-5002 1915 Bank Street universalappliances.com

Indulge

High Spirits | The Alchemist’s Odyssey

after making merry throughout the holiday season, you might find yourself left with odds and ends
that made their way onto your holiday to-drink list. Katie shapiro gets advice — and recipes —
from local cocktail entrepreneurs about the flavour rules when it comes to mixing drinks

in general, a drink is more than the sum of its parts, which means that the Guillemette, co-founders of Jack’s Soda, began by making tonic water.
name of the game in making cocktails is balance. The harmony between Wanting to match the quality of their mixer to the craft gins they were
the bite of the booze and the flavour profiles of the other elements — finding on the market, the duo set out on a quest to make their own
strong, weak, sour, sweet — is what makes a palate-pleasing cocktail. tonic, using Quebec honey, fresh lemongrass, ginger, lemon juice, laven-
Ottawa’s own Dragon’s Den success story, Split Tree Cocktail der, and quinine extracted directly from cinchona bark. That last ingre-
Company, is evidence that the best method of experimenting with dient is the original antimalarial ingredient in tonic. Because the bark
cocktails is taste-testing. was so bitter, it was sweetened with sugar and diluted with water. From
From the outset, Steve Morrier, the so-called chief alchemist (and this recipe came the first commercial tonic, which was manufactured in
owner) at Split Tree, was guided by this spirit of experimentation, invit- 1858 for consumption, largely in hot tropical areas — in particular by
ing friends over to try different syrups — a process by which his first Brits stationed in India, who added gin to the drink.
product, Tonic No. 3, was developed. Beaupré and Guillemette advise experimenting imbibers to start
illustratiOn: an thOn y t reMMaglia

And while the “number one rule is that there are no rules” philoso- simple with their products — a classic gin and tonic with their signature
phy continues to guide Morrier, he does like to match a strong flavour Jack’s Tonique or a spiced dark and stormy cocktail with their ginger
with something a little subtler. For example, his Ginger Vanilla Syrup beer, Jack’s Gingembre.
pairs the sharpness and heat from the ginger with the softer, sweeter And though the standard cocktail recipes are still their favourite ways
vanilla notes. Ensuring that his products are as versatile as they are to use Jack’s Sodas, Beaupré and Guillemette have enjoyed seeing the
tasty, Morrier says this syrup pairs well with everything from gin to inventive ways customers have used their sodas. From hot ciders with
rye, bourbon, or vodka. their ginger beer to tonic granitas (semi-frozen dessert), the uses go
It’s a similar story over at Jack’s Soda. Joël Beaupré and Mathieu beyond boozy drinks.

O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M | interiors 2017 121

 Indulge
In fact, Pat Rowan at Really Horrible
Enterprises, an Ottawa purveyor of cooking
and cocktail bitters, likes to use these bar-
tender products as an extension of her spice
rack. Bitters, which are made up of plants,
herbs, fruits, and spices steeped in alcohol,
should simply be considered “very flavourful
extracts” and should not be limited to cock-
tails, she says. If you’re looking to get more
out of bitters than just a dash or two in the
occasional drink, Rowan and her partner, Todd
Chambers, have lots of ideas. Try a dash of the
Aromatic Lemon bitters in your next chicken
dish or a couple of drops of the Cherry Vanilla
bitters in brownie batter. The nice thing about
this science, they point out, is that home cooks
and bartenders can uniquely tailor and elevate
their creations with a few drops of flavour.
Yes, you could stow away those bottles of
booze until next year, allowing them to collect
dust in some dark corner of your home. And
though you’ve made the decision to enjoy them
only once a year, assuredly the teenagers of the
house will prey upon that beguiling collection
of booze in a quest to create some swampy get-
drunk-quick cocktail for their friends. Come next
year, those bottles will undoubtedly be at half
strength given that they’ve been systematically
watered down to ensure their theft has gone
unnoticed. Or you could experiment now with
bitters, syrups, and tonics and give that holiday
booze a second life. Who knows, you might wind
up creating the next Arnold Palmer!

really Horrible Cherry Vanilla Manhattan

2 oz. rye
¾ oz. italian red vermouth
2 dashes cherry Vanilla Bitters
Stir all ingredients in a mixing tin. Serve neat in a coupe
or on ice in a rocks glass. garnish with orange peel.

split tree Bourbon Ginger snap

1½ oz. bourbon
¾ oz. Split tree ginger Vanilla Syrup

Impress your friends

¼ oz. Split tree Sour Mix
1 oz. orange juice
add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain

with YOW know-how. into a glass with ice. garnish with lemon wedge.

Jack’s WP&t
1 oz. white Port
½ oz. gin
¾ oz. Jack’s tonique
2–3 oz. club soda
Mix all ingredients in a rock glass. Stir well.
garnish with lemon wedge.
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122 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M

WE I NVITE YOU TO AN E XCE PTIONAL
FIVE- DIAMOND GOURMET EXPERIENCE
Le Baccara offers French-inspired cuisine, where delectable dishes,
vintage wines, courteous service and elegant decor come
together in an unforgettable dining experience.

Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30 p.m.

PRIVATE SALON available for groups of 10 to 30 guests.

Free outdoor parking and WiFi

casinolacleamy.ca 819-772-6210 18+

 resources

Get A guide to the companies featured in this issue of

Ottawa Magazine Interiors

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148 Colonnade Road
www.elitedraperies.ca A Sense of Place, pg. 76

613.730.9090 25 reason to Love Juniper Farm

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Landlab Developments
Zibi.ca
OMINT_EliteDrapery_1-3sq_REV2.indd 1 2017-01-12 2:42 PM Landlab.ca

Linda Chapman Architect

Time for a 26 random Desires

Alteriors
Smartarchitecture.com

Maisons Chicoine Homes

Alteriros.ca

NEW
Maisonschicoine.com

Eepmon
Eepmon.com
50 Working the Angles
JONES+LAISH

Kitchen? Jonesandlaish.com

Low Poly Crafts

Faubert Interiors
Faubertinteriors.ca

Lowpolycrafts.com Frank Prendergast

Neoform.ca
Maru the circle brand
Maruthecirclebrand.com Landon Metz
Landonmetz.com
PDA Projects
Pdaprojects.com Urban Keios
Urbankeios.com
Sayward Johnson
Saywardjohnson.ca
58 Boldly Does It
SPAO
Spao.ca
Desire to Inspire
Cath rin Pulcin Warehouse Desiretoinspire.net
Own r, Th CPI T am I Award Winning Kitch n D sign r MEMBER Warehousebrand.com
Canadian Franchis of th Y ar 2012-2015 Farrow & Ball
Franchis of th Y ar 2014 Farrow-ball.com
613-599-5564 I www.cpi.d coratingd n.com 41 Watchlist
Na Coille Studio
Nacoillestudio.com
Hendrick Farm
Hendrickfarm.ca
124 february 2014 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M
DESIGN COMES TO LIFE ®

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 resources

phOtOgraphy: phOtOluxstudiO.cO M - ch r istian l alO nde

The Art of Living, pg. 84

68 Keeping time Lepage Millwork

Lepagemillwork.com
Astro Design Centre
Nevado Artistic Plaster
Astrodesigncentre.com
Nevadoartisticplaster.ca
Christian McLeod
Ottawa Window Works
Christianmcleod.com
Ottawawindowworks.ca
Classic Tile + Stone
Tin Barn Market
Classictileandstone.ca
Tinbarnmarket.com
Deslaurier Custom
Cabinets
Deslaurier.ca 84 the Art of Living

Michael Golland
Enriched Bread Artists
Michaelgolland.com
Studio
Enrichedbreadartists.com
Michael Pittman
Newfoundlandartist.com
LA Pai Gallery
Lapaigallery.com
The Modern Shop
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Patrick Mikhail Gallery
Patrickmikhailgallery.com

76 A sense a Place Vanier Moderns

S A R E E PA R RY D E S I G N Facebook.com/vanier.
moderns
Benjamin Moore
We create interiors Benjaminmoore.com
to be admired and lived in. Ceragres 92 Hollywood on the
Ceragres.ca rideau

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Andre Godin
IN-HOME CONSULTATION Cooneyconstruction.ca
Andregodindesign.com
613-841-3326
Gordon Weima Design
SAREE.DECORATINGDEN.COM Banos Painting
Builder
Banospainting.com
Gordonweima.com

126 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M

 resources

phOtOgraphy: gOr dO n k ing

Hollywood on the Rideau, pg. 92

Domoticka Home Gerhard Linse Design

Automation gerhardesign.com
Domoticka.com
Goods Shop
LC Contracting goods-shop.ca
Lc-contracting.com
The best home is yet to come... HN Homes
103 Most Wanted hnhomes.ca

...Yours. Grace Noël

Ikea
ikea.com
creativelygraceful.
blogspot.com
Marchand Lighting +
Electric
marchandelectric.com
105 trendWatch
Mobilier de Gaspé
Art House degaspe.ca
arthousedevelopments.ca
Modern Karibou
Astro Design Centre modernkaribou.ca
astrodesigncentre.com
The Modern Shop
Cardel Homes themodernshop.ca
cardelhomes.com
Mondeau
Christopher Simmonds mondeau.ca
Architect
csarchitect.com Potvin Kitchens &
Cabinetry
Design First Interiors potvinkitchens.com
designfirstinteriors.ca
Roca Homes
Deslaurier Custom rocahomes.ca
Cabinets
deslaurier.ca Signature Hardware
signaturehardware.com
The Electrical & Plumbing
Store Suite Dreams Home
epstore.com Emporium
suitedreams.ca
EQ3
eq3.com

128 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M

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 Voice | By Ben Bulmer

The Journey to Find Home

i’ve always had a deep-seated desire to be somewhere else. visa requirements — I finally made it to Cape Town with
This is not born from unhappiness or misery or the desire a Canadian by my side. We had met at a bar in Uganda,
to escape or the misguided belief that the grass is always bonding over cold bottles of Nile Special lager and shar-
greener elsewhere. The desire lies somewhere between a ing tales of our nomadic lifestyles. Something clicked, she
general curiosity about the world mixed with an inherent bought a bike, and we spent five months cycling across
fascination with travel. Or maybe it’s simple boredom. southern Africa together.
Regardless of the reason, in 1997 I left my home in For once in my life, I had an urge to be close to family
Chester, England. Starting at the age of 20, I slipped and friends. We headed back to the U.K. and found our-
comfortably into a nomadic lifestyle that, unbeknownst selves settling into life in London. I got a job working for
to me, would last for over a decade. I once called Sydney, the local government and did things regular people do: I
Australia, home, spending my 21st birthday living with took the tube to work, went to the cinema, saw my friends
10 roommates in a “swish” two-bedroom apartment that and family. I even started to enjoy it. But as soon as the
boasted panoramic views over the harbour. notion of home set in, I was transported to Vancouver in
Two years later I celebrated my birthday drinking rice 2008, swapping my Edwardian townhouse for a tiny East
wine in a village in northern Laos, then staggered back to Van apartment — all in the name of love.
my sub-$1-a-night hotel; two years after that I was riding And so it began: my girlfriend’s school commitments
my bicycle around Myanmar — all this time still holding meant neither of us was going anywhere. After more than
on to a desire to be somewhere else. Friends settled into a decade of wandering, had I finally found a permanent
their permanent lives after gap years and university; some home? Nope; education uprooted us again. We said good-
bought houses, concreting themselves to the long-term bye to the damp B.C. coast and moved to Ottawa in 2014.
financial concept of home. I kept on daydreaming. A year later we headed up the road to Wakefield. On a daily
I would visit these friends who had settled down, but I basis, we would talk about the places we would go and the
didn’t envy their homes. The sheer thought of the routine things we would do once she finished school. From six-
filled me with terror. I once signed a marriage certificate at figure, tax-free earning in Dubai to cycling across Central
the wedding of a fellow traveller, but I didn’t think her mar- Asia, ideas were as a plentiful as the desire to achieve them.
riage would settle her because she had the same wanderlust But studying architecture means you’re in it for the long
I had. But a year later she was back in her hometown of haul, and those passions and desires become subtly dulled
Cardiff, pregnant and excited to be starting a family. I didn’t over time by year after year of study.
see it coming; together we’d slept on the Great Wall of China, And then one day they spit you out — seven years of
gone skinny-dipping at 4 a.m. in Vietnam, and left more bars school has finally ended, and the world is laid out in front
as the sun was rising than I could remember. I knew she was of you once again. But it looks different, somewhat scarier
doing exactly what she wanted to do, but deep down I didn’t and somehow less inviting than it once did. Something feels
want her to settle — I always wanted her available so that we changed. Has that deep-seated desire to be somewhere else
could go off on an adventure together. finally waned? As we sit in our Wakefield home surrounded
I was often asked whether I missed home. I didn’t, by the forest and enjoying the stillness of the fresh air, we
because I had one — it just happened to be a home that ponder this home, one of many we have lived in over the
illust ratiOn: Michael geOrge had dad

was constantly in motion. years but one that feels distinctly different. It’s a home with
In 2005, I left London to cycle to Cape Town, South Africa a particular feeling I haven’t felt before, one of permanence
— what could be more freeing than calling a tent and my bike — and it doesn’t feel too bad.
home for a year or two? I adopted the cliché: home would be
wherever I laid my head. I would live like Huckleberry Finn.
But even an adventure can become uniform. Ben Bulmer is a journalist and stalled nomad who is just
Two and a half years later — via an irresistible oppor- coming to terms with the fact that he appears to be settled
tunity to visit Ukraine after they lifted their U.S.S.R.-era in Wakefield.

130 interiors 2017 | O t ta w a M a g a z i n e . c O M

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