Designed for Living

STORY SOPHIA LEMON
PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTSCOLLINGWOOD FLOWERS & HOME DECOR

Turn off Highway 26 between Thornbury and Collingwood onto a hidden, one-lane road that leads towards the water. It’s a quiet cottage community, surrounded by cedars and birch trees. After a sharp turn, a modern home appears that unexpectedly suits the natural waterfront. Beyond heavy front doors in the foyer, a mirror reflects the glorious view of Georgian Bay. 

Julie and Angelo Papatheodorou built this home, their second in the area, with a specific purpose. They wanted an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

They’ve been skiing for 10 years with their children Teah and Michael at The Georgian Peaks Club. They also hike, bike and love stand up paddleboarding in summer. “It is way more motivating to go outside and get exercise,” says Julie. Between her job as a principal in Toronto and Angelo’s position as a software executive, the two are excited to one day retire to the area. For now, they expect to spend more time relaxing with their family here year-round.

Julie and Angelo credit their builder, Gordon Stone of Stone Project Management for his flawless execution. The home, they say, took only 54 weeks from start to finish. They also applaud John Petrocelli of Backyard Getaways for his work outside. The landscaping will be completed this year.

The living space is expansive at 6,000 square feet, excluding the basement. The great room – kitchen, dining and living room – is huge, but feels cosy, which is exactly what Julie intended. “We wanted modern,” she says. “I like the clean lines, but I didn’t want it so modern that it wasn’t warm.” And it is exactly that.

An expansive quartz-topped waterfall island in the white kitchen with walnut accents easily seats six. For the cooks, there’s a constant view of the changing bay through the back wall of windows.

Interior design consultant Deborah Bertulli can take full credit for the bright, warm and inclusive feel of the space. Deborah sourced and selected all furnishings for the home from Stoney Creek Furniture, one of the largest furniture showrooms in Canada. With a universal design scheme of black, white, gold and dark wood architecture throughout the home, the furniture with charcoal and grey fabrics and caramel leathers blends beautifully. The large abstract art with bold blues and greens draws the natural landscape inside.

This is the third home Deborah has helped furnish for the Papatheodorou family. Deborah first worked with Julie and Angelo on their Mississauga home. “Let’s just say they don’t like shopping,” says Deborah. She has gotten to know Julie, Angelo and their children so well that picking out furniture, accessories and art seems effortless.

They “absolutely love to entertain family and friends,” Deborah says. “Knowing this about them makes the furniture selection process all about comfort and the ability to entertain large crowds.” Their new dining table has four leaves and opens to 144 inches so that Julie, who loves to cook, can easily host a large dinner party. It seats 10 in its everyday configuration.

And there is no need for guests to trek home after dinner. The home sleeps up to 30 people. Every bedroom features a bed and fashionable pull-out. And with seven bathrooms, there is plenty of room for family and friends to comfortably visit for extended periods.

Thoughtfully choosing the right pieces to accommodate so many guests isn’t an easy task. Deborah thanks Stoney Creek Furniture for every piece that found its way into the home. “I am extremely particular and I need to know from the sale process to the delivery day that everything is perfect. I can always count on Stoney Creek Furniture to have exactly what I am looking for.”

Julie and Angelo Papatheodorou have very quickly, with expertise from the right people, built and furnished a space that provides rest, relaxation and quality time with their favourite people. No stress. No rush. Just the sounds of their friends and family laughing over the crashing waves of Georgian Bay. OH