Marvelous Models
STORY MARY HATT
PHOTOGRPAHY JASON HARTOG
Laidback sophistication defines the lifestyle offered in this model by Vranic Homes’ in Kilworth’s Edgewater Estates just west of London. The 2,335 sq. ft. open-concept bungalow is all about casual living surrounded by luxurious detailing and finishes. “I love to see people’s reactions when they come through the front door,” John Vranic says of the model’s welcoming sightlines to the beamed and vaulted ceiling of the great room with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace. “They are usually just blown away.” In fact, the home is a Dream Lottery grand prize supporting London’s hospitals.
Italian porcelain tiles with a leathered finish (from Stone Tile, installed by Gallerno Marble & Tile) create the seamless look on the fireplace surround (insert from My Fireplace). Ceiling beams add a rustic touch to the great room.
The outside comes inside through large custom windows overlooking the home’s estate-size lot
and country setting (Golden Windows, installed by Sheedy Carpentry Solutions). The recessed covered porch, accessible from the dining area and master bedroom, adds outdoor living space.
Stylish furnishings, including pieces from Austin & Taylor Home Furnishings Inc. and Accents Home Furniture, make a statement of easy-going elegance throughout the home.
Shiplap (painted Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore) creates a warm and textural contrast to the black stairwell railing and spindles (Pro-Stair & Railing Inc., Medeiros & Son Trim Ltd. and Custom Trim).
A chef’s dream kitchen with high-end appliances like the Jenn-Air professional grade gas cooktop from Arva Appliance Centre.
Kitchen elegance: waterfall island in Montauk Hanstone quartz (Sloan Stone Design), quietly stunning cabinetry by Tacoma Woodworks, brushed gold and chrome hardware, black high-arc faucet and sink (The Ensuite Bath & Kitchen Showroom) and striking display and storage cabinetry with hidden pantry.
The arty powder room sports a matte black vessel sink (The Ensuite) placed on a dark-veined Diamante Vicostone countertop (Sloan Stone Design).
Striking trim detail (Medeiros & Son Trim Ltd. and Custom Trim Solutions): Note the panelled wall (painted Anchor Gray by Benjamin Moore) in the home office off the front foyer, and coffered foyer ceiling (Oxford White). Desk from Austin & Taylor.
Wonderful white oak floors (Flatout Flooring) provide a restful and comfortable backdrop throughout the home.
Coastal and farmhouse influences inspired Shale Holden when she designed The Trentwood model by Hayhoe Homes in the Harvest Run community of St. Thomas. Shale, Hayhoe’s design and marketing consultant, says the home is ideal for couples of all ages with its open and airy 2,196 sq. ft. plan and easy one-floor living. There is an open-concept kitchen and great room, master suite and extra bedroom/office on the main floor. Downstairs provides a snug family room plus an additional two bedrooms and a bathroom.
A coastal farmhouse kitchen blends fresh white with soft grey and champagne tones and features Shaker-style cabinets and a wood-and-glass built-in pantry wall (GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc.), an arty range hood, rustic tile backsplash (Elgin Carpet One Floor & Home), Caesarstone island and Hanstone perimeter countertops (Progressive Countertop).
Tone-on-tone champagne hues provide a serene finish for maple cabinets and built-ins, Preverco hardwood floor (Elgin Carpet One Floor & Home) and stairway railings (Riverside Millwork Group).
Transom windows: Maximizing natural light, window- topped doorways add elegant detail (Dashwood Industries Inc., available in homes with nine-foot ceilings).
Soft colour palette: Most walls got a coat of Decorator’s White, with trim in Chantilly Lace (both Benjamin Moore). Shale added a dramatic dash of grey in the main bathroom (Cobblestone Path).
Natural light floods the spacious and welcoming foyer. The dark-stained door with dramatic sidelights (Dashwood Industries) provides a pleasing contrast to crisp white walls, practical built-in bench and tile floors.
Reclaimed brick, shiplap and a classic wood-panel surround add rustic charm to the fireplace in the great room, which also features a tray ceiling. Classic elements continue in transitional-style furniture (Geerlinks Design Gallery) and custom drapes.
“I love its bold look,” Shale says of the main floor bathroom where her accent choices include oversize lighting fixtures (The Lighting Shoppe) and a black angle-iron mirror.
Nothing says laid-back living like a covered deck (building supplies from Geerlinks Home Hardware). This one is easily accessed off the dining area.The master bedroom’s vaulted ceiling adds architectural flair.
The chandelier (The Lighting Shoppe) and braided rug are smart finishing touches.
Shale added nautical details throughout the home, including the stairwell chandelier (“Olde World” by Maxim Lighting from The Lighting Shoppe). In the master bath, she created a soft grey-and- white nautical-stripe tile pattern and opted for marine-style lighting pendants. Plumbing fixtures here and throughout the home are by Paton Bros. Plumbing.
Nestled into Grand Turk Crossing in central St. Thomas, the smart and stylish Santa Fe model by Donwest Custom Homes overlooks the Whistle Stop Trail, a multi-use rail trail running all the way to Port Stanley. Donwest co-owner Lyndsay Sibley and designer Kara Taylor detailed the model with sleek lines and a curated selection of finishes for a classic Mid-century modern look. The 2,088 sq. ft. home features a master suite and bedroom/office on the main level plus an open concept kitchen/great room, laundry and powder room. Another bedroom, bathroom and family room are downstairs.
A pair of velvet chairs started the idea for pops of green. Making a serious commitment to this 60s-era hue are subway backsplash tiles (from Centura London, installed by Burling & Griffith Flooring Ltd.) and a pantry door with bevelled glass (from North Pole Trim & Supply Ltd., installed by Doug Hepburn Construction Ltd.).
The floor-to-ceiling, gold-toned fireplace surround, from the étoile collection of Italian porcelain (Centura), is bold and beautiful. Cam’s Heating and Air supplied a Dimplex electric lifelike log insert.
Noteworthy trim: Geometric panelling on the foyer ceiling (installed by Doug Hepburn Construction and painted Benjamin Moore Cushing Green, (Wallpaper Loft), oak panels over door frames (North Pole), and simple baseboard, door and window profiles.
White and walnut create Mid-century vibes in the kitchen. Wood-trimmed glass panel cabinet doors, a wine rack and bold range hood add artistic flair to white Shaker cabinetry and white quartz countertops (Casey’s Creative Kitchens and Casey’s Granite Shop). Top-notch appliances by London Major Appliances.
An artistic kitchen island with sleek display shelves, brushed gold faucet and white Blanco sink (installed by Tim Metcalfe Plumbing), and gold pendant lighting (The Lighting Shoppe).
Clerestory windows (Dashwood Industries Inc.) add natural light and stylish detail in the vaulted-ceiling kitchen and dining rooms.
Black-and-gold light fixtures (The Lighting Shoppe) and hardware (North Pole Trim) are luxurious accents.
Marvellous master bath: Hexagonal black-and-white tile floor and smart black tile shower wall (Burling & Griffith), free-standing vanity sporting Mid-century modern lines (Casey’s) and sleek gold pendant lighting (The Lighting Shoppe).
Expansive vinyl plank flooring (Ocata Playa collection from Burling & Griffith) combines quiet style with easy care.
Decorative stairwell: dancraft stairs ltd. installed light-stained oak stairs to the lower level, finished with black metal spindles and railing (Donwest).