Ashley Botten Design Revives a Historic Toronto Home

Founded in Toronto by Ashley Botten, abd is renowned for its experiential interiors, outdoor environments, and artful accessories and furniture. The studio showcases a deeply refined appreciation for quality and artistry, employing a unique curated approach. This is evident in Uptown Georgian, an interior renovation that seamlessly infuses heritage architecture with modern living.

Home to a family of six, this Georgian-style residence in Toronto was recently expanded to include an extended kitchen and a primary bedroom with an ensuite bath on the second floor. The clients wanted to preserve original details, such as elegant crown molding, Cremone bolts, and French doors, while introducing a new layer of contemporary expression. With four grown children and two dogs, they also needed the house to be easy to live in and maintain.

The interior emphasises the experience of space and features an earthy palette of white and brown marble, grey limestone, raw copper, and the quiet softness of smoked white oak on the floors and built-in cabinetry. Abd paid close attention to blending its custom furniture designs with new additions and the clients' existing pieces. In the dining area, the family's vintage Eero Saarinen tulip chairs are now paired with a complementary oval dining table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the living room, an abd-designed limestone mantelpiece echoes the geometry of the room's traditional door casings and moldings.

One of the boldest expressions of old meeting new is in the deep entryway leading from the formal front rooms to the newly expanded kitchen and adjoining family room. This unique transitional space is now clad in live copper on all sides, with a slightly protruding edge providing a minimalist framework.

On the second floor, the warm palette continues in the primary bedroom, walk-in closet, bathroom, and office. The finishing details are subtle, quietly woven into the visual rhythm of the house. Rather than matching hardware, door pulls, knobs, and hinges are a mix of shapes and warm metals. Abd's own T-bar in polished brass features on one set of dresser drawers, contrasting with the linear finger pulls chosen for another custom sideboard. This intentional inconsistency gives the home a timeless ambiance that transcends trends. The aim is for every element of the house to be enjoyed in the present and also last a lifetime.

Credits

Design: Ashley Botten Design

Design team: Ashley Botten, Quinn Baleja

Builder: Severn Woods

Photography: Patrick Biller

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A Renovation in Montreal Combining Elegance and Architectural Heritage

The Montpellier Residence, designed by Vives St-Laurent, is nestled in the charming setting of Saint-Bruno on the South Shore of Montreal. With its winding streets and mature trees, this architectural gem was built in the late 1960s by a local architect. Today, it proudly holds a place in the cultural heritage repertoire, celebrated as an iconic representation of Mid-Century aesthetics in Quebec.

Described by the Vives St-Laurent team as characteristic of North American bungalows, this modern residence stands out with its interplay of volumes and clean lines. Comprised of three separate single-story volumes, connected by a glass corridor, the house is completely clad in brick, and the interior is deliberately pared back allowing the expressive nature of the materials to take centre stage. 

The main challenge for the design team was to achieve a significant transformation while preserving the architectural aesthetic established by the original architect. While the initial brief focused on renovating the living areas including the vestibule, kitchen, dining room, lounges, and powder room, various interventions were also carried out to improve comfort, such as opening up the kitchen to provide a view of the courtyard and maximise natural light.

Wanting a space that would reflect their timeless and unique identity, the clients requested that the Vives St-Laurent team spend a few days in the house to better understand its atmosphere, lighting, and functionality. Beginning in the vestibule, which connects the front and rear courtyards and serves as a transition between the day and night areas, the design pays careful attention to detail. The front door, with its oversized pivot-mounted structure and circular handle, stands out as a design element that echoes the style found in the kitchen cabinetry.

The natural and timeless texture of the slate flooring has been carefully restored to retain its original beauty. In addition, the staircase railing leading to the basement has been repainted in a light shade, seamlessly blending with the contemporary updates in other parts of the space. Further preservation of the skylight and the dark wood ceiling cladding pay homage to the original finishes and add to the overall character of the design.

From the vestibule, there are two openings leading to the main living areas. The first entrance reveals a cosy seating area and dining room, while the second access leads to a comfortable living room and an informal workspace. In the heart of the home, the kitchen features an elegant Taj Mahal stone island that serves as the focal point. With its sleek and cantilevered design, the monolithic counter makes a bold statement. The unpolished stone surface in brown and beige hues adds a distinctive charm that blends seamlessly with the carefully chosen materials, including the dark stained oak and lacquered cabinets.

The interior features a considered curation of furniture and lighting by Danish design brands Menu, Frama, Nor11 and &Tradtion, alongside locally sourced pieces from élément de base, GR Shop and A-N-D. 

Lime wash plaster in a custom neutral tone contrasts beautifully with the surrounding brick and infuses the main living areas with texture. The restoration process involved a meticulous collaboration between the client and the contractor to find the perfect mortar shade ensuring a coherent integration with the surrounding elements. Furthermore, the sanitary block, covered in dark oak, pays homage to the original wood-clad ceiling of the entrance, preserving the historical charm and adding a touch of sophistication.

Throughout the home, the use of natural oak flooring by Unik Parquet and a palette of soft beige tones create cohesion between different areas while striking the perfect balance between elegance and modernity.

Carefully tailored for a family of four, the renovation seamlessly preserves the home’s charm and mid-century style, while thoughtfully opened partitions elevate the living experience, creating a functional and harmonious environment.

Credits

Studio: Vives St-Laurent

Project manager: Léa Courtadon

Contractor: Habitations Renaud

Photography: Alex Lesage

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Take Refuge this Winter with Soothing Earth-Based Hues from Dulux

Inviting warmth and a particular energy into your home can be a crucial step to successfully transitioning to indoor living and entertaining during the winter months. To help you get there, why not integrate the latest colour trends to establish a welcoming, yet intimate atmosphere for all to enjoy. Dulux’s Restore Palette – one of three colour palettes from the 2022 Dulux Colour Forecast – is made up of the rich, soothing colours of Dulux Lauder, Waiau Bay Half, Wigram and Natural Flora (amongst others), which evoke a feeling of comfort and warmth, often much-needed to combat the winter blues that can accompany a seasonal change.

Wall (top) and ceiling: Dulux Waiau Bay half; Wall (bottom): Dulux Lauder 

Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper says that the Restore palette is perfect for a winter makeover as the colours will be easy to use in most spaces due to their natural appeal. “Dulux Natural Flora and Hog Bristle® Half have a warmth that will create a comforting and restful space, perfect for bedrooms. The deeper colours of Dulux Peep-O-Day, Finnegan and Oboe D’Amore are well suited as accents for communal areas, like the living room or entry, to help liven up these high-traffic spaces. “To add a scheme, the more muted, neutral colours of Dulux Ōpononi Quarter, Duvauchelle, Ōpononi Double, Millwater and Narrow Neck Half will be incredibly popular across all interiors this season as they sit back and shouldn’t create a sense of feeling overwhelmed,” Harper says.

Before 

To showcase these idyllic hues in the home environment, Dulux Colour Forecaster and stylist Bree Leech undertook a multi-room makeover in a renovated 80s brick home, integrating colours from the Restore palette. “We chose to makeover three rooms – a toddler’s bedroom and two entry areas – showing the versatility of the palette to energise different interior spaces.“Both accent colours add interest and make the bedroom more inspiring for a young child but are also colours that they can keep as they grow,” Leech says.

One room in two ways, the toddler’s room was completely reinvigorated with the option of Lauder or Natural Flora as the feature colour, paired with Waiau Bay Half, a warm white to help soften the space. “Both accent colours add interest and make the bedroom more inspiring for a young child but are also colours that they can keep as they grow,” Leech says.“To add even more texture and warmth to our toddler’s space, we featured pale timber, woven cane and natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and wool; we also amped up the texture by adding a thick pile rug to the already carpeted floor."

Wall (top) and ceiling: Dulux Waiau Bay half; Wall (bottom): Dulux Natural Flora 

With the two entries, the intention was to make both spaces feel more inviting, sophisticated and memorable for the homeowners as well as first-time or returning guests. “The entries have gorgeous, exposed beams and curved arched doorways; we wanted to celebrate both architectural features and did so through colour and décor,” Leech says.

Ceiling: Dulux Peep-O-Day; Wall: Dulux Millwater

“Using the gorgeous Dulux Peep-O-Day on the ceiling in the main entry and Finnegan as an accent in the secondary, we paired each with striking art and handmade ceramics to give both rooms more character. A more sophisticated edge is provided through the feature pendant lighting. The addition of a rug breaks up floor space for a cosy yet spacious look and feel,” Leech adds.

Before

Wall: Dulux Finnegan; Wall and Ceiling: Dulux Millwater

According to Dulux Colour Expert Andrea Lucena-Orr, due to the naturality of these hues, there will be many colours that resonate with both first-time decorators and long-time colour lovers. “My advice is to just have a go! Not much can go wrong using this gorgeous, soothing and relaxed palette. Whether you’re transforming a bedroom, living space or hallway/entry, it’s amazing how a change in colour gives you a whole new perspective on the space,” Lucena-Orr adds.

Winter colour tips from Dulux’s Colour Expert: Davina Harper

• When considering colours for your walls, always factor in existing fittings and decor that will remain once the makeover is complete. This may be flooring, cabinetry, window colour, furniture, etc. – knowing what colours and textures will remain will help drive your colour decisions with paint.

• Also determine whether your room relies on a lot of natural or artificial light to help add warmth and atmosphere to the space. For example, south-facing rooms will do well with warmer colours in the palette to keep that sense of light and brightness.

• For those looking to integrate the Restore palette in their own homes, start with a lighter colour from the palette to provide a natural base, then add deeper and richer colours such as earthy greens, red/browns and charcoal to bring some depth and interest.

• Paint’s not just for walls – try it out on décor and accessories like ceramic sculptures, pictures frames and lamps! This is a subtle but impactful way to add new life to a room, especially for those who may not feel ready to inject colour on a larger scale.

• Always test colours with Dulux Sample Pots before you purchase to ensure you’re happy with the final colour choice. Leave your painted samples up for at least two or three days to ensure the colour(s) work in your space and under different lighting conditions, both natural and artificial and view in different weather conditions i.e., bright sunny day versus a dull grey day.

To learn more about Dulux's Colour Forecast visit www.dulux.co.nz.

Image Credits 

Styling by Bree Leech

Photography by Lisa Cohen 

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Seaforth Family Home by Georgina Wilson

The first block of land in the Sydney waterfront suburb of Seaforth was sold in 1846 for just 27 pounds; the equivalent of around 4,000 modern Australian dollars. However, the median price of a home there today is $2.3 million - which really makes you wish you’d got in at those 27-pound prices. Real-estate regret for not purchasing earlier becomes particularly acute when taking in the views from this newly renovated Seaforth property by Georgina Wilson Architect. Bathed in natural light with floor-length white curtains billowing in the breeze, this coastal sanctuary is built around an oversized pool overlooking Middle Harbour. A triple threat of water vistas, textured interiors and clever architecture.

Natural timber and sandstone details add warmth and texture to the space. The room features a fireplace from Jetmaster, sofa by Jardan and the Trizo21 Austere floor lamp from Great Dane.

The home features several outdoor entertaining spaces. Table and chairs from The Wood Room, ceramics by Katherine Watson from Utopia Art Sydney.

The original single-storey bungalow was built in the mid-20th century. Wilson’s renovation significantly altered the bitsy, existing structure to create an open-plan oasis full of gentle sunshine and water views. She also added an additional level to accommodate a master bedroom - which includes a frameless corner window for an uninterrupted outlook over the harbour.

Lights in the entrance vestibule are from Contempo Studio, the sideboard is from Great Dane. Joinery by Northern Kitchens.

The sandstone fireplace is the family’s favourite place in winter. Hanging mobile sculpture is by Odette Ireland from Curatorial and Co. Ceramics by Katherine Watson from Utopia Art and Alana Wilson Studio.

Banquette seating was custom designed by the architect, Georgina Wilson. Pendant lights are from Nightworks Studio. Ceramics by Rina Menardi from Ondene, infinity sculpture by James Gardiner from Art House Gallery.

The brief was to create a relaxed, practical family home. The owners, Damien and Belinda, have three school-aged boys - so life is busy and the renovation needed to create areas for both socialising and escape. The architect decided on a resort-like arrangement of indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, including terraces and secluded rooms. “We never feel like we’re living on top of each other,” says Belinda.

Frameless glass pool fencing was added to make the most of the view. Mike Smit Constructions installed this as well as managing the build.

The kitchen island stone is Super White Dolomite, while the benches and splashback are Smartstone. Black metal stools are from Great Dane.

The master bedroom is part of a new two-storey addition. Bedside table from Hegi Design House, ceramic jug by Ella Bendrups from Modern Times.

Notable features of the new build include recycled timber beams in the ceiling, which bring warmth and texture to the space. Wilson also designed an elegant banquette beneath a picture-frame window in the dining area, so the family can enjoy looking across the pool to the harbour whenever they eat. A frameless glass pool fence replaced an old-fashioned one that blocked the view. Distinctive white baton fencing around the perimeter of the property helps tie the different elements of the build together.

Sandstone, rugs and mesh cabinetry add texture to the living room. Grey ribbed side table from Great Dane, marble side table by Michael Verheyden and ceramics by Rina Menardi from Ondene.

Engineered oak floorboards feature throughout the house. The black leather Paulistano armchair is from Hub Furniture.

The dining table and chairs were custom built by Simon Ploughman from The Wood Room.

While the biggest change to the property is the creation of the open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, another significant difference is the entrance. Originally the front of the house was confusing - guests would follow the driveway into the laundry, thinking it was the front door. Now, the space has been completely reoriented and there’s no doubt where visitors should enter. Once inside, a vestibule with expansive storage cabinets hide the bag-and-shoe clutter of family life.

The entrance vestibule has mess-management cabinets to store shoes and bags. Artwork is ‘Underworld’ by Lilli Waters from Curatorial and Co, dark ash bottle is from Studio Cavit, ceramics are by Damon Moon and Katarina Wells from Curatorial and Co.

Natural timber shelving and v-groove panelling adds depth to the kitchen. Ceramics by Brett Stone from Utopia Art and Alana Wilson Studio, artwork by James King from Becker and Minty.

Floor-to-ceiling white curtains from Nuevue billow in the breeze, creating a romantic feel.

All tapware in the house is from Astra Walker and has an eco-brass finish.

The owners are thrilled with the end result, particularly the open-plan living area. “It opens seamlessly onto entertaining areas and makes the most of the aspect,” says Belinda. “In summer we live around the pool and in winter we gather around the sandstone fireplace.” It’s a family home in the city that feels more like a holiday house.

The master bedroom ensuite features Statuario Quartz from WK Stone. Ceramic vase from Alana Wilson Studio, hand towel from Oliver Thom.

Frameless corner windows ensure uninterrupted views from the master bedroom. Artwork is ‘Casa’ by Nicolette Nadimi, table lamp from Euroluce, bedding from Ondene, House of Ise and Maison et Jardin.

The powder room features Super White Dolomite stone on the vanity. Ceramics by Katarina Wells from Curatorial and Co and Alana Wilson Studio.

Styling by Claire Delmar / Photography by Murray Fredericks 


Images courtesy of Georgina Wilson Architect

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