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FROM THEground UPBY NANCY BELGUE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX WEDGE
The homeowners have sophisticated European taste. The handblown, “harlequin” patterned glass bowl is from the Art Gallery of Windsor’s gift shop (sadly, now closed). OPPOSITE: The multi-coloured art gives a splash of colour to the home’s neutral palette.
IIn one respect it’s a dream come true. You put your home on the market and in four short weeks it’s sold. There’s only one hiccup. Your buyer loves the home, but he also loves everything that’s in it. His offer includes all your furniture and decorat ive items. He wants the whole thing: lock, stock and barrel.
It might take someone else a moment to consider parting with most of their carefully chosen décor – but not this couple. “Fortunately, I enjoy design and decorating,” says the homeowner. “I think in some ways, I missed my calling.” Continued on page 32
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So while for some, literally starting from the ground up might be cause for worry, this homeowner and her husband embraced the opportunity. “My husband has excellent taste,” she says. “And we worked together on everything. Taking on this challenge was a fun project for both of us.”
The first step was choosing the lot and their builder. “We sold our house without having a place to go,” says the homeowner. After looking at all their options they selected David Reaume of Reaume Homes. “We saw this property and were taken with the fact that it was the last lot on the street with a western exposure. Light is extremely important to me and this home is a lot brighter than our previous house. We’re extremely pleased with the quality and workmanship,” she continues. “Reaume’s contractors are the finest in the area.”
It’s clear the couple enjoyed the process. The homeowner tells of driving around for months with the trunk and back seat of her car filled with paint and wallpaper samples, of taking pictures of all the rooms on her iPad and making countless trips to source furniture, lighting and decorative items. Her incredible attention to detail is everywhere – with stunning results. The French-country style 3,500 sq. ft. home brims with the homeowners’ personal style and flare.
The colour scheme throughout the home varies from stone grey to velvety earth tones with gold and silver accents – a sophisticated palette that forms a serene backdrop to the splashes of colour provided by carefully chosen artwork and accessories.
The light and dark living room is both formal and welcoming. With its subtle grey wallpaper (Graham’s Paint and Wallpaper Place) and dramatic floral arrangement, it cleverly conveys a sophisticated freshness. The chrome and glass tables (Coulter’s Furniture) add a touch of airy glamour.
The homeowner worked with RE-Lighting in Amherstburg to create the stunning lighting effects in each room of the house. From the crystal chandelier in the dining room to the silver pendants above the granite island in the kitchen, the lights work perfectly with the homeowner’s vision. “I loved working with RE-Lighting,” the homeowner says. “They were extremely supportive and excellent on service.”
The dramatic kitchen by Frank Cremasco Fine Cabinetry is, like the rest of the home, elegant and sophisticated. “We wanted modern and straight lines in the kitchen,” says the homeowner, “but we were also mindful of the home’s French-country style.” The island is a striking slab of espresso and cream granite (Dimanti Stone Works). “I wanted a dramatic piece of granite with large veins of colour throughout,” says the homeowner. “When I saw those slabs in the showroom, I wanted those and nothing else.” With the dark espresso cabinetry, the touch of sparkle in the glass-tiled backsplash and the stainless steel appliances (Essex Appliance Centre) the kitchen constitutes a highly glamourous heart of the home.
The contemporary kitchen table, white leather chairs, and barstools are from Bertoni Chairs and Things. They give the room a touch of sleek European style and work perfectly with the kitchen’s modern aesthetic.
The family room, which adjoins the kitchen, is full of light, making it a favourite place to sit and relax. Not able to find exactly what they wanted, the couple designed the mantel to their personal specifications and had it built by Pinpoint Carpentry. The rich brown leather sofas and complementary fabric wing chairs are from Essex Home Furnishings.
ABOVE LEFT: The wide-veined granite was the starting point of the entire kitchen. ABOVE RIGHT: The contemporary, matching brown leather sofas with silver nail-head detailing are from Essex Home Furnishings. RIGHT: The glamourous candles and accessories on the mantel are from Beddazzle. OPPOSITE: Set for a formal dinner, the dining room shimmers with silver flatware and crystal wine glasses.
Continued on page 35
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OPPOSITE: The Jack-and-Jill bathroom on the second floor connects an office and a sitting room. It is decidedly glamourous with its white cabinetry, granite and stunning ceramic-tile framed mirror. ABOVE LEFT: The living room, with its palette of grey and silver is so pretty. ABOVE RIGHT: The master bedroom en suite is luxurious and spa-like. LEFT: The bedroom has a tropical safari feel with its ceiling fan and four-poster, colonial-style bed. The cream, diamond-patterned duvet is from Beddazzle.
Upstairs, the island-inspired master bedroom is a true oasis. The diamond patterned champagne bedding (Beddazzle) is the ideal, witty counterpoint to the rustic safari vibe created by the tropical ceiling fan and four-poster, British-colonial designed king bed. “I wanted a vacation feel,” says the homeowner. “I wanted to create a room that was rustic, yet elegant and cosy. I love travelling and I wanted to come home and have a resort-feel experience.”
The master en suite’s soaker tub is encased in brown pearl granite and beautifully accented by a triptych of panels painted with Zen-like metallic branches (Art Expressions). “Working with Art Expressions was a real pleasure,” comments the homeowner. “They will bring art out to see how it looks in the home and support your decisions with their knowledge.” Continued on page 36
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DAVID REAUME REAUME HOMES
“I started out helping my dad build homes when
I was just a young man,” says David Reaume,
“and I’ve never looked back.” Clearly, an affinity
for construction is in the genes – Reaume is the
fourth generation to work in the family business – a
business that was established by his grandfather
in 1940. A certified carpenter, Reaume has a deep
understanding and respect for the trades he works
with. “It’s one of the reasons for our success,” he
says. Reaume’s homes are, indeed, known for their
meticulous workmanship, a fact of which Reaume is
justifiably proud. He is also proud of the fact that he
builds quality into every project he takes on. “I build
in every price range and strongly believe every
home deserves equal commitment and effort,” he
says. “My father instilled in me the desire to make
the building process an extremely positive one. I
took that advice to heart and do whatever I can to
meet or exceed my clients’ expectations.” A great
motto for a business that has stood the test of time.
Hanging in the downstairs family room are signed hockey jerseys that the homeowner, a huge Red Wings fan, acquired at various charity auctions over the years. They create a fun ambience in what otherwise is a sophisticated “man cave” complete with red leather furniture, a Frank Cremasco-crafted wet bar and flat screen TV (all sound, video and electronic systems throughout the home are by Factory Auto Sound).
“I have loved creating this home,” comments the homeowner. “It has been a fun project and something my husband and I could collaborate on. I love drama and I love making a statement.” Starting from the ground up has certainly allowed her to do just that. OH
ABOVE AND RIGHT: The guest bedroom offers a shot of colour to the home. The Balinese collection on the dresser adds a touch of eastern mystery. The statue represents the story of the Ramayana. BELOW: One of the many collectible, signed hockey jerseys that decorate the walls of the basement’s “man cave.” BOTTOM: The bar is a great place to host family gatherings. The white leather barstools are from Bertoni Chairs and Things.
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