Blog

Sizzle And Spice

July 16, 2010 - One of my favourite home improvements is the custom gas barbecue located on my sunbrella-covered cedar-decked dining pavilion that's wrapped in ivy-clad original factory windows. The scorching hot gas grill unit was inset into a custom steel cabinet eight feet long backed by a stainless steel trellis that provides some privacy between my neighbours and I.…
Read More

Glass-Bowl Sinks Make Me Scream

July 12, 2010 - This weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating an acquaintance's birthday poolside at a jaw-dropping gorgeous classic-contemporary seven year old 10,000 square foot Rosedale ravine residence. Well-designed, well-proportioned and beautifully furnished, it was one of those dwellings that oozed understated luxury without being the least bit gaudy or pretentious. As a self-proclaimed House Nut I was impressed…
Read More

Quintessential Stylegarage

June 28, 2010 - I've always been a fan of Stylegarage, the purveyor of crisp clean-lined furnishings. Over the years I've come to depend on them for stainless steel mirrors and smart ambient lighting. They even did a custom stair railing for me...all items I'll post in future blogs.But those items have to wait,…
Read More

Don’t Be Too Revealing

June 02, 2010 - When it comes to real estate, first impressions count. That's why the expression "Curb Appeal" has merit. In the freehold property market, as house hunters pull up in their car they're already assessing the dwelling, the property environment, and the surrounding streetscape. In the condominium market, purchasers instantly gauge how the lobby and common…
Read More

Soft Feelings For Hardware

April 26, 2010 - As part of my on-going saga to reorganize my home, I decided to relocate my stereo system. Situated beside the front door of my loft squeezed into a 60s teak buffet so the cabinet doors could never be closed, its cumbersome placement greeted guests the moment they arrived. Needless to say, it didn't provide a very inviting sense…
Read More

Chaise For Days

April 23, 2010 - I've always loved my funky 60s chaise. It has such incredible support that when lying on it you feel like you're floating. In fact, if I were a psychologist I would have my patients lie on it while they revealed everything to me. I originally bought the chaise from Phil'z…
Read More

I Love Green Tea

April 12, 2010 - My furnishing style would best be called 'eclectic', as I tend to gravitate to pieces that are unique, have character and originate from anywhere across the globe. One of my favourite Toronto retailers is Green Tea Design located on Carlaw Avenue in Leslieville. They have an amazing showroom of Asian furnishings that…
Read More

House Poor, Home Pretty

March 22, 2010 - Ok, so I can finally afford to liberate my dependency on garage sales, auctions and Ikea to furnish my home, but I'm not quite ready to leap into the couture furnishing world. I don't know why, but I just can't justify shopping at The Art Shoppe where $10,000 gets you a…
Read More

Feast or Famine at Home and on College Street

March 15, 2010 - Giancarlo's Wine Bar 593 College StreetPhone: 416-533-9619 Last weekend I enjoyed some sparkling conversation and spot-on tasty plates at Giancarlo's Wine Bar on College Street - the renovated storefront with the new contemporary wooden half arched entry and glass door. Have you seen it? It opened last year as the…
Read More

I See Ya, Ikea

March 10, 2010 - First, I like Ikea and applaud them for bringing smart affordable design to the masses. After all, it sure beats much of the ugly cheap stuff most limited budgets can afford. However, when it comes to real estate return-on-investment, my challenge lies in the Ikea kitchen. Sure they're stylish, of…
Read More

The Urbaneer insider blog