Traditional details mixed with modern elements in this year's Hampton's style showhouse in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
Though I often find these grand homes are a little too impersonal for my liking, I have to admit that I was impressed with the attention to detail in this year's showhouse.
Nothing was overlooked. The smallest of details; everything from the copper eaves on the exterior to air vents seamlessly incorporated into the marble flooring in the family room were all carefully considered.
Overall the interior design by Brian Gluckstein is elegant and restrained.
The drama begins just inside the front door with this two storey library. A bedroom on the upper level was sacrificed so that the library could reach up the full height of both floors.
Instead of a traditional sofa and chairs, there are four club chairs around a circular table.
Across the front hall from the library is the living room.
Here the color scheme was kept to lighter shades of creams, greys and gold. The accent pillows are luxurious satins and silks with beautiful embroidered detailing.
In the wide foyer that leads to the back of the house, Gluckstein took a photograph of a Versailles interior and had it enlarged to make a mural that is 8 or 9 feet in length.
To sit beneath this large scale artwork, he designed a clean, contemporary bench with a soft cushion cover that is held in place with two decorative ribbon trims.
Outdoor lanterns that sit on lacquered pedestals add a touch of drama to the lighting at night.
Between the dining room (above) and the kitchen there is a small servery with a glass
floor that opens onto the wine cellar below(not shown).
The open kitchen, breakfast area and family room are located at the back of the house.
The family room has a modern feel with a limestone mantle flanked by tall bookcases. On an adjacent wall, there is a big screen television (television not shown on the left) and rows of horizontal plate rails that hold a collection of black and white photographs.
As you can see on the right, all the draperies have beautiful detailing.
Just off the great room, there is a small home office with a oversized cork board covered with inspiration.
On the lower level, there is an exercise room complete with a big screen television. Who wouldn't want to work out in a room like this?
At the opposite end of basement, there is a home entertainment room complete with a bar.
The main area of the media room is perfect for cozying up and watching movies.
As well as a spa-like bathroom and a guest bedroom on this level, there is also laundry room
with a pet grooming area.
Finally let's head upstairs. Here there is a generous master bedroom with a walk-in closet that can be accessed through doorways on either side of the four poster bed.
The master ensuite has a two person tub, heated flowers, matching his and her vanities, a rain shower, water closet and what has become a bit of a signature for the designer: a small library.
In the central hallway on the upper level, Gluckstein has hung a gallery of photographs featuring gardens from all over the world. To complete this garden oasis, he has adding a contemporary table covered with glass topiaries, orchids and candles.
Are you surprised that this foyer was one of my favourite spaces?
The 2013 Princess Margaret showhome is currently open for public viewing. For details please see the information and links below.
More information and links:
This year's showhome is located at 1522 Devon Rd. in Oakville. Hours are: weekdays from 1pm to 8pm; weekends and holidays from noon to 5pm.
