HEAtH STREET🇨🇦
Built in 1981, this classic Diamond and Schmidt designed Forest Hill South condominium building had been barely touched in 30 years. Stripped down to the cement slab and concrete structural walls, every inch of this 1250 sq. ft. this unit was redesigned and customized for these owner-collectors of contemporary and Judaic art.
A chef's kitchen was created with an 8' central island by removing the original all between the and the living/dining room. Hidden behind the horizontal grained walnut doors and drawers are the collection's archives, an entertainment center, and all the necessary accoutrements required by the consummate hostess. State of the art LED lighting accents the curated displays which are changed seasonally to feature the artifacts pertaining to a specific holiday. Centered between the glass display cabinet and floating shelves, Canadian artist Charles Pachter's "Decisions, Decisions" acts as a focal point. The white lacquer kitchen area conceals 2 fully integrated sub-zero refrigerator and freezer columns. The ovens and cooktop are Miele.
As the hosts for large family gatherings, a large dining table and seating area was required. The glass and chrome Tonelli dining table can be expanded to comfortably seat 12, and in a pinch 14, by sliding over the table adjacent to the island, which was custom designed for this purpose. The slender arms of the Leolux Holland leather sofa allows for seating of 3 adults comfortably and there's even room for the family dog. The gentle radius on the corners of the Paulo Piva Pyramid coffee table make it safe for small children running around. The Kite arm chairs, by covered in Brentano fabric, seemingly float in the space. The Karastan area rug, chosen from their contract line, can handle all the wear and tear of grandchildren and the family dog running around. The neutral Benjamin Moore color palate was selected intentionally to complement the art, and maintain a very calming atmosphere in the space. The floor to ceiling glass looks out to the treetops of the ravine beyond, letting the four seasons play as the backdrop to the setting.
The generous entry foyer features a Charles Pachter painting where one is saluted by "Queen on a Mousse". 8' floor to ceiling doors with a reveal casing detail create a sense of verticality, and the illusion of a higher ceiling. A display niche with storage above and below doubles as a linen closet, and incorporates the walnut also seen in the living room to imbue the space with a feeling of luxury. The laundry room door was treated with invisible hinges to disappear and allow for the display of additional art.
The sliding doors of the glass and lacquer custom built-ins, that pay homage to Jean Nouvel, conceal catalogs and reference materials pertaining to the owner's collection. Horizontal lines are skillfully used to expand this otherwise intimate space and provide additional shelving space to display art books, small sculptures. The large wenge desk appears to be floating, and provides lots of room to organize reference materials. The black leather sofa pulls out to a bed to accommodate visiting family and out of town guests, and also provides an alternative more intimate seating area to watch TV.
The ceilings were raised in both the Powder room and Master bathroom and incorporate LED lighting to create a faux skylight effect. The custom medicine cabinets incorporate shelving for display, as well as lighted mirrors that slide open to reveal additional storage. Lost space was recovered from the behind the existing Powder room shower, and was used to create a large walk-in spa-like shower experience.
The Master bedroom features a custom designed naugahyde bed flanked by glass faced bedside tables. The custom duvet cover and pillows were made from J. Robert Scott Meteorite fabric. The Rubelli gold satin trim on the bedding and throw pillows create the perfect accent for the satin gold Foscarini table lamps. Jim Dine's "The World" lithograph featuring his famous hearts adorns the accent wall behind the bed, repeating the theme of love for family and friends that is ever-present throughout this home.