Tag: Canada

Eclectic Luxury Design: Lori Morris
Interior designer Lori Morris is the Canadian-based reigning queen of glamorous and eclectic luxury design. Her creative work is a masterful balance of elegance and opulence. The designer doesn’t believe in rules and never limits herself to using traditional colors, textures, or any one style. To see her designs is a pure sensory delight. It’s not that she completely abandons traditional ideas. For this visionary designer, “traditional” is without boundaries, and beauty and luxury go hand in hand.

Backed by her “House of LMD” team of more than thirty creatives, Morris cleverly merges periods and effortlessly mixes styles in a way that has become a signature. She forms sophisticated layers, creating multifaceted expressions with an avant-garde edge that combines different surfaces, shades, and attitudes. With nearly thirty years of experience in the industry, the designer knows how to transform her clients’ lifestyle dreams into reality. Her primary objective is to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind, bespoke environments that reflect the client’s ideas.

The House of LMD strives to deliver a luxury experience with an emphasis on every detail. Morris identifies as a creative artist who uses furnishings and architecture to communicate a story, to reflect a vision, and to interpret feelings. Right in the beginning, the designer meets with her clients to establish the feel they want for their lifestyle. She asks what feeling they want to achieve when the house is done. From there she provides inspiration and focus. The style that results is inspired by what the client wants and will enjoy. Whether it is contemporary or classical, her approach to any design project is the same “do it in detail.”

Russell Hill Eclectic Luxury Design

Realizing the client’s vision, Morris delivers original designs that interpret and express that vision. It is never about color or a set style; it’s about creating a feeling and managing what you experience in each space. She very carefully selects your finishes, colors, furniture, fabrics, and design details. House of LMB custom designs everything: furniture, mill-work, and draperies. Her approach is to choose everything for you so that it perfectly reflects you and your interests. She approaches a home like an artist approaches a painting. She balances the proportions and infuses key details, and ultimately the space comes together like magic.

The two photos above demonstrate the designer’s eclectic luxury design. Morris layered Deco, Modern, and Traditional French elements in this Toronto apartment, balancing the black-and-white palette with unexpected touches for added interest. A black marble fireplace surround contrasts with the white wall. On either side of the fireplace, she created recessed seating with antique black mirroring, suede upholstered cushions, and vintage lighting. Brass accents tone down the sharp contrast.

In the kitchen, ornate French-inspired white armoires flank the sleek black cabinetry. At the breakfast bar, the stools, with brass frames and whimsical butterfly-designed backs tone down the seriousness of the design.

Castle For One

Next, we have a custom residence created for a client who wanted a home that inspired and empowered her, leading to the idea of a castle. Here in this view of the foyer, we see the reclaimed entrance doors sourced from a centuries-old chateau in France. The grand scale and aged, intricate detail create a feeling of significance and nobility the moment you enter. Stepping into a Lori Morris masterpiece can instantly transport you to another world of your choosing.
- Soaring double-height ceilings
- Carved and embellished archways
- Highlighted rich wood grain floors
- Massive floor to ceiling fireplace
- Seating niches backed with high arching mirrors
- Massive old-world-style chandelier
- Warm glow of golds
Every bespoke designed detail fulfills the home owner’s desire for a home that inspires and empowers her. It’s a majestic rendering of Baroque style for modern-day luxury living.

In the kitchen and dining areas, the designer used black with gold detailing to create intrigue. Michelangelo marble on the island and smooth white marble beyond create a powerful contrast that makes the vibrant red stove an even louder statement piece. As an artist, Morris sees her clients as her muses, and through her artistry, their vision comes to life. She helps them see what can be when they open themselves up to the possibility. They trust her to evoke the emotion they seek to achieve in their home.

The master bedroom is pure storybook romance. The designer used layers of material and texture to create a highly sensual experience. The domed ceiling, which crowns the room with dignity, and the grand bespoke headboard all elevate the inhabitant to a place of exalted splendor. The pale blue palette and the feather dome light provide a soft balance to temper the design. The House of LMD makes dreams come true.

English Manor

These final photos come from an English-manor-style house in Toronto. This home is a fusion of classical architecture with Morris’ modern edge resulting in a detail-rich eclectic luxury design. The above photo shows the entry hall. Marble and black onyx make up the art deco-inspired floor design. A pair of 1940s Murano-glass sconces hang over a pair of 1950s black lacquer consoles. Brass fretwork frames the doors and doorways throughout.

I’m just focusing on the details now. Here we have the family room’s double-height walnut fireplace with gilded decorative panels. A pair of seating niches with built-in shelves flank the fireplace with gilded trim and decorative ovals above them. The room indulges in richly executed bespoke designed details.

The dining room features layers of traditional design elements tailored in a finely tuned sophisticated contemporary tone. The French-style paneled walls include inset Christian Lacroix wall-covering. Ornate plaster-work decorates the ceilings from which a circa-1900 Louis XVI-style gilt bronze chandelier suspends. A contemporary cut-pile carpet covers the floor. Embroidered Damask upholstery and cream lacquer cover the dining chairs. Morris designed this room for entertaining a crowd comfortably. Custom seating arranges before the large windows framed in oversized Greek key. Dramatic details continually unveil themselves as every look reveals something new and imaginative.

This final room is awe-inspiring. Black suede with chocolate brown suede strap detailing cover the walls of the library/lounge. Michelangelo marble pairs with white marble to form the double-sided fireplace. A group of four armless chairs upholstered in striped velvet gathers around a gold-leafed organic cocktail table on one side. Mid-20th-century Italian lighting pendants hang from the fretwork-designed ceilings above. A large desk and velvet upholstered sofa occupy the opposite side.

Four Seasons Residences

I would feel like I was only showing a particular side of the designer’s eclectic luxury design work if I stopped here. So, I include a few more pics from her Four Seasons Residences project that show a little more of her huge style vocabulary though without going into detail which maybe we can do in another post.

What sets LMD’s eclectic luxury design apart is its distinctiveness. The designer goes beyond expectations and creates entire custom spaces for her clients. There are no rules, only imagination. Her style always delivers unique and luxurious spaces. She doesn’t follow trends. Her designs are based on the personality of the homeowner, so they are sure to stand the test of time.

Lori Morris’ Eclectic Luxury Design Conclusion

Luxury is different for everyone. To Lori Morris, it’s about being surrounded by beautiful things. It’s in a place that is extravagant and extremely comfortable, as well as sophisticated and sexy. I must say that this certainly makes my list too!

To see another fabulous post on a beautiful Canadian residence, check out:

Modern Classic Design: Golden Mile by Britto Charette.

Contemporary Penthouse Design: Studio Munge

Iconic Luxury Design: Ferris Rafauli

That concludes our design inspiration, my friend. Thank you so much for reading along with me today.

Interior Design: Lori Morris

Photography: Brandon Barre

One of the homes featured today, the English manor-style house, was honored by being named Robb Reports 2016 Ultimate Home. Congrats!!

What did you think of Eclectic Luxury Design: Lori Morris? I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

Have a great day!
June 20, 2017
Iconic Luxury Design: Ferris Rafauli
Ferris Rafauli is a leading Canadian architectural designer and master builder of exceptional luxury estate homes. His name is synonymous with iconic luxury design. He is responsible for conceiving, designing, and building through to a complete turn-key finish some of the most notable luxurious estates, commercial projects, and lifestyle creations in Canada.

Rafauli’s relentless pursuit of perfection, his passion for flawless design and precision construction, and his absolute commitment to luxury all go into everything he does. Obsessive attention to detail, executed at the highest level and very specific to each project, allows for the ultimate in unique iconic luxury design.

Today, for our design inspiration, we are taking a look at a super luxurious residence located in a Lake Ontario town just outside of Toronto. The multidisciplinary designer created every aspect of this sophisticated 25,000 square-foot timeless mansion, blending contemporary details with classic elements.

ICONIC LUXURY DESIGN: PUBLIC SPACES

Ferris Rafauli both designs and builds his grand estates with absolute precision to provide a 360° turnkey service. Doing so removes any risk of a disconnect between the design and the construction. For each of his projects, Rafauli designs the architecture, interior design, landscape plan, and each piece of beautiful furniture to fill the home. He creates each element to the highest specifications with particular attention given to each detail. The result is a seamless process and a pure vision from start to finish creating his iconic luxury design.

Rafauli allows the design of the architecture to flow seamlessly from the landscaping, exterior elevations, and on throughout the interiors.

Every aspect of his highly detailed iconic luxury design work is specified according to the client’s lifestyle. Everything from the architectural elevations and floor plans to the endless list of custom details;
- unique wall treatments and ceiling designs
- exotic flooring and fireplace designs
- lavish theaters
- indoor pools and home spas
- indoor basketball courts and bowling alleys
- wine cellars
- professional grade kitchens
- custom closet/dressing rooms
- specialized luxury garages for collectors
- sprawling master bedroom suites
Every detail allows for the ultimate in comfort and enjoyment. Nothing is too extravagant, and no request denied.

Ferris Rafauli has built some of the largest and most sophisticated homes in Canada, mastering the perfect blend of the art and the science of building. His clients benefit from his experience and can rest assured that their home’s design is the highest level of precision and excellence.

ICONIC LUXURY DESIGN: PRIVATE QUARTERS

Rafauli’s work is sometimes described as “big and bold”, “fast and fearless.” It has been said that it is precisely his innate desire to build “out loud” that has projected him into being one of the leading, and certainly one of the youngest architectural designers that Canada has seen in a little while. He possesses a passion that allows him to push past architectural boundaries and elevate design.

The luxury specialist is a born builder who rejects trends along with bland vanilla and cookie-cutter designs. His high standing in the luxury market is only natural. You can quickly see how talented and passionate he is about his work. It is easy for people to trust someone with such vision and confidence.

Ferris Rafauli is indeed known for the grand scale and scope of the homes he creates, but he is probably best known for his attention to detail. His portfolio of distinctive homes and super-luxury lifestyle creations made him a favorite among the elite. His firm takes on a careful amount of projects every year to make sure that each gets the disciplined and seamless design carried through from start to finish. The firm also has a waiting list

FERRIS RAFAULI: RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE FACILITIES

Rafauli prides himself on being recognized for his iconic luxury design. He was asked how he came to be the entertainer Drake’s preferred designer. His response noted that his firm handles what he refers to as a black card market. How does he define their taste? They prefer things low-key, but very extravagant. Sounds exciting!

That concludes our design inspiration, my friend.

For more fabulous luxurious Canadian homes, be sure to see:

Eclectic Luxury Design: Lori Morris

Modern Classic Design: Golden Mile

FERRIS RAFAULI’S ICONIC LUXURY DESIGN CONCLUSION

The clientele for his luxury homes is naturally those with the means to obtain them. As he has grown in experience, so has his demand. Over the years, the size of the houses has gradually increased. Ferris Rafauli has always designed the interior, exterior, and landscaping of his homes. In time, he added the custom furniture designing, and now his firm handles every detail. He sources the entire planet for the best materials and finishes. Those used are always as luxurious as the appearance of the home suggests.

Ferris Rafauli- Iconic Designer & Master Builder

Photography: Brandon Barre

Architectural Digest

Thank you so much for reading along with me today. Be sure to let me know what you think of Iconic Luxury Design: Ferris Rafauli in the comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great day!
December 21, 2016
Contemporary Penthouse Design: Studio Munge

This sleek and very refined penthouse is located within an exclusive residential condominium building in the heart of Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence neighborhood. The 4,500 square-foot, two-level residence has been given an edited and sophisticated new contemporary penthouse design by the Toronto based interior design firm Studio Munge. Every detail in this luxury home has been masterfully appointed by the design firm who has imparted a clean, modern aesthetic without sacrificing any of the comforts of a traditional single family home. The penthouse illustrates very well how an urban condo can have all the comforts of a traditional home.

The light-filled, open-flow and airy interiors feature floor-to-ceiling windows, along with an additional 2,000 square-feet of sprawling outdoor terrace which wraps around the entire first level, providing plenty of space both indoors and out, as well as expansive views across the city. The inspiring interior design within this penthouse ultimately created the ideal home for the owners.

The clients initially were concerned that moving to a condominium would prohibit them from enjoying the lifestyle they had become accustomed to in their family home while raising their children, who are all grown and out of the house now. They desired the benefits of living in a luxury residential building in such a prime location, as well as the chance to have a serene, contemporary design created for adults within it, but just weren’t perfectly sure. They put their faith in Studio Munge, whose work they much admired and they are so glad they did. The design firm made it a point to integrate the same comforts found in their traditional family home, complete with abundant storage, outdoor space and ample room for entertaining friends and family.

COBTEMPORARY PENTHOUSE DESIGN INSPIRATION

Studio Munge used a soft, neutral color palette, and natural but luxurious finishes to accentuate the sculptural quality of each element within.  The main living room is spare as in the entire home, and minimalist in its effect. The space is furnished with contemporary pieces from Italian furnishings company Minotti, including two generously proportioned Dubuffet sofas, paired with the Cortina armchair and round Bressen coffee table. All gather on a custom cream-colored, hairy-hide rug from Kyle Bunting. The art used in the residence was carefully selected according to its scale and function within each area that it occupies. Its deliberate placement punctuates the living areas and creates a fascinating interplay with the surrounding palette.

The sculptural spiral staircase separates the living and dining areas on the main floor and provides access to the upper level.

“I built a studio where disciplines are free to think for themselves, driven by curiosity and passion. “AM

The home lays out as a series of distinct but open spaces to create an uncluttered atmosphere that promotes effortless transition between rooms.

An open-concept kitchen flows from the dining room. Custom furnishings with clean lines, free of any distracting ornamentation allow the pieces to shine for their design alone. The sophisticated kitchen features stone surfaces, custom Studio Munge designed cabinetry, and of course, Miele appliances. A spectacular two-way Costa Azure marble-clad digital fireplace in the dining room creates the focal point. The dark marble offers a delicious contrast to the soft color palette displayed so far while remaining neutral and dignified. The contemporary lighting piece above the table offers some visual drama.

The den lies just beyond the dining area. These rooms share the two-way digital fireplace with marble faced wall surround. The contemporary penthouse design continues in warm, earthy shades with the same minimalist approach. This room gives a greater nod to more relaxed comfort. Its design provides casual family living space with its plush upholstered seating and television above the fireplace.

The powder room is the epitome of chic!  This is so good. Any room featuring walls of mirrors, especially one lit from behind wins with me. The very contemporary design sinks, lit from within, with their wall mounted faucets make for a very smart look.

On the second floor, a lounge area directly off the spiral staircase provides a place to unwind. It also gives access to the master bedroom, guest bedroom, and the home library/study.

Custom shelving and the main staircase structure partially hide the library. This gives it a sense of privacy while maintaining the open concept feel. This level includes wood flooring laid in a classic herringbone design. The two-way digital fireplace up here sports a smoother surround. A perfect balance of edited contemporary penthouse design with luxe natural finishes.

In the master bedroom, the bed’s headboard design integrates with the upholstered walls which conceal storage areas. Bespoke designed furnishings and luxurious Italian linens on the bed complete this room with style.

Stone envelopes the master bathroom, completed with sleek, custom cabinetry. The space includes separate standing showers and a free-floating soaking tub. Perfectly sublime right? Hidden storage provides a place for things, so the owners never have to feel cramped or cluttered. A correct place for everything and everything in its place. My kind of styling indeed!

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

Driven by a passionate curiosity in the human experience and believing that a sense of wonder and discovery are key to the creation of meaningful environments, Studio Munge creates luxurious design experiences that are warm and timeless—but also surprising and dramatic.

For more clean, contemporary design, be sure to see:

Marquand: Refined Contemporary Design

Seaside Contemporary Residence: Regalia

STUDIO MUNGE’S CONTEMPORARY PENTHOUSE DESIGN

Passion for great design drives Studio Munge. Excellence and exceptional service guide the design firm. Creative leadership informs and inspires their multidisciplinary team to produce distinctive, transformative design. For more than 20 years Principal Alessandro Munge’s global perspective, inquisitive nature, and quest for the perfect solution propelled Studio Munge onto the international stage.

Interior Design: Studio Munge

Photography: Evan Dion

Thanks so much for reading along with me! We appreciate you so very much!

Have a great day!!

March 2, 2016
Modern Classic Design: Golden Mile

Today’s design inspiration comes from a brilliantly renovated 4,000 square-foot historical apartment in Montreal reconfigured for modern luxury living. The residence is within one of the rare remaining structures erected during the cities gilded age in its glittering Golden Square Mile. The modern classic design created here perfectly recaptures the glorious past through restoration and renders it for today through innovation.

The stunning Neoclassical architectural details that defined many of the palatial homes in this once noble area live on here. The old is new again, architecturally speaking at least. The splendor of the Golden Square Mile, whose mansions were built from the mid-nineteenth century until the ending of the 1930s will never be the same. In those days, the Gentry, business titans, bankers, and both the old and newer fortunes resided here. All these holders of significantly concentrated wealth competed to outshine one another which produced grand aesthetic achievements. Some of the greatest moments in design history occurred at such times, think Versailles. The residents dazzled with their audacious ornate residences and decadent living.

In time, changing attitudes swept away the glory. New business models, the war, and the introduction of the income tax broke the hold. The biggest call for the end of the golden mile excesses was the widening social and income inequality gap which reached its natural tipping point as it always has through history, again- think Versailles. By the 1980s, less than 30% of the magnificent mansions remained, and only a small fraction was held by private owners. The neighborhood around is predominantly commercial now with only the occasional reminder. Our residence today happens to be one such reminder.

MODERN CLASSIC DESIGN INSPIRATION

Completed by Interior Designers Jay Britto and David Charette of Britto Charette, with offices in Miami and New York. The designers created a luxury home that embraces the best from the old while infusing the best of contemporary design for a home suitable for its sophisticated and worldly new owner. Careful preservation closely guided every decision. From this exacting labor of love, a beautiful Golden Mile restoration emerged. The completed re-design includes the addition of a formal master suite, a rebuilt foyer, a sweeping staircase, and a sleek new kitchen, to complement the beautiful living spaces. Britto Charette also infused practicality by adding heated walls and floors throughout to ward off the frigid Canadian winter temperatures.

The designers created a luxury home that embraces the best from the old while infusing the best of contemporary design.

In the living room, luxurious Macassar ebony with carved silver detailing forms the bar, humidor, and sleek coffee table. These special pieces were handcrafted in Paris by designer Patrick Baguech. The fabulous graphic rug is by Kyle Bunting. Great lengths were taken to select the perfect marble to go over the fireplace which serves as art itself. The handsome herringbone floors are original to the apartment, as is the molding. When the originals couldn’t be saved, the design duo enlisted a plaster specialist to carefully recast the originals ensuring authenticity.

Julian Opie’s Maria 2 presides over the chess game area located at the rear of the living room. Very elegant indeed! Many of the elegant pieces throughout display a strong Art Deco design inspiration.

The dining room features a brilliant work by Paul Beliveau. A custom dining table from Europe pairs with chairs accented with Missoni upholstery by Reagan Hayes on a custom silk rug. The elaborate plasterwork features stunningly throughout the home.

I love the bright white, the articulated architecture, the beautiful floors, and the french doors which I envision as inspiration – I can’t get enough. In addition to that, there is a story that we can learn that is so relevant today. Plus, I am thrilled that the designers preserved the stunning Neoclassical architectural details. The modern classic renovation didn’t sacrifice any of the home’s grand proportions and maintained the hierarchy of the rooms.

The sleek new eat-in kitchen features glossy black and white cabinets and a lacquered Poggenpohl system. The stainless steel and marble countertops have stone slab backsplash. Stainless steel designer appliances including a glass front wine refrigerator add sophistication. Carrara select marble floors and a mirrored ceiling complete the kitchen with ultimate style.

Christopher Hyland fabric upholsters the bespoke designed curved banquette that defines the breakfast area. The designers raised the banquette so that the radiant heat could flow with ease. As with most homes, this area receives the most activity.

The comfortable enclosed family room also serves as a library with silk upholstered walls, built-in shelves, and bespoke designed furnishings.

No modern classic designed luxury home would be complete without a room for watching television.

Versace’s New York showroom inspired the brilliant chevron marble design surrounded by the mosaic spray on the flooring in the foyer and upper landing. The landing features a glimmering sculpture of a Hermes Bag by Jonathan Seliger, along with Russell Young’s Marilyn Crying, which gives the space a very luxe contemporary vibe.

In the master bedroom suite, Macassar and ebony millwork form the bespoke designed bed structure, giving the room a refined air. At the foot of the bed, a chest holds the pop-up television. A visit to the Tom Ford boutique in Las Vegas served as inspiration for this bedroom.

The master bathroom features Calacatta gold marble on the walls and countertop and includes a free-standing soaking tub. The designers included lots of hidden luxuries throughout the property such as the television hidden within the mirror here. It’s so perfect to have classic-inspired formal rooms and sleek contemporary kitchen and bathrooms. Britto Charette is on point!

One of the bedrooms features silver-leafed walls by de Gournay, painted over in gouache.

The home now has room for noise and play, for watching television and for entertaining, for conversation and for contemplation. A Modern Classic designed home lived in with love in the heart of the Golden Mile.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

For more fabulous homes by these designers, be sure to see:

Firethorn: Contemporary Mountain Retreat

Marquand: Refined Contemporary Design

Seaside Contemporary Residence: Regalia

BRITTO CHARETTE’S MODERN CLASSIC DESIGN

Britto Charette Interior Design reflects the modern tastes and design demands of today’s discerning global clients. Their bilingual and well-traveled team brings the best in global design innovations to their discerning clients. These include luxurious finishes, cutting-edge trends in color and patterns, and trusted building materials. Offices in Miami and New York City allow them to help clients around the world plan and develop luxurious interiors.

Interior Design: Britto Charette

Photography by David Giral

Thank you so much for reading along with me today. I hope you enjoyed this wonderful home restoration by these talented designers! Let me hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful day!

***UPDATE***

Britto Charette is expanding! The design firm unveiled a new room at Casa Cor in Lima, Peru! Great festivities accompanied the reveal after months of planning, designing, and building the incredible dining room for Casa Cor. From October 1st through November 8th, BRITTO CHARETTE celebrated the unveiling of their spectacular dining room. The new room features an all-Peruvian cast of artists and manufacturers. For more info: Britto Charette Casa Cor Lima

October 11, 2015