Stepping inside this recently renovated townhome is like entering an inviting, yet carefully curated art gallery with welcoming water views. With a keen eye for potential and some foundational design ideas of their own, the homeowners partnered with Sandy Nygaard, of Sandy Nygaard Design, to resuscitate the solidly built but dated dwelling. Nygaard employed high-contrast, texture and a touch of bling to revive this three-bedroom home. Assembling high-end materials, her own custom-designed pieces and thoughtfully calculated finishes, Nygaard crafted a visually stimulating, livable design.
“We only use this home for a few months of the year, so we wanted our friends and family, including our grandchildren, to be comfortable when they visit. Creating spaces for entertaining was one of our main design objectives,” states the owner. Armed with inspiration photos, the couple shared their design ideas and gave Nygaard carte blanche with the overall design concept. “They certainly had direction in terms of colours and finishes they liked; the dark espresso millwork, high-gloss white floors and plenty of bling were their principal elements.”
The star feature of the living area, the high-sheen Venetian plaster fireplace with chrome inlay was skillfully crafted by Frank Csordas of Coventry Interiors. Classic and comfortable, the Danish Streamline Chair by Eilersen, found at Studio Y Design, has an ergonomic high back and curved lines to soften the modern room.
Removing claustrophobic walls to capture natural light and circulation in the 3000-square-foot space, Nygaard and Tony Houston, of Houston Homes, reoriented the home’s layout to embrace an open concept. Informed by the owner’s art collection, Nygaard put a shiny spin on high-contrast with an overall monochromatic backdrop.
Bold colours and textures found in art and textiles enliven the space, while Nygaard’s custom-designed furniture, like these cube tables, adorned in high-gloss auto paint, bring an unexpected dash of modernity.
For Nygaard, the jumping off point started with the hub of inspiration, the kitchen. “The homeowner found the shiny backsplash tile in a photo online; it definitely fit with her love of polished and pretty so we went for it.” The dazzling metallic tile reflects light at different times of the day bringing added sheen to the streamlined glossy white cabinets and trending white refrigerator. Found at Studio Y Design, the New York Hydraulic Bar Stools from Italy bring style and comfort to the island with a wrap-around backrest and wide seat.
Grounding the kitchen’s muted palette, the reconstituted wood veneer built-ins provide ample storage and display space for the owner’s glass sculptures. An environmentally friendly alternative to some of the more expensive exotic wood species, reconstituted wood is made with fast-growing renewable natural wood sources and is a great option for projects where veneer colour and consistency is critical.
To visually distinguish the dining area, in lieu of the standard dining room carpet, Nygaard designed a wood inlay in the white tile flooring beneath the dining table. Custom designed by Nygaard, the leather finished quartzite-topped dining table pairs beautifully with the Italian Etoile dining chair from Studio Y to bring an elegant and streamlined contemporary look. “We enjoyed working with Andy at Studio Y Design; we liked their modern designs and reasonably priced product,” adds the homeowner.
A custom-designed light fixture above the dining table illustrates the saying, “a good light is one that cannot be seen” by virtually disappearing when looking through to the great room. Nygaard adds that “custom designing furniture and finishings ensures the client gets the right size, scale, fabrics and look for their home; it is the icing on the cake.” The streamlined silhouettes and neutral tones of the dining area allow the eye-catching sculptures on the buffet and abstract paintings above to take centre stage.
Repetition of chrome, glass and espresso-stained wood on the staircase leading upstairs maintains the design’s cohesive flow while preserving the home’s contemporary aesthetic.
The third floor is equipped with a comfortable entertainment room with the intention of creating a space for watching movies, doing paperwork and simply relaxing. A secret tunnel for the grandkids, extra storage and a deck with views complete this private retreat. The vermiculite mica wall covering brings interest and texture to the neutral palette.
Custom designed by Nygaard, a floor-to-ceiling headboard brings a sense of drama to this serene master bedroom.
Vertical wood grain on the white quartz dual vanity adds warmth to the monochromatic ensuite.
