Decorating & Design
October 12, 2021
Inside The 2021 Princess Margaret Showhome By Brian Gluckstein
Has the definition of luxury changed in these unprecedented times? Well, intangibles such as sunlight, space, air and time have become almost as important as finishes. That’s something designer Brian Gluckstein understands and executes very well in his ninth Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Home Lottery Showhome. This 7,220-square-foot home’s rotunda, cerused oak panelling and silk-lined dressing room are all in keeping with the neighbouring stone châteaux that line the lake in Oakville, Ont. But the crux of the design lies in its modern, open approach, which goes beyond amenities.
“It’s about getting natural light into a space, to see through it and enjoy the sight lines — not creating closed, boxy rooms,” says Brian. “This house doesn’t have a lot of hallways, which waste space, so the rooms can be so much bigger.” As a result, the five-bedroom, updated Georgian-style house is bathed in light, with plenty of laptop-friendly spots to work from home and indulge in self-care. “I’m a person who needs sunlight to inspire me when I work,” says Brian. And below stairs, the lower-level fitness centre and spa let you hit the punching bag, do yoga and take a steam or soak. “Having a home exercise space is more crucial than ever when you’re sitting at your desk for hours,” he adds.
In the kitchen, a medley of finishes (caned cabinet doors, a plaster vent hood and ebony lacquered island) make an appearance in Brian’s most open-concept Princess Margaret Showhome kitchen to date. “A white kitchen just wouldn’t have worked — there would be no connection to the rest of the house,” he says. “That’s why it’s important to tie in the wood from the study with the wood of the kitchen so when you look across the house, there’s a warmth to it. The black island mirrors the black shelving in the living room — the color palette encompasses the whole main floor.”
This Princess Margaret Showhome is about open, multipurpose spaces but also a sense of occasion. At the heart of the house is a courtyard-style dining room with double-height windows looking out to the patio lounge area and a petite oval pool. The round dining room table is set like a sapphire in the space, on par with the best table in an exclusive restaurant because, these days, the simple act of dining with friends is a luxury to be savoured.
Scroll down to tour the breathtaking Fall 2021 Princess Margaret Showhome!
This is designer Brian Gluckstein’s ninth Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Home Lottery Showhome.
In the lofty, 22-foot-high dining room, mirrors between the windows reflect the stair railing. “I love to connect upper and main levels in two-storey spaces,” says Brian. “The dark tile floor and windows create a courtyard effect.”
Brian used a faux block wall covering to mimic limestone. The stone tile floors continue into the outdoor lounge area.
“In the foyer, we did an elaborate floor treatment, a rotunda ceiling, curved walls and fluted trim,” says Brian. “The house is very geometric and angular, so it’s nice to have the round foyer to play off it.”
This showhome has a symmetry with orderly columns and shutter-accented windows, but the entrance is set off to the side.
The family room is a perfect spot for watching the game. “We didn’t define spaces with walls and doors in order to open them up and let people in,” says Brian.
“The house is designed for entertaining,” says Brian. “The rooms are open to each other, and there’s so much seating in the breakfast area.”
The study’s curved sofa is set into the bay window overlooking the garden. “The stepped drywall ceiling defines the study and living room spaces and highlights the open bookshelves,” says Brian.
“There’s a lot of different materials in this kitchen, but it’s cohesive because the black accents and wood tie it together,” says Brian.
The kitchen features a variety of textures, including caned cabinets over the bar sink, a plaster vent hood and the glossy lacquered island.
Brian switched things up this year, creating two vanities set in black-trimmed niches in the spacious principal bathroom. “We’ve had requests for separate vanities, so we’ve tried it here,” he says. “There’s more room to get ready together in the morning when you have your own space.”
In the powder room, sconces with a brushed brass finish are mounted directly on the mirrored wall.
The dressing room is a glamorous space to primp. “The window seat and smoky mirrored island add a sense of indulgence,” says Brian.
The spacious and private guest room on the lower level has lots of natural light.
In the nursery, pale blues, creams and greys combine to create a serene space.
“This is a TV room, playroom, workroom — anything you want it to be,” says Brian of the home theatre space.
The hammam-inspired spa has a chromotherapy tub and generous deck for stretching out a yoga mat. Discreet inset lighting keeps the feeling zen.
“This year, we raised the laundry appliances to eye level,” says Brian. The space doubles as a craft room.
Alex Lukey
House & Home November 2021
Stacy Begg
Brian Gluckstein; Architecture, Richard Wengle Architect