Lidia Van Zyl and Kristy-Lynn Banman of La Moquette
The Estate on the Bay Design Showhome is now, I would say, about 80% complete! We have only a couple of weeks left to finalize the details, including installing a whole bunch of brand new door handles just donated by Schlage. You will certainly get a feel for the home, the minute you walk through the front door. Immediately ahead, you see the Great Room, the centerpiece of the home. The room has been designed by Lidia van Zyl and Kristy-Lynn Banman at La Moquette, which is a one-stop design house located on Bradford Street, in Barrie.
The design approach is one of understated elegance. They wanted to create a very relaxing and functional space that is eye-catching, yet classic. It has an incredibly light and airy look. Of course, the view from this space is spectacular, so they maintained it as a focal point, keeping walls and larger upholstered pieces in soothing neutrals. Beautiful fabrics on pillows and smaller pieces then inject colour into the space. Their inspiration was drawn from an exquisite 12 x 18 hand-knotted rug - the jumping off point for the various shades of green found in the room.
The space features the new Interiors Collection by Bernhardt furniture, as well as their signature line of Martha Stewart furniture. For wall décor, they wanted to use really interesting pieces. Lidia found these amazing antique chocolate moulds in stainless steel at Kempenfest, that she had framed. Not only was the colour perfect, they also tell a story. This room is stunning and a perfect way to begin the tour of this sophisticated, upscale home.
Mark Wanzel photo
Cathy Kleiser - Kleiser Interiors
Another story gets told by Cathy Kleiser downstairs in the lower kitchen. Cathy feels her forte is creating an emotional connection with her clients in order to fully understand what they want the finished design to accomplish. She was not able to "connect" with a client for this project, but the concept behind the kower kitchen was to create a space where the future homeowner will not feel that they are working in a kitchen/bar. She wanted to establish a connection to the surrounding areas and a sense of inclusion in the overall space.
The design itself was based on a sea glass collection that started on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. The natural environment was always kept in mind with a strong desire to mix contemporary with classic elements. It is the tension between these two elements that is so compelling.
With the help of Diane from Love to Paint, Cathy transformed all of the cabinets from a honey-coloured oak to a rich, chocolate brown. Counter tops were replaced, by DiPietra Design, and are now beautiful honed Carrera marble. The backsplash is incredible – with tiles supplied and installed by Desert Tile. The artwork and accessories utilized in the space are surprising and lovely, creating an incredibly interesting mix of styles, which keeps you hanging on and looking twice to take everything in.
What is so incredible about the home is that every designer was required to use the overall design scheme established by Marlene Mitchemore, and then bring their own interpretation to the project. There is cohesion in the house, yet no room is at all alike, there are just so many interpretations of the same overall concept. So every room tells its own story and every designer brings their own very special touch to the project. We are so thankful for these 18 designers who have brought life to the home and to United Way’s 50th anniversary celebration! Please come out to see this fantastic collaboration!
