This is a new column on the blog that I'm calling "The Village".
We are lucky to live on a street nestled comfortably between two great neighborhoods - the Junction and Bloor West Village. Leafy tree-lined streets, parks, eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants and family homes make our west-end neighborhood a lovely place to live.
I've introduced you to some shops in the area here and here. However I've decided to make this column a regular feature on my blog because I know a lot of you love to hear about great places and spaces.
I'm kicking off this column with a home tour!
I'm so excited to share with you the lovely home
of my friend and talented decorator Dianne Amaral-Medeiros.
You can read a little more about Dianne at the end with a short Q&A.
of my friend and talented decorator Dianne Amaral-Medeiros.
You can read a little more about Dianne at the end with a short Q&A.
This is Dianne. And this is her house.
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Her favorite room.... a sunny space at the back of the house which was an addition added to the original house. This is where Dianne and her family share meals and work on projects together.
Graphic black and white art is a combination of found objects, prints by one of Dianne's favorite wood block artists Michelle Han and original pieces by Dianne.
Stacks of favorite magazines and a basket with design sketches and samples.
Pops of colour, pattern and natural objects are a great way to add interest and texture.
"I am inspired by nature in all its forms, from colour
to particularly texture." ~Dianne
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Dianne's 8x10 foot kitchen may be tiny but it functions very well for her family. The key is organization and using every square inch wisely.
A steel baker's rack provides great accessible storage.
The hard working island makes food prep easy and is a great spot to use for entertaining.
When I arrived there was espresso and delicious Portuguese custard tarts (Nata) waiting for me. Yum!
Aren't these dishes pretty? Dianne and her husband brought them back from their honeymoon in Portugal.
I thought about sharing a recipe for these tarts but then thought some things are best left to the experts at the Portuguese bakery down the street...Caldense.
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Dianne's boys share a great attic bedroom. I love the idea of shared rooms for siblings.
The boys love baseball, so framed Blue Jay's tickets hang over their beds. Fingers crossed their fave team, The Toronto Blue Jays, do well this year!
Zoe the kitty, snoozes on the big comfy chair in the boys reading nook.
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I love Dianne's claw-foot bathtub. This said from the woman (me) who tore out her bathtub for a walk-in shower. More on that later...
The bathroom is spacious. Lots of room for the tub and a walk-in shower. A great little storage spot for toiletries and towels hidden behind the door.
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The back yard has this amazing garage. Great for storage (obviously) but Dianne uses it in warmer months as an entertaining area. Brilliant.
Thanks Dianne for sharing your house!
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