Flexible live/work space next to a Toronto cemetery asks for 2.5m CAD

This article highlights an open house event for a historic 1910 beach bungalow located on the Venice Canals, which is currently listed for $2.65 million. The property, situated at 416 Sherman Canal, was open for viewing on Sunday, December 6, between 1 PM and 4 PM. The bungalow offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a total floor area of 1,326 square feet. Additionally, there is a den that could potentially serve as a third bedroom, adding to the home's versatility. The listing describes the residence as a "nautical paradise" that prioritizes an indoor/outdoor living experience. This is facilitated by expansive outdoor patios and a rooftop deck, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining while offering front-row views of the canals. Inside, the home features wood-paneled ceilings and numerous windows, ensuring that the bedrooms are sun-drenched and bright. The design incorporates subway tiling in the bathrooms and kitchen, which contributes to a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Key interior elements include Heath tiled hearths and Malm fireplaces, present in both the master bedroom and the living room, adding warmth and a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen blends vintage charm with modern functionality, featuring a refurbished O'Keefe and Merritt stove alongside contemporary stainless steel appliances. Galley-style cabinetry is utilized to maximize smart storage solutions within the kitchen space. The living room is characterized by exposed beams and a skylighted ceiling, enhancing its airy feel, and is equipped with French doors that open directly onto a large front deck. The article notes that the cottage has undergone significant beautification since its last market appearance in 2010. One particular improvement highlighted is the addition of candle-esque light fixtures that top the ceiling beams, contributing to the home's unique ambiance. This renovation and enhancement have also been reflected in the property's updated price tag, which now stands approximately $1.1 million higher than its previous sale amount, indicating a substantial increase in its market value. The property's official site, 416 Sherman Canal, is provided for further details. This property exemplifies a blend of historic architecture with modern updates, designed to leverage its picturesque canal-front location. #VeniceCanals #LosAngelesRealEstate #HistoricBungalow #HomeForSale #OpenHouse #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes

The article explores Formica Corporation's Living Impressions™ collection, which features realistic designs mimicking natural materials, specifically highlighting a Calacatta marble alternative. Formica has been creating these surfaces for decades, and its latest collection, launched recently, has gained significant popularity. The collection was developed based on consumer research, focusing on classic marbles in black, gray, and white palettes. A key offering is a particularly realistic Calacatta design, a sophisticated and expensive marble that typically costs around $180 per square foot. Gerri Chmiel, Formica's residential design lead, explains the evolution of their Calacatta designs. While their existing Calacatta Marble, designed a decade ago, remains popular with its white background and heavy gray veining, Chmiel observed a contemporary trend towards softer Calacatta options with less pronounced veining. This led to the development of a new design, Calacatta Cava, which aims to capture this modern aesthetic. Calacatta Cava is unique because it combines the veining patterns of two separate stones. Unlike the common practice of scanning a single stone to create a pattern, Formica Corporation for the first time scanned two distinct slabs and merged their best features. Chmiel personally selected the two slabs, and their designs were then digitally marked, edited, and refined to ensure a large, seamless repeat. After approving the full-size print, a color prototype was meticulously assessed to achieve perfect balance in the final product. The manufacturing process involves transferring the approved design onto a porous, saturating grade paper. This paper allows resin to flow through it, forming the core of the laminate. A clear overlay infused with melamine and phenolic resin is then placed on top, with layers of kraft paper underneath. This composite structure is pressed together under high heat and pressure using steel plates. These steel plates are textured, which imparts the desired finish to the laminate surface. This method ensures both durability and a realistic tactile quality. Chmiel also notes a shift in consumer perception regarding laminate. In the past, there was an expectation for laminate to have a "perfect" uniform layout. However, the current trend celebrates imperfections, mirroring the natural variations found in real stone. The 180fx® product, with its larger-scale patterns and limited repeat, enhances this realism, making it difficult to distinguish from genuine stone on countertops or islands. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, laminate is also lauded for its easy maintenance, requiring only soap and warm water for cleaning. Chmiel emphasizes its resilience and longevity, stating that while older installations might show wear, properly cared-for laminate can last for many years, retaining its beauty and color, making it a practical and hygienic choice for modern homes. #FormicaCorporation #Laminate #CalacattaMarble #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AffordableAlternatives #MaterialInnovation #SurfaceDesign

Architectural professional Desmond Ong transformed a four-room flat into an $80,000 open-concept living space, prioritizing brightness and airiness to create an environment suitable for his two young daughters. Leveraging his architectural background, Ong focused on maximizing the natural views of lush greenery surrounding the home, opting for minimalist interior furnishings to keep the space uncluttered and visually expansive. The design centers around an open-plan layout, particularly highlighting the seamless integration of the living and dining areas. The dining table, sourced from Origin Asia, was specifically extended to achieve better proportionality within the room, ensuring it comfortably accommodates six people. A key design element is the open-concept kitchen, which flows directly into the dining room. This strategic placement makes the kitchen the immediate focal point for visitors entering the home, enhancing the sense of openness and connectivity within the main living spaces. The design intent was to minimize visual barriers, contributing to the overall bright and airy atmosphere. Furthermore, Ong's personal workspace, featuring a workbench, is positioned to offer relaxing views, emphasizing the integration of functionality with aesthetic pleasure. A notable piece of furniture in this area is the elbow chair by Hans Wegner, highlighted as a valuable investment, alongside a stationery holder from Grafunkt. Attention to detail extends to the private areas, with the common toilet featuring a custom-made concrete sink, adding a unique, modern touch. The total cost breakdown for this transformation includes $70,000 for renovation work and an additional $10,000 allocated for furnishing. This project demonstrates a thoughtful approach to interior design, where an open concept is not merely a stylistic choice but a functional decision aimed at enhancing family living, maximizing natural light and views, and creating a harmonious and spacious home environment within a specified budget. #OpenConcept #FourRoomFlat #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #FamilyHome #BudgetFriendly

The Langley Crest estate at 6501 Bright Mountain Rd. in McLean, Virginia, is currently listed for $29.9 million. Built in 2023, this contemporary mansion spans 21,800 square feet across 5.3 acres of private, landscaped woods and gardens. The property features six bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and four half baths distributed over three levels. Architectural elements include seven fireplaces, soaring ceilings, a floating staircase, and an elevator, all contributing to a sense of sophisticated luxury. Access to the estate is through a gated entrance leading to a European cobblestone driveway, which culminates in a climate-controlled parking garage capable of housing eight vehicles. The exterior design incorporates concrete stucco, copper gutters, and a Vermont slate roof, emphasizing durability and aesthetic appeal. Outdoor amenities are extensive, featuring a heated, in-ground pool, an expansive backyard suitable for hosting events, and private gardens designed for seclusion and tranquility. The property is also equipped with advanced security and AV systems, along with a 600-amp Caterpillar generator, ensuring both comfort and self-sufficiency. Inside, the formal living room showcases grand ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and a marble fireplace, creating an inviting atmosphere. The dining room is spacious enough to accommodate up to 40 guests and also includes a fireplace. The great room is notable for its double-height ceilings and large windows that offer panoramic views of the pool and surrounding gardens, integrating the indoor and outdoor environments. The European-inspired kitchen is outfitted with Italian cabinetry, a breakfast room, and a custom La Cornue range from France. An additional chef’s kitchen, equipped with professional-grade appliances, facilitates large-scale entertaining. For work and relaxation, the home provides a paneled study in the west wing, complete with LED-lit bookcases and a marble fireplace, and a second study or receiving room in the east wing. The main level primary bedroom suite is a luxurious retreat, featuring a living room with a marble fireplace, soaring tray ceilings, LED lighting, and chevron hardwood flooring. The accompanying spa-inspired primary bathroom includes heated floors, a dual shower, multiple vanities, and a soaking tub that overlooks private gardens. An adjoining dressing room offers floor-to-ceiling European cabinets and custom mirrors. A second primary suite on the upper level is brightly lit and boasts a double-sided dressing room. The lower level is designed for entertainment and wellness, housing a large gathering room with 11-foot ceilings, a 150-inch marble fireplace, and a custom crystal chandelier above a wet bar. This level also includes a private tasting room and a screening room with a refreshment bar. A dedicated gym area features a private spa, a dry sauna, and a wet steam hammam. The outdoor swimming pool offers a built-in spa, a tanning ledge, a waterfall, two fire pits, and LED lighting, enhancing the resort-like experience. A climate-controlled pool house provides a built-in kitchen, a fireplace, and a full cabana bath. The property is listed by Mark Lowham at Sotheby’s International Realty. #LuxuryRealEstate #McLeanVirginia #ModernMansion #EstateForSale #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalExcellence #SpaAmenities #SmartHome