For over 25 years, this particular style of startling beauty has transformed residential and commercial properties around the world, delivering dramatic yet elegant interiors to high-profile clientele and celebrities. Founded by designer Stéphane Fréchette and business partner Robert Sauvé, the company first began in Montreal and Miami, and has since expanded to Toronto’s King Street West district. In 2012, the brand will stretch its reach to Mexico.  “I know that people are looking for something different and dramatic,” says Fréchette, who splits his time between the four cities. He’ll be in Toronto this January when NordSouth debuts its collections at the prestigious Interior Design Show.

Often referred to as the “King of Eclectic,” Fréchette ensures that his designs fill in the gap that’s left behind by inclusive interiors. He seamlessly blends various styles such as minimalism, art deco and gothic. “I love contemporary but I think it’s too cold on its own, so I mix different tastes and cultures together for a charming, warm atmosphere,” says Fréchette, who handpicks quality home accessories and furniture from various designer hot spots across the globe. He and his team of interior designers and artists are equipped with the vision and experience to transform every room in your abode.

Juxtaposing the simple things that make a house into a home with the grandness you’d find in a five-star hotel, NordSouth’s spaces spill with spectacularly balanced settings with not a replica in sight. “I’m very strong on art accessories and paintings. Everything I put in my décor is original – I never use fake flowers or mainstream prints. I work with artists.”

www.nordsouth.com

Design is going in a more global direction than ever before. Regional influences are flowing seamlessly around the world. We see western design in Asian homes, period French furniture in more contemporary spaces, and Asian influence in Parisian interiors. The world is getting smaller but this is also a reaction to the sameness in design. People want to reflect different points of view within their space. More and more homeowners are embracing a global esthetic.

Another trend in design is the growing interest in quality and longevity. Homeowners are buying art, furniture and architectural elements that reflect quality and craftsmanship. Investing in quality pieces whenever possible is a great guideline for homeowners, and the approach balances our current landscape centred on mass production.

Colour will become a strong element in interiors this year. The modern-style spaces in the recent past have leaned towards monochromatic neutrals. We’re going to see an introduction of colour that reflects the homeowner’s personality. Lavenders, apple greens and gray blues mixed with gold metals, rich woods and semiprecious stones will be key combinations in the year ahead. This approach to colour provides visual impact and pop throughout a space.

Accessories play nicely into the concept of eclectic spaces. Just as we see the trend in fashion of mixing vintage jewelry with modern dress, vintage accessories for the home can layer beautifully into a contemporary space. Think vintage glass and crystal, antique boxes, vintage silver including hotel silver, and classical paintings in gilded frames. These pieces create an interesting juxtaposition within a contemporary space or add a rich, layered effect in a classical space.

Brian Gluckstein Guest Design Editor
A graduate of Ryerson University’s esteemed interior design program, Brian Gluckstein has risen to become one of Canada’s leading designers. As principal of Gluckstein Design Planning Inc., his diverse portfolio includes high-profile projects like the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, One St. Thomas Condominiums, the Windsor Arms Hotel and 133 Hazelton Residences. His extensive self-designed line, Gluckstein Home collection,
is sold at The Bay, Home Outfitters and Lord & Taylor Home, and consists of everything from patio furniture to cutlery and duvet covers. www.glucksteindesign.com

What to Buy?
If you want to buy long-term and not make a quick return on investment, buy against the market! With top prices still being achieved for the very best of antiques, the whole middle and lower market for antiques has effectively collapsed. There are no young buyers stepping into this market, and established collectors are holding out for only the very best, rare pieces. Very few young people still want a nice piece of silver or a lovely English mahogany set of dining chairs. Hence, the prices are rock bottom at the moment, and it is a very good time to step into all these traditional collecting categories such as antique furniture, silver and ceramics. For example, you could invest about $500 in a lovely 18th century coffee pot with good hallmarks on it (eight years ago, something like that would have been worth $1,200). These markets are always cyclical, so the interest and taste for these items will certainly return and revive over the next few years.

Those interested in renewing their interiors should consider purchasing design furniture. It’s an area that has seen a major surge in interest five years ago, and now the market is slightly saturated with many pieces being offered. As the market can only absorb so many, quite a few very interesting pieces of design furniture can slip through the net for relatively modest prices.

Where to Buy?
The salesroom is always a good place to start looking. Auctions are great places to train your eye, as one can feel the objects, touch them and inspect them up close. Try your local fairs, or even browse the Internet. You might pick up an interesting piece for a couple of hundred dollars at a local auction room or regional fair. In my view, auctions are always the most objective of places where items are being offered, as at the end of the day, the market will decide on the exact value and final hammer price. The most reliable auction houses will have their catalogues online, and often allow live bidding over the Internet, which makes the whole process accessible. It’s quite important if you are consigning an item for sale, as it significantly contributes to the publicity. Online catalogues can be viewed all around the world, and many dealers check them regularly and buy items that they have spotted that way.

Interesting items can be found in both generalist and specialist sales. You may have more chance to find bargains in generalist sales, where all items might not always have been catalogued properly (it can be more time-consuming, though, as you will have to visit the exhibition and inspect all items there). If you are seeking a very specific, targeted item, than it might be worth checking the specialist sales.

What to Avoid?
▶  Generally speaking, don’t buy anything in poor condition, unless it’s an exceptional and rare item. The cost of having a piece of ceramic or furniture restored can be quite high, and you don’t want to be caught out after you have purchased goods.
▶  Don’t be naive and  buy anything from dealers or auction houses that don’t seem reliable. Check out staff biographies, for example, or catalogues of their previous sales.
▶  Steer clear from buying high-value items over the Internet without having inspected them first-hand or advised by a reliable expert. If you do buy online, make sure the seller accepts returns, or has a proper refund policy. It’s always good to ask for a second opinion before proceeding.
▶  In most cases with art, when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they are too good to be true, and there is almost always an issue with the actual  object. Dig deep and investigate those cases to find out why the item is being cheaply offered.

When buying, what is important to look out for?
▶  Condition: When buying a work of art, the very first thing is to ask the auctioneer or dealer for a condition report. This will list if the item has been restored, has been cleaned, altered, etc. The condition has a direct effect on the price, and thus it is important to know exactly what has happened to the item over the years. Whilst for example, a restored break is entirely acceptable in ancient Roman marble sculptures, yet a few people will tolerate a 1970s piece of design furniture to be restored, and thus will impact the price dramatically.
▶  What is guaranteed? The important part of the description of any item in a catalogue is the  very first line, which is called the ‘guarantee line.’ It often appears in bold and is what the auctioneers guarantee about the item: date, manufacture/artist. It’s the auctioneer’s liability. Make sure the whole item is guaranteed, and not just parts of it. For example, an auction house might guarantee an 18th century mahogany chest of drawers, but not the gilt-bronze handles on it, and thus it is important to carefully understand what is guaranteed.
▶  Provenance: Is there any special provenance that comes with the piece? This can severely impact its value. The Duchess of Windsor’s handkerchief sold for $4,000, whereas the intrinsic value would only be $10.
▶  When buying at auction, make sure you are aware of the commissions to pay on top of the hammer price.

Lastly, I would say that when you buy art, it is important not just to like the piece, but you have to be mad about it! You will go on a journey with any work of art that you buy and thus it is important you choose the right object to do it with. Happy hunting!

Guest Art Editor, Patrick van der Vorst
For more than a decade, Patrick van der Vorst served as a director and head of department for the famed auction house Sotheby’s London. A force in the antique art world, he’s now the founder of ValueMyStuff.com, an online antique appraisal service staffed with dozens of experts from various collecting fields who are trained to assess the value of art. Value My Stuff gained great prominence in 2010, when a deal was struck with two investors on the BBC version of Dragons’ Den.
www.valuemystuff.com

It all started with an episode of Oprah. Anderson had recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee to test her luck as a musician, but was now pondering the merits of this change. As she sat on the couch in contemplation, Oprah Winfrey was on the big screen discussing life makeovers. The inspirational TV host made a simple suggestion: pull out old photographs and review your life. Seeing as she hadn’t completely unpacked, Anderson dug out her old photo albums and flipped through the pages. What she found was a collection of stunning before-and-after photos from every address she had occupied, and every friends’ home she had redecorated. And there it was: forgotten photos had become a powerful catalyst for change. This simple moment of existential self-discovery revealed the road before her, a road she knew she was destined to walk. “I was never willing to quit,” reminises Anderson. “I always somehow had the ability to believe that I was destined to do something special.” But now, where to begin?

“One of the things [Oprah] had suggested was to put yourself into a situation where you can learn your trade,” recalls Anderson. Taking a measly $10/hour position at a local design studio, Anderson did just that. A chance encounter with a new customer was all the born-again interior designer needed. “Owning” her newfound role, Anderson unleashed her once-overlooked talent, dazzling her first real client with an inherent gift for design. “I innately understood scale,” says Anderson. “I didn’t realize that people sat down and figured it out and calculated it. I could just look at a room and see it differently.” And that is a statement free of ego or pretension. A quick perusal through her latest book, The Seductive Home (Moll Anderson Productions, 2011), exemplifies this ability, cataloguing her decorative triumphs and demonstrating her eye for elegance.

Each of her immaculate layouts is full of detail, coloured flawlessly and befittingly balanced in scale. Space flows without hindrance, but everywhere you look, tiny particulars seduce the senses and arrest attention. Anderson describes this in her book as ‘sensory scaping.’ “The key to a seductive home,” she writes, “is to immerse your surroundings in elements that capture the senses.” For Anderson, these elements are paint, lighting, music, flowers and fabric. “Those five things, no matter where you live, whether it’s one small room or a sprawling mansion, those five things are essential to creating a seductive atmosphere.” These essentials transform rooms into thriving ecosystems of furniture, accessories and design. Like a master painter, whenever Anderson puts her designer’s brush to a spacious canvas, the final product is nothing short of spectacular.

A deep appreciation for art and flowers also influences her style. She encourages others to add both to their homes, especially in the bedroom. “When you wake up to art, it is really, really, really important that it be something that makes your heart happy … especially in the master bedroom because that is part of it. This is about closing the door and having a sanctuary for the two of you.”

All these elements, however, are only instruments for design. Any home should be a manifestation of the owner – a reflection of personal style. “You will be most comfortable in your space when you wear the room. You find out who you are by looking in your closet and seeing what you’re most comfortable in. I mean, I can walk into anybody’s closet and determine what their home should look like,” says Anderson, who personally adores donning attire by Gucci, Donna Karan and Michael Kors. “I also tell people to dress for the life they want to have,” she adds.

But all these decorative tips and tricks only scratch the surface of her actual aspirations. Anderson’s spaces aren’t pieces of art on display for others to admire: they are meant to be enjoyed. Quit saving everything for that special occasion, she feels, “just start living, because this is it. We don’t know how much time we have, and we have got to seize the moment.” Use that fine china more often, run a warm bath and pour yourself a glass of champagne in that crystal stem wear, just make the most of every day. “I don’t understand when people complain about having to get dressed up to go to a function, either. I’m thinking, ‘are you kidding me?’ Enjoy the process!”

At 51, Anderson still lives for every moment, experiencing life for everything it should be. She was a woman who was never willing to quit, always believing she was destined for greatness. For her, the sweet life is “living life passionately in your best possible way.” This philosophy was how she eventually found her true calling, a true testament that it’s never too late to be who you were always meant to be.
www.mollanderson.com

Just like his partner, Woodson drummed to the beat of the art scene from a young age. His father was a musician who worked with the likes of Sammy Davis Jr., and while he played the blues, Woodson was drawn to colour, enrolling in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art when he was 10 for art classes. “For me, I am like [Rummerfield] … I always had this gene, if you will.” When the two first met through mutual friends in 2004, a chemical reaction likened to what happens when you mix yellow with blue together developed, making for a primary introduction that painted a green horizon for the design duo. “We literally go into the same store separately and pick the same thing,” says Woodson, a collector of vintage cufflinks. Apart from natural inclination, both designers graduated from architecture programs in the U.S.

The yin-yang principals dress client homes in effortless extravagance, reminiscing the minimalist days of Jean-Michel Frank and the faux-fur throws and crystal chandeliers that tickled Eileen Gray’s fancy. In an ode to good decorating, Woodson and Rummerfield penned their book High Style (Chronicle Books, 2008), where they include homage to the good taste of Elsie de Wolfe, who is credited for having invented the profession of interior design in her heyday. Lady Mendl, as she was commonly referred to, authored The House in Good Taste in 1913, a read that continues to have influence in the industry. The design duo is always searching for something different, offering clients a versatile experience with rare finds plucked from antique stores, flea markets and art expos from sleepy towns across the world because, “A great space tells the story of the people who spend time there,” they write. Clients include haute couture brand the House of Versace, celebrities John Travolta and Kelly Preston, and recording artists Courtney Love and Christina Aguilera.

“We are big enthusiasts when it comes to historical value of pieces and architecture,” says Rummerfield, whose grandmother collected trinkets and furniture from the 1940s – 1960s. In their design diary they explain, “Beauty is not buying your furniture from one retailer or paying top dollar. Beauty is a unique mix of objects from around the world, from the past and present, family heirlooms and mass market finds that reflect you, your life and your interests. We find beauty in the most unexpected places and find joy in sharing it with others, and we’ve dedicated our life’s work to showcasing the wonderment of living well.” Woodson currently resides in Los Angeles with his partner and dogs Petra and Niles. Rummerfield and her husband also live in the City of Angels with
five-month-old son, Jack.      www.wandrdesign.com

1. In Mark Strutt’s “Big Thinkers,” dark cracks and wrinkles contrast the soft dirt-covered faces on a pair of solemn elephants, allowing the audience to share a simple moment of peaceful intrigue with two serene giants. www.thefocusgallery.ca

2. Overlaying the style and imagery of contemporary realism with elements of abstraction, this piece by Onyeka Ibe offers a dreamlike lens into an intimate moment of the 2006’s International Artexpo New York Best Solo Artist’s life.
www.harbourgallery.com

3. Carved out of stone by an unknown artist, this bear statue can be purchased from the Art Gallery of Ontario for $400 or rented for $20/month.
www.ago.net

4. Self-described as an “expressionist-colourist,” French painter Jean Claude Roy holds a deep passion for Newfoundland’s landscapes, and uses a rich, eclectic pallette to transform this love into a surreal wonderland.
www.harbourgallery.com

5. Recently selling for $278,500 Cdn at a Sotheby’s auction, this oil painting by renowned Canadian painter David Milne demonstrates his impressionist-influenced style that embraces modernist experimentation.
www.sothebys.com

As humble as she is, Guild really didn’t need a royal seal of approval to authenticate the fact that she has become a U.K. design icon. As heiress to her self-made empire Designers Guild, the high-fashion trailblazer with wild dark tresses has managed to fruitfully commoditize her craft, creating an international brand that could sweep Nicholas Kirkwood stilettos right off the elite’s feet before even entering the room.

While Guild evokes childhood memories of gardening with her grandfather and joyfully dictating which perennial went where, her true passion for design bloomed later in life, leading to a career in interiors. Like most grandiose ideas, Guild’s award-winning company, which designs and sells luxury fabrics, wall coverings, upholstery and accessories internationally, was initially conceived as a solution to a problem. “I was rather frustrated that there seemed to be nowhere that showed the total look of a home in a certain style … you went to fabric shops to buy fabric, furniture shops to buy furniture, lighting shops to buy lights. It was rather dull and uninspiring.”

In 1970, Designers Guild’s flagship walls went up in west London, bridging a noticeable gap in a market that trended towards isolating elements. “To be honest, I never imagined that we would be the size we are … I remember a bank manager telling me to call it a day as business wasn’t very good and he was so rude and patronizing – nothing made me more determined,” says Guild, whose brand is now represented globally and has an annual turnover of more than £50 million, or about $80 million Cdn.

Every word that Guild uses to express her passion and fervor for design is like a window slowly inching open on an efflorescent spring afternoon. “I find colour enlivening and energizing. Think of nature – the landscape, gardens, flowers – without colour.” This season, Guild is especially wooed by strong blues paired with crisp white, chartreuse yellow with black, white with grey. “Modern yet timeless,” she says.

As for Guild’s ties to Her Majesty, The Royal Collection Fabrics and Wallpapers is set to release its fourth installment by August 2011. From Arundale silks to Augusta velvets and Cabochen weaves, “The Royal Collection of Fabrics and Wallpapers is so very different to anything that we produce for Designers Guild and it is thrilling to work with a different vocabulary and in a way exercise a different creative spirit.”

With 15 books under her couture belt, a flourishing brand to stand behind, and the royal household as a reference, a designer as skilled as Guild is like gold dust these days.

Q&A with Tricia Guild, Founder and Creative Director of Designers Guild
Q: How can people use wallpaper and textiles to enhance a room in their home? What should they keep in mind when shopping around?
A: It’s all about personal taste. Take the time to find the colours you love – do you prefer cooler colours or warmer ones? Are you a floral person or perhaps more geometric? Stripes or checks? Really consider the affect you want to achieve in your home and also how you use your home. Textiles and wall coverings add style, personality and a sense of place to your home. In my view, they are an essential part of decorating.

Q: How important is it to have passion for your craft?
A: Passion is vital. It is what keeps you going, keeps you creating, but you need to be determined and focused and business-minded, too.

www.designersguild.com

“I still try to travel as much as I can to get inspiration from different cities,” explains Razi, owner of the Toronto-based interior design company Razi Design. “Every city has it’s own energy and it’s own unique style, and I always try to bring that back to wherever I’m working.”

At only four-years-old, Razi Design is still relatively young contrasted to industry troupers, but Razi’s celebrated resumé consists of accolades that could send seasoned veterans sulking back to the drawing board. She’s brought traditional Tuscan refinement to California and the distinguished rustic elegance of France to Toronto. Oh, and she’s also had a hand in refurnishing Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ Toronto estate – an achievement reserved for a privileged band of interior authors.

“I don’t like styles that are in-the-moment,” says Razi, whose worldly travels have fostered an impressive knack for linguistics, including French, Farsi, and her personal favourite, Polish. “In a week or two months you get tired of it, but if it’s something that you love, I think you will always love it.”

Perhaps Razi’s secret resides in this desire to distance her décors from oversaturated mainstream movements. Indeed, as Razi explains, she crafts each living space with the client’s personality in mind, delivering a novel look that manages to retain an air of
comfortable familiarity.

So what are some simple tips for quick yet stylish refurnishing? “No. 1, I always say flowers make a huge difference,” recommends Razi, who also draws inspiration from some of her favourite designers, such as Alber Elbaz and Brunello Cuinelli. “Colourful, beautiful flowers just always brighten up any room.”

Throw pillows can also amend your home’s appearance, and new bed sheets or a duvet cover is an easy way to adjust your bedroom’s mien. For the art lover, Razi leans towards photographic art, and personally enjoys the work of Toronto’s Mango Studio.

www.razidesign.com

1. France’s contemporary coastal charm makes Muse Hôtel De Luxe a temple of desired décor, providing ample inspiration for your home. www.muse-hotels.com

2. This Frozen Water sculpture by Amanda Brisbane adds a cool, refreshing look to any room. www.neimanmarcus.com

3. The personal touch of interior designer Kristin Drohan transforms homes into artistic abodes. www decorati.com

4. Using charismatic colour coordination, designer Chad Hoeft brings even the most monotonous rooms together. www.decorati.com

5. Chase those depressing decorative blues away with this bold Chenaux Classic Sofa. www.instyle-decor.com

6. From 1968, this handsome black-and-white photo of Roger Moore is as sophisticated as it is timeless. www.ralphlauren.com

7. There’s no horsing around with this exceptional equestrian Aluminum Horse Sculpture. www.instyle-decor.com

8. Hatch a new look with this brass and bronze Grand Egg and Palm Lamp. www.instyle-decor.com

Kleinburg, Ont.
Developing commercial and residential properties since 1979, Quintessa Homes’ latest venture – Kleinberg Reserve “on the boulevard” – offers spectacular residences amidst a private, green backdrop, yet is within arm’s reach of all the amenities of a big city. These striking homes wrap charming contemporary interiors with an elegant exterior for a spectacular result.
Listing agent: Intercity Realty Inc., Brokerage
905.893.1988
Priced from C$1.5 million
www.quintessa.ca

Paris
On the prestigious Avenue Foch in the extravagant District 16 of Paris, France rests the apartment of your dreams. Built in 1900, and containing wood panels from the personal palace of Samuel Bernard – King Louis XV’s private banker – this eight-bedroom, nine-bathroom apartment is a remnant of old-world luxury that will have you sing “c’est magnifique.”
Listing agent: Marie-Helen Lundgreen
+33.153.238.181
Price available upon request
www.christiesrealestate.com

Saint Peter’s Bay
On Barbados’ stunning West Coast, comfort and magnificence rests in Saint Peter’s Bay. Developed by Bjorn Bjerkhamn – one of Barbados’ most respected entrepreneurs – spectacular beachfront residences offer a breathtaking view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Luxurious amenities such as concierge service, pool bar and beauty salon are inimitable.

As an added bonus, owners gain membership to the exclusive Port St. Charles Yacht Club. Prices start at $2.3 million for three-bedroom residences.
Listing agent: Tami Wilkinson
905.855.2200
Priced from US$2.3 million
www.stpetersbaybarbados.com

Hogg’s Hollow, Toronto
Surrounded by a lush country setting, this magnificent private estate boasts traditional luxurious furnishings on a 9,000 sq. ft. lot. The elegant interior uses soft whites to accent deep hardwood floors and sparkling chandeliers. Boasting seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, this fabulous home is complete with a spacious workout room, hardwood office, cosy entertainment room, outdoor firepit and pool.
Listing agent: Howard Lende
416.488.2875
Priced from C$6,995,000
www.luxuryrealestate.com

Majorca
On the Spanish island of Majorca, nestled among the rocky Tramuntana mountains, this monumental mansion is a heavenly haven amid the rugged surrounding terrain. With 31 bedrooms and 31 bathrooms, this revitalized retreat is a delightful display of classic Spanish architecture. From its classic dining room to its over 95-ft. swimming pool, this magnificent manor is a bastion reserved for the most affluent homebuyers.
Listing agent: Michael Perkins
+34.971.700.764
Priced from US$46 million
www.christiesrealestate.com

Paris
Originally constructed for the Duchess of Montmorency in 1912, this absolutely breathtaking Parisian manor is the epitome of luxury and elegance. This 12-bedroom, 12-bathroom palace contains a superbly painted ceiling in the dining room by the famous French artist Henri Rousseau.
Listing agent: Marie-Helene Lundgreen
+33.153.238.181
Priced from US$136 million
www.christiesrealestate.com

Forest Hill, Toronto
With four bedrooms, six bathrooms, wine cellar, gym, outdoor pool and more, this stunning custom-built Forest Hill home features towering ceilings, elaborate mouldings and beautiful woodwork, which showcases spectacular craftsmanship to the minutest detail.
Listing agent: Steven Wagman
416.824.4344
Priced from C$7,495,000
www.luxuryrealestate.com

Sardinia
Located on the dazzling coastal area of Costa Smeralda (literally the Emerald Coast), Italy, an exclusive and private island awaits. With four hectares of beautiful shoreline property surrounded by the glistening Mediterranean Sea, this unapologetically gorgeous isle is lined with white beaches, a private pier and contains a majestic villa with three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, dining room and a quaint terrace for outdoor entertaining.
Listing agent: Immobil Sarda
+39.0789.754.500
Price available upon request
www.luxuryportfolio.com

Houston, Texas
Inspired by the traditional villas of the sweeping Spanish plains, this magnificent Houston home adds an exquisite level of luxury to a classic look. The rich, inviting interior is complemented by deep mahogany doors, fully furnished hardwood kitchen and classically styled bathrooms, while a resort-style pool, secluded master bedroom and three-car garage provide added opulence.
This home is a classic, through and through.
Listing agent: Martha Turner Properties
713.558.3266
Priced from US$2.9 million
www.luxuryportfolio.com