Christy Wright
VerifiedArticles by Christy Wright
Tour This Nature-Inspired Home With a 12-Foot Kitchen Island and Breezy Backyard
The setting of this Greensville, Ont., new-build – on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Dundas Valley – was key to its design. “I wanted this 6,000-square-foot home to be bathed in sunlight and take full advantage of its spectacular location,” says designer Alison Knapp. Homeowners Shaylia and Neil Fennema agreed, envisioning a space calm enough for relaxing with their Vizsla, Millie, and fun enough for entertaining.
Inside A Lake Simcoe Home Bathed In Caramel Tones and Refined Boho Style
"When I first saw the place, it was a blank canvas,” says designer Mia Parres about this 2,500-square-foot home located on the shores of Lake Simcoe. There were positives in place—the plum location, light oak floors and big windows—but it needed more. “I wanted to add warmth and create a space that felt personal and welcoming for my clients,” she says.
Before & After: A Toronto Century Home With A Jade-Inspired Shower And Sky Blue Cabinetry
House Tours Top Stories Photo Gallery prev next 1 of 13 House tour: Colourful contemporary home Charcoal grey exterior The home's exterior features vertically positioned barnboard painted charcoal grey. Source: Robin Stubbert House tour: Colourful contemporary home Entryway flowerbeds Homeowner Marina Farrow came up with this pretty solution to stop her dogs from digging up the flowerbeds: an aluminum tub filled with a variety of perennials.
A B.C. Country Home Dressed Up With Festive Garland, Antique Ornaments And Classic Comfort
"Christmas for me is about a desire to create a less commercialized, simpler holiday,” says designer and Little White House & Co. owner Cheryl Krecsy. “I want the scents and feelings of Christmas past and start getting the house ready in November so I can slow down and savour the season.” The results of Cheryl’s nostalgic vision can be seen throughout the 4,800-square-foot Fort Langley, B.C., house she shares with husband Gene and their two poodles.
Inside An Eco-Friendly Home With A Pizza Oven And Lakeside Basketball Court
When designer Sheree Stuart began envisioning the interiors of this 6,600-square-foot, two-level new-build on Ontario’s Eugenia Lake, she leaned toward images that were mature and sophisticated, even dark and moody. “I presented the images to the owners at one of our early meetings and got it totally wrong,” says Sheree, who worked closely with the home’s architect, Bill Dewson.
This Lakeside Hotel Makes Burlington Worthy Of A Stay
Have you ever stayed in Burlington? Probably not, as it’s usually driven past by day-trippers with Niagara Falls or Toronto on their radar. If they had entered Burlington in their GPS, they’d leave the busy QEW behind and pull into an attractive lakeside city that consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Canada. They’d also discover The Pearle Hotel and Spa.
The Liberty Inn: Caledon's Nordic Spa Hotel
Welcome to Caledon’s Nordic Spa Hotel 1 / 6 Welcome to Caledon’s Nordic Spa Hotel 2 / 6 Welcome to Caledon’s Nordic Spa Hotel 3 / 6 Welcome to Caledon’s Nordic Spa Hotel 4 / 6 Welcome to Caledon’s Nordic Spa Hotel 5 / 6 Welcome to Caledon’s Nordic Spa Hotel 6 / 6 Up Next Ode is Toronto’s Black-Owned Hotel Rooted in Place, Pride and Community There are some hotels that make me say, “This feels like a space I could live in,” and The Liberty Inn is one of those places.
An Oceanfront B.C. Home With A Relaxed, Beachy Aesthetic
Designer Lindsay Quinn Levin added shiplap to the family room’s walls and ceiling to layer in character and texture without overwhelming the space. Colourful, patterned cushions feel lively among the neutral tones, and round poufs add in more curves. RUG, Surya. FIREPLACE, Urban Fireplaces. "A surfboard makes the home feel charming, whimsical, and not overly serious." “I used a folding glass NanaWall to completely open up the family room and give an unobstructed view of the ocean,” says Lindsay.
This London Hotel Is The Most Sustainable Place We've Ever Spent The Night
The lobby at 1 Hotel Mayfair is buzzing in the morning. Guests and locals are drawn to seating that encourages hanging out and a menu that serves up healthy grab-and-go treats with provenance. Forget a glass of OJ—the “I am Resilient Phyto Nectar Latte,” a blend of turmeric root, vitamins C and D, zinc, sea buckthorn, Chaga mushroom, and mango, is a popular pour here. This is my first stay at 1 Hotel Mayfair, and as soon as I arrive, I’m impressed.
A '50s-Era Toronto Home Gets A Calming Makeover With A Bold Flair
Some house hunters might see a 1950s-era house that’s undergone a lacklustre 1990s reno as a red flag, but designer Alyssa Papa saw it as a green light. “I fell for the home’s symmetry, large front windows and charm,” she says. “I knew I could tap into its potential.” Alyssa and husband Robert snapped up the 1,200-square-foot space in 2020 and lived in it for a year before its revamp. “I took that time to solidify how I wanted the house to flow and look,” she says.
A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments
A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments 1 / 14 A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments 2 / 14 A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments 3 / 14 A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments 4 / 14 A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments 5 / 14 A West End Semi is Thoughtfully Transformed into Three Distinct Apartments 6 / 14 A...
Kat Florence Transforms a Historic Building into a Meaningful Escape
Kat Florence Transforms a Historic Building into a Meaningful Escape 1 / 13 The Paraiba Suite at 850 square feet offers a luxurious retreat for two, featuring a king bed, one bathroom, and floor-to-ceiling original stone walls with picturesque views of the Grand River. Kat Florence Transforms a Historic Building into a Meaningful Escape 2 / 13 Every suite at the Kat Florence Hotel comes equipped with a full kitchen.
5 Festive Design Ideas To Spruce Up Your Holiday Decor
PHOTOGRAPHY l ANNIE SLOAN The regal richness of purply plum transforms any space into a holiday haven. Plum is a luxurious shade to implement, and it comes to life when balanced with the rustic simplicity of green. Dramatic shades of purple, like mulberry and grape, work in tandem with traditional green – that classic holiday favourite – for a style that’s both sophisticated and welcoming.
Meet Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Most Luxurious Hotel
The Scotsman elevates a getaway with high-impact hospitality and style. Luxury alert: Though recently launched, The Scotsman is causing a sensation in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond for good reason. It is unabashedly opulent, unblushingly romantic and unlike anything on offer in this historic Ontario town. Photo courtesy The Scotsman The welcome at The Scotsman is a seamless affair.
Eclectic Design Meets Comfort In This Calgary Penthouse
When designer Louis Duncan-He first viewed this two-storey penthouse, he saw a springboard for escalated style. “It was empty and white, but I knew I could find a way to tastefully inject all facets of the owner’s eclectic, globe-trotting taste, as well as include just a touch of a Japanese Zen feeling, which he requested,” says the designer. Louis, along with his firm’s designer Vy Tran, set about transforming the 2,000-square-foot blank canvas into a dynamic home.
Lake Views Take Centre Stage In This Ottawa Valley Cottage
DESIGN, custom DINING CHAIRS, Candace Plotz Design. CHANDELIER, Visual Comfort. Custom TABLE, Woodcraft.ca. The dining room’s neutral aesthetic keeps the view to the lake front and centre. Designer Candace Plotz opted for vinyl plank flooring throughout the cottage. “Given the sandy beach setting, it was crucial to have low-maintenance floors and these ones beautifully mimic elegant white oak,” she says.
House of Ali Spotlights A Beautifully Functional Design Style
1 / 11 In the entryway, a pair of sleek twin stools and a custom console table creates a polished, curated moment. Mirror, RH. 2 / 11 Mixed materials (including a hammered brass vent hood and Calacatta Viola stone) offer a contrasting look without clashing. Bar stools, Simon James; pendant, 1st Dibs. 3 / 11 A kitchen table topped in Calacatta Viola stone matches the kitchen island. 4 / 11 Gucci wallpaper makes a marvellous statement in the main-floor powder room.
This Euro-Inspired West Coast Home Is Lively and Elegant
First and foremost, I wanted the house to feel like a home,” says Keely Tateossian. When she and husband Malcon purchased their 5,500-square-foot residence, which they share with their son, Casper, Keely’s dad and the family’s Great Dane, its full potential wasn’t front and centre.
Is This the Most Romantic Hotel in the World?
Arriving at the charming Ca Maria Adele, you can almost imagine Cupid on a cloud above. The hotel has its own private canal entrance, and with romance in mind, this grown-up retreat is reserved for over-16s only. Inside the boutique hotel, a former palazzo dating back to the 16th century, the mood is tranquil, the décor opulent.
Simply Serene | Style at Home
Designer Alison Knapp relied on textural treatments and natural tones to curate casual comfort at an Ontario cottage. “I love the architect’s roofline. It reminds me of a paper plane,” says Alison. “I had it clad in oak to create warmth on the ceiling.” The great room’s white oak floors continue that feel and foster an enveloping effect.
Contemporary Meets Country Charm At This Eastern Townships Home
Photography by Monic Richard, Styling by Nicola Marc The year-round charm and pastoral beauty of Lake Brome has long enchanted many Montrealers, including the owners of this idyllic abode. The former city-dwelling couple made this their permanent residence after falling for the home’s handsome exterior and blissful views. “It just looked like the perfect country house and it had such a stunning setting, we wanted to make it our forever home,” says one of the owners.
This Toronto Home Takes On Brave New Hues
Photography by Patrick Biller Purple Reign DESIGN, Jack Creasy Design. SOFA, SIDE TABLES, RUG, Elte Mkt. PAINT, Pelt 254 (living room), Farrow & Ball; Onyx 2133-10 (entry), Benjamin Moore. Alison Rose’s Euclid FLOOR TILES, Cesario & Co. PENDANT LIGHT, HALL BENCH, Black Rooster Decor. With unifying their Victorian home in mind, Shane Ferrao (shown above, left) and Al Rajan (right) painted the entire first floor white and grey, but designer Jack Creasy wasn’t having any of it.
Step Inside This Cali-Meets-Canada Home
Designer Kaitlyn Cruickshank and husband David had no immediate plans to sell their Toronto home – until the pandemic. “I grew up in Barrie and we talked about eventually moving back, but after the second winter of lockdowns it happened faster than we expected,” says Kaitlyn, who designed every aspect of their new, 3,000-square-foot space.
Check In To London's Most Royal Hotel
Photos courtesy The Goring Hotel Walking into The Goring Hotel will make you feel like a royal. It’s the only hotel to have been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; its Eggs Drumkilbo (a decadent dish of lobster, caviar and quail’s egg) was a favourite of the Queen Mother; and Kate Middleton stayed here the night before she married Prince William. Monarchy aside, here are some of the ways The Goring extends the royal treatment to every guest.
This Toronto home gets a botanical makeover
Designer Gillian Gillies first decorated her client’s townhome 12 years ago and was excited to be invited back for a refresh that would extend beyond the optical intrigue of decor. “The house is now just over 20 years old and some of the original elements were showing signs of age,” she says. In other words, it was the perfect time to meld clever renovations with a fresh shift in the aesthetic tone.
What's it Like To Stay In A $14,000-A-Night Hotel?
Photography by ZACandZAC Of course, this sort of stay is entirely aspirational, a fantasy, really, but who wouldn’t be curious to see the perks and deep comforts, not to mention the design inspiration, of an unabashedly luxurious hotel? Here’s a sneak peek at some of the amenities on offer, along with luxury looks you can recreate at home for less than a royal ransom. Location, location, location The Beaumont’s location in London’s exclusive Mayfair neighbourhood is undeniably special.
This Century-Old Home Gets A Personality-Packed Transformation
House hunting isn’t for the faint of heart, but sometimes when you know something, you just know. “We had been living in a long, narrow duplex and wanted something different – more open and definitely wider,” says designer Victoria McKenney. When she and husband Adrian Stevens came across this 1912-built residence in the city’s Southlands neighbourhood, they knew it was the one and were certain their three- year-old Boston Terrier, Radish, would agree.
A functional kitchen with full-throttle style
When designer and client are sympatico, transformative magic happens. That was the case for this 32-square-metre kitchen in a Washington, D.C., new-build. The owners wanted classic elements contrasted with a bit of whimsy, and Toronto-based designer Ali Budd excels at melding the divergent looks.
This Modern Calgary Home Is A Soothing Sanctuary
Getting carte blanche on a project is music to any designer’s ears, and that’s what principal designer Alykhan Velji was given by Dominium, the builder of this new home in Calgary. Aly and senior designer Ali- son Connor relished having free rein. “It really allowed us to have fun with our selections and create a space that speaks to the home’s gorgeous architectural details,” says Aly.
How To Get The Dorchester's chic boutique hotel look in your home
Each of its 28 rooms is individually decorated in styles that incorporate everything from bright and carefree colours to dramatically dark hues. There’s lots of tactile interest, lively wallpaper and characterful accessories. It’s especially cool because it recasts a historic building as a contemporary design destination. Photography by Kayla Rocco, KR Studios It dates back to the 1890s and was the town’s original hotel for decades before it fell into disrepair.
You'd Never Guess This Toronto Home Has An Office With A Secret Room
Most makeovers end with a big reveal that guests can ooh and aah over. Not this one. “Our intention was to create a secret room that was unknown to visitors,” says designer Alyssa Moscovitch-Young. Her brief, from homeowners Andrew and Tina Feindel, was to turn the third floor of their Toronto abode into a work-from-home space with a twist.
P.E.C. Getaway: Why The Eddie should be on your travel radar
Southern Ontario’s Prince Edward County is a go-to getaway, and a stay at The Eddie, a boutique hotel and farm, only adds to the charm. Why is everyone flocking to Prince Edward County? It’s a crowd-pleaser, really. There’s farm-to-table food, acclaimed chefs and restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, art galleries, spectacular beaches, spas, shopping, cycling, sailing…the list goes on.
The Shard London's Fresh Perspective on Stylish Suites
Soaking in a grapefruit, lime and cedarwood-scented bath 50 storeys above the River Thames is just one of the perks of staying at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. Soaking up the floor-to-ceiling views of London’s mesmerizing skyline is surely another. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, in collaboration with Toronto’s Adamson Associates, and completed in 2012, The Shard is a relative newcomer to Old Blighty, yet already a design icon for good reason.
A Dundas Home Goes Big on Sustainability
“The intent was always to build a sustainable house that would create a strong visual, and physical, connection to the outdoors,” says SMPL Design Studio’s Joel Tanner Set on six idyllic acres, replete with a spring-fed pond and surrounding wooded conservation land, this hyper-contemporary home in Dundas is at one with its natural surrounding.
A Dundas Home Goes Big on Sustainability
Set on six idyllic acres, replete with a spring-fed pond and surrounding wooded conservation land, this hyper-contemporary home in Dundas is at one with its natural surrounding. “The intent was always to build a sustainable house that would create a strong visual, and physical, connection to the outdoors,” says SMPL Design Studio’s architectural technologist, CEO and creative director Joel Tanner.
This magical Muskoka home is holiday-ready
Karyn Gordon balances many professional roles: CEO, leadership and relationship expert, author, public speaker, TV personality. But at the Muskoka, Ont., home she shares with husband Brent Penner and their 16-year-old twins, Baron and Chase, her favourite roles are hot chocolate maker and board game player. “Our place is so magical in the winter,” says Karyn, who designed the 2,400-square-foot abode, while Brent, Baron and Chase pitched in by building its custom furniture.
This Home Is Draped In A Creamy & Decadent Colour Scheme
While Michelle Berwick’s family celebrates Christmas Eve with savoury homemade potato, bacon and blue cheese pizzas, the entire holiday season takes on a more confectionary tone. “My main floor has a creamy dessert colour scheme that inspires my festive decor,” says the designer, who shares the home in Sharon, Ont., with husband Gary and daughter Mia (11), son Brody (9) and Boxer puppy Piper. “Sticking to one palette and adding greenery is simple, yet chic and easy,” she says.
Hotel Julie Brings Shakespearian Style Into the 21st Century
Located on a leafy residential street just steps from the theatrical centre of town, Hotel Julie sets the stage for an inspired getaway. And its olive-green clad exterior emblazoned with a hand-painted burning heart mural (a nod to the Bard’s romantic tragedies) is just the start. “We wanted to create an aesthetic that was classic and elegant, but also quirky,” says Paula McFarlane, who owns the property along with her husband Jake Tayler.
Take A Look At These Fabulous Family Rooms
1. Bar keep Photography, Lauren Miller. DESIGNER, Sabrina Albanese Interiors. SCONCE, Dimore Milano. LAMPS, The Urban Electric Co. Pavoni BARSTOOLS, Soane Britain. Martin Brudnizki RUG, The Rug Company. SIDE TABLE, Jamb. This once-formal living room is ready for entertaining thanks to designer Sabrina Albanese. “The owners wanted a more usable space for gathering, and they wanted it to feel like a stately English hotel bar,” says Sabrina, who took inspiration from The Connaught Bar in London.
This condo is a pastel paradise
Photography, Patrick Biller. DESIGN, Jack Creasy Design. European oak FLOORS, Project Hardwood. WALL PAINT, All White 2005, Farrow & Ball. COF- FEE TABLES, COASTERS, CB2. ARMCHAIRS, Rove Concepts. SOFA, Structube. LAMPS, MFKTO. Small CUSHION, RUG, West Elm. Pink CUSHIONS, Elte. Photography, Patrick Biller. Designer Jack Creasy is often flooded with inspiration, but it was an actual flood that kickstarted the renovation of this 1,000-square-foot condo.
The Quiet Woods: A Muskoka Family Home
Even though this cottage is a new-build, the owner was adamant that it shouldn’t look like one. A bit of a challenge for any designer, but one that Michele Thompson readily accepted and completely understood. “My client spends a lot of time here with his four children, grandchildren and his chocolate Lab,” she says. “He loves comfortable, quiet design and doesn’t like fussy or showy things.” Michele’s vision for the 6,300-square- foot retreat was an approachable and welcoming look.
Cette maison possède une cour parfaite pour les vacances d'été à la maison
C’est dans une ambiance de station balnéaire que la designer Kate Davidson savoure l’été avec sa famille. Dans la cour de Kate Davidson, dont la maison est située à Etobicoke, en Ontario, tous les plaisirs estivaux sont permis: cuire une pizza au four à bois, faire des clapotis dans la piscine ou alors se détendre lors d’une séance de lecture sur une chaise longue tout confort. «Il était important pour moi de créer différentes zones, explique la designer.
Party Place in a Luxury Lakeside Retreat
When designer Kelly Sigsworth first saw this lakeside vacation home in Kelowna, BC, she knew she could loosen up its dark appearance and dated layout to create a luxury retreat perfect for its owner who is fond of entertaining. Her plan – a full reno, plus a light, bright palette and thoughtful, inviting furnishings – made way for an airy getaway that’s ready to party.
Designer and Style at Home columnist Arren Williams used confident colour and fuel-injected pattern to refresh a family home
Designer and Style at Home columnist Arren Williams used confident colour and fuel-injected pattern to refresh a family’s new home. Elbow room – a serious lack of it – instigated a move that led to the revamp of this now-gorgeous abode. Georgina Terzis and her husband, Scott Thistleton, parents to Oliver, 9, and Penelope, 6, wanted more space than their Toronto-area home could offer, so they left the city behind for a 4,300-square-foot house near Uxbridge, Ont.
Refreshing colour and bold decor transform a Toronto newbuild into a comfortably stylish family home
Photography, Alex Lukey Refreshing colour and bold decor transform a Toronto new-build into a comfortably stylish family home. The owners of this home fell for its prime midtown location and the 4,000 square feet of space it offered them and their two young children, but its aesthetic underwhelmed.
2023 March Issue Articles
2023 March Issue Articles 10 items
Amazing Space: A Victorian Reno by SOCA
“We started out wanting a third-floor master suite with a washroom. Tura provided us with a vision of a full renovation,” says Tricia Holzworth, who lives in this late Victorian bay-and-gable with her husband Scott Daigneault, their two sons, Henry, 14, and Theodore, 8, and a wheaten terrier called Bruno. The idea of renovating the family’s entire 1,830-square-foot residence came easy to architect Tura Cousins Wilson, principal at Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA).
Designer Lindsey Levy shifts the tone of a 52nd-floor condo from basic to beautiful
Photography, Alex Lukey This article is featured on: 2023 March Issue Articles Designer Lindsey Levy shifts the tone of a 52nd-floor condo on Toronto’s waterfront from basic to beautiful. Retirement invites many personal pursuits, and in this case, it was a home makeover. “Before retiring, the owner was an on-the-go professional who lived here with nothing but three televisions, a floor lamp and a folding chair,” says designer Lindsey Levy.
Designer Luke Havekes turns a heritage triplex in Montreal’s Mile End neighbourhood into a bright, airy home where old meets new
Set in an early 1900s-constructed heritage building, this 1,300-square-foot triplex had charming original bones – hardwood floors, six-inch baseboards and wooden windows – that were keepers. But other elements, such as a lack of storage, no work-from-home spaces, a dated kitchen and no guest room, were less appealing for the young couple who live here. “I renovated the space to address these issues and accommodate their needs,” says designer Luke Havekes.
Travel + Design: The Beach Motel
Welcoming amenities of chilled or warm, lavender-scented hand towels and cups of Madagascar vanilla-infused iced tea are the first intimation The Beach Motel is something special. “Our goal was to create a unique, boutique property with a guest-focused experience,” says Southampton native Dane Buttenaar. He and his wife, Samantha, purchased the ’50s-era motel in 2020, undeterred by its neglected state.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Christy
Contact Christy, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack