Home & Decor

Durable Beauty

_stm0006

With four kids and a dog, Katherine and Kevin Brazel wanted a home re-design. Their twenty-five year old home needed a family friendly makeover that was kid- and dog-durable. “All of the design decisions were based on functionality and usability,” the Brazels comment. “Our home is large, but we weren’t using all the space and the layout just didn’t work for our family.”

stm_8118

stm_8152

Designer Gabriele Pizzale added pizzazz to the children’s bathrooms on the second floor. Perfectly pink, the girl’s bathroom is finessed femininity. Th e Brazels comment, “We wanted a design that would work when she was a teenager.” Twinkling like earrings, the white and silver lamps add jeweled elegance. Their gleam accentuated by dangling glass pendants matching the cupboard door handles. Artwork and curtains coordinate white tiles, accessories, and the counter’s curves.

stm_8160

stm_8168

Twin sinks, triple towel hangers, and true blue hues are Gabriele’s treat for the boys’ bathroom. “The color scheme was masculine. It reminded us of the cottage. We love it,” say the Brazels. Art is a great way to add depth to a design. Gabriele notes the typewriter keys were a way to personalize with each of the son’s names. Their retro looks match the lighting’s style.

stm_8260

stm_8317

Burgundy brings burnished warmth to the master bedroom. Subtle touches in texture, line, fabric and finishes add richness. The dark wood of the cabinets and headboard are repeated in the ensuite. Cuff -link-like drawer pulls accentuate the handsome furniture while glass and silver dance light around the room. “Th e unique glassware and decorative touches give a feeling of being in a resort,” the Brazels state. Gabriele advises that in the master bedroom both parties’ tastes must be taken into consideration.

stm_8331

stm_8310

The kitchen and dining area maximize light and space. “Our goal was to make this room bright and welcoming. The kitchen does not get a lot of natural light, so pot lights and bright light fixtures were key,” Gabriele comments. With white walls and ceiling as well as seemingly thinly stretched cupboards, the room’s visual height is raised. Slim silver pendant lights, sconces, chandelier and art add to the airy ambiance. Th e dark contrast of the oak floors and furniture also ‘raise’ the ceiling’s height. “Th e ability to tolerate heavy traffic,” the Brazels comment, “helped in the choice of materials.

stm_8368

stm_8412

Curtains in the kitchen and dining room add to the burgundy theme and gentle geometrics. “We get a lot of compliments on the curtains, especially in the kitchen,” the Brazels remark. “We wanted to have variation in curtain length for its aesthetic value. However the curtains had to be primarily durable and functional.”

_stm9944

_stm9863

“Gabriele took the time to understand our family and learn what was important to us. She then came back to us with a design that exceeded our expectations. She definitely made our dreams a reality!” the Brazels state.

_stm9858

The Brazels are delighted with the redesign, commenting “Still can’t believe this is our house! We absolutely love the finished design. It is not only beautiful, but it functions even better than we hoped for.”

 

Text J. Lynn Fraser

Photography Mike Chajecki

 

Space Designed by Gabriele Pizzale Design

Photographer, Mike Chajecki

Counters, Cambria

Cabinetry, Icon Kitchens

Tile, Factory Tile Depot

Kitchen Table and Chairs, Canadel

Master Bedroom Furniture, Geovin

Lighting, Gerrie

Master Bathroom Faucets, Girls and Bathroom Shower, Grohe

Girls and Boys Bathroom Faucet, Kohler

Powder Room, Delta

Kitchen Faucets, Kohler

Fabric, Kravet

Rugs, Surya

The following two tabs change content below.
Canadian Home Trends magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos across Canada. You'll be inspired by a selection of accessible home décor products, trend reports, simple yet stylish DIY projects, and much more. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you've always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, colour palette and furniture pairings, and Canada's best places to shop.

Latest posts by Canadian Home Trends (see all)