Blond Ambition

An Edwardian home with a white-on-blond aesthetic is perfectly suited to its fashion-forward owners.

WWHILE FASHION IS DEFINED BY the constant ebb and flow of its changing whims, its most successful creators, from Coco Chanel to Issey Miyake, have embraced their own brand of minimalist restraint. Simplicity, as the maxim goes, is the ultimate sophistication. As such, the popular trinity of clean white walls, punchy black accents and soothing blond wood surfaces may appear simple at a glance but, as with any high-fashion look, the devil is in the details.

Nailing the white-on-blond aesthetic requires a delicate touch and a keen understanding of how colour, texture and space work together to create emotion. Too much white and you end up with a chilly art gallery; too much wood and it can veer into ski chalet territory. This project, deftly executed by designer Shauna Walton, offers a wealth of insight into how to give the palette warmth, comfort and individuality.

Shauna undertook the design of this extensively renovated three-storey Edwardian home in Toronto’s midtown for her friends Sonya and Stacey Weisberg. Sonya is a fashion industry veteran who works in marketing for Canadian fashion brand Smythe, and she met Stacey while both were working at Hugo Boss (though he’s since left fashion to work for the family business). Stacey is also the nephew of Canadian architect Richard Wengle, who worked closely with the couple on the renovation.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that, given the Weisbergs’ designworld bona fides, they were specific about what they wanted.

“The ask was for a New York brownstone look, incorporating elements of clothing stores such as Brunello Cucinelli and James Perse, and I think we did just that!” says Shauna. The designer also took her cues from the carefully curated wardrobes of the family, including kids Pearson, 6, and Poppy, 4. “The neutral tones throughout the home mimic their regular clothing selection,” says Shauna. “In one of our first meetings, we asked Pearson what his favourite colour was, and he replied, “Grey!”

As one might expect from such a style-savvy bunch, the Weisbergs remained hands-on throughout the design process. “Because of our backgrounds, Stacey and I are both confident in our own styles, which are different, and we notice every detail,” says Sonya. “This made the process challenging at times.” She cites her husband’s appreciation of more traditional looks — “think Ralph Lauren mansion” — versus her more minimal and contemporary

leanings. “Every element of the house was a compromise for one of us, but using light colours allowed our two styles to work together,” says Sonya. “The end result is a perfect blend of us.” The benefits of this close collaboration and attention to detail are revealed at every turn: cool white surfaces are made warm and welcoming by luscious marble, earthy brick and other natural materials, warm bronze and — of course — plenty of stained white oak.

While Sonya and Stacey are over the moon with the finished house, Shauna is realistic about the practicality of so many pale surfaces. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s for everyone,” she says. “Luckily, these clients have trained their kids from day one, so it works.” Of course, she adds, for those hoping to get this look without too many rules around the house, the key is using wipeable, outdoor and pretreated fabrics. “And have the steam cleaners on speed dial!” she says with a laugh. As in fashion, achieving the appearance of effortless chic is anything but effortless, but the results often prove to be stunning.

“THE DAYS OF COOL GREYS ARE BEHIND US. IF YOU’RE GUTSY ENOUGH TO LIVE IN A WORLD OF CREAMY COLOURS AND EARTHY TONES, THEN YOU’RE KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES — Shauna Walton, designer

ABOVE: “We tried to keep as much of the original house as possible,” says Shauna. Subtle textural differences denote old and new brickwork; the tile-setting in the foyer is intentionally messy. RIGHT: The picket detail on the main stairway balustrade was inspired by a similar style Sonya saw at a Chloé boutique in Paris. “It’s a focal point in the house, so it seemed only natural to give it a unique detail,” says Shauna.

BOTTOM: The La Cornue range is a stately addition to the kitchen. “It was critical to inject black tones for a multilayered look, be it through the range, the windows or the iron railing on the stairs,” says Shauna. Range, La Cornue.

The upstairs living area and office features two chaises in the middle of the room and exposed wood beams that contrast beautifully with the white ceiling. Chaises, Croft House; rug, Y&Co. OPPOSITE, TOP: In a corner of the principal bedroom, the rounded armchair with textured upholstery and striking brass accent table add layers of sophistication against pale floors. Armchair by Goop, CB2; accent table, West Elm. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM: The minimalist powder room makes a statement with brass sconces and a hand-carved marble sink. Sink design, Trumeau Stones; faucet by Waterworks, Ginger’s; sconces by Apparatus, Hollace Cluny.

ABOVE LEFT: A dreamy custom canopy and layers of white make the principal bedroom a cloud-like retreat from the bustle of life. Bed frame, Elte; nightstand, Faithful Roots. ABOVE RIGHT AND BELOW MIDDLE: Brass fixtures were chosen in the principal ensuite because they’ll patinate over time. “A natural brass gets even better with age,” says Shauna. “I have clients who fear brass is too trendy, but it’s here to stay!” BELOW LEFT: It’s OK if the pale upholstery, even in the kids’ playroom, doesn’t stay pristine. “We live with a lot of patina — our marble countertops tell many stories of late nights and fun moments, and our unlacquered finishes shine and dull over time,” says Sonya. “We want our family and friends to feel comfortable.” Bench cushion, Tonic Living; custom throw pillows, poufs, Y&Co. BELOW RIGHT: A brick wall and whimsical art bring a dash of red into Pearson’s bedroom, an effective contrast to the overall pale scheme.

Shelving packed with toys and books looks curated yet carefree in Pearson’s bedroom. Shelving, Stylegarage.