‘A tailored, relaxed vibe’ at Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering

PAYING HOMAGE TO WATER WITHOUT COTTAGE FEEL AT FRENCHMAN’S BAY LISA VAN DE VEN

“A modern twist on a coastal atmosphere.” That’s how Theresa Pereira describes the design esthetic she created in the bathroom and kitchen vignettes at the Pickering low-rise site, Frenchman’s Bay. With a location close to Lake Ontario, Pereira wanted to pay homage to the water without evoking a cottage feel. To accomplish that, she used contemporary finishes with neutral whites and taupes, offset with pops of black, copper and navy. “It’s a tailored, relaxed vibe,” says the design consultant, from Create Design & Co. “You feel that you’re somewhere modern, somewhere classy, but it’s more coastal glam.” Homes at the Madison Group project range from 1,910 to 2,200 square feet and start in the high $800,000s. The sales office is at 1635 Bayly St., Pickering, and open Monday to Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 905-839- 0038 or visit madisongroup.ca. 1 Flat-front lacquer cabinets make for a contemporary kitchen, while the two-toned white and navy combination clearly showcases Pereira’s nautical inspiration. “The navy brings something new, but they’re still colours you could have in your kitchen for a long time, that you wouldn’t get tired of,” she adds. 2 A simple stacked tile backsplash in white offers minimal contrast from the cabinets, fading away to better reveal this contrasting inset backsplash above the stove. Installed in a random pattern and lined with metal trim, the handmade porcelain tiles pick up on the cabinetry’s navy and white palette. 3 “It reminds me of the wharf,” Pereira says of the copper accents she introduced in accessories throughout the kitchen. Copper pendant lights above the island add reflective sparkle to the space, bring attention to the island surface below and keep sightlines open to the rest of the vignette. 4 Walnut wood stools add a warm accent to the kitchen space. With a trumpet-shaped back, they also bring some extra curves to the otherwise clean-lined vignette. “The shape allows your eye to look past them a little bit to see more of the island,” Pereira adds.