Classic lines, modern luxury

Some homes naturally capture your attention, while others don’t.

Such is the case with Artista Homes’ new show home at 8 Bryce Boulevard in Oak Bluff West.

You can’t help but be instantly drawn to its sleek silhouette and clean lines, which suggest the 1,916 sq. ft. bungalow is of completely contemporary design. Yet it has a warmth that comes from what appears to be wood cladding on the front wall and surrounding the front entrance.

“It’s not wood,” says Phil Amero of Royal LePage Prime Real Estate, sales representative for the impressive looking bungalow. “Actually, it’s low-maintenance steel cladding that was made to look like wood. It combines perfectly with acrylic stucco and stone to give the home a soft, inviting exterior that blends beautifully with the countrified surroundings.”

So, while the sprawling bungalow may have a rustic feel, it’s thoroughly modern — not to mention one very subtly luxurious home.

That understated opulence starts in the foyer, Amero noted.

“As is our custom, the foyer is tiled, but the tile we used here is different than we’ve used in the past — it a gorgeous porcelain terrazzo-style tile. The different colours in the tile give it a different look. It has a nice richness and texture to it and sets the stage for what’s to come in the rest of the home.”

Take two steps up into the main living area, and you step into a marvelous space that impresses with its natural light, textures and colours.

For starters, there’s the home’s rear wall, which is filled with glass.

“The amount of natural light that flows inside is unreal thanks to huge windows behind the great room and dining area,” Amero points out. “At the same time, rich engineered oak hardwoods add the right amount of warmth needed to temper all that natural light.

Then, there’s the great room’s stunning side wall, which adds even more warmth to the design mix.

“A brown brick, floor-to-ceiling feature wall was put on the side wall to work with the engineered oak flooring to make the great room feel even more inviting and cosy,” he says. “It features a 100-inch linear electric fireplace that adds a perfect modern touch. A tray ceiling above defines the space and takes the ceiling height up to 11 feet.”

From there, the great room flows seamlessly into a fabulously functional island kitchen that impresses with its collection of rich finishes.

“It starts off with an island with a grey matte porcelain countertop with gorgeous waterfall sides. Not only does the porcelain look incredible, but it is also more heat resistant than quartz, which makes it more durable. We then put in the same tile backsplash to mirror the island.”

The cabinetry is also inspired, creating depth with texture and colour.

“Textured taupe thermofoil cabinets work perfectly with forest green cabinets and a forest green feature wall around a service area next to the dining area. Our design team took a bit of a chance with the forest green cabinets, but it’s been well received. Everyone has also loved the fact that the fridge was clad to match the thermofoil cabinets.”

The dining area was placed in an ideal spot.

“It’s just the right distance from the kitchen, and only a couple of steps away from the serving nook, which makes the area perfect for entertaining,” Amero says. “There’s also a patio door next to it on the side wall that leads out to a spacious backyard deck. It’s a great spot for a barbecue, and has plenty of room for a table, chairs and furniture for visiting with guests after dinner.”

As quietly opulent as the intelligently designed home is, it is also very practical, as evidenced by an area that was carved neatly into the wall behind the kitchen.

“It holds a huge mudroom with tons of storage and a door that leads to the attached triple garage, plus a generous laundry room with sink, cabinets, plenty of counter space and a window,” he says.

Finally, there’s the primary bedroom, which caps the home off in luxurious style.

“The bedroom is a relaxing, light-filled retreat, while the ensuite is a lavish, spa inspired space with its soaker tub, walk-in shower and terrazzo-style tile floor. Overall, this meticulously crafted home checks all the boxes. Every space was properly planned, and the finishes are magnificent. This home was designed with the discerning homeowner in mind.”

lewys@mymts.net