Design Philosophy
STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY DEVON PASTORIUS
As seen in the Windsor Summer 2026 Issue
Designed as a family retreat and lasting legacy, this four-bedroom home in LaSalle showcases desinger Sonja Bridgen’s creative vision.
“My home is a living manifesto of my design philosophy, offering clients a tangible vision of my approach to enduring, layered design,” she explains. After years of consulting, Sonja embarked on a new chapter, launching Sonja Bridgen Design.
She is pleased to present this elegant showpiece as her debut project, reflecting her belief in beauty, functionality and legacy.
Sonja and her husband considered renovating their previous home, but decided building made more sense. “We wanted to create something with longevity for our family and two young daughters – something to grow with and have room to entertain friends and family,” she recalls.
They found a property in LaSalle’s exclusive Legacy Grove community, and Sonja assembled a team of highly regarded professionals. Residential designer Phil Fernandes of Philip Fernandes Designs Inc. designed the home’s exterior and layout, while Gino Piccioni, president of Timberland Homes, built the home. “It was a dream come true working with them,” says Sonja. She appreciated Phil and Gino’s professionalism, attention to detail and genuine commitment to quality. “Every step of the process felt thoughtfully managed, and we collaborated seamlessly from design to build.”
Sonja’s vision encouraged Phil toward a modern yet timeless direction. “Safe made way for bold,” Phil recalls. “Sonja had many design elements she wanted to introduce and our job was to arrange the home in a way that would feel natural and look beautiful.” Features like a sunken living room, sculptural staircase, steep cathedral ceiling in the primary bedroom and Tudor-inspired exterior all contribute to the home’s distinct identity.
Gino was impressed with Sonja’s design acumen and the fresh look her creativity brought to Legacy Grove. “Sonja brought new ideas to the table on a daily basis. The result is a warm family home that is also unique and design-driven,” he says.
The distinctive exterior is defined by an off-centre chimney, a peaked roofline, bold black accents and refined stone detailing. Gino describes the structure as strong, with a mix of materials that balance durability and warmth. “It’s a great combination of brick, stucco and stone that’s sturdy but soft-looking,” he says.
The custom curved wood french door clad in black aluminum was sourced at Rocksolid Windows & Doors. The foyer showcases custom stone tilework that complements a warm stained-oak floor. The home’s design is minimalist yet organic and inviting. “Every detail was considered and reconsidered a hundred times!” Sonja recalls. “I wanted to build an ethos of quality over quantity with a balance of vintage and new,” she adds. To achieve this, Sonja included elements like plaster, natural stone and vintage lighting and décor.
A stunning waterfall island, clad in exquisite Calacatta Viola marble, makes a bold statement in the kitchen. “This piece was chosen before the build started, and much of our home’s design plays off this feature,” says Sonja. Supplied by Cava Surfaces and fabricated by Roma Tile, this marble features a creamy white base with sweeping veins of violet and burgundy.
The island features an integrated sink paired with unlacquered brass taps by Waterworks. Recessed track lighting and push-to-open Miele appliances from Reis Appliance maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Cunningham Sheet Metal (Windsor) Ltd. crafted the unique sheet metal backsplash, while Frank Cremasco Fine Cabinetry designed the ash-stained cabinets. A hidden pantry provides extra storage and room for food preparation.
A sunken living room was a must-have design element incorporated early in the space planning. “The design makes it feel like a separate space without any physical barriers,” explains Sonja. The offset placement of the gas fireplace, provided by Forest Glade Fireplaces, creates a striking focal point; its sleek silhouette draws the eye. Sonja incorporated marble throughout the home, from a Calacatta Viola clamshell sink in the powder room to seat tops in the mudroom and counters in the pantry.
A custom metal handrail, also fabricated by Cunningham Sheet Metal, wraps the off-white plaster staircase leading to the upper level. “The stairwell is the showstopper,” says Gino. “It’s contemporary and looks like something you’d see in an art gallery.” Finished in the same soft white as the walls, the staircase is bathed in natural light from large landing windows by Martindale Windows & Doors Inc. “The metal handrail plays off the metal backsplash in the kitchen and wrapped fireplace in the dining room,” says Sonja.
Upstairs, four bedrooms and five baths provide plenty of space for Sonja and her family. In the primary suite, peaked ceilings lend a touch of drama while swagged pendant lighting casts a soft glow. Floating cabinetry and curated furnishings from Muskoka Living add beauty and functionality to the space. ANR Concrete Studio crafted the bespoke microcement shower with Riobel hardware from EMCO Corporation. Dark-stained ash cabinetry is echoed in the kitchen and mudroom selections. The vanity countertop is Calacatta Borghini marble, while one-by-one-inch marble tiles cover the heated floor. Textured, smoked-glass panes divide the water closet from the shower.
Outside, the family enjoys a bespoke backyard pool, gardens and landscapes created and installed by Lakeshore Landscaping. For Sonja, this project is more than just a home. “It’s the debut of detailed offerings under my design philosophy. The result is a space that exudes warmth and sophistication through harmonious interplay of form, purpose and nature,” she explains. “It’s representative of my personal style, and I am truly proud of the execution and the product.” OH