Family Affair
STORY NICOLE LAIDLER | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG
When these empty nesters set out to build their “Forever Home”, they knew it had to be a place where they could age comfortably, entertain easily and live surrounded by beauty.
To bring that vision to life, they turned to someone who knew them best: their daughter, designer Jessica Scarpelli. Working closely with Mapleton Homes, the family collaborated on every detail, blending practical needs with elegant design.
“I wanted a one-floor layout that would be easy to look after as we get older,” the homeowner explains. Her husband had only one request: that the view from the front door lead straight through to the backyard pool and his faux palm trees. Everyone agreed that the layout needed to be open and functional for year-round entertaining.
What emerged is a 3,500 sq. ft. home that balances comfort, accessibility and a substantial wow factor.
The home’s intimate foyer opens to a dramatic round entry hall, where oakstained archways frame views of the main-floor living areas. “I wanted to create some visual interest and anticipation when you enter the house,” Jessica says.
Off to one side lies a guest bedroom with an en suite, while the opposite wing houses a home office and a powder room. The office, painted a deep blue, is the most traditional space in the house. Panelled walls and custom, built-in shelving from Casey’s Creative Kitchens create a sophisticated contrast to the home’s otherwise light and airy aesthetic.
Stepping into the great room, visitors find themselves in a bright, open space that blends warmth with modern elegance. Walls painted a soft Benjamin Moore Pale Oak and floors in custom vintage hardwood from Deacon Flooring Inc. – both used throughout the main living areas – provide a neutral backdrop. A tray ceiling helps define the seating area. The space is anchored by a striking contemporary chandelier by Montreal’s Gabriel Scott, while a Marquis Bently gas fireplace from Builders Direct, framed in marble from Progressive Countertop, adds a touch of tradition. A built-in bar with an integrated bar fridge ensures that refreshments are always close at hand.
Windows from Eco Architectural Glass Inc. and expansive sliding glass doors from Bigfoot Door open onto a screened-in patio complete with outdoor kitchen, dining and lounge areas. With Schwank outdoor heaters extending the season from spring to late autumn, this indoor-outdoor connection is a defining feature of the home.
Adjacent to the great room, the kitchen was designed with both style and function in mind. At its centre, a generous island topped with Caesarstone from Progressive Countertop serves as a natural gathering place. Modern Shakerstyle cabinetry with dark trim is used throughout, providing an understated contrast to the eye-catching plated metal oven hood with architectural glass inserts, designed by Jessica and her father.
Hidden details keep the space clutterfree: an integrated Thermador fridge and freezer from Appliance Canada, a dedicated appliance cabinet and not one but two dishwashers, including a Fisher & Paykel drawer model. Just beyond, an auxiliary kitchen provides extra storage and prep space, ensuring the main kitchen stays tidy when guests arrive.
The nearby mudroom and laundry room, with cabinetry by Casey’s Creative Kitchens, reflect Jessica’s philosophy that every room should be beautiful. Here, a Roman shade in whimsical fabric from Ralph Lauren and wallpaper with a subtle blue-and-white pattern add a refreshing splash of colour.
Tucked away in its own wing, the home’s primary suite is a calm, private retreat. Decorated in soothing neutrals, the bedroom features a custom painting by Canadian artist Stephanie Fehrenbach and opens to a true walk-in dressing room. Here, a generous centre island and custom closets ensure that everything finds its place, while a sputnik brass chandelier from The Lighting Shoppe provides a glamourous finish.
Through reeded-glass doors, the en suite unfolds as a spa-like sanctuary. A freestanding tub sits beneath a wall of windows, while dual vanities – including a dedicated makeup station – make morning routines a pleasure. In-floor heating adds comfort, and a spacious walkin shower was designed with future accessibility in mind. All plumbing and fixtures are from Atchison Plumbing & Heating.
Downstairs, the home shifts from retreat to recreation. A theatre room, games room with bar, home gym and guest suite make it a versatile space for family and friends.
Today, the home is the backdrop for a new chapter of family life. “I love living here,” the homeowner says. “I love the neighbourhood, and the house was built the way we wanted. We managed to include everything and still keep it reasonable.” OH