House Of Glass

STORY GINA MAKKAR | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUNO BELLI

As seen in our Golden Horseshoe Fall 2026 issue.

Canadian design maven Jackie Glass has spent more than 25 years helping homeowners create beautiful, liveable spaces. As the founder and principal of Jackie Glass Inc. and a longtime guest expert on Cityline, Jackie has become a trusted voice in interior design.

After decades of transforming homes for others, Jackie and her husband turned their attention to creating a haven of their own. Nine years ago, the couple left Oakville for Niagara, where they purchased a dated 1960s bungalow on what Jackie calls a “jewel of a property” in the heart of wine country. Set on 12 acres along the Niagara Escarpment, Jackie transformed the space into a warm, contemporary retreat inspired by the sweeping views and natural surroundings.

“It was rather dated, but I wasn’t too daunted by that,” says Jackie. Rather than rebuilding from scratch, she chose to preserve the home’s original footprint, taking it back to its foundation before rebuilding and adding a 1,000 sq. ft. addition. Working with J.H. Contracting, the renovation took approximately six months to complete, and when the couple couldn’t find a suitable short-term rental, they redesigned and moved into a small trailer on the property. “Living in a trailer with your husband is a big adventure,” Jackie laughs. “But as a designer, it was good to be close to the property. We could walk across our lawn and go into the house daily and be able to work with our contractors to make sure things were moving along at an even pace.”

In approaching the redesign, Jackie aspired to create a warm, modern vibe and used the original bones of the home to act as a guide. One big change that yielded a huge impact was the addition of large windows throughout to take in the majestic views year-round. Mid-century details, like the roof line and stairs, were preserved. “I really wanted to be true to the home but also felt I could improve it.”

A beautiful space is one with balance and proportion. “When a room doesn’t work, it’s often because you don’t have a nice balance between curves and lines,” says Jackie. A sofa with a structured track arm paired with a circular coffee table creates harmony and synergy. To achieve visual flow, Jackie suggests a recurring colour palette or a grouping of collectibles that pairs organic with modern.

“There is a certain eclecticism in my home,” says Jackie. “My husband will come home with a great piece of driftwood that he’s found by our pond, or my doggie brings back an antler, and suddenly I have these great antlers to put on a stack of books.”

“I think thoughtful design is just being able to mix things that please you, that give you pleasure when you look at them.”

The kitchen was designed to be the true heart of the home – a gathering space for family and friends to come together. “I knew this is where I was going to entertain, and that’s exactly what happens,” Jackie says. Subtle details lend a modern aesthetic. Flat-panel doors offer a clean, streamlined profile while maintaining warmth and timelessness. Sections of high-gloss cabinetry add a hint of modernity. The cabinetry in the kitchen and throughout the home was designed by Parand Design Ltd. “Kamal (Moshg) is very dear to me. We work on many, many projects together,” Jackie says. “His attention to detail with my millwork and cabinetry was 150 per cent. It was wonderful to have him on the job.”

The design also incorporated a steam oven, induction stove and oversize fridge. “The other thing that was really important is a pantry,” says Jackie. “I put a pantry in every client’s home if I can, and I would have a big walk-in with my coffee station in there. I think people need the extra room for storage.”

In the living room, Jackie embraced the home’s Mid-century roots by preserving distinctive details like the sloped roofline. The varying ceiling heights create visual interest while honouring the home’s unique design. The original fireplace was retained but given new life with an updated surround from Hearth Manor Fireplaces Design Centre.

Jackie chose to relocate the primary bedroom to what was once the garage, preserving the slope of the roof line. “We kept some of the lines and shapes of the original house just because it pleased us. I interpreted how this house would play out with some of the features on the ceiling lines that we tried to keep.”

Beyond the main living spaces, the three-bedroom layout provides flexibility for family and guests while also accommodating dedicated workspaces. The lower level became an opportunity to create a private retreat, complete with a home gym, sauna and steam room – features inspired by Jackie’s desire to bring a spa-like experience into everyday living. Outside, the retreat continues, with landscaping completed by DeKorte’s Landscaping.

When working on client projects, Jackie brings the same dedication to their spaces as she does to her own home – with every project beginning with a consultation. “I really listen to what the client is looking for and then create a detailed design package that allows them to get a good idea of what our lens on their project is, based on what is important to them,” Jackie notes. “It’s such an important part of the process because there’s a lot of trust that’s needed.”

With a strong team on board, she still has eyes on each and every project, and the excitement of the process has never faded. “I will never, in all the years I’ve done this, lose my excitement for the next project,” she says. “I can see the end result. I know how happy they’re going to be when it’s all done.”

While renovations can be stressful, Jackie’s goal is to help clients enjoy the journey. “You don’t want to be lying in bed at 2 a.m. thinking, ‘Did I order the right handles?’ You want that excitement of, ‘I know it’s going to look amazing. I can’t wait for my first dinner party.’”

After nearly a decade of living in her home, Jackie says she wouldn’t change a thing. “Everything that I’ve done, I can’t look back and say, ‘Oh, I wish I had done this.’ I am quite pleased. It’s very much our own little world.” OH