“He’s a little bit country, I’m a little bit rock ’n’ roll,” jokes homeowner Brigitte Talevski. When it came time to tackle her and husband David Axelrad’s dated 1,450-square foot condo in downtown Toronto, they were overwhelmed by not only their disparate tastes but also the many demands on the main living area. “We needed a space that could let us relax and watch television yet still be elegant enough for entertaining,” says David. And, because the couple loves to host a wide circle of friends and family, a proper cook’s kitchen was at the top of Brigitte’s wish list. Enter designer Meredith Heron, who eased the couple’s different styles into a cohesive, functional and beautiful space.

First, Meredith had the tiny, closed-off U-shaped kitchen opened up to the main living quarters, the dated stucco ceilings hand-scraped smooth and new dark hardwood floors laid throughout. With the dividing wall gone, an extra-wide peninsula separates the new kitchen from the dining and living areas, granting plenty of room for spreading out while entertaining. The wide counter with a waterfall edge – another of Brigitte’s must-haves – also allows for back-to-back cabinetry below, providing loads of storage. Features like double wall ovens, a convection microwave oven and a deep sink make cooking and cleanup a cinch, whether hosting an intimate dinner party or cocktails for a crowd. The subtly glamorous design – thanks to a muted palette with restrained hits of gold, silver, mirror and glass and a few dark-hued accents – brings together masculine and feminine elements in a space that caters to the everyday as well as special occasions, appealing to both husband and wife and visitors alike. Just like your favourite holiday flick, this home is a classic in the making and one you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

Designer Meredith Heron
“I love to mix as much pattern as I can into a space,” says designer Meredith Heron. For example, the low, feminine armchairs in the living room boast paisley fronts and trellis-patterned backs.

Find more inspiration, tips and tricks with our condo design and decor guide.
In the kitchen
Homeowners Brigitte Talevski and David Axelrad enjoy a pre-party drink with designer Meredith Heron in the kitchen that was customized with crown moulding and gables to make it look built-in. Cabinets on the dining room side of the peninsula hold extra dishes, glasses and serveware for when the couple is entertaining.
Charcoal chenille sofa
The charcoal chenille sofa has a bench seat – rather than the typical split seat – which allows for three people to sit comfortably.
A luxe look
A marble mosaic kitchen backsplash, Carrara marble countertops and high-end hardware give the simple cabinetry a modern luxe look. Sparkly pendant lights are small enough that they don’t block sightlines.
Living area
In the living area, a pair of clean-lined armchairs – upholstered in grey chenille with a slight mauve cast – are actually recliners ideal for watching movies. The soft area rug incorporates greys, creams, yellows and blues from around the room. Furry sheepskins atop a pair of stools are a cozy touch for winter.
A makeshift bar
A gilded console table turns into a makeshift at-home bar for serving drinks to guests as they walk in the room. Meredith chose black and white photographs with deep perspective to create the illusion of more space.
Handcrafted bowls
A pair of beautiful handcrafted bowls with delicate bead detailing continues the sparkle theme from the living and dining rooms right into the kitchen.
Dining room
The simple espresso-stained Parsons-style dining table can extend to seat up to 12 people. The plush upholstered end chairs and dining chairs are comfortable enough to sit in for hours, allowing guests to linger longer after dinner.
Pop of colour
Cobalt blue plates are a welcome pop of colour in the otherwise muted decor scheme.
When entertaining, having a selection of hors d’oeuvres catered means one less thing to do!

7 ways to create the ideal entertaining space
1 Work in plenty of storage for extra dishes, glasses, trays and serving pieces.

2 Look for a dining table that expands to seat a generous number of guests when needed.

3 Provide a variety of seating options in the living area, such as stools, a largescale ottoman and a pair of armchairs.

4 Opt for a bench cushion, rather than three separate seat cushions, on a three-seater sofa. This allows for three people to sit at once without the risk of having anyone sink into the cracks.

5 Create a bar on top of a console table, ideally not far from the home’s
entry. Trays of already-poured drinks are easy to hand out as guests arrive.

6 Elegant and comfortable end chairs in the dining room can be pressed into service as extra seating in the living room without looking like they’ve migrated from the dining table.

7 Have lots of trays handy to corral empty glasses and discarded plates and napkins. This helps whisk away the mess as the party progresses.