Photography by Nicole Aubrey
The moment I saw the images of this spectacular home on one of the most sought-after streets in the heart of Toronto’s Forest Hill, I knew I was looking at a place designed by the talented duo behind Wise Nadel Design. The high-end boutique firm specializes in statement homes, and business partners Harvey Wise and Robin Nadel are synonymous with exceptional design, stunning architectural features and an overall sensibility that speaks to what homeowners are looking for when it comes to building or renovating their dream spaces. “We’ve been hearing that from a lot of people, actually. Whether it’s a project I’ve personally overseen, or one Robin has directed, people are telling us they recognize work done by Wise Nadel,” Wise tells me proudly. “We do have a common sensibility. We both use clean lines, we have a sharp, tailored approach to architecture, we’ve mastered playing with contrast while including the right amount of colour and visual stimulation in our homes. We like to provide a sense of luxury without it being over the top and we’re very proud of that.”
This luxurious 7,000-square-foot house on three floors is no exception. The homeowner knew Wise Nadel’s work and was referred to the firm by renowned architect Richard Wengle, who has worked on a multitude of projects with Harvey and Robin. The couple had been wanting to move into the city for quite some time and had seen many lots before finding their ideal location. “Their large home in Thornhill was beautiful, and it was traditionally designed,” Wise explains. “When they came to us, they emphasized wanting a very modern space. I’m always pleased to do a contemporary project or one that feels more forward-thinking or of-the-moment, but I don’t like to do anything overly trendy. They were ultimately happy for us to infuse many modern elements, but there are nods to the more transitional design throughout.” For example, an open-concept layout for the living and dining room was originally proposed, which, of course, is a more modern take. But Wise felt the home needed definition, so there are now distinct rooms executed in a more contemporary way. “They do a lot of dinner parties and entertain for all the holidays. I didn’t want it to feel like guests were dining in the living room, so one of the biggest design decisions we made was to have some form of separation between the living and dining rooms to define these spaces,” he says. “The polished-nickel-and-glass screens, made by Vast Interiors, define the space but still allow for it to feel open, which makes the room feel more modern,” he says. “Those screens are everything. They’re my favourite thing in the house, but there are so many beautiful moments here.”
“WE LIKE TO PROVIDE A SENSE OF LUXURY WITHOUT IT BEING OVER THE TOP AND WE’RE VERY PROUD OF THAT.”
One of these moments can be found in the family room, which not only features an incredible light fixture, but also houses an exquisite fireplace surrounded by equally impressive built-ins. “The bookcases feature gorgeous sliding rift-cut walnut panels stained in a smoky grey. It gives the homeowners a place to highlight some of their curated collectibles. It’s like nothing we’ve done before,” he says. The ceiling in the room is also remarkable, with its unique curved coffer.
That curved detail is repeated in the kitchen’s extraordinary island. “I wanted to do something in stone that was curved at the front. We’d then cut into it for the overhang for the stools to sit under. It’s a gorgeous monolithic quartzite and an incredible visual when you walk into the kitchen,” says Wise. The wall of appliances behind rift-cut walnut (also in a smoky-grey stain like the built-ins in the family room), the large hood (with the band of stone and back-painted glass) and the servery area behind the kitchen are also sights to behold. “She’s a major cook and enjoys time in the kitchen. Not only does the room offer a nice mix of colour, material and interest, but it worked out to be a very functional space.”
Walk upstairs to the second floor and you’re met with three hotel-chic bedrooms that are as plush as they are cozy. The spacious principal bedroom is modern but radiates a real “ode to the 1940s” ambiance. Curves, again, play an important role in Wise’s design. “Curves are so contemporary right now, but they’re also a nod to what was popular more than 80 years ago. It all reminds me of a chest of drawers my grandmother had in her bedroom that had a curved front,” he says with a laugh. In this space, a gorgeous chalk colour (not beige, but light and more of a creamy grey) carpet takes centre stage, and there are champagne and lilac hues woven in through the fabrics and linens. Add in luxurious blackout drapery, thoughtful storage in the bookcases to create interest and a fireplace facing the bed, and the homeowner has a stunning sanctuary. The ensuite is, as Wise says, “a total wow.” The custom-designed floor is done in a “herringbone/chevron-meets- checkerboard” style. “It’s a spectacular pattern, which is quite subtle in person. It’s bordered by cabinets with high-gloss white lacquer and nickel frames. I didn’t want it to feel like your typical serene spa,” he says. “I wanted it to feel more contemporary, more exciting. And it does.”
It’s a difficult task to include all of the exciting, marvellous moments in this house, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the insulated gym on the third floor that overlooks the expansive yard and pool; the beautifully lit, panelled garage with enough space to park five cars; and the showpiece waterfall staircase complemented by wall panelling with a unique modern intersecting pattern that spans every floor. “I didn’t want to do a glass railing at first, but my clients had their hearts set on it. Although it’s a very contemporary design, and it has weight to it and feels substantial. It’s not going to look dated in years to come,” he says.
“DESIGN SHOULD STAND THE TEST OF TIME AND LOOK JUST AS GREAT YEARS FROM NOW AS IT DID WHEN THE CLIENTS MOVED IN”
And that’s just it — an appreciation for ageless design is yet another trait that makes Wise Nadel’s work so memorable. “As a designer, I try to avoid things that are too trendy. I’m ultimately a traditionalist and feel successful design is about timelessness. Design should stand the test of time and look just as great years from now as it did when the clients moved in,” says Wise. “This house truly embodies that.”
