By Lisa van de Geyn
Photography by Valerie Wilcox
While these two homes are very different, there’s one important characteristic they both share — unique products backed by incredible customer service from Cesario & Co. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, the Cesario & Co showroom is a go-to resource in the design industry to the finest, high-end tiles and plumbing fixtures. The sales and design teams assist trade professionals and their clients in the selection process for their new build or renovation projects. Their remarkable product offerings combined with exceptional customer service create the best experience for designers and homeowners alike.
That’s something that attracted designer Jack Creasy to their showroom. And it’s why he continues to work closely with Lisa Lyras from the knowledgeable team at Cesario & Co to create beautiful spaces and incredible experiences for his clients. These particular clients, homeowners of this marvellous space, renovated the main and second floors of their detached Victorian house in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. When it came time to start their project, the clients, who are good friends of Creasy’s, knew that he was the only designer they would consider hiring. They love Creasy’s sophisticated and bold approach to design. Their renovation must-haves included a spa-like bathroom, a kitchen fit for a chef and a conversation-starting powder room infused with personality.
“Let your home be a destination designed to inspire.”
In the powder room, Nero Marquina floor tile sourced from Cesario & Co grounds the space. The peacock wallpaper, representing the national bird of India, infuses the client’s request of Indian influences into the design aesthetic. And the lilac marble floating vanity, complete with a sink and French brass faucet from Cesario & Co contrasts the black wall panelling behind and creates a stunning focal point. “It’s a dramatic moment that ignites conversation among dinner guests,” says Creasy.
The second-floor bath is a true retreat. With an immersive spa-like experience, it’s a perfect space for the homeowners to relax, unwind and recharge. Whether you opt for a tranquil, candlelit soak in the tub or a rejuvenating steam shower, you can’t help but leave this spa bath feeling refreshed. In addition to the fixtures, the beautiful onyx large-format tiles from Cesario & Co drape the room in soft, iridescent hues. Flanked by hidden linen storage and reeded glass scones, the French brass lavatory faucets from Cesario & Co adorn a brilliant opaque black oak vanity by Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry.
Meanwhile, the kitchen is a chef’s dream come true. But not without some challenges. As the main artery and the heart of the home, the kitchen had to be functional while keeping in mind the inherently busy traffic patterns of a galley-style kitchen. Creasy placed a sink and faucet on both sides of the room, in either run of cabinetry, creating two distinct work zones. This allows for prep work to be done in either sink or in both sinks at the same time — a great detail for when the homeowners are entertaining. The sink beside the range also comes in handy during cooking. “I love a chef’s sink beside the range, it’s so convenient when filling and emptying pots, or as a place to toss a dirty spoon after a taste test,” says Creasy. Custom-framed inset cabinetry by Bloomsbury maximizes storage, fitting perfectly around beams and obstacles while retaining the character and charm of this century home. “I opted to envelop the entire room — from the cabinetry to the walls and even the trim — in a deep, moody black-green hue to disguise bulkheads in the room that we couldn’t relocate. Accented against the light, white oak herringbone floors and Arabescato porcelain counters,” says Creasy. “It’s bold, sophisticated, yet traditional, dramatic and daring. And I’m so grateful my clients trusted the design vision every step of the way.”
This second project also pushed the envelope in terms of design vision. Toronto-based influencer Roxy Earle is behind this impressive loft — a 2,500-square-foot space that overlooks the city. When it came time to design and furnish this rare gem, it was crucial for Earle to get the most elevated and luxe pieces she could find from Cesario & Co. She says it was important for her to support local businesses during COVID-19, and a lot of the pieces she selected were custom, giving her the ability to support Canadian-made artists.
Her followers on social media have caught glimpses of her powder room, which is akin to a butterfly conservatory. Earle loves butterflies and really wanted to make the room as whimsical as possible — it’s an immersive experience, with butterflies coming out of the wall. The inspiration behind selecting the Cristallo Rosa quartzite came from the private club Annabel’s in London — it works beautifully with the rose-gold faucet and stunning hammered sink she found at Cesario & Co. The loft is airy and open, but also has a lovely contrast between the natural stone, cement floors and black opaque oak cabinetry. Earle’s kitchen, designed in collaboration with designer Jack Creasy and Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry, grounds the space perfectly. The contemporary, English-framed inset cabinetry sets the scene for a statement plumbing fixture. The faucet, selected from Cesario & Co, is the epitome of luxury that commands attention. Earle first saw the faucet in a photo of Taylor Swift’s home and thought it was absolutely stunning. Plus, the exaggerated height beautifully complements her soaring 14-foot ceilings. There’s a striking combination between raw and luxurious materials that encapsulates the space.
These spectacular homes, inspired by their clients, exude personality, charm and comfort, thanks to the talented designers behind each project and the experts at Cesario & Co. Let your home be a destination designed to inspire.