This New Home in LaSalle was
Designed to Love and Built to Last
We look to our homes to provide comfort, safety and a foundation for our future. “When I was building this house, I envisioned the natural organic elements of understated luxury; anyone would feel at home as soon as they walked through the door,” says Vince Lapico of VLC Custom Homes, a Windsor Essex County builder and President of the Windsor Essex Home Builders Association. “This home was designed to feel special.”
The word “home” strikes a chord deep inside of us. Home means sanctuary, the place where we rest, relax, learn, grow and just be.
Home is where the heart is, but it goes deeper than that. We use the word home to identify where we’re from; we name it as our favorite destination (“there’s no place like home”).
Nothing about this newly built home in one of LaSalle’s highly sought- after residential neighbourhoods is ornate, delicate or dainty. Three things set it apart: thoughtful design elements, top quality building materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
Tall ceilings and large, ample windows—two of those thoughtful design elements—help to create a feeling of timelessness.
The home is also smart, offering many different ways to enhance energy efficiency, security and com-fort—more than a home without smart technology. That’s because things can be controlled from any-where—appliances can be programmed to turn on and off. Imagine: after a hard day and a commute in bitter cold, walking into your toasty warm home, heated perfectly to your preference. Just one word as you step inside, and the lights are on. One command turns on the TV or home audio system, dims the lights and runs a hot bath for you—simultaneously; the sheer convenience of doing it all with just a tap of a finger, or a simple command while lying in bed.
The use of a variety of fabrics and textures offer comfort, durability and on-trend style. The essential material of current home décor trends is velvet. Often perceived as old-fashioned, the charcoal tufted couch in the living room is both soft and retro; copper-hued leather accent cushions add contemporary pop. Backless stairs, custom glass railings, strategically placed mirrors and artful, eye-catching light fixtures culminate in modern style and panache.
Over the past few years, the home office has been redefined. Today, these spaces are highly individualized to include elements that make working from home more fun. From mismatched chairs and a funky worktable arranged on an angle, to giant framed movie posters, to unadorned windows that let all the light in, this workspace is bound to inspire and increase productivity.
All these design choices add intrigue while emphasizing a sense of variation, depth and character.
Creating a space that is entirely your own is one of the biggest trends of 2022. In this home, an accent wall, mirrors and lighting all create fresh design statements. Another big home décor trend is only allowing items in your home that you will appreciate and admire every day.
Relaxed, informal and warm, solid quartersawn white oak staircases, doors and floors pair with soft neutral wall colours to bring out a laid-back vibe. Organic shapes like round, braided cord-covered ottoman seats and distinctive area rugs add cozy appeal.
Bold fine art and vibrant posters hung throughout the home connect all the dots.
Even in temperate Essex County, the warm season is often far too short for our liking. Before we know it, balmy spring breezes and summer sunsets give way to the harsh chill of winter. With the touch of a button, the luxury, ease and convenience of customized, automatic retractable screens from Seaton Sunrooms enhances the natural beauty and value of this home.
As we continue to spend more time in our homes, investing in indoor and outdoor entertainment areas have become more of a décor priority. These areas charm guests, create an inviting environment, play to personal comfort and ensure everything needed is always within reach.
1200 square feet of outdoor space between 2 floors—including a kitchen with a built-in Blaze barbecue and ample seating for alfresco dining, two fire tables and a 16 x 32 heated sports pool—can easily accommodate any fair-weather occasion.
Inside, a beautiful balancing act between light and dark is at play: a whimsical pendant bulb chandelier over the Negresco leathered granite kitchen island—an upscale-yet-practical surface—adds character and on-trend charm. The island is large enough for dinner prep, packing lunches or pulling out the counter stools to share a plate of homemade nachos. And there’s plenty of room for anyone wanting to help with kitchen prep or cleanup. Counter tops by Dimanti Stone Works, pale cabinetry and stainless steel Jenn-Air appliances gleam against rustic quartersawn wooden floors.
Natural finishes bring the right touch of warmth without being overbearing or stale. Eclectic light fixtures, custom millwork, solid white oak doors, flooring and staircases tastefully enhance the space without overpowering the overall look and feel; nature-inspired neutral wall colours connect us back to the earth.
Designed by Philip Fernandes Custom Residential Design and furnished and staged by Mister Style of Windsor, a variety of silhouettes create visual flow throughout the home.
Once used for function alone, lighting is now the best kept secret ingredient in home decor. Rich in personality, it’s a crucial element that sets the tone, profoundly impacting look, feel, and ambiance. Proper lighting design makes the most of every space—it’s the difference between “meh” and “wow!”
Strategic use of daylight makes rooms feel warmer, larger and more welcoming. However, equal attention has been given to artificial light—each room has a balanced mix of ambient, accent and task lighting.
Transom windows and sleek, simple yet sumptuous floor-to-ceiling tile evoke a European look in the ensuite bathroom. In recent years, self-care and wellness have become sizzling topics. The soaking tub, stepless shower and Kohler Smart Suite technology mimic a specialty spa, setting the scene for slowing down and practicing mindfulness. In-floor radiant heat means cold feet no more!
Perhaps even more of an attraction is the principal bedroom walk-in closet. A well-equipped walk-in closet is an essential amenity for many; these areas have evolved into personalized spaces that are much more than just somewhere to hang clothes. The custom built-in cabinets, shelves, drawers and light fixtures are every bit as inspiring as the rest of this home.
In the Great Room, an L-shaped fabric couch the colour of cake batter offers plenty of plush pillows and leg room for curling up to watch the game or a movie on the 85-inch frame TV (expertly housed in the wood feature wall) or enjoy the warm glow from the fireplace (from Forest Glade Fireplaces). Oversize plush chairs are comfortable statement pieces, offering plenty of room for cuddling children, pets or just sinking into for a brief respite.
A floating overhead shelf displays unique decorative pieces and objets d’art.
Because the tall picture windows face the scenery, there are several spots for taking in the landscape, chatting or reading. The need for calm and concentration is fulfilled.
At this writing, this exquisite, 5-bedroom custom built 2-storey home with state-of-the-art smart features and security, finished concrete double-width driveway and garage (with custom doors and in-floor radiant heat) is for sale for the first time. It can be viewed at andrewjsmithrealty.com.
Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to info@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot. If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.
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