Hip, Historic and Happening
Story by Karen Tinsley
Photography by Joe Steiner
Windsor’s storied Walkerville neighbourhood has been basking in the glow of a long-lasting renaissance. Ever growing, ever changing, yet remaining rooted in history and tradition, Walkerville was described by MSN online as “the perfect blend of hip and historic.”
Also calling it one of the coolest neighbourhoods in North America, MSN ranked Walkerville with Toronto’s Kensington Market and West Queen West, the North End in Halifax, South Main in Vancouver, Byward Market in Ottawa, Old Strathcona in Edmonton and Quebec City’s Upper Town.
What makes a neighbourhood cool? It’s a fun blend of good food, plenty of arts and culture, a vibrant nightlife and perhaps most importantly, a distinct lifestyle.
This magnificently restored and renovated home in the heart of Walkerville is situated directly across from ‘the crown jewel’ of the neighbourhood: storied, stately Willistead Manor (the home of Hiram Walker’s second son Edward).
Built around the Hiram Walker distillery (complete with homes and schools for workers and their families), Walkerville eventually became part of Windsor, but the legacy lives on today in the idealist wide streets, notable green spaces, meticulously restored Victorian-era homes and other original buildings.
Embracing every aspect of hip, historic, happening and cool, our featured home has been a labour of love for homeowner and Creative Director David Burman, President of Mister Style. After transforming this not-quite-century home to new glory, David describes it as his “love letter to Walkerville.”
When talking about it, David can barely contain his pride and joy. Embracing the heritage, history and ‘happening feel’ of this nostalgic neighbourhood, every room has been restored to the next level, and then some.
Aiming to create a home that could attract new life to the community, “such as a family relocating to Windsor from elsewhere who can genuinely appreciate this unique neighbourhood,” David adds, “Walkerville has a holistic, organic and boisterous vibe. It truly is hip, historic, happening and cool; the best of all worlds!”
Throughout the restored residence, loving attention has been paid to authentic details, as well as modern design tweaks and amenities; David says the house ‘has good bones’ (meaning it’s in fantastic condition underneath, where it counts. In short, was a ‘diamond in the rough’).
The classical opulence of this home is reminiscent of the heady Roaring 20’s and Dirty 30’s eras, when Hiram Walker was building mansions in Windsor for his top business executives and their families.
As everyone knows, the kitchen is the heart of every home, and this bright, sleek airy space features a La Cornue range.
Invented and developed in 1908 in Paris France, the world’s first convection oven featured a vaulted ceiling to usher heat around food, rather than trapping it to
burn underneath.
RuPaul fans are likely familiar with La Cornue, because the entertainer/influencer promotes this luxury brand on social media. Handcrafted for more than a century in the French countryside, these appliances are considered works of art by their owners. Each range can be engraved with a family name or crest, along with other premium custom options.
A black-and-white checkered Mackenzie Childs kettle on the range top balances luxury with a touch of ‘je ne sais quois’ whimsy.
In a daring design statement, Dimanti Stone Countertops installed a stunning Avagado Italian Quartzite stone kitchen island (with its deep, warm green hues and black and white accents swirled throughout) beneath drum-shaped organic, concrete pendants, elevates this all-white kitchen to a whole new level.
The foyer, flanked by French doors and its original wooden spindle staircase, is tiled in classic black-and-white flooring for a grand, traditional feel. You can almost hear the lively laughter and chatter of dinner guests as they arrive, all decked out in their Art Deco furs and finery.
In the elegant family room, the black-and-white motif continues with a creamy L-shaped banquette and ‘Yonkers’ style white upholstered chairs around a striking black ebony bullet table. A unique white enamel candelabra chandelier is the star of the show; a reflective art piece and pristine, breezy white gauze floor-to-ceiling curtains bring in a breath of fresh air.
Edgy Jean Paul Gauthier ‘Croquis’ black/ecru wallcovering is used strategically throughout the home to add style and panache (expertly hung by Wallpaper Masters); oversized ebony chess pieces atop a dark modular armoire create cool ambience.
Achieving visual balance is an essential interior design element. A well-balanced space feels welcoming, comfortable and ‘just right’. Not only can varying proportions create balance, but it can also add interest and contrast. In this light-filled sitting area, a pedestal table with a dramatic trio of ceramic vases is nestled between a pair of modern, oversize oatmeal-upholstered wing chairs, creating symmetry as well as balance. This inviting space just calls out, “stay for tea (or cocktails!)’’.
A glossy, black Cubist-inspired vanity, luxe gold fixtures and hammered glass evoke a Zen bathroom experience.
Ceiling height plays an important role in home design. The clever strategy of hanging curtain rods over and above window tops (to accommodate floor-to-ceiling drapes) gives the illusion of higher ceilings, which can open up any room. Versatile California shutters let the shine in or shut it out whenever needed.
In one of the bedrooms shown here, positioning the head of the bed in front of the window and anchoring it with oversize gold brass globe pendants infuses a warm glow into a neutral colour palette.
Embracing negative space (the empty areas around furniture) is also an important home design element. Negative space allows our eyes to rest, while creating space to pass through or sit and breathe freely—without feeling crowded.
In the Great Room, for example, where connection, conversation and relaxation are the goals, decorative graduated wall panel molding provides texture, visual interest and the perfect backdrop for an artistic piece de resistance framed in gold. The inviting natural tones and hues in this work infuse the entire space with warmth and comfort.
“I wanted this house to breathe memories, so you’d walk in and expect to find something interesting happening,” says David. “It’s truly a reflection of Walkerville.”
For more information on this project, visit www.misterstyle.ca or follow on Facebook or Instagram.
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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