Wood, in all its glory and variety, gives life to the model suite at Garrison at the Yards.
Designer Dan Menchions took the compact model suite at the development, located at Fort York Boulevard and Bathurst Street, and created a look that combines the natural beauty of different woods with modern touches that meld classic with contemporary.
A variety of gorgeous, natural woods are left mostly unadulterated in elements like the two-tone wood barstools and the large coffee table made from reclaimed wood. The goal is to take the sterility out of the modern condo design and inject a sense of life back in.
“We did a really eclectic mix of species of woods and you’ll see elements of an industrial look throughout — we’re really playing to the heritage of the neighbourhood. Sterile environments are becoming something of the past, people are wanting warmer environments,” Menchions said.
Modern innovation still finds its place in the suite with the use of great-looking yet durable laminate flooring and Caesarstone quartz countertops. Menchions utilized classic lines and elements like the retro-inspired lamps above the breakfast bar to create a look that harkens back to historic themes while still staying modern.
“There are references back to something in the past but brought up to a current look,” Menchions said.
Despite the economy of space in the model suite, Menchions didn’t go the oft-treaded route of slapping in shrunken, condo-fitted furnishings instead using real, full-sized furniture to highlight how the suite can fit a modern lifestyle without compromising comfort. Instead, a little ingenuity went a long way — case in point: The two sofas are actually comprised of four single lounge chairs placed together.
“It’s a small space so we’re trying to give people the opportunity to visualize themselves in it. There’s no smoke and mirrors here, I want people to know when they walk in that their stuff will fit,” Menchions said.
