City Homes
July 3, 2024
Kate Zeidler Decorates A Contemporary House Filled With A Canadian Art Collection
For 20 years, Lesley Stowe and Geoffrey Scott were completely spoiled by their West Coast views. The Parisian-trained chef, cookbook author and creator of Raincoast Crisps, and stockbroker, respectively, lived in a verdant Vancouver neighborhood where mornings were met with tough choices. Should they enjoy coffee outdoors facing the mountains or facing the park instead? Their view, however, was destined to change. In 2022, the couple decided to move to Toronto to be closer to their children and friends.
They found a lot adjacent to Rosedale’s leafy Ramsden Park that had stellar city views. “Coming from the mountains and forests of B.C., it was important to find the right location,” says Lesley. The house had already been levelled and a new foundation poured before the previous owners switched gears to sell. Wanting to forge their own path, Lesley and Geoffrey scrapped the original plans and hired Stuart Watson and Nadeen Rajani of the firm Drawing Room Architect to design a 4,000-square-foot, minimalist brick house, with Teddington Homes tackling the build. The project was finished in less than three years.
And for the interiors, designer Kate Zeidler (right) was the obvious choice — Lesley and Kate have been friends for decades. “I know her work and I totally trust her,” says Lesley. The vibe is tidy and transitional, a style favored by the couple who wanted a neutral envelope to display their largely Canadian art collection.
The exterior is red brick with a roofline that complements the neighboring residences, but the design ethos is modern, with an elegant, harmonious approach. Twig-patterned metal screening designed by Nadeen is layered over some of the glazing to striking effect, giving the house unique curb appeal.
The living room opens to the kitchen and features a modern fireplace. Kate used a material palette of marble, travertine, mohair and linen, then filled the home with soft, livable camel and off-white tones accented by mustard and brick red. Every room is designed for both comfort and style. “I like things that are usable and last forever,” says Kate of her timeless aesthetic.
Since this is a chef’s home, the kitchen has wow factor — naturally. “This is Lesley’s realm; it needed to be beautiful,” says Kate. The space is restrained and coolly sophisticated, with the island, perimeter counters and backsplash clad in cross-cut travertine, and closed storage concealing any clutter. Oversized platters and baskets are stored in the upper cabinets and accessed by a library ladder. Lesley loves the minimalist feel. “Even in enclosed kitchens, I don’t like appliances all over the counter.”
An antique rug grounds the dining room. Throughout the main floor, Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin, a crisp lavender grey, is used on the walls, doors and trim. “I used soothing colors on the walls that would highlight their art,” says Kate.
A bench in the upper gallery encourages guests to sit and take pause. The exterior screen is striking.
Other thoughtful moments, including a grey-blue mohair-upholstered headboard in the principal bedroom and patterned wallpaper in the guest suite, add inviting textural layers.
High-contrast floor tile and a custom black vanity ground the airy principal bathroom.
“We have a thing for outdoor showers,” says Lesley with a laugh. Nadeen built this teak-lined one on the third-floor deck, where Kate’s labradoodle, Lucy, likes to hang out when she visits.
Lesley’s second-floor office overlooks the front of the property. A subtly striped rug and geo-patterned drapes are graphic elements.
A wraparound bookcase frames the view from Lesley’s office through to a stunning photograph in the upper gallery.
Large doors open to the lush backyard.
The backyard looks out to Ramsden Park and has a pizza oven for outdoor cooking. Now that the house is finished, Kate has shared more than a few lazy lunches with Lesley. “Lesley’s cooking is an art form — it’s like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant,” she says. “She makes these breakfast cookies that are to die for — they’re incredible, but not showy.” Just like her house, as it happens.
Homeowner Lesley Stowe (left) and designer Kate Zeidler.
Stacey Brandford
House & Home
Drawing Room Architect (architectural design)/Kate Zeidler (design)