City Homes
February 9, 2024
See Brian Gluckstein’s Signature Design Moves In His Latest Showhome
If you don’t think a stately study by day can morph into a sexy lounge with a bar and bank of wine fridges by night, then you’re not thinking like designer Brian Gluckstein. His 11th Princess Margaret Home Lottery Showhome sets the stage for both impromptu get-togethers and formal bashes. “We’re back to living,” says Brian. “In 2021 and 2022, it was about working and studying from home; there were areas with desks that you could close off. This year’s showhome is the opposite of that: it’s about entertaining and everyone coming back together.”
Located in Oakville, Ont., the 7,765-square-foot, five-bedroom showhome has a Tudor Revival spirit, courtesy of the steeply pitched, multi-gable roof. “Because of the pie-shaped lot, we thought a Tudor Revival style would be ideal because they aren’t typically symmetrical,” says Brian. “We haven’t designed a Tudor showhome before, and it’s always fun to change things up.” Step inside another Brian Gluckstein home below!
The exterior’s bay window, stone detailing and hipped roof are Tudor Revival touches.
Spotlight On: The Double-Height Ceiling
Brian’s riffs on his signature hits include the soaring, double-height dining room with a wall of windows that lets you gaze out to the pool. “You collect images of things you want to execute, then tie them together with the palette and materials,” he says. Other key features include wallpaper that mimics a hand-painted mural in the living room and a lower-level spa with a steam room and fireplace.
Spotlight On: The Living Room Fireplace
This wallpaper inspired the home’s pastel palette. Brian updated traditional Tudor panelling by painting it a dreamy mint hue and added textured grasscloth above. “We wanted neutrals and mints contrasted by a cinnamon color,” he says.
Spotlight On: The Black And White Kitchen
In the kitchen, a contemporary black and white palette updates traditional touches like leaded glass panes in the upper cabinets. Polished Caesarstone flooring helps define the sharp black and white kitchen.
“The leaded glass detail is a modern version of a traditional Tudor accent,” says Brian of the black uppers in the kitchen.
Spotlight On: The Study
Brian created an olive-hued study with a channelled sofa that spans the bay window, a wall of wine fridges and a bar. “We made this into a real entertaining space,” he says. “You can serve food or drinks at the bar, and you have a great view of the garden.”
A facetted bar is set up for tastings and is close to the wine fridges.
Spotlight On: The Mint Green Accent Color
In the principal ensuite, mosaic floor tile, counter veining and floor-to-ceiling drapes continue the mint green palette.
The principal bedroom has earthy-hued wallpaper and plush linens for a cozy feel.
Starburst concrete floor tile and dark grout gives this second-floor ensuite bathroom a high-contrast, industrial vibe.
Spotlight On: The Spa
The lower-level spa area has a panelled chromotherapy tub with a waterfall feature and a steam room.
On the lower level, you’ll find a laundry room, games area, spa and sunken lounge — a natural spot for a party. “We really emphasized light colors and woods so the spaces feel fresh,” says Brian.
Other hardworking spaces like the fitness room are big enough to accommodate a few friends for a group workout, further illustrating how this showhome offers plenty of opportunities for socializing, sharing and fun.
A bubble skylight in the multiseason loggia delivers sunshine and shields rain.
Stacey Brandford
House & Home
Architecture, Richard Wengle Architect; design, Brian Gluckstein