Decorating & Design
October 19, 2020
High Ceilings & Pops Of Black Make This Home An Edgy Escape
Moving in is usually such a drag, but when Mike Lickver and Robyn Rabinovich relocated to their dream digs, the process was terrifically painless. It helped, of course, that they only had to walk next door. The couple, who met while working in the cannabis industry (he’s an executive in the field; she’s a consultant), were living in Robyn’s small condo in Toronto’s leafy Forest Hill neighborhood, along with their two Pomeranians, Hawk and Dragon. Craving a larger house, they scanned hundreds of listings before they found a contemporary home with super-high ceilings, loft-like black window frames and a magnificent exterior of glass and limestone. The edgy design and entertaining-friendly floor plan immediately appealed to the social couple. It also turned out the house was on the lot directly beside Robyn’s condo.
Designed by Ancerl Studio’s Nicholas Ancerl and Tara Finlay, the 2,800-square-foot new-build was almost finished when Mike and Robyn bought it. “This was a unique situation,” says Tara of the three-year design-build project. “When we started the house, there wasn’t a client yet.” The home’s well-appointed interior is perfectly in sync with the striking exterior. “We kept the finishes neutral with white oak floors, Calacatta marble and limestone that all quietly complement one another,” she adds. “We also incorporated other natural materials such as concrete, cold-rolled black steel and reclaimed wood for texture and interest. Hits of black keep it feeling young.”
Scroll down to tour the ultracool new-build!
Limestone tile adorns a feature wall in the entry, a continuation of the home’s exterior cladding.
A floating fireplace with a seven-foot-long open flame acts as a divider to the rooms beyond. “When you walk in, we wanted it to be a wow moment,” says Tara. (It turns on with a remote control that Robyn stashes away from her young nieces and nephews.)
Robyn and Mike with their dogs, Hawk and Dragon. Before quarantine, they threw a bash for Mike’s 35th birthday in their new home. More than 100 people milled about with champagne and canapés. “It was lovely to see people discover the space,” says Robyn. “It’s so comfortable and beautiful.”
Comfort is key in the living room, where a neutral chenille-covered sofa keeps the focus on the view outside.
The graphic pops of black paired with crisp cream, white and beige make the TV seamlessly blend into the high-contrast space.
The industrial-style windows in the breakfast room and throughout the home were inspired by original lofts. “They’re metal on the outside and painted wood on the inside,” says Nicholas.
“The kitchen is unbelievable,” says Mike. “Before quarantine, we flexed the muscle on that kitchen — it’s designed for hosting, and we did a ton of that.” Adds Tara: “We wanted a real working kitchen with character and charm, but without it being too precious.”
Friends gravitate to the scotch room, where blue velvet bergère chairs offer a twist on the wing chair.
The staircase is designed so the pickets run down in front of the riser, with the drywall behind it, for a more artistic look. Ancerl Studio’s signature high ceilings are also on display. “We love the dramatic effect,” says Nicholas. “I like to think in 3D with 3d innenvisualisierungen rather than 2D. It’s about how you enjoy the space, views and sight lines.”
On the second-floor landing, custom built-ins are filled with books and other objets.
The powder room’s Nero Marquina marble sink is recessed into a wooden vanity with an exposed lip detail.
In the principal bedroom, floating shelves are welded to cold-rolled steel panels that flank the bed.
A welcoming seating area in the corner has a verdant backdrop. “The bedroom is super cozy, textural and serene — I love how it turned out,” says Tara.
Nothing will ever get lost in the back of the custom closet, which features integrated lighting, open shelving, angled shoe shelves and rods for hanging clothes.
“To maximize the view of the trees, we kept the vanity and tub out in the open,” says Tara of the wet room–style principal ensuite.
The home’s outdoor areas feature multiple zones on two levels, with spots for guests to lounge, dine and barbecue.
With its weathered patina, the Corten steel fireplace will look even better as it ages.
A dramatic sculpture brings wow factor to the outdoor dining area.
Valerie Wilcox
House & Home September 2020
Nicholas Ancerl & Tara Finlay, Ancerl Studio