Homes made for holiday entertaining and memorable gatherings

• ARIDO Dec 21, 2023
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Prepare to be enchanted as you step into these homes perfect for festive celebrations! Picture yourself in the heart of these abodes, where kitchens sprawl out with abundant space, creating a culinary playground for crafting the most delectable holiday feasts imaginable.

The dining rooms, with their generous dimensions, are not just places to enjoy a meal; they're lively hubs for creating lasting memories during joyous gatherings.

In the living rooms, warmth permeates the air, and a cozy ambiance sets the stage for laughter and shared moments. And let's not forget the abundance of guest beds that turn these homes into overnight oases for family and friends, transforming them into the ultimate festive rendezvous points.

A Contemporary Country Home Made for Entertaining

This 10,000 square foot newly built country home was designed with a contemporary yet warm design aesthetic full of nature-inspired finishes, materials, and colour palettes. Set on a beautiful rural property, it’s a perfect family home with the ground level meant for private daily family living and the lower level serving as a stunning entertainment hub. 

Interior Designers: Neil Jonsohn, ARIDO; Kelly Cray, ARIDO
Design Team: Noelle Lekkas, ARIDO
Design Firm: U31
Photographer: Gillian Jackson

Read more about this project here.

A modern take on classic design creates a tranquil oasis in this new build

Located in Southern Ontario, this 2,100 square-foot new-build bungalow boasts a spacious open concept layout that will serve its owners as their forever home. The owners were looking for a timeless, modern take on classic design that was light and bright but warmed up with wood, organic materials, and natural textures.

Designer: Nicole de Vries, ARIDO
Design Firm: Maison Blonde
Photographer: Brad de Vries

Read more about this project here.

ARIDO Award: Ravine House

To achieve better flow within the interior, one of our  design solutions addressed moving the dining room closer to the living room. We added a second set of stairs into the sunken living room to connect the two spaces. Level changes defined the living room and created a subtle separation from the dining room while still allowing for views of each space. Bringing these two rooms closer together reduced vacant space allowing for a new family room, and created a sense of intimacy in the spaces. 

Interior Designer: Dana Kosich, ARIDO
Design Firm: Hiatus Design Ltd.
Design Team: Carol-Anne Blackburn, ARIDO; Kelly Breiter, ARIDO
Photographer: Lauren Miller

Read more about this project here.

It’s all about the details in this heritage home restoration

This private residence, dating back to the 1920’s, was built in the English Country style on a ravine property in Toronto’s picturesque Rosedale neighbourhood. Over the decades, renovations to the home, including the infilling of a broad covered porch with a garage, had altered the home’s character, both inside and out.

Interior Designer: Wayne Swadron, ARIDO
Design Firm: Wayne Swadron Interiors Ltd.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox

Read more about this project here.

This home is a marriage of minimalism and tradition

The overall design for the project was influenced by the minimal exterior created by the architect and setting the tone for the design vocabulary in the interior. This compelled us to keep ornamentation to a minimum and respect the architecture while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. In an effort to appease the client's differing views, it was important to strike a balance between minimalism and tradition.

Interior Designer: Dana Kosich, ARIDO 
Design Firm: Hiatus Design Ltd 
Design Team: Kelly Breiter, Intern, ARIDO 
Photographer: Dana Kosich, Eric Malinski