When our clients, two eloquent writers, sought to redesign their home, they envisioned a space that reflected the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi—an aesthetic celebrating natural beauty, imperfection, and craftsmanship. Their clear brief called for a tactile, natural, and thoughtful design that avoided the overly polished or glam while honoring the craft of the maker. The result? A home that feels like a breath of fresh air—light, harmonious, and grounded in nature.
Our design began with a focus on natural materials and a soft, earthy color palette inspired by a vase filled with seaside rocks. These muted tones grounded the space, creating a calming backdrop while allowing the texture and craftsmanship of each element to shine. Durable materials and understated finishes were prioritized, ensuring the home would age gracefully over time—true to the Wabi Sabi philosophy of embracing what is durable and enduring.
The layout was another critical component of the redesign. The existing furniture arrangement was impractical for both entertaining and daily living. A new configuration improved the flow of the living spaces, seamlessly blending comfort with functionality. Built-in shelving flanked a large window, providing much-needed storage while adding architectural interest. A floating quartz-topped shelf on the opposite wall offered a versatile surface for entertaining or displaying curated objects, reinforcing the balance of practicality and design.
Lighting design was a key focus in transforming this home. The existing ceiling, which featured an awkward ridge, was leveled and painted a uniform color to create a seamless, cohesive look. This thoughtful adjustment eliminated visual choppiness, allowing the eye to move naturally through the space.
A custom branch-motif light fixture became the focal point of the living/dining room area, adding an organic, sculptural element that tied the design to nature. Complementing this centerpiece, thin brass fixtures and well-placed recessed lighting ensured the home felt bright and welcoming at all times of the day. This careful layering of light, both functional and decorative, contributed to the home’s fresh, airy feel.
The kitchen posed unique challenges, as the clients wanted to avoid a full renovation. The existing cabinetry and appliances were retained, but the space was elevated with a new, larger island featuring a quartz countertop. A handmade-look backsplash complemented the earthy tones of the cabinets, while cane bar stools echoed the natural aesthetic.
The finishing details brought warmth and personality to the home. Custom drapery with a soft, wave-like pattern unified the living spaces, adding height and movement without overwhelming the design. Performance-grade fabrics were selected for their durability, ensuring the furniture would withstand everyday use while maintaining its luxurious feel.
Personalization was also key. The clients’ cherished photographs from Scotland were transformed into bespoke artwork, adding a meaningful, personal touch to the space. Even existing pieces were thoughtfully repurposed, such as a beloved rug now relocated to the office, blending the old with the new.
This redesign is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design. Rooted in the timeless principles of Wabi Sabi, the space celebrates natural beauty, craftsmanship, and the art of imperfection. By prioritizing light, flow, and texture, this home now feels like a serene retreat—designed to inspire, nurture, and endure.
ARIDO and Interior Designers of Canadaare thrilled to partner once again for the Interior Design Show Toronto (IDS), featuring the ARIDO + IDC Stage!
Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Toronto Date: January 23rd – 26th, 2025
Thursday, January 23rd and Friday, January 24th are trade-focused days, and the show opens to the public on Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th.
The ARIDO + IDC Stage
The ARIDO + IDC stage, designed by Bryan Stone, ARIDO and his team at Stone & Associates Design, will host talks, presentations, and activations throughout the four day show. During trade days on Thursday and Friday we will have special activations, like the ARIDO + IDC VIP Lounge for members and an exclusive Photo Booth for Registered Interior Designers!
CREDENTIALS MATTER and 2025 is about creating a movement that lets the public know.
Calling all Registered members! Secure your passes for IDS Toronto 2025 and visit our Member VIP Lounge during Trade days on January 23rd and 24th! We’ll take your photo and create a personalized ad that highlights your commitment to professional standards. You can share this ad within your community using the #CredentialsMatter hashtag, and we’ll also feature it in our campaign to spread the message.
To get your tickets, use the promo code ARIDO2025 and get 10% off all purchases.
Call Out – Registered Interior Designer Volunteers are needed for “Meet the Interior Designers” Activation
During public days on Saturday January 25th and Sunday January 26th, ARIDO will be running “Meet the Interior Designers” sessions where the public can connect with the profession directly and engage in important project related dialogue.
Registered members who practice in the residential sector who are interested in participating in this will receive access to the tradeshow floor and will be showcased by the IDS 2025 in promotion leading up to the event. Those registered members looking to participate can sign up usingthis online form.
The Program
Several ARIDO members are bringing their voices to this year’s programming, and ARIDO’s Executive Director Sharon Portelli will be participating in two talks; a panel on the Examination Alternative Project (EAP) with Daniel Zanth on Friday at 12noon, and a talk about Interior Design Contracts on Sunday at 12 noon.
Thursday, January 23rd
Panel: Intern Competency Review System (ICRS) 3:00pm-4:00pm ARIDO+IDC Stage
This panel discussion delves into the journey of becoming a Registered Interior Designer in Ontario for internationally trained interior designers, architects, and other related professionals. Focusing on the Intern Competency Review System (ICRS), a distinctive pathway for experienced professionals aspiring to join ARIDO, the panel features ARIDO Members who have successfully navigated this route. The panelists will share insights on the process, highlighting the kinds of evidence – such as relevant work experience, education, or training – required to demonstrate the minimum competencies needed for membership.
Speakers: Zinnia Bookwala, ARIDO and Alessandro Caselli, Intern ARIDO
As future designers, this is a platform for ARIDO BID students to present and facilitate discussion with the public around a conceptual design they have created.
Introducing a VIP Lounge exclusively for ARIDO and IDC members—a relaxing spot to network and unwind during the show. A unique opportunity for students and interns to connect directly with Registered Members for valuable portfolio reviews and mentorship.
Friday, January 24
Panel: Examination Alternative Project (EAP) – An Introduction to Equity-Centered Assessment for Interior Design 12:00 noon-1:00pm ARIDO+IDC Stage
In January 2023, ARIDO launched the Examination Alternative Project (EAP), the final development project in ARIDO’s 10-year journey of competency assessment development. This examination alternative will be a second option, in addition to the NCIDQ exams, for satisfying ARIDO’s examination requirement to become a Registered Interior Designer in Ontario. The goal of the project has centered around ensuring a fair and equitable path to qualification as an Interior Designer in Ontario, along with an assessment approach that is reflective of the interior design practice in Canada. This presentation will walk the audience to the details of the new assessment and how it upholds the rigorous standards required for qualifications while paving the way for fair access for assessment candidates.
Speakers: Sharon Portelli, ARIDO Executive Director and Daniel Zanth, Independent Consultant
As future designers, this is a platform for ARIDO BID students to present and facilitate discussion with the public around a conceptual design they have created.
Introducing a VIP Lounge exclusively for ARIDO and IDC members—a relaxing spot to network and unwind during the show. A unique opportunity for students and interns to connect directly with Registered Members for valuable portfolio reviews and mentorship.
Saturday, January 25
Design Consultations: Meet the Interior Designers 11:00am-4:00pm ARIDO+IDC Stage
Always wanted to speak to an Interior Designer about your project? Now’s your chance! Registered Interior Designers will be offering design consultations on interior design projects and answer any questions you may have.
When hiring a qualified Interior Designer, clients are often unaware of the breadth of scope of work that their designer manages. From the re-redesign of the interior space to the technical design and permitting requirements; a Registered Interior Designer has the qualifications to handle all of it. Our Reimagining Spaces Activations will include Registered Interior Designers walking clients through the redesign of an interior space from start of project to permit application.
Are you daunted by the Permit process? You don’t need to be. Registered Interior Designer, Michelle Mawby, outlines the different permit requirements for residential properties, including how clients can navigate when a permit is required or not. For clients considering a home project in 2024, this session will provide all the permitting information you need to get your project started right.
Speaker: Michelle Mawby, ARIDO
Sunday, January 26
Design Consultations: Meet the Interior Designers 11:00am-4:00pm ARIDO+IDC Stage
Always wanted to speak to an Interior Designer about your project? Now’s your chance! Registered Interior Designers will be offering design consultations on interior design projects and answer any questions you may have.
When hiring an Interior Designer, the contract clients enter for interior design services can be complicated. This session will walk clients through key aspects of an interior design contract that should be included to ensure a successful project that is on schedule and budget. Clients considering a home renovation or build project in 2025 will find this session informative to ensuring their scope of work and contract conditions are in their favor.
Speaker: Sharon Portelli, ARIDO Executive Director
When hiring a qualified Interior Designer, clients are often unaware of the breadth of scope of work that their designer manages. From the re-redesign of the interior space to the technical design and permitting requirements; a Registered Interior Designer has the qualifications to handle all of it. Our Reimagining Spaces Activations will include Registered Interior Designers walking clients through the redesign of an interior space from start of project to permit application.
Misoya Ramen, a culinary time capsule spanning 552 square feet, opened within CIBC Square’s upscale food hall in Toronto’s financial district. This intimate eatery seats 13 patrons, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience.
The design strategy aimed to authentically capture the essence of Japanese culinary artistry, specifically focusing on the traditional Ramen shop experience.
The design brief centered on ambitious directives: transporting guests to Japan’s Edo Era, ensuring accessibility and respect for all diners, creating a scalable kiosk prototype for future expansion, and championing sustainability while nurturing culinary talent. These pillars formed a strategy transforming the modest space into a portal to Japan’s rich culinary heritage.
Our design solution for this Ramen shop effectively addresses the client’s goals and objectives through various strategic choices and features. It was important to provide cultural immersion through integration of environmental graphics to detail the ramen shop experience, alongside the use of iconic Japanese elements such as the “Noren” fabric divider (traditional Japanese fabric dividers hung between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows) and authentic Japanese uniforms. The wood countertop further enhances the ambiance and provides a tactile connection to Japanese craftsmanship.
Creating an engaging dining experience was another of our client’s objectives, achieved through the strategic placement of the ‘wok’ that ensures guests have optimal sightlines to the captivating “fire show” during food preparation. This aligns with the tradition of open kitchen designs in Japanese ramen shops, enhancing transparency and authenticity while offering a dynamic dining experience.
The design of the dining counter considers accessibility requirements, ensuring all patrons can enjoy the ramen experience without feeling excluded or singled out, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The overall design aesthetic of Misoya Ramen transcends trends, providing a sustainable long-term investment, as shown through the material selection such as the roof cladding, wood and the Japanese artisan-style tiles.
Our design solution accommodates both dine-in and take-away options, offering versatility for various settings such as standalone kiosks or within food court environments; maximizing operational flexibility and overall customer convenience.
By blending cultural authenticity with modern values of inclusivity and sustainability, Misoya Ramen aims to provide an unparalleled dining experience that honors tradition while embracing contemporary ideals.
In the years leading up to this endeavor, Indigo had embarked on an exploratory path, expanding its product offerings, which altered the appearance of its stores. Recognizing the need for change, the strategy was to create a timeless design with maximum flexibility, transforming the store into a haven for booklovers and culture enthusiasts of all ages.
Category: SHOP
Interior Designer: Winnie Leung, ARIDO
Design Firm: Indigo Books & Music Inc. Co-Design Joint Venture: Dalziel & Pow
Photographer: KH Images & BDP Nick Caville
The envisioned store design for Indigo at The Well in Toronto’s west end is a captivating blend of literary wonder and creative inspiration.
Indigo’s new flagship at The Well, Toronto, marks a brand evolution. This 16,000-square-foot space embodies Indigo’s ethos, offering a community hub for book enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. It’s a sanctuary for reflection, a treasure trove for discovery, and a beacon of design and beauty.
Upon arrival, customers are welcomed by black-and-white photographs of celebrated culture-makers that adorn the fixture uppers. Intricate paper art and dioramas bring classic children’s book tales to life. The beautifully designed wood book cases line the walls and shelves 40,000 curated books that beckon readers with their enticing covers and intriguing titles. The new fixture system ensures optimal flexibility for merchandise presentation. Well-displayed products lead to delightful discoveries during customers’ exploration journeys.
There are playful activations throughout the store interior offering something captivating at every corner to explore. A striking pop of red for the manga & graphic novel shop. A paper and stationery shop, where creativity flows freely. A home fragrance counter infuses the air with delightful scents. And a music corner, complete with a jukebox that invite you to select your favourite tunes. IndigoKids Haven lets little bookworms find solace in the IndigoKids department under the cloud-shape lights, where colourful, low seating welcomes them to immerse into cozy reading times.
This Indigo store pulses with life during special author events, captivating Storytime, and creative demos. It truly lives up to its title—a “happy place” where stories unfold, creativity thrives, and community gathers.
Located in a historic building at the New York Design Center, the Keilhauer Flagship showroom exemplifies innovation and hospitality-inspired design, redefining the traditional showroom experience.
The interior is a dynamic, hospitality inspired retail environment that supports collaborative work to redefine the typical showroom experience, catering to the architectural and design community. The entryway features illuminated brand signage on a limestone feature wall with linear ridged paneling that evokes texture and the craftsmanship of a tailored suit, drawing in visitors from the hallway where the open layout showroom welcomes with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Once inside, the new open layout serves as an inviting backdrop, with large windows that flood the space with natural light, enhancing the overall experience. Radiating a timeless elegance and refined materiality, the showroom is basked in a warmth that deviates from a typical gallery-like furniture showroom environment. The design makes use of spatial irregularities and the unconventional floorplan within the historic building by hiding much of the column grid to evoke a sense of openness throughout. Clear circulation paths were prioritized to establish furniture groupings and maximize accessibility in the space.
At the heart of the showroom, guests can enjoy the stunning feature bar with an undeniable hospitality-like feel that encourages intentional guest interaction and can easily be activated to host events and product launches within the interior.
A variety of flexible workspaces highlight Keilhauer’s diverse range of contract furniture solutions, intended to facilitate sales appointments, and creative co-working sessions. From warm lounges to collaborative workspaces and private offices, visitors can experience for themselves how Keilhauer products can enhance any workspace environment in context of use.
The standard for fast casual salad concepts in North America has somehow aligned fresh produce-based dishes with acid green accent walls, clinical white counters and loud graphics. FH Farmhouse reimagines this concept by embracing farming culture and sustainability.
Category: PRESERVE+RESTORE
Interior Designer: Dyonne Fashina, ARIDO Design Firm: Denizens of Design Inc.
Photographer: Scott Norsworthy
Located in a converted heritage chapel, this calming, contemporary salad bodega caters to diverse demographics—from moms to trendsetters craving healthy options. The space is envisioned as a modern interpretation of a farmhouse, blending natural light, verdant greenery, and warm wood tones to evoke a welcoming ambiance.
The design harmonizes minimalist aesthetics with tactile comforts, featuring bespoke curved details like the planter wall with integrated cove lighting and a ceiling gently arching towards the service bar. These elements, from the reclaimed oak posts to the communal harvest table, reflect both rustic charm and urban sophistication, echoing the spirit of Canadian farm life in a city oasis.
Our design team avoided the typical clinical whites, acid greens of other salad/health concepts and focused instead on a space the reflected the roots of farming tradition. The interior needed to be somewhere people wanted to visit, stay and return to.
It was important to us and the client to reuse materials, so we worked to strategize on how we could improve the condition of existing elements and blend them in with what was going to be new.
We played with the idea of retail display as adaptable to other uses such as dining. The space is grounded with an oversized harvest table with backless seats to facilitate the communal experience for diners but can also double as a display table for merchandise depending on the locations needs.
The design offers a setting where guests can truly stand out, infusing the space with life. It’s not about following passing trends or flashy gimmicks; instead, every detail and decision reflects a deep sense of thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect for the space’s history.
With 3 additional locations since this flagship project, we have been able to adapt the kit of parts to other locations so that even more modern sites still reflect the ideals of the brand.
Designed for the Health Sciences Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology and Medical Laboratory Science Programs at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener, the Cowan Centre transforms existing academic classrooms into state-of-the-art laboratories for cutting-edge research.
The design needed to meet highly technical requirements while also supporting Conestoga College’s vision to “put science on display.” The team created bold and bright showcase laboratory spaces that featured the innovative research being done. Being very efficient with organizing the floorplan, the team quickly discovered that the shallow building footprint offered a unique opportunity to layer glazed openings, creating visibility into the laboratories, views to adjacent laboratories, and views out to the woodlot.
By colour-blocking with brightly coloured doors and flooring, individual laboratories are given their own identities helping visitors to navigate the space. Strategically placed panels of floor-to-ceiling green coloured glass provide framed views of the outdoors, heightening the experience of the woodlot. While inside the labs, scientists can refresh by looking up and out to the tree line. Atypical of most research spaces, scientists are encouraged to peek into adjacent laboratories, transferring the energy and excitement from the research being conducted by their peers.
Large, bold graphics were incorporated to facilitate wayfinding and create a clear identity in a sterile laboratory environment. Vibrant greens are featured in lettering on the ground, spelling out “Biotechnology” and “Medical Science,” creating an abstract floor pattern, providing the program with an identifiable character and intuitively drawing users in through passive wayfinding. A feature wall anchors the space with an abstracted and magnified split tissue cell sliced by a microtome, one of the key instruments of the lab. The colourful graphic playfully connects back to the research conducted and brings presence to the Health Sciences Wing.
The design strategy resulted in bright, colourful, light-filled research spaces that are not typical of laboratories and generated a unique condition where research could be displayed and celebrated.
Several organizations and professions within design and construction have published official position statements related to Sustainability. As an industry leader, ARIDO is committed to publishing a similar position statement that is supported by guiding materials intended to empower ARIDO interior designers in Ontario to be leaders in sustainable design. This work will be led by ARIDO’s Sustainability Committee. This initiative will set ARIDO members and interior designers apart as champions and experts in the field of design centered on the interior of buildings in Ontario.
The Sustainability Committee envisions the immediate development of an ARIDO member Sustainability Practice Guide that can be used by the ARIDO membership to align with and support their participation in an ambassador role for the ARIDO Sustainability Strategy.
For development work to begin on the Sustainability Practice Guide, the Committee would like to hear from practicing members and the community at large on the topic of sustainability in design. A survey is available for all levels of members to participate in and can be accessed at the button below. The survey responses will help inform the development work and guide the Committee as to next steps.
The survey is anonymous and will be open for responses until January 29, 2025. The general results will be shared with the membership. This survey can be shared with other design professionals that are not currently ARIDO members.
Please direct any questions to Sharon Portelli, Executive Director, at sportelli@arido.ca.
The Parker brings next level luxury and a carefully curated living experience to the rental scene. A shining example of Figure3’s unique design approach to purpose-built rentals, The Parker places emphasis on social connection and community, coupled with an extensive upscale amenity offering.
Photographer: Scott Norsworthy and Adrian Amariucai
Infused with cool Nordic design elements, the lobby features a stunning frosted glass wall and silvery blond woods that emphasize the dramatic verticality of the space. The textured glass behind the reception desk is back lit for a diffused, icy glow, while biophilic elements in the lobby bring in year-round greenery. These cool finishes flow into the 10 Dean café, creating a continuity of design that encourages guests to naturally flow into the hospitality space.
A unique hospitality partnership with hip urban café 10 Dean amplifies the engaged lobby experience, which features a seamless flow between public and private spaces. In contrast to how rental lobbies were laid out in the past (bare and transient), the approach here focused on connection and convenience; a perfect complement to this amenity driven lifestyle.
The space looks beautiful, but is ultimately packed with strategic elements, branded experiences, warm materials, and intimate furniture groupings that influence desired behavior and elicit emotional responses and positive outcomes for our clients and their tenants.
Need help hiring an Interior Design Student for a Co-op/ Internship placement at your firm? You can post your Student position on the ARIDO Job Board, and it’s free to post.
Students are looking for Internship and Co-op positions now. We’re helping to make it easy for you to connect with ARIDO Student members through the ARIDO Career Xpress Student Co-op/Internship job posting platform.
Registered members can do this by:
Signing into the member portal, ARIDOAccess through the ARIDO website at www.arido.ca
From the main menu bar, click on ‘My Practice’
Selecting ‘Post a Student Internship/Co-op Job Opportunity’
ARIDO student members can view your active posting and respond to you directly.
Why hire an ARIDO Student for an Internship/Co-op position?
ARIDO Student Members who are graduating from a Bachelor of Interior Design program have valuable training, skills and knowledge to help support your business.
Support the Interior Design community by helping Interior Design Students complete their Co-op/Internship placement
