G Mercato invites you to step into a design masterpiece crafted by Sansa Interiors. The interior, a fusion of modernized farmer’s market charm and creative elegance, transports patrons to the heart of Italy. We have meticulously curated a space where raw industrial elements seamlessly meld with timeless sophistication.
Interior Designer: Jude Kamal, ARIDO Design Firm:Sansa Interiors Photographer: Bruno Belli
The space boasts an open kitchen layout mirroring a farmer’s market, inviting customers to explore the culinary offerings. With open shelving for fresh produce and a cozy seating area for enjoying hot coffee and pastries, the cafe promises an authentic Italian experience.
At G Mercato Italian Kitchen & Pantry, we offer more than just design; we created a culinary destination where elegant decor blends with Italy’s finest flavors. Our goal is to craft an immersive experience that engages all the senses, leaving a lasting impression on our customers.
Sansa Interiors’ design journey for G Mercato embraces a careful blend of raw vs. polished elements. Polished concrete floors and exposed black ceilings form the ‘raw’ foundation, while copper accents introduce warmth and polish. White-washed oak columns, fluted designs and layered lighting combining track lights with an eclectic mix of chandeliers further contribute to the inviting ambiance.
Designing a room to blend with a previous renovation is always a challenge. The clients of our Lincoln Residence project tasked us with redesigning their living room so that it integrated seamlessly with the rest of the home originally designed by an architect years before. The goal was to create a modern interior, a functional yet comfortable space that could accommodate larger gatherings while maintaining the open concept of the main floor, giving the impression that it had always been part of the home’s design.
Interior Designer: Luca Campacci, ARIDO Design Firm: Level Studio Photographer: Vinh Le
Our inspiration for this light filled living room stemmed from an original painting by a local artist the client owned. The vibrant blues, teals and greens were incorporated throughout the room and paired with the large cream sectional sofa – the perfect choice for seating as it complimented the shape of the room which was open on two sides. This layout provides for optimal circulation through the first floor, from the main entrance hallway, through the living room leading into the dining and kitchen area.
In addition to the living room, we were also asked to redesign both bedrooms for their children. One bedroom was for a young teenager about to start high school that loved all things music and the other was for a university student with a passion for art that lived on campus most of the time. Both rooms feature a contemporary design aesthetic enhanced by decor that reflects the children’s interests and hobbies.
The basement was redesigned into a multi functional space serving as a work from home area and main TV room. Integrated lighting embedded in custom millwork shelves brings movement, ambience and extra storage to this highly used area for the whole family.
A redesigned outdoor backyard with a custom lighting layout and system really emphasizes the landscaping and creates a quiet oasis tucked away in the city.
The Lincoln Residence project beautifully illustrates how thoughtful design can blend new elements with existing architecture to create a cohesive and inviting home. By drawing inspiration from the client’s personal artwork and incorporating their family’s unique needs and interests, we crafted spaces that are not only functional but also reflect their lifestyle and enhance their daily living experience.
Cori Halpern, ARIDO was recently highlighted in the National Post, where she shared her insights on the ‘more is more’ design aesthetic featured in Nancy Meyers’ movies.
Photo courtesy of Cori Halpern from her project featured on BLOG//ARIDO.
The interiors play an integral role in each movie by the famous director, and Cori describes how the welcoming, warm and ‘lived-in’ aesthetic was achieved through layering of materials, hints of colour, full kitchen countertops, natural light, and fresh flowers, to create the homey atmosphere that’s anything but sterile.
Read the full article ‘It’s the more is more aesthetic” in the National Post here, written by Jenny Febbraro, special to National Post.
The design inspiration for this unique co-working space was the iconic Berczy Park fountain in the heart of downtown Toronto, with the intention to design an office interior that brings calmness and order amidst the city’s hustle. The design team created a design that beautifully marries Japanese and Scandinavian design principles to create a tranquil and inclusive workspace.
Interior Designer: Sabrina Giacometti, ARIDO Design Firm: CollectiveID (Design firm was Straticom at the time of project completion) Design Team: Nawleen Kaur, ARIDO; Katelynn Kelly, Intern ARIDO Photographer: Jackson Photography and 10 Frame Handles
By blending Japanese design emphasis on nature and human connection with Scandinavian focus on functionality and coziness, we crafted a harmonious space that promotes tranquility and well-being.
Creating a distinctive co-working space that stands out from other locations previously designed by this client was a primary goal. By combining the two design styles, we designed a soothing and orderly space with a unique blend of wood materials, warm lighting, and traditional colors like red, black, and white, contrasted with green tones. This combination offers a balanced yet dynamic atmosphere that enhances the overall design aesthetic.
Our design promotes a restorative indoor environment with natural materials, soft acoustical surfaces, and clean lines. Features like low VOC materials (volatile organic compounds that are not harmful to the environment and humans), individual thermal control, natural light, advanced water filtration, and fresh air supply contribute significantly to occupant well-being. These elements create a space that feels both refreshing and conducive to productivity.
Open spaces infused with Scandinavian and Japanese design sensibilities encourage gathering and comfort. The balanced use of color, light, and proportion creates positive emotions and a sense of grounding. Curated plant selections and a single backlit bonsai tree in the main boardroom emphasize our design intent. These elements highlight the importance of nature in our design philosophy, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
Minimal Scandinavian furniture perfectly complements traditional Japanese materials and elements used. Rattan dining chairs with large, suspended lighting fixtures over cafe banquette seating, separated by WASHI paper screens (Washi paper is traditional Japanese paper processed by hand using fibers from the inner bark of the gampi tree).
Modular furniture in common areas and office suites allows for personalized spaces and future adaptability. We worked closely with the construction management team to select materials that met both design aesthetics and budget constraints, ensuring successful project completion. This flexibility ensures that the space can evolve with the needs of its occupants, providing a versatile and adaptable environment.
Accessibility features include ample corridor space, adjustable furniture, height-adjustable workstations, moveable common area furniture, and barrier-free phone rooms. Contrasting flooring materials enhance wayfinding and navigation, ensuring that the space is not only beautiful but also functional and inclusive.
This project highlights the power of thoughtful design in creating a unique, inclusive, and wellness-focused workspace. By blending Japanese and Scandinavian principles, we achieved a harmonious environment that offers a peaceful oasis for creativity and collaboration.
Continuing our celebration of BID grad projects, we are excited to showcase the projects by the graduating students from ARIDO – recognized schools across Ontario on BLOG//ARIDO, and we’re delighted to spotlight their achievements with both the ARIDO community and beyond.
Collaborating with these schools, ARIDO has curated a collection of fourth-year Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) student projects to feature on BLOG//ARIDO. We’ll be unveiling these projects throughout May, June, and July, offering insights into the talent emerging from these institutions.
Design challenge: Library Redesign Project
These three groups of students had to solve a design challenge: redesign a college library to meet the evolving needs of modern students, emphasizing a single service point model by merging library and tutoring services. Key elements include creating a Collaboratory space for group study, breakout rooms, and tutoring, integrating soundproofing, and optimizing the physical collection. Incorporate versatile furniture, accessible tech hubs, and a multipurpose conference room. They had to ensure the design enhances student success, retention, and aligns with the college’s strategic goals.
Kayleigh Boyle, Ashley Bradbury, Steph Bruce and Sarah Sanders
Libraries are quiet and calm spaces to focus on work, or to just unwind. Libraries are also timeless, they hold generations of stories, research and documents. Willow trees are the same, they live many years and stay strong. They also provide lots of shelter that gives a safe and comforting feeling. Being near a willow tree helps to make people feel at ease and relaxed. Willow trees are also symbolic of flexibility, adaptability, and rebirth. These ideas relate to a library space that students and staff can use for quiet study time, to complete work or when they just need a place to feel calm.
Using elements and principles such as movement, shape textures and variety will be implemented to the space to relate back to the concept; Willow Tree.
Caroline Conlon, Valentina Di Pietro, Kaitlyn Fazekas, Anna Rickard
Workspaces are a vital part of our day; young adults need a space to support their stress levels and harness creativity. The concept of daylight will be driving this innovative library design to create a warm welcoming environment for students and staff. Often symbolizing intellectual thought, and prosperity, daylight is a central element to all growth and life. Through the library redesign, the use of a bright and airy colour palette, organic lines, intricate light and shadow detail, and natural elements will provide a warm safe have for all students to thrive and grow.
Continuing our celebration of BID grad projects, we are excited to showcase the projects by the graduating students from ARIDO – recognized schools across Ontario on BLOG//ARIDO, and we’re delighted to spotlight their achievements with both the ARIDO community and beyond.
Collaborating with these schools, ARIDO has curated a collection of fourth-year Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) student projects to feature on BLOG//ARIDO. We’ll be unveiling these projects throughout May, June, and July, offering insights into the talent emerging from these institutions.
Mary Li – The Polaris Project
The Polaris Project is a facility that provides support and guidance for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Drawing inspiration from the North Star, Polaris offers a nurturing environment where veterans can find solace and purpose, supported by a close-knit community. Through personalized assistance, the project aims to streamline access to essential services and alleviate bureaucratic challenges. By providing comprehensive support, the Polaris Project empowers veterans to embark on transformative journeys toward brighter tomorrows, honoring their sacrifice and uplifting their spirits as they forge new paths in civilian life.
Elena Seleznjova – Multifunctional Mental Health Facility
Multifunctional Mental Health Facility for therapy and support to revive motivation, power, and purpose to get back to a healthy and active life. The primary focus is to provide support and assistance to a diverse range of individuals seeking mental health rehabilitation services.
Dhvani Savaliya – School for Kids with Dual-Sensory Disability
The thesis project focuses on interior design of School for Kids with Dual-Sensory Disability. Lack of accessibility and inclusivity in school buildings, which limits the academic performance of kids with disabilities, is the issue that needs to be fixed. This project’s objective is to demonstrate how interior design can be used to effectively create a learning environment that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability.
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Continuing our celebration of BID grad projects, we are excited to showcase the projects by the graduating students from ARIDO – recognized schools across Ontario on BLOG//ARIDO, and we’re delighted to spotlight their achievements with both the ARIDO community and beyond.
Collaborating with these schools, ARIDO has curated a collection of fourth-year Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) student projects to feature on BLOG//ARIDO. We’ll be unveiling these projects throughout May, June, and July, offering insights into the talent emerging from these institutions.
Chloe Wilhelm – Roots & Branches Childcare Centre
Roots & Branches is a place of gathering for the community, creating connections of all ages, and a place for nurturing the next generation. It is a 12,000 sqft community hub & childcare centre designed for a small southern Ontario town. Focusing on biophilic patterns because of their positive impact on child development, this space will be designed to maximize the benefits of nature and biophilia. Using colours, materials, lighting that reflect nature, following the biomimicry of nature and integrating the strategies used by nature the design will maximize the developmental benefits. In addition to using nature as inspiration, this project will also focus on sustainability, to help ensure nature will be around throughout the lives of the next generation.
Juliana Escobar Zea – Greens Community Urban Farm
Our Greens Community Urban Farm represents a dedication to communal well-being and sustainable green production in urban neighbourhoods. By promoting sustainable food production, food literacy and active community engagement, the space aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills essential for participating in urban agriculture.
Inside are multiple sectors according to their occupant use and activity. The educational sector will focus on technological agriculture and how to run complex systems like vertical farming and hydroponics. Labs and classrooms will be used to support the learning experience for students, and workshops will include focused classes on sustainable practice, including seed preservation, composting, and a chance to learn about vertical farming strategies. Over time the community urban farm will evolve with technology and research in urban agriculture and act as a space for change through promoting community resilience, increased food security, and immersion spaces for its users
Sabrina Schuit – Nurture Nest Daycare and Preschool
Nurture Nest is a daycare and preschool I designed for children of the ages 1-5. This space fosters social, creative, and emotional development through the interactive spaces included throughout the facility. The innovative use of sensory materials, acoustic control, adjustable lighting and fully accessible building features provide inclusivity of neurotypical and neurodivergent children throughout the design concept. Nurture Nest is committed to inclusivity and providing a warm and accepting environment where both neurotypical and neurodivergent children thrive in each space together, ensuring every child feels valued and supported on their early learning journey.
This daycare and preschool gives children the opportunity to play and learn together in the indoor play ground and gymnasium, sensory rooms, activity rooms, and more, providing parents with the ultimate safe space to leave their young ones while they go to work or run errands during the day.
Continuing our celebration of BID grad projects, we are excited to showcase the projects by the graduating students from ARIDO – recognized schools across Ontario on BLOG//ARIDO, and we’re delighted to spotlight their achievements with both the ARIDO community and beyond.
Collaborating with these schools, ARIDO has curated a collection of fourth-year Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) student projects to feature on BLOG//ARIDO. We’ll be unveiling these projects throughout May, June, and July, offering insights into the talent emerging from these institutions.
Marley Doney – A Children’s Hub Focused on Development and Experience
This Children’s Hub is centered around cultivating an environment that promotes creativity and interactive experiences. The philosophy of design encompasses the idea that the space should inspire and engage its users, providing a platform for learning and exploration. The design will incorporate various elements that encourage interaction, such as flexible and modular furniture that can be easily rearranged to accommodate different activities. Interactive technology, such as a virtual reality suite, will be seamlessly integrated into the space to enhance the experience to a modern level. The colour palette and materials used will be carefully selected to stimulate creativity and foster a sense of curiosity but still comfortability for the users.
Additionally, incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly design principles will be a key aspect of the project, conveying the importance of environmental awareness and responsibility to the users of the space. The design will prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals can fully participate in and benefit from the hub environment. Overall, the design approach will prioritize creating a developmental environment that nurtures curiosity and supports the exchange of knowledge, while also fostering individual and collective creativity.
Thrive: Therapeutic Care Centre for Children will be a space where children who have endured trauma and neglect can receive the emotional and developmental support they lack through therapeutic care. The primary goal of the centre is to foster healing in children who have faced challenging experiences, offering them a chance to develop in a secure, nurturing environment, cultivating a foundation for healthy growth and resilience.
The centre will be a place where children can express their thoughts and feelings through various forms of play, and allow for easy, hands-on observation of children from the phycologists. Key developmental needs will be met through play, food, and socialization. The space will feel calming and safe through soft colours, natural materials, and opportunities for nurturing, yet will still be engaging and playful with immersive child-focused experiences. There will also be a strong connection to nature through colours and motifs for a calming atmosphere.
Sarah Mason – The Perennial Social Hub
Research has consistently demonstrated the extensive benefits of strong community ties, from improved mental health and resilience to increased happiness and longevity. When we feel connected to those around us, we are more likely to experience a sense of belonging and purpose—a vital aspect of leading fulfilling lives.
The Perennial Social Hub is a vibrant public space that encompasses innovative human centric design drivers and solutions that support, reflect and collectively facilitate community engagement. This space features large and small event spaces, private and collaborative studio spaces, a culinary classroom and flex spaces allowing for dynamic and immersive user experiences. Holistic design features such as the incorporation of daylighting, biophilia, acoustical and visual privacy is integrated throughout the entirety of the design in order to support and elevate the wellbeing of the occupants, in turn, creating a genuine sense of place. An overlap of functions and zones within the floorplan creates spontaneous collaboration, unlikely meetings and creation of connections with new and existing community members.
Continuing our celebration of BID grad projects, we are excited to showcase the projects by the graduating students from ARIDO – recognized schools across Ontario on BLOG//ARIDO, and we’re delighted to spotlight their achievements with both the ARIDO community and beyond.
Collaborating with these schools, ARIDO has curated a collection of fourth-year Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) student projects to feature on BLOG//ARIDO. We’ll be unveiling these projects throughout May, June, and July, offering insights into the talent emerging from these institutions.
Farrah Birch – Origin of Creativity – Work/Study Space
Origin of Creativity serves as a communal work/study space, primarily for students. The facility’s primary features are a variety of different functioning working areas and lounges, as well as food and drink services, and complimentary computer access spaces. Each space is inspired and infused by nature, equipped with natural elements from shapes, sounds, and smells, allowing users to connect to their surroundings.
By designing a biophilic space for this demographic, users are able to increase their nature intake, and reap the benefits. Through the use of fluid movement, organic forms, non-rhythmic stimuli, and living systems, the design harnesses the inherent benefits of biophilic design in regards to cognitive thinking and general wellness, in order to meet the needs of the Ontario student demographic, and reduce nature deficiency in a practical manner.
Katrina Nunes – Bloom Learning Center for Children with Autism
Bloom Learning Center for children with autism places a high value on individualized teaching methods, incorporating sensory-friendly surroundings and specialized education techniques to improve each child’s social and cognitive growth. With intentional design decisions and a committed group of qualified instructors, the school creates a welcoming environment that enables students with ASD to achieve academic success and acquire vital life skills all in the same place. This facility strives to cultivate a sensory-friendly and nurturing environment that emphasizes comfort, learning, and development. Spaces are balanced to provide a sense of security and minimize sensory overload, while the element of repetition creates rhythmic forms that allow engaging transition zones between spaces.
Nicole Iafrate – The ADHD Vitality Wellness Centre
The ADHD Vitality Wellness Centre is dedicated to supporting adults with ADHD. Recognizing their distinct learning and information processing styles, the centre aims to help individuals understand themselves better and achieve their full potential in every area of life.
The centre’s mission is to promote wellness and provide an environment with the goal of enhancing focus and productivity. Dynamic forms create movement and connect both private and public spaces, while aiming to encourage collaboration and activity between uses.
By integrating these design elements, the centre aspires to create a vibrant and supportive community where individuals with ADHD can thrive. The interconnected spaces are intended to foster a sense of belonging and encourage the sharing of ideas and experiences. Whether through structured programs or informal interactions, the ADHD Vitality Wellness Centre is committed to empowering its members to lead more focused, productive, and fulfilling lives.
Rashid Abuseir – The Caladrius Wellness and Support
The Caladrius Wellness and Support, located at 1352 Lakeshore Rd E in the renovated Small Arms Building, employs intuitive and interactive design strategies to cater to individuals regardless of linguistic proficiency. This approach ensures seamless navigation and access to clinical, therapeutic, and social services. The facility’s design prioritizes creating intuitive movement and interpretative cues, aiming to guide occupants effortlessly through its spaces. This is crucial given Peel’s high proportion of racialized and non-English/French-speaking immigrants, where the facility seeks to alleviate anxieties by fostering an integrative and welcoming environment. By emphasizing intuitive design principles and spatial flow, the Caladrius centre aims to support diverse communities effectively, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare and social services provision.
Safa Al-Bayati – Vitality Springs – Senior Day Center
Vitality Springs is a medical and social support center that is located in Burlington, Ontario. It is offered as a solution for Burlington’s growing senior population with cognitive impairments and social isolation. The senior day center serves as a temporary solution for older adults who are on waiting lists for long-term care facilities, with the hopes of delaying the need for long-term care homes.
The design of the facility focuses on strengthening seniors’ cognitive abilities and memory through the use of nostalgic design elements, resulting in a design concept that aims to take the occupants on a “trip down memory lane”. Vitality Springs will strengthen seniors’ cognitive abilities through mental stimulation, physical exercise, entertainment, and therapy. The two areas of focus are the reading area and art gallery. This is where the two most important activities will occur, which are art gallery shows and book club discussions to keep seniors cognitively engaged and socially connected.
Samm Sekulin – Comfort Community Self Love Learning Centre
At any given time 1 million Canadians have an eating disorder diagnosis (Statistics Canada, 2016). As an effect of the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a 60% spike in hospitalizations of youth in Canada ages 10-17 with eating disorders since March 2020 (Bright, n.d.). This rising issue has inspired the focus for Comfort Community, a facility designed to offer refuge and support for adolescents struggling with body image and eating disorders. Our first and last love is self love, and that is why Comfort Community is dedicated to empowering youth and growing their confidence within. Through the facilities enriched design and programming it promotes self love, connection with peers and healing. Comfort Community, the ultimate safe space.
Serena Sawatzky – Athlete’s Edge
Athlete’s Edge will be a physiotherapy and wellness day centre for ages 18 to 70 years with a focus on athletic injury recovery, both in mind and body. Our goal is to provide treatment areas and communal zones paired with efficient biophilic and holistic design to improve occupants’ health, well-being, and recovery time. This holistic sports medicine centre will fill the gap in both the lack of physical and biophilic wellness supports within the city of Mississauga.
By providing the space for injured athletes suffering from the effects of different physical and psychological issues, we can take the next step in ensuring that performance centres are well-rounded, while the environment heals all users.
Khloe Siskos – Gaming and Gambling Rehabilitation Centre
Gameover is a gaming and gambling rehabilitation facility designed to support and help those who are suffering or at risk of developing gaming and gambling addictions. Through a combination of psychological therapy and group sessions, Gameover provides a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings related to the addiction. Providing a harmonious, stimulating, and sensory environment in addition to a variety of amenities and an indoor garden, this facility strives to break the cycle of addiction, encourage its occupants to seek support and guidance for their recovery and make positive changes in their lives.
