gather & entertain

Great design is part of the mezze at this middle eastern restaurant

The Tabule family of restaurants is made up of 4 uniquely designed venues specializing in Middle Eastern Cuisine. We were tasked with tackling the redesign of the quartet’s flagship location in midtown Toronto. When the client approached us to redesign their midtown location, they knew they wanted something brighter, airier, and fresher. The midtown location was their first restaurant, and it was in need of an aesthetic overhaul to create a modern and sophisticated atmosphere where their delicious dishes could play a well-deserved starring role.

Designer: Jude Kamal, ARIDO

Design Firm: Sansa Interiors

Photography: Bruno Belli

Interior of the entire Tabuleh Interior with the focal point being the bar at the end

Using the design of the other three locations as a jumping off point, I worked closely with the clients to convey their vision, delivering a cohesive new design that reinvigorates the restaurant. The focal point? An impressive new bar to anchor the design and invite guests into the bustling dining room.

Our design approach for Tabule Midtown was to create a modern and sophisticated space that is evocative of traditional Middle Eastern and Lebanese aesthetic without being too literal. To accomplish this, we opted to avoid overusing traditional Mediterranean shapes in favour of more modern interpretations of the colour palette, materials, and overall vibe of the space.

Original Artwork with Lebanese motifs decorate the plain white walls throughout

While developing the concept for this restaurant, we really took inspiration from the food. We immediately envisioned the dishes boldly standing out on the plate, surrounded by a simple, elegant and sophisticated design. Putting the food at the forefront and creating an area where people could sit back and enjoy it, was the true driving force behind the new Tabule.

Middle-Eastern food is all about gathering, sharing, and spending time with people you love and care about. We took this as a way to make the space work from day to night and for any occasion, any gathering and any family or couple looking for a beautiful space and tasty food.

We executed this vision by striking a fine balance between bold and vibrant elements and upscale elegance, suitable for midtown Toronto. We also took a cue from the restaurant staff, who are artsy, cool, and unique. While imagining where we could push the design, we took inspiration from their effortless style.

Another dining area with soft green upholstered benches along the white walls with simple white tables and light wooden chairs in front of them and greenery hanging from the ceiling

Our team made the decision to start by defining a palette of colours and finishes as inspiration, which helped to give us a better sense of the interior’s potential. We landed on a palette of neutral tones and natural materials, with a hint of pattern, to give the space the cohesive look that the client was after. We all fell in love with a serene combination of greens, blues, and neutral tones – with plenty of greenery mixed in – to give life and texture to the newly designed interior.

The focus behind the restaurant’s interior revolves around sourcing local materials, items and artwork from BIPOC female run businesses in Toronto & GTA. Tabule’s style is a balance between our clients’ brand which is a hip Lebanese restaurant with good food, plus Sansa Interiors‘ interpretation of what it could be. We wanted the space to feel very bright and airy, as if you are sitting in a lovely breezy courtyard in Beirut.

A detail of the beautiful geometric pattern and oval mirrors adorn the wall behind the seating benches

Beautiful colourful artwork decorates the walls

We also learned so much about Lebanon from this project. The country has a very distinct style of vintage pop art, landscape paintings, and textile crafts that really spoke to us. Through their art, you can feel how proud Lebanese people are of their country and the colours they use are really inspiring. We incorporated Fairuz (who is a lebanese singer) into a large piece of art that’s hanging on the wall, with her music playing in the background. It gives diners a taste of culture through art, music, and the overall ambience of the space.

These thoughtful touches help the design feel more connected to its purpose, and make it feel authentic. It’s those little moments that help tie the design back to the culture, but in a fresh and exciting way.

The final result of Tabule Midtown’s redesign is a sophisticated and modern space that brings out the spirit of Lebanese food in a simple and elegant way. We couldn’t be more proud – or ready to dig in for a delicious bite!

An Interior Designer’s Guide To The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

Our summers are short. From March through to July and into November, an outdoor kitchen allows us to share our food experiences with family and friends extending our outdoor playtime. More people are choosing to invest in their homes and backyards rather than vacationing elsewhere.

Before planning and spending on this space, ask yourself some simple questions:

How much time do I want to devote to maintenance? What’s critical-to-have, must-have, and nice to have? Knowing this will save you a lot of grief and disappointment.

Critical To Know

Safety first! Make sure you meet your region’s building and fire codes. There’s a difference between a code for building a house and a code for preventing open flames, and in-and-near a building. They are two different things. Protect combustible materials.

Choosing Cabinets and Materials

Cabinets and counters need to be corrosion and weather resistant, low maintenance and made with stable materials. ALL materials expand and contract with temperature change and moisture. The sun fades colours and natural materials breakdown over time. There are 3 types of cabinetry-based kitchens for outdoor use: HDPE/Polymer, Wood and Stainless Steel.

Polymer: Waterproof, sun-safe, available in a variety of solid colours, lower maintenance, plastic, and of variable durability.

Wood: Flexible design requires some maintenance, most affordable, and it is not fire-resistant.

Stainless Steel: Heat and fire-resistant, non-corrosive, easy to clean, available in powdered-coated colours. It does need to be covered up to protect it from soot, soil and environmental pollution.

Things to Consider

Appearance: What do I want to see when I look outside my kitchen window? Choose your landscaping and furniture for that perfect outdoor style.

Clean-Up: Install a sink with water. You may not want to use your indoor kitchen to clean greasy, sooty stuff. Plan ahead for plumbing.

Heating and Electrical: Layer your heat sources. Consider heat lamps, fire pits or a built-in infrared heater. Make sure you put in multiple outlets that meet the fire code pertinent to your municipality. Plan ahead for electrical.

Shade: Create shade from the sun and protection from the rain with pergolas, retractable patio covers or tents.

Stay Cool: Cool yourself off with fans, misters or rugs to shield you from the hot floor, and use light-coloured furniture.

Layout and Seating: Transition your rooms with removable screens, doors and walls. Offer a variety of seating – low Muskoka chairs, chaise lounges, stools and benches.

Storage Space: The ultimate amenity. Think of what else needs to be stored – like equipment, furniture, sports and hobbies. You don’t want to run back and forth from the house or garage to the outdoor living area.

Small Spaces – Condo Balconies and Terraces

Electric grills make outdoor eating possible despite strict fire and safety codes. Brown Jordan has fully assembled kitchens for terraces, to be lifted by a crane, or custom units transported by a service elevator.

Nice To Have And Trending

Specialty right-sized appliances replacing mammoth grilles. These can include: Argentinian grills, smokers, side burners, pizza ovens, fridges, dishwashers, beer on tap, espresso machines, ice makers and Kamado-style grills (a.k.a. “ eggs”). Lighting schemes, TVs and sound systems can also be a great addition. Treat this space as another room of the house.

Adding Value To Your Home

Outdoor kitchens seem to be replacing the pool as an add-on feature. It increases your competitive edge when selling because people will imagine themselves having great times in their new backyard.

Good design blurs the lines between the indoors and the outdoors. What creative ways do you use to create your very own private outdoor oasis?

This future forward bubble tea shop uses lighting to draw you in

This Scarborough bubble tea shop is located at the inner corner of an L-shaped plaza with the challenge of limited exposure to the public. The designer’s aim was to redefine the space with an eye-catching feature with an industrial feel which would also highlight the store location. An elaborate mirror and lighting combination was incorporated in the design to catch the gaze of people in the plaza, drawing them into a hidden scenery beyond.

Interior Designer: Angxuan Sun, ARIDO

Design Firm: Atelier Sun

Photographer: Alex Xu

A view of the entire restaurant interior with the vertical LED lights hanging above

Based on the requirements and the challenges, the design concept creates a unique design feature that not only stands out from the industrial scheme background, but also creates a memorable scenery for the store.

Two simple materials are applied to the entire store to achieve an industrial feel. First, a dark charcoal colour was applied to the volume of the open ceiling and surrounding walls. Secondly, a rough barn wood panelling lines the floor and bubble tea bar.

To accomplish an unique visual impact, a series of custom-made long LED light tubes were designed to hang from the ceiling at different heights. The light cluster stands out from the dark background to establish a futuristic feel in the space.

Black circle against white wall detail close up

The LED light tubes can transform the entire space as they are designed to dim, blink, and change colours based on seasonal mood and special events.

A large wall-length mirror lining the back reflects the spectacle of the feature lighting outside of the store, drawing people in.

Local art with a Scandi-chic vibe welcomes everyone to this Toronto condo

Located in an emerging part of Toronto’s downtown East, The Bartholomew demanded a design that would attract style-savvy buyers who appreciate an eclectic downtown lifestyle. A home where diversity is not only expected but is celebrated.

Interior Designer: Kelly Cray, ARIDO

Design Team: Margaret Stagg, ARIDO; Eugenia Alvarez, ARIDO

Design Firm: U31

Project Photographer: Jac Jacobson

The challenge was to create inclusive, affordable, yet stylish interiors for a wide demographic: professionals, growing families, empty-nesters, singles, and couples. Another client directive was to have all art and installations throughout common areas of the tower commissioned to local artists to give back and support the local community. Of note, is a unique black “willow”-like wood sculpture that hangs by the side of the concierge desk against black stone, lending understated glamour.

One manner of appealing to a broad range of lifestyles was to deliver serene spaces where residents could interact and relax. Light is essential in creating a variety of moods, and the design team used this element in multiple ways. The concierge desk, for example, features hexagon mosaic tiles under a wash of concealed light, giving it the illusion of sparkling gems.

In the lobby a dramatic ambient light installation over the seating area becomes a feature element. Contemporary furniture selections, fashioned in neutral tones, continue the Zen, yet hip vibe.

Fitting a lounge, a private dining room, and television room in the compact 2nd floor party room presented a challenge. To achieve this, foldable walls were incorporated so each space could be closed off to accommodate private events; alternatively, the entire space can be opened when walls are folded back.

The rooms are visually connected through black wire lighting that appears in each space. The dining area exudes a clean, mid-century modern and Scandinavian feel expressed through light backgrounds, minimalist lighting, and pops of black, including the chairs: they are all different but of the same era, and unify the seating in a thoughtful and playful way.

Designer’s creative solution adapts existing footprint for modern cabane

Set on a shared forty-acre site, this family cabin project was restricted by several local bylaws on new buildings. A creative solution of erecting a cabin on the existing footprint of the building, conformed to the rules while satisfying the client’s needs for new space.

Interior Designer: Lynn Brown MacGowan, ARIDO

Design Firm: Dlb Design

The exposed steel support was pre-built and delivered on site with building components, combining a post and beam structure with an energy efficient solution. South and west window walls meeting in the corner provided an unobstructed view of the lake and an abundance of natural light, while an east clerestory window provides cross-ventilation.

The reclaimed oak that clads the building recalls its former life on a working farm and blends with the tree bark of the surrounding forest. The concrete floor hides a radiant heating system while small bathroom fixtures and natural light give an illusion of more space overall.

This luxe home mixes casual with refined details

This new build construction of a 15,000 square foot family home for long time empty-nester clients was a rare opportunity. Having lived in this country acreage north of Toronto for over two decades and accustomed to an upscale lifestyle, the design team aimed to create a refined, yet comfortable abode.

Interior Designer: Neil Jonsohn
Design Team: Shauna MacLeod, ARIDO
Design Firm: U31
Photographer: Gillian Jackson

The foyer is a bold welcome to the home, with extensive marble detailing, including a staircase clad in marble, combined with a custom bronze railing. An abstract sculpture of falling leaves commissioned by artist Dennis Lin, is integrated with ambient light and suspended through the curving staircase, adding unexpected contemporary glamour.

Moving beyond the formality of the front rooms, spaces at the back take on a more casual atmosphere, allowing for daily routine and entertaining. Incorporating white oak and durable porcelain flooring with contemporary furniture forms, Murano light fixtures and a mix of current and antique rugs, the daily areas are at once comfortable and rich in traditional reference.

The kitchen facilitates the owner’s love of and expertise in cooking, featuring an oversized stainless steel hood surrounded by carved limestone. Stained sycamore and off-white lacquer cabinets, semi-precious quartzite countertops and stainless steel detailing create the chef’s dream.

Drawing inspiration from the lush back garden and pool cabana, the inclusion of floor to ceiling windows across the entire back of the house, offer stunning views, while providing an abundance of natural light to the communal kitchen, family and garden rooms. The injection of colour, particularly shades of blue and red, two of the owner’s favourites, ebb and flow throughout the home.

These communal zones are kept light with soft whites and greys, and animated by pops of colour and beloved travel artifacts. For instance, an oversized brass Moroccan vessel, crafted with patterned cut-outs, is transformed into a glowing wall sconce, displayed above the garden room’s fireplace mantel (pictured above).

Private areas are infused with delicate, silvery-blue-grey tones for her, including silk wall covering, while his are characterized by a more robust flavour: walnut wall panelling, black and gold accents and heavily veined caramel and black marble. Vaulted and cove ceilings are intricately detailed throughout, accentuating the 10′ and 12′ ceiling heights.
The balance of rich, warm materials: marble, stone, leather and variety of sumptuous finishes expresses a relaxed luxury that the client was delighted to see achieved.

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 Designer(s): Neil Jonsohn, ARIDO; Kelly Cray, ARIDO

Design Team: Noelle Lekkas, ARIDO

Design Firm: U31

Photographer: Gillian Jackson

Situated in a rural area, the interior design team behind this contemporary custom home was inspired by surrounding farmland and nearby conservation area, and tried to bring the outdoors in through their design. The colour palette reflects the summer landscape with touches of muted green, blue and plum tones, while the use of natural materials throughout the house provides a link to the outdoors.

The connection of interior with exterior is further articulated with the use of rustic flagstone in the lower level’s fireplace surround and bar’s feature wall. Material selections range from durable porcelain, stone, marble, woods to soft textural mid-century inspired forms.

By dedicating the main level of the house primarily for daily living and the lower level for larger social activities, the clients’ desire for private and public areas were achieved. Plenty of windows at the back of the home facilitate constant views of the outdoors, while the overall pale backgrounds in the ground level accentuate a light, airy, and livable feel.

Large kitchen and dining room inspired by nature colors like muted greens and soft blues, with wood details throghout.

Darker walls introduced in specific areas create a moodier vibe. For instance, the walls of the ground level dining room are covered in a dramatic charcoal, botanical motif that relates to the outdoor landscape, while exuding a casual sophistication.

The clients wanted the lower level of the home to feel like a getaway for them and their guests, so it also functions as a pool cabana, as they opted to have an outdoor pool rather than travel to a cottage every weekend. The lower level provides a separate entrance for guests, along with an open concept lounge, multi-purpose dining area and a bar.

Contemporary sixties-inspired space meant for entertaining large groups of guests, equipped with a full bar, tables and vintage details throughout.

A playful mix of contemporary and vintage inspired touches in the cabana area sets the tone for the party atmosphere: 60’s Italian beach scene printed on glass functions as sliding doors to the custom catering kitchen, contemporary club-like gold cove lighting in the ceiling, flagstone bar and fire-place surround recalls a 60’s cottage ‘rec room’, while porcelain floor, mimicking wood, easily handles the comings and going of wet swimmers.

The lower level living room with a large sectional, plenty of seating to accommodate large groups of guests. There are fun pops of color throughout.

Ultimately, the home was designed to anticipate a growing family who cherish entertaining at home. The clients report the space has begun a new chapter in their lives with the addition of this ‘dream home’.

A client’s forever home reflects their interesting lives in a one of a kind space

For a 5,000 square-foot condominium in an historically listed former school building, we faced the challenge of balancing client needs, historical considerations, and condominium developer constraints.

Interior Designer: Theresa Casey, ARIDO

Design Firm: Casey Design|Planning Group Inc.

Photographer: Donna Griffith

The clients required space for both large business social events and more intimate private gatherings that reflect their shared passions for art, architecture, travel, and food. They specifically requested two offices and walk-in closets, unique, one of a kind custom elements and space for their grand piano without disturbing neighbouring units.

Their previous home was dark and moody, and they wanted to start fresh with a bright, clean and contemporary home that didn’t feel cold and clinical. From the perspective that this was their forever home they sought “to do this right”, and consider places to strategically spend for most impact and property resale

The designers’ stylistic response drew largely from the language of 1930s design: bold, clean architectural detailing; a high level of artisanal craftsmanship, and custom furnishings that use luxurious materials to express an understated modernity.

For example, a dramatic two-storey custom bronze screen, inspired by decorative grills from Toronto’s Carlu Auditorium was intended to function, when opened fully, as a divider concealing the kitchen from the dining/living space, but also, when folded into itself, as an architectural pediment framing the deep archway that encloses it.

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Yorkville district, the Gothic Revival building had a dysfunction plan which didn’t work for the client’s needs. The new plan clearly differentiates public and private zones.

This was achieved by placing a spacious grand foyer (the first place of arrival and pause) at the elevator entry, which opens dramatically to the two-storey living, dining and kitchen spaces located in the historic portion of the building.

Next, a library/sitting room was positioned directly on axis with the entry foyer, flanked by symmetrical bronze custom French doors, which offer a view through to the garden terrace beyond, and are reminiscent of the stately apartments of Park Avenue or the Fifth Arrondissement. These two rooms elegantly mediate the transition between the public and private zones.

Finally, the private zones (including the master suite, two home offices, spacious walk-in closets and dual washrooms) were strategically located in the newly constructed section of the building for optimal visual and acoustic privacy.

Furnishings, such as acoustically engineered fabric wall panels, or a custom designed colour-blocked credenza and floating bedside tables that reference the work of Charlotte Perriand, and finally a whimsical chinoiserie wall mural in the dressing area, all find their inspiration in 1930s luxury French design and craftsmanship.

The result is a seamless and clearly resolved flow of engaging and meaningful spaces, for formal and informal living, in an urban home that elegantly balances and celebrates the interconnected threads of history, design and craft.

The bronze screen featured in this project was awarded an ARIDO Award of Merit in 2019.

The materials palette is as lush as the menu at this Toronto restaurant

Our design team was contacted by David Chang, eight years after he launched Momofuku in Toronto. The brand has matured in new directions and experienced significant growth, so Chang called on DesignAgency to work with Momofuku once again to reinvent their signature Toronto restaurant. Kōjin, Momofuku’s take on a steakhouse, is all about treating guests to the sensations of an open flame grill.

Interior Designer: Allen Chan, ARIDO

Design Firm: DesignAgency

Project Photographer: Bob Gundu

As the first Momofuku restaurant to be led by an Executive Chef instead of Chang, the design needed to remain true to the brand while also conveying a slightly unique flavour – inspired by Chef Paula Navarette’s Colombian heritage.

Our design team began working with Momofuku’s core palette of wood and blackened steel, as well as its signature Token stools and Roll and Hill chandeliers. At the same time, we shifted the palette from white oak to dark walnut and added luxurious and sensual materials such as luminous hand-glazed terracotta tiles, oxblood leather, and touches of glittering brass. A Momofuku peach element at the entrance maintains consistency with other locations.

The interior complements the restaurant’s Columbian influenced menu with an earthiness that further reflects the multicultural influences of the Momofuku brand. For example, the open layout was inspired by the buzz found in izakayas (informal Japanese pubs) that comes from an open kitchen, as well as the energy of parrillas (open flame grills from South America). Blackened steel shelves display tchotchkes against wood panels inspired by shou-sugi ban, the Japanese method of preserving wood with fire. This layering instills a sense of playfulness and curiosity.

The client wanted a flexible main dining room, so we selected seating that can be easily repositioned or removed: stools for kitchen or bar-side dining, small tables, and large booths for groups. We also calibrated sight lines for high visibility, making it easy for staff to navigate the restaurant, while also ensuring that guests enjoy an intimate relationship with the goings on in the kitchen and bar.

An open layout ensures that every diner has a view both inwards into the kitchen and open fire grill, and outwards with 180-degree views of Toronto’s University Avenue, taking advantage of Kōjin’s prime location.

Interior lighting consisted of carefully selected luminaires that inspired the mood and unique sense of place. Custom light fixtures float at the edge of the dining room, adding levity and announcing Kōjin from the street. Each pendant’s hand-folded triple linen shades are threaded like totem poles, softly illuminating the room at night.

Throughout the bar and the kitchen, backlit textured glass adds a warm glow against a black porcelain tile wall, and a red neon sign glows with the kanji symbol for fire.

The intrinsically unique Kōjin, offers a range of different environments – from grand to intimate. Our design team worked to create Kōjin as a completely new atmosphere for Momofuku Toronto. The range of textures and features bond together the past and present for an exclusive restaurant experience.

This project was awarded an ARIDO Award in 2019.

Student Housing is reinvented at this former hotel

Campus 1 MTL is a restoration and adaptive reuse project of a former hotel in Montreal. This project presented a new model of post-secondary living in Canada. It involved a transformation of a former 19-storey hotel into student residences, where the goal was to create environments for optimal interaction as opposed to the privacy model employed by hotels. Our design team took on the extensive 436,000 square feet of project space, which makes this project’s transformation all the more astonishing.

Interior Designer: Bryan Chartier, ARIDO

Design Firm: Diamond Schmitt Architects

Project Photographer: James Brittain

The design objective was to provide a Residence Education Model where the lines are blurred between living and learning, strike a balance between transparency and privacy, while also considering issues such as acoustics and safety. This model of new residence for students would bring a cohesive environment that promotes social interaction.

Our client privately operates the facility and wanted to address both a need for improved living standards, affordable housing for students, and ultimately, remove the burden from post-secondary institutions of managing their operation. Thus, our client’s intent was to attract students away from their digitally enabled rooms to form their own community. The community was built to support development of one’s social self for a student typically living away from home for the first time.

The design integrates programmed and unprogrammed space, which allows students to make the residence their own. The programmed spaces include a study space and a range of recreational facilities (basketball court, weight and cardio room, yoga studio, etc.) that sets the stage for work and play. Furnishings were selected to provide choice between collaboration and more focused individual study time in an open environment.

Given the extensive nature of the project, it was not without many challenges. A key challenge of this hotel conversion was to create greater opportunities for students to interact with each other and to foster a closer sense of community in ways a hotel does not. This also included strong emphasis on providing a secure environment that had to be balanced with making the space feel inviting and accessible. As part of the planning exercise, the student services office and 24-hour desk were positioned opposite the elevator banks to ensure students always have access to services when needed.

Successfully converting hotel rooms into student accommodation provides a variety of living configurations. The typical configuration includes: two private bedrooms, a living room and a shared washroom. There were also double bedroom options; a single bedroom; and single barrier-free configurations to meet the different needs of the student users. In addition, each floor incorporated different amenity rooms to encourage inter-floor socialization.

The former main floor of the hotel was shifted by moving the restaurant from the entrance to become a dining hall further into the space which would anchor social interaction by pulling students from the entrance, lounges, and tower elevators. A lounge now occupies the front of the building, enlivening the connection with the street. Two main circulation routes were created to tie all the ground floor program elements together in a clean and clear manner. This promoted flow and balance to the project.

Finally, the main security desk is integrated into a wall with a seating niche opposite to balance the function of this space. Casual “touch down” areas were implemented to reinforce serendipitous exchange. Just beyond the main desk is an open, unexpected feature to support collegiality: a multi-tiered “mountain” that acts as a place to casually hang out. The inspiration is Mount Royal, which rises above the downtown campus.

A reinvention of student housing was accomplished in this project, and this would bring balance to student life by providing spaces that promote social interaction, and the opportunity to live in a “home” away from home.

This project also received an ARIDO Award of Merit in 2019.