Waterscapes is Toronto lakeside living at its best
By on Nov 19, 2008
This fall, Waterscapes at Waterview opened the door to a brand new opportunity for lakeside living at Monarch Corporation's master-planned urban resort community in the Humber Bay Shores area of Etobicoke. Monarch saved the best for last with Waterscapes, the fifth and final tower in this captivating collection of lake-inspired condominiums.
A tour through the stunning model suite offers an appreciation for Monarch's hallmark design quality, as well as a fresh and beautiful example of the decorating potential in these innovative layouts.
Appointed by Carmen Dragomir, owner of Esqape Design, and designer Jennifer De Sousa, the two-bedroom and den model's décor takes its cue from the fashion world. The suites take advantage of the spectacular views, with Waterscapes being right next to the lake.
"My background is European, and I believe all design trends come from fashion trends," Dragomir says. "This year, navy with white and black in a nautical theme are strong, and of course, Waterscapes has a strong lake theme - the connection is natural. Our goal was to create a timeless design that provides potential buyers with a new way of looking at the suites here as having unlimited possibilities. The nautical theme returns season after season and can be reworked to maintain a fresh appeal, so it's perfect."
Dragomir says she and De Sousa made white the dominant background colour for its calming effect. "It allows people to bring in their personal touch with vibrant accessories," Dragomir says. "It's like breathing in fresh lake air, and works hand in hand with the amount of natural light coming in through floor-to-ceiling windows."
The contemporary kitchens at Waterscapes feature granite kitchen countertops; the choice of mosaic glass tile, ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash; a pantry and/or breakfast bar as per plan; a complete brand-name stainless-steel appliance package; and an island with a temperature-controlled wine fridge as per plan. The open-concept main living area in the model suite includes a linear kitchen that allows for the dining table to be placed against the spacious island.
"The kitchen today is a place to cook and entertain," Dragomir says. "Using white for visual continuity has a minimalist feel to it, which ties it to the living room, where the palette is minimal to allow the views to dominate. This location has so much to offer that we used elements that reflect the outdoors, such as large mirrors. Whichever way you approach them, you see water and sky. We also used artificial grasses and a sandstone bowl with river rock."
The navy wallpaper continues into the second bedroom for continuity, and the master bedroom carries through the white theme.
"We used navy as a dashing companion and dampened it with silver tones in the throws, pillows, decorative bowls and table lamps," Dragomir says. "We used high-gloss shelving in the ensuite and contrasted it with a dark charcoal cabinet. In the den, which has no windows, we placed an image of water onto a backlit acrylic piece. This keeps the visual-to-mind connection of water always present. We wanted the entire suite to be smart, stylish, functional, comfortable and to match the personality of the market. People here want to be near the lake."
Waterscapes' elliptical-shaped exterior also incorporates a private landscaped interior courtyard, a landscaped rooftop retreat with a barbecue and leisure area, and an eco-friendly green roof over the four-storey podium. Residents will enjoy 24-hour concierge service from the two-storey lobby, plus the exciting amenities in the Waterscapes Club including a special occasion/party room featuring access to the patio and opening onto a terrace, a lounge with a billiards table and television, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, screening room with cinema-style seating, fitness centre, pet-grooming room, conference/business room, two designer-decorated guest suites, car wash bay and bicycle storage room.
Monarch has also incorporated numerous environmental initiatives into the design that reduce total building energy consumption.
Suites range in size from 465 to 1,605 sq. ft., with prices beginning from $189,990. Visit Monarch's Presentation Gallery at 68 Marine Parade Drive in Etobicoke. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday closed; Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 416-495-3544 or visit www.monarchgroup.net.
