Features | Back In Black

Moody, dramatic and luxe, black is appearing more frequently in interiors to elevate spaces from the expected to the utterly chic. Here, four designers speak to how they used inky shades of black to create inviting spaces that will stand the test of style. 

Words by Alicia Cox Thomson

Fashionable folks know that if it’s an effortlessly chic look you’re going for, always bet on black. And as it turns out, this applies to interiors, too. Elegant, cool and mysterious, it’s a surprisingly hardworking neutral with unending possibilities. Depending on how and where you’re using it, much like its snowy counterpart, black can vibe with a variety of styles and aesthetics, whether you’re looking to modernize a space or infuse it…

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Our 2025 Year in Review has been making the rounds – and landing in mailboxes across the city. Did you receive your copy? If not, send us a DM with your email or mailing address and we’ll make sure a physical version finds its way to you.

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The Lobby | Elemental Metaphors

Sandy Middleton’s show at The Lobby draws from the elements of sky, water and land to tell a story of personal and global transformation.  

Words by Marilisa Racco

“An artist’s journey is never a straight line,” says Sandy Middleton, a St. Catharines-based artist who uses her technical training in photography to create an inventive medium she calls photo encaustic paper sculpture, which will be on display at The Lobby by Heaps Estrin through the fall.

The medium came to her when, during the pandemic, she was cleaning out her basement and came upon 30 years’ worth of photography, prompting her to think about what she could do with it. It began by cutting up the photographs, painting over them with encaustic…

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Storied Homes | The Bain House 

A historic residential landmark in our city that speaks to a quiet reverence for Toronto’s past.

Words by Alex Corey,  Heaps Estrin Real Estate Agent and Architectural Historian

Riverdale, perched above the Don River, has been a bustling residential neighbourhood almost since its annexation in 1889. One of Toronto’s early streetcar suburbs, its streets are now lined by brick bay-and-gables and single-family houses, leaving few traces of its earlier rural past, thus making the home at 14 Dingwall Ave. a truly special property.

Dubbed the Bain House, it is a rare remaining example of a Georgian Revival farmhouse, constructed around 1860 for Robert Sargant, a dry goods merchant. The house was sold in 1869 to…

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The start of a new year always brings a sense of reset – fresh starts, good intentions, and a moment to take stock of where things stand and where they may be headed. In real estate, that instinct is particularly strong right now, as many buyers and sellers look to 2026 hoping for clarity. What we’re seeing instead is something a little less dramatic but arguably more important: stability.

Heading into the year, we had anticipated a relatively steady market – and for the most part, that’s what we’re seeing. While global and geo-political factors (including the unfolding situation in Venezuela) will need time to fully play out before we can gauge broader economic impacts, locally the Toronto market has settled into what now feels like a new norm. We…

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Episode 11: The Heaps Legacy – Beer, Business & the Family Bond

In this special family episode of Beyond the Blueprints, Cailey Heaps sits down with her dad, Frank Heaps, craft-beer pioneer behind Upper Canada Brewing, and her brother, Cameron Heaps, Steam Whistle co-founder and CEO of Voltari electric performance boats. They discuss risk and opportunity, growing up Heaps, and values like grit, kindness, and self-reliance. From Steam Whistle’s “do one thing really well” approach to Voltari’s high-performance electric boats, the conversation explores leadership, entrepreneurship, and building exceptional teams — with humour, heart, and unforgettable stories.

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Episode 10: Crossing Borders, Building Brands - Suzanne Cohon

In this episode of Beyond the Blueprints, Cailey Heaps chats with Suzanne Cohon, Principal at ASC Public Relations and a driving force behind Canada’s top brand campaigns. Suzanne shares her cross-border perspective, the realities of PR, and why understanding your audience and strong storytelling are essential—lessons that translate directly to real estate marketing and luxury branding. She also reflects on life as a founder, philanthropist, and mom, showing how clarity, intention, and narrative shape lasting value. A must-listen for anyone interested in business, branding, or the art of influence.

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Episode 9: Sisters in Success - Melody & Maggie Adhami 

Innovation and leadership take centre stage in this episode of Beyond the Blueprints, as Cailey Heaps sits down with sisters Melody and Maggie Adhami. From Melody’s rise as the “Billion Dollar Woman” and “Queen of Apps” to Maggie’s vision behind ShopThing, the conversation explores what it takes to build, scale, and lead successful businesses. Together, they reflect on early influences, leadership philosophy, and the balance between ambition and personal life, offering insight that resonates far beyond the tech world.

Stream this Episode or other interviews in our series. You can listen to "Beyond The Blueprints" right here through our embedded player or choose from any of the…

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