Princess Margaret Lottery Home

What type of home can you expect for a cool $4.8 million in Oakville, Ontario?  How about this beauty that is the 2019 Princess Margaret Lottery Home?!

I had the pleasure of receiving an exclusive invitation from the Lixil Group to attend the open house recently before it went public and today I want to share my experience with you.

The house is on a corner lot and the photo above shows the ‘front’ of the home, while the image below is of the side entrance with a double garage.

Most of the images in my blog post are courtesy of the Princess Margaret Lottery Home, which you can visit here to buy your ticket to conquer cancer.

In this week’s video, I share both my favourite interior decorating features inside the home and the ‘Design Disappointments’.

Hey, I appreciate that not everything in a residential interior design project is going to resonate with everybody and there will always be critics.

As an Interior Design Professional who works with clients on a daily basis to redesign and redecorate their homes, I wanted to share my perspective and thoughts.  I welcome your feedback as well, please leave a comment here on my blog.

Also, what kind of Colour Expert would I be if I didn’t mention the Benjamin Moore paint colours?! Read on past the video to find out what paint colours were used in this home.

My Favourite Things

Mill Work & Trim

When you hear the expression, ‘It’s all in the details‘ you cannot argue that in this home, each room has substantial elements of beautiful, detailed custom millwork.

Wallpaper and Drapery

Interior Designer Brian Gluckstein is well known for using subtle and sophisticated wallpaper and drapery in his projects.  This Princess Margaret Lottery Showhome is no exception. Here are some of my favourite rooms with these exquisite decorative elements.

Gallery Wall & Artwork

In terms of wall art for home decor, we have been seeing large prints either framed or on canvas for quite some time.

Here in the Princess Margaret Lottery Home, that trend was no exception. But first, you’ve got to see this gallery wall which is one of the most interesting I’ve ever seen!

The main reason it’s so unique is that it wraps around a curved wall in the stairway. All photos are in black and white with black frames. Quite the statement, wouldn’t you agree?

Here are two more art pieces that could be found on the second level of the Princess Margaret Lottery Home.

Design Disappointments

In the video, I am able to easily convey my feelings about why I feel the way that I do about some of the main areas within the home.  (This is why I always promote video for your business as the best way to share your message!)

Please watch the video if you want to hear opinions straight from the ‘horse’s mouth’. -that’s me!   I’ve made bullet points below to list elements of the design that I was deeply disappointed in for such a luxurious family home.

The Kitchen – Things that make you go ‘hmmm’

• The bookcase murals that cover each fridge on both ends of the kitchen
• Seating configuration at the island -are we in a hibachi restaurant?
• Lack of counter space between the stove and the sink
• The kitchen is open to the hallway, but not open to other rooms

The Laundry Room – Or Lack Thereof

• No actual laundry ‘room’, but rather a walk through laundry area between the kitchen and the pathway to the garage & side door
• No rod nor a dedicated area to hang delicate items to dry
• Not enough space to place a laundry basket AND fold your laundry at the same time
• Second floor laundry is in an awkward location, at top of the stairs in the middle of the main hallway (see below, second image)
• With the ‘all in one washer & dryer’, the linen closet doesn’t leave much room for linens, pillows, or duvets

Custom Vanities Fall Short

I absolutely appreciate that these two vanities were likely built to look like furniture – and there is no denying they are absolutely GORGEOUS!

But why not have them custom-built wall to wall?  The gaps between the walls on either side are not practical & you run the risk of having toiletries that will inevitably be placed here, likely falling to the floor.

These ‘gaps’ also become a dust trap, especially with the area underneath being open.  I mean, can you imagine how many dust bunnies would be playing under there at any given time? Hopefully, the eventual owners will be able to employ a daily cleaner.

A Basement Fit for a….a…..Spinning instructor and Masseuse

Most families I know, including my own, love to spend time playing board games, cards, darts or watching movies. Often, these activities take place in the basement -especially for us since we live in a small 3 bedroom bungalow.

Having designed a 3000 square foot basement for a past client project of which their wish list included: a movie theatre, concessions area, a 400 square foot gym, a sauna, designated space to play poker and pool, PLUS a Secret Xbox room, I’m fully aware of what a daunting and detailed task designing the basement layout for the Princess Margaret Lottery Home could be.

I also understand that every year there is added pressure to come up with a design that has an incredible ‘Wow’ factor. Last year the home had this 2 lane bowling alley. Now that was fun!

This year it was all about wellness, with a Spinning room and large spa area.  There is no denying that the space is absolutely worthy of a jaw drop when you first enter but is it the best use of space for a family basement?

In my opinion, no.  Here’s a summary of what I felt  the basement was lacking:

• A games area with storage -where is all the storage for board games, video games, DVD’s?
• The TV/Movie space was small with seating arranged in a way that did not look like everyone could adequately and easily view the TV
• A wet bar…there is no bar! Nowhere to make popcorn, no mini fridge to grab a pop. Must I walk all the way upstairs to get the wine?
• Privacy in the open tub, sauna and shower area.

Alright, so there you have it.  I told you what I thought and now it’s your turn!  Comment below to let me know what you think about this Lottery Showhome?

Regardless of whether you feel the same as me, the event the Princess Margaret Lottery Home stands for is worthy of support.

Go get your tickets here now.   Good luck!

Psst! Love Colour? Take my new colour quiz to determine which colour palette suits you best!

Convenience at your fingertips

Remember, it only takes one mistake to take your home decorating project from divine to disaster. Don’t let the paint be what stresses you out!

Choosing Paint Colours

If you struggle with choosing paint colours, be sure to check out my Perfect Colour Palettes.

I now have 40 individual guides to help inspire you.

Collections

I also offer collections that showcase a group of 10 similar colours from Benjamin Moore,

Farrow & Ball

and my newest addition, Sherwin Williams.