The following article appeared in Ottawa At Home on November 23, 2017. It should be noted that tickets for the 2017 Minto Dream Home are now SOLD OUT. However, you can still explore the “Red Maple” thanks to the online 3D Space Tour.
Ottawa At Home Magazine
Chloe E. Girvan, November 23, 2017
Designing a dream
The CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery is celebrating its 27th year with tickets to win luxurious prizes, including the million-dollar-plus Minto Dream Home in Manotick. The magnificent Red Maple model in the Mahogany community has been designed to reflect Canada’s rich heritage, in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.
The lead designers of the Dream Home for over 20 years, Donna Correy and Tracey Woodman of the KISS Design Group, brought on designers Sarah Kidder and Krista Jadowski for this year’s home. They were both delighted at the opportunity to work on the team, and as mothers were also grateful for all that CHEO does for the medical needs of children and their families.
Boasting 5,392 square feet of space with high ceilings and large windows, the Dream Home is both modern and rustic. Original pieces of Canadian art transform walls into galleries, and floors of reclaimed wood pulled from the Ottawa River by Logs End ground the house with authenticity.
A neutral paint palette provides a perfect backdrop for layers of textured materials and fabrics, such as metal, faux fur, leather and wood. The famous red, blue, yellow and green hues of a Hudson Bay blanket add iconic Canadian colour, and every light fixture was chosen by the designers to tell a national story of rustic life, industrial revolution, invention and hard work. Several unique fireplaces provide an extra dose of warmth.
The use of stylish wallpaper makes an on-trend impact, especially as a black and white cityscape map on the ceiling of the main-floor powder room, and to replicate agate gemstone in the master suite. Bathroom trends of black metal fixtures and sealed live-edge wood countertops make for an upscale look, durable enough for family life.
Just beyond an elegant dining area, an expansive gourmet kitchen and family room are waiting to impress. A bright yellow Bertazzoni range has a starring role along with an upholstered banquette, neatly tucked into the angle of a Dekton countertop island. It creates proximity to the family chef and anchors the large open area.
Stairs leading from the main floor pause at an unexpected great room, located on a sunny landing, where laser-printed birch trees and organic treasures mix with traditional furnishings. One floor above, a moody study inspires respite or creativity with the added drama of brick-shaped tile, wooden shutters and painted barn doors.
Next door, a playful two-level loft pays tribute to the Canadian West featuring a hand-painted mural of shadowy mountains, red-textured bedframes and a hidden clubhouse. A nearby urban-themed bedroom features bright, graffiti-patterned bedding and a transparent hanging chair. In the glamorous master suite, rustic beams, plush bedding and a stunning light fixture of bronze twigs blend in a “romantic upscale lodge” style.
Despite the generous size of the Red Maple, the designers achieved a cohesive feel by quietly repeating geometrical shapes and patterns in carpet, tile and window treatments. They were pleased to report happy exclamations from more than 4,000 awed visitors on the opening weekend of the Dream Home. With the belief that good design and art should create emotion, they also wanted to allow every visitor to picture themselves living in the home.
With high hopes of a sellout, Dan Champagne, VP of Development and Corporate Relations at the CHEO Foundation explained what the proceeds of ticket sales can do.
“The Minto Dream Home plays a massive role in making CHEO’s Dream of a Lifetime Lottery such a huge success. Funds from the lottery make a difference in all areas of the hospital, from purchasing specialized medical equipment, to funding programs that help children and youth better deal with their medical challenges while in hospital.”
He adds, “During the time I get to spend talking to visitors at the Minto Dream home, I hear countless stories of how CHEO has made a difference in people’s lives. This speaks to the commitment our community has for CHEO, and we are so thankful that so many choose to make a difference in the lives of children and youth by purchasing a CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery ticket.”
The Red Maple is located at 585 Chriscraft Way, in Manotick. Tickets are available at 613- 722-KIDS (5437) or 1-877-562-5437, or online at dreamofalifetime.ca.
