A brand-new presentation centre for The Residences at The Ritz Carlton has opened at 174 Front Street West in Toronto. this exceptional showcase includes an ultra-luxurious model suite. Both the sales environment and luxrious model suite were designed by award-winning Munge Leung Design Associates.
“There is a real New York feel to the surroundings, which is perfect for international high-end buyers looking for sophistication and timelessness in design,” says Alessandro Munge. “In keeping with The Ritz Carlton’s evolving presentation of luxury, we took a fresh approach to casual elegance. The building is an architectural gem on the outside, making a dramatic statement on the skyline, while the inside is truly residential, offering the warmth and comfort of home. At first glance the lines are simple, but the design incorporates tone-on-tone layering and textures on many levels. Buyers here are sophisticated and discerning; as soon as people walk in, they appreciate the exceptional quality of the features and finishes.”
The model suite encompasses 2,300 of the 5,700 square feet in the presentation centre.
A dramatic rotunda foyer introduces what Munge calls the “wow space”: the elliptical-shaped portal to the model suite. The rotunda walls feature a macassar ebony wood veneer, and the entry is flanked with fabric panels in a chocolate brown velvet that look like stone, fronted by striking green sculptural glass pieces on podiums. “It’s interesting,” Munge says. “People walk up and touch the walls expecting them to be hard. The flooring is a combination of marbles and travertine – classic materials incorporated in a contemporary pattern.”
The entry into the suite features black Italian granite flooring for a quiet transition. “At this point, the walls and artwork become the story,” Munge says. “We incorporated artwork by up-and-coming Canadian artists that will eventually be displayed in the hotel. We used the pieces in such a way that make the suite look lived in.”
In the living room and dining rooms, the walnut hardwood flooring is laid in a herringbone pattern. “We used a palette of earthy colours with subtle overtones of soft wines, pinks and chocolate browns,” says Munge. “The furnishings are deeper in colour, and the contrast is softened by layers of textures. In the dining and living rooms, wenge-coloured wood creates frames around the windows to accentuate the amazing views residents will have.”
One of the model’s most striking features is the two-sided fireplace between the living room and den. Says Munge “On the den side, we faced the wall with rich millwork in a dark wenge wood; above the fireplace we added stitched leather panels that frame the television.”
In the gourmet kitchen, the flooring is woven marble tiles that look like carpeting. “It has an intricate yet simple effect,” Munge says, “similar to the sculpted carpet on the hardwood floor in the master bedroom. In that room, we customized the layered and upholstered padded headboard, which is in front of a silk-covered backdrop in greys and taupes with subtle burgundy striping. The ensuite’s glass shower and frosted glass around the water closet are beautiful details in that sumptuous space.”
Among the artwork in the presentation centre is an amber-coloured sculpture on the ceiling by local glassblower Jeff Goodman. “At night, it provides an amber glow to the outside,” says Munge, “and reflects the warmth of the space.”
Construction is so far along on the iconic building that topping-off is slated to occur before the end of the year.