Wish Home Design Director Suzanne Dimma and her fiancé, architect Arriz Hassam, merge their diverse tastes to create a stylish and relaxing home retreat
Photography by Rob Fiocca
First published in Wish October 2008
Marriage of Styles
Suzanne Dimma and Arriz Hassam are the dynamic duo of Canadian design. Together, they've raised the bar on eclectic decor. Their home is a rare peek inside their lives – the melding of two styles in perfect harmony.
Suzanne bought the wider-than-most, red-brick Victorian on a quiet corner five years ago. Naturally, it didn't stand up to her decor standards, but she saw its potential. "It had a beautiful sense of grandeur without being over the top," says Suzanne. Twelve-foot ceilings, a massive living room with original mouldings and a huge front window sealed the deal.
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Dynamic Duo
Suzanne is an award-winning decorator and host of her own show, The Style Dept. For the past four years, she has been Wish's own Home Design Director – and now, she is about to embark on her newest career challenge: editor-in-chief of Canadian House & Home.
Arriz is partner in the design firm 3rd Uncle. When he and Suzanne started dating, they tapped into each other's strengths on the reno. It set the stage for more joint projects and reinforced their mutual respect. "When we collaborate, we focus on different aspects," says Arriz, whose tastes were (and remain) decidedly more modern than Suzanne's. "We give each other room to play with ideas and exercise our individual strengths."
Tip: Paint walls white to highlight high ceilings and stain light floors dark to make a room feel spacious. Add colour with pillows, throws and accessories.
Mix Old And New
Throughout the reno, the eco-minded duo found clever ways to repurpose old materials and cut costs without sacrificing style. In the kitchen, for example, they kept the existing lower cabinets and moved the upper cabinets to the laundry room downstairs. To make the kitchen work, they then added modern shelving at eye level and a striking marble-wrapped island in the centre.
The island, designed by Arriz, is command-post central, where the couple spends most of their time lounging, working and sometimes entertaining. "I don't entertain a lot, but I'm ready to start," says Suzanne.
Tip: Punch openings in walls and remove unused doors to let light flow. Update cabinetry with new appliances, countertops and a sleek island.
Let The Light In
"We wanted to create an open space, while still respecting the original structure," says Suzanne. The couple made room for new windows to let in more light. "The most important quality in a home is a sense of fluidity and being able to feel a breeze," says Suzanne. "We used very simple double-hung windows that open at the top and bottom, but framed them with a custom trim that also works as a shelf. Arriz came up with that detail and it's brilliant! They aren't expensive windows, but they feel really high-end and unique."
Tip: Colour block a feature wall in a deep hue to set an intimate mood that's perfect for entertaining. Skip the chandelier and pair pot lights with a sculptural standing lamp.
Treasure Trove
"Arriz finds as much inspiration in markets and alleyways as he does in showrooms and studios," says Suzanne. "I think of him as an artisan of space. He sees space like a 3D model and carves into it."
"Suzanne immerses herself in design and is always excited to show me projects she finds beautiful and inspiring," says Arriz. She's also famous for collecting things like old ticket stubs, journals, postcards, boxes, shells, stones, vintage rulers and Day of the Dead figurines. "She isn't afraid to mix it up," says Arriz.
Tip: When you're planning the layout of your home, include spots to display your favourite things and the treasures that inspire you. Max out on storage by adding floor-to-ceiling closets.
Vintage Feel
"Suzanne doesn't stick to any particular look and likes to mix things in new ways," says Arriz. "Her style is expressed more from how she assembles things, but there's always a sense of harmony and balance."
Tip: Wrap a small bathroom in floor-to-ceiling tiles for a spa effect. Look for one-of-a-kind vintage sinks and tubs at junk stores or yard sales.
Changing It Up
The true genius of the home is the decor, which has Suzanne written all over it. "She has a rare talent for creating a rich experience in a room by layering furniture, fabrics, finishes and accessories," says Arriz. Well-planned contrast is visible throughout. "I don’t go for the monochromatic scheme," says Suzanne. I’m always looking for ways to create tension between things. I like it when you hit a bump and stop to think, 'Isn’t that interesting?'"