At home with the Adams Family

22 June 2010 No Comments

Derrick and Judith Adams at home

BY: Andrew Miller

The beauty that I see at work, I also want to bring home,” says Judith Adams.

Husband and wife fashionistas Derrick and Judith Adams have been staples on Toronto’s high-end fashion front for years. Between the two, they’ve worked for exclusive retailers like Hermes, Chanel and Holt Renfrew – and the influence of high-end style is apparent in their home.

“We’re just a couple that likes a great mix,” says Judith. “We like to bring warmth into our home, with a little bit of art, mixed with creativity, all connected through classic lines.”

Their home abounds with stylish splendour. Calming yellow walls and hardwood floors create a peaceful and welcoming vibe that blends into the rest of the house.

“The hardwood floors remind me of childhood memories growing up in my grandmother’s house in Jamaica,” says Judith. “We try to keep that tropical element consistent by having fresh-cut flowers and lots of natural light coming through.”

The family of four, which includes Judith’s two children, Stephan and Kelsey, live among vintage furniture. It’s a bird’s- eye maple dining-room table that provides a focal point in a space surrounded with vibrant art painted by artist

Bird's- eye maple dining-room table

Rowena Leacock. A crystal chandelier is just another detail to deepen the elements of design.

“We wanted the walls to pop, so we went with bright, primary colors and abstract, non-traditional pieces of art that showcase the side of our personalities that is a bit more outgoing and vagarious.”

No stranger to the kitchen, Derrick prepares most of the meals in the household. “I’m one of those guys who loves to be in the kitchen; it relaxes me,” he says. “I like to get creative; I never go by the book, so my recipes change.”

The open-concept kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room, making it the perfect set-up for large family gatherings and entertaining. “Part of the inspiration for renovating this house was for Judith and I to have family over. We both have very large families and we love having them over. We always celebrate with them so this opens up the place for

The light-filled living room

lounging, socializing, family movie nights, a place we can just relax, have a conversation and just enjoy each other’s company.”

While he’s in their gourmet kitchen, you’re likely to find Judith in the garden tending to her many different plant varieties. The shade provided by mature 200-year-old trees mixed with new lilac and Japanese maples, creates the perfect escape from the summer heat. Hydrangea in a variety of colours make the backyard a gorgeous getaway after a hard day at the office. Comfortable outdoor furniture adds even more splashes of colour to their little Eden in the city.

“While Derrick is inside the house cooking, I’m in the garden,” says Judith. “When dinner is almost ready, I cut the flowers and set the table.”

By far one of the most beautiful elements of the Adams’ home is the upstairs ensuite. Right out of the pages of Architectural Digest, this luxurious bathroom doubles as a spa for Judith and provides a great view of the backyard while relaxing in a Jacuzzi surrounded by giant candles.

“My bathroom is my oasis when I can’t get to the spa,” says Judith, “When you have two kids you’re always thinking

"My bathroom is my oasis when I can't get to the spa," says Judith

about them first; this way I can pamper myself while at home. It’s sort of a temporary escape without totally putting myself last.”

But though fashion plays a huge roll for these fashionistas, they were mindful about how they managed to merge fashion’s influences into their family home: “Fashion is important, but style is more important. For us, we buy what inspires us; that is style.”

Derrick adds: “If you buy what suits you then you won’t grow tired of it. Your staples should always represent who you are as a person.”