“People love the Libero,” confirms Karen MacPhee, professional sales representative at Mosaic New Brighton. “They especially like the illusion of more space that’s created by the high ceilings and open-spindled railings.”

Though the home measures 1,224-square-feet, it feels much larger, thanks to the split-level plan that offers an eye line from the front door to the back of the second-level kitchen, through the open-spindle railing at the edge of the open-to-below dining room.

Contrasting tones of deep grey and soft taupe are punctuated by accents of crimson, giving the home a sophisticated and youthful look.

The great room with its high ceiling and oversized windows greets visitors at the entrance, and from here steps lead up to the kitchen and dining room. Charcoal ceramic tiles throughout the first and second level are chic and lend the home a touch of stateliness, and in the kitchen, the floors and similarly-coloured countertops and tile backsplash are complemented perfectly by high-gloss maple cabinets.

Unique features in the kitchen of the Libero include a small built-in desk that flows seamlessly with the room and creates a space in which to be productive, a distinctive raised eating bar and feature cabinets along the back wall with one cabinet of unique bubbled glass. The same uninterrupted eye line as from the front door is available from the prep space of the kitchen, with a clear view of the dining room, upper and lower stairs, and great room allowing whoever is in the kitchen to keep up with the action in the rest of the home.

MacPhee explains buyers of the plan tend to choose upgrades and finishes seen in the show suite, replicating the openness and style, especially of its flooring and open-spindle railings.

The second floor of the show home showcases the dual-master plan. The main hallway area immediately makes an impression with a deep red accent wall, feature shelving above convenient storage space and an open-to-below view of the U-shaped stairway. The first master bedroom in the show home is the owners’ retreat, with a large walk-in closet and an upgraded ensuite offering comfort away from the stresses of daily life.

Across the hall, the second master bedroom has been decorated as a nursery, with modern but whimsical touches matching the décor of the rest of the home. Here, funky features such as a steel serving cart-cum-change table guarantee this tot will be bursting with style by the time he can talk. The bedroom includes a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom.

Second-floor plans are also available in three-bedroom layouts, while the main floor plan is available with the kitchen at the front of the second level rather than the back.

“We get really good feedback from all our show home parades,” says Rachelle Norris, marketing manager with Heartland and Hawthorne Homes, alluding to another prize the company took home from the 2006 SAM Awards—Best New Show Home ($250,999 to $299,999) in the new home category for Heartland’s Addison show home in Auburn Bay. “There is so much time, and effort, and talent put into the interior design and layout—the feedback we get is that they’re spectacular.”

Prices on the Libero start in the mid-$300,000s. CL

The Mosaic of New Brighton show home parade is located at 3019 New Brighton Gardens S.E., and is open from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, weekends and holidays.
Visit http://www.hawthorne-homes.com for more information.