When one of Toronto’s top plastic surgeons wants to revamp his clinic, he calls on another type of transformation artist.
Byline: Lisa van de Geyn
You’ve seen Dr. Philip Solomon, Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon, practicing Facial Plastic Cosmetic Surgery in Toronto, in the pages of Living Luxe since our first issue debuted last year. Our resident expert in helping people change physically and emotionally through facial aesthetic surgeries, Dr. Solomon is a master of transformation. So it wasn’t surprising when he decided it was time to transform the look and feel of his clinic earlier this year. “We are always working to improve every aspect of the practice. Whether we are adding the latest technology and equipment in order to offer the best in facial plastics and skin rejuvenation to our patients, or renovating the clinic to enhance the patient experience, we want our patients to feel at ease and comfortable in a beautiful environment,” he says.
With the decision to renovate and remodel made, Dr. Solomon reached out to Nancy Saavedra, an interior designer and the cofounder and CEO of Vaughan, Ont.-based Art Boulle. “I had just purchased a second location, a boutique office in the Bloor/Yorkville area on Davenport Road in Toronto,” says Dr. Solomon. “Nancy and I met through a mutual friend. We were chatting about her line of work as a designer and I mentioned I was looking to replace the front door of my new property. She sent me samples of her work at Art Boulle and they were outstanding. Her designs are unique and majestic. I shared with her my goals and she designed a front door that is a showstopper. When it was time to renovate my Thornhill clinic, she was the first person I thought to call.” Saavedra, who lauds Dr. Solomon for his creativity and decisive nature, says she had a mandate from her client: “He wanted the space to be contemporary and wanted the staircase to be redesigned—it was curved and he wanted something with straight lines and a landing.” The staircase was certainly a must-have for Dr. Solomon. “We purchased this property 15 years ago in Old Thornhill and the building itself is about 30 years old. It had a more traditional look—a wooden staircase with carved wooden spindles. We wanted a more modern look with glass, marble and open stairs for a more airy, fresh feel. Nancy took that direction and ran with it, creating an entry to our clinic that is luxurious and warm with a wow factor,” he says.
The other wish-list items were a closet area to be designed to exhibit products, and a fireplace on the second floor to act as a focal point in the waiting area for patients. “I was inspired—I was looking to create a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance. I wanted to make the area feel larger, so we incorporated large slabs on the floor, white walls, a glass railing with stainless steel channels. I also chose Carrara marble treads with brass inlays. And I think it was the built-in cabinet for skincare products that really makes the space stand out,” says Saavedra.
When it comes down to it, Dr. Solomon says the process was seamless and the redesign couldn’t have come at a better time. “With COVID-19, we also had to redesign patient flow in the clinic. Our newly remodelled entrance made it easy. We now have a large, beautiful space for our patience to enter. We created a showcase for our skincare products opposite our open and brightly lit staircase and accent wall,” he says. “Our patients love it, our staff loves it and I am really enjoying the new look. It’s elegant without being overstated. It’s the facelift we needed.”
May 17th 2021