In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, Gabrielle sits down with interior designer Cynthia Ferguson. They discuss Cynthia’s unconventional journey into the world of interior design, her passion for color and maximalism, and her experiences working on diverse projects across Canada and beyond. Cynthia shares insights into her design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of personalization and the timelessness of classic design over fleeting trends. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating a cohesive design roadmap and the evolving nature of home aesthetics through different phases of life. Tune in to learn about Cynthia’s favorite spaces in her own home, her professional inspirations, and how she helps clients infuse their homes with unique character and joy.

The Penzo Team - @thepenzoteam⁠

Urban Blueprint - ⁠@urban_blueprint⁠

Homekin - ⁠@thehomekin

Cynthia Ferguson Designs - @cynthiafergusondesigns

00:00 Intro

02:02 Cynthia's Journey into Interior Design

05:07 Embracing Color and Maximalism

11:57 Client Relationships and Project Evolution

17:38 Design Inspiration and Trends

32:52 Global Clientele and Remote Projects

35:43 Cynthia's Favorite Spaces

Join host Natasha Penzo on this episode of Beyond Four Walls as she explores luxury table settings and home experiences with Amy Burstyn Fritz, co-founder of Burstyn Inc. and the visionary behind Misette. Amy shares her journey from launching Misette during COVID-19 as a passion project with her sister to its evolution into a renowned luxury tableware line.

Discover Amy's connections to Toronto's arts scene, her fundraising efforts, and her contributions to literary events. Learn about the intricate process of creating Misette and its recognition by top retailers and publications.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that covers everything from table etiquette to everyday home experiences.

00:00 Intro

02:55 The Birth of Misette

05:36 Challenges and Successes

10:38 Expanding Misette

11:53 Design Philosophy and Inspiration

21:48 Table Etiquette and Personal Touch

25:50 Future Plans and Dream Guests

Join Debbie as she delves into the intricacies of the mortgage industry with Jason Cristiani, a seasoned mortgage broker from ClearTrust, on Beyond Four Walls. Discover Jason's unique journey from advertising to mortgages amid the challenges of COVID-19, as they explore the concept of 'marrying the house, dating the rate,' and speculate on the future of interest rates.

Gain valuable insights as Jason offers expert advice on navigating the choice between fixed and variable rates, tailoring solutions for high-net-worth clients, and exploring alternative lending options amidst increasing property taxes in Toronto. For first-time home buyers, learn about practical strategies, navigating mortgage renewals in today's market, and addressing the financial adjustments necessary for young individuals aspiring to own a home.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Four Walls

03:43 Advice for Homebuyers: Fixed vs. Variable Rates

05:19 First-Time Homebuyer Tips

08:50 Impact of Increased Property Taxes in Toronto

13:46 Guidance for Young and First-Time Buyers

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, Natasha Penzo interviews Chris Kapches, the CEO and President of Chestnut Park Real Estate. Chris shares his extensive journey in the real estate industry, his experience with market changes, and the significant growth of Chestnut Park. He discusses the evolving real estate market dynamics in Toronto and surrounding areas, the impact of COVID-19, and offers insightful advice for buyers, sellers, and new agents. Chris also highlights the importance of professionalism and the emerging role of AI technology in the real estate industry.

The Penzo Team - @thepenzoteam⁠

Urban Blueprint - ⁠@urban_blueprint⁠

Natasha Penzo - ⁠@natpenzo

Chestnut Park - @chestnutparkhomes⁠

00:00 Intro

03:23 The Evolution of Chestnut Park

06:05 Changes in the Real Estate Industry08:11 Market Predictions and Advice

11:10 Impact of COVID on Real Estate

13:43 Advice for New Agents

19:32 Future of Real Estate and AI

Join Natasha as she chats with Rachel Garbutt and Amanda Riva, the dynamic sisters and entrepreneurs behind Dotti, as they unveil the innovative journey of reshaping the cleaning product industry on Beyond Four Walls. Discover the genesis of Dotti, born from their quest for aesthetically pleasing and functional cleaning tools during home renovations, and their bold launch amidst the challenges of the pandemic.

Through a design-centric approach, Dotti products aim to foster happier, cleaner homes and environments, a vision supported by the sisters’ philanthropic endeavours with CAMH. Uncover Dotti's exciting plans for product expansion and distribution growth, fueled by invaluable consumer feedback. 

Through personal anecdotes and reflections on family life, Rachel and Amanda share how Dotti reshapes perceptions of home care and mental well-being in today's evolving landscape.

00:00 Introduction

03:23 Philosophy of Dotti

06:47 The Unique Name: Dottie

10:38 Product Expansion and Consumer Feedback

14:41 Personal Reflections on Home

17:34 Family and Upbringing

19:38 The Importance of Chores for Kids

27:57 Future Vision for Dottie

Join Natasha in an intimate conversation with her mother, Debbie Penzo, as they explore Debbie's rich and varied career journey on Beyond Four Walls. From her beginnings in fashion buying after graduating from Ryerson University to her seamless transition into real estate to balance career and family, Debbie's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and profound personal growth.

In this conversation, Debbie shares her serendipitous encounter with her husband, and their joint decision to embark on a new path in real estate, her passion for design and client satisfaction in real estate, a deeply personal journey, including her battle with breast cancer at the age of 60. 

This episode is a conversation that explores the importance of family values in business, the joys of vibrant community living in areas like Summerhill, and their family's transition to a more urban lifestyle.

The Penzo Team - @thepenzoteam⁠

Urban Blueprint - ⁠@urban_blueprint⁠

Natasha Penzo - ⁠@natpenzo⁠

Debbie Penzo - ⁠@debbiepenzo⁠

Join Natasha as she sits down with Allison Willson, the founder of Allison Willson Design, as they chat about her journey from her early days alongside Sarah Richardson to the start of her esteemed design firm on this episode of Beyond Four Walls. 

Allison unravels her distinct philosophy on interior design, centred on crafting personalized and soulful spaces that seamlessly blend the occupants' style with timeless elegance. Dive into her passion for antiques, meticulous design process, and the profound influence of family and lifestyle on her work.

In this chat, Natasha and Allison discuss the delicate balance between creative expression and the practicalities of daily living as Allison shares her belief that homes should not only reflect individual stories but also, elevate the quality of life for those within.

@allisonwillson

@thepenzoteam

@urban_blueprint

On this episode of Beyond Four Walls, host Gabrielle Chapman sits down with Urban Blueprint co-founders Natasha and Luca Penzo, as they unveil the story of their entrepreneurial venture. 

From humble beginnings in Natasha's basement in their 20s, armed with a blend of business acumen and construction expertise, they navigate the intricacies of the real estate landscape amidst the backdrop of COVID-19 and a shifting market.

Natasha and Luca open up about their familial influences, grappling with personal challenges like their mother's battle with breast cancer, and the exponential growth of Urban Blueprint over nine transformative years. Delve into their vision for the future of housing in Toronto, from innovative laneway and garden suites to a diverse portfolio spanning condos to bespoke builds, underscored by their unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving design and build industry.

Join us as we explore the intersection of home, family, and the human experience, as Natasha and Luca share insights that transcend mere bricks and mortar, revealing the profound impact of the spaces we inhabit on our lives.

Join hosts Natasha and Luca Penzo on Beyond Four Walls as they uncover the inspiring journey of Sylvia Benchimol and Daniel Sultan, the powerhouse duo behind Stonetile. Sylvia, the trailblazing founder, shares her rise to prominence in the tile, hardwood flooring, and countertop industry, driven by unwavering passion and a commitment to unparalleled quality.

Stonetile @stonetileint

The Penzo team @thepenzoteam

Urban Blueprint @urban_blueprint

From the real estate, interior design, & design + build experts at The Penzo Team comes a podcast that covers all things home! For our team, a home is so much more than the sum of its four walls- it goes beyond! A home is our sanctuary, a place to create memories, build routines and shape our futures. Through a series of captivating conversations with guests who are industry experts in their fields, we discuss their lives, passions and their most personal and intimate spaces- their homes! Welcome to Beyond Four Walls, where we explore the soul of living spaces and celebrate the essence of what makes a house a true home.