Is it a house, or is it an art gallery? They built their home to be both

Lou Ruffolo and his wife Nadia love art so much, they designed themselves a home that’s pretty much an art gallery. “Not only is our ..

. home full of art that we have collected over the years, but our basement is truly an art gallery and was built for that purpose,” says Lou. “The basement is our museum, with paintings and sculptures throughout.



We’re able to enjoy it while in our sitting area listening to music on our stereo. It’s an amazing spot to take it all in.” Ruffolo, an art dealer with a sizable collection of Canadian art, worked closely with Frank DiSarra, of FrankFranco Architects to design the dramatic 3,500-square-foot home in Kleinberg, Ont.

, just down the street from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (gallery). Ruffolo’s daughter, Sara, is an architect with the firm. “Having her there made it easier for us, since she already knows our design needs and interests and she was able to be very intuitive to our requirements,” he says.

Art is displayed through the main floor of the home, but it’s the lower level that showcases most of the family’s collection. The lower gallery relies on artificial lighting, while the upper floor, with its glazed windows in the front and rear, provide ample moving natural light. The project posed a challenge for architect Frank DiSarra: “The needs of the art-viewing are very different than the requirements for a home, and, at times, can conflict if (you’re) not planning space-specific use.

In addition to the physical needs of the specific works, it is also important to acknowledge that Lou is also an art dealer so the space needs to accommodate a changing and evolving collection.” DiSarra says they took some inspiration from the McMichael Gallery as it is set in a forested setting and is built in a traditional log-like structure. “The home draws on the warmth of this and balances the space for gallery viewing with the living needs of the client and the family.

” Ruffolo says the family doesn’t have a favourite room. “What really resonates with us and our guests is the feeling the house leaves with you. There is a great sense of peace in this home, which makes it very inviting and welcoming.

Art has been part of our lives for over 30 years. We can’t imagine being in a home without art on the wall or showcased throughout our home. It provides us with inspiration and creativity.

“It makes us happy.”.