Go behind the scenes of making a model home, starring principal Dominic De Freitas of design firm figure3.

Watch the teaser for a sneak peek into the four beautifully furnished Empire model homes featured in this series.

Follow the journey behind the design as Empire Communities partners with designer Dominic De Freitas of renowned design firm figure3 to bring our vision of home to life at the Legacy community in Thorold, Ontario. In episode one, see how Dominic created four distinct model homes that speak to couples and families at different stages in their lives.

For most new homebuyers, selecting finishes for a newly built home is one of the most daunting tasks of the process. In episode two of Empire Communities’ Love Design, Live Empire series, designer Dominic De Freitas and the team at figure3 show what buyers can achieve using finishes from Empire’s Decor Centre. Plus, see the design decisions behind Empire’s Industrial Ranch model at our Legacy community in Thorold.

From bold finishes to decorative accents and everything else in between, a remarkably staged home is what allows prospective buyers to truly envision themselves living somewhere new. See Empire’s Industrial Ranch model come to life in episode three, and hear what Dominic has to say about the complexities of putting a model home together with the buyer in mind.

One of the most gratifying moments in the home buying journey is the feeling of walking through your new home for the very first time. In the fourth and final episode of Love Design, Live Empire season two, Empire Legacy homeowners get an exclusive first look at the Modern Scandi, Shabby Chic, Manor Estate and Industrial Ranch model homes in Thorold.

Shabby Chic furniture and accessories appear aged and have a sense of history about them with visible signs of wear. The overall feel is soft and opulent, with a cottage-style decor that is warm and approachable.

Characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality, Modern Scandi is expressed through strong colour blocking and bold palettes. Made from natural and unfinished materials, furniture and accessories often have clean lines and incorporate geometric patterns.

The industrial aesthetic takes cues from old factories and incorporates elements like weathered woods, exposed brick, industrial lighting and raw materials. The colour palette is commonly rooted in earth tones – a mix of muted greys, neutrals and rustic colours.

A contemporary blend of traditional and modern styles, the Manor Estate is a transitional home that expresses traditional architectural elements and furniture in clean lines and modern finishes.

Colour palettes are typically neutral and subtle and may be monochromatic, with colour in art and accents, not upholstery and floors.

As a newly named principal of renowned design firm figure3, Dominic De Freitas is taking the design world by storm. Having joined the figure3 team more than five years ago, Dominic has proven his tenacity and flexed his creative muscle for a myriad of high-profile projects and clients.

After recently completing four distinct model homes at our Legacy community in Thorold along with his award-winning team, we asked the distinguished designer to share his vision for bringing Empire’s model homes to life.