Beautifully crafted stained glass dome The Bridle Path

stained glass dome ceiling for a double-height grand entrance foyer of custom built luxury estate in Toronto 37 Bridle Path — Intricately cut stained glass dome for a grand entrance foyer of a luxury residence in Toronto

The beginning

Gorgeous stained glass dome The Bridle Path is one of the best-known projects in our portfolio. To begin with, this complex large glass ceiling was developed many years ago and defined my professional path development for a long period of time.

Naturally, I gravitate toward contemporary and minimalistic style in my creative glass work. In 2011 a colleague from Russia challenged me to develop a glass project in classical style. At the same time, I was approached by a client that expressed an interest to get a replica of the Palm Court ceiling at the Hotel Plaza in New York for the newly built luxury real estate in Toronto.

Inspiration

Historical stained and leaded glass ceiling at the Plaza Hotel in New York — Historical leaded glass skylight ceiling at the Hotel Plaza in New York depicting the original skylight installed in 1907

Certainly, ... that was a perfect opportunity for me to try something new and I accepted the challenge. After conductiong research about this project, I developed The Bridle Path - a contemporary stained glass dome inspired by a classic stained glass dome ceiling at The Plaza Hotel in New York. My goal was to keep some structural and design similarities with the historical original skylight. And, at the same time, to create an absolutely unique, elegant and beautiful stained glass dome that would reflect the modern style living of the house residents.

To be honest, I really love the design and glass selection of the original leaded glass ceiling lay-light that was installed in 1907. However, I like less the latest replica of the glass-domed lay-light installed in 2007.

The glass dome

Large stained leaded glass dome skylight ceiling with clear glass and crystal accent jewels in classic traditional style for a custom built luxury residence — Large stained glass dome skylight with clear textured glass and colored crystal accent jewels in traditional style for a custom built luxury residence

The Bridle Path stained glass dome was installed in 2012 and we got many compliments about this decorative glass dome. After that, a few years later I learned that the house was sold for the record price by Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Large leaded glass dome ceiling The Bridle Path for a foyer of luxurious custom built residence in Toronto. Original glass dome design by glass artist Victoria Balva. Interior design white marble — Large leaded glass dome ceiling The Bridle Path for a double height grand entrance foyer of a luxurious custom built residence in Toronto. Image credit
*Sotheby's* International *Realty Canada*

In press

As a result of this sale, National Post featured this luxurious house in the story with our stained glass dome described as: " a crowning glory: a stunning domed leaded-glass skylight that would be a highlight in a luxury Belle Epoque estate ". As an artist, I was very pleased that our glass dome was mentioned in the first paragraph of the story

Moreover, this beautiful large stained glass dome was featured by The Wall Street Journal in the story "Skylight Designs Lighten Up" by Nancy Matsumoto.

Stained glass dome The Bridle Path was featured by The Wall Street Journal in the real estate section — Stained glass dome by Victoria Balva was featured by the Wall Street Journal

The stained glass dome has its own life

Each glass dome is like a loved presiouse child. Every single project evolves from the idea to installation and I am very happy to learn that this gorgeous glass dome has its own successful and happy life...

In addition, one of the best interior designers in Canada Elizabeth Metcalfe transformed the interior of the house into the stunning experience of beauty and functionality for new owners featuring our glass dome in her story as " the beautifully hand-crafted glass dome "

Spectacular interior design by Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors for grand entrance foyer of luxury custom built residence in Toronto — Spectacular interior design by Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors for the grand reception hall of a luxury custom built residence in Toronto. Image credit Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors

Above all, I was touched by the unexpected view of the stained glass dome reflected on a tabletop beside the chair. The composition of this image is so contemporary and surrealistic. I loved it!

Stained glass dome reflected on tabletop beside the chair. Interior design by Elizabeth Metcalfe — The stained glass dome reflected on a tabletop beside the chair .
Image credit Elizabeth Metcalfe

Afternoon sun dropping prisms of light from a stained glass domed ceiling in Toronto home. Interior design by Elizabeth Metcalfe — Afternoon sun dropping prisms of light from a domed ceiling in a Toronto home. It's so pretty to see the walls and floor covered in a shower of colour! Image credit Elizabeth Metcalfe

Surprisingly, you can rent this luxurious mansion for a night on Airbnb. In the past, there were weddings happened in the mansion. I am so proud to be a part of the project that influenced so many lifes!

As of now, many of my clients desire mainly this type of work and it is difficult to move forward locked in some old projects. As a result, I am imprisoned in the boundaries of my own work. I believe the best projects are still ahead and we are working hard to develop and introduce glass that would take the breath away in 21 century.