Each design project presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. Recently, a custom design was created for a 4,400-square-foot home in the heart of Toronto. The five-bedroom property, designed for a family of four, provided a blank canvas to explore creative possibilities while ensuring a functional and comfortable living environment.
The family’s vision was to create a sophisticated yet inviting interior. A cohesive approach to materials and a soothing color palette were employed to achieve a seamless flow throughout the home. Soft neutral tones, natural textures, and subtle accents contributed to an ambiance that balanced contemporary style with warmth.
The open design of the living and kitchen areas emphasizes a thoughtful balance of space and proportion, allowing each area to feel distinct yet connected. The transition between these spaces is marked by harmonious materials and finishes, ensuring a smooth flow.
The kitchen design focuses on both minimalism and practicality. Features include ample storage with full-height cabinetry, a concealed walk-in pantry with a second refrigerator, and panel-ready appliances. The focal wall, clad in millwork and accented with floating smoked-glass shelves, visually expands the space, while natural quartzite countertops, island, and backsplash with subtle book-matched veining provide a unifying element. A deep bevel stone profile and lacquered slab doors further elevate the modern aesthetic.
In the dining area, a wine wall serves as both a functional and visually striking feature. The millwork is understated yet elegant, showcasing the family’s curated wine collection while enhancing the room’s overall design.
The living spaces are designed to maximize light and views. The open-plan family room features a central fireplace, which serves as a focal point while maintaining unobstructed outdoor views. Large windows flood the space with natural light, further enhancing the atmosphere.
One of the key elements of the design is the custom millwork, which plays a significant role in defining the home’s character. In the principal bedroom, the headboard extends seamlessly into the millwork, integrating modern sconces for both ambient and task lighting. Inspired by the design of luxury hotel suites, this feature creates a serene retreat. Hidden within this design is a concealed makeup area, complete with integrated lighting to ensure optimal visibility without compromising the room’s aesthetic.
In the primary ensuite, the design blends elegance with functionality. A natural rift-cut oak vanity with a chunky stone countertop adds warmth, complemented by minimalist slab drawers with integrated pulls for additional storage. A custom wood-framed medicine cabinet enhances the space’s clean, clutter-free look. A floating stone bench in the shower, which conceals a linear drain, contributes to the seamless design, while a soft cove light in the shower casts a gentle glow down the wall. Warm porcelain tiles unify the space, and a freestanding tub placed in front of oversized windows invites natural light. Polished chrome accents and a double-sided linear fireplace shared with the principal bedroom add a touch of glamour and connectivity.
Each of the five bedrooms features its own ensuite, with carefully chosen materials and fixtures that reflect the cohesive aesthetic of the home while giving each bathroom its own distinct character. These private spaces mirror the attention to detail found in the communal areas, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout.
Designing a custom-built home requires a careful balance of the family’s desires and the architectural possibilities. Through thoughtful space planning and the strategic use of materials, the design achieved a harmonious flow that successfully balances form and function.
This project was not just about design; it was an opportunity to create a home that reflects the family’s lifestyle and aspirations. Every detail was considered with precision and creativity, resulting in a space that is personal, luxurious, and unique. OD