Clients that are merging two families together and have lived in High Park for many years drove this project to expand this house to accommodate six adults each with their own individual space. The design accommodates the adults who live part time at the house and also ensures the house is comfortable when only the couple is at home. A new two storey rear addition and a third storey adds an additional 800 square feet to this existing house. The new open plan offers places for large gatherings in the kitchen and individual spaces for reading in the den. New large windows in the rear offer views to the garden and provides plenty of light into the house. The new third floor bedroom provides views of the mature trees and sky and a desired private retreat. The project’s success lies in a house that still retains its original character and charm while providing appropriately scaled additions and detailing.

Size: 1970 sq. ft.

Photography by: Valerie Wilcox

This project is a new house located in the Leaside neighbourhood. The clients are a couple who are downsizing and want a house that feels both large, reminiscent of their previous home and comfortable for their next stage of life. The design includes 10’ high ceilings on the two floors, large windows and an open plan which makes the house feel bigger. Hand hew wood beams, multiple fireplaces and an earth tone palette conveys a sens of warmth for these new homeowners.

Size: 2600 sf (two floors)

Photography by: Valerie Wilcox

The client was ready to downsize and found a new home in one of the finest co-ops in Rosedale. The unit is situated amongst acres of landscaped grounds which offer the suites stunning ravine views and plenty of sunlight. The unit was 1400 sq. ft and needed a refresh of both the kitchen and the ensuite. The owner’s current furniture and paintings were itemized and measured so that prior to moving the client had a clear idea of how her furniture would be located in the new unit. The new ensuite has a walk-in shower, plenty of storage space and styled in a classic black and white colour scheme with a bold punch of pattern on the floor. The Kitchen layout is reorganized so that the owner can enjoy more views of the landscaped setting and have more light in the rather dark existing kitchen. A rich colour countertop and tiled backsplash gives this small kitchen a big presence.
Size: 1400 sq. ft.
Photography by: Stephanie Buchman

Interior renovations to this 2 storey Lawrence Park Home focused on a new kitchen, ensuite and new staircase. The client had been living in the home for years and their tastes had changed from traditional to a more modern aesthetic. The white and black palette of the kitchen is a great backdrop to the colourful furnishings and artwork in the house and the modern sleek cabinets with upper glazed doors adds a modern edge to the traditional home. The ensuite replaces the 70’s sunken tub with a modern walk-in shower and soaker tub.
Size: 2300 sq. ft.

This project is the kitchen in my home and I had the opportunity to custom design this space which would be used by three cooks and one baker in the house. The design of the kitchen incorporates a sitting area, plenty of useable storage,additional counter space and stay within the footprint of the existing kitchen. We wanted to a white modern kitchen – while staying bright and airy but also included wood to add warmth to the space. The wood is used on all the upper cupboards and also as a feature box in the taller white cabinets. A new pantry is installed into the load bearing wall adding easy access to everyday dishes and cutlery. The banquette sits two people but can accommodate more when entertaining. Flat slab doors with simple pulls adds to the contemporary feel of the kitchen. White quartz countertop is used to balance the wood

This historical house was originally built in 1890, had beautiful architectural details but had deteriorated over time and was no longer functional for the family. Working in collaboration with Shirley Meisels from MHouse Inc., we gutted the home down to the exterior walls and rebuilt it with a new two storey rear addition. The design retains the original character of the house and the new rear addition has a more eclectic modern vibe with expanses of glazing, clerestory windows and a bold mural for the new kitchen, dining room and mudroom. The third storey retreat is completely reconfigured with a spa inspired bathroom, vaulted ceilings and wood rich cabinetry.

Photography by: Jules Lee

The clients adore the Cedarvale neighbourhood; but as the family started to grow they were feeling squeezed in. A new top up to the existing bungalow added an additional 1100 sq. ft. which doubled the size of the existing house. A new open plan on the first floor allows views and sunlight to extend through the house east and west. A central core stair connects the basement through the first to the second floor which filters light throughout the entire house. On the new second floor, a new master bedroom and ensuite and three bedrooms were added. The style of the house is reminiscent of a seaside cottage, with aged pewter horizontal siding on all exterior walls to unify the existing with the new. Windows with top cottage grilles and the front door with a portal window complete the look.
Size: 2500 sq. ft.
Photography by: Valerie Wilcox

The renovation and addition to this Upper Forest Hill home allows more space for the client’s growing family. A second storey rear and front addition provides a new bedroom and enlarged the master bedroom and a new ensuite. The front addition over the existing garage uses existing house finishes for a seamless fit and a new bay window breaks up the house’s massing. The new roofline also ties the second floor seamlessly into the existing house. A new front porch addition gives a much needed expanded entryway and additional storage for the busy family. The front porch is detailed with recessed panels, slope roof and lightly painted colours staying true to the traditional style of the existing home.
Size: 2250 sq. ft.

This project is a new house situated in Cedarvale neighbourhood. The client is a young family with growing family needs and wanted an open plan design with great sight lines both within the house and to the yards. The first floor contains a kitchen, living and dining room, which can support both for large family gatherings and intimate family time. On the second floor there are three bedrooms, bathroom and a master bedroom with an ensuite which will accommodate the family as it grows. A few architectural features add value to the house are a modern bay window in front which allows views up and down the street and a place for the family piano; and a canopy that offers protection from the elements and breaks up the mass of the house. Choosing materials of brick and larger architectural brick and black sash windows integrates this house with its surrounding neighbours.
Size: 1940 sq. ft.

This new East York shop specializes in Women’s activewear and loungewear and was designed in collaboration with Shirley Meisels from MHouse Inc. To provide a welcoming vibe for shoppers the design includes fresh white exterior cladding, an expansive store front window and back lit black signage. The interior evokes a spa like environment where patrons can enjoy shopping in an elegant surrounding. Crisp white interiors, luxurious brass details, wood and brick surfaces are the backdrop that allow colourful clothes to take the center stage.

Photography by Jules Lee

The client had a thriving baking business and she had always dreamed of opening her own stand-alone school. The space had been previously used for storage and was dark and dingy. The first step in the design was to include larger windows in the building and allow light to flood into the space. A brightly lit corridor aligns both the community spaces and teaching spaces. Community spaces such as meeting room, event space, reception and administrative offices were arranged along the new windows. Three professional kitchens, storages and dish pits are placed away from the windows but were lit are borrowed light. White walls, keep the corridors fresh and are used as backdrops to display students’ work. The design builds upon the existing building’s industrial character by the using a complimentary palette of materials – brick, exposed structure hanging strip lights and polished concrete floors.
Size: 10,000 sq. ft.

A brand new studio for this popular kids dance, music and birthday party place in Toronto. The owner’s had leased a new 11,200 sq. ft. facility on Roselawn Avenue. The programme for the studio included 4 large dance studios, music rooms, parent’s viewing lounge, boutique, kid’s birthday party room and a homework and kitchenette area. The school is organized so that the large dance studios are column free and incorporate large viewing windows to allow in light and views of the dance studios. Main reception, parent viewing area and the store are located in the areas of natural light, making each of them bright and warm welcoming areas.
Size: 11,200 sq. ft.
Interior Design: Nathalie Gluckstein Interiors