Character Meets Contemporary
A family-centric redesign that honours its roots.
The home’s original wood-burning fireplace and mantel were preserved in this renovation, which incorporated a contemporary aesthetic to meet the homeowners’ needs.
This quaint city house, nestled in Toronto’s west end, needed a major transformation to meet the needs of the homeowners, a family of five. It was important to the homeowners that the renovation stayed true to the home’s original foundation and beautiful existing backyard, while incorporating much-needed updates to achieve a functional yet relaxed contemporary aesthetic.
New furniture and a neutral, cream-toned colour scheme seamlessly integrates new features with existing pieces, like the original fireplace, to create a completely transformed space.
A Home Ready for Change
The two-story family home, built in the 1940s, underwent a partial renovation about 15 years ago. The homeowners felt it was time for another change, refreshing both the previous renovation and the house overall. With approximately 2,000 square feet to work with, the goal of this renovation was to maximize the overall space, take advantage of the west-facing afternoon sun, and create functional, relaxed spaces with a contemporary look and feel.
Built-ins maximize space in this intimate dining room, with new wide-board light hardwood installed to complement the neutral tones.
Challenges: Space and Storage
For a bustling family, space is always at a premium, especially at the front door. Without a mudroom, the front entry of this home initially served as the main storage area for coats and shoes, creating clutter. The kitchen, with its outdated layout and limited storage, also needed attention. A level change between the small family room and the kitchen further cramped this space, presenting a tripping hazard and disrupting the flow.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom and bathroom were cramped, with untouched plaster walls, awkward nooks, and textured finishes that felt out of place in a modern home.
Modern appliances and a pop of grey tones allow the cream and wood colours to complement one another in the kitchen for a modern look and feel.
The same wide-board light hardwood shown in the living and dining rooms were also installed in the kitchen, to provide continuity throughout these busy rooms in the home.
The Solution: Preserving Character, Enhancing Functionality
Jane Lockhart Design’s approach focused on preserving the character elements of the home while enhancing overall functionality. The family’s piano, crown molding, and wood-burning fireplace with its mantel were all carefully maintained throughout the renovation. These features provide a connection to the roots of the home and complement the overall renovation by seamlessly integrating with the new features.
Contemporary meets comfort in this aesthetically-pleasing room, which includes an office desk and lounging area to suit the needs of all family members.
Space was reallocated where it was needed most, squeezing the maximum potential out of each room. New closet organizers, custom built-ins, room realignment, larger windows, and a continuous colour and material scheme worked together to make the house feel modern, functional, and cohesive.
We also replaced the existing flooring with wide-board light hardwood to allow for a seamless flow throughout the home. The kitchen was updated to incorporate smooth, handcrafted cabinetry and a massive island that serves as both a workspace and a gathering spot for family meals. New furniture was selected to complement the updated design, adding to the home’s modern yet livable feel.
Creating a clutter-free, welcoming foyer is critical to achieving a modern, contemporary look, which often reflects a minimalist approach to clutter and décor.
Removing untouched plaster walls and awkward nooks, the bedroom was transformed into an oasis of natural light and neutral colour schemes.
A Contemporary Family Haven
Today, this home has become a wonderful, bright, and contemporary space that perfectly fits the needs of the family. The renovation achieved its goal of honouring the home’s roots while providing the comfort and style needed for modern family living.
A level change between the small family room and kitchen was removed through the hardwood floor installation, creating a seamless transition between both spaces.
Project Details
Designers: Jennifer Leslie, Jane Lockhart
Styling: Erica Presement, Jane Lockhart
Dining Table and Cabinetry: Brices Furniture
Contracting: TDT Limited
Hardwood Flooring: Grandeur Flooring
Sofa and Chairs: Marcantonio Designs
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