This Toronto semi-detached home spans just 988 square feet, yet it embraces a bold design philosophy. Interior designer Lindsay Thornton, founder of Cornerstone Design & Build, opted for a vibrant approach, stating, 'We did the opposite of restraint.' The space, crafted for a family of four and their golden retriever, Walter, showcases 18 colors and patterns.
Upon closer inspection, you'll notice a meticulously planned house design featuring pocket doors, a fort bed, a dog-friendly window seat, and smart zoning that transforms the home into functional, livable areas.
Entry: The restored original staircase takes center stage in the foyer, complemented by a Marmoker checkerboard floor from Stone Tile and custom joinery that enhances the historic ambiance.
Situated on a picturesque street in one of Toronto's oldest neighborhoods, the home features a classic red brick façade. Although it underwent a complete renovation, Lindsay and lead designer Sam Darvay aimed to preserve its historical essence.
'We wanted the home to blend with the traditional Craftsman style of the area,' Lindsay explains, emphasizing the importance of retaining the red brick while modernizing windows and siding.
By merging history with a colorful vision, the design reflects the owner's personality and charm.
Kitchen: The kitchen, painted in Benjamin Moore's Oilcloth with a custom hood in Black Jack, blends sociability with serenity, featuring rich wood tones and brass hardware from Rejuvenation.
'The home has distinct rooms separated by beautiful arches, artisan lighting, and custom textiles and molding,' she adds, highlighting the eclectic mix of cherished items with playful touches in the kids' rooms.
Homeowners requested practical updates, including a second bathroom, more storage, and a layout that avoids full open-plan living.
'Erica, one of the clients, actively participated in choosing colors, wallpapers, and millwork details. Her vision guided the project,' Lindsay recalls. 'They were keen on antiques or reupholstering existing furniture; only barstools were new.'
Entry: Sam selected a classic white, White Dove by Benjamin Moore, for the entry walls, pairing it with Revere Pewter on cabinets and trim.
Before selecting colors, the design team meticulously crafted the floor plan. 'We spent two to three months perfecting it,' Lindsay shares, noting that every inch of the 988 sq ft was scrutinized.
Instead of an open layout, they defined spaces using arches and cleverly placed pocket doors, optimizing the available area.
'Walter's needs were considered from the start,' she adds, explaining adjustments made to accommodate his window seat during the mudroom addition.
Bathroom: The centerpiece of the kids' bathroom is William Morris' Honeysuckle wallpaper. The beadboard and trim feature Benjamin Moore's Grenadier Pond, enhancing the ambiance.
Designing the home in its entirety allowed for seamless cohesion. 'Without the open concept, we could explore colors that give personality to each area,' Sam notes, maintaining a cohesive feel.
'None of the selections are overly bright,' Sam continues, with the staircase serving as inspiration for the entire color palette.
Living Room: In the living area, Farrow & Ball's Selvedge was chosen, inspired by the vintage stove. The sofa features Valentina Velvet Fabric, Balsam Yard from Tonic Living.
Upon entering, the airy foyer doubles as a mudroom with custom cabinets, Lindsay explains.
A wide archway leads to the living room, which is enveloped in Farrow & Ball's Selvedge, creating a cozy atmosphere around the original iron stove fireplace, a focal point that influenced the room's design.
The rich tones invite relaxation, while the custom window seat caters to Walter.
Kitchen: The sink area, adorned with porcelain sconces from Sarah Wood by Hand, offers a view of the garden.
As you pass through double pocket doors into the sage green kitchen, a stunning custom pass-through window above the apron sink captures attention.
'Pocket doors were essential, allowing us to define rooms and save space,' Lindsay explains.
The cabinetry in soft green provides a calming backdrop, with a central custom wooden island that feels more like furniture.
'The vintage kitchen plates used here evoke nostalgia and create a unique kitchen display,' Lindsay shares.
Dining Nook: In the breakfast nook, custom joinery and a storage bench feature kid-friendly fabric, while a vintage French walnut table adds character.
'The clients love cooking and the outdoors, so they wanted a kitchen that connects with the backyard for easy access,' she notes.
'As you head to the deck, a twin archway leads into the eat-in breakfast nook,' Lindsay describes. 'The custom banquette and surrounding windows create an inviting atmosphere.'
'The handmade pendant and warm textiles enhance the cozy vibe, harmonizing with the family table passed down through generations.'
Primary Bedroom: This room features Sandberg's Olof in Sandstone Wallcovering, paired with custom millwork in Revere Pewter.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom welcomes you with subtle, detailed cream wallpaper and a custom black headboard that adds sophistication without being dull.
Storage is both functional and aesthetic, with an entire wall dedicated to custom joinery.
'The run of custom millwork offers warmth and organization for the busy couple,' she remarks.
Primary Ensuite: The Bridgeport Walnut vanity from Teodor Vanities adds warmth to the ensuite, featuring Carrara marble and Marmoker tiles from Stone Tile.
While the bedroom leans neutral, it remains cohesive with the overall design. The warm woods and soft creams are echoed in the adjoining ensuite bathroom.
'The ensuite is compact yet warm, with details like exposed brass plumbing and custom marble countertops,' Sam describes, noting the frameless glass enclosure that enhances the light.
Thoughtful storage solutions, like floating shelves, offer functionality without crowding the space.
Bathroom: The kids' bathroom, featuring jade green tiles sourced from Wayfair, is both lively and functional.
Down the hall, the second bathroom has a distinct character. Despite its small size, it bursts with personality.
'While the ensuite offers tranquility, the kids' bathroom is vibrant and exciting,' Sam explains.
'With sage green beadboard and classic dusty rose wallpaper, it's both durable and stylish, enriched by brass accents collected over the years.'
Girl's Bedroom: Painted in Benjamin Moore's Mystic Lake, this room features clever custom storage and whimsical wallpaper.
Adjacent to the girls' room, the girls' bedroom captivates with its charming details.
'The room features a custom teal closet, creating a cozy reading nook and ample storage,' Sam explains, highlighting the playful wallpaper and classic yellow shades.
'We transformed the primary suite into a kids' bedroom with an ensuite, relocating the primary suite for added privacy and a backyard view,' Lindsay notes.
Boy's Bedroom: The custom bed under sloped rafters is painted deep forest green, while the walls feature Benjamin Moore's Slate Blue.
'The boy's room, though small, is bursting with creativity,' Sam continues. 'His custom bed serves as a fort, making the most of the space with wallpaper and shelving.'
'Transitioning from a crib to a big boy's bed was significant, so we created a cozy nook for him, complete with a ladder and playful wallpaper,' she adds.
'Bookshelves and a handmade light allow him independence, while the bed doubles as storage with cute knobs for personalization.'
Primary Bedroom: In the primary bedroom, Pottery Barn's Astoria Platform Bed has been updated with a new upholstered headboard in Dundee Sable Yard fabric from Tonic Living.
Beyond the vibrant colors and thoughtful planning, subtle details infuse the home with style. Lindsay and Sam intentionally preserved elements that evoke a sense of history.
'We drew inspiration from old-world Britain,' she says, emphasizing the use of brass and ceramic fixtures that connect the design.
'We selected classic patterns that withstand the test of time, such as a kitchen island designed to resemble a furniture piece and rich wood tones throughout.'
'The cohesive design stemmed from our opportunity to craft every room and millwork, ensuring all elements harmonized,' they conclude.
Pantry: The walk-through pantry features wallpaper from McLaurin & Piercy, with cabinets washed in Benjamin Moore's Vintage Vogue.
'Our main focus was ensuring the clients felt their home was tailor-made for them,' Lindsay adds.
'We wanted it to be a safe haven for the parents to relax while the kids could play without crowding each other.'
'This home's cohesiveness was achieved through a complete overhaul, allowing us to fine-tune every detail,' she explains.
Every aspect feels timeless, as if the house has developed organically over the years. Each design choice, from storage to color selection, reflects how the family, including their young children and dog Walter, truly lives.
The outcome is a home rich in character, inviting warmth, and ready to embrace its inhabitants.
