Toronto home blends history with modern living

Hali MacDonald opted for a home that felt lived-in, not staged. The Toronto property, nestled southwest of the city, was envisioned as a haven for a young family, but with a distinct sense of timelessness. Designer Hali MacDonald collaborated with Gren Weis and Geoffrey Roche of Gren Weis Design Studio to craft a residence that evokes the spirit of a restored historical estate.

A touch of europe, a dash of belgian flair

The 10,000-square-foot home boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three powder rooms. Its design nods to English Arts and Crafts aesthetics – think diamond-patterned leaded glass windows and a sloped roof – yet incorporates subtle influences from Belgian antiques dealer Axel Vervoordt, resulting in an atmosphere of understated elegance.

MacDonald’s approach centered on incorporating reclaimed materials and sourcing antiques, including a remarkable 18th-century fireplace mantel that survived a brief, nail-biting theft.