Toronto home renovation: designer transforms blank space into vibrant family haven
Transforming a shell of a house into a warm, inviting Home is rarely straightforward. Designer Lisa Lev and Studio Sonny tackled precisely that challenge in a 4,000-square-foot Toronto residence, proving that even a blank slate can become a deeply personal space.
A kitchen’s unexpected revelation
The project began with a seemingly simple structural adjustment – removing a small wall to improve kitchen flow. That seemingly minor alteration unveiled a major obstacle: a substantial support post running the length of the house. The solution demanded extensive, painstaking work, including jackhammering the basement floor and sourcing matching limestone tile, ultimately becoming the kitchen's defining feature.
Lev’s vision went beyond mere functionality; she sought to infuse the Home with color and personality. The kitchen, with its teal cabinetry, tile-clad island, and colorful pendant light, stands as a testament to this ethos. “Function is always top of mind, but it doesn’t need to stand in the way of beauty,” Lev explains. The design prioritized a space that encourages gathering, reflecting the homeowners’ love for cooking and entertaining.
Throughout the house, a palette of color, pattern, and texture creates a cohesive yet dynamic environment. A blush-toned sectional anchors the living room, while a brick partition in the family room filters light. Terra-cotta tiles in the primary bathroom offer a Mediterranean feel.
Color and texture define each space
The family room echoes the kitchen’s color story, with custom oak cabinetry mirroring the kitchen’s design. A wallpapered panel conceals the television, maintaining a clean aesthetic. The dining room presents a more subdued atmosphere, anchored by a vintage dining set and a graphic wallpaper. The primary bedroom boasts a calming blue ceiling and a grasscloth wall, creating a serene retreat.
Even the bathrooms showcase a playful use of color and tile. The girls’ bathroom, in particular, features seven different tile finishes, uniting the Home's color schemes through creative choices. The primary bathroom, with its Mediterranean-inspired tiles, offers a sense of calm and tranquility.
The project is a powerful demonstration of how thoughtful design can elevate a new build from functional to truly livable, transforming a generic space into a vibrant reflection of the homeowners’ lives. It’s a reminder that even the smallest of design choices can yield significant results.
Lisa Lev Design, based in Toronto, focuses on holistic design solutions, carefully balancing client needs with creative approaches to modern living.
The homeowners didn't just get a house; they acquired a haven.