Designer Paula Velez's 112-year-old home gets a modern-rustic makeover, in which cherished keepsakes and new-found favourites happily coexist.
On a quaint, leafy street in midtown Toronto, a vibrant orange front door on a charming whitewashed brick home is the only clue to the study in contrasts that lies within.
Designer Paula Velez purchased the place two years ago, after combing the neighbourhood for its oldest homes. Built in 1903, the narrow, 2,800-square-foot three-floor house was cramped, dark and outdated. But Paula – who moved to Toronto from Colombia 14 years ago – saw its potential as an airy space that blended the building’s history with a modern-rustic vibe.
During a nine-month home renovation, the walls separating her kitchen, living room and dining room came down, creating one large open area flooded with light - a move that left the electricians scratching their heads over where to relocate the light switches and plugs.
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House tour: Rustic and refined home
Before the home renovation
Perhaps the biggest change was to the top floor, which was gutted to make way for a spacious master bedroom – and a dream ensuite bath – where new and expanded windows take full advantage of the outdoor scenery.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Before the home renovation
Perhaps the biggest change was to the top floor, which was gutted to make way for a spacious master bedroom – and a dream ensuite bath – where new and expanded windows take full advantage of the outdoor scenery.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Vaulted ceiling family room
After falling in love with a pair of handmade woven stools she found in New York City, Paula brought them home to use together as a DIY coffee table in the family room, her most-used space in the house.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Steel tiled living room
The white painted living room's wood-burning fireplace features a dramatic Italian steel tile surround and is complimented by the sculptural triangular coffee table. "I love the modern triangular shape - it's organic and classic," says Paula, who topped it with antique shoe moulds for contrast.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Large dining room
Paula saw that something was missing in her dining room: The painted white walls were too stark. "I happened to have three giant coffee bags I'd bought back from Colombia, so I framed them," she says.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Upgraded kitchen
The new rustic kitchen features dark grey lower kitchen cabinetry and floating metal shelves that showcase favourite pottery decor and collectibles from Paula's travels. The adjustable stools can be used at the kitchen island for quick breakfasts or lowered to serve as extra seating around the dining table.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Updated home office decor
Paula updated a tired wooden chair in her new home office with cheerful yellow paint. "You don't have to spend millions of dollars for great design," she says. "Be creative, use what you have and love your pieces." The artwork made by her aunt in Colombia is another favourite.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Distressed wood bedroom door
In the master bedroom, a sliding barn door crafted from distressed wood is offset by the eclectic antler chandelier in the stairwell, which homeowner and designer Paula Velez spray-painted with five coats of splashy orange for a modern lodge look.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Sun-drenched master bedroom
In the sun-drenched master bedroom, Paula positioned the new white windows to take full advantage of the wooded view beyond, which she echoed in the birch tree wallpaper.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
1940s chairs
Paula calls this antique 1940s chair and its matching companion (not shown). "The Survivors" after they endured nine months surrounded by plaster dust and power tools. "I bought them from the previous owners, but I had nowhere to store them. Every time I checked on the house, these chairs were in a different place - I thought they'd get destroyed, but they made it," she says. "They're now in my master bedroom."
House tour: Rustic and refined home
Rustic concrete sink
A rustic industrial-style grey concrete sink ("it looks like something cows drink from on a farm," says Paula) is juxtaposed with a sculptural antique-look bathtub ("I love that it's traditional and romantic") to create the ultimate retreat in her master bath.
House tour: Rustic and refined home
5 reno take-aways
For someone about to renovate: Count on the project taking longer than you'd expect. Things never go as smoothly as you think they will. Most worthwhile investment: The wireless ceiling speaker makes my home a beautiful jewellery box with music. Best out-of-the-box idea: Pairing an industrial concrete sink with a traditional clawfoot tub in her master bath. Favourite budget find: The reclaimed barn beams scored at a farm outside Toronto add character to the family room's vaulted ceiling. Biggest regret: Not making my bedroom closet bigger! It always seems larger before you move in.
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