Inviting and welcoming – there really isn’t a spot that’s off-limits,” says designer Kerry Dalton of this striking Toronto abode. It’s home to Melissa Picken (shown above), founder of Myla Moon (a boutique social media agency), her husband, Matt, their children, Max, 12, and Myla, 14, and labradoodle Murphy. The designer worked with Melissa, architect Nina Fant and contractor Natalie Myers (an all-female team), expanding the beautiful old home’s square footage, while preserving character elements like arches and leaded transoms. “Melissa is totally laid-back and loves flinging open all the doors and windows,” says Kerry. “I wanted to capture that spirit in the decor.” Natural materials and colours, pops of black and plenty of Melissa’s Pinterest picks informed the designer’s choices. Says Kerry, “This is now a light, bright family home that sparks warmth and joy.”

 

Old & New

A new, custom-made glass-fronted wine cupboard is a contemporary complement to the home’s original circa 1920 archway and transom window. “We wanted to display Melissa and Matt’s wine collection and this built-in feels like a piece of art as you enter the kitchen,” says designer Kerry Dalton. The island’s waterfall treatment furthers the visual appeal, and a 16-foot-long sliding glass door lets in lots of natural light.

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

 

Island Dreams

The expansive new kitchen fulfills Melissa’s desire for an island and an open-concept design (the old kitchen was tucked behind the smaller archway and is now a butler’s pantry). The 10-foot-long island has integrated storage on both sides and, like the counters and backsplash, is clad with veined quartzite, a stain- and heat-resistant material that’s easy to clean. Black stools and hardware have an energetic vibrance in the spacious bright room, and new herringbone floors lend a bit of European elegance.

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

DESIGN, Kerry Dalton, Kerry Dalton Interior Design; Melissa Picken, Myla Moon. ARCHITECT, Nina Fant. CONTRACTOR, Natalie Myers, Pink Construction Management. SLIDING DOOR, Lepage. Mont Blanc quartzite COUNTERTOPS, Cava Surfaces. European white oak herringbone FLOOR, PurParket. STOOLS, Rejuvenation. PENDANTS, LD Shoppe. ART, The Poster Club.

Personal Space

“Melissa wanted a designated space where she could relax, meditate or curl up with a book,” says Kerry of this second-floor nook. The natural light here also makes it a good spot for Melissa to shoot her social media and blog posts (she uses the mirror for that). Comfort presides thanks to plenty of soft furnishings, including a faux fur rug. The kilim-upholstered chair asserts some fun energy and its dark frame echoes the window’s trim.

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

MIRROR, Wayfair. Arum WALL LAMP, Nordic Nest. Kilim CHAIR, Boo Boo and Lefty Fine Living. CUSHIONS, RUG, URN, Pottery Barn.

Seamless Style

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

Integrated stone sinks top the custom vanity. “I chose antique brass pulls to layer in some warmth to the black,” says Kerry. The sconces follow suit and are mounted directly on the mirror, which is framed in the same material as the vanity. The extra-long shower has no curb and features bookmarked marble slabs. Floating wood shelves deliver more warmth and places to display pretty items.

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

SCONCE, LD Shoppe. Calacatta Antico COUNTERTOP, SINKS, Cava Surfaces. 

“I can relax in the tub with the French windows open and feel like I’m in a tree house.” – Melissa Picken

All Natural

“I wanted our primary bathroom to make us feel like we were at a spa or away on vacation,” says homeowner Melissa Picken. The elliptical tub has a curvy sculptural presence, while accessories such as framed artwork, a stylish pendant light and a woven stool create a calming, finished look that contributes to the getaway sensation. 

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

PENDANT, IKEA. ARTWORK, Absolutely Inc. STOOL, Advice from a Caterpillar.

Desk Job

“Melissa wanted to bring in some warmth to the home office with this sculptural wooden desk,” says Kerry. “We designed the millwork with drawers so that it neatly stores everything the desk can’t.” Other design choices, such as the panelled ceiling, deep blue paint and patterned rug, kick the warmth up another degree or two. A swaggering pendant light makes a confident contribution and loosens up the room’s straight lines. 

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

“This is an office that keeps me inspired while I work. The French doors and the gallery wall that displays family photos and the kids’ artwork give the room a nice, relaxing vibe.” – Melissa Picken

Shelf Life

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

 

“We love books!” says Melissa. “I love collecting them, so we needed lots of shelves here.” Brass accents, including sleek sconces, echo those found throughout the home for subtle design continuity. Kerry says: “Even though this is an office, it isn’t remotely stuffy. It has this almost bohemian feel that’s in keeping with Melissa’s breezy style.”

 

Photography, Jeremie Dupont

Petite Friture’s Vertigo PENDANT LIGHT, GR Shop by Gabriel Ross. SCONCES, Home Depot. DESK, CB2. DESK CHAIR, Wayfair. Brass HARDWARE, Rejuvenation. CABINETRY PAINT, Deep Royal 2061-10, Benjamin Moore. Upholstered CHAIR, Elte.