Refreshing colour and bold decor transform a Toronto new-build into a comfortably stylish family home.

The owners of this home fell for its prime midtown location and the 4,000 square feet of space it offered them and their two young children, but its aesthetic underwhelmed. “My clients had previously lived in Hong Kong and London, England, so the blank-slate home didn’t meet their global, eclectic style,” says designer Natasha Penzo, co-founder of Homekin and Urban Blueprint Design. She knew the owners were open to taking risks and that informed a design plan replete with bold furniture, flashes of mixed metallics, and refreshing hues, from pastels to primary colours. Says Natasha, “It’s now a comfortable family home that’s also cool and colourful.”

Photography, Alex Lukey

Tip #1

Stone Works An unexpected palette shifts the once-neutral living room into wow-factor overdrive. “For the fireplace, we collectively decided on a stone slab featuring incredible veining in shades of lilac and amethyst,” says designer Natasha Penzo.

“It truly informed all the other design decisions in the room.” The marble is thrown into high relief against grey walls and is beautifully complemented by a pale pink sofa. Graphic black accessories keep the look vibrant, and a rug softens the space while adding pattern and texture.

DESIGN, Natasha Penzo; CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT; Urban Blueprint Design + Build. FIREPLACE MARBLE, Marble Trend. sofa, Structube. COFFEE TABLES, CUSHION, HomeSense. Gold SIDE TABLE, West Elm. RUG, Wayfair.

Tip #2

Metal Winners The dining room features a bold mash-up of neutral, silvery tones and flashes of gold. “I’m never afraid to mix metals,” says Natasha. “The juxtaposition of materials always brings life to a space.”
The shimmering presence of the gold-toned chandelier is furthered by a golden table lamp and hutch. Vibrant artwork and blue vases spice up the mix with colourful intrigue.

CHANDELIER, RH. SIDEBOARD, CB2. LAMP, Arteriors.

Photography, Alex Lukey

Tip #3

Finishing Touches “In the kitchen, a little went a long way!” says Natasha. “By simply swapping out the original island pendants for two stunning brass fixtures and adding plush velvet counter stools with pleated details, I was able
to create more depth and warmth in the space. Immediately, the kitchen felt elevated and looks,
to put it simply, more interesting.” Her genius mix of warm and cool tones achieves a casual sophistication that’s inviting.

PENDANT LIGHTS, Visual Comfort. STOOLS, Sunpan.

Photography, Alex Lukey

Tip #4

Fine Arts Natasha relied on contemporary artwork to add colourful zing to the entry hall at the back of the home (left) and to the kitchen nook. “Art doesn’t have to have rhyme or reason,” she says, “it’s an opportunity to express oneself with content, texture and also, very importantly, colour. If it happens to have similar colours as your furniture, that’s great, but it’s not a necessity.” Brass framing on the chairs ties into the kitchen’s pendants while subtly referencing the gold in the dining room.

BANQUETTE CHAIRS, Rove Concepts. CONSOLE (in hallway), BANQUETTE BENCH, CB2. ARTWORK (in hallway), Kathryn MacNaughton.

Photography, Alex Lukey