A young Toronto couple tackles the full-scale renovation of their rundown Victorian row house with aplomb.
The formula for success can be broken down into time, patience, hard work and a little bit of luck. In the case of homeowner Monica Dyer and the revamp of her charming, sophisticated midtown Toronto house, it also includes pitchperfect home design instincts.
Soon after she and her husband, Drew Elliott, moved into this Victorian rowhouse in 2011, they arranged a short consultation with designer Jennifer Worts. “We didn’t have any real design experience, so we had Jennifer do a walk-through of the main floor to bounce ideas off her,” says Monica. “She assured me that we were heading in the right direction and really encouraged me to go with my gut. So we took it from there.”
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House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
Airy living room
The couple supplanted a chunky concrete “Stonehenge-esque” fireplace mantel in the living room with a more refined one made of Carrara marble. A chaise, perfect for lounging and reading, takes advantage of the large window. The room’s neutral palette and unfussy furnishings enhance its bright and airy quality.
House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
Contemporary chandelier
The chairs are juxtaposed with a contemporary dark bronze and glass chandelier. “The chandelier is a nice contrast to the gilt mirror,” says Monica. “We like the mix of old and new.”
House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
Upgraded kitchen
Featuring Shaker-style cabinetry and granite kitchen countertops, the kitchen was redone by the previous owners. To update the space for better continuity with the rest of the house, Monica and Drew painted the formerly brown walls white, replaced a blue-and-metallic-tiled backsplash with white subway tiles, changed the hardware and added a chef-worthy range.
House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
L-shaped eat-in
In the spacious kitchen’s eat-in area, the couple replaced the sliding glass door with a combination of windows and a glass-panelled door, making room for the L-shaped banquette.
House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
Mixed decor den
The second-floor den showcases homeowners Monica Dyer and Drew Elliott’s signature inviting mix of classic, clean-lined pieces; varied textural decor elements (like the linen sofa, leather club chair, salvaged-wood coffee table and layering of rugs); a neutral palette; and bold art.
House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
Bright bedroom
A window seat offers a comfy spot to lounge in the master bedroom. With three drawers, it also serves as extra bedroom storage space for clothes and linens. A linen swivel chair, an antique Chinese side table and a custom-made pouffe present another charming place to hang out and read.
House tour: Charming and sophisticated Victorian rowhouse
Cozy bedroom deor
In the third-floor master bedroom, bedroom decor elements like the traditional wing bed, the layered rugs and Palm Beach-style table lamp create a cozy, elegant look. An antique suzani from Uzbekistan adds colour.
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