Once dark and lacklustre, this Toronto house is transformed into an eclectic family home filled with character and light.
A young couple leaving behind their condo in search of a home where they can start a family isn’t an uncommon occurence. But finding a house on day one is. “It was the first place we saw, and we instantly knew we had to have it,” says one of the homeowners. Located in uptown Toronto, the 1940s-era dwelling offered 1,200 square feet, three bedrooms and good bones that required little more than an aesthetic makeover.
The couple purchased the place in 2013 and hired designer Shirley Meisels to mastermind the update. Like their new home, she was option number one. “We’d seen her work online, and she was the first designer we met with,” says one of the homeowners. “We clicked right away.” The couple’s vision for the space – “warm and comfortable with a cool vibe” – was in keping with their personalities. “They’re super relaxed and stylish,” says Shirley. “I wanted the interior to be bright and eclectic to reflect the homeowners’ sensibility."
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Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
Mix and match
“Even though we purchased everything at once, I purposely mixed modern and traditional styles,” says Shirley. “Nothing is matching, so it looks like each piece was collected over time.”
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
Mix and match
“Even though we purchased everything at once, I purposely mixed modern and traditional styles,” says Shirley. “Nothing is matching, so it looks like each piece was collected over time.”
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
What an impression
The newly expanded entryway creates a great first impression. “As soon as you walk into the house, you get a sense of space and light,” says Shirley. Carefully chosen accessories, such as a durable rug, comfy bench and sculptural umbrella stand, make the area practical.
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
Something old, something new
In the living room, the homeowners flanked the fireplace with shelving units, which Shirley styled. “Some items on display are new, some are vintage; the effect is energetic and interesting,” she says. “The shelves also provide space for books, artwork and bright pops of colour.” The lucite coffee table as well as the sofa and chair with open bases keep the room feeling light and airy.
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
A simple paint job
To remedy the original lacklustre white kitchen, Shirley updated the cabinetry with paint: “I covered the lower cabinets and one of the floor-to-ceiling units in a deep inky blue and replaced the old piddly handles with sleek elongated ones.”
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
Don't lift a hammer
Renovations were minimal. “I turned the sunroom off the kitchen into a multi-purpose eating area and widened an original archway between the entryway and living room to make the main floor feel expansive,” says Shirley. The dark wooden staircase and most of the walls, formerly a mishmash of strong reds and ochres, were invigorated with white paint before new furnishings (the couple had moved in with just their bed) were put in place.
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
It's a girl!
One room, however, was intentionally left unfurnished: the future nursery. It wasn’t for long, though, as the couple’s daughter was born the following year and they hired Shirley again.
Eclectic family home leaves beautiful first impression
The nursery
“The nursery is the hands-down best space in the house,” says one of the homeowners. It’s decorated like any other room, complete with a great rug and grown-up-looking wallpaper. “Our daughter loves the wallpaper. We find her in there peacefully playing in her crib and gazing at the birds.” It’s a sight they’ll never tire of – first, last and always.
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