VICTORIAN

Location: Rosedale, Toronto, Canada.

Everything about this project was extraordinary. The clients were a part of my social circle for years before we had an opportunity to work together. At parties and holiday gatherings they had said many times, “As soon as we can, we’re going to hire you to design our forever home.” This is always something I’m honoured and flattered to hear, but in truth it doesn’t always pan out. This time it did, and when I asked them why they waited so long to tackle the renovation and decoration of their home of seven years, their answer surprised me: “We waited because we were saving up to do it.” I wish everyone did that. Renovating is expensive and having a fabulous, beautifully appointed home can be a little less enjoyable if you’re reeling from debt-related stress when it’s done. The assignment was to make this stately Victorian semi into a family-friendly fun house with a colourful and youthful energy that reflects its lively inhabitants. This family is certainly not stuffy, but they do delight in the formal and fancy things in life.

It’s a Victorian townhouse, so the home’s original detail and charm had to be preserved. The kitchen needed to look as though it might have always been there, but as long as those bones were right, we could get creative and colourful with the décor and materials. We were encouraged to present outrageous ideas and bold gestures. Furnishings and lighting from all over the world and representing several eras of the decorative arts were assembled to blend with or juxtapose against new, modern custom designs. What they already owned and loved was re-covered, re-stained or reimagined to fit within this merry mix. The completed home is a true reflection of a well-travelled, fashion-forward family with a respect for old things that survive as well as new things that will last and become the antiques of the future. The amazing part is, they didn’t spend a penny they didn’t have to do it all. Proving a point I often make: impatience is the enemy of good design.

Project Creative Community: Tommy Smythe, Jenny Dames.