Impressive art pieces and modern lifestyle updates are the driving forces behind this mid-century modern renovation.
It was something out of a home renovation show, an old mid-century modern inspired split-level home in dire need of new life that would be transformed into a stunning home for a Toronto family. While house-hunting, the homeowners were able to see beyond the old wood panelling, the 1960s wallpaper and dilapidated linoleum. Instead they saw the potential of the multi-level layout, the soaring vaulted ceilings and abundance of natural light that would be a wonderful backdrop for their ever-growing art collection.
ART & HISTORY
The homeowners approached me with their wish list for their dream home. It was not difficult to find inspiration in the bones of this great home, especially when combined with the colourful and expressive pieces of art that would soon grace the walls of this mid-century modern charmer. We wanted to maintain many of the original elements to this home, such as the stone wall in the living room, which would ultimately complement one of their stunning oversized canvasses; while continuing to add a textural element to the formal living room.
TEXTURED & TASTEFUL
This stone feature wall also became an inspiration for the kitchen flooring, which transitions just beyond the feature wall. To continue this textural element, we introduced a large-scaled porcelain tile reminiscent of polished concrete. The homeowners desired a “chef” kitchen that would still accommodate relaxed entertaining for their guests. We reconfigured this area of the house in order to add a large centre island, and used a simple cabinet door profile accenting the mid-century modern influence of the home. The simplicity of the cabinetry, however, was accentuated by implementing three different finishes: a warm glossy white, a mid-toned wood and a beautiful metallic bronze-toned wire-brushed finish, all creating a relaxed yet sophisticated kitchen space.
“We stuck to a very pared-down, neutral colour scheme, with touches of soft creams and gold, in order to allow two very large abstract canvasses to take centre stage.”
HIGHER HEIGHTS
Like most of the areas in this house, the staircase was redesigned with their artwork in mind. We designed a glass-and-satin nickel railing that would be unobtrusive to the artwork displayed throughout, and accented the steps with additional millwork. A large entrance closet on the lower level was removed to highlight a continual, unbroken view of the multiple levels of the home upon entrance.
CHIC COMFORT
The family room, which is on a lower level from the kitchen, maintained the minimalist design approach found throughout the home, yet creates a comfortable, welcoming place to unwind at the end of the day or a relaxed sophistication for casual entertaining. We stuck to a very pared-down, neutral colour scheme, with touches of soft creams and gold, in order to allow two very large abstract canvasses to take centre stage. The fireplace was added to create a laid-back atmosphere. You can curl up and watch TV with the family or enjoy the space with friends. The abstract artwork selected for this space features an abundance of texture and a beautiful metallic finish.
The homeowner’s art collection maintained its influence throughout the house, and the master bathroom was no exception. A simple wood-grain walnut vanity was introduced, along with a neutral tile to create a very monochromatic and relaxing feel to this space allowing the art to prevail. We highlighted a very smokey muted-plum as our accent colour in the bathroom and continued that into the adjacent bedroom.
SEAMLESS BLEND
The blending of old and new was continued on the exterior of the home as well. A small breezeway at the front of the house opening up the entrance was demolished, and it was replaced with cedar-wood siding, reminiscent of the era, creating a wonderful focal point to the entrance way.
In the end, this tired house was able to achieve a new lease on life. Though the inspiration behind the design was in part the homeowners’ impressive art collection, the house itself also influenced the direction of the design. However, I believe a home is a “work in progress” so this newly renovated home can now continue to sustain this growing family as well as any new additions of artwork that will continue to add life and inspiration to the walls of this great house.
Photography By Stephani Buchman
Linda Mazur, Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group, has almost two decade of experience running her multi-disciplinary design firm. Known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada, her work has been published nationally in various publications. lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup