MIDCENTURY MODERN
This project marks our second collaboration with clients who sought to create their ideal retirement home in a peaceful town, away from the bustle of Toronto. Our first project with them was featured in House and Home magazine, where we completed a full renovation and gut of their Victorian home. The result was a perfect family environment for the couple and their two teenage children, with key updates including a new powder room on the main floor, a luxurious master ensuite, and a third-floor space dedicated to their daughter, featuring a bedroom, ensuite, and TV room. Additionally, the kitchen and basement were redesigned, with the latter transformed into a zone for their son.
For both projects, the clients shared a deep passion for collecting art and ceramics from the 1950s and 1960s. They wanted their home to reflect the distinctive style of their collection, incorporating the saturated colors and unique forms that characterize these pieces. Our challenge was to create a contemporary, functional space while honoring the mid-century modern roots of their collection.
For the second project, the focus shifted to designing a home that would meet their evolving needs in retirement. The brief emphasized long-term accessibility, ensuring ease of movement and mobility as they age. They purchased a ranch-style home and requested the addition of an elevator for future convenience. The solution: a sleek 37-inch diameter Vacuum Elevator, seamlessly integrated into the kitchen design, balancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Other accessibility requirements were incorporated into the four remodeled washrooms. We also paid special attention to the finishes, avoiding dark colors that can be difficult for individuals with vision impairments. Instead, we selected a softer color palette compared to the jewel tones of their Toronto home, while still creating a harmonious backdrop for their art and furnishings. The goal was to balance contemporary design with their rich collection, resulting in a space that feels fresh, inviting, and timeless—one in which they can enjoy their retirement for years to come.