Homes in Toronto’s Leaside area are known for their historical charm. Plus, the central location is perfect for raising a family. So, let’s tour a Leaside home redesign which takes into account the needs of a growing family.
The couple, an elementary school teacher and a Certified Accountant, have been living in the Leaside home for 14 years. During this time, their family of two has grown to five. They have two daughters, ages 11 and 13, and a Labrador Retriever. Therefore, to suit the needs of their growing family, they hired designer Jacklynn Little to redesign their Leaside family home.
“Ultimately, we wanted a home that we could continue to grow into,” says the homeowners. “Having only one main bathroom was becoming an issue as the kids were getting older. Storage was also a motivator and we wanted additional living space for hosting family events.”
Tour a Leaside Home Redesign
In terms of a design vision, the couple is partial to a contemporary farmhouse design style. “We were initially interested in the modern farmhouse style inspired by Chip and Joanna Gaines, but at the same time, we knew we wanted to work within the style of a traditional Leaside family home,” says the homeowners.
“One of the most important things for the homeowners is that the entire home has a consistent design look,” says Little. She elaborates, “Most of the walls throughout the home are Distant Gray by Benjamin Moore. It keeps the home looking fresh and clean looking.” The home features shades of gray throughout. For example, the dining room is painted a hint darker with Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl.
Kitchen Redesign
Farmhouse Style with Contemporary Elements
Little describes the kitchen as being a farmhouse style with contemporary elements. So, in terms of finishes, Little opts for mixed metals. For instance, gold and chrome hardware for the cabinetry. Plus, a brushed chrome faucet and a similar finish on the pendant lights. “The pendant lights above the kitchen island are very important— they need to be big enough for the large island but also coordinate the white and chrome of the room,” says Little.
Kitchen Island Storage
Little states, “When you build a kitchen island, build storage on both sides of the island to optimize storage.”
“The island is amazing for the additional storage that it provides as we also added an extra foot to one side with large cupboard doors,” says the homeowners. “We wanted the kitchen/family room to be the heart of the house and to be functional. The island between the two rooms has achieved this. We are often gathered in the space together as meals are prepared and homework is getting done.”
Splurge and Save Renovation Details
Little cites that this redesign splurges on kitchen appliances, backsplash tile, and millwork throughout the home. Otherwise, it saves on porcelain tile in the bathrooms, laundry room, mud room, front entrance, and storage room. Additionally, it saves on furniture.
Post-Renovation
Post-renovation, the 2,800 square foot property includes three floors, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a powder room. The homeowners confirm that they now have all the space, functionality, and privacy they need. “There was an overwhelming amount of options and so working with Jacklynn ensured we were making the best choices for the space, as well as ensuring we were consistent with the style we ended up gravitating to.”
Text Zakiya Kassam | Space Designed by Jacklynn Little of Jacklynn Little Interiors | Photography Stephani Buchman | Produced by Canadian Home Trends Magazine
Sources
- Custom Cabinetry and Millwork, Designed by Jacklynn Little Interiors
- Appliances, Caplan’s Appliances
- Plumbing Fixtures, Sink and Tap, Plumbing and Parts Home Centre
- Kitchen Hardware, Upper Canada Specialty Hardware
- Lighting, Sescolite Creative Lighting
- Bar Chair, Urban Barn
- Backsplash Tile, The Tile Store
- Countertop, Caesarstone
- Paint Colour for Walls, Doors, Trim, Cabinetry and Kitchen Island, Benjamin Moore
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