2025 NKBA Award Winner
"High above the dynamic pulse of Yonge & Dundas Square, this luxury penthouse renovation in Toronto reimagines the bold spirit of the 1980s and is the perfect place to throw a party."
Our clients met later in life, and we wanted to strike a balanced scheme that incorporated both of their tastes equally. Carefully curated pieces mimic their eclectic style and wonderful personalities, featuring rounded details and clashing geometry that pay respect to the 80’s style.
They entertain a lot and requested their home to be a place where hosting lavish parties for 100 people – which they have – is easy, and also be a wonderful private retreat in the heart of the busy downtown core.
Category
LIVE
Category
Small Kitchen
LOCATION
Downtown, Toronto
Size
1200 sq/f.
photography
Vinh Le
YEAR
2024
TESTIMONIAL
"Their dedication to seeing a project through is unmatched; they were so hands-on... You won’t find better, more talented or more reliable design professionals in Toronto."
Nicole & Kory
take a tour
Watch Luca take you through this private oasis in the heart of downtown toronto.
Bold pops of red and pink, in addition to a wonderful collection of colourful artwork and prints, are scattered around this penthouse. We decided to keep most of the walls a crisp white and opted for the baseboards and doors throughout to be painted a dark charcoal to frame the walls better, complementing the floors.
The foyer hosts some vibrant pieces in addition to a lightning bolt-shaped pink console table. A dramatic powder room off the foyer in large black porcelain tiles with white veins brings the eye up to a unique wallpapered ceiling. In addition, a collection of photos are hung on strings to create a rotating gallery while not compromising the tiles on the walls.
The kitchen was completely reconfigured and renovated to create a lot more storage, counter space and host larger appliances. A stunning countertop with the most dramatic veins is balanced against the all black kitchen with a pop of red in the faucet.
Our clients are tall, so we decided on high uppers, allowing us to keep a straight line all the way across the kitchen and provide a seamless piece of backsplash for a layered linear composition when viewed from the living room.
The unique, custom tiered island brings warmth into this home with its walnut base in addition to a sit-up dining area in textured porcelain stone. We opted for this dining experience rather than a traditional dining table in order to keep the living space more open for larger events and circulation, and also appeal to our client’s more relaxed lifestyle. This layout sets the tone for everything from quick breakfasts to late-night hangouts where the chef becomes the entertainment.
The Red Rey Chairs
Four bold red chairs sit opposite the island, bringing an electric energy with a shape reminiscent of the 80’s.
A coffee station was designed at the client’s request and is a moment that is first seen when someone rounds the corner from the foyer.
Bold, dark, custom millwork in both wood and lacquer spans the length of the entire great room and hosts the fridge, pantry, storage, an electric fireplace, T.V and hides an HVAC unit, guiding you into this large space without distracting from the beautiful view beyond.
A large black leather sectional is anchored on an ombre area rug with soft grey tones melting into each other. Throw pillows featuring lips and snakes reference the client’s collection of artwork above, and a black leather armchair with matching ottoman creates the most inviting living room while balancing masculine and feminine colours, shapes and form.
An assortment of curious pieces they have collected over the years, including whimsical prints, a t-rex side table and a bejewelled big cat that was christened “Disco Kitty” are highlights in this space that is a refined interplay of masculine edge and feminine vibrancy. The sum of its parts creates a home that feels daring and undeniably livable.
finding the perfect stone
Our clients were drawn to the dramatic and high contrast veins of stone and wanted something bold. They were also keen on a uniquely shaped island.
upgrading builder finishes
Their suite was purchased directly from the builder and the original kitchen left much to be desired. There was hardly any storage space and all the appliances were housed along a single wall making this penthouse suite feel cramped and small.
