Modern /Traditional House In Corso Italia- Toronto

After making it through the red-hot real estate market in 2015 with multiple bidding war battle scars, this Toronto couple purchased a detached brick house in Corso Italia for $750,000. Now settled into their new neighbourhood, we find out how they managed to turn a century-old fixer-upper into a stunning family home. The renovation project took a year and half to complete, which was longer than anticipated. “We can describe the improvements we made in three words—total gut job,” explains the couple. “Everything was in its original state from 1929, including nob and tube electrical, an oil tank and lack of air conditioning.” A surprise large attic space with soaring ceiling height allowed the couple to create a walk-in closet and spectacular spa-like ensuite accessible from a private staircase in the master bedroom. “A secret retreat, as we like to call it,” notes one of the owners. Locating the private staircase to access the transformed attic and third floor addition from the master bedroom allowed the couple to make use of the found space without having to sacrifice bedroom space elsewhere on the second floor. “We decided to add a third floor addition after we realized there was enough ceiling height in the attic for Armando to comfortably walk through without slouching,” says Emily. “The huge attic was a hidden gem—we had no idea it was there and the discovery was a dream for me as I always wanted a closet large enough to fit all my clothes and shoes. An original cast iron tub was refinished and relocated to the couple’s master ensuite on the third floor. The stylish couple both love modern design but began to develop a stronger appreciation for the original beauty of their typical Toronto four square home with modest ’craftsman’ style elements. Struggling to find a balance between old and new, the front of the house pays homage to the original design with double-hung windows and restored wooden porch while the addition at the back of the house has a more modern feel with dark espresso coloured brick and sleek black single pane windows. ”We wanted to respect the character of this established neighbourhood by maintain the originality of the front façade, but loved the idea that the rest of the house could be made to look modern,” says Armando. “When we visited the house for the first time, we immediately fell in love with the front entrance. It was big enough so that you didn’t feel claustrophobic, but small enough that you only got a glimpse of the rooms surrounding it. So it made you want to explore the next room. This was our inspiration when it came time to redesigning the layout of the first floor. We keep the rooms divided but connected which creates a racetrack layout and makes the house feel more intriguing as you walk from one space to another -there are no dead ends, which makes it really easy to move around,” says Armando. Avid travellers, the couple drew design inspiration from years of shared adventures around the globe. Sentimental souvenirs and objects d’art are strewn throughout the home. A large-scale map of Rome was salvaged by the owners from an architectural firm and hangs prominently in the master bedroom. Colour and whimsy abound in two-year-old Penelope’s room. An oversized marble island anchors the bright and airy kitchen. Colourful artwork, made by Armando, inspired by festivals in Portugal of Warhol-hued sardines adorns a wall. A dramatic nook by the kitchen hides a perfectly-stocked pantry and bar area to mix cocktails and prepare coffee. The couple designed the custom double vanity in the second floor bathroom, which sparkles with crystal and brass fixtures. Emily, Armando and Penelope enjoy a snack together in the kitchen.