This wasn't merely a cosmetic update; it was a comprehensive "back-to-the-studs" reimagining designed to honour the home’s unique curved silhouette while drastically improving its daily functionality.
Located in the heart of Toronto, the St. Olaves Rd. The project represents a seamless marriage between mid-century architectural charm and 21st-century infrastructure.
Foundation & Function
The renovation began with a complete overhaul of the home’s "unseen" systems. To ensure the property would perform as well as it looks, the team installed entirely new HVAC systems, rerouted the plumbing, and upgraded the electrical grid. By modernizing the core infrastructure, the home was transformed from a vintage structure into a high-performance modern residence.
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
A Main Level Reimagined
The original layout featured a small, isolated kitchen that hindered the flow of the home. By integrating a structural beam, the team was able to open up the main level, creating a spacious, light-filled environment.
The new kitchen serves as the home's anchor, featuring:
High-Contrast Finishes: Dark cabinetry paired with a dramatic, full-height marble backsplash.
Architectural Lighting: Modern fixtures that bridge the gap between the sleek kitchen and the textured dining area.
Open Concept Living: A layout that encourages movement, perfect for both family life and entertaining.
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Design Led by the Curve
The true soul of the house resides on the second floor, defined by striking sunroom arches. Every finish chosen for the upper level was selected to complement these existing curves.
The principal bedroom and ensuite were strategically placed directly beneath these wooden arches, allowing the architecture to serve as the primary design element. This space offers a sanctuary-like feel, where the natural wood grain of the ceiling meets minimalist, modern furnishings.
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Image courtesy of: Ash Adams
Designed for Family Living
Recognizing the needs of a modern family, the renovation also prioritized practical luxury. The team added:
A Shared Kids’ Bathroom: Combining playful terrazzo textures with sophisticated black hardware.
Second-Floor Laundry: A strategic addition that brings high-utility tasks closer to where life actually happens.
Texture & Light: The use of glass block walls and ribbed vanities ensures that even the most functional spaces feel intentional and curated.
The St. Olaves Rd. project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation—proving that a home can be stripped to its core and rebuilt to be more efficient, without ever losing its original spirit.
Parade Design Studio is a premier, full-service interior design firm based in Toronto and the GTA, dedicated to transforming residential spaces through a blend of timeless aesthetics and practical, lifestyle-driven planning.
Guided by the philosophy that great design should transcend fleeting trends, Parade Design Studio creates cohesive environments that are as functional as they are beautiful. Their approach is anchored by meticulous space planning, ensuring that every renovation or new build begins with a solid foundation.
Parade Design Studio distinguishes itself through a commitment to collaboration and intention. By taking the time to understand a client's lifestyle, the firm delivers personalized spaces that reflect the owner's personality while maintaining architectural integrity. Whether it is a "monthly micro-decision" or a structural change, Parade acts as a leader, keeping projects organized, calm, and on track.
Great design bridges past and future, creating spaces that evolve with us.
Our built environment is in a constant state of beautiful evolution. At Forma, we believe that architecture and design are deeply personal—they dictate how we live, grow, and connect across every stage of life. As a community of designers, architects, engineers, trades, builders, suppliers, students and creators, we are constantly tasked with bridging what was with what will be. Whether we are exploring innovative new builds, thoughtful restorations, or the visionary people shaping our industry, our mission remains the same: to look beyond the aesthetics. We invite you to explore the human stories woven into the brick, light, and landscapes of the spaces we inhabit. Thank you to everyone who reads, contributes, and shares in this vision.
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