A Toronto Semi That Lives Big
This home is special in so many ways. It’s one of those rare projects where everything came together - the design, the layout, the personality - and then, as if that wasn’t enough, it landed on the April House & Home cover. A total dream.
What made it even more surreal? I got to design this space for amazing clients who, throughout the course of the project, became friends - how cool and incredibly special is that? We shared the cover, which is something I’ll never forget. That kind of full-circle moment doesn’t happen every day, and the joy of creating a home this beautiful, for someone I love, made it all the more unforgettable. Here’s a bit more about each space, with before and after images.
Living Room & Staircase: Small Moves, Big Impact
The living room had some updates already - a new fireplace insert, living room built ins, and entryway millwork - so we kept things light in there. But the staircase got a full glow-up. We ripped out the old one and installed a brand-new set with a slim wrought iron railing. It was literally finished at 1:30 AM on the day of the photo shoot , but it was worth it. And somehow, we managed to sneak in a powder room off the landing. It’s small , but it has a cute little marble sink and adds so much value, especially on the main floor.
Primary Bedroom: Elevated in Every Way
Upstairs, we pulled out a fireplace that was non-functioning and carved out space for a walk-in closet and ensuite. We took just a little from the bedroom to make it work, but then, the ceiling came down, and we discovered the roofline. We followed it up and suddenly had these soaring ceilings that completely transformed the room. It feels so grand now, like it was always meant to be that way. The ensuite has a custom-cut tile floor in a quiet pattern that gives it depth without shouting. There’s a water closet for privacy, a big walk-in closet, and everything just flows. It feels elevated but still warm; exactly what we were aiming for.
Primary Bedroom
Primary Bathroom
Jack & Jill: Bold, Playful, and All In
For the kids, we built a Jack and Jill bathroom between their bedrooms and decided to go bold. Emerald green checkerboard tile wraps the floor, the tub skirt, and the shower walls, and honestly, it’s one of my favourite details in the whole house - it’s playful and a little unexpected, but it just works. And it makes the space feel personal and full of life.
Jack & Jill Bathroom
Kitchen & Dining: The Cook Nook & Hidden Genius
We moved the kitchen to run along the back and side walls, which opened up room for a built-in dining banquette right next to it. It feels effortless now, but it took some puzzle-solving to make that layout sing. Storage was also huge for this space. On either side of the banquette, we built floor-to-ceiling cabinetry display above, closed storage below. Everything has a home, which makes the whole area feel calm and intentional. The working wall is where the magic happens. I tucked the range into a cook nook; a detail I love for its charm and function. We sourced a beautiful veined slab just for that spot, then wrapped the sides with handmade tile to give it a little contrast and warmth.
The island does a lot of heavy lifting too: sink, dishwasher, under-fridge, and a surface that’s elegant but not showy. It lets the back wall be the star. We also worked in a full-height pantry beside the fridge, which makes the flow super efficient. And yes, there’s a TV in the kitchen, but it’s a Frame, so it doubles as art when it’s not on. Beautiful and functional, which is always the goal. We couldn’t move some of the mechanicals, so we just embraced them. The ductwork got clad in the same finish as the cabinetry and painted to match, so it looks like it was always meant to be there. Cozy, cohesive, and no eyesores in sight.
Kitchen and Dining
The Puzzle, Solved
There’s a kind of magic when a layout finally clicks; when you’ve fit in everything your clients hoped for without compromise. This house has that magic. It lives large, it flows beautifully, and it’s ready to grow with the people who call it home. And the House & Home cover? That was just the cherry on top. You can watch the full video here.
xo
Parris