This was a collaborative project between AsquithArchitecture and Julie ReinhartDesign. The project is a full renovation a new addition to a house in the plater Estates neighborhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This family of five needed more space and their 100+ year old house was in need of a renovation and a new vision. With the arrival of their third child during the design process this young family’s need for more square footage was becoming a priority. In addition to more bedroom and bathroom space they dreamed of a kitchen that would accommodate their love of cooking and serve as the heart of the house. The the existing two-story brick house was dark and closed in with little connection to the exterior. The house was full of dark stained wood with small rooms and small windows. More light and improved views were needed. A two-story addition was added to the rear of the house at the ground floor. This allowed the kitchen to expand into a large open space incorporating the dining room. A large deck allows for the extension of the kitchen and dining space to an outdoor eating and lounging area. The rear wall makes way for floor to ceiling windows.

The owners were adamant that colour be incorporated into the design throughout the house (she is originally from Mexico City were colour is an integral part of life and design). Colour was used as a unifying device throughout the design. The brightly coloured kitchen serves as the anchor and main hub of the house. It was tailored to closely suit the owners who are avid cooks, bakers and lovers of food in general. A large island is central to the kitchen with a backdrop with cabinets and built-in appliances in teal with orange and yellow accents. The pantry is hidden behind an orange door and expertly organized to house a well-stocked inventory, and essential piece for this family. A custom designed dining table by Julie Reinhart design acts as a family friendly gathering place

In contrast to the heavy dark wood of the existing house, the rejuvenated spaces each have a burst of colour in a bright white backdrop. The floors are a warm european oak and this wood is woven into the millwork throughout the kitchen and dining area. The front entry was opened up but maintains the existing stair and some traditional wood detailing. Pops of colour such as a custom chandelier and ombre stare treatment animate the space.

Upstairs the ensuite bathroom is a pallet of aqua tiles with rich purple accents. The room provides a serene retreat from the rest of the house. The children’s bathroom is an explosion of color. A cyan vanity and fixtures are set against a bright yellow tile surround and black and white animated floor tile. The basement playroom uses the space below the new stair for a secret hiding place complete with a kid-size door opening. Colourful carpet tiles and furnishings complete this bright room. The exterior of the addition is clad with dark wood siding to contrast with orange stained cedar accents to extend the colour theme to the exterior of the house.

Materials used:

1. Fraser Wood siding: - prefinished wood cladding
2. Custom Millwork: Edwards & Wilson
3. Island Stools: HAY
4. Custom Lighting: AM Studio
5. Basement Carpet Tiles: FLOR
6. Children's Playroom furnishings: Kids at Home
7. European oak prefinished hardwood flooring: Lovewood