Nestled in the heart of Sunnlyea, a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood in Toronto's west end, this newly constructed residence is a study in restraint and warmth. Designed for a young family of four, the primary objective was to create a home that feels both refined and relaxed with spaces that support daily life with a quiet confidence.
The design draws inspiration from the homeowers' recent travels through southern Italy where they were captivated by the understated elegance of dwellings shaped by simple forms, the warmth of natural materials, and the effortless connection between indoor and outdoor living. From the street, the home presents a crisp composition of white brick, matte shou sugi ban siding and natural cedar.
This pairing of light and dark, of tradition and modernity, sets the tone for the spatial ideas within. Inside, the decision to forego the conventional stacking of staircases between levels allowed for greater flexibility in spatial planning. The interiors reveal themselves gradually as one moves from front to back.
Sculpted ceiling define the open plan living and dining area, while a minimalist staircase, tucked discreetly beside the dining space, creates a quiet architectural moment. Framed by a semi-circular opening in the floor, the stair offers a casual yet elegant transition between the main the second levels. At the heart of the home is the kitchen, where every meal becomes a social event.
Anchored by a large island adjacent to a custom built breakfast nook beneath a picture window, the space feels both functional and intimate. The built in seating encourages casual conversation and connection. Echoing the conviviality and leisurely pace of italian kitchens, this detail bring emotional warmth to the home's otherwise restrained architectural palette.
At the rear, a covered patio stretches across the full width of the home. Designed with a strategic roof cutouts that draws daylight deep into the interior, this outdoor space creates a seamless transition between inside and out. It acts as a true extension of the home, supporting a lifestyle that centred on family gatherings and outdoor living. The home includes four bedrooms, each arranged to prioritize quiet comfort with a minimalist design sensibility.
A vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom enhances the feeling of retreat, while natural oak flooring, matte finishes and a neutral colour palette contribute to a sense of lived in elegance throughout. Every design decision in this project was guided by a desire to support slow movements, foster connection, and express a deeper appreciation for simplicity. The result is a calm, cohesive dwelling rooted in both place and memory. More than just a house, the Sunnylea home captures the spirit of the owners' journey: a thoughtful balance of light, materiality and meaning, where every detail reflects the way they want to live.
