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This 100-Year-Old Home In Toronto’s Greektown Is A Contemporary Homage To Craftsman Style
Photography by Jules Lee | Design by Michele Bellissimo & Jamelya Francis/Bell Design Studio
House Tours
This 100-Year-Old Home In Toronto’s Greektown Is A Contemporary Homage To Craftsman Style
Originally a Craftsman-style bungalow in the heart of Toronto’s lively Greektown, designer Michelle Bellissimo welcomed in contemporary style with a mid-century modern flair.
Pre-renovation, the home had all the makings of its purpose-built era. Heavy walnut moldings, rich woodwork, and compartmentalized rooms defined the abode.
The homeowner—a design enthusiast with a vast collection of heirlooms—enlisted Bellissimo and co-designer Jamelya Francis to bring the home into the present. A second-story addition was functionally needed for the family of three while a reconfigured layout invited light and movement.
“Another key objective was to establish a consistent design language throughout the home, which we achieved through the motif of curvature,” says Bellissimo, the principal designer with Bell Design Studio in Toronto. Soft millwork, archways, curved banquettes, and backsplashes create a fluid experience throughout the home.
Photography by Jules Lee
An oversized green banquette is the brightly-coloured focal point of the dining room. Its organic shape is replicated on the ceiling with a softly-arched bulkhead—an accidentally-happy feat the second-floor addition necessitated—that wraps around the sitting area.
Over in the warm living room, the fireplace wall is finished in plaster to highlight the sculptural design infused throughout the home. “Two curved niches flank a central fireplace, creating balanced display spaces for family heirlooms and decor,” says Bellissimo.
Photography by Jules Lee
The kitchen is a seamless combination of effortless style and function. A custom plaster hood with a geometric backsplash is framed by a curved surround featuring sculptured niches.
Strategic storage is also abundant. A built-in pet station nestles into the island, while a sleek pantry garage hides away appliances and everyday clutter behind the home’s signature walnut.
Photography by Jules Lee
A slight departure from the rest of the home, bold design is at the core of the powder room. The stone vanity—a dramatic yet subtle choice—and rich finishes are offset by warm wood panelling.
Photography by Jules Lee
As with the rest of the home, Bellissimo paid homage to the home’s Craftsman roots with deep-hued millwork in the primary. “This balance between preservation and renewal allowed the renovation to feel cohesive and true to the home’s history,” she says.
The minimalist space layers natural textures, subtle details, and of course, soft curves. A bold curved closet separates the sleeping area from the open-concept dressing area.
An extension of the primary, the ensuite uses a similar palette. “Striking stone within the shower adds a layer of luxury and visual drama while the cohesive material palette ensures a seamless flow between the two spaces,” says Bellissimo.
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