Issuu

Tanya Sidorova President & CEO, Sales Representative

Michael Inwood President & CEO, Broker of Record

SEE MY FEATURE LISTING ON PAGES 10+11

144 Mavety Street, Toronto

311 Roncesvalles Avenue Toronto, ON M6R 2M6

toronto west, high park, roncesvalles village, parkdale, bloor west village, junction

000 , 9 43 $1,

,0 199

$2,

52 Angus drive

307 pacific avenue

Tremendous McDougald Estate Custom Build Offering Loads of Historical Cache & Charm. Wonderful Curb Appeal w/Colonial Architectural Influences, This 2 Storey Centre Hall Home is Fully Renovated w/Magazine Quality Presentation. 3+1 Bdrms, 4 Bathrooms. Custom Cook’s Kitchen w/Shaker Cabinetry, Main Floor Family Room, Oak Hardwood Floors. Finished Lower Level w/Fireplace, Landscaped South Exposure Lot, Steps to Vast Parks & Local A+ Schooling.

Grand 2.5 Storey Victorian Multiplex On Historic Pacific Avenue, Circa 1888 Detached w/ Period Brick Facade, 6 Well Designed Suites, Over 3,500Sq.Ft Finished, 6 Hydro Meters, 5 Gas Meters, Coin Op Laundry, Multiple Decks & Outdoor Space For Tenants, Property Fully Tenanted: $113K Net Income. Low Maintenance 25’ X 78’ Lot; Tenants Manage Refuse/Snow, Short Stroll To The Junction And Bloor West Village Shopping/Entertainment.

DON VALLEY VILLAGE

junction

D SOL

75 Glenellen Drive E Spectacular Detached Backsplit in Coveted Sunnylea! Tastefully Renovated Kitchen w/Shaker Cabinetry & Quartz Counters, Open Concept Living & Dining w/Wood Burning Fireplace, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Renovated Bathrooms, Hardwood Floors, Finished Lower Level Family Room w/Loads of Natural Light, Privacy+ 53’ x 120’ Landscaped Lot w/Oversize Pool, High Demand School Catchment, 20min to the Tech & Financial Districts, Pearson Intl.

SUNNYLEA 1531 Green glade

87 eighth street

16 shadberry drive

rattray marsh

new toronto

hillcrest *Represented Purchaser

416-588 - 8248 realestatesolutions@rogers.com www.kerbler.com

647.232.7317 | ana@santos.ca | asantos.ca

66 Thorncrest Road

19 Blair Athol Crescent

For Sale

38 Westmount Park Road

90 Great Oak Drive

For Sale

Sold

215 Edenbridge Drive

20A Owen Drive

For Sale

Sold

* represented buyer

Ana Santos ana@asantos.ca 647.232.7317

Sara Branco sara@asantos.ca 416.575.7317

O: 416.441.2888 asantos.ca anasantoshomes sarabranco.homes

ISSUE 09 • 2026

DESIGNING A STYLISH FAMILY BASEMENT

PRESIDENT James BAKER james@thnmedia.com ADVERTISING SALES Marianne KENNEDY marianne@thnmedia.com CREATIVE PRODUCTION Jason STACEY jason@thnmedia.com WEB DESIGN Bryce LYNAS bryce@thnmedia.com ADMINISTRATION Diana LYNAS diana@thnmedia.com PRINTING Dollco Curb Appeal Magazine is published monthly and delivered to homes in Etobicoke by Canada Post, agreement #41362062. THN Media 1534 Agnew Road, Mississauga, ON L5J 3H1 curbappealmagazine.ca facebook.com/curbappealmagazine instagram.com/curbappealmagazine

8 CREAM OF

MUSHROOM SOUP

SPACES 16 THE THAT MAKE A HOME WORK

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. THN Media, their employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made. In such cases THN Media shall have limited liability only to the charge for such advertising or editorials.

www.tmgrealestate.ca

L SA R FO

23 Riverside Cres • $12,450,000

AL RS O F

146 Government Rd • $1,689,000

AL RS O F

36 Thicket Rd • $1,579,000

502 Jane St • $1,399,000

4 Winston Grove • $2,099,000

65 Dunedin Dr

293 The Kingsway

MOTRIA DZULYNSKY FOUNDER / SALES REPRESENTATIVE motria@tmgrealestate.ca

EVA STEC

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

ANNA KERETOVA

CLIENT SERVICES + MARKETING MANAGER

CRISTINA FONTOURA STAGER + CLIENT LIAISON

MAKSYM RUZYCKY

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. Brokerage

TOP 1% IN CANADA Based on Dollar Volume of Royal LePage sales in 2014-2025 for teams under 5 members

Luke DALINDA R E A LTOR ®

LDalinda@Dalinda.net

416-725-7170

TOP 1% IN TORONTO

Alexa KOSTUK

Daiva DALINDA

akostuk@dalindateam.net

DDalinda@Dalinda.net

REA LTOR

Based on Dollar Volume of Sales and Units Sold in 2014-2025 (REStats)

B R OKER

647-893-1206 416-919-1738

CALL FOR A FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL MARKET EVALUATION

87 Riverview Gardens Amongst the enchanting Old Mill community, perched on a secluded cul de sac and overlooking the Humber River, is a charming 8 room home with a private drive. Steps to Humber parklands trails for the nature enthusiasts, top schools for families, plus minutes to the subway, tennis courts and Bloor West Village amenities. $1,799,000

137 High Park Ave An exquisite triplex that has been renovated to the studs and offers 3 independently serviced residences with Sub Zero, Wolf and Asko appliances. A 200 ft lot on prestigious High Park Ave with a newly built heated, double car garage. Currently a 3% cap rate, plus identified potential by Lanescape for a garden suite. A trophy investment, or an ideal multi generational home. $3,980,000

ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, AND GET THE DEAL DONE

T B

West Toronto Real Estate Specialists West Toronto Real Estate Specialists West Toronto Real Estate Specialists West Toronto Real Estate Specialists West Toronto Real Estate Specialists West Toronto Real Estate Specialists

* *** * * babiakteam.com babiakteam.com TOP 1% IN TORONTO 416.717.8853 TOP 1% IN TORONTO 416.717.8853 babiakteam.com 1% IN TORONTO 416.717.8853 babiakteam.com TOP 1% IN TORONTO 416.717.8853 TOP babiakteam.com TOP IN TORONTO 416.717.8853 babiakteam.com TOP 1%1% IN TORONTO 416.717.8853

FOR SALE

26 Dacre Crescent SWANSEA OLD MILL OLD MILL BABY POINT

OLD MILL OLD MILL SWANSEA EDENBRIDGE-HUMBER VALLEY

SWANSEA BABY POINT

OLD MILL RONCESVALLES

90Humberview Road 82 Road 26 Dacre Crescent 8Humberview Country Club Drive

4 BR | 7,200 Total SF | Ravine

THE KINGSWAY SWANSEA OLD MILL HIGH PARK

RONCESVALLES SWANSEA VILLAGE POINT ISLINGTON HUMBERCREST-BABY

HIGH PARK

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE OLD MILL

16 The Palisades 90 Humberview Road 54 Rivercrest Road 124 Baby Point Road

2855 Bloor St Mill WAvenue #708 16 The Palisades 202-40 Old Road 98 Abbott

SWANSEA Boustead Ave 11737 South Kingsway 1300 Islington Ave #1701 FOR SALE 87A Watson Avenue

Custom 4 BR IBR Private Drive I Cul-de-Sac 4 BR I Fireplace I IPrivate Drive 2+1 BR Bath I I2Spaces Parking Purpose Built I Ave, 4Palisades x 2I 1,485 BR I Near Ellis 33 Halford Ave Glendonwynne Ave Quebec 3 Storey I Ave 5I I7,200' I Swimming 4 Drive Cul-de-Sac 4 I Fireplace Private Drive xBR 120’ I Private Drive ISF 3705 BR 35187 Baby Cres 12 Hewitt Avenue 90 Humberview Road 45Point BR Total I Pool Ravine 4BR I Ravine Private Drive Lot 93 2BR BR I 2I 2Purpose Parking I Spaces River Corner unit ISubway 2+1 BR 8,230' TotalSF I Lot 99'x316' Custom 6 +BR 1I Private BR I Ravine II Lg Private Built Multi UnitView 5040’ 316 IThe Detached IUnit Finished Basement

4 BR I6+1 70’ BR x 512.5’ lot II Grenadier Pond I 6 Bath Ravine I Pool

4+1 Private Dr.xI154’ 3 Level 4 BRBR I 5I Bath I 27’ lot IExtension 9’ lower level

BABYPARK POINT THE ISLINGTON KINGSWAY HIGH NORTH

Legal Duplex DriveIICul-de-Sac Garage Custom 4 BR II Private Private Drive

16 Halford Ave

42 Larkin Avenue 62 Ave 33 Burr Methuen Avenue SUNNYLEA BABY POINT NORTH

3 BR I 50’ Lot Overlooks Course BR I BR 2.5 Bath I Pad 4+2 I4 Bath I Front Pad Frontage I IDetached IParking Private Drive 2+1 BRx4IBR 2395’ Bath I 2I Parking Spaces 50’50' x2+1 125’ I 3BR 2Storey Bath II 2Private Kitchens BR I Extension I 2Parking CarGolf Parking 4+2 I3 Parking

60 Ave 74Clendenan Humberview Rd

485 IvyWatson Lea Cres Ave

BathIIPrivate ParkingDrive 43+1 BR BOUGHT IBR 3.5I 3Baths

84 Strath Avenue

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE ISLINGTON-CITY CENTRE CHURCH-YONGE CORRIDOR ISLINGTON VILLAGE

OLD MILLPOINT SWANSEA RUSTIC BABY

1372 Islington Ave 33 Methuen 2855 Bloor St W Avenue #708 79 Woodside Avenue HIGH OLDPARK MILL

2 BR I 2I Bath I Ensuite Laundry 4 BR Fireplace I Private Drive COMING SOON

CHURCH-YONGE CORRIDOR QUEEN WEST RONCESVALLES BLOOR WEST VILLAGE

122 Colbeck St Cres Edward Horton 15526 Dalhousie St #1043 1300 Islington Ave #1701 SWANSEA BARCLAY TERRACE

I3.5 3 BR IParking 3 Bath 1 BR 12w/ ftB-I Iw/ 1IIParking BR Iunit 1+Den II Open Concept Parking Spot 1 BRRenovated I 12Corner ft4Ceilings 1Garage Drive GarageSF Direct Access II1,485 SF I 2+1 4 BR I Private BR ICeilings 1,300 Parking

1 Rambert 1300 Islington Cres Ave #1604

3Renovated BR I 2 BathI 2I Private Drive BR I Open Plan

4 BR | 2,624 SF Above Grade

155 Dalhousie St #1043 36 Lisgar St 607W 302 Ave 456 Armadale Ave, #101 THEGarden JUNCTION WESTON

220 Medland St SOLD 10 Wilby Cres #104

20’ x 110’ 2 I 2BR BRI Bungalow I Quiet 2 Bath I 1,360 sqCrescent ft

3+13BR I Private BRI 2I 2Bath Baths I 1,021Drive sq ft

GEORGINA BLANCHARD

647.880.5339 HIGH PARK NORTH OAKVILLE HIGH PARK THE JUNCTION

HIGH PARK NORTH RONCESVALLES BLOOR WEST VILLAGE SWANSEA

24A Woodside Ave 246 Tawny Crescent Indian Grove 332 High Park Ave,#3 #202

BRULE RIVERSIDE BLOOR| WEST VILLAGE WATERFRONT COMMUNITIES

JUNCTION BABY POINT OLD MILL THE KINGSWAY

656 Annette StIStreet #302Drive Ave 6 +41Halford Ravine I Lg Private Lot Colbeck St Ave 468 BR IMarion 3 Storey Private BRHook I 2,624 SF Above Grade II 22.5 Baths I 2I Balconies BR 2.5PARK storeyI Pad I 1,700 sq ft 3DAVENPORT Storey Triplex I Double Car Garage I Lane 2 + 14BR 3 + 21 BR BR Baths 1 Parking I I2.5 Baths Parking VILLAGE HIGH

2WEST BR I Balcony Ensuite Laundry Private Drive Ceilings 4 BR I 2.5 Storey II Great 2 BRI IGarage 936 SFILocation IHigh Parking BLOOR VILLAGE JUNCTION

BABY POINT

OLD MILL

2662 StI 3W Bloor St WIteam, Renovated BR#1005 Welcome our 2 BR to IIBloor 2Detached bath 742 SF 2+2 BR Parking Corner Suite I 2 |BR I 1,130 sq| ft1,100 SF Georgina. THE JUNCTION JUNCTION

8 Foundry Ave TH258 24A WoodsideRoad Ave 149 Maria St, Upper Please contac Humbercrest Point Humberview St Johns Rd Contact us to arrange a2aprivate private viewing, book consultation Contact us to private to book aconsultation consultation Contact us to arrange viewing, book Contact us to arrange aaTerrace tototo book aa3aconsultation 2+1 BR I 2arrange I Rooftop 2viewing, BR I viewing, Renovated Balcony 2I 4BR Bath I Parking 60’ x 177.5’ IBath 5+1 BR I 2 Bath Iprivate Kitchens 3 Storey I 5 BR II Large Swimming Pool Storey BRI 2I 30’ x 120’ I Laneway Garage or for information on our upcoming listings or for information on our upcoming listings or for information on our upcoming listings or for information on our upcoming listings

Montye Ave 60 45 Heintzman St #1714

4+2 BR I 3I Bath I Laneway 2 BR 1 Bath I Corner House suite

Contact Contactus usto toarrange arrangeaaprivate privateviewing, viewing,totobook bookaaconsultation consultation or orfor forinformation informationon onour ourupcoming upcominglistings listings THEODORE THEODORE THEODORE THEODORE BABIAK BABIAK BABIAK BABIAK **

KRISTOFER KRISTOFER KRISTOFER KRISTOFER LAWSON LAWSON LAWSON LAWSON

647.717.0278 647.717.0278 647.717.0278 647.717.0278

ANNA JAMIE ANNA JAMIE ANNA JAMIE ANNA JAMIE IWANYSHYN COGHLAN COGHLAN IWANYSHYN COGHLAN IWANYSHYN COGHLAN IWANYSHYN

416.605.2621 416.605.2621 416.605.2621 416.605.2621

416.554.6903 416.554.6903 416.554.6903 416.554.6903

647.783.2040 647.783.2040 647.783.2040 647.783.2040

STEPHANIE STEPHANIE STEPHANIE STEPHANIE MARTIN MARTIN MARTIN MARTIN *

416.400.4485 416.400.4485 416.400.4485 416.400.4485

MARIKO MARIKO MARIKO MARIKO KATAOKA KATAOKA KATAOKA KATAOKA *

647.868.4165 647.868.4165 647.868.4165 647.868.4165

THEODORE KRISTOFER BABIAK** LAWSON* ___________ ___________ CINDY ADAM CINDY ADAM CINDY ADAM CINDY 647.717.0278ADAM 416.605.2621 GALLANT COSTELLO GALLANT COSTELLO GALLANT COSTELLO GALLANT COSTELLO *

437.429.1706 437.429.1706 437.429.1706 437.429.1706

416.725.6792 416.725.6792 416.725.6792 416.725.6792

416.717.88

THEODORE KRISTOFER ANNA JAMIE STEPHANIE MARIKO CINDY ADAM GEORGINA Babiak Team Real Estate Brokerage Ltd. 355 Jane St., Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3. Not intended to under agency agreement. *Sales Representative **Broker of Record***Based ***Based on on 2024 2023 TRREB MLS units sold THEODORE KRISTOFER ANNA STEPHANIE MARIKO CINDY ADAM GEORGINA Babiak Team Real Estate Brokerage Ltd. 355 Jane St., Toronto, ONJAMIE M6S 3Z3. Not intended to solicit solicit parties under KATAOKA agency agreement. *SalesGALLANT Representative **BrokerCOSTELLO of Record ***Based TRREB units sold Babiak Team Real Estate Brokerage Ltd. 355 Jane St.,St., Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3. Not intended toparties solicit parties under agency agreement. *Sales Representative **Broker 2023 TRREB MLS units sold BABIAK LAWSON IWANYSHYN COGHLAN MARTIN BLANCHARD Babiak Team Real Estate Brokerage Ltd. 355 Jane Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3. Not intended under agency agreement. *Sales Representative **Broker ***Based on 2022 TRRED MLS units sold. BABIAK LAWSON IWANYSHYN COGHLAN MARTINto solicit parties KATAOKA GALLANT COSTELLO BLANCHARD **

647.717.0278 647.717.0278

416.605.2621 416.605.2621

416.554.6903 416.554.6903

647.783.2040 647.783.2040

416.400.4485 416.400.4485

647.868.4165 647.868.4165

437.429.1706 437.429.1706

416.725.6792 416.725.6792

647.880.5339 647.880.5339

Not intended to solicit parties under

Babiak Team Real Estate Brokerage Ltd. 355 Jane St., Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3. Not intended to solicit parties under agency agreement. *Sales Representative **Broker of Record ***Based on 2024 TRREB units sold Babiak Team Real Estate Brokerage Ltd. 355 Jane St., Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3. Not intended to solicit parties under agency agreement. *Sales Representative **Broker of Record ***Based on 2024 TRREB units sold

RECIPE

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Serves: 6

THIS IS A DELICIOUSLY RICH AND CREAMY MUSHROOM SOUP THAT YOU MAKE IN ONE POT. IT MAKES A HEARTY SUPPER SERVED WITH A WARM BUTTERED ROLL OR RUSTIC CRUSTY BREAD FOR DIPPING. LEFTOVERS CAN BE PACKED IN A THERMOS FOR A HOMEMADE SCHOOL LUNCH, OR A HEART-WARMING SNACK AFTER A FALL OUTING.

ClassicCREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil • 1.5 lbs (680 grams) mixed mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster), sliced • 1 cup (250 ml) yellow onion, finely diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp (2 ml) each, salt and fresh ground pepper • 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter • 1/4 (60 ml) cup all-purpose flour • 4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable broth • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream • Fresh thyme or chopped parsley for garnish

STEP 1: Heat oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Remove half of the mixture from the pot; set aside. STEP 2: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to the pot; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. STEP 3: Add butter, stirring until melted. Add flour, stirring to coat mushrooms, about 30 seconds. STEP 4: Slowly add broth, stirring to combine. Allow soup to simmer, about 10 minutes. STEP 5: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Return reserved mushrooms to the pot. STEP 6: Add cream, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened and creamy. STEP 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. newscanada.com

CDS

Christine Simpson c 416.271.6900

National Chairman’s Club TOP 1% CANADA

Creative Vision • Creating Value

329 Walmer Road Welcome To ‘Casa Loma’ 3+1 Bdrm ~ 4 1/2 Bath 4,200 SqFt Living Area Double Car Garage Off Lane Way

2 Fieldway Road #707 ‘Islington City Centre’ Spacious 2 Bdrm ~ 2 Bath Open Concept 975 SqFt Living Tree Top View ~ Walk To Subway/GO

49 East Liberty St #1802 ‘Liberty Village’ Corner Unit ~ 2 Bdrm ~ 2 Bath Easy Access To Shops, GO Train... Unobstructed Views Of The Lake

19 Bannon Avenue ‘The Kingsway’ 4 Bdrm ~ 3 1/2 Bath 3,950 SqFt Living Area Backyard Retreat ~ Coveted LKS Area

AS E

223 Riverside Drive ‘Riverside’ RAVINE 4+1 Bdrm ~ 3 1/2 Bath Outstanding 75'x226' Ravine Lot 3,700 SqFt Finished Space

9-265 Van Dusen Boulevard FREEHOLD ‘Bloorview Village’ Rare End Unit ~ Great Community Spacious 3 Bdrm ~ 2 1/2 Bath Walk To TTC/Subway/Shops

MO M ORR EE P HPOH T OOS ~TD O E T ASI L S&~ V IDR TEU TA LATIO LU RSS OAN TL I N C E •HCRA LIL SF OT RI N O PEE NS HI OMU SPE SS COH N E D.UCL EO S M

CDSCurbAppeal-0926.indd 1

2026-08-31 11:30 AM

P R E S I D E N T & C E O , S A L E S R E P R E S E N T AT I V E

PRESIDENT & CEO, BROKER OF RECORD

416.769.3437

LIVING ROOM

OPEN CONCEPT MAIN FLOOR

KITCHEN

PRIMARY BEDROOM

PRIMARY ENSUITE

ROOFTOP TERRACE

WELCOME TO 144 MAVETY STREET The Junction | 3 + 1 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Parking An exceptional custom-built home where sophisticated modern architecture, premium imported materials, and resort-inspired indoor/ outdoor living come together in a remarkable urban retreat. Privately nestled within a tranquil, tree-lined setting in the heart of the Junction, this home was thoughtfully designed for elegant family living and seamless entertaining. The architecturally distinct exterior showcases premium stucco, natural stone, and wood-grain aluminum cladding, creating a virtually maintenance-free and striking contemporary façade. Elegant front and rear verandas are finished in premium black weathered granite, complemented by designer Corten steel planters, custom landscape boxes, professional landscaping, automated exterior lighting, and fully automated irrigation systems. Inside, the open-concept main level features wide-plank oak flooring, a custom gourmet kitchen with an oversized island and luxury countertops, a grand dining area accommodating up to 12 guests, and a spectacular imported, three-sided gas fireplace from the Netherlands. The second level offers wide-plank natural walnut flooring, an expansive entertainment lounge with custom built-ins, an office nook, and a spacious laundry room with marble accents.

Two generous bedrooms feature abundant closet space, modern windows and automated blinds. The marble-clad bathroom includes a custom 7-foot soaker tub, double vanity and premium fixtures. Occupying the entire third floor, the primary retreat features a sitting area, gas fireplace, built-in coffee and beverage station, and an expansive dualsided walk-in closet. The Calacatta marble ensuite offers an oversized two-person shower, freestanding soaker tub and designer fixtures. An exclusive rooftop terrace provides additional private outdoor living. The resort-inspired backyard features premium travertine, two custom fireplaces, waterfall features, a 36-inch built-in barbecue, and multiple seating areas. A fully finished detached single-car garage pavilion provides versatile entertaining space. A completely separate approximately 1,000 sq. ft. lower-level one-bedroom suite with custom designer finishes is ideal for guests, a nanny, extended family, caregiver or multi-generational living. Exceptional craftsmanship, custom millwork, luxury natural stone, designer fireplaces and smart-home conveniences complete this rare offering. Schedule your private tour today and make this breathtaking home yours! For more photos & details, visit www.sidorovainwood.com.

HOME DÉCOR

DESIGNING A STYLISH

FAMILY BASEMENT By Adrian Patron | Apto Design

THOUGHTFUL DETAILS, LAYERED TEXTURES, AND INTENTIONAL SPACES TRANSFORM THE BASEMENT.

A basement can easily become an afterthought, but I see it as an opportunity. With the right planning, it can become one of the most enjoyable and hardworking spaces in a home. For this renovation, we wanted to move beyond the typical idea of a basement as a recreation room and create a level that felt connected to the rest of the house, while offering something different: a place to gather, relax, entertain and recharge. The homeowners had a long list of requirements: a wet bar, home theatre, games area, gym, sauna and plenty of storage. The challenge wasn’t simply fitting everything in; it was creating a sense of flow so the basement felt like one cohesive environment rather than a collection of separate rooms.

My approach was to think about the layout as a series of experiences. The open games and entertainment area brings together the pool table, foosball table and comfortable seating, creating a natural gathering space for family and friends. The theatre offers a more immersive escape, while the gym and sauna create a quieter wellness-focused zone. Custom millwork played an important role in bringing everything in this basement together. Handcrafted by NOCI Bespoke Cabinetry, the cabinetry was designed specifically around the architecture and the homeowners’ needs. Storage is generous but discreet, allowing for games, media equipment and bar essentials to be easily accessible without visually competing with the rest of the space. The wet bar is one of the standout moments. I wanted it to feel like a destination rather than simply a practical addition. Walnut veneer laminate cabinetry introduces warmth and texture, with integrated appliances concealed behind custom panels. The Palomino natural stone island adds another beautiful layer, while the dramatic Patagonia natural stone backsplash creates a true focal point. Its natural movement feels almost like artwork, and backlighting brings out its depth and character as the evening unfolds. Lighting was equally important in establishing the mood. A basement can easily feel flat if everything relies on a single layer of overhead lighting, so I incorporated recessed, integrated and decorative illumination throughout. The lighting high-

HOME DÉCOR

lights the stone, millwork and architectural details while allowing the atmosphere to shift throughout the day. A sculptural pendant above the games area adds softness and personality, while discreet lighting within the theatre’s wood-slat ceiling reinforces its more intimate character. The theatre was designed to feel warm without becoming overly themed. Tiered leather recliners, a projector and screen create the cinematic experience, while wood tones, textured walls and a compact snack and beverage station make it comfortable enough for a long movie night. It feels polished, but still relaxed. Material selection helped carry that feeling throughout the entire level. Natural stone, walnut-toned finishes and soft neutral upholstery create a warm, restrained palette. Rather than trying to make the basement feel dramatically different from the rest of the house, I wanted it to feel connected—just with its own personality. My advice to anyone planning a basement renovation is to start with flow before finishes. Think first about how people will move through the space, how each zone will be used and how those areas can connect naturally. From there, bring in custom storage to keep the visual lines clean, then identify one or two elements that deserve to be the hero.

FINAL PRO THOUGHTS Define the zones. Give lounging, dining, games, fitness or media their own purpose while maintaining a visual connection throughout the level. Warm it up. Natural materials such as wood, stone and woven textures soften the harder surfaces often found below grade and add depth and character. Don’t forget acoustics. Rugs, upholstered furniture, drapery and textured finishes can absorb sound while making the space feel more comfortable and refined.

MY ADVICE TO ANYONE PLANNING A BASEMENT RENOVATION IS TO

START WITH THE FLOW BEFORE THE FINISHES.

Our ultimate goal here: to create a level that feels as considered and welcoming as every other part of the home. This basement is no longer simply an amenity-filled lower level. It has its own identity—a destination for entertaining, unwinding and spending time together. When thoughtful planning, beautiful materials and strong architectural details come together, a basement can become much more than extra square footage. It can become one of the most memorable spaces within your home. ■

ADRIAN PATRON is the designer and Creative Director of Apto Design, a Toronto-based studio celebrated for its tailored residential interiors that combine custom millwork with timeless, high-end design solutions.www.apto.design @ ap.to.design www.apto.design | @ap.to.design

BATHROOMS

THE SPACES that make a

HOME WORK THE MOST SUCCESSFUL UTILITY SPACES DO MORE THAN MANAGE THE MESS—THEY BRING ORDER, BEAUTY AND INTENTION TO THE EVERYDAY RITUALS OF HOME. By Amy Dillon | Photography by Larry Arnal

The rooms that work hardest in a home are rarely the ones that receive the most attention. Kitchens and living rooms may be designed to impress, but laundry rooms, mudrooms and other utility spaces quietly carry much of the responsibility for keeping daily life moving.That shift has changed the way I approach utility spaces when designing a home. Instead of dedicating separate rooms to individual tasks, I find opportunities to layer functions together in ways that feel intuitive. Spaces that once served a single purpose are now being asked to do much more. For years, these rooms were treated as purely functional. They were tucked away, finished with little more than the essentials and expected to disappear from view. Today, that thinking has changed. As our homes accommodate busier schedules, more possessions and increasingly complex routines, these hardworking spaces are being designed with the same level of intention as the rooms we traditionally consider more important. A family entrance, for example, can become a point of constant friction. Coats, shoes, backpacks, sports equipment, groceries and packages all compete for space. Add a few muddy paws and a load of laundry, and an ordinary transition through the house can quickly become chaotic. Rather than creating a separate room for every task, I often look for opportunities to combine functions in a way that feels natural. A mudroom that also serves as a laundry room is one of the most effective examples.

In a recent project, two disconnected utility areas were reimagined as one cohesive space near the home's primary family entrance. The objective wasn't simply to create more storage. It was to design a room that anticipated the family's routines and made them easier to manage. Custom cabinetry established a sense of order, with dedicated areas for coats, shoes, bags and seasonal gear. Closed storage was particularly important because everyday life inevitably comes with visual clutter. By giving those belongings a home behind cabinetry, the room could remain calm even when it was being heavily used. A generous counter above the washer and dryer added another layer of functionality. It became a place for folding laundry, sorting school essentials, organizing packages or temporarily setting down groceries. None of these functions required additional square footage; they simply required the space to be considered more thoughtfully. That is often the difference between a utility room that works and one that truly supports a household. Before thinking about cabinetry profiles, hardware or finishes, I consider the choreography of the room. Where does someone naturally put their keys? Where will wet boots land? Is there a comfortable place to sit while taking off shoes? Where does sports equipment go after practice? How are cleaning supplies stored? These seemingly small questions have a significant influence on the design. Storage should respond to those habits rather than forcing the household to adapt to the room. Deep drawers can accommodate laundry products and seasonal accessories, while tall cabinets can discreetly house vacuums, brooms

and cleaning supplies. Pull-out hampers make sorting easier, and open shelving can keep frequently used items within reach. The objective isn't to create a space that looks perfectly organized at every moment. It is to create a system that makes organization achievable. Materials matter, too. These are high-traffic rooms exposed to moisture, dirt and constant use, so durability should be considered from the beginning. Porcelain tile is an excellent choice for floors because it can withstand moisture and heavy traffic. Cabinet finishes should be selected with everyday wear in mind, while countertops need to be practical enough for everything from folding towels to unloading groceries.

A well-designed mudroom or laundry room can have warmth, character and a strong connection to the rest of the home. Consistent cabinetry, thoughtful lighting, beautiful hardware and considered materials can make these spaces feel intentional rather than incidental. They may not be the rooms guests notice first. But they are often the rooms homeowners appreciate most. They absorb the muddy shoes, contain the backpacks, manage the endless laundry and provide a landing place for all the things that accompany modern family life. When designed well, they take small points of daily friction and quietly make them easier. That, to me, is one of the most meaningful measures of good design. A beautiful room can make an impression, but a thoughtfully designed room can change the way a home feels to live in. Sometimes the most successful spaces are the ones working quietly in the background—bringing order to the everyday and making life feel just a little more effortless. ■

Amy Dillon is the Creative Director and Principal of Amy Dillon Interiors, an award-winning Toronto-based studio known for its elevated, highly personalized interiors. With over two decades of experience, she brings a refined, intuitive approach to each project— crafting timeless spaces that reflect how clients truly live. The studio offers full-service residential design across the GTA, Ontario, and nationwide.

amydilloninteriors.com • @amydilloninteriors

19 THE KINGSWAY

HUMBER RIVER HILLTOP

RARE HILLTOP MASTERPIECE HISTORIC HUMBER RIVER RAVINE SETTING Perched atop one of the area’s most coveted hilltops, this exquisitely renovated luxury Kingsway residence commands breathtaking views. Blending mid-century architecture, a resortlike pool, and sophisticated decor, this exceptional home offers an unparalleled lifestyle in one of the city’s most historic and prestigious enclaves. With its circular drive and mature trees, the residence radiates understated elegance. Every detail has been thoughtfully reimagined, showcasing premium finishes, refined craftsmanship, and elegant living spaces designed for both entertaining and everyday comfort. The rear of the property, with its three levels, offers the wow factor, particularly in summer, while the surrounding trees and foliage create total privacy. The gourmet kitchen is a showpiece, seamlessly connecting to inviting family spaces and beautifully landscaped outdoor living areas. A luxurious upper primary retreat with a balcony, spainspired bathrooms, and impeccable attention to detail creates a home that is as comfortable as it is impressive. Rarely available, optional main-floor primary bedroom creates that “all on onelevel” living-space appeal. Opportunities to own a fully renovated luxury home in such a storied hilltop location are exceptionally rare.

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