Explore a Heritage Home Where Timeless Style Meets Modern Family Life
Transitional has been a bit of a buzzword in interior design over the last few years. Spaces that lean neither traditional nor modern – neither minimalist nor maximalist – rooms that sit between styles, creating a look that’s unique, full of depth and character.
That was the brief for designer Meg Cassidy when she was brought on to remodel this heritage home in Rosendale, Toronto, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Built in 1911, it required a sympathetic hand – one that would honor the building’s original features while updating the spaces to suit the owners’ more transitional style.
Meg worked closely in collaboration with the clients – a young family of five – who were looking to create their forever home. The vision for the house design was refined yet welcoming – ‘classic traditional architecture with modern touches,’ as Meg describes it, and the client’s personal art collection was to become a central part of the redesign.
Here, Meg talks us through how she reimagined this 20th-century property into a timeless home that nods to the past – yet feels deeply personal to the family who live in it today.
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘The home is located in the Rosedale area of Toronto and is set within a ravine. It is a heritage home, originally built in 1911, which meant it was important to maintain the façade of its original architecture and design. While we did tweak the exterior and include an addition to the home, we were thoughtful about what needed to remain in its original form.’
‘Our studio was tasked with designing a home that strikes a perfect balance between honoring its classic heritage and creating a warm, functional environment ideal for a young family. The goal was to craft a space that felt deeply personal – one that truly reflected our clients’ essence.’
‘To do this, we spent considerable time in the early stages getting to know the family’s story, their travels, and their vision for their forever home. While we had the creative freedom to explore many ideas, we remained focused on key details that were important to our clients, ensuring their preferences were woven into every part of the design.
‘The home’s interior architecture leans into layered, timeless design elements. The brief called for an aesthetic that avoided anything too modern or overly minimalistic, creating a space that feels rich, inviting, and full of character.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘I am infinitely drawn to the formal living room. It was my favorite room to design and the first room you see upon entering the home. We wanted it to set a refined, welcoming tone. Our goal was to give it a more formal atmosphere, with a subtle gallery-like feel. The client has curated a stunning collection of art over the years, so we designed the space to be soft and inviting – allowing each piece to stand out and truly resonate within the room.’
‘This space breathes the most beautiful soft light, and the textured plaster walls make this space reveal itself as what feels to me like a small gallery space. We knew that this room would be a space to really showcase some of the client’s favorite pieces. All of this, combined with the custom limestone fireplace and the Demiurge chandelier, gives this room such an elegant and glowy atmosphere. The subtle curves on the sofa designed by our newly launched furniture collection, Roan, really gave the room a bespoke feeling.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘This family envisioned a kitchen that would serve as the heart of the home – a place where they could cook, connect, and entertain with ease. Deeply passionate about food, family, and gathering with friends, they needed a space that was both highly functional and deeply personal.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘We prioritized smart storage kitchen solutions and efficiency, while embracing a more traditional approach to the millwork architecture. Painted finishes paired with solid oak brought warmth and timelessness to the design. As a stunning focal point, the royal blue Lacanche stove added a touch of personality and elegance to the otherwise neutral palette.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘The architectural plans meant the dining room was quite open to the family room and kitchen area. In an effort to give it its own designated space, we designed reeded glass panels set in black steel to create walls that felt dynamic and light-filled. The wall mural was designed and painted by James Mobley, and one of our favorite furniture pieces in this room is the Hunter dining chair in soft blue linen from Roan.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘The powder room was so special to design. Clad in oak paneling on the walls, this was the perfect backdrop to the marble-clad vanity. The vanity was designed to be a focal point in the room with rounded corners and a verdigris metal base. The sconces from Rose Uniacke added a soft glow in the room.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘A true cozy retreat, the family room was designed to watch movies, read a book, and play board games. The sofa from Dmitry and Co. feels elevated in the room with cast bronze feet. The daybed and coffee table are both from Roan.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘The main bedroom has such a soft glow in creamy shades and soft linens. The oak nightstands from Roan and a beautiful chandelier from Oi Soi Oi. The bed was custom-designed, and the millwork holds plenty of hidden bedroom storage and beautiful open shelving.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘The main bathroom has a similar, soft, welcoming feel, wrapped in tadelakt on all the walls. We designed the vanity with curved edges and beautiful olive-shaped pulls. The shower is clad in marble with unlacquered brass framing.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘We are immensely happy with the final result of this home. There was a great deal of time that was spent on the millwork and all of the interior architecture in this home, and that shows. Our client’s ability to empower us with the selection of unique and special furnishings and lighting, including our newly appointed custom furniture collection, just meant that there is a great deal of storytelling in the home.’
‘This entire project became the success that it is because it was based on a solid foundation of trust and collaboration with the clients. Since moving in just a short while ago, the clients have had the opportunity to host many beautiful, small and big moments here. Every time a new event takes place, I receive a phone call from our client, turned wonderful friend, about how the home was such an integral part of the night. Case in point, the beautiful dining room. A room that was so artfully hand-painted with landscapes that were part of our clients’ past and present dwellings, and three little painted birds that represent their children. It’s these thoughtful moments around the home that make for beautiful conversation.’
(Image credit: Malcolm Brown)
‘This project was four years in the making and truly one of our most challenging (in all the good ways) and rewarding projects to date. The moment that you enter into this home, there is an immediate feeling of warmth, sophistication, and while transitional in its design, there is a real appreciation for the modern details. This truly was one of those projects that, as a firm, you want to do over and over again.’
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