small spaces g 1,200 square feet uptown...

Combining urban living with rustic

antiques, a Regency-style home in

Toronto’s north end gets a decorative

makeover while still maintaining

its historical charm. Written by Christy Wright / Photography by Donna Griffith

It’s no surprise that location was the driving force

behind Toronto realtor Michael Stewart’s move from a down-

town cottage in a bustling area to a historical home in the

city’s north end. Michael and his partner, freelance stylist

Christopher Clancy, wanted a calmer neighbourhood, and

when they saw the house they now call home, they were sold.

“It was love at first sight, and the street was so quiet, we had

to have it,” says Michael. Fate agreed: two days after viewing

the house, a neighbour knocked on their door, asking if they’d

left Watery blue walls and crisp white furniture give the formally appointed living room a relaxed,

beach house ambience. “When you sit in here, you almost expect to

look out the window and see the ocean,” says homeowner and realtor Michael Stewart. Inexpensive chairs face a custom-upholstered sofa and

set the tone for the room’s clever mix of elements. “We love antiques,” says Michael, “but adding modern pieces

keeps the house from becoming a museum.” Thus, carved Italian lamps, an heirloom oil painting and antique photos are right at home with glossy art books, and a brand-new, Shaker-

inspired coffee table from Elte.RIGHt Michael (left) and partner

Christopher Clancy in the living room of their 19th-century home, which is said to be one of only five remaining

Regency-style dwellings in Toronto. g

uptowncountrylike to sell their cottage. That was four years ago. Since then, the

couple have put their decorative stamp on the 1835 Regency-

style house by rejuvenating the rooms with paint and showcas-

ing their antiques against the charming backdrop of the home’s

original period features. There were renovations as well: the

kitchen was redesigned to maximize space, and a stone terrace

was added just outside the dining room. For now, though,

there are no further decorating plans, and Michael is just fine

with that, knowing he has a perfect country home in the city.

small spaces g 1,200 square feet

march 2009 / styleathome.com / 53

*for a 3-D version of the floorplan, check out styleathome.com/stewart

54 / styleathome.com / march 2009

left “I love the drama of the red in this room,” says Michael. “It’s great with the woodwork, and a warm change from the pastel colours in the other

rooms.” The six ladderback chairs, which Michael snapped up for under

$400 at a consignment shop, parlay a country-casual air that’s nicely

tempered by the simple lines of the table and the modern upholstered

armchairs at either end. The country-city mélange is continued in the

chandelier, where a string of crystal beads infuses the rustic wrought

iron with a touch of elegant sparkle.RIGHt A botanical print is housed in

an IKEA frame. Michael imparted a personal touch by pairing it

with a photograph that his father took for him. The model car is a nod

to one of Michael’s passions − he loves Citroën 2CV cars and

drives a 1961 model. g

I love working with Michael and Christopher. They have a pulse on what’s going on in design but also a strong respect for history” nEIl ASSElIn, dESIgnER



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small spaces –exposed storage Hanging utensils above the stove saves space and keeps them at hand for easy access when cooking.

left Handmade tiles extend beyond the backsplash to surround the kitchen’s south-facing window. neil says, “I love the irregular finish of these smoky tiles. Their placement on the wall adds an interesting architectural feature to the room, as well a bit of subtle colour, which is complimentary to an older home like this one.”

RIGHt Michael hired close friend and designer neil Asselin to redo the kitchen. “It was the victim of an uninspired ’70s reno,” says neil. “We decided to gut it and start again, but because of the home’s heritage status, we couldn’t reconfigure the walls and plumbing, so I focused on making better use of every square inch of space.” IKEA tongue-and-groove cabinets extend upward for the utmost storage and boast hidden organizational features like a lazy Susan, spice holder inserts and drawer dividers. The new cabinetry commingles perfectly with the original pine flooring. g

As a realtor, I know it’s wise to fix up a place and move on, but I never want to sell this house” MICHAEl STEWART, HoMEoWnER


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small spaces –hidden storageAdding a long bedskirt is an easy way to hide underbed storage.

left Flooded with sunshine, the centre hall is furnished like any other room in the house − with an array of old and new furniture and artwork. The carved wooden table was picked up on sale at a Ralph lauren store that was closing. Across from it hangs a reproduction of a circa 1700s map of Paris. Michael loves the look of unadorned plank floors and how they highlight the original ornate and new metal vent grates.RIGHt This first-floor bedroom is warm and welcoming with a dreamy colour palette of Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White and a sparkling nickel-plated Martha Stewart bed from deBoer’s. WHERE To FInd IT, PAgE 94

I have the best of both worlds – a country home in the middle of the city” MICHAEl

small spaces g 1,200 square feet uptown...

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