416-346-3005
Toronto
Modern Split Level Home Upgrade
This gorgeous split level home in Riverdale, Toronto in an Architectural gem where every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The space has been transformed with new millwork, custom furniture pieces, and refreshed flooring that ties everything together seamlessly.
Millwork: Custom cabinetry and trim work now create an elevated sense of craftsmanship throughout the home. In the living room, a statement fireplace with sleek, contemporary millwork around it serves as the focal point, combining both form and function. Custom built-ins line one wall, providing both storage and display areas that are clean, minimalist, and elegant. The staircases feature new, modern railings and upgraded wood paneling that complement the overall aesthetic.
Furniture: The furniture pieces have been carefully selected to balance comfort and style while making the space feel inviting and cohesive. A spacious sectional in neutral tones anchors the living room, with statement chairs adding pops of color and texture. In the dining area, a contemporary table with bold, sculptural legs takes center stage, surrounded by chic chairs that emphasize both style and comfort. Strategically placed accent tables and storage pieces add function without cluttering the open space.
Flooring: The flooring has been updated with warm, wide-plank hardwood floors that flow seamlessly across the entire main level, unifying the space. The rich wood tones help to create a grounded atmosphere, while also allowing the lighter tones in the millwork and furniture to pop. In areas like the entryway or kitchen, the flooring has been complemented by a patterned tile that introduces subtle contrast without overwhelming the design.
Overall, the upgraded open-concept home feels fresh, airy, and modern, with every element carefully curated to enhance both visual appeal and practicality. The integration of new millwork, bespoke furniture, and cohesive flooring has created a space that is both timeless and functional for everyday living.
Client Review:
Working with Agnieszka Chromicz-Chan was a surprisingly delightful experience. I had never used an
interior designer and was nervous about how it would go. Would the designer understand what we
wanted to accomplish? Would she be able to help us create a space that was uniquely to our taste
without imposing her vision? How would she handle us if we were making choices that she knew
wouldn’t really work with the space? Could she work with our budget and keep the project in line with
what we were willing to spend? I am pleased to say that Agnieszka navigated each of these potential
minefields with aplomb.
Our project was relatively small: we had decided to replace our glossy black floors with something
lighter that would open the space and show less dust. The biggest challenge was choosing the colour of
the wood for the floors. We have a golden granite countertop in the kitchen with which we were
unwilling to part. Our cabinetry (kitchen, dining room and family room) is all a dark espresso colour with
a hint of red in it. This made for an enormous challenge in finding the right floor – something that would
not be too yellow, too green, too grey, or too brown. This was, by far, the greatest challenge of the
project. But Agnieszka was patient as we went through literally tens of wood floor samples – all laid out
on our floor and moving periodically to a different section of the space so that we could see it in every
light. She came to our house every time I brought back new samples to give her insight. She scoured
wood flooring outlets and stores. She was an incredible asset and co-conspirator. The best part is that
we found the exact right flooring.
Agnieszka was helpful in many other ways as well. The biggest challenge I have is with colour. I am not
very confident in choosing colours, and because our main floor is open concept, every wall but one is
visible from the entrance. This poses an enormous challenge: how can we delineate the spaces between
rooms while not over-powering with colour? I did not want the entire floor to be white, so the key was
to choose a couple of accent walls to ground the space and then work around those colours to build
from there. Agnieszka was, once again, full of ideas and incredibly patient as we worked through this
challenging piece. The result is a main floor that feels fresh and bright and uniquely ours.
I am incredibly grateful to Agnieszka for the guidance, support, keen eye, and positive spirit she brought
to this project. Our space is beautiful thanks to her.
Sylvia Kanitsch, Homeowner