Classic with a Modern Twist
Story Brianne Smith | Photography Gordon King
The formal living room is an important part of the homeowners’ cultural backgrounds. They’ve created a space that feels like a gallery, but also boasts warmth.
In 2019, homeowners Charles and Dalia discovered the perfect plot of land to bring their family home to life on a quiet street in Alta Vista. Their vision was more than just bricks and mortar. It would be a tribute to their Lebanese and Egyptian heritage and a welcoming space to host family and friends.
A custom, curved staircase by Menuiserie Du-Bois graces the entryway of this family home under the embrace of 19-foot ceilings.
For Charles, who has cherished childhood memories in Alta Vista, the desire to build a family home here had been an aspiration for years. “I grew up here, a little further south,” says Charles. “We always said one day we would build our family home in Alta Vista, and one day we saw this lot for sale so we bought it and we got working on the home.”
Susan Hodgson of Design Studio Hodgson.
Guiding the project was Mark Patterson of Patterson Homes, the builder entrusted with the task of turning their vision into reality. The design process took a little over a year, with Mark bringing on Susan Hodgson of Design Studio Hodgson to help pull the project together. For Mark and Susan, who had worked together before, it was a great team fit.
An open-concept space to cook, eat and gather was important in the home design for the family to host large gatherings.
They broke ground in 2021 and the homeowners and their two children took possession in early 2023.
For Charles and Dalia, it was imperative the entryway serve as a focal point and set the tone for the home. The 5,500 sq. ft. residence has a grand entry adorned with a custom-built, curved staircase by Menuiserie Du-Bois and soaring 19-foot ceilings.
The kitchen was designed to be a mix of both modern and traditional elements to keep the space looking timeless for years to come. The gorgeous stone used for the backsplash and countertops is from Stone Luxury Granite & Marble.
In what designer Susan describes as a classical home with a modern twist, she worked closely alongside Mark and the homeowners to design a space that reflects their personal style and remains timeless.
Charles explains it was part of his and Dalia’s cultural background to have some classical elements alongside the modern elements. The formal living room at the front of the home serves that purpose. They wanted a comfortable and inviting dining and living space to host large gatherings.
The dining area is basked in an abundance of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that also provide views of the backyard.
A modern kitchen (Irpinia Kitchens and Preston Hardware) blends with the dining and living space to create one large room that spans the entire back portion of the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows by Marlboro Windows and Doors flood the space with a soft, natural light and provide beautiful views of the backyard. The stunning stone found throughout the home, including in the kitchen, mudroom and bathrooms, is from Stone Luxury Granite & Marble.
“I always tell the homeowners the kitchen is the focal point in the home,” says Mark. “When you have people over, family and friends, everyone migrates there. The way that all came together was pretty cool.” To accommodate their busy lives and growing family, a hidden pantry was added off the kitchen. An entertainment area just off the kitchen serves as a bar and coffee station.
The top of the grand staircase offers a different view of the formal sitting room below. Wainscotting was strategically placed to add balance and visual interest to the wall space.
For designer Susan, this space was her favourite to watch come together. “It’s all about the windows, the natural light and the fact that there’s more of a balanced combination of traditional elements with a modern look,” she says. “I had the most fun with that space.”
Subtle classical elements that include the Shaker-style cabinets, gold mirrors, coffered ceiling and bold pendant lighting tie this space seamlessly into the theme throughout the rest of the home.
Traditional elements like coffered ceilings and elegant gold mirrors complement modern touches like the sleek fireplace and black-framed windows.
A focal point of this space is the floor-to-ceiling, custom gas fireplace by Friendly Fires. The surround was a tricky, yet rewarding collaboration between the homeowners, Susan and tile experts from Euro Tile & Stone. The space is a treasured area where the family relaxes together.
Remarkable attention to detail has been meticulously woven into every aspect of the home. The mudroom may seem simple at first glance but closer inspection reveals clever details, such as a hidden cabinet designed as a discreet litter box for the family cat. A well-used space by the busy family, this versatile room doubles as the control hub for the Smart Home system, installed by Charles.
The grand staircase to the upper level of the home offers a very different view. Details like panelling and lighting are more exposed in what Susan describes as a play of scales.
One of designer Susan’s favourite features of the home is this powder room. A custom stone sink with glamorous gold touches makes this small bathroom a stand-out.
“The wall panelling was divided a little more up top so it gives some of that detail on this upper level and sort of balances what’s happening below. Seeing some of the lighting from this level was a must,” says Susan. The upper level hosts the family bedrooms, a guest bedroom and laundry room.
Charles describes the design process as fun and creative for his family, with his two children eagerly participating to pick features for their own rooms.
Elevated comfort and luxury blend seamlessly in the primary bedroom. Wall-to-wall drapery emphasizes the scale of the room while also creating a relaxing atmosphere.
The showstopper on the top level is the primary bedroom. Designed to feel like a luxurious hotel, the spacious room features lush wall-to-wall drapery, a fireplace and a wraparound walk-in-closet with entryways on either side of the bed, providing symmetry and keeping the room clutter-free.
The primary en suite is a true showstopper. Bold black-and-white tile creates eye-catching patterns that keep this room true to the bold glamour trend throughout the home. A gorgeous glass-panelled shower has a quartz wall and bench.
Strategic design details make the primary en suite a standout. Statement tile by TP Ceramic Designs Inc. has been used throughout to infuse a sense of drama. A stand-alone tub from Preston Bath & Kitchen Design Centre adds luxurious flair, while a quartz bench that stretches the length of the back wall elevates the space and adds a bold design touch.
In every corner of this family home, heritage and striking modern touches blend seamlessly. With meticulous attention to detail, this timeless haven celebrates the homeowners’ roots and welcomes cherished moments with their loved ones. OH
Pretty in pink, this child’s bedroom is full of colour and personality.