Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Reviving a 1902 Row House in Toronto
Bold artwork, a neutral palette and soft furnishings make for a home that's inspiring and relaxing all at once
After living in a family-centric neighborhood in the East End of Toronto for 25 years, Wanda Enman was eager to get closer to the action downtown. She first tested the waters by renting a condo in the Entertainment District, but she grew weary of all the late-night noise and wasn’t sure she loved the condo lifestyle.
An avid art collector, Enman went on a “condo-alternative” hunt with agent Mark Richards. With help from contractor Greg Cole and designer Shannon Balm, she transformed a townhouse in Toronto’s cool West End into a gallery-like space for her collection. “I have always wanted a space where I could showcase art,” she says. “I believe that small spaces can take large pieces of art. One of the goals for me when I bought this house was to work with a gallery and build an art collection of Canadian artists.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Wanda Enman
Location: Beaconsfield Village, Toronto
Size: 1,800 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Year built: 1902; renovated in 2011 and 2013
An avid art collector, Enman went on a “condo-alternative” hunt with agent Mark Richards. With help from contractor Greg Cole and designer Shannon Balm, she transformed a townhouse in Toronto’s cool West End into a gallery-like space for her collection. “I have always wanted a space where I could showcase art,” she says. “I believe that small spaces can take large pieces of art. One of the goals for me when I bought this house was to work with a gallery and build an art collection of Canadian artists.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Wanda Enman
Location: Beaconsfield Village, Toronto
Size: 1,800 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Year built: 1902; renovated in 2011 and 2013
Regulars along Toronto’s Queen West gallery strip will surely recognize the “Marilyn” painting by Sunny Choi that Enman proudly displays in her living room. Choi’s aesthetic is described as “contemporary portraiture juxtaposing female figures and abstract art,” which jives perfectly with Enman’s approach to decorating. “I like a neutral palette that can be changed with soft goods or artwork,” she says.
Art installation: Artstall
Art installation: Artstall
The main floor of the home had been completely renovated by the previous owners. The space now flows seamlessly from one end to the other with no shortage of light, despite the windowless common walls on either side.
Sofa: Blake Down-Filled Sofa, West Elm; chairs: Chloe, Crate & Barrel; credenza: Kimberley Jackson; ottoman: custom by Scarborough Interiors
Sofa: Blake Down-Filled Sofa, West Elm; chairs: Chloe, Crate & Barrel; credenza: Kimberley Jackson; ottoman: custom by Scarborough Interiors
The expansive kitchen needed only minor changes by Enman. She had the marble countertops honed to a matte finish, replacing the previous glossy look. New pendants and a Roman shade also help the kitchen feel more contemporary.
Lighting: Universal Lamp
Lighting: Universal Lamp
Enman replaced the standard dishwasher with her favorite model, the Fisher & Paykel drawer unit. She was also excited about the Viking gas range and clever storage solutions, though she admits to rarely using the kitchen. “Why cook when I live so close to amazing restaurants? Those days are done,” she says.
The second floor of the home remained untouched by the previous owners. When Enman first saw the house, she says the layout included three “tiny, tiny” bedrooms and one “even tinier” bathroom.
With help from Greg Cole of Cole Construction and designer Shannon Balm of Mark Richards Team, the second floor was transformed into a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath layout. Working with a budget of $100,000 Canadian (about U.S.$94,300), the team echoed the feeling of the main floor while leaving room for Enman to put her stamp on the overall design.
With help from Greg Cole of Cole Construction and designer Shannon Balm of Mark Richards Team, the second floor was transformed into a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath layout. Working with a budget of $100,000 Canadian (about U.S.$94,300), the team echoed the feeling of the main floor while leaving room for Enman to put her stamp on the overall design.
The main bathroom is outfitted with heated floors, a custom vanity and a soaking tub. “I lived here for a year before I used the tub,” says Enman. “I really have to do it more often and make a point of enjoying every room in my home.”
Tile: The Tile Store; fixtures: Tapworks
Tile: The Tile Store; fixtures: Tapworks
The master bedroom features wall-to-wall built-ins that work as a closet and secondary storage, as well as a cabinet for the TV.
Bedding: Batavia Dove, DwellStudio; rug: West Elm; drapes: Trinity Gallery; millwork: Cole Contracting; painting: Virginie Bocaert, Thompson Landry Gallery
Bedding: Batavia Dove, DwellStudio; rug: West Elm; drapes: Trinity Gallery; millwork: Cole Contracting; painting: Virginie Bocaert, Thompson Landry Gallery
A master bathroom was incorporated into the new layout, taking space from an existing middle bedroom. The remainder of that bedroom was turned into a second shared bathroom.
Enman’s master bathroom has a French feeling, conveyed in part by a whitewashed double vanity and a painting of the Eiffel Tower.
Tile: The Tile Store; fixtures: TapWorks; art: Stacaro
Tile: The Tile Store; fixtures: TapWorks; art: Stacaro
Custom stained glass windows appear in several areas, including the guest bedroom. Stained Glass Services in Toronto created the windows using original patterns from demolished 19th-century buildings in Boston.
Bedding: Gate Ash, DwellStudio; drapes, armchair: Trinity Gallery; headboard: Scarborough Interiors; side table: Kimberley Jackson
Bedding: Gate Ash, DwellStudio; drapes, armchair: Trinity Gallery; headboard: Scarborough Interiors; side table: Kimberley Jackson
Though not originally in the plans, a cozy spot for hanging out as a family was added to the basement at the request of Enman’s three grown children. The space is awash in warm neutrals, with pops of sunny yellow to energize the decor.
Sofa, media stand: Stacaro; Rustic Storage Coffee Table: West Elm
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Sofa, media stand: Stacaro; Rustic Storage Coffee Table: West Elm
Browse more homes by style:
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More: 9 Townhouses From Coast to Coast
Urns: Touch of Green