Wanda Ely Architect Inc.

Home Improvement Professionals , Architects & Building Designers , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
51 Reviews
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Wanda Ely Architect Inc.
51 Reviews

Monarch Park

This project located in Toronto’s East end was for a family of keen readers and music lovers who wanted their new home to be optimized for both day-to-day family living, and entertaining friends and extended family. As longtime residents of the neighbourhood who are committed to staying, it was important to design a home that worked for the family both in the present and future and felt sensitive to the neighbourhood around it.

A complete gut renovation, plus rear and 3rd floor additions transformed this house into a balance of open concept living areas and separate private rooms, giving everyone in the family space to socialize, work, and relax both together and apart. With an eye to making the home as sustainable as possible, it was retrofitted to be entirely electric, with new heat pumps, insulation and triple-pane windows throughout.

Inspired by mid-century colour palettes, contemporary design, and environmental sustainability, this unique home draws inspiration from the past, with an eye to the future.

Builder: M-Squared Contracting
Photos: Scott Norsworthy
Project Year: 2024
Project Cost: $1,000,001 - $1,500,000
Country: Canada
The ground floor was completely reconfigured, with the kitchen in the centre, dining at the rear, and a living room and foyer in front. The central spaces are open to one another for easy movement between them, and to facilitate entertaining a crowd. Special consideration to natural light was given...
Monarch Park
In the kitchen, bold blue cabinetry has a modern face-frame detail in contrasting white oak. The combination of clean lines, saturated colour, and natural materials feels contemporary, warm, and inviting.
Monarch Park
Monarch Park
Large windows were added at the back to create views of the beautiful mature trees in the rear yard, and to take advantage of the west afternoon and evening light when dining. A mix of new and vintage furniture pieces creates a playful mix of colours and textures. The vintage oxblood leather dining...
Monarch Park
A new window and window bench were incorporated along the south side of the kitchen, bringing in ample light throughout the day, and offering somewhere to curl up with a cup of tea and book near the kitchen and eating areas.
Monarch Park
The living room has a custom glass and metal screen that provides a balance between transparency and enclosure, without creating visual separation from the kitchen and dining areas.
Monarch Parkrenovaion
Monarch Park
The kitchen millwork band extends into the living room and becomes a bookcase with space for the record player and some albums. The slate backsplash in the kitchen extends into the living room as well, becoming a dramatic feature wall that adds depth and contrast to the room.
Monarch Park
Installing a new side entrance to the house was an important ask. The central staircase was relocated along the north side of the house to create as much central space in the floor plate as possible, and to accommodate stairs from the side entrance to the basement. A full-height piece of millwork...
Monarch Park
The kids’ bathroom embraces playful colour in a way that feels youthful and fresh. Low maintenance and durable materials are used throughout to minimize wear and tear, without compromising style.
Monarch Park
Monarch Park
On the second floor, the main office space takes advantage of beautiful west light. In the spring, the cherry tree outside bursts into bloom, creating a soft, ethereal view. Faceted floating shelves and a built-in desk provide storage and negotiate the transition space between the old house and the...
Monarch Park
In the basement, a custom piece of millwork houses the record player and extensive vinyl collection. The structure for the side door landing is concealed in the millwork by an illuminated display ledge for album covers.
Monarch Park
The front façade offers a clear view of the new third floor. The existing hip roof and partial third floor were removed, and a new gable roof with two large dormers was added. Although the new third floor offers much more useable space, the roofline looks proportional to the home, fits in with the...
Monarch Park
The third floor houses the primary suite with a bedroom, library and office space, ensuite, walk-closet, and roof deck. It is an oasis of calm above the busier communal spaces and offers a peaceful retreat to begin and end each day. At the top of the stairs, you arrive in the primary bedroom...
Monarch Park
Custom wallpaper in the bedroom features a flower petal design that echoes the blossom of the cherry tree outside when in bloom. The palette is watery and soft, creating a serene place to start and end the day. Bocci sconces float across the wallpaper and provide soft illumination at night.
Monarch Park
Yellow onyx sconces add colour and warmth and bring lighting down to eye level in the large, vaulted space.
Monarch Park
The ensuite bathroom has a large walk-in shower and tub with a view. A mixture of large format tiles with subtle texture and mint ceramic tiles creates a calming palette, without sacrificing texture or colour.
Monarch Park
Monarch Park
An existing small single storey addition at the rear was demolished and replaced with a two-storey addition with a roof deck on top. The addition was clad in black Cape Cod wood siding. Directional changes in the cladding between windows provides subtle visual interest.
Monarch Park
Monarch Park
Monarch Park