Dart Studio

We worked with Dart on our first major renovation (gutted main and second floor) and had a great experience. They listened to our needs and delivered a beautiful design within our modest budget. On occasion, we found ourselves double checking their suggestions, only to realize how good their first recommendations really were! When we had to make a few changes during the renovation process, they were quick to offer alternative solutions and update the plans. They also went above and beyond to secure materials when retailers were experiencing supply issues due to the pandemic. We couldn't be happier with the process and final outcome. We look forward to working with them again on future projects!

We really enjoyed working with the whole Dart team. Olivia took the time to understand our needs and put together some great concepts and options for us to choose from. The team diligently managed the project end to end. Now that the project is complete, everyday we spend in our new kitchen/living space puts a smile on our face. We could not be happier with the end result!

We are so happy with the reno support we got from the whole Dart Studio team. They streamlined so many aspects of the process, from permits to fixtures, allowing us to have a relatively low-stress (and frequently fun!) experience, They took the time to understand our taste, and then did most of the work to make sure we had our dream kitchen. Highly, highly recommend!

When my husband and I decided to renovate the top floor of our house, we both felt a little overwhelmed. After the recent arrival of our second child, we knew that our house was no longer working for us but didn’t know where to start. We were fortunate to have found Olivia’s work online and were immediately drawn to her design aesthetic. Olivia and her team walked us through every step of the design process and we’re always there to answer our questions. From our first meeting, we were impressed with Olivia’s professionalism, expertise and problem solving. She really understood the look we were hoping to achieve and picked the most beautiful finishes for our space. She connected us to an amazing contractor who executed the vision with no details spared. Despite the many challenges of renovating during a pandemic, we were happy that the project was completed on time and on budget. We are now considering renovating the main floor of our house and hiring Dart Studio is an obvious choice! What an amazing experience to have worked with Olivia and her team!

We have been working with Dart Studio since early 2017 when we embarked on a renovation and refresh of a secondary residence: bathrooms, kitchen, mudroom, finishing basement...). Now when we need new windows, a custom rug or bed, built-ins etc. they are my first call as tackling these things with their help makes it so easy and so worthwhile. We can rely on (and benefit from) Dart's existing business relationships with suppliers and trades as trying on your own to select someone trustworthy who delivers a certain level of quality and craftsmanship can often be a roll of the dice. We have most recently worked with Dart to renovate our primary residence and they were helpful with each step of the process (including Toronto COA, contractor recommendations and interviews, etc. through to completion). A few highlights from working with Dart Studio: * Dart's imaginative but super functional space planning (which gave us so. much. storage!) was far beyond what we imagined possible given the square footage. * Dart is great at listening to what you need your space to deliver, how you live day to day (considerations for kids, pets, etc.) and translating that into viable options. I have never felt pushed into anything or that they are imposing their aesthetic regardless of our opinions, taste and comfort level - although the areas where we've trusted their recommendation and stretched ourselves tend to be the parts of the spaces that we enjoy the most! *For our first project (outside of the city), our local contractor enjoyed working with Dart as they were never hung up waiting for drawings, materials or specs - and any questions they had were promptly answered. * We thankfully used one of Dart's recommended contractors for our Toronto renovation and can't speak highly enough of them either. Their responsiveness to inevitable renovation hiccups were a testament to their work ethic - but I believe we also benefited from their existing professional relationship with Dart. Having Dart's stamp of approval was so reassuring as choosing a contractor can often be a dicey and uncertain process. The project was handled beautifully. We were living in the house for the first half (as we could adequately be out of everyone's way and didn't gut the entire house) and then out of the house for the second, not having to worry about being physically so far removed from the project as communication between all parties was great. No lags in information. We landed just under budget and ahead of schedule. !!! I like to think my decisiveness played a larger role than it did, when in reality it was Dart's organization and responsiveness. You will not regret reaching out to see if they're the right fit for you.

Olivia was a punch of energy from the very beginning and really got our project off the ground. We didn't know what to expect from a designer before we converted our 1936 Toronto bungalow to a 2.5 storey home over a 13 month period. Olivia and her team at Dart drafted an exciting aesthetic for our entire interior and exterior. They helped us through the contractor selection phase of our project, and throughout construction by sourcing finishes, and regularly corresponding with our contractor regarding on-site issues. This lifted a huge amount of responsibility from us during the project, and helped it run a lot smoother. Olivia is decisive, and we always had confidence in her sense of style and decisions. We could really tell that she cared about us and our project as she would be thinking about it on her own time, and come up with exciting changes/improvements along the way.

I have worked with Olivia and the Dart Studio team for each of the last three renovation projects and would definitely work with them again! Large/small projects/budgets, they have always been so accommodating and helpful through every step of the project. Olivia is a great listener and her design and material options were exactly what I was envisioning, but would never have been able to accomplish without them!

As renovation newbies, my husband and I found it challenging to figure out how to start the process of creating a new kitchen. We interviewed a contractor, but it left us wanting more as much of the design concept would be left up to us. We knew that the kitchen layout needed a major overhaul and that walls needed to be moved, but we both lacked the skills to make it happen. Following a friends’ recommendation we met with Olivia Botrie from Dart Studio to discuss possibilities. She energetically opened our minds to what would be possible in creating a beautiful, comfortable and livable kitchen for our family. What followed was a very collaborative process - they supplied three very different layout options and we quickly moved toward a final plan (a kitchen island and a banquette!). Olivia helped us secure one of her ‘go to’ trades people, a wonderfully competent contractor. Site measurements, permit applications and ordering were all done swiftly by the Dart team. Once we decided on a particular aesthetic for the kitchen, they made suggestions for all of the surface materials and fixtures - making our job easy. After the project was completed we were thrilled to have a kitchen that looked like it was straight out of a magazine - beautiful, functional and family friendly. We’ve recommended Dart Studio to numerous friends. You just can’t beat this team, their personalities and their efficient communication. We hope to use them again in the years to come to renovate other parts of our house!

Wonderful experience. I hated my new condo. I brought some pieces when I downsized but nothing worked. I hired Olivia and Dart Studios and now I love my new condo! Olivia handled everything and I am so pleased with the result. She reimagined the space better than I could have imagined.

When my husband and I embarked on a major reno to our small, downtown house, we were feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of having to make all the decisions that come with the territory. But we were also nervous about hiring a designer that might steamroll our ideas. But when I found Olivia's work online through House & Home, I really loved her aesthetic and took the plunge. At our initial meeting she was immediately relatable, but also professional, knowledgeable and a clear communicator. She had lots of great ideas and helped us see things in new ways, and we quickly grew to trust her instinct and judgement. Olivia and her team also worked well with our contractor, whom she'd never met before. As he said, there are some designers who have great ideas and drawings, but don't follow through to the end. He appreciated that Olivia and her team followed through until the idea was executed, on time and within our budget. From the materials and layout of our kitchen, to doors and windows, to the colour on the walls, Olivia and her team helped make this a home we want to spend time in. We've since recommended her to friends, and will continue to do so. If I had another reno project to do, I'd most definitely go to Olivia first!

Olivia and her team completely made my house into a home. I have a semi in the Danforth area in Toronto and it's small. Olivia transformed my basement into a whole new living space with a workout area, art studio, a bright laundry area and tons of storage. Olivia also renovated my first floor -- she recommended switching the location of the dining and living room. It was her vision that has made my living space so inviting, comfortable and bright. Her suggestions for furniture, lights, paint, mouldings, built-in's, carpets and art work all work incredibly well. There is no way I could have made all these decisions on my own, nor did I have the vision for it. The project took under 6 months. It was on time and on budget. What I learnt when working with a designer -- don't expect things overnight. Planning, budgeting and communication are the key factors. Olivia was upfront, professional and accommodating. I would work with Olivia and everyone at Dart Studio again and again, and again. They really are a GREAT team.

When I saw the work by Dart Studio on their website and also on House and Home magazine, I fell in love with their clean, modern yet imaginative designs. My project was farther away within the GTA region and was not sure if they would travel to do it. I contacted them regardless and was surprised that they agreed to travel for the work. The entire process of working with Olivia and her team was very pleasant and enjoyable. Her team was courteous and helped to trouble shoot through the project. They were always reachable and available. And of course, I’m absolutely in love with the way things turned out at the end. Guests have showered us with compliments for the place.