Victorian Modern
High-End Victorian Home Renovation in Toronto
project # 3017
City
Property Size
Timeline
Budget
Toronto
3000 sf
22 months
$650,000
Interior designing is a name of challenges as we often have to create a balance between different design philosophies.
This time, the client wanted a fusion of the original Victorian charm of this home and infusing modern elements. When the client took us on board, they weren’t sure how the design would look. Sansa Interiors took the whole responsibility. We eagerly embraced the challenge, assuring the client that we will seamlessly blend the timeless elegance of Victorian architecture having sleek lines with the functionality of modern design.
a primitive palette
When developing an interior design palette for this Toronto Victorian home, our goal was to create a composition where we honour primitive elements and highlight them in a contemporary way. The design is mindful, simple and consists of a very soft palette.
The wall panelling is carried throughout the main level of the home with custom crown moulding to give the home the primitive feel and look and honour what once was.
vintage to vibrant
Merging vibrant and vintage styles to achieve a classic design can be tricky. Vintage Victorian homes commonly used darker and muted colours. On the other hand, modern designs exhibit colour versatility, allowing for statement pieces to stand out against a background. We found an opportunity to infuse this vibrancy into this residential project’s vintage core.
a victorian vision - design fusion
The client intended to fuse modern design with the classic Victorian architecture of his home. The stairs are in the centre of the main level dividing the kitchen & dining from the entrance and front sitting room. However, it was challenging to lay out the spaces with the staircase being this major central element so we restored the original stair structure and created traditional railings, risers and treads finished in rich woodwork and very classical design. The elegant railing added to the beauty of the redesigned modern hallway. By adding a contemporary light fixture to the ceiling, the space now has a trendy modern edge. The junction area is kept lit with white encased stained glass windows that bring in colour and light during the day.
the intersection of victorian & modern design
Victorian houses typically feature dull and dark colour tones, while modern design embraces a wide spectrum of colours ranging from soft pastels to bold hues. This project posed the challenge of fusing the two styles smartly. To achieve this, we started by acknowledging the original features of the home such as the exposed brick throughout the home. We delicately retained the stained glass windows, original brick, and trim work that reflects the vintage era.
Mindful touches of colour played a crucial role in striking a balance between the “new” and “old”. We merged tones with a neutral palette that allowed the original vintage elements to truly stand out.
We sourced many antique and vintage pieces from a marble fireplace mantle to ceiling rosettes, candle lights and chandeliers from the early 1900s.
The intersection of Victorian and modern design in an interior creates a captivating blend of timeless vibe and contemporary sophistication. This fusion draws on the ornate, intricate details characteristics chosen and honoured from the Victorian era—such as elaborate moldings, rich textures, and antique furnishings—while integrating the clean lines, minimalistic aesthetics, and innovative materials of modern design.
challenges faced
Renovations can be exciting, but even the smoothest projects may face some challenges. Here are some of the challenges we faced:
Delays: Special touches like custom woodwork, fancy stonework, and custom brass faucets take time. Unfortunately, these things got delayed, pushing back our original finish date by a couple of months. We collaborated with the client, adjusted the schedule, and made sure the final result was worth the wait.
Contractor Chaos: The original builder defaulted on the project halfway through leaving the client stressed and skewed the timelines. We had to step in and re-coordinate many aspects, find specialized trades and arranged different parts of the job to keep the project moving forward. It meant a lot of hard work, supporting the clients. We were committed to fulfilling the client’s requirements.
Structural Surprises: The old staircase was a key part of the house supported by a large metal stringer & beam. It turned out to be trickier than expected to refinish & re-clad. We had to details and work with the stair fabricators to come up with smart solutions to tackle this architectural challenge. In the end, the staircase design maintained a vintage charm while fitting perfectly with the modern touches.
overcoming hurdles
Despite unplanned delays with custom pieces and the misfortune of changing contractors in the middle of the project, our commitment and teamwork brought us to a successful goal. Working with professionals in woodwork and engineering we overcame the structural issues of the staircase, ultimately keeping it vintage charming while well mixing it into the modern design. Through this project, we showcase that with a little creativity, it is possible to achieve that glamorous style with a taste of modernity that preserves the home’s heritage. Preserving the historic architectural details was a major challenge. Especially creating custom crown molding suitable for the era, which is a hallmark of Victorian architecture.
finishing touches
Beyond the technical hurdles, the project’s true challenge was crafting the perfect finishing touch. The desired design did not just demand a renovation, it was about creating a space that seamlessly blends the elegance of Victorian architecture with the relaxed vibe of modern living. Every design decision demanded meticulous attention to detail. We carefully mixed old and new throughout the design. Think classic brick walls balanced by windows with natural daylight. We balanced vintage touches, like weathered wood furniture and antique nautical charts, with a calming colour scheme. Soft blues, white paint, and warm golden hues created a vibe with a touch of history.
In the kitchen picture above, you can see the beautiful exposed brick walls that are usually seen in Victorian architecture. These walls give the room warmth and texture. The vintage wall lamps add a touch of history, while the modern recessed lighting ensures functionality. Every detail, from the rich woodwork to the carefully chosen hardware, harmonizes perfectly to create a captivating fusion. The central platform is graced by a gleaming white marble countertop, which provides a functional workspace and a perfect spot for casual meals. We used the rich golden pipe hooks. It was a clever re-purposing of vintage elements that added a touch of warmth and surprising details.
bathrooms
The design of the main bathroom marries historical charm with modern luxury, creating a simple space that has rich finishes (marble, deep hues and brass fixtures). The walls are also adorned with blue paneling, a deliberate choice to evoke a Victorian-era vibe. This shade of blue, rich and deep, lends a sense of calm and sophistication, instantly transporting you to a bygone era.
The focal point of the bathroom is undoubtedly the vanity. We chose to mimic a vintage style for the vanity, emphasizing their classic lines and intricate details. Each drawer features traditional craftsmanship, with ornate handles and a polished red oak wood that highlights the beauty of natural materials. This attention to detail ensures that the vanity is not just a functional piece, but a statement of elegance and history.
floor plans & construction progress
Victorian Home = A custom interior that honours it.
In this mindful home design, the choice of a neutral, natural palette pays homage to Victorian style while maintaining a primitive simplicity. The curation of materials and finishes focuses on honouring what once was.
We care so much about intersecting eras and styles to produce a meaningful design that tells a story throughout the space and brings in a sense of ease.
Feeling inspired?
Now, it's your turn. Let's bring your interior design dreams to life!
If you're in Toronto & the GTA and looking for a custom home design, contact us and let our residential interior designers support you.
Sansa Interiors Inc.
Toronto, Canada
info@sansainteriors.com
(647) 556-3137