September 18, 2020
Home Decor Ideas

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Making the gutsy decision to open up your entire main floor takes time — no matter how small it is. For Matthew and Caroline Watson, it took more than a decade of living in their 1,300-square-foot Leaside, Toronto, home before they were ready to break up with its closed-off layout. Adding two kids, Stella, 9, and Gavin, 7, to the picture also put things into perspective. They found designer Orsi Panos on Instagram. While they admired the designer’s modern yet livable style, it was her space-planning chops that really won the Watsons over.

With total trust established, they eliminated or shortened walls for optimal light flow, and enlarged a door and window to capitalize on coveted south-facing sunlight. Expanding the former galley kitchen into the dining room ensured plenty of room for an island, pantry and built-in banquette. “I wanted to dispel the myth that you can’t entertain in a small place,” says Orsi.

Having a carefully thought-out space plan was an important focus for the designer as she worked with limited elbow room, and the family of four couldn’t be happier. “Our house is so open and inviting now,” says Caroline. “The only time I feel like we live in a small space is when our kids are running around with their friends.”

Scroll down to tour this entertaining-friendly family hub!

Matthew and Caroline with their golden doodle, Olive, in their petite entry. The stair landing was turned to allow for a larger closet and a slender iron railing replaced its imposing wooden predecessor.
Barely-there cabinets house a magnitude of household supplies.
Everything from soup to nuts has a place in the Scandi-sleek kitchen. “Space planning and layout are key,” says Orsi.
“Let in as much natural light as possible,” advises Orsi. ” That could mean enlarging windows, eliminating interior walls or simply painting walls white.”
Banquettes are a space-saver’s delight in the new dining area. “Never skimp on style or scale,” says the designer. “Normal-size furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories play a big role in layering in comfort.”
The custom quartzite fireplace surround is everyone’s favorite feature in the living room, bookended with a photograph by Slim Aarons on one side and a tall cabinet on the other, giving the illusion of symmetry without looking matchy-matchy. “Hanging the art at the same height as the cabinet creates a pleasing horizontal sight line,” says Orsi.
A patterned floor tile in the bright bathroom adds drama.
Graphic art by Lee Lessem hangs above the bed in the principal bedroom.

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