Home of the Week: Modern, but respectful of the neighbours
Architect Titka Safarzadeh, founder of Nano Design Build was hired to modernize the midtown Toronto townhouse and settled on a three-pronged approach: a clean design, warm decor and maximized functionality.Tom Arban
For the exterior, an eye-catching block was installed on the northeast corner of the house, which is made from SwissPearl siding, an ultra-light cement composite. The original brick motif was updated with a more modern brick with a smoother surface, a choice meant to blend the new modern exterior with the brick that dominated the rest of the row houses.Tom Arban
One of the challenges with creating a modern house is to keep the design simple but welcoming. As such, Ms. Safarzadeh worked with lots of wood to keep the space warm. 'I think for modern houses it’s really important to bring warmth into the home,' she says. ‘As much as I like the simple lines, it has to feel cozy.'Tom Arban
To achieve the sleek design in the townhouse, the architect worked to keep the space open and uncluttered.photos by tom Arban
Ms. Safarzadeh worked to keep the space open and uncluttered. The kitchen is a prime example of this. The smooth white Caesarstone countertop floats in the middle of the room, lined on one side by blond-wood cabinets and the other a white wall with glossy white panels, which are actually hidden cabinets built into the wall.photos: tom Arban
In the kitchen, there are barely any handles on the cabinets. Most work on a push-latch mechanisms.Tom Arban
Ms. Safarzadeh designed several storage nooks, such as one in the wall on the stair landing between the second and third floors, and another little compartment for bathroom supplies built into a wall in the powder room.Tom Arban
Immediately upon walking into the house, you can’t help but be engaged by the massive windows in the living room. They let in so much light, there seems little need for light bulbs. The flood of late afternoon sunlight is enhanced by the room’s higher ceilings. Looking around, your eyes are drawn upward by the linear design Ms. Safarzadeh created with black beams that partition the large wall of windows.Tom Arban
The master bathroom.Tom Arban
There are skylights on the top floor that close automatically when it rains, and a self-contained bachelor apartment (or a very luxe guest room) in the basement.Tom Arban