This East York home sits on a historic Toronto street, where many homes are nearly a century old and retain their original charm. Its location is a dream, just steps from the vibrant Greektown neighborhood which is celebrated for its rich Greek culture and cuisine. “The area offers exceptional walkability and convenient access to a diverse mix of restaurants and shops, making it an ideal place to live,” explains Michelle Bellissimo, principal designer at Bell Design Studio.
The homeowners, a couple with a teenage daughter, are interior design enthusiasts, but chose to work with Michelle to stay focused and decisive throughout the process. “With a strong eye for aesthetics and a solid understanding of design principles, he brought a clear vision to the project: a home full of character, blending various design styles seamlessly,” Michelle explains. “He desired rich wood tones complemented by pops of color, all while maintaining a timeless and sophisticated look. Functionality was key—hidden storage solutions were essential, and a custom pet station cleverly integrated into the kitchen island was a must-have.”
The overarching design blends contemporary and organic elements with a touch of mid-century flair. “The kitchen was thoughtfully designed with a seamless, concealed look to promote both functionality and organization,” Michelle tells us. “One of our favorite details is the hidden pantry garage, which neatly tucks away appliances and everyday mess behind a sleek, integrated door. Another standout feature is the custom plastered hood vent, which sits within a beautifully curved plaster surround complete with niches on either side. This design makes a strong visual statement while providing functional storage and maintaining a soft, sculptural feel.”
In the dining area, a large L-shaped curved custom banquette becomes the focal point. “Upholstered in a vibrant green, it introduces a bold pop of color that adds personality and warmth to the space,” Michelle says. “To enhance intimacy and continue the theme of curves, we incorporated a softly arched bulkhead on the ceiling, creating a sense of enclosure and cohesion with the rest of the design.”
She says another favorite space was the powder room. “It features a striking stone vanity with a custom curved backsplash, paired with rich dark walls and warm wood paneling,” Michelle explains. “The goal was to create contrast from the home’s overall light palette while still maintaining a cohesive design language. Our favorite element here is the curved stone backsplash, which flows effortlessly into the custom mirror, creating a sculptural and dramatic focal point.”
The curves proved to be a bit of a challenge at times. “Initially, we envisioned thicker kitchen countertops, but the complexity of achieving a seamless curve with a thicker stone made that difficult,” she recalls. “To maintain the aesthetic, we opted for a thinner stone slab paired with a ¾” recessed reveal beneath—creating the illusion of a thicker profile while allowing the curved island to remain the focal point.”
The design process took approximately three months, followed by a ten-month build. “From the initial renderings to the final reveal, the client was ecstatic with the transformation,” Michelle says with a big smile. “Like any major project, there were challenges along the way, but the end results exceeded expectations. The space was brought to life beautifully, with the client styling it with his collection of artifacts and historic heirlooms—adding a deeply personal touch to every corner.”
