Tucked into a quiet bend, this family home feels like it’s located in a private enclave despite being just 20 minutes north of Toronto’s bustling city center. “Considered one of Toronto’s most prestigious residential areas, North Forest Hill is a charming neighborhood landscape of family homes which meander along winding roads dotted by numerous little parkettes,” says Natasha Popek-Konieczko, founder of Common Good Studio. “Since a development boom in the ‘60s, families are seeking out homes in the area for their renovation and custom build potential.”
Natasha’s clients purchased this home several years back when first starting their family. “They loved the tranquil surroundings, the community atmosphere, and the opportunity to customize the space when the time was right down the road,” she explains. “After spending several years in the house, our clients understood how the house worked for them as a family and identify the challenges the current space faced.”
The family discovered Common Good Studio via Instagram and were excited by Natasha’s style—a balance of modern comforts and Old-World details. Their top priority was more space, so an expansive addition was added above the garage. “Split over 4 levels, the unique footprint allowed our team to plan intimate zones for the family that were still open in concept and connected,” Natasha says. “With 3 little kiddos running around, we wanted to ensure there was lots of great sightlines but executed in a sophisticated way.”
Common Good’s scope of work focused on the planning and design of the main family spaces including the foyer, living, dining, kitchen, great room, and powder room. “In building confidence with our clients, we were then asked to help with the design of the family’s private bedroom spaces,” the designer says. “We find this common with clients taking on a large construction project for the first time. It’s not easy. As we move through our work, trust is built, and an understanding of our expertise starts to lend to other areas that in the beginning might have seemed secondary or not in scope.”
She says it’s a great part of the work they do. “It’s a good feeling for us as a team, it’s the opportunity to explore a holistic design language throughout a project and ensure our client’s vision is realized once construction is complete. This particular project took two years to complete. Our clients were thrilled with the outcome. From the beginning our team listened and took the time to understand their unique vision. Every finish, fixture, and detail were thoughtfully selected to reinterpret Old-World form and textures in a modern way. Creating a family home that is tailored to our clients while defining a forward-thinking style for a rejuvenating neighborhood.”
Take a closer look in the slideshow.