This tall, narrow Toronto townhouse was designed with the client’s remarkable background at the forefront. “It’s a new home for a lovely woman who bikes everywhere,” explains Terra Kushner of TKCreative. “She had a long career in film, and collected unique pieces that were incorporated into this space. A love for color was our mantra.”

The renovation centered on reimagining key spaces throughout the home, and Terra layered in oversized, wood-stained portals to welcome visitors into each zone. “Intentional earth-loving materials were selected,” she notes. “We broke up the hallway with exaggerated teal-colored portals, and determining the correct scale was deeply considered. It needed to work with the openings to each space, the ceiling heights, and the custom-framed portals.”

The materiality in each room was equally essential, offering a subtle nod to the urban locale. “We used Formica for the kitchen flooring and soapstone counters that provided a clean, contrasting palette,” Terra explains.

The client was thrilled, moving here after leaving the larger home where she had raised her family. “This space was uniquely hers,” Terra smiles. “We focused on bold color play, contrasting tiles with grout, and forms that made her happy.” The result is a vibrant, deeply personal residence that celebrates both reinvention and individuality.