Here’s a terrific example of how to create a bright interior space in a narrow detached home that has neighboring houses very close to it on both sides. It’s in an urban neighborhood in Toronto and as you can see below, the lots are narrow.

However, as you’ll also see, the Urbanscape Architects did a primaryful job opening up the main living floor where the large white contemporary kitchen is the center of the space surrounded by comfortable and very cool looking sitting areas.

While it has a small footprint, it offers plenty of space due to being 4 floors (including the basement – floor plans are set out below).

Just off the front entry is a uniquely designed living room with a built-in brown tufted leather sofa bench and a white reading chair chaise lounge style. The formal living room is a combination of contemporary and rustic. The modern white chaise chair with white ceiling and recessed lights create the contemporary vibe which is all juxtaposed with rustic wood flooring, rustic coffee table and the tufted leather sofa.

The rear half of the ground floor is the incredible contemporary kitchen which is a single wall with large island layout. The kitchen space includes the dining area. In between the dining area and entry way is a very cool modern staircase with a glass wine cellar case forming one of the walls (very clever design IMO).

The primary bathroom is sizeable for the footprint of the home. It’s also done in a contemporary design with large white freestanding tub and a long double sink white vanity with tray-style sinks (notice how the sink bottom slopes to meet with the vanity surface. The primary bath also includes a walk-in shower.

The detached home’s exterior is very attractive incorporating red brick, dark gray metal and hints of wood. The red brick gives it a classical touch while the dark gray metal exterior sheets, wood and glass give it an updated curb appeal. Another exterior feature that really updates the home nicely are the several large picture windows. I love the window choice on this home … and that’s how this narrow single family home fitted between two other houses enjoys so much natural light inside.

Check out the gallery below to see photos of this smart and attracted renovation.

  • Architects: Urbanscape Architects
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Lead Architects: Ali Malek Project Team Ali Malek, Aram Vakili
  • Area: 205.0 m2 (2,206 sq. ft.)
  • Project Year: 2017
  • Photographs: Revelateur Studio
Living room with built-in leather tufted high back sofa, rustic wood flooring with matching rustic coffee table and modern white chaise lounge chair.
Living room with built-in leather tufted high back sofa, rustic wood flooring with matching rustic coffee table and modern white chaise lounge chair. The room is light with recessed lighting, plus plenty of natural light comes in through the large picture window.
Rear area of detached home with large contemporary white kitchen with long island as well as casual dining area which all leads to the back patio.
Rear area of detached home with large contemporary white kitchen with long island as well as casual dining area which all leads to the back patio. Check out that glass wine cellar breaking up the space between the staircase and the kitchen/dining area.
Large white island with waterfall surface and seating for 3 people. It's a deep island that includes a large sink and plenty of dining space and work surface.
Large white island with waterfall surface and seating for 3 people. It’s a deep island that includes a large sink and plenty of dining space and work surface. I love the glass pendant lights chosen to illuminate the island and center of the kitchen.
Fabulous 3/4 turn wooden staircase with glass balustrade and glass wine case on one side.
Fabulous 3/4 turn wooden staircase with glass balustrade and glass wine case on one side.
Primary bathroom view of door leading into the primary bedroom.
Primary bathroom view of door leading into the primary bedroom.
Primary bathroom with tray-like sinks in modern white vanity next to a white free standing tub and opposite the glass walk in shower.
Primary bathroom with tray-like sinks in modern white vanity next to a white free standing tub and opposite the glass walk in shower.
Rear view of this home. Like the front it has a large windows with brightens up the interior space. Fabulous balcony on the third floor.
Rear view of this home. Like the front it has a large windows with brightens up the interior space. Fabulous balcony on the third floor.
Front view of this urban detached family home with small covered stoop. I love how the front door entry has recessed lights for lighting the exterior front door.
Front view of this urban detached family home with small covered stoop. I love how the front door entry has recessed lights for lighting the exterior front door.
Street view of this home showing how narrow the lot is and how close the neighboring houses are.
Street view of this home showing how narrow the lot is and how close the neighboring houses are.
Basement floor plan which includes recreational area, en suite, storage and the utilities room.
Basement floor plan which includes recreational area, en suite, storage and the utilities room.
Ground floor living space with front entry, formal living room, staircase, kitchen and dining area.
Ground floor living space with front entry, formal living room, staircase, kitchen and dining area.
The second floor is entirely the primary suite including primary bedroom, walk-in closet and primary bathroom along with laundry room.
The second floor is entirely the primary suite including primary bedroom, walk-in closet and primary bathroom along with laundry room.
The third floor comprises two additional bedrooms, Jack and Jill bathroom and balcony.
The third floor comprises two additional bedrooms, Jack and Jill bathroom and balcony.

 

Jon Dykstra owns an interior design company in North Vancouver, British Columbia. He's fascinated by architecture and interiors. He also enjoys gardening at his "house in the burbs" and "homesteading" at his off-the-grid boat-access cabin.

Combine all that with a love of writing and Homestratsophere.com was born. He balances his working time between running his interior design company, working on his off-the-grid cabin and publishing homestratosphere.com.

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