Portal House by Svima

In Toronto’s Eglinton West neighbourhood, a century-old home has been transformed into a sanctuary of contrasts. Portal House by Svima deftly balances contrasting styles, blending dark minimalism with bright country aesthetics to create a cosy and deeply personal home.

Faced with the challenge of uniting seemingly divergent design sensibilities, a tight budget and a compartmentalised layout, the typical approach might be to pursue an open concept. Instead, the core concept of ‘ribbons’ flowing through the space was implemented to guide movement and create a sense of continuity, effectively weaving together different design styles. These ribbons take the form of curved elements throughout the ground floor, softening corners and enhancing the perception of space.

One owner gravitated towards moody minimalism, while the other found comfort in the sun-drenched charm of French country kitchens. To reconcile these contrasting aesthetics and declutter the tight ground floor plan, the design results in a fusion of light and shadow – a duality that honours both preferences while imbuing the space with intimate warmth, creating a cocoon-like sanctuary within the urban landscape.

The core concept of ‘ribbons’ flowing through the space was implemented to guide movement and create a sense of continuity, effectively weaving together different design styles.

Inspired by the desire to highlight often-overlooked design elements, such as simple openings, the design incorporates organically shaped insertions within the existing building. Two large, brass-lined portals serve as focal points, connecting the kitchen and dining room and transforming two previously confined spaces. Each portal serves a purpose: one functions as a doorway, while the other creates a window over the kitchen benchtop, enhancing the flow of light and sightlines between the rooms. The choice of brass to line the portals celebrates the interplay of filtered sunlight, mirroring natural elements and fostering a dialogue between contrasting styles.

In the living room, bespoke furniture extends the ribbon concept. A built-in sofa curves into the space, offering seating perfectly angled for media viewing, reading and gathering. A custom bookshelf gently bends to capture more natural light from the window, with each curve positioned to maximise usability, flow and accessibility for the family. In the kitchen, careful consideration of comfortable passage within the tight layout is evident, as all lower cabinet corners feature softened, curved ends. Each door was handcrafted, further enhancing the residence’s personal touch.

Portal House demonstrates how thoughtful design can bridge contrasting aesthetics, turning spatial constraints into opportunities for creativity.

The material palette achieves a balance between dark and light, featuring rich oak tones that grace the lower half of the rooms, complemented by bright whites above. This duality fosters a cosy, den-like atmosphere while ensuring the space remains luminous. To enhance the warmth of the brass accents and lighten the deep wood, bright blue and white tiles were introduced in the kitchen. Inspired by Dutch Delftware and Portuguese designs, these contemporary tiles add vibrancy and artisanal charm to the space.

Portal House demonstrates how thoughtful design can bridge contrasting aesthetics, turning spatial constraints into opportunities for creativity. By embracing the challenges of a century-old home, a tight budget and the varied tastes of its occupants, Svima has created a space that is both personal and universally appealing, proving that beauty can emerge from the most ordinary moments.

Architecture and interior design by Svima. Build by Recon Design & Build.