A renovated Tudor style home in Toronto showcases how historic charm can be merged with modern needs, according to a recent project completed by Alair Homes Toronto and Parris McKenna Design.
Transformation from foundation to finish
The four‑bedroom, three‑and‑half‑bathroom house sits in a quiet corner of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. The project began with a full excavation of the basement, raising the ceiling to 8 feet 5 inches. The result is a bright, comfortable level that feels like a true extension of the main floor. On the third story, two new dormers were added, bringing extra headroom and daylight to the upper rooms.
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Design language rooted in English tradition
Rather than opting for a sleek contemporary look, the design team leaned into the neighborhood’s English character. The interior adopts classic details, saturated colors and careful millwork. Each room follows its own mood, from a sage‑green kitchen with a marble backsplash to jewel‑toned bedrooms wrapped in botanical wallpaper. Hand‑painted tiles, antique tapestries and skirted pantry cabinets add layers of visual interest without feeling forced.
The kitchen cabinets are painted in a “Honed Soapstone” shade from Sherwin‑Williams, while the ceiling is coated in “Greek Villa.” Pendant lights above the island come from Lumens, and the island stools were sourced from a local interior retailer. The dining nook features a custom banquette and table made by Silverbirch, with chairs from the same retailer.
Key interior features
- Sage green kitchen – marble backsplash, painted cabinets, pendant lighting.
- Dining area – custom banquette, antique mix backdrop, handcrafted table.
- English pantry – botanical wallpaper, cabinet skirts, flush‑mount hardware.
- Powder room – “Sulking Room Pink” walls, Soho Home sconces, a mirrored “Dear Heart” piece by artist Katie Kohls.
- Living room “snug” – marble fireplace, Greek Villa walls, a chandelier from Hudson Valley Lighting Group.
- Owner’s retreat – House of Hackney wallpaper, Ball Green ceiling, visual comfort chandelier.
- Green marble double‑vanity bathroom – Card Room Green walls, custom stools, Creekside Tile flooring.
One of the bedrooms features a refurbished antique bed frame that was purchased for $75, then refinished to fit the overall aesthetic. A window‑seat nook in the same room includes wall sconces from Light House Co., adding a cozy touch.
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Basement lounge and outdoor spaces
The basement lounge’s walls share the Greek Villa paint, with Accessible Beige trim. Ceiling lights from Mullan Lighting illuminate a corner chair from Pottery Barn and an English‑style coffee table from Farrier. An area rug from Loloi Rugs grounds the space. To make the lower level feel less like a cellar, the ceiling height was raised by 20 inches, and fabric inserts on the cabinetry create the illusion of windows behind them.
Outside, a screened lounge and pergola extend the living area. Mirrored doors increase the sense of openness, while the exterior is painted in “Devonshire Green” from Benjamin Moore. An outdoor sectional from Article and a modern fire table from Paloform make the space inviting year‑round. An outdoor kitchen with a Crown Verity grill and pass‑through bar completes the renovation.
Renovation completed in summer 2024.
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Perspective from the community
Local heritage advocates note that the project respects the historic fabric of the neighborhood while updating the home for contemporary use. A member of the Toronto Heritage Society said the addition of dormers and the careful selection of materials demonstrate a thoughtful approach that balances preservation with livability.
While the renovation emphasizes traditional aesthetics, functional upgrades—such as higher basement ceilings and increased natural light—address modern family needs. The result is a residence that feels both rooted in its past and ready for everyday life.
