Jolie Lin and Ian Crosbie, a Toronto couple, made a bold decision to downsize their lifestyle while embracing a new, elegant home. They traded their four-bedroom Summerhill house for a two-bedroom condo, but they didn't settle for a generic space. Instead, they turned to their daughter, Megan, an interior designer with a contemporary flair, to transform their new abode. With her expertise, they aimed to create a space that reflected their refined taste and accommodated their love for art and entertaining.
Megan's design philosophy, which emphasizes clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, resonated with her parents. Jolie, a lawyer and co-founder of Secure Engage, and Ian, a retired lawyer, envisioned a home where they could host small gatherings and showcase their extensive art collection. The renovation process, guided by Megan's vision, took approximately seven months, and the family worked together to ensure a harmonious outcome.
One of the first projects was upgrading the powder room into a full bathroom with a shower. Megan creatively rearranged the space, adding a shower where none existed before. She convinced her parents to embrace a moodier ambiance, using blue-grey walls and tiling. Copper-finished fixtures complement the artwork, creating a cohesive and stylish bathroom.
The dining room, featuring a built-in corner bench, served a dual purpose. It concealed exposed pipes from the bathroom renovation and provided ample space for eight people, a request from Jolie. The bench was custom-built to match the walnut stain of the existing chairs, and artworks by Howard Hodgkin and Xiaoze Xie adorn the walls, alongside sconces from Kuzco Lighting.
The kitchen design was inspired by a large-format camouflage marble slab that Megan discovered while sourcing marble for another client. This marble is also featured on the expanded kitchen island, which includes a bookshelf at one end. To balance the light hardwood flooring, they opted for darker oak veneer cabinets. The Moooi pendants above the island add a touch of elegance, reminiscent of their Summerhill house.
Megan's creativity extended to a custom-built console in an underutilized nook. This console combines storage for Ian's cherished record collection with a makeshift bar. The shelves are precisely spaced for records, and the fluted section on the left stores alcohol and glassware. Ian's collection of LPs, some over 40 years old, now has a dedicated space.
The living room showcases a mix of furniture from their previous homes. A couch and chair from the Summerhill property are paired with an LD Shoppe lamp from their Erin home. A two-toned rug from Morocco adds texture, and a print by Edward Burtynsky hangs above the couch.
The primary bedroom and bathroom are located on the second floor, designed for comfort and relaxation. Jolie and Ian wanted a zen-like atmosphere, and Megan incorporated wall-mounted reading lights from B.lux for space-saving convenience. Floating walnut nightstands and a custom closet with a bold red-orange finish add to the room's allure.
Megan's attention to detail is evident in the primary ensuite, where she reconfigured the space to accommodate a double vanity with travertine basins. A 'wet room' style tub, enclosed by a glass wall and door, provides a luxurious experience. The renovation exceeded the family's expectations, and they now enjoy a home that feels like a perfect reflection of their tastes and lifestyles.
Despite spending half their time in Erin, Jolie and Ian envision their condo as their long-term home. They appreciate the neighborhood's younger demographic and dog-friendly atmosphere, believing it will contribute to their youthful spirit. The renovation has brought their art collection to life and created a space where they can entertain and relax in style.
