OUT WITH THE OLD — AND THE UPKEEP
Couple trades century home in Barrie for lakeside condo, where design choices put ease and efficiency first
No one should part ways with their Johnny Cash albums, not even downsizers. Which describes this couple’s situation.
After living in their 2,200-square-foot, centuryold house in Barrie for years, they craved a more low-key lifestyle. One that didn’t entail the perpetual upkeep that can make owning a house a buzzkill.
They also wanted more modern decor than what they’d been living with. That meant saying goodbye to all of their antiques and traditional furnishings.
And so, taking only their vinyl collection with them, they snagged a 1,510-sq.-ft unit inside Lakehouse. Built in 2023, the 10-storey glass condo building by Aalto Developments is rich in amenities and sits along Lake Simcoe. The views from the couple’s sun-splashed, lake-facing suite didn’t disappoint, but the interior design felt basic.
“They wanted it to be turnkey and personalized,” says Kim Stovold, an interior designer with Madison Taylor Design. Alongside interior designer Sarah Mandell, they brought a sense of style, and storage, to the unit. They worked with Macneil Construction, as well as Greystone Custom Cabinets for the closets and The Northern Joinery for the made-to-order furniture and built-ins.
For the three-month-long project, all of the walls were retained, as was the laminate engineered flooring and the kitchen. Instead, the designers focused on tarting up the shell. They added striking finishing details, such as fluted wood and eye-catching lighting, as well as custom small-scale furniture that perfectly fit like puzzle pieces.
“Because they were downsizing to a condo, it was important to make each space multipurpose because they don’t have the freedom of square footage to try to make a separate lounge and a spare bedroom,” says Stovold, of the two-bedroom unit.
The husband’s office, for instance, is dual-purpose. As an analog-loving audiophile, he wanted a lounge in which to listen to his vinyl. The designer drew up a bespoke wall unit that holds his treasured collection.
“It’s designed so that some of the records face out, so they act as artwork,” says Stovold of the oak unit that has enticing curved openings and black detailing. The unit merges with a desk for the ultimate work-home office.
Another multipurpose spot is in the foyer. A former throwaway section of wall was adorned in ridged wood for a texturally arresting moment. There is also an inset mirror, a shelf and stools. The drop-off station is for mail, keys and anything else. The mess can be stashed in the shelf, which flips up to reveal hidden storage. When closed, it makes a pleasing spot for a vase of flowers.
For cohesion and warmth, more of that reeded-wall detail is in the dining area and the living area.
“The dining room was not intended as one,” says Stovold who carved out a built-in zone for it, grounding the area with a softly glowing multi-ball light fixture.
The oval table and grey leather chairs are custom; the table’s curves play well against the scooped-back seats. The bench has drawers for storage.
“By doing the banquette, it allowed for more space to fit a table and chairs,” says Stovold. “The space is used to its fullest. If they have a large dinner party, people can sit at the nearby kitchen island as well and still feel together.”
The living room, meanwhile, is cool and compact. “The sofa is streamlined to fit proportionately to the space; it fits perfectly with the wall,” says Mandell. “It doesn’t have oversized arms and a large back. They are narrow, so you’re getting more seat space.”
A custom sofa is amazing in a small space, says Mandell.
“You can dictate your cushion insert — if you like it soft, medium, foam, or foam and feather,” she says. “This one is foam with a feather wrap. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s soft and you sink into it, but it fluffs back up.”
Plush thinking also went into the principal bedroom, where the designers padded a wall in a terracotta-toned fabric. It’s both eye candy and solves the issue of an awkward HVAC bump-out.
The condo now feels curated and is filled with considered moments, says Stovold. And, as the clients hoped, it is thoroughly turnkey.
“We just did the install for their outdoor furniture and it looks amazing,” she says of the enclosed 300-sq.-ft glass balcony.
All that’s left is to turn up the tunes and get lost in the lake views.