Cachet Parkway
This residential project has a panache for artful contrasts. Designed by a renowned Japanese architect, it presented dynamic original features that were the jumping-off point for a meticulous renovation. The approach for this project was influenced by a less-is-more aesthetic that would embrace the home’s calming qualities and natural airiness.
Preserving existing elements was key. The triangular roof structure remained intact, along with the exterior brick walls which extend to the interior. A restrained palette of soothing shades enriched the contemporary countenance of the space. Painting an interior double-height brick wall white factors in a crisp freshness, while adding decorative wooden beams to the ceiling layers in more visual interest and warmth.
The spirit of the owners is reflected in custom areas, including the first floor’s tea room, an homage to comfort, well-considered downtime and the time-honoured traditions of Chinese culture.
Pops of black punctuate the soothing white and grey tones throughout and look especially animated in the custom handles on concealed white doors. Wallpaper, a bold choice in a contemporary abode, makes the dining area and piano space come alive with abstract pattern and personality.
Bathrooms exude serenity with much natural light and sleek monochromatic palettes that have an organic quality. Details abound in all of them, and one mixes dramatically veined marble tiles with slim-line solid white styles for a further sense of depth and dimension.
The careful renovation of this a home has made it both high-impact and utterly calming. The new aesthetic is now at one with the original architecture and the individual needs of the family who lives here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most significant transformation was achieving harmony between the home’s bold original architecture and a calm, contemporary interior language. By preserving key structural elements—such as the triangular roof form and brick walls—while refining the palette and spatial experience, the home evolved into a space that feels both architecturally striking and serenely livable.
The double-height brick wall painted in crisp white stands out most. It celebrates the home’s architectural character while transforming a heavy material into something light, sculptural, and calming.
The renovation significantly improved how the family lives by transforming a series of small, compartmentalized rooms into spaces that feel more open, breathable, and functional. By reworking the layout of the bedrooms and kitchen and introducing clearly defined yet fluid zones—such as the dedicated tea room for quiet reflection—the home now supports both everyday family interaction and moments of calm, creating a more balanced and comfortable way of living.
The design was guided by a “less is more” philosophy. We leaned into the home’s natural airiness and architectural clarity, using restrained tones and subtle contrasts to enhance its calming qualities rather than compete with them.
The homeowners’ spirit is reflected through bespoke spaces that align with their lifestyle and cultural values. The custom tea room, inspired by Chinese traditions of mindfulness and rest, became a deeply personal expression of who they are and how they live.
By preserving and celebrating existing architectural elements rather than overbuilding. Strategic paint choices, selective use of wallpaper, and thoughtful detailing—such as custom hardware and decorative beams—created a refined, high-impact result without unnecessary excess.
Balancing restraint with impact. The challenge was to intervene just enough to elevate the space while respecting the strong original architecture—a careful edit rather than a complete reinvention.
They felt the home truly reflected both the architecture and their lifestyle. The finished space felt calm, cohesive, and deeply aligned with their vision.
Yes, LIV hospitality design award 2024 - Winner in Interior Design Residence and IDA design awards 2024 - Residential Renovation.
Yes. We continue to design residences that respect architectural integrity while introducing warmth, clarity, and livability through thoughtful, restrained design.
Live beautifully.
Work brilliantly.
Dexign Matter is an independent creative interior design studio based in Toronto.