Dunlace Residence
Refined yet approachable, the Dunlace Residence reimagines suburban family living through the lens of soft luxury and grounded warmth. Dexign Matter Studio undertook a full transformation of this Toronto home, balancing modern sensibility with timeless materials to create an elegant yet livable environment tailored for everyday life.
Our approach centered around clarity, calm, and cohesion. A serene palette of natural oak, soft greys, warm brass, and layered textures carries through every room, establishing both visual flow and emotional ease. Every detail was designed to feel intentional, tactile, and effortlessly refined.
Interior Design Awards
Our Success
The heart of the home features custom white oak cabinetry, fluted island detailing, and integrated panel appliances—all set against a backdrop of soft-veined quartz. The open-concept layout is framed by warm brass hardware and statement cane-back barstools that balance artisanal charm with functionality.
Built-in millwork, panel molding, and softly veined marble fireplace cladding bring architectural depth to the living areas. Light oak floors and muted grey cabinetry provide a calm foundation for curated styling moments.
The primary suite is a study in layered texture. A soft metallic wallpaper forms the backdrop of the custom headboard wall, adding dimensional shimmer and a gentle rhythm that shifts with the light. The same wallcovering is reintroduced in the en-suite vanity—framed between twin mirrors and panelled millwork—bridging the spaces with consistency and elegance. This repetition creates a quiet continuity between rest and rejuvenation zones.
Each bathroom offers its own character: from the organic curves of asymmetrical mirrors to fluted vanity detailing and large-format porcelain with stone-inspired veining, the material language reinforces a spa-like sense of calm.
At the entry, full-height custom cabinets are wrapped in a textured wallpaper with a subtle metallic sheen, paired with warm oak framing and satin brass pulls. This detail not only adds visual interest to the transitional zone but also sets the tone for the entire home—refined, tactile, and unexpectedly elevated.
Tailored storage is embedded throughout the home—from integrated vanities and wardrobe niches to concealed dressing areas—demonstrating the studio’s commitment to aesthetics that serve everyday life.
The secondary bedroom features a navy velvet headboard set against a rich metallic wallpaper, creating an elegant and serene retreat with subtle shimmer and warmth.
The child’s room embraces playfulness with soft striped bedding, whimsical ceiling-mounted balloon lights, and cozy plush toys—striking a balance between imagination and comfort while staying true to the home’s cohesive design language.
Frequently Asked Questions
This project involved a complete top-to-bottom transformation, including structural changes and a redesigned exterior.
The layered continuity between the primary bedroom and ensuite is a standout. Carrying the same soft metallic wallpaper from the headboard wall into the vanity area creates a subtle, elegant dialogue between the two spaces. In contrast, the balloon pendant light in the children’s room adds a playful, joyful moment that reflects the family’s personality while staying true to the home’s refined aesthetic.
The renovation introduced a sense of calm and ease into everyday routines. With tailored storage, an open yet grounded heart of the home, and spaces designed for both gathering and retreat, the family now lives in a home that supports flow, organization, and comfort without sacrificing beauty.
The design was inspired by the idea of refined yet approachable living—soft luxury rooted in warmth and tactility. We focused on natural materials, muted tones, and layered textures to create a timeless, serene environment that feels elegant but never precious.
By focusing on material consistency and thoughtful detailing rather than excess. Custom millwork, repeated finishes, integrated storage, and selective use of statement elements—such as wallpapers, brass hardware, and fluted detailing—allowed the home to feel elevated while remaining efficient and intentional in execution.
The most exciting challenge was designing a downsized home that never felt compromised. We focused on maximizing every inch through highly tailored storage solutions and thoughtful space planning, ensuring the homeowners could maintain the same level of comfort, functionality, and living quality despite the reduced footprint.
They were extremely pleased with the outcome, appreciating how the design balanced functionality, storage, and refined aesthetics without compromising comfort.
This project has been prepared for editorial consideration and may be featured.
Yes. We continue to design residential projects that prioritize warmth, material integrity, thoughtful layouts, and refined detailing—homes that feel timeless, livable, and quietly luxurious.
Live beautifully.
Work brilliantly.
Dexign Matter is an independent creative interior design studio based in Toronto.