Hartney Dr
When you look at a person, everyone has a story to tell. Much like life, every design project is unique and no two are the same. The design of this custom home takes inspiration from the life its owner -a pianist. The down-to-the-studs renovation took more than half a year to complete, but the result was quite satisfactory to the owner. It represented a piece of work perfectly tailored to suit her lifestyle.
Contrasting elements of patterns, colors, textures and matte-shiny finishes can be found in each room which provides a distinctive personality to the entire house. A simple yet eccentric console table in the foyer sets the mood from the moment you step into the house, akin to an intro in a composition that establishes the groove for the following music.
Interior Design Awards
Our Success
The basement was transformed into a cozy piano room that can also be used as a second living room. The pumpkin color velvet armchair, touches of gold create a jewel-box effect in the piano area.
Pale oak wood tones, light grey woodwork and accent brass is a recurring theme throughout. Juxtaposed with intense contrasting materials such as wallcoverings, highly saturated blue cabinetry, and lush velvety textures; these finishes provide the cohesive piece and supplements the design features.
“I feel grateful every day that Zoe designed a dream home for us. The owner told her friends while visiting their house”
Pale oak wood tones, light grey woodwork and accent brass is a recurring theme throughout. Juxtaposed with intense contrasting materials such as wallcoverings, highly saturated blue cabinetry, and lush velvety textures; these finishes provide the cohesive piece and supplements the design features.
“I feel grateful every day that Zoe designed a dream home for us. The owner told her friends while visiting their house”
Saturated blue on the cabinetry and light finishes elsewhere creates contrasting elements without stealing the spotlight.” I love that blue on the cabinets. It’s a little bit mysterious” the homeowner says.’
Pale oak wood tones, light grey woodwork and accent brass is a recurring theme throughout. Juxtaposed with intense contrasting materials such as wallcoverings, highly saturated blue cabinetry, and lush velvety textures; these finishes provide the cohesive piece and supplements the design features.
“I feel grateful every day that Zoe designed a dream home for us. The owner told her friends while visiting their house”
Saturated blue on the cabinetry and light finishes elsewhere creates contrasting elements without stealing the spotlight.” I love that blue on the cabinets. It’s a little bit mysterious” the homeowner says.’
Strong design elements like feature wall paper give your eye something to focus on. We were not trying to match patterns and colours, we were building a new personality to this house.
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest transformation was reimagining the home from a standard interior into a highly personalized living space tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle, with expressive use of colour, texture, and pattern throughout.
The basement piano room. It was transformed into a cozy, multifunctional space that doubles as a second living room, designed specifically around the homeowner’s passion for music.
The renovation introduced more flexible and meaningful living zones, allowing the home to support both everyday living and creative pursuits, while offering additional space for relaxation and gathering.
The homeowner’s identity as a pianist was the main inspiration. Music, rhythm, and contrast guided the design, influencing the layered materials, bold colours, and expressive details.
We incorporated rich colours, velvety textures, brass accents, and statement wallpapers to reflect the homeowner’s artistic sensibility, creating a space that feels expressive yet cohesive.
By carefully balancing bold design moments with controlled material choices. Strategic use of colour, texture, and contrast delivered a luxurious feel without relying solely on expensive finishes.
Bringing together a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures into a cohesive design that feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
The homeowner was extremely happy and emotional, describing the home as her dream space and proudly sharing it with friends.
Yes. The Hartney Dr project received a Muse Design Award for Residential Design.
Yes. We continue to design bespoke residential interiors that reflect our clients’ personalities through thoughtful planning, layered materials, and customized details.
Live beautifully.
Work brilliantly.
Dexign Matter is an independent creative interior design studio based in Toronto.