Erected in Toronto in 1956 as a warehouse, 90 Sumach became the design centre for the beginning of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s television era. For decades the CBC’s archives, studios, rehearsal spaces and workshops thrived here.
Respected artists such as Glenn Gould, Jim Henson and Lorne Michaels once worked within these walls! The building, also known as the “Brewery Lofts“, was originally part of an 1800’s era brewery and in the late 1990s was converted to live/work lofts. Today it’s home to a range of artists, designers and other creative professionals.
When designer Erika Floysvik of Fia & Company first saw her clients space she fell in love with the quality of the space immediately.
Front Door Before
Hall Before
One of her measures for great design is being able to walk in a home and immediately see out the back of the home. The first sight I had when I opened the front door of this space were the striking black framed windows and the greenery of the trees outdoors.
The clients’ main criteria included three things:
1. An updated kitchen
Kitchen Before
2. Create a his/hers bathroom
Bathroom Before
3. Create additional storage for clothing and other items.
That of course was no easy feat given the existing support columns and the HVAC unit which couldn’t be moved.
Stretching of the design muscles to devise a solution that worked beautifully would be the norm for this transformation. Three months on renovation plus a little extra time for the installation of furniture and final styling did the trick.
Stunning right?! We asked if she could only pick one feature that she was so pleased with what was it?
“The custom millwork is one of the stars of this project. Beautifully designed and built in walnut, the open shelving alone weighed a solid 300lbs. It was a feat to have installed! The intricacy of the paneling that surrounds the HVAC unit is stunning and is a testament to Artcrafts craftsmanship.”
The starting point for the overall design was the purchase of a gorgeous 9×12 wool and silk area rug from Elte. It’s abstract patterning and rich colour palette were the inspiration for the navy velvet sofa, wheat coloured dining chairs and blonde wood floors.
The Hallway After
Talk about storage! Artcraft Kitchens manufactured and installed all the millwork and paneling including the built-in desk in the office (not shown) and a custom front foyer shoe storage sytem!
A Great Place for Storage!
Behind Those Doors – Boots on Hangars!
The Foyer Table Across From the Bench
…Shoes Have Their Own Home!
Living & Dining Areas
The gorgeous dining table, custom banquet frame and custom media unit were built by Cabinet Furniture.
Dining Area Close Up
Interestingly enough the clients didn’t do a love-at-first sight when it came to the Mitchell & Gold brass coffee table front and center, yet in the end, it was one of his favourite pieces! Erika’s favorite piece in the space is the sheepskin chair with brushed gold frame.
Living Room
Reverse Perspective with Erika
And that updated kitchen the clients so badly desired!
Kitchen After
Gorgeous – and Functional!
And the his/hers bathrooms …. I mean come on … how cool is this?!
While we didn’t show you the bedroom before we have to show you the after – because we are OBSESSED with the wallpaper she used. Get similar at Mr Perswall.
If we could only use a few words to describe this transformation they would have to be: we want to move in now!!!
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