After 20 years in their Toronto home, my parents are embarking on a major renovation. Built in 1873, the house is full of charm and original details, but it’s long in need of some TLC. As well, my mom has always lamented the dim interior of the narrow urban row house. Now not only is she excited to update the space while remaining true to the history of the structure, she can’t wait to let some light in at last! In order to open up the ground floor and set the tone for the rest of the refresh, mom will be removing several non-load-bearing walls and replacing them with panels of interior windows.
Because I’m so thrilled for my mom to have her dream home at last, I asked the folks at Marvin Windows & Doors to render some of their custom options so we can visualize the end result—and I’m loving the direction we’re headed! The model here is the Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Doors, with an ebony finish and a contemporary handle in satin chrome. Gridded panes and crisp black casings have a 19th century vibe in keeping with the home’s original construction date (so Belle Epoque chic!), yet the windows’ simple, utilitarian architecture feels utterly modern too.
With the windows in place, the rest of the ground floor will come together beautifully. The panels’ clean, graphic appearance lays a striking foundation for plenty of texture in the form of marble and ceramics, woods and leather; and the overall look fosters a modern industrial sensibility that both complements the home’s past and sets the tone for its very stylish future. And of course with nothing to stop it, the light streaming in from the front and back of the house will radiate freely throughout the space!
Shopping Guide: 1. Leather Director’s Chair 2. Marble Cheese Boards 3. Marvin Windows & Doors 4. Modern Wood Wall Clock 5. Patterned Table Runner 6. Bestlite Pendant Lamp 7. Modern Terra Cotta Vase 8. Ceramic Container with Lid 9. Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Doors in Ebony Finish with Contemporary Handle in Satin Chrome Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Disclosure: This post was created in collaboration with Marvin Windows & Doors. I received compensation in exchange for sharing this content but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas!
What is the system used in the top pic? The one with the floor and ceiling stand-offs?
Anne, Im very familiar with Marvin but have never seen any of the styles you show in any of the Marvin information, with the possible exception of the third image (dark gray/black kitchen) Of all the image in this post, that one is a least attractive. Do you have a source for the windows and doors in any of the images? My Marvin rep is also at a loss. Your help is appreciated. Thanks Paul