City Homes
A Toronto Semi Gets A Dose Of Character And Drama From Designer Jessica McGouran
Updated on December 6, 2023
The greatest spaces tell a story, says Jessica McGouran of Jessica Leigh Interiors. “More than simply good aesthetics, I want every home to reflect the personality of its owners. This was top of mind when Jessica was hired to reimagine the interiors of a newly built semi in Toronto’s east end. The homeowners are a couple who love to entertain, watch movies and host viewing parties, so ample space for gatherings was a must. “My clients are fun,” says Jessica. “They appreciate good art and design, and wanted a bold look with rich, vibrant colors.”
Previously a poky bungalow, the new 2,000-square-foot, four-bedroom semi was an infill development by Toronto architect Vanessa Fong for Sierra Custom Homes. The minimalist, white-painted brick exterior draws inspiration from classic London mews–style houses. “I was born in London, so I have a soft spot for British residential architecture,” says Vanessa. “Mews houses, like semis, tend to be similar to the neighboring houses but also have distinct features that make them unique.”
The architect’s floor plan balanced the needs of everyday life with places to entertain. “The mudroom is easily accessible from both the front and back doors, and the laundry room is on the third floor, close to the bedrooms,” says Vanessa. For entertaining, the dining area is next to the kitchen, which opens out to an adjoining living room — a cozy spot for after-dinner conversation.
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Jessica had a leg up for this project; she knew the property well. “It’s the dream house I walk by every day with my dog,” she says with a smile. The well-considered envelope was already packed with elegant details including the charming arched front door and oak floors throughout, but her clients wanted to add more layers and character. Jessica dived in and infused the house with pops of personality in her trademark cool, contemporary style.
Brass statement pulls on the closet bring style to the entry. “I love when you can walk in to a space and not be able to tell what’s older and what’s been added,” says Jessica. “Everything should feel like it belongs.”
In the dining area, she installed a whimsical, modern light fixture over the curvy custom banquette and added stunning brass pulls from Buster + Punch on the entry closet. “No detail was too small,” says Jessica. “I wanted the decorating to feel like jewelry.” Paper cutouts were laid on the floor to get the shape of the banquette exactly right. The channelled vinyl upholstery looks good from all angles.
The house came with an elegant kitchen design featuring clean-lined navy cabinets for a modern and moody vibe.
In front of the iron railing is a wood console with upholstered stools tucked underneath.
In the living room, she transformed the minimalist linear fireplace into a statement piece. “My clients and I looked at nearly 100 slabs of marble to find the perfect surround,” says Jessica. “We chose a Calacatta Viola with deep purple and cranberry tones.” Violet throw pillows were then added to the sofa and a Pinch pendant was hung above the coffee table. “It’s made from shaped banana fibre and brings in great texture,” she adds.
“Lighting can be like art; it can add a lot of interest and detail in a room,” says Jessica of the three stacked sconces installed next to the fireplace. The overhang on the kitchen counter creates a compact breakfast bar area.
Bold wallpaper makes a statement in the powder room. “They’re small spaces, but you can go big on personality,” says Jessica.
Waffles lounges in the principal bedroom. The subdued, earthy hues are pulled from a painting brought from a previous house.
The principal bathroom is sleek and streamlined. Jessica added the brass faucets for a touch of warmth.
High-contrast art prints add interest to the otherwise neutral laundry room.
The space that’s most personal to the owners is the lower-level rec room. Dramatic, chocolate brown walls and drapes recall a mid-century movie theatre — a nod to the clients’ love of film. Art appears to float mid-air, suspended on subtle wires that drop down just in front of the drapes, and cheeky details like the stool in the shape of two hands lend a campy humour. Viewing parties often draw a large crowd; guests lounge on the 10-foot-long sectional and overflow onto the mohair-upholstered floor pillows, which were inspired by the Netflix series Halston, a show that chronicles the life of the 1970s fashion designer.
“Sometimes, when you present ideas to a client, you worry you’ve gone too far,” says Jessica. “These clients said, ‘Go bigger, go bolder,’ which made this project such a blast.”
Lauren Miller
House & Home
Architecture by Vanessa Fong; design by Jessica McGouran