City Homes
Jacquelyn Clark Transforms A Basic Condo Into A Cozy Enclave With Tailored Appeal
Published on December 13, 2024
When David Owen, a marketing and advertising professional, decided to purchase a 650-square-foot condo in Toronto’s Liberty Village, just steps from his office, he hired interior designer Jacquelyn Clark of Lark & Linen to customize it. “David’s main residence is in Uxbridge, Ont., so he would sometimes have to commute up to two hours at the end of the day,” says Jacquelyn.
The original unit had lots to love, including floor-to-ceiling windows, a corner balcony and soaring 12-foot-high ceilings. But the finishes were basic; it had laminate floors, a drab color palette and zero personality. David wanted a place that was elevated but cozy enough for decompressing after a long day. He also needed better storage and room for his three teenagers to crash in the city for a weekend.
Working in a condo didn’t come without challenges. “It took us almost a year just to get approval from the building for the project,” says Jacquelyn, which stretched the timeline to two years. To help the process along, she left most of the plumbing in its original location and hired a great team of trades with condo experience. “The first thing we did was measure the elevator, so nothing was built until we were sure it would fit!”
So far, condo life suits David. In the summer, he and his kids spent the weekend watching the air show from his balcony. “For David, this space is somewhere he can come to relax,” says Jacquelyn. “It’s like taking a deep breath.”
Jacquelyn (pictured) had worked with David in the past and was familiar with his eclectic style. “He’s a musician and loves art — he really trusted my vision,” she says. The condo’s best asset, the ceiling height, was the jumping-off point for the design. “Almost every decision we made involved bringing the eye up and capitalizing on the vertical space.” To get the right vibe in such a light and airy space, she brought in dark-stained wood and rich paint colors.
“David’s style is a mix of transitional and classic, with lots of clean lines, modern details and timeless materials,” says Jacquelyn. Dark-stained wood adds to the tailored feel of the entry.
The sight line from the kitchen to the living room leads right to the view.
A custom sofa was made long and deep enough for sleep while the balcony takes advantage of a panoramic lake view.
To give a feeling of grandness in the living room, Jacquelyn opted for extra-tall doorways and a handsome built-in cabinet that goes up to the ceiling.
For the kitchen, Jacquelyn pushed out the island and built a banquette on the face to create an entertaining hub. New floor-to-ceiling cabinets painted a dark olive were fully outfitted with pullouts and spice racks to keep things organized.
“I like using natural materials that will age well,” she says of the brass, reeded oak and stone elements. “The counters are soapstone and we used marble for the backsplash to bring contrast and add depth.” With minimal cooking happening here, appliances were kept condo-sized, and metal bar shelves and a wine fridge were brought in. “I like to use panel-ready appliances wherever possible in a small space to keep the look seamless,” she adds.
Plastic sliders on the principal bedroom closet were swapped out for custom nine-foot, vertically slatted wood doors that match the four-poster bed frame.
For Jacquelyn, one of the biggest changes was the bathroom. “I wanted this to be an enjoyable space — somewhere elevated but comfortable where David could really unwind.” By removing the drop ceiling, the arched shower doors became the focal point. The designer splurged on a showy exposed plumbing set, and the intricate, mosaic-tiled floors read almost like a textured rug.
In the den, Jacquelyn closed up the wall and added built-in bunk beds with storage. “We drenched this space in Benjamin Moore’s Flint, a cool charcoal, so it has an almost cave-like feel.” Supersized details were then added throughout. “We replaced the standard seven-foot doors with new, taller versions and used oversized light fixtures to emphasize the ceiling.”
David on his condo’s wraparound balcony.
Why He Chose It
The Location: “It’s right across the street from his office!” says Jacquelyn.
The Space: “The condo has great bones — high ceilings, walls of windows and a wraparound balcony.”
The Potential: “With three teenagers, David uses this as a hub for weekend adventures in the city.”
The Perks: “The 12-foot-high ceilings allow for plenty of built-in storage and sleeping quarters, including the bunk beds.”
Alex Lukey
House & Home
Jacquelyn Clark