Condos
Fenwick Bonnell Designed His Elegant Suite To Optimize Every Square Inch
Updated on November 30, 2023
Midtown Toronto holds a special place for Fenwick Bonnell, co-founder of Powell & Bonnell, a boutique design firm and designer of luxury furniture, lighting and textiles. It’s where he lives, works and enjoys the nearby ravine and paths, where you can easily forget you’re in the middle of the city. “I’m a runner, so I like to get out and use the trails,” he says. Fenwick purchased the condo preconstruction in 2017 and then spent the next five years working with the developers, construction company Dxpert Reno & Handyman Services and his own team of trades to create a completely customized space for himself and Phoebe, his miniature wirehaired dachshund. “I don’t have the desire to live in a huge house,” he says of the condo’s modest 834-square-foot stamp. “I like how manageable this space is and that I can do things like clean and garden myself.”
From the start, the road to his dream home felt like a Pandora’s box of problems. There were pandemic-related site shutdowns and delays with the city’s building department that prevented his team from getting access. “Nothing in the condo now is as it was in the original plans,” says Fenwick. Formerly a two-bedroom, two-bath unit, Fenwick completely reconfigured the floor plan as a one-bedroom with ensuite bath, plus a powder room. The change required removing walls and getting creative with existing plumbing. The luxurious new ensuite is packed with custom finishes, layered lighting and a spa-like steam shower. “I think one of the only things remaining from the original condo is the tile in the shower, which I eventually plan to cover up with composite wood decking,” says Fenwick.
Why He Chose It:
The Location: “I used to live across the street and have always loved this area. It’s walkable and close to my office. As soon as I heard about this building, I signed myself up.”
The Accessibility: “My previous home had a lot of stairs. As I get older, I like the idea of living on one level, so I can age in place.”
The Outdoor Space: “I really like having the little balcony off the kitchen area and then the larger terrace off the living room. It makes the condo feel bigger and allows for more greenery.”
The Ability To Customize: “I appreciated that I could customize my home exactly the way I wanted to.”
The designer pared back the entry to allow for a larger laundry and storage closet that’s hidden behind square relief panel walls in the hallway. The long, dark passageway has a cocooning effect, and then opens into a bright, open-concept living, dining and kitchen space.
In the kitchen, he designed a dining-height island that extends into a table with chairs. “I knew I didn’t want stools, but I also didn’t want a height transition between the dining table and island,” he says. “It was a bit of an experiment, but now I really like the way it feels.” Fenwick had the TV mounted to a panel applied to the island facing.
A lowered induction cooktop is a unique element. “You’re looking into the pots and stirring or cooking at a height that’s more comfortable,” says Fenwick.
In the living room, a wall of millwork conceals a Murphy bed that can be pulled down to accommodate guests; a privacy drape blocks off the area when needed. “Not having a dedicated guest room means that you can have a bigger living space for the 350 days of the year you’re not hosting overnight guests,” says Fenwick.
Because the unit is on a northwest corner, walls of windows bathe everything in natural light. “I love the space in the late afternoon, when the sun is going down — you get this beautiful low light,” says Fenwick. In both the main living space and bedroom, new bulkheads house recessed lighting that offers a lovely ambience in the evenings.
Fenwick replaced the ho-hum closets with an antique armoire brought from his previous home. The hushed feeling from the entry hallway is echoed in the principal bedroom. Fenwick upholstered the bedroom walls in a wool-blend fabric from Powell & Bonnell in the Chocolate Pudding colorway and added bold contemporary art. In place of builder-basic closets is a stunning, antique walnut Biedermeier armoire from the 1820s.
“I’ve always liked dark, enveloping spaces in bedrooms,” he says. “The room is very quiet and peaceful.” Sliding doors open to a private sitting area on the terrace.
Everything in the bathroom was custom designed. Instead of a tub, Fenwick installed a luxe steam shower.
The living room, as guest quarters.
A drape concealed in a cupboard can be pulled across the room for privacy when guests stay over.
The large terrace has a roomy sectional and dining table for entertaining.
Fenwick and pup Phoebe in the living room.
This summer marked Fenwick’s first full year in his new digs. “It’s been wonderful to see the snow, and then watch as the trees bloom and fill the grey areas of the city with life,” he says. Perched on the Womb chair looking out at the view, it’s hard to imagine he’s ever lived anywhere else.
Margaret Mulligan
House & Home
Powell & Bonnell