Mismatch cabinet colours to marry two styles.

Smythe chose white upper cabinets for a traditional feel, but then added a contemporary touch with grey lower cabinets. Brass detailing on the hood and hardware adds warmth to the spacious kitchen.

Add a fun element with one colourful chair.

To add a touch of whimsy, Smythe put a single red chair among black bentwood chairs in this dining area. The round table serves as a perfect spot for kids' games and crafts while dinner is being prepared.

Use a formal dining area for lounging instead.

"The kitchen is where everyone wants to be in any house," says Smythe. "In this one, the family can cook, eat, watch TV and talk to each other." The red tufted sofa ties in with the red accents in the kitchen and dining room.

Ground a graphic rug with solid accents.

Smythe combined Deco lighting with on-trend colours and patterns to update the classic lines of this room. Solid upholstery, including punchy orange pillows, makes the graphic rug stand out even more.

Combine classic and contemporary.

HGTV star and Toronto designer Tommy Smythe updated this Victorian living room with a bold rug and solid jewel tones. The long settee already belonged to the homeowners, so Smythe had it reupholstered, then topped with fun throw pillows in trendy hues. A classic klismos chair in bright orange complements an ornate Chippendale mirror. “Given free rein, this what you’ll get from me:” he says. “Strong colours, bold gestures and traditional references.”

See Tommy Smythe’s Victorian Makeover photo gallery for more photos of this home, plus watch Suzanne Dimma tour through the kitchen.

See more orange accents and rooms in our photo gallery.

Experiment with pattern.

For this main-floor bathroom and staircase, HGTV star and Toronto designer Tommy Smythe introduced a few fun elements to liven up the Victorian home. The powder room’s fixtures, sconces and art are ultratraditional to offset the bold zigzag pattern painted on the walls. Project manager Jenny Dames actually blew up a scale of wallpaper she and Smythe liked, then hired a painter to bring it to life. Smythe also hung a series of convex mirrors in the stairwell instead of the usual family photographs. Mix and match vintage gold frames offer a eclectic look.

See Tommy Smythe’s Victorian Makeover photo gallery for more photos of this home, plus watch Suzanne Dimma tour through the kitchen.

Easily update a room with trendy drapery.

Bold, on-trend drapes pop against neutral grasscloth wallpaper. The office has two desks, one of which is paired with a stately chair in cognac leather.

Pair glossy black walls with brass accents.

The black paint's glazed finish sets the walls aglow. A brass mirror, chandelier and pillow fabric infuse the dark space with warmth.

Use bookshelves for customized TV storage.

The backs of the shelves are covered in a neutral grasscloth wallpaper to balance the dark walls. Placing furniture in front of a bookcase creates a cosy, layered effect.

Play with pattern in a neutral room.

To add interest, Smythe combined grey patterns — a graphic charcoal rug, chevron bench, and duvet with Egyptian key pattern. A vintage glass light fixture also adds personality to the room.

Place doors to enhance symmetry and flow.

A series of paned doors showcases the principal bathroom like a jewel. The white, grey and charcoal palette is pretty yet polished.

Update an exterior with black accents.

A glossy-black painted front door and symmetrical iron planters dress up this Victorian home, designed by HGTV star and Toronto designer Tommy Smythe. An iron European-style awning adds drama, and the stone path and wide steps also offer a luxe touch.

See Tommy Smythe’s Victorian Makeover photo gallery for more photos of this home, plus watch Suzanne Dimma tour through the kitchen.