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A 1980s Back Split Turned Light-Filled Retreat
From the moment designer Michelle Thompson of Grey Isle Design spotted a five-level back split in her own Toronto neighborhood, she knew it had potential written all over it. Built in the early 1980s, the home had good bones and generous square footage—but it was begging for a fresh perspective. They saw the property come up in the neighborhood and loved it so much that they knew they wanted to bring it back to life.
What followed was a full-scale gut renovation that stripped the home to its studs and reimagined every inch. The ceilings were vaulted, new windows and doors flooded the interiors with light, and radiant heated floors added comfort underfoot. The result is a refined yet spirited showcase of Grey Isle’s signature approach: bold details, warm neutrals, and timeless materials that feel both considered and lived-in.
Design: Grey Isle Design | Photography: Elaine Fancy
A Grand First Impression
From the moment you step through the front door, the tone is set. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, and a curved stair railing greet you with architectural drama, while marble hex tiles nod to classic craftsmanship. Michelle kept the home’s original crown moulding and ceiling medallions, celebrating its history while layering in fresh finishes—like the subtle Classic Stripe Wallpaper from her new Urban Walls collection, which adds gentle rhythm to the side hall.
Light, Height, and Layers in the Living Space
The open-concept living and dining room makes an instant statement with its soaring ceilings and bespoke details. A custom fireplace surround and inset built-ins anchor the room, while a vintage coffee table and handmade fabric shade fixture lend warmth and texture. The neutral palette is elevated with quiet contrasts—natural wood tones, creamy plaster, and a wool rug that grounds the airy space.
The Heart of the Home
The kitchen blends timeless craftsmanship with understated luxury. Michelle vaulted the ceilings here too, then introduced a stunning 10-foot custom walnut island as the centerpiece. Honed porcelain countertops, backsplash, and even a picture-frame window keep the palette cohesive, while panelled appliances and a Monogram range add function worthy of a chef’s dream. Two statement fixtures—the Hayden 4-Globe Chandelier and Jonas Linear Chandelier—create soft geometry and golden glow.
A Primary Suite with Soul
Upstairs, the primary suite feels like a private sanctuary. Michelle drenched the room in a custom limewash color (matched to Benjamin Moore Strand of Pearls), creating tonal warmth that shifts beautifully throughout the day. The addition of a fireplace and dressing room lends a sense of retreat, while the ensuite makes a statement with a full porcelain slab steam shower, glass transom, and a wood-and-marble vanity paired with unlacquered brass fixtures.
Personality and Play in the Guest Wing
Every secondary space carries the same level of detail as the main floor. A vaulted ceiling and cheerful Micro Checker Wallpaper (also from Michelle’s Urban Walls line) bring youthful charm to the additional bedroom, complemented by a checkered ensuite with zellige tile and arched tub niche. A Studio McGee vanity and Grey Isle’s own Skye Nightstands add texture and tone that feel curated, not coordinated.
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BY: Jasmyne Muir
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