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A Thoughtful Edwardian Revival in Toronto
Built in 1918, this Edwardian brick detached in Toronto’s Bloor West neighborhood had plenty of charm, but its layout told a different story—tight, disjointed, and weighed down by awkward additions. Enter designer Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio, who was tasked with breathing new life into the century-old space, creating a home that felt open, cohesive, and endlessly livable for its modern-day family.
From the beginning, the clients had a clear goal: maximize every inch of square footage. But more than that, they wanted a home that worked hard without feeling over-designed. Olivia recalls their trust being the cornerstone of the project: “They often said, ‘If your team doesn’t do this, we never will.’ That kind of faith gave us the freedom to design every last detail—from the architecture to the final bookshelf styling.”
Design: Dart Studio | Photography: Niamh Barry | Styling: Me & Mo
Reimagining the Layout
The transformation began with a two-storey rear addition and new dormers on the third floor, expanding the home’s footprint while preserving its historic charm. With a full interior gut, Olivia and her team completely reworked the floor plan—removing pinch points, opening flow between rooms, and carving out purposeful moments of function throughout.
Every surface was refreshed: walls cloaked in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, grounding the interiors in crisp brightness, and warm white oak flooring from Nadurra, chosen for the natural warmth it brings to the home. Together, they create a timeless backdrop for layers of custom millwork and thoughtfully curated details.
A Dining Room That Holds the Heart
Olivia’s favorite moment comes at the rear of the main floor, where the round dining table sits perfectly framed by expansive glass doors. It’s intimate yet architectural—a quiet focal point that anchors the space.
This thoughtful planning extends to the adjacent millwork, which cleverly serves dual purposes. One side functions as a hardworking mudroom, while the other hides a chic coffee station and bar. It’s the kind of detail that elevates daily routines while keeping beauty front and center.
Layers of Personality
Throughout the home, layered textures and bold details invite you to look closer. In the living room, door inserts covered in Phillip Jeffries’ Vinyl Grassland Oat Grass wallpaper add subtle warmth and dimension. Just steps away, the powder room makes a statement with Kelly Ventura’s Peonia-Sage wallpaper—an upgrade the clients immediately fell in love with. “It shows how even a tiny powder room can pack a punch,” Olivia says.
The kitchen balances crisp minimalism with rich contrast. Custom millwork painted in Sherwin Williams Drifts of Mist pairs beautifully with the island in Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green, one of Dart Studio’s favorite shades of green. The counters and backsplash, clad in Dekton by Cosentino, bring durability with a refined edge. It’s equal parts modern and timeless, a mix Olivia has mastered.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom shifts into moody calm with walls painted in Benjamin Moore Willow, while the ensuite delivers whimsy and contrast through Concave Border tiles in Ink Black from Centura. Every room feels distinct yet tied together through Dart Studio’s cohesive vision.
A Full-Service Transformation
What makes Bloor West II remarkable isn’t just its thoughtful layout or curated finishes—it’s the sense of completeness. From architecture to interiors to final styling, Dart Studio touched every corner of this home. Books were styled, art was hung, and no detail was left unresolved.
The result is a house that feels as functional as it is beautiful—historic roots intact, but with a fresh story that speaks to modern living.
Scroll on through the gallery below to see the entire project.
BY: Jasmyne Muir
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