This Toronto Home Makes Family Living Look Effortless (and Beautiful)

In the heart of Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood, a once-dated house has found new life in the hands of designer Kate Dickson. Tasked with creating a space that could keep up with a busy family of four, Kate completely reimagined the layout—turning a narrow galley kitchen into a connected series of light-filled rooms designed for gathering, cooking, and unwinding. The home now strikes a seamless balance between polish and play: think soft white cabinetry paired with warm oak, brass accents that catch the light just so, and a mix of patterns and textures that feels as livable as it is elevated.

Design: Kate Dickson | Photography: Valerie Wilcox

Where Function Meets Flow

At the heart of the home, the kitchen was designed to feel light, bright, and endlessly functional. Soft white cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream and warm oak accents set a timeless foundation, while brass hardware and lighting from Light House add a hint of polish. “The renovation not only modernized the interiors but also redefined how the spaces function for everyday family life,” Kate explains. Now, large windows bring in natural light throughout the day, while a custom-built island serves as a landing spot for morning coffee, homework, and casual family meals.

The once-dated galley kitchen was transformed into a hardworking mudroom and butler’s pantry that brings function and beauty to everyday life. Painted in a deep charcoal tone, the butler’s pantry acts as a hidden gem off the main kitchen, with a textured tile backsplash and brass fixtures that add a moody edge.

Living Rooms That Balance Class and Comfort

In the formal living room, Kate balanced comfort and class with tactile layers and tailored details. A deep navy sofa anchors the space, set against a patterned rug and creamy walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin. The room’s soft palette and subtle contrast create a sense of calm without feeling flat, especially when paired with the natural textures of oak and brass seen throughout.

Closer to the kitchen, the family room trades formality for ease, its sleek fireplace and custom shelving keeping things grounded, while artwork and sculptural lighting add personality.

A Banquette Moment Worth Staying For

Steps from the kitchen, the dining room makes a striking impression with its rich wallpaper and custom velvet banquette, creating a more intimate and dramatic mood. “At the center of the home, the new dining room makes a bold statement,” says Kate. “Anchored by a custom velvet banquette and wrapped in playful wallpaper, the space has a rich atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and intimate—perfect for gathering.” While the darker palette sets it apart from the lighter main floor, its connection to the rest of the home is felt in the repetition of warm wood tones and brass details.

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