At the peak of Toronto’s competitive real estate market, Mark McAdam and Vincz Lee made an unexpected decision to purchase an Edwardian-era home in the city’s Riverdale neighbourhood without having seen it in person. A last-minute cancellation of property viewings left the couple weighing a quick bid against the risk of losing the opportunity. Their choice was made on the spot, shortly before departing for Portugal, and confirmed in a call to Ms. Lee’s mother en route to the airport.

Returning from their trip—and newly engaged following a proposal in Portugal’s Algarve region—the couple began the process of taking possession of the 2½-storey detached house. The home featured a dark, compartmentalized interior and a layout that did not suit their lifestyle, but its location on a leafy street near Withrow Park remained appealing.

Seeking to modernize the early 20th-century residence, the couple engaged Toronto-based architects Winda Lau and Andrea Yeatman of Studio Lau. The architects specialize in transforming Toronto’s Victorian and Edwardian homes by opening up interior spaces to admit more natural light and creating flexible layouts that better accommodate contemporary family living.

The Riverdale house, though structurally sound and characterized by a brick exterior, had lost much of its original character through a poorly executed renovation in the 1980s. The architects aimed to preserve the home’s footprint despite the narrow 20-foot lot while greatly enhancing the connection between the interior and outdoors. After reviewing several design options, construction commenced in the summer of 2024.

The renovated home now features a wide front porch with a simple overhang, and a defined entryway marked by a dropped ceiling with wood detailing that intentionally separates the foyer from the main living space. A large floor-to-ceiling window spans nearly the full width of the living room, inviting natural light and views of the street into the home. Central to the layout is the dining area, with a kitchen opening onto the backyard through sliding glass panels that effectively extend the cooking space outdoors.

Interior finishes include white oak floors and millwork, with careful use of curves and rounded edges to soften the environment. The kitchen island, for example, presents a near-oval shape designed to facilitate movement within a comparatively narrow room. Curved details are echoed in ceiling treatments, fireplace design, and the exterior dormer, where a radiused corner reshapes the traditional silhouette.

Custom cabinetry integrates functional spaces while maintaining a clean visual flow, discreetly concealing elements such as a powder room on the main floor. Both homeowners’ offices are located on the second floor, alongside a skylit staircase and a spacious bedroom for their son Carter, which overlooks treetops and a balcony at the rear.

The third floor serves as a private retreat for the couple, featuring a bedroom with a large walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom with a stand-alone tub positioned before a window, and a rooftop deck. A sliding pocket door allows the deck area to be closed off for privacy when hosting guests.

Having lived in the home for several months with their young son and family dog, the couple appreciate the balance of warmth, texture, and light achieved through a primarily neutral palette of off-white and beige. While Mr. McAdam initially advocated for more vibrant colours, he ultimately embraced the subdued scheme that architects recommended to maintain a calm and modern atmosphere, with colour introduced selectively through tile accents in secondary bathrooms.

Reflecting on the design process, Mr. McAdam acknowledges satisfaction with the architects’ guidance on spatial decisions, including the placement of the kitchen, noting that the final layout has proven functional and inviting. Ms. Lee values subtle design touches such as a birch tree planted outside the front window to bring seasonal interest and a sculptural fireplace that adds warmth and visual appeal. The flame of the gas fireplace remains visible from the street, contributing to the home’s welcoming presence within the neighbourhood.