UPTOWN GEORGIAN ASHLEY BOTTEN DESIGN Ashley Botten Design revives a historic Toronto home
Ashley Botten Design presents an interior renovation that infuses heritage architecture with modern living . Home to a family of six , the Georgianstyle residence was recently expanded to extend the kitchen and a primary bedroom and ensuite bath on the second floor . The clients wanted to preserve some of the original details , including elegant crown molding , Cremone bolts , and French doors , while adding a new layer of contemporary expression . With four grown children and two dogs , they also required the house to be easy to live in and maintain .
The interior places much of its emphasis on the experience of space , and on an overall earthy scheme consisting of white and brown marble , grey limestone ,
36 - www . refurbandrestore . co . uk raw copper , and the quiet softness of smoked white oak used on the floors and built-in cabinetry . Abd paid close attention to blending its own custom furniture designs with new additions and the clients ’ existing pieces . In the dining area , the family ’ s vintage Eero Saarinen tulip chairs are now surrounded by a complementary oval dining table by Yabu Pushelberg . In the living room , an abd-designed mantelpiece , made of limestone , echoes the geometry of the room ’ s traditional door casings and moldings .
One of the boldest expressions of old meeting new is experienced in a deep entryway leading from the formal front rooms to the newly expanded kitchen and adjoining family room . The unique transitional space is now clad in live copper on all sides , with a slightly protruding edge providing a minimalist framework .
On the second floor , the warm palette continues within the primary bedroom , walk-in closet , bathroom , and office . The finishing details here are no less discrete , quietly woven into the visual rhythm of the house . Rather than matching hardware , door pulls , knobs , and hinges are a mix of shapes and warm metals , with abd ’ s own T-bar in polished brass featured on one set of dresser drawers , and in contrast to the linear finger pulls chosen for another custom sideboard . The pure intention of these inconsistencies gives the home a timelessness ambiance that transcends trends . The aim is for every element of the house to be enjoyed in the here and now , and also last a lifetime .