A sprawling 5,400-square-foot suburban home in Burlington, Ontario, once felt cold and cavernous, but a thoughtful redesign by Stafford House Studio has transformed it into a warm, soulful space perfect for family life and entertaining. The homeowner, a bachelor with two young sons, desired a home that felt grounded and inviting, yet sophisticated enough for adult gatherings.
Challenges of a Large Home
Large houses with soaring ceilings and expansive rooms can be difficult to make cozy. While ideal for cocktail parties, such spaces often feel impersonal. The designers at Stafford House Studio, Sydni Hoffman and Nicole Bechbache, were brought in after Brejnik Fine Homes completed major structural renovations, including underpinning the lower level to add an indoor basketball court, a golf simulator, and a sauna with a marble waterfall. A wine cellar for post-sweat refreshments was also installed, and dark, dated floors were replaced with white oak throughout.
Neutralizing the Palette
The first step was to warm up the home's outdated gray shell. The entire house was painted in Sherwin-Williams' Creamy, a soft yellow-toned white that creates a cohesive, enveloping feel. “We painted the trim, doors, ceilings, and walls all the same color,” says Bechbache. “It eliminates visual breaks and makes the space feel longer and more embracing.” This approach highlights architectural details like the coffered ceiling in the living room and the curated light fixtures, including a striking three-pronged brass chandelier from Etsy with egg-shaped shades.
Reimagining the Living Room
The formal living room, once an awkward pass-through space with a fireplace in the middle, has been completely reimagined. Previously, a sofa and two chairs sat on a small rug, leaving the sides of the room empty. Now, a custom vanilla-toned wool-nylon carpet from Allan Rug fits the narrow space perfectly, wrapping around the fireplace hearth. The room is furnished for versatility: “casual hangouts with the kids or drinks with adults,” says Hoffman. The designers incorporated the homeowner's existing credenza, styling it with alabaster sconces, organic vases, and a chandelier.
Personal Touches
Throughout the home, personal and natural elements add warmth. A ficus in an earthy vase and a quirky stone stool from Bettencourt Manor bring personality to the formal living room. In the dining area, a concrete table from Restoration Hardware provides an unfussy presence. The wine cellar features a texturally rich sideboard, artwork, and a vase, with Pietra marble and acrylic backlit shelves designed by Brejnik Fine Homes. A sumptuous lounger offers a restful spot outside the sauna.
The designers focused on health and wellness, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and livable. The result is a home that is no longer just a large house, but a welcoming sanctuary for family and friends.
