Amid tree-lined streets of a walkable Etobicoke, Ontario neighborhood, this heritage home was reimagined with a fresh, contemporary spirit by Keeley McCleary Interiors. Thoughtful updates preserve its architectural character while introducing a refined, collected aesthetic—where sculptural lighting, warm wood tones, and layered textures create a sense of effortless sophistication. Captured by Niamh Barry, the home’s transformation blends modern elegance with timeless charm, creating a space that feels both curated and deeply personal.
From Keeley McCleary Interiors… The homeowners—a naturopathic doctor, a lawyer, and their two young children—had spent years renting in downtown Toronto and later in Stoney Creek, patiently waiting for the perfect home. When they toured this house, they jumped at the opportunity. Situated in an idyllic neighborhood with restaurants, shops, top-rated schools, and a quick subway ride to downtown, it was everything they had hoped for. Once their offer was accepted, they reached out to me to help with a full-scale renovation, and we quickly got to work. The scope included a complete transformation of the previously dark and utilitarian basement into a family-friendly entertainment zone, able to handle family movie nights as well as game night with a whisky in hand. The main floor remained mostly intact, with subtle updates like fresh paint, new lighting, and applied moldings in the living room. We also refinished the original oak floors throughout and reimagined the primary suite with built-in wardrobes and a new ensuite. Custom window treatments and carefully considered decor brought warmth and personality to every space.
My clients wanted a contemporary version of their heritage home. As the homeowner put it, “Our vision was to upgrade and modernize the home but keep the charm. To blend the old with the new.” They both have an appreciation of tradition but didn’t want to recreate their parents’ home (he expressed apprehension early that he didn’t want Persian rugs & antique furniture like his parents’ home). Keeping as many traditional elements of the existing home intact was important to them, but they wanted to update things for their modern lives. Clean edited spaces with a timeless cool vibe – that’s what we were after.
The home needed both a strong design point of view and a lighter, brighter feel. We needed a major style injection, as it was lacking any real personality. We painted the main floor out in a creamy neutral backdrop (OC-17), and then began building in elements of style. I relied heavily on lighting choices, playing with scale and texture to bring quiet drama throughout (I specified a lot of plaster finished fixtures). We kept the colour palette very neutral, using a lot of natural fibres—cotton, linen, wool—and warm wood tones throughout. As the homeowner perfectly sums it up, “The finished space is the best balance between eclectic and refined, and really easy to live in.”
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Keeley McCleary Interiors · Photography: Niamh Barry · Styling: Stacey Smithers · Builder: Pineapple Homes Burlington
