Design studio Drew Mandel Architects renovates and adds expansions to a craftsman-style cottage home in Toronto that was originally built in the 20s. The new space blends together old and new elements as it has a modern open floor plan, historic details, a limestone terrace, and elevated accents throughout.
The design was completed during the summer of 2022 and marks approximately 100 years after it was originally constructed. The home has five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Speaking about the newly renovated home, Drew Mandel, the principal of his studio notes that "The changes to the historical house mirror the evolution of the single-family residence typology since the 1920s, where the less formal spaces of the house occupy a more central and integrated role in the life of the home."
Image Credit: Drew Mandel Architects
What's Driving This Trend
- Retro-modern Home Design
- Design studios are creating homes that juxtapose historical details with modern amenities, giving rise to opportunities for the renovation and expansion of older properties.
- Open Floor Plan Living
- Design studios are incorporating open floor plans into home renovations, creating a more natural and flexible flow between rooms and living spaces.
- Blending Natural Elements
- Design studios are integrating natural materials like limestone, wood, and stone in home renovations, resulting in a harmonized and calming living space.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- Architects and design studios can capitalize on the trend of juxtaposing retro and modern elements of design, and incorporate them into their projects, creating new opportunities for creativity and innovation.
- Real Estate
- Real Estate developers can renovate and expand older properties to incorporate the retro-modern design trend, opening up new possibilities for modern housing options.
- Building Materials
- Building materials and furnishings companies can respond to demand for natural materials, providing eco-friendly and locally sourced options for consumers looking to follow the trending design trend.
