Before & After: The Merchandise Building Loft

Sometimes the smallest details can have the greatest impact. In this downtown Toronto loft reimagined for clients by Ryan Martin and Amy Kent of Croma Design Inc., the catalyst for the renovation was, of all things, a broken-down dishwasher. It had been installed in such a way that getting a replacement meant tearing up the existing hardwood floors, which led to an all-out refresh of the home’s late 90s color palette. The young family with two small children owned two adjacent units for several years, and decided the time had come to combine them into one 3,200-square-foot flat. The renovation provided distinct spaces in which the adults can entertain, and other areas for hanging out with kids. Respecting the historic nature of the loft in The Merchandise Building was a top priority, which had been converted in the late 1990s from its original 1910 purpose as a manufactory for Simpson’s Delivery business.

While all the worn finishes needed updating, the homeowners wished to maintain to the suite’s industrial loft character and warehouse history. Unnecessary soffits were removed to expose functional ductwork and highlight the soaring 12-foot ceilings. Lots of creative storage solutions were devised for an ever-increasing book collection. The designers selected Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White wallcolor and engineered brushed oak Kalispell by Kentwood Floors to provide a consistent, clean, and modern aesthetic throughout, while allowing the architectural features of the place to command all the attention. —Annie

“After” photography by Donna Griffith, except where noted. Styling by Christine Hanlon.