Travel-Inspired Penthouse Design
By Sheree Stuart,
Sheree Stuart Design
Photography by: Gillian Jackson
The design of this two-storey penthouse located in the heart of downtown Toronto takes a cue from the clients’ love of travel and their growing collection of Asian antiquities and art.
Having spent many years in the United States, Geoffrey Ashby and Patricia Hastings sought to transform their recently acquired downtown Toronto penthouse. They were looking to create a retirement haven and a place to reconnect with their extended family. Their enduring passion for travel, especially in Asia, remained consistent throughout their professional journeys, and they wanted a space where they could relish the art and artifacts they had collected during their globetrotting.
Engaging the services of Sheree Stuart Design (SSD), the couple embarked on a journey to modernize their outdated two-bedroom penthouse. Upon meeting, we reimagined the space as a captivating dwelling that would span two levels of a 14-storey boutique condominium within Toronto’s Financial District. Through its windows, the penthouse provides breathtaking views of Toronto’s cityscape, including iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and Lake Ontario. A subtle Japanese aesthetic pervades the interior and exterior patio, intriguing visitors who marvel at individual design elements as they transition from room to room. The design ethos centered on clean lines, minimalist modernism, and a palette of earthy tones.
Our design team created a space that emanates both tranquility and comfort, all while maintaining an air of sophistication. The design embodies practical elegance, allowing the clients to spruce up the space for guests or casually unwind without formality.
The renovation involved stripping the condo down to its concrete core, comprising floors, walls, and ceilings. The upper level’s open-concept layout, housing the main living area, remained largely intact due to load-bearing concrete walls, which constrained major room layout changes.
What facilitated the personalization of the 1,700-square-foot penthouse — a winner of the International Property Award for the Americas and the International Design & Architecture Award —was the collaborative dynamic between the design team and the homeowners. Geoffrey’s genuine interest in design and his preferences played a pivotal role.
The renovation occurred across three winters and was conducted in three phases, with the homeowners in their second residence in Florida. This schedule allowed for reflection and organic design evolution. For instance, the couple’s fondness for a particular Jean Paul Gaultier burnt orange and teal upholstery fabric, used in the living and dining space, led to its adaptation in the lower-level master bedroom’s decor.
Tailoring furniture to the penthouse’s dimensions proved advantageous. Given the suite’s relatively modest dimensions, we had a size and scale issue. With that in mind, customization was key to achieving the ideal fit and aesthetic. The design team crafted one-of-a-kind pieces catering to the design brief and clients’ functional needs. Notably, a unique Japanese-inspired bench in front of the terrace windows exemplifies this.
Nearly every room features custom millwork, ingeniously providing essential storage capacity within a limited area. This millwork also skillfully hides technology and televisions, ensuring a seamless visual appeal. In the living room, a concealed desk has been impeccably integrated into the large wall display unit. The millwork showcases sleek lines that harmoniously blend with a Japanese aesthetic, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Lighting accentuates many of the beautiful features in this home. I am a firm believer that lighting holds the power to elevate or hinder design. For instance, under-cabinet lighting in the ensuite master bathroom illuminates a floating vanity, while an array of handblown glass bulbs, resembling water droplets, hang in the dining room, mirroring the penthouse’s palette.
However, it’s within the media room that the lighting truly makes its most striking and distinctive statement. Located next to the entrance of the condo unit, the media room was previously dim and lackluster, lacking any windows. We devised an innovative method to introduce light into the space, positioning the room’s entertainment unit and display cabinets two inches away from the wall, and then adorning that wall with pewter-leaf wallpaper. Subsequently, we installed lighting on the rear side of every shelf within the wall unit. The outcome is an illuminating glow that bounces off the gleaming wall and ceiling. The designer applied this very technique to accentuate suspended wooden beams that stretch from the entertainment unit and traverse the ceiling.
Meticulous attention to detail played a pivotal role in shaping the overall aesthetic. Every finish and accent chosen draws a clear connection to the original design brief. From lighting selections to finishes, accessories, and hardware, each element was thoughtfully curated.
The unique design of this penthouse fits beautifully into the wider environment. The open concept living space blends beautifully with the exterior patio and views of the cityscape. Best of all, the clients couldn’t be more thrilled with how it all turned out. The onus now rests on our clients to gather further artwork and treasures as they continue their journeys.
Sheree Stuart is the Principal of Sheree Stuart Design (SSD), an award-winning interior design studio. SSD offers a full-service program that encompasses concept creation, construction plans, lighting design, and project management. For more information, visit shereestuart.com.
