Studio Lii Transforms a Builder-Grade House into a Soulful Family Home
A balance of aesthetic charm and practical design suit the home for family life
Expecting their second child, a young family in Markham sought out Studio Lii to transform their 3,250-square-foot house into a dream home. From start to finish of the renovation—a process than spanned just five months—the studio made sure to translate the couple’s definition of “home” in every design element. “We started with a detailed discovery process, learning about their stories, values and aspirations,” says studio founder Teresa Leung. “This understanding guided our design choices to create a sense of warmth and belonging.”
The team stuck to resilient, low-maintenance materials that remain true to the couple’s timeless, modern tastes throughout—resulting in what they describe as “purposeful functionality.”
Warm wood and layered ambient lighting throughout the home instills a cozy feeling of family. Whereas the cool, neutral colour palette serves as a canvas for the family’s memorabilia. Pendant Lights, CB2; Barstools, Rove concepts
Keen on tying in the family’s history, a muted palette and raw materials are a nod to the couple’s love for travel. Neutral colours against wood and stone recall memories shared in Paris, and honed Taj Mahal stone mimics the serene aesthetics of their favourite destinations.
After carefully observing the family’s kitchenware and cooking habits, Studio Lii opted for tall cabinets and deep drawers for storage and accessibility purposes in the Markham renovation.
Cabinetry, JF Kitchen; stonework, Crystal Fabrication & Contracting Ltd., Caesarstone.
A minibar area within the hidden walk-in pantry displays the owner’s wine collection. The home’s smart lighting system adds a layer of warmth with adjustable mood lighting.
The main feature in the kitchen is the stonework made from natural quartzite and man-made quartz with honed finishes. This combination for a high-usage area like the kitchen marries the strength of engineered stone for daily use while keeping the allure of natural stone.
Believing that form follows function, the team carefully considered what materials would best fit the family. Leung says “These spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are adaptable, enhancing the clients’ current lifestyle while evolving with their changing needs.”
The old cramped kitchen and breakfast nook transformed into an open gathering area that encourages family time. Wall cabinets are traded for deep, low drawers that reduce future clutter while keeping the space bright. Off to the side is a hidden walk-in pantry and drink bar that caters to the couple’s hosting needs and the practical storage of kitchenware.
In the living room, a calm atmosphere is made by using soft furnishings that are also sound-absorbent to prevent any excess noise. Round Cushions, CB2; coffee table, sofa, Crate and Barrel
For Studio Lii, it was vital that the home not only looked welcoming but radiated. “The way we experience sight, sound, touch, and smell informed our decisions about space planning, lighting, and materials”, said Leung.
This sensory approach instills a natural sense of serenity in the home by way of timeless and ambient furnishings.
A cozy living room with a custom fireplace, Stone Tile.
The Markham renovation’s principal ensuite boasts an elegant yet practical design that prioritizes familial and individual use. An 11-foot double sink vanity frames the large centre bathtub while boasting enough space for the growing family. The Vanity Art tub acts as the focal point of the ensuite atop heated floors, filling the bathroom with spa-like relaxation.
“We balance everyday functionality with elegant design, ensuring each space is both beautiful and perfectly suited to the family’s needs”, Leung comments.
The master ensuite central round tub for some needed rejuvenation after a long day of work.
The 9-foot walk-in shower and tucked-away toilet create distinct wet and dry zones.
Photography by Niamh Barry.
Embracing a philosophy of simplicity through depth, Leung’s team integrated the family’s new beginnings with nods to the couple’s rich history, creating a home of the Markham renovation designed to grow with time.