Visit a Moody Yet Inviting Home in Brockton Village
Architect Beth Wassermuhl’s vision for modern living finds full expression in this West End renovation
Beth Wassermuhl, founder of Studiowi, has a knack for integrating the subtleties of personal experience into her architectural and interior designs. Her latest project, M House, is a testament to this philosophy, offering a space that reflects both the homeowner’s unique story and Studiowi’s design ethos—combining the best of traditional design principles with a modern aesthetic.
Deeply influenced by the homeowners’ love for travel and their desire to bring the essence of their global adventures into the 1,600-square-foot Brockton Village home, Wassermuhl’s collaboration with the clients was crucial, describing them as “co-authors of the vision.” This mutual respect and creative alignment laid the foundation for a design that goes beyond aesthetics, reflecting a layered narrative through the use of colour, materials and textures.
A lush view from the second floor is framed with built-in shelving and a cozy reading nook. Side table, CB2.
One particularly striking design choice was the incorporation of a deep green tile inspired by the client’s visit to Horseshoe Bend along the Colorado River. The verdant tile is a direct reference to the colours of the landscape, creating a visual metaphor for the curving river and red mountains seen in the client’s travel photographs. This connection to nature is mirrored in other design elements, such as the brickwork in the fireplace, inspired by crumbling masonry ruins from Southeast Asia.
Studiowi utilized a unique long, thin brick format with a raked joint to emphasize the horizontality of the fireplace, adding depth and texture to the home. “It gives a distinctive horizontal emphasis and creates more depth and texture on that surface,” says Wassermuhl.
In the main floor powder room, Stone Tile‘s Joliet in Jade Prisma leans into sophisticated tile trends. Sink, Robinson Lighting & Bath; faucet, Kohler.
The brass archway in the foyer—a luxurious threshold between the entryway and living areas—is another statement-making material choice. “We wanted to create a transition that wasn’t just functional but also symbolic,” says Wassermuhl. The polished brass, bent into a perfect arch by a skilled metalsmith, adds a touch of opulence while honouring the home’s transitional spaces. “It’s the first and last thing you see when you enter or exit the house, emphasizing its importance in creating a sense of place.”
Accompanied by an original artwork by Sol Friedman, the luminous brass archway greets at entry. Bench, Filter Design.
Metal fabrication, TRI-V Custom Manufacturing.
The central shelving/storage unit was designed custom by Studiowi and made from rift-cut white oak. Millwork fabrication (throughout), Kubik.
The homeowner’s vintage rosewood dining table and chairs draw back to the home’s moody palette. Pendant, Anony; throw pillows, Elte.
Flooring, LV Hardwood Flooring.
Custom millwork unifies almost every space of the home with reference points of warm, grainy wood throughout. In the principal bedroom, StudioWi crafted a custom dresser and closet system that adds texture to the space while maintaining functionality. By choosing a wood colour that contrasts with the flooring, the design team was able to create a layered effect that makes the built-ins feel like unique pieces of furniture, rather than cold, functional elements.
Engineered European white oak brightens the home without sacrificing warmth.
A custom closet system designed by Studiowi mixes white oak and inset grasscloth. Side table, Mary Ratcliffe Studio.
A custom dresser in the principal bedroom speaks to Studiowi’s bespoke design approach.
Wassermuhl explains that her goal with millwork is always to imbue it with a sense of richness and depth. “We often use fabrics, textures, or special metal details—like the tarnished brass we incorporated here—to make the millwork feel more like custom furniture, enhancing the space without sacrificing utility.”
The homeowners’ love for entertaining heavily influenced the design of the kitchen, which serves as the heart of the home. Studiowi opted for a boomerang-shaped island rather than a straight-line configuration, encouraging conversation and interaction. The island also features an outward-facing integrated bar, allowing for semi-formal gatherings, while the industrial range and custom brass hood vent create a bold and dramatic focal point.
A custom vent hood makes a statement in lacquered brushed brass. Range, Bosch.
The countertop and backsplash, both crafted from grey honed marble, were fabricated by Kozmus Inc.
“The kitchen feels more like a hot new restaurant than a typical home kitchen,” Wassermuhl notes, underscoring the homeowners’ desire for a space that was both functional and visually stimulating for their many gatherings.
The design of the main bathroom took inspiration from the homeowners’ travels to Japan and their love for serene, spa-like environments. Studiowi maintained a restrained palette of two materials—wood and stone—already used elsewhere in the home to ensure cohesion. However, they added a layer of sensory experience by incorporating unfinished cedar shiplap panels, chosen for their natural resistance to bacteria and humidity, as well as their aromatic qualities.
The principal ensuite embraces a biophilic design, with an emphasis on natural wood, abundant light, and live plant décor. Pendant, Casson Hardware.
“The scent of cedar promotes relaxation,” Wassermuhl shares, highlighting how the material selection in the principal ensuite was as much about creating a calming atmosphere as it was about durability and function.
Tub, Taps; sconce, Robinson Lighting & Bath.
At the core of Studiowi’s work is a belief in integrating architecture and interior design in a seamless, tailored way. Wassermuhl emphasizes that this design ethos is heavily influenced by their background in hospitality, which allows them to approach each project as if they were crafting a unique brand for their clients. “Every home is like a brand in itself, much like how a hotel or restaurant would have a specific design approach,” she explains. Whether a client desires a serene, spa-like environment or a plush, hotel-inspired vibe, it seems Studiowi ensures that emotional responses guide each and every design choice.