Design: Endless summer

Nestled in Etobicoke’s Leady LakeFront Community of Long Branch, a young couple with three energetic boys younger than 10 years, were a house that could grow with them and could balance functionality with beauty. They took designer Jaclyn Gray from Gray Interiors, who together with Westrose Construction Inc. Worked to transform their ever-dark house into a light-hearted, slightly filled sanctuary.

The result is a warm, colorful and livable space that Gray ‘mentions an ode to endless summer’ where sustainability pleasure and where every room, although different in personality, contributes to a coherent whole.

“I wanted to honor the potential of the space by bringing, where possible, of course, of course,” says Gray. “Even the darkest house can be transformed with a palette that reflects the family who lives there.”

The design trip started with a plan to create a space that feels clear, airy and hospitable all year round. Inspired by nature and the convenience of summer, Gray worked with sun crops neutral, soft blues and lively golden tones to cultivate a feeling of relaxed optimism.

The tone of the design is set when entering the ladies’ toilet at the front of the house. A wallpaper of a wild flower print pops, grounded by lower walls with panels and a periwinkle-blue vanity. It is a small space that Makes a big impression, and as Gray notes, “it was actually the spark that ignited the rest of the house.”

“The Wallpaper of Wildflower immediately spoke with the customers,” she says. “It felt expressive, playful and full of charm. From there we built the rest of the palette of the house, which took his joyful energy, albeit in more subtle ways everywhere.”

Sustainable European oak hardwood floors runs from this small jewelry box of a room through the rest of the house and offers visual continuity and a low -maintenance solution for a busy household.

The heart of the house is the kitchen, a generous, multifunctional space where cooking, working and collecting overlap. A large island, garnished in quartz and accentuated with sculptural fluts, anchores the space visually and functionally.

“The kitchen is the true head office of the family,” says Gray. “It is where everything from breakfast to science projects to late-night snacks happens. We have designed it to resist it all while we still feel raised.”

Panel-ready devices discreetly mix the cupboards, so that the warm finishes of the room and thoughtful details can shine. The Canneled Wood Island makes a subtle return to the primary bathroom, creating a quiet design echo that binds the rooms together.

Gray combines playful touches with sustainable materials throughout the house. Brushed copper luminaires bring a soft glow to every room; Each interior door is painted in the reverence of Benjamin Moore, a rich taupe that adds architectural interest.

Elements such as soft arches in the living room and kitchen give timeless, old -fashioned sensitivity. “I don’t want something to feel like it is haunting trends,” says Gray. “Instead, I concentrate on what those elements evoke: softness, craftsmanship, warmth.”

Her color choices reflect a similar balance. From soft blues to leafy vegetables and damped gold, the palette feels fresh but not loud, elegant but family -friendly. “It’s about letting the colors speak, don’t scream,” explains Gray. “We have laminated tone-on-tone tones in different textures and finishes to keep things interesting without overwhelming.”

With three young boys in the mix, hard -bearing materials were the key. The European oak floors are disguising dirt and is opposed to a lot of traffic. A washable white paint keeps walls clear and easy to clean. Where possible, sufficient storage has been added, with adapted cupboards and hidden Cubbies that help the family stay organized.

“If everything has a place, the house feels calmer, even with children running around,” says Gray.

Although the ground floor is about connection and energy, the primary ensuite upper ensuite offers a calm counterpoint. Designed as a serene retreat, the bathroom has a porcelain tiles that flooded soft travertine, a deep soaker-bath and a spacious walk-in shower in natural light.

“Heated floors, brushed brass and moody lighting createone That private -spa feeling, “says Gray.” In a busy house like this, at least one space must be fully focused on rest and relaxation. ‘

Feature Lighting – a sculptural pendant, a well -considered sconce – add a feeling of occasion. “I always recommend adding special details,” says Gray. “They don’t have to be big, just enough to make a space feel.”

For those who are inspired to create their own uplifting but elegant spaces, the advice of Gray is simple: start with light, low in soft color and mix details that bring your joy, such as fresh flowers or a beautiful fixture.

Looking back, Gray is still charmed by the ladies’ toilet. “It is the smallest space, but we are daring and it created a mood that rims everywhere.”