Heritage Toronto Kitchen: Mirrors and Millwork Bridge Old and New

The antiqued mirror cladding on the hood and backsplash of this kitchen speaks volumes about the overall aesthetic at 124 Park Road, Toronto: traditionally-inclined, grand, and sprinkled with posh contemporary flourishes.

This home dates back to 1857 and comes adorned with its own official Heritage Toronto plaque, so it makes sense to play with modern design touches while remaining grounded in the “heritage” side of design.

Antiqued mirror finishes have a way of being chic and trendy while literally putting a patina on things. In this case, they creatively bridge the gap between the older and newer ends of the spectrum.

Dark, semi-gloss finishes and chunky drawer pulls imbue the cabinetry with a gravitas that contrasts nicely with the light wall and trim paints. A more fully “traditional” look might have utilized a busier countertop selection, but in this case, the plain cream material functions as a visual palate cleanser between the lower and upper cabinets. It’s a welcome counterpoint to the more energetic slate floor.

You might have noticed that the kitchen hood has its own little corbels. If you take a look at other spaces in this property, you might find that the plentiful but understated millwork helps to maintain a consistent sense of richness across very different spaces, some of which have been decorated with adventurous concepts such as “pink princess bedroom,” “animal print living area,” or “red-and-beige sports den.”

This home has just about everything: a hot tub on an elevator, an indoor hockey practice space, a wood-paneled sauna, and a cozy guest house that would be a fine home in its own right.

Don’t forget to check out the outdoor views of this property, because the tiered construction and staggered chimneys are a visual treat!

So what about the ideal buyer for this property (yes, it is available for sale)?

“This property and home ideally suits a stealth-wealthy type of personality. The location is prime Rosedale, steps away from everything.

The home features all the grandeur and luxury one would expect, yet you are totally secluded on this 1-acre gated lot” says Jim Burtnick, Senior VP of Sales with Sotheby’s, who markets this amazing property.

More photos, plus additional pricing & property information, are available at the  Torontoism website.

MB Hwang

MB is a designer, educator, and all-around maker. She has contributed to major exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, where she helped thousands of people learn design and fabrication techniques. She now designs and writes independently and is renovating a Chicago bungalow.