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Tour a Toronto Home Where Black and Geometrics Rule

June 24, 2021

Toronto designer Rebecca Hay brought her fun yet sophisticated design sensibility to a brand-new home outside of Toronto.

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Photo: Rebecca Hay Designs

How to Transform a New Build With Design

Toronto-based designer Rebecca Hay worked her magic on this home in neighboring Oakville, Ontario. The project involved taking a new construction blank slate and infusing it with contemporary sophistication that balances light and dark colors. The end result is far from cookie cutter, thanks to geometric floor tiles, unexpected black paint finishes, fun wallpaper, bright accent colors and bold statement lighting.

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Photo: Mike Chajecki

Create a Dramatic and Functional Entrance

The white and bright foyer is anchored by a larger-than-life mirror to balance the area's scale. A fun black-and-white geometric floor pattern adds interest to the otherwise white space, punctuated by a dark blue velvet bench. "As a mom of two little kids I always see the value in adding seating near the front door whenever possible. It’s a great place to sit and take off your shoes after a long day," Rebecca advises.

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Photo: Mike Chajecki

Small, Impactful Touches in Molding and Lighting Transform a Hallway

"This is not your regular hallway," Rebecca notes. The narrow hall connects the foyer to the kitchen, and Rebecca decided to make it more interesting by adding wall paneling and crown molding. It also continues the foyer's airy feel. Oversized gold-lined light pendants prevent the space from feeling too sterile or serious.

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Photo: Mike Chajecki

Light and Dark Colors Make a Mudroom Chic

"Ironically this home was completed right before the pandemic when staying home was a novelty! But this fun neon sign shows guests that the home's inhabitants don’t take themselves too seriously," Rebecca says about the mudroom off the garage. The black accent paint (Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Fur) and geometric floors are another testament to having fun with the home makeover. Rebecca also added shiplap walls for durability and a floating bench to allow for shoe storage.

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