4 min readHali MacDonald was not about to design a hands-off house. After all, she was building a home that would be the base for her young family, including two elementary school-age kids. Still, the property—located in a lakefront town southwest of Toronto—had to have heart and soul.
Over the next 18 months, she worked alongside architects Gren Weis and Geoffrey Roche of Gren Weis Design Studio to craft a new build grounded in storied design to create the impression of a historical residence revived.
“The floor plan took a while to nail down, and I did a lot of playing around with pulling walls in to create the feel of deep-set walls reminiscent of true masonry homes found in Europe,” MacDonald says. At first glance, the designer’s 10,000-square-foot home—replete with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three powder rooms—looks as if it could be a contemporary cousin of William Morris’s Kelmscott Manor in the Cotswolds with its English Arts and Crafts–style accents, including diamond-patterned leaded glass windows, sloped rooflines, regal backyard gardens, and gleaming copper detailing.
But that sense of history is no accident. MacDonald worked to establish that “warm, inviting feeling” by incorporating reclaimed materials and connecting with antique dealers, including Dutch salvage company ’t Achterhuis. One piece in particular, an 18th-century fireplace mantel, is already part of the home’s lore: A shelf fragment broke off upon delivery, so the mason put the shard in his truck overnight for safekeeping, only to have his vehicle stolen. Luckily, a local stone fabricator was able to replicate it. “The mantel is so worn and old that you don’t really notice,” MacDonald notes.
In addition to drawing heavily on inspiration from the English countryside, MacDonald was influenced by the Belgian antiques dealer and designer Axel Vervoordt. “I was really inspired by his work and the way he blends simplicity with strong architectural elements,” she says. Deep archways, curved plaster walls, and plenty of patina all coalesce seamlessly into the undercurrent of the home, which pulses with authenticity—and an intentional dose of imperfection. “We very much live in our home,” MacDonald says. “Life happens; you notice the first few stains or scratches, then it becomes part of the story.”
FAST FACTS
Designer: Hali MacDonald, Hali MacDonald Interiors
Architect: Gren Weis Design Studio
Location: Toronto, Canada
The Space: A five-bedroom, five-bathroom, three-half-bathroom house across 10,000 square feet
ENTRY
A graphic curved stairwell sets the architectural tone for the home.
Belgian oak planks were tumbled to give the floors a worn, authentic look. An antique tapestry hangs from a hammered iron rod, complementing the room’s traditional elements.
LIVING ROOM
Textural walls lend the illusion of age.
Ample seating feels fresh, thanks to a variety of contours and fabrics that feel collected over time. “I like the interest that comes from having different silhouettes,” says MacDonald. “It leads to a more relaxed feel, as though the pieces were collected through time rather than purchased together.”
DEN
Grand ceilings were toned down with a moody palette.
To inject coziness into the sprawling multipurpose room with 15-foot ceilings, MacDonald added custom built-ins, pushed the marble fireplace forward, and created intimate vignettes. “I wanted the space to be a multipurpose room,” MacDonald explains. “The desk area creates a space for my husband to work, and behind it is a bar. It’s the perfect place to create a drink when entertaining guests.”
SITTING ROOM
A curved sofa adds a touch of femininity.
Originally intended as a playroom, this space is now a spot for MacDonald to watch her kids play outside while she relaxes on the curved sofa. Antique botanical prints are given new life as a gallery wall.
KITCHEN
A rich oak island brings warmth and heritage.
An oak island topped with Calacatta Verde marble brings subtle drama to the expansive kitchen. RTO Lighting pendants affixed to hand-hewn beams add a touch of heritage.
PANTRY
Wallpaper on the ceiling adds a dramatic touch.
Two-tone cabinetry, along with limewash walls, injects a casual vibe. An oval opening looks out to the sitting room, helping to shed light into the snug space. “I wanted the pantry to feel more casual than the kitchen,” explains MacDonald. “The two-toned cabinetry creates a more relaxed and playful feel.”
BREAKFAST NOOK
A nearby coffee nook makes this the spot to be each morning.
A soapstone-clad coffee bar finished with Farrow & Ball paint in Down Pipe and Phillip Jeffries grasscloth is another nod to British sensibilities. MacDonald tapped a local craftsman, Hamilton Holmes Furniture, to make the chairs, which she had upholstered in a durable outdoor fabric.
DAUGHTER’S ROOM
Muddy pastels help this room grow alongside its resident.
Ocher silk drapery from Threadcount in a sophisticated take on yellow—her daughter’s favorite color—provided a jumping-off point for the room. A desk niche acts as a spot for homework and art.
GIRL’S BATH
Pink stone ties into the bedroom’s palette.
In her daughter’s bathroom, a standout blush stone got star treatment, acting as a backdrop to the tub and shower, as well as a frame for the mirror.
PRIMARY BATH
Gauzy drapes lend privacy while still allowing light in.
Tumbled limestone and Calacatta Borghini floor tiles pair with the natural bronze finish of the Drummonds bathtub, bestowing a warmth that’s reflected in the natural elements outside the window.
About the Designer
Hali MacDonald Interiors is a full-service design boutique serving clients in Oakville, Toronto, and beyond. With designs that transform and elevate how and where you live, the team brings beauty to life through luxury interiors that encompass all that is most meaningful.
