In her new book Toronto Interiors Catherine MacIntosh profiles 30 established and emerging local design studios that are evolving the living spaces and streetscapes for the next generation of Torontonians. Catherine joined Figure 1 to discuss the design identity of one of the most diverse cities in the world, how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we view our homes and working with homegrown designers to create her book. 

Figure 1: On the global stage, Toronto has been “playing catch-up” with cities known for strong design languages. What do you think makes Toronto’s style distinct, even if harder to define?

Catherine McIntosh: I think the design language in Toronto is varied as is the city itself. It’s a patchwork city that is incredibly multi-cultural. Our design language is incredibly personal. Each home and studio has its own lexicon. And homeowners want to display their unique personalities through their homes. Another distinction here is rooted in interior transformations, the unique and beautiful ways we reshape our older homes into something entirely new. Our focus on craftsmanship and natural materials also come through as does our expertise in functional elegance. It’s not style for style’s sake. There is always practicality built into our residential designs. And for the moment, we are also embracing a lot of curves and always a fabulous staircase.

F1: On the global stage, Toronto has been “playing catch-up” with cities known for strong design languages. What do you think makes Toronto’s style distinct, even if harder to define?

CM: I think the design language in Toronto is varied as is the city itself. It’s a patchwork city that is incredibly multi-cultural. Our design language is incredibly personal. Each home and studio has its own lexicon. And homeowners want to display their unique personalities through their homes. Another distinction here is rooted in interior transformations, the unique and beautiful ways we reshape our older homes into something entirely new. Our focus on craftsmanship and natural materials also come through as does our expertise in functional elegance. It’s not style for style’s sake. There is always practicality built into our residential designs. And for the moment, we are also embracing a lot of curves and always a fabulous staircase.

Figure 1: Toronto has 158 neighbourhoods, each with its own character. How does neighbourhood context shape the interiors you profile in the book?

CM: Architectural style and era of our neighbourhoods dictate the interiors and what is possible, for the most part. We see unique uses of space, staircase placement and ingenious approaches to getting more natural light inside. The constraints of a narrow Victorian, or the limitations of a ravine or oddly shaped lot, for example, have given way to creative interiors. The streetscape is also of consideration when building new. Many studios in this book have either embraced the style of the street keeping materials and heights in harmony or boldly contrasted them in a way that is artistic and still place-specific.

F1: Toronto is sometimes seen as “safe” or “beige” in its design choices, but you suggest that’s changing. What do you think has pushed the city toward greater individuality and risk-taking in interiors?

CM: I think it was a matter of time, generations changing over home ownership and more. We are all so exposed to international styles and have access to sourcing almost anything. The home has always been an extension of one’s personality, but I see more people being bold with their colours, patterns, artwork and lighting.

F1: You mention the pandemic made us look at our homes with new eyes. How has that period influenced the kinds of design choices you saw in the studios you feature?

CM: Several homes in this book were finished during that time and what changed was the supply chain effect on materials and a general slowing down of the building or renovation process. I see that designers are even more focused on sourcing things locally and sustainably now. This city has always embraced local craftsmanship, but local craftsmanship is a major focus these days. Also, we were all staring at our four walls for so long that we took stock of what was and wasn’t working for everyone in the household. A certain level of ingenious and functional interior design came from that experience.

F1: What do you hope readers take away from this book—whether they’re design enthusiasts, homeowners, or simply curious about how Toronto is evolving?

CM: To see Toronto celebrated in the design community and put on the map is particularly important and I hope people from other cities will enjoy reading about the talented designers we have here. For those in Toronto, I hope they will see a sense of connection to the types of homes we have here and feel inspired by the possibilities.

F1: Your career began in publishing and took you into the world of design magazines like Canadian House & Home, Azure and Designlines. What did you learn in those roles that helped you bring this book to life?

CM: For years, I’ve cultivated working relationships with the architects and interior designers in this city, publishing their projects as Editor-in-chief at Designlines, and senior editor at Azure and House & Home before that. For 25 years, I’ve also been writing about design for various publications, interviewing hundreds of designers and those experiences have given me confidence in selecting the works to create a cohesive vision.

F1: You worked closely with 30 different design studios to bring this book together. What was that process like?

CM: It was incredibly fun and satisfying to reach out to my favourite designers and architects in this city and work together to select which projects, images and stories we would share and to interview each one of them. I wanted to include burgeoning studios alongside some with many decades under their belt. The “younger” studios bring a passion and unique vision, and the established firms have honed their techniques to a fine art. I visited their beautiful studios and houses and made some wonderful friendships along the way.

 Order your copy of Toronto Interiors now.