Sunnylea House

Toronto, Canada

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Ravine House

Sunnylea House

Toronto, Canada

Firm

Orangeink Design

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Nestled in the heart of Sunnylea, a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood in Toronto’s west end, this newly constructed residence is a study in restraint and warmth. Designed for a young family of four, the primary objective was to create a home that feels both refined and relaxed—spaces that support daily life with a quiet confidence.
The design draws inspiration from the homeowners’ recent travels through southern Italy, where they were captivated by the understated elegance of dwellings shaped by simple forms, the warmth of natural materials, and the effortless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
From the street, the home presents a crisp composition of white brick, matte shou sugi ban siding, and natural cedar. This pairing of light and dark—of tradition and modernity—sets the tone for the spatial ideas within.
Inside, the decision to forgo the conventional stacking of staircases between levels allowed for greater flexibility in spatial planning. The interiors reveal themselves gradually as one moves from front to back. Sculpted ceilings define the open-plan living and dining area, while a minimalist staircase—tucked discreetly beside the dining space—creates a quiet architectural moment. Framed by a semi-circular opening in the floor, the stair offers a casual yet elegant transition between the main and second levels.
At the heart of the home is the kitchen, where every meal becomes a social event. Anchored by a large island adjacent to a custom-built breakfast nook beneath a picture window, the space feels both functional and intimate. The built-in seating encourages casual conversation and connection. Echoing the conviviality and leisurely pace of Italian kitchens, this detail brings emotional warmth to the home’s otherwise restrained architectural palette.
At the rear, a covered patio stretches the full width of the home. Designed with a strategic roof cutout that draws daylight deep into the interior, this outdoor space creates a seamless transition between inside and out. It acts as a true extension of the home—supporting a lifestyle centered on family gatherings and outdoor living.
The home includes four bedrooms, each arranged to prioritize quiet comfort with a minimalist design sensibility. A vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom enhances the feeling of retreat, while natural oak flooring, matte finishes, and a neutral colour palette contribute to a sense of lived-in elegance throughout.
Every design decision in this project was guided by a desire to support slow moments, foster connection, and express a deeper appreciation for simplicity. The result is a calm, cohesive dwelling rooted in both place and memory. More than just a house, the Sunnylea Home captures the spirit of its owners’ journey: a thoughtful balance of light, materiality, and meaning—where every detail reflects the way they want to live.

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Sunnylea House

Toronto, Canada

Other Projects by Orangeink Design

Ravine House

Sunnylea House

Toronto, Canada

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team