Just outside Toronto in Ajax, Canada, design firm Atelier SUN gave an ordinary 1980s suburban house an entirely new character. Known as Harty House, the renovation tackles one of the biggest challenges of older builder homes, a floor plan filled with bulky columns and beams that interrupted almost every space.
Instead of fighting against the home’s structure, the designers embraced it with custom millwork and warm natural materials that simplify the interior while adding plenty of practical storage.
Smart Millwork Shapes the Open Living Space
The open-plan living room and workspace occupy one side of the main floor, where custom wood cabinetry does much more than provide storage. It surrounds the television while incorporating shelving, display areas, and practical flip-down tables that can quickly become workstations when needed.
One of the standout features is the central beam and column wrapped in wood with bronze-colored accents at both the top and bottom.
A Kitchen Designed Around Hidden Function
Across the open floor plan, the kitchen and dining areas continue the warm wood palette, creating a seamless visual connection between the different zones of the home.
Behind wood pocket doors are some of the renovation’s smartest surprises. They conceal a hidden pantry, a dedicated dog shower, and a separate entrance to the garage, allowing practical household functions to stay neatly tucked away without interrupting the clean appearance of the main living spaces.
A Floating Staircase Makes a Lasting First Impression
Near the foyer, visitors are welcomed by a built-in wood nook that combines bench seating, shoe storage, and a closet into one compact feature. It creates an organized entrance while introducing the materials used throughout the home.
Beside it, a floating staircase crafted from wood and glass becomes one of the home’s most striking architectural elements. A wood-paneled stair wall provides privacy and structural support while serving as a backdrop for the changing shadows cast by the floating steps throughout the day.
Warm Bedrooms Continue the Natural Palette
Upstairs, the home includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, giving the family plenty of space without losing the consistent design language established downstairs.
One bedroom especially highlights the home’s warm atmosphere through continuous wood finishes and hidden lighting. The subtle illumination adds softness while the natural materials create an inviting room that feels comfortable without relying on unnecessary decoration.
The Floor Plan
Looking at the layouts highlights how Atelier SUN worked with the existing structure, making bulky columns and beams feel like natural parts of the home’s architecture while improving how each room functions.
By embracing the original structure and combining it with custom millwork, warm wood finishes, and hidden functionality, Atelier SUN has created a home that feels open, efficient, and welcoming.