Inside a Dufferin Grove century home that blends old with new

Who: Jaclyn Genovese, founder and designer at Spaces by JacFlash; Adrian LeRoy, a wealth adviser; Rocco, 22 months; and Roman, a newborn (not pictured)   Where: Dufferin Grove

In 2016, Jaclyn Genovese bought a 100-year-old semi at Bloor and Ossington. She loved its quirks, and as a designer, she saw its potential. It had an ornate oak fireplace in the living room, a solid oak front door and high ceilings on the first and second floors. “You don’t see that in newer homes,” says Jaclyn. She wasn’t deterred by the idea of making some upgrades.

The main floor was a congested mess of tiny rooms, so Jaclyn tore down the wall between the dining room and the staircase. To add texture, she exposed a brick wall and installed Parisian-style moulding throughout. Then, four years ago, she redid the kitchen in a soulful blend of warm oak, glossy white cabin etry and grey quartz. To up the luxury factor, she also added a spa-like ensuite bathroom on the second floor.

Related: This designer’s retro home is punctuated by pops of colour

There have been more changes since Jaclyn’s partner, Adrian, moved in three years ago. As parents to young children, the couple designed a space in which every square inch is functional: there’s hidden storage in a sectional sofa plus an entire wall of discreet closets in Roman’s room. “Adrian’s a minimalist, and although I’m organized, I love collecting antiques and heirlooms,” Jaclyn says. She’s importing pottery and stone from Turkey, some of which is 900 years old, to showcase through out the house. “I want the place to feel contemporary yet timeless.”