Cool homes across Ontario that feel warm, inviting, and a little nostalgic… and how to bring a touch of that into your own space.

ART & Photo Framing Ideas fROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

(From left to right): bubble chrome frame + cell phone photo; find one of Toronto's vintage photo booths (pictured is Uncle Studios on Ossington); frame restaurant menus, family recipes (& yes, you can hang art on a door) 

a note from miranda

Nothing will ever replace the IRL house shopping experience. 

 

One of the reasons I invest so heavily in staging and home design is because it works. A house can go from a basic white box to a place people are excited to visit because the positive energy can be palpable in the presentation. But photos and videos only tell a portion of the story.

 

With this warm, cool & retro home bulletin, of course I'm looking for houses that present well online: retro charmers, cool architecture, and places that feel warm and inviting. Because these email newsletters are a visual medium, so it's most interesting to see the highlights. 

 

But at the same time, sometimes there's a house with subtle hints at a unique layout, or one-of-a-kind architecture hidden behind less-than-ideal presentation. My goal is to show you those houses too. We'll use our imagination together. 

 

Ultimately, it's an in person visit (and a 3rd party home inspection) that will help you better understand the way a home feels for you. When you're searching for your next place, you have to sift through the good, bad & the ugly… because you never know the gem you will find.

 

Just last fall, a couple I worked with landed the house that checked all their boxes. Their (now) home seamlessly blends warm wood & vintage charm with a contemporary, tasteful renovation, featuring a legal lower level apartment for their in-laws and occasional guests. 

 

But in this example, the deep yellow marmoleum flooring and light yellow walls (which I actually think are kind of fun) didn't immediately present as “updated” finishes in the photos, even though they were good quality, part of a stylish & fresh renovation. 

 

It was the in-person viewing that helped these folks properly feel the intentional design of the space, and they ended up calling this house their home.

 

I hope you take this reminder into consideration when browsing the houses we share together here: pictures can often (sometimes) be great, but in person is best, and how a space feels for you is what makes all the difference. 

 

… As always, I'll happily take you house shopping. Until next time, have a great week and talk soon. 

 

- Miranda

(PS - I welcome your replies and feedback - I love hearing from you)

warm, cool & Retro homes for sale

6 freeland Court • $1,499,900

4 BEDS. 5 BATHS. 2 PARKING

(Hamilton, ON) I had the pleasure of visiting this home in person, and it is clear that the homeowners (and decorator, Harvey Sobel) really made this house a home. The double-car garage was converted into an impressive games room with a massive 6x12 custom snooker table, and with funky, wall-to-wall animal print carpet. But that's just a snippet of the front of the home - it's truly a property you need to visit in person to experience all its charm. From the bedroom decor, to the back family room/dining room extension overlooking the pool, this circa 1956 house will delight mid century modern enthusiasts. Let's visit! Listed by Catherine L Sennett, Royal LePage State Realty. X12750466

1410 MANITOU DRIVE • $1,950,000

4 BEDS. 4 BATHS. 6 PARKING

(Oshawa, ON) There are a surprising number of mid century modern marvels in the Durham area. I've noticed a handful in Oshawa & Ajax. This custom built, over 5000 sq ft home caught my eye with the atrium, indoor pool and wood-clad ceilings. I can only imagine what the house would feel like with the wood all exposed. Ask me to send you the link for the virtual tour. Listed by Justin Licis, RE/MAX Impact Realty Brokerage. E12894880

31 Auchmar Road • $2,988,000

6 BEDS. 5 BATHS. 9 PARKING

(Hamilton, ON) The Ranalli House, also in Hamilton, was designed in 1963 by Harvard architect Joseph Bogdan. The architecture of this home is striking... I really want to get a better look at the curved fireplace. The design incorporates clerestory and vertical embrasure windows, stained glass, and brick… need I say more? What an incredible opportunity to call an architecturally significant home your own. Listed by Spencer Jacques, CV Real Estate, Brokerage. X12920776

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Not intended to solicit parties under agency agreement.

 

Homes listed for sale are advertised with Listing Agent permission and details including asking price and availability are subject to change at Sellers' & Listing Agent's discretion without notice. For the most updated listing information, please reach out directly or view the live listing on Realtor.ca or via my Listed App. Information is deemed to be reliable but is subject to errors and omissions; buyers’ and buyers’ agent to perform their own due diligence.

Miranda Caldwell, REALTOR®