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

Original Art in Warm, Cool & Retro homes

(From left to right): I guess I'm crushing on this Ernest Jenkins designed house, because all of these photos I took are from the same place. First, can we note the almost nautical-inspired fabric balustrade? I've seen these a few times recently and now I'm basically enthralled with warm wood nautical design; these tiles stole my heart; also in this house was this incredible collaged stairway gate. The house sold quickly, but it's too good not to share.

a note from miranda

One thing I'm noticing about the warm, cool & retro homes that I go tour in person: they always feel so warm and lived in when there's original art and the homeowner's favourite books. I visited two mcm homes in person recently, and they both had incredible, well-loved collections.

 

While 'original art' might sound rather inaccessible, it doesn't have to be! You can find local art in more places than you think. Some ideas:

Regarding making your own art, this past weekend I finished a 4-week hand-building pottery class, and also attended Esbe Studio + House of Iris' pendant lamp embroidery workshop. 

 

This made for an insanely busy Saturday (on top of regular showings and an mcm house tour), but both workshops were SO fun, and so worth it. Because we now have a funky handmade pendant lamp + a handful of unique ceramics to enjoy at home home (See below. Projects are a work-in-progress).

 

What's something you've been wanting to do that you've been putting off? In-person workshops are a delightful way to meet people + create art that actually means something to you. Take this as your sign to get started.

 

Sunny weather in Ontario finally feels like it's here to stay… and that means there's so much to look forward to: events galore, garage sale season is upon us, and open houses are generally feeling lush and full of greenery. 

 

Some events I'm looking forward to this summer:

Will I catch you there?
 

I'm so happy you're here and I can't wait to explore more home & design with you.

 

- Miranda

Miranda Caldwell, REALTOR®

Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage 

647-204-9925 - miranda@meetmiranda.com

(From left to right): pendant lamp making workshop with Esbe Studio, hosted at House of Iris; hand building ceramics with Wedge Studio (4 week course); some of the glazing examples at Wedge Studio.

warm, cool & Retro homes for sale

12 Mayfair Drive • $999,999

3 BEDS. 3 BATHS. 6 PARKING

(London, ON) Built in 1974, this house has been owned by the same family over multiple generations. The front entryway seems to be accessed through a small courtyard. There's warm wood everywhere….there's a copper + wall-to-wall brick fireplace. There is also a balcony/sunroom on the second floor that would make for an excellent place to enjoy your morning coffee (or garden). And a bathroom with some yellow retro tiles/fixtures. I can only imagine that someone's vintage furniture collection would fit in really nicely in this house. Listed by Kelley McIntyre, Michael Leff & Lorie Johnson, Royal LePage Triland Realty, Brokerage. X13216956

2 Ledge Road • $1,999,999

4 BEDS. 3 BATHS. 2 PARKING

(Scarborough, ON) This midcentury modern home (built in 1957) is 10 minutes from the Scarborough Bluffs in Toronto. I also toured this one in person, and the property feels like you're on the West Coast. Currently, the name of the architect is unconfirmed. The house has 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, with nearly 1500 square feet of decks and balconies overlooking tree topped views of Lake Ontario. Listed by Robert Raymond Faulkner With Re/Max Hallmark Realty, Brokerage. E13124548

16 Marquis Avenue • $2,568,000

3+1 BEDS. 3 BATHS. 5 PARKING

(Toronto, ON) Adore that there is warm wood all over this house. Whoever designed the space knows their way around plywood, and I dig it. I love the natural wood window casings (my dream one day) and that bunkie structure in the back looks so quaint. The house looks surprisingly large compared to how it appears from the street. Listed by Philip Beecher, Right At Home Realty, Brokerage. W13116782

12 Woodbrook Drive • $1,300,000

4  BEDS. 2 BATHS. 3 PARKING

(Brampton, Ontario) This mcm home is recognized under the Ontario Heritage Act. Designed in 1961 by renowned architects Chapman & Hurst, this home is believed to be the only known single-family residential home by the firm in Brampton. The older listing photos show an almost courtyard-like entrance on this one as well. I can't tell from the current listing what it looks like now, but I'm hoping to soon tour this house in person too. Listed by Carolina Arancibia-Catin & Lisbeth Herrera, Avila Realty Group INC., Brokerage. W13125978

548 Dunford Road • Already SOLD

(Selwyn, ON) This will forever feel like the one that got away. This house sold in 4 days - I knew it was going to go quick, so I rushed over to see it in person (thank you to my friend Jordan for alerting me about this property). Designed by architect Ernest Jenkins for his family in 1966, this house is full of the most intriguing architecture & design I've probably ever seen. It is a delight to look at, even though it's no longer available. Enjoy. Listed by Linz Hunt, Royal Lepage Frank Real Estate Electric City, Brokerage. X13207414

Looking for more warm, cool & retro houses?

I keep a long running list of warm, cool & retro homes on the Listed App. This list is updated weekly, often with the help of your suggestions and tags. Some of the houses that don't make it to this newsletter have found their place to shine on this longer list. Check it out. 

(Due to RECO regulations, you may be asked to Login using the Listed App. Listed is a female-founded app and is local to Canada. As an agent, I pay for a subscription to Listed. Folks who create a free account using my links are able to access all public and sold property information. This is how I meet some of the great buyers and sellers I work with. Not intended to solicit parties under representation with another agent.)

try listed on the app store

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®