Market is a two-storey penthouse loft designed by Rad Design Inc., situated in an old historic building built in 1858 that was once a wholesale grocery warehouse along the waterfront of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. When designer Golbou Rad first entered this loft, green and red walls are what greeted her, along with dim lighting from the lack of large windows as well as dilapidated interior finishes and old appliances. The re-design of the two-level, 1,200 square foot space begun with a fresh coat of white paint to brighten up the space for the young professional clients.  The designer selected subtle materials and finishes in the loft, being careful not to take away from the well-worn texture and colors of the exposed brick.

Bright colored cabinetry and walls lightened up the space and allowed the wood structure and exposed ducts and piping to stand out, which emphasized the industrial character of the building and gave the loft a raw appeal.

The clients both have sailing backgrounds, and wished to add some of their own decor to the design, such as the ship’s wheel displayed on the exposed brick wall.

The clients requested a less-is-more bedroom; they ended up keeping the striped bedding and navy blue throw pillows from one of our favorite stores, West Elm, that Rad used for the photo shoot.

An antique lighthouse lantern anchors a bedside table vignette, adding another nautical touch to the room.

The new sliding barn doors allow enough space for the drawers of the new vanity to open with ease.

Prior to Renovation:

Photos: Courtesy of Rad Design Inc.