"Running a business from home that is also open to the general public can have its challenges."

Stockyard Loft

Toronto, Ontario

"Running a business from home that is also open to the general public can have its challenges."

That was the case for our Stockyard Loft Project where our client needed a live/work space in a beautiful old building that was formerly a leather factory.

Our client facilitates various breathwork classes to release stagnant energy, clear heavy emotions and help clients feel at peace. He leads holistic bodywork classes that consist of stretching, compression and energy work to soothe the mind and body. And finally, offers a sacred ceremony experience both private and for groups that is a profound journey of self exploration.

We completely renovated the entire 2 bedroom loft to accommodate our client’s living needs in addition to him running his business that is open to the public by appointment.

The starting point for this project was understanding our client, both in his personal life as well as his business. The initial vibe he was going for and the words he used to describe the space he wanted was calming, soothing, relaxing and peaceful in addition to a Japandi influence with the overall aesthetic.

We began with analyzing the characteristics of the loft and how we can salvage a lot of those wonderful features and charm while balancing the Japandi aesthetic in addition to providing for all of his needs, both personally and professionally.

The original floors were an orange/red colour that were tricky to work with but had so much character, so we decided to sand them down and restain them to be much lighter. The imperfections in the planks enriched the history of this loft and it created the perfect foreground to balance this new industrial-Japandi style we were going for.

At the entry is the most beautiful spiral staircase that we restored and repainted black to all its glory. We also incorporated black hardware and accents throughout the loft in the handles, levers, light fixtures and accents to compliment the staircase

The existing HVAC vents, sprinklers and junction boxes were left exposed to play to the loft aesthetic. We painted them the same colour as the ceiling to blend more subtly while still working with the overall look.

All the walls were done in a creamy limewash paint technique that creates a mottled and matte surface with a chalky texture similar to suede. It lends depth and luminosity to otherwise flat walls and helps warm up the space despite a light colour palette. The walls are framed with the white baseboards, doors and trim throughout the loft.

Two large wood columns hold up a beam that runs through the loft. We kept the columns and beam in their original colour to emphasize and embrace the wear and tear over the years. The texture brings a certain warmth into the space and the look is something that could only be achieved over time that we didn’t want to remove.

The kitchen was completely redesigned and reconfigured to be framed between these two columns. Originally the entry to the only bathroom was directly through the kitchen. We immediately knew we had to change this because not only did it impede on the flow of the kitchen, but it also made the bathroom lack privacy, especially when clients were over.

We built a new wall and relocated all the plumbing and electrical within it for the kitchen and bathroom. This created a new hallway that you entered near the spiral staircase which not only helped achieve privacy, but it also works as an effective sound barrier for the bathroom.

We didn’t want to use too much wood in the kitchen because there was already so much in the floors, columns and beams. Instead, we opted for a sprayed grey paint finish on most of the kitchen cabinets and island and we used a wood laminate on the uppers so that the look remains framed between the columns and beam. The fridge and dishwasher are panel ready for a seamless look and an appliance garage was placed over the oven to easily hide and store all the larger appliances and keep the counters clutter free.

A honed concrete colour quartz was used for the waterfall island, counters and backsplash for a seamless, harmonizing look with the cabinetry and makes this kitchen feel light, airy and earthy.

A honed concrete colour quartz was used for the waterfall island, counters and backsplash for a seamless, harmonizing look with the cabinetry and makes this kitchen feel light, airy and earthy.

The living area was tricky to work with because we had to balance the personal requirements for when our client is home or entertaining friends, but it also had to easily adjust to when our client is working with his classes that can range from 1 to 16 people or more. We did numerous feasibility studies during the design development phase to anticipate how many people can be easily accommodated when our client does his traditional set up for his various classes that include matts, pillows, blankets and an assortment of instruments. All other furniture easily fits in the spare bedroom.

A feature green wall was pitched by our client that measured 7’x8’ and houses an irrigation system to supply water to the plants. This lush, beautiful living wall becomes the most serene backdrop to our client while he is facilitating his classes. Custom low millwork was designed below the green wall for storage and a very large crescent moon shaped platform was designed to house and showcase our clients collection of various instruments used to assist him when guiding on his various ceremonies and classes.

Wall to wall, floor to ceiling high sheers were installed on the west facing windows that gently blow with the wind helping to create the most calming atmosphere and emphasize the height of this loft. The sunset glows that come into the space through the sheers is nothing short of magical.

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Our Client's Testimonial

Thank you to the entire team at Level Studio for a flawless execution! Initially, I planned to only get design drawings, but after experiencing their professionalism and responsiveness, I opted for full project management and construction—and I’m so glad I did. The team was highly collaborative, taking my vision and turning it into something even better than I imagined. Clear communication, attention to detail, and their expertise resulted in a stunning modern industrial loft conversion that feels like a peaceful sanctuary. I would highly recommend Level Studio to anyone looking for an stress-free, trustworthy, and professional experience.
Eddy Tony Loft Owner

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