#custom home Archives - David Small Designs

Traditional house with gabled roof, stucco siding and black trim.

BILD Renovation & Custom Homes Awards 2020

June 16, 2020/in News /by Rebecca Muise

BILD GTA recently announced the winners of the 22nd Annual Renovation & Custom Home Awards. We were thrilled to have two of our projects honoured with a total of four awards. The winning projects were completed in collaboration with the talented construction team at Profile Custom Homes.

Modern Upgrade, won Best Renovation over $500,000 (no addition). This project was about applying a modern aesthetic to a traditional ranch style home. On the exterior, we maintained the existing shape of the home but applied materials and windows in a more contemporary way. On the interior, walls were removed, windows were enlarged and some rooms were re-positioned for enhanced functionality. A white colour palette mixed with black-framed windows and warm wood flooring and furnishings works together to create a clean modern aesthetic.

The winner of Best New Home Bathroom was The Last House. It has a beautiful symmetrical layout with a custom prismatic skylight in the centre. Floating walnut vanities with concrete countertops flank the entry. Smooth, large scale porcelain tile transitions seamlessly to the curbless shower and continues up the walls and ceiling. With matte black fixtures completing the modern appeal, this master ensuite is simple yet luxurious.

The Last House also won Best Custom Home over $2 million and Best Overall Custom Home. We are extremely proud of this home and are honoured to have it recognized. The goal of this design was to feel the power of the natural environment. With each design decision, we revisited this objective. The homeowners wanted to experience the beauty and serenity of their heavily-wooded, 1.4 acre property from each corner of their living space. They wanted barrier-free living; figuratively in terms of the intensity of the indoor-outdoor connection, and literally in terms of aging in place.

Modern bungalow with wood garage door, light stone and metal cladding.

Design Showcase: Custom Homes in Toronto

December 19, 2017/in Design Showcase /by Jack Shepherd

Out of all of the areas where we’ve designed homes over the years, the six boroughs of Toronto offer some of the more challenging properties. But with great challenge, comes incredible opportunity, resulting in some truly noteworthy custom homes.

A common quality of properties in and around Toronto is smaller, narrower lot sizes. Being in such close proximity with neighbours, maximizing living space and privacy therefore become top design priorities. This modern home near Bloor West Village utilizes an open concept floor plan to achieve nearly 3,500 square feet of living space on its narrow city property. Windows are strategically placed at the front and rear of the home, and kept minimal at the sides to appease both the desire for privacy and certain building code requirements.

A key exception, however, to the more compact nature of Toronto properties are corner lots. While these lots typically enjoy more space than their neighbours, they can have more restrictive setback requirements and often share a property line with major streets. Home designs therefore need to adapt to the unique requirements of these properties. In the case of this traditional home in Etobicoke, the lot was tucked into the intersection of a busy major road and a winding side street. The positioning of the home was therefore oriented to block out the negative noise and views and direct focus to the best attribute of the property: a curved side yard lined with beautifully matured trees.

Regardless of shape and size, a common factor of many Toronto properties is their belonging to older, established neighbourhoods that are keen to preserve their heritage and character. Proposed infill designs must therefore be very respectful of nearby homes. This custom home in Etobicoke embraces the design conventions of a traditional family home, aligning it with the mature character of its neighbours, while also touting a timeless appeal through a unique blend of materials and more contemporary windows.

Visit our portfolio for more custom home designs in Toronto.

3d rendering of home with wood siding, stone retaining wall and wall sconce.

Coming to America: Our U.S. Home Designs

November 13, 2017/in Design Showcase /by Jack Shepherd

When we say we work anywhere in the world, we mean it. On top of countless projects across Canada, our boundless geographical reach has afforded us several opportunities to work with clients across the United States, resulting in custom home designs in Castle Rock, Boulder, Chagrin Falls, Ann Arbor, Long Island, Austin, and San Jose.

A project in the U.S. starts the same way as one five minutes from our office: with a thorough understanding of both the client’s wishes and the unique attributes of their property and neighbourhood. Before picking up a pencil, our design team meets the client, often in person, and travels to the property to gain a full appreciation of its environment. This sets us up to design a home that will ultimately be respectful of not only the client’s wants and needs, but also of the property and surrounding area.

Our U.S. clients also enjoy the benefit of a different, original perspective on their home design. While an architectural designer in California or Texas may have extensive knowledge and experience in their localities, our 20+ years of experience designing custom homes for clients all over Canada and the U.S. have equipped us with a unique style and sensibility that result in homes that not only fit in with their properties and neighbourhoods, but also maintain a nuance and character unlike anything else in the area.

Visit our portfolio for custom home designs in New York, Michigan, and Colorado.

This proposed home design in San Jose, CA is just 10 minutes away from Apple headquarters.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the views from this proposed hillside home design in Austin.

Traditional house with gray siding, white frame windows and natural stone.

Recently Completed: The Craftsman Reno

August 20, 2015/in Design Showcase /by Jack Shepherd

This before picture is all too familiar. When driving through suburban neighbourhoods across the GTA you are guaranteed to see a version of this 1970s 2-storey home. With craftsman architecture as the inspiration, this home was given a complete overhaul.

Visit our Additions & Renovations portfolio for more before and after images of The Craftsman Reno.

Traditional kitchen with breakfast bar, white countertop and tile backsplash.

A Home With Soul

February 22, 2014/in Design Showcase /by Jack Shepherd

In a meeting the other day, David described the process of designing a custom home as “creating a home with soul”.

We receive calls every week from potential clients who have been searching for a home, preferably a turn-key home, with the aesthetics that appeal to their design style and the layout the suits their lifestyle. They end up calling us once they realize that their ideal home isn’t easy to find.

There is obviously a convenience to buying a turn-key home versus a custom build, such as an earlier move in date and no permit process to deal with. In the end, the result can be a beautiful home, but it’s not a home that was designed with your lifestyle, design style and family in mind.

To embark on the custom home design process, patience is a requirement, but so is a sense of adventure. The process of designing your family home is exciting. From creating your wish list to seeing the first design concept to stepping into a home your ideas and inspirations created. With the right team in place, a team focused on creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your family, the result is a home with soul.

Below we’ve highlighted features of David Small designed homes that helped create the “soul” of the home.

Open concept living that is modern, while still being cozy and inviting
From the project The Coffee House.

Open concept kitchen with two islands, sinks and refrigerators. Ideal for a family who loves to entertain.
From the project The House Next Door.

A cozy basement with lots of natural light creates the ultimate family rec room.
From the project David’s House.

A double fireplace greets guest to create a warm welcome.
From the project Old Oakville.

A piano room designed to put a family heirloom on display.
From the project David’s House.

Natural modern house with wood siding, black frame windows and angled walls.

David’s House on Freshome

January 28, 2014/in Design Showcase /by Jack Shepherd

A “modern home that attracts and even converts traditionalists” is how Freshome, an international design blog, introduced David’s House to their readers. Freshome featured David’s natural modern home on their wildly popular design page at the start of this week. Click here to check out the feature.

www.freshome.com

David Small and team at OHBA award ceremony.

OHBA Awards of Distinction 2013

September 27, 2013/in News /by admin

This past Tuesday evening, we were honoured to receive three Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards for David’s House.

David’s natural modern design was recognized as the Most Outstanding Custom Home in its category, and then received 2 more awards for individual room design, New Home Kitchen and New Home Bathroom. We were thrilled to have David’s House acknowledged by the OHBA; a project that is so personal to David and represents a new approach to modern design.

Thank you to the OHBA for putting on this great event that recognizes outstanding design, construction and marketing within the Ontario Building Industry…and kudos to those who came up with the Bond theme “licensed to drill”.

A BIG thank you to all the team members who helped make David’s House an award-winning design. To our DSD team, thank you for your hard work and dedication to excellence in design. To our incredible builder, Tony Ferkul of Tony Ferkul Construction Management Group, thank you for your attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. And to our vendors, Cameo Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry, Pella Windows, Watermarks Kitchen & Bath Boutique, York Fabrica, and many more, thank you for your exceptional customer service and customized product offering.

It was a fantastic evening celebrating tremendous talent in our industry. Sincere congratulations to all the winners and finalists.

OHBA Awards of Distinction 2013 | Most Outstanding Custom Home (2501-5000sf)

Accepting our award for ‘Most Outstanding New Home Bathroom’

Contemporary home with corner windows, copper siding and wood soffit.

Natural Modern Defined

June 10, 2013/in News /by admin

‘Natural modern’ is a term we’ve coined to describe the unique architectural design of David’s House. To some, ‘natural modern’ is an oxymoron; a combination of contradictory terms. We saw it as the perfect descriptor for a design style that combines the aesthetic ideals of modern design with the warmth and elegance of a traditional home.

The ‘natural’ component of the style is two-part. Firstly, it’s the use of natural materials in the design; both on the exterior of the home, carried through to the interior. Natural stone, rich woods and copper add texture and definition to the façade. When used throughout the interior they create a seamless flow, blurring the lines between inside and outside. Secondly, ‘natural’ describes the way the design is integrated into the neighbourhood; the way it blends with its traditional surroundings and respects the community’s established character. It references the organic way the home is situated on the lot, mindful of the existing tree stand, designed to be “of the land” and not simply sitting on top of it.

The ‘modern’ aspect of ‘natural modern’ reflects the principles behind the design – clean lines, uncluttered space, visual clarity. It defines the simplicity of the design; flat or low sloping roof lines versus peaked rooflines with numerous gables, structural elements exposed rather than hidden behind ornate detailing, open floor plans as opposed to distinct room division.

Like any design style, ‘natural modern’ can be interpreted and applied in a variety of ways. Over the next several months we will be showcasing projects inspired by David’s House. Some of these projects are in the design phase, others in construction. All of the homes were influenced by ‘natural modern’ design, but like every custom home, the design style has been interpreted and applied in a way that reflects the lifestyle, inspirations and desires of the client.

In a neighbourhood where English Manor and Arts & Crafts reign, David’s House illustrates how natural materials, familiar massing and a thoughtful design process can integrate a modern home into a traditional neighbourhood.

This is David’s front foyer. The large expanses of glass, structural clarity of the staircase and industrial-inspired windows showcase the modern elements of the design.

Den with white windows, floating shelves and hardwood floor.

Custom Home Design: Kids Edition

March 27, 2013/in News /by admin

Many of our clients have young children when they embark on a custom home design. Creating a space for their kids to enjoy – a space other than a bedroom – is often on their wish list. They want to create a kid-friendly area for schoolwork, games, reading or hanging with friends. Ideally, the goal is to create a space that serves all those functions, but leaves flexibility in the design for when the kids are no longer living at home, or for when our clients decide to sell.

David was no exception when he embarked on his custom family home. He wanted to create a “cool” teen-friendly area for his twin teenage daughters to enjoy. With the master bedroom located on the ground floor, he decided to hand over the entire 2nd floor to his daughters.

As you take your first steps up the ladder-inspired staircase, you know you’re heading into “cool” territory. The open space steps and glass railings create a sense of adventure in the modern staircase. As you cross the bridge over the foyer (with only glass railings separating you from the first floor below), you are officially entering the girls’ wing, which many say is their favourite area in the house.

The first room is the lounge; a TV-free zone with built-in desks for homework, a big comfy couch for reading and hanging with friends, and individual desktop computers.

David involved his daughters in the decorating of their bedrooms. Paint colour, bedding, and accessories were up to them…of course, David, along with Tania Parkyn of Parkyn Designs, were on hand to guide them in their decision making. In the end, each room truly reflects their individual style but are still complimentary, which was important seeing that more often than not the oversized sliding door that separates their bedrooms is left open.

Click here for more images of the girls’ lounge and bedrooms.

Custom home design allows you to create spaces in your home that truly reflect your family, your lifestyle and your personality. Including your kids or teenagers in the design process can be a fun and creative experience for both parties. It’s a great way for your kids to express themselves and feel involved in the project, and for the parents, working on the kids space is often the most fun and imaginative part of the design.

For more kid-friendly design inspiration, browse the ‘kids’ section on houzz.com. It showcases some great design ideas, like this one, this one and this one. Or visit our website to check out ‘The Muskoka Room‘ featuring this ultra-girly bedroom designed for the homeowner’s young daughter…

The modern staircase and glass railings

The girls’ lounge

One bedroom features grey and blue walls with a pop of orange in the bedding and accessories. Note the oversized sliding door that separates the girls’ bedrooms.

Black and pink floral bedding compliment the pink and green walls and modern furniture in the other bedroom.

Our client, owner of Reign Custom Builders, worked with David to create this space for his young daughter.

The Backyard Rink

February 27, 2013/in News /by admin

David’s passion for hockey is only a close second to his love of architecture. When designing his current family home, one of the determining factors during the lot selection process was, “is there room for a backyard rink?”

For the past 6 years, David has constructed a 30ft x 53ft skating rink in his backyard. Complete with sideboards, hockey nets, a homeboni (a homemade Zamboni) and a Toronto Maple Leafs logo at centre ice, it has become an integral part of his home. From skating with his family to shooting practice with his daughter to pickup games with friends, David was determined to select a lot and design a home that allowed him to enjoy his favourite winter pastimes.

The backyard rink has become a popular addition to backyards across the GTA (check out Bert’s Sports annual backyard rink contest). They definitely add some outdoor fun during the cold winter months, but they also require regular maintenance.

David spends several nights a week keeping his rink in top form…

…and keeping the logo up to TML standards…

…and don’t forget the homeboni – some PVC piping, a piece of canvas, a drill, a hose, and a little ingenuity, and you’ve got yourself a homemade Zamboni…

Incorporating your lifestyle and interests into the design of your home is the true essence of custom home design – the creation of a home that reflects you, your family and your passions in life. Whether you’re incorporating your love of cottage living or a prized car collection into the design of your home, David will work with you to find creative ways to implement elements that will make your home unique to you.

Mineola home with stucco siding, white frame windows and

A DSD Story

January 24, 2013/in News /by admin

David recently met with a prospective client looking to do a reno project in Aurora. They found us through our site sign on Keele St, checked out our website and fell in love with The Window Box, a home we designed in Mississauga’s Mineola West neighbourhood.

They proceeded to talk about other homes they were inspired by and mentioned a home they came across years ago in a Home Depot flyer. They had been carrying around a picture of this home for 3 years, not knowing who designed it or where the home was located, just knowing it was their dream home. David asked to see the picture. The couple presented the crumpled printout. It was a picture of Mineola Makeover, a beautiful David Small designed home located just minutes away from our office.

Falling water house in the United States.

Frank Lloyd Wright

September 19, 2012/in News /by admin

“The architect should strive continually to simplify; the ensemble of the rooms should then be carefully considered that comfort and utility may go hand in hand with beauty.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

In the world of architectural design, Frank Lloyd Wright is an icon. Noted as one of the greatest architects of the 20^th century, he was deemed the greatest American architect of all time by the American Institute of Architects.

He believed architectural design must be intimately tied to its surroundings, enhancing the beauty of its environment. To FLW, design went beyond the physical structure; it was about “nourishing the lives of those sheltered within” and creating “environments to inspire and offer repose to the inhabitants”. Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation (www.franklloydwright.org) for more information on FLW’s life and work.

Frank Lloyd Wright has been a major inspiration to David throughout his career, as evident in the design of David’s House. Here is a selection of FLW’s designs that hang on the walls of our office, offering a daily dose of inspiration.

Taliesin West Image via Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation