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Architect Fareez Giga deploys a suite of custom built-ins to upgrade a 715-square-foot flat for a bibliophile and a passionate cook.

Built-in cabinetry beneath the staircase provides extra storage space for the 1,024-square-foot home.

Throughout the kitchen and dining spaces, the ceiling is painted in Dulux Wellbeing green. This continues along the underside of the staircase to help accentuate its form. The cupboards beneath the stair are painted in a deep blue, with circular red finger pulls. The couple’s son, Mo, uses the small cupboard as a hiding spot. “You spend so much time thinking about people and how people will use the space,” says architect Catrina Stewart. “It’s amazing to walk in and often be surprised at how pieces are evolving as the kids grow up.”

Solk thickened the fireplace wall to two feet deep, and packed in storage capabilities around the newly refinished fireplace, which now has large-scale porcelain tile surrounding it.

Sometimes the best way to deal with a tall, gabled ceiling is to just add windows. A line of windows in the Floating House in Lake Huron, Ontario provides a picturesque water view. Photo by Raimund Koch.

The custom headboard is wrapped in blueish-green jute suede with inset rattan, while the custom closet is painted in Asian Paints “Misty Harbour” with more rattan pressed between glass. The acacia table lamp is from Fleck.

Bringing a "new modernity

After: Painted wallpaper, custom cabinetry and modern furniture accompany the open-plan kitchen, which makes far better use of the large floor space.

A total of €3K was spent on lighting throughout the home, reinforcing the home's newfound warmth. Here in the dining booth, the family can come together under the soft glow of a trio of pendant lamps.

USM Modular Furniture recently released a four-piece edition of its Haller shelving in an olive green color.

USM collaborated with Chicago artist Noel Mercado on a run of three pieces in four colorways, in addition to a merch lineup that included vests, a hat, and a hoodie.

Brimer Workshop designed a custom trundle bed for this room, and it's paired with a headboard from The Family Love Tree. The butterfly wallpaper is by Bien Fait.

The kitchen was designed to be functional, for a family of five that likes to cook. Cabinetry and countertops resemble the colors of the wall panels and metal framing.

The design takes advantage of the naturally rising and falling topography to fill its lower level, a kind of non-basement, with natural light.

“I consider light to actually be one of the materials here,” says Losada-Amor. Skylights (including one in the shower) offer ventilation as well as light.

A bench seat was added to guest rooms to encourage guests to disconnect and enjoy sweeping views and spot wildlife.

The architects reimagined the office with oak cabinetry and new shelving.