Euro-inspired, Niven-designed model townhome at Studio

By NextHome Staff
December 02, 2016

A trip to Europe inspired the design and décor for the model townhome at Aspen Ridge’s phenomenally successful Studio2 condominium located on Duncan Street (south of Richmond), steps to OCAD University and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Recently, Aspen Ridge opened this model, as well as a model suite, to offer visions of how the residences can be personalized to the tastes of diverse owners. “I had seen some places in Paris and London that I loved,” says Mike Niven of Mike Niven Interior Design. “I know that the purchasers at the Studio condominiums community are sophisticated, so I played with some of those ideas to create a unique townhome.”

And unique, it is. The three-bedroom-plus-den-plus-family room model features a dramatic curved wood wall separating the hall from the main living area and kitchen. “I was impressed with how the Europeans used curved lines to soften the modern straight-line look,” Niven says. “The island in the kitchen has rounded edges, as do the bedroom headboards, TV backstand, coffee table tops and built-in shelves supported with steel brackets. Even the backlit coffered ceiling has rounded areas. It juts out over the kitchen and dining room, where the ceiling height is lower to accommodate mechanical elements.”

The colour palette of blue is accentuated by pops of red and yellow in subdued shades. “The wall hanging with red plaster circles really makes an impact and can be seen from the main bedroom mirror and the main living space. The hanging is installed over the consul table made from 3/8-inch plate steel, which is also European in style.” He also mentions that primitive-looking rugs are popular in Europe right now, so he chose a random-patterned area rug for the living room and a shag rug for the main bedroom. The blonde-coloured wood floors are hand scraped to enhance the feeling.”

In the kitchen, simple cabinetry frames the island, which features wood and three types of stone. The home office on the ground floor features steel-supported shelves, and the pop of red in this room is the modern chair. Two-thirds of the upstairs family room is sofa! “This is cosy, cosy, cosy,” Niven says. “In this room, we installed floating shelves with no supports, and they are curved to follow the pattern we established elsewhere in the townhome.”

In the main bedroom, the floating bedside tables are topped with attractive modern lights, and the second bedroom is also characterized by a combination of angles and curves. A truly “wow” element is the bathroom, which is tiled with black-and-white mosaics laid in alternating directions.

The townhomes offer the rare opportunity for two-storey condominium living in downtown Toronto. Residents of both the suites and townhomes enjoy a high level of standard appointments including designer Miele kitchen appliances, the choice of granite or CaesarStone countertops, a ceramic backsplash, Hansgrohe faucet, your choice of Torlys engineered wood floor or Torlys Smart Floor; nine-ft. ceiling heights; and a balcony or terrace (as per plan). Mike Niven-designed amenities include a media lounge, party room, billiards room, dining room with kitchen, steam room, hot tub, yoga lounge, winter lounge, exercise facilities and a sixth-floor roof terrace. Studio also features an 8,000-sq.-ft. room that can be used as a gallery for OCADU.

Visitors to Studio2 can also tour a model suite with décor by Sabrina Albanese, principal designer with Sabrina Albanese Design Inc.

Remaining suites at Studio2 range from 636 to 1,357 sq. ft. and are priced from $1.25 million. Purchase with just five per cent down. Townhomes range from 1,364 to 1,812 sq. ft. and include two parking spots and a locker in the purchase price.

Founded in 1992, Aspen Ridge is a family-owned and operated firm that has grown into one of the most respected and successful companies in the GTA. Visit the Studio2 presentation centre on Nelson Street, south of Richmond, every day except Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Call 647-35ASPEN (352-7736) or check out StudioCondos.ca.

Have great ideas? Become a Contributor.

Contact Us

Our Publications

Read all your favourites online without a subscription

Read Now

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

Sign up to receive the smartest advice and latest inspiration from the editors of NextHome

Subscribe