Basements
October 8, 2020
You Won’t Believe This Scandinavian-Inspired Space Is A Basement!
Looking out at the sea of mature trees, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Toronto — let alone in a basement. That’s what the homeowners loved so much about this space — plus, with three kids and two dogs, the more room to kick back, the better. The light-filled walk out was built by architectural firm Superkül over 10 years ago and has beautiful bones: nine-foot ceilings, heated concrete floors and wood-framed, floor-to-ceiling windows. But over the years, it quickly became a dumping ground for toys, and the layout just didn’t serve the family anymore. So, that’s when Mehnaz Malik of Natari Design stepped in. “I wanted it to feel warm, cozy and comfortable,” she says. Mehnaz overhauled the main family hangout and the adjoining kids’ lounge, which is now the go-to place for playing boardgames and hosting sleepovers. Both rooms are inspired by nature and have a Scandi-inspired sensibility.
Scroll down to tour this dream basement and find out how Mehnaz took it from dull to dazzling!
You can seat a crowd thanks to this spacious Montauk sectional, upholstered in a hardworking yet velvety soft fabric. Two landscape paintings by local artist Ric Santon act as an extension of the outdoors.
Warm wood built-ins showcase beloved books and keepsakes, while a stack of logs add a rustic touch next to the fireplace.
The home’s original wood-framed windows add architectural warmth and frame the view of the lush backyard. “There’s an organic, soothing feel to the wood tones,” she says. Thus, the earthy palette was a natural choice.
Mehnaz wanted to create flow between the two spaces, so she repeated the same blue, burnt sienna, taupe and cream colors in the kids’ lounge area. A faux-fur bean bag and floor cushions maximize seating.
A playful print by Swedish designer Hanna Werning sets the tone for the cozy hangout. “The wallpaper was my jumping off point for the design,” says Mehnaz. “I wanted something that was playful and whimsical to reflect the personalities of the girls, but that was mature enough to grow with the family.”
Mehnaz designed a custom modular sectional with a denim-like chenille fabric. “All the fabrics were chosen with comfort and ease of maintenance in mind,” she says. The backs of the sectional are actually removable so it doubles as a daybed.
Stephani Buchman
Mehnaz Malik, Natari Design