She needed to reinvent her home, but the architectural style was worth preserving

The welcome mat is always out at the Zatzmans’. Over the years, they’ve opened their Toronto home to the pals of their four children, who are now grown, to relatives and to long-time friends. So when the family downsized to a dark and uninviting 70-year-old house a few years ago, a redesign was clearly in order.

The two-storey residence looked dated and unappealing with grey office carpeting, lighting that lacked lustre and furniture that had seen better days. Yet the open floor plan, sunken living room, and wall of windows looking into the backyard gave it character and an architectural style worth preserving. It was also important to homeowner Michelle Zatzman to get full use of the entire main floor and to keep some of their furniture.



So she enlisted interior designer Amanda Aerin to infuse the living space with warmth and a luxury esthetic. Aerin, host of a TV real estate show and a specialist in creating upscale, personalized interiors, appreciated Zatzman’s “strong design ideas” as she guided her client through the makeover. With lighting, flooring and decor updates, they blended different styles to form what Aerin calls a “warm, luxurious and inviting hosting space.

” In the large rectangular living room, separate seating areas were arranged at either end, with a clear sightline connecting to nature outside. Some pieces of furniture were refreshed and incorporated into the redesign, while other custom items were brought in to suit the space. Zatzman, who loves to cook and host big luncheons and dinners, notes that guests are particularly impressed with the dining room with its bold painting and long glass-topped table.

Every part of the big, comfortable living room gets a regular workout, thanks to the family’s indoor activities and antics of their Goldendoodle, Sadie. “There’s only joy from each space, each piece ..

. when we’re all together,” notes Zatzman. “I would not change anything.

” For Aerin, transforming the home gave her a new appreciation for the “joy of hosting,” which she’ll showcase in a “fab space” at the Living Luxe Design Show being held at the Toronto Congress Centre, April 25 to 27..