Toronto firm Studio AC has transformed a cramped local residence into a light-filled, spacious interior with natural stone and pale wood throughout. 

Richview Residence was designed by Studio AC for a family moving back to Toronto, after having lived in New York City for over 10 years. The family wanted to replicate their New York apartment's open, modern feel.

The project involved a full interior renovation of a 50-year-old house, converting its broken layout of small rooms into a functional home with plenty of storage.

"This project presented itself first as an essay in re-definition, in the sense that the existing layout remained essentially in-tact," Studio AC said. "The design challenge was how to open the spaces up and artfully choreograph movement between them."

"This was achieved by introducing a linear organising element in the form of a 'support spine' that contains storage, structure, mechanical, plumbing.... heck even the kitchen sink!" the firm added.

The house is laid out like a rectangle around the "spine", which is marked by wide oak flooring that runs down the middle of the home, and up the walls and ceiling over the kitchen island.

Upon entering, storage cabinets line the hallway leading straight into the kitchen. White cupboards and subway tiles decorate the cooking area, which is marked by an expansive island covered in prominently veined marble.

Past the kitchen is a sunken living room partitioned with a glass half-wall. Lowering this area adds cosiness, while allowing the space to remain open to the dining room and kitchen.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and spacious ensuite. Bathrooms feature stone tiles and plenty of natural light.

Fireplaces form subtle focal points in the upstairs master bedroom and bathroom, as well as the downstairs living room. Large windows surround the house, bringing views of the outdoors into the Toronto home.

More examples of older homes that have been renovated with similar layouts include Mélissa Ohnona's revamp of a century-old home in Montreal, an updated apartment in Milan by Italian design studio AIM, and FRAR's transformation of a dilapidated French house and barn into a holiday home.