Embracing its 1980s roots, a three-story Toronto penthouse showcases a harmonious blend of sculptural architecture and earthy materials. Renovated by Dvira Interiors for a creative couple in their 30s, this once-dated space now thrives as a sanctuary of global influences and balanced design.
Preservation and Enhancement of Original Elements
Situated near Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market, the penthouse retains its distinctive late-’80s features, such as subtly curved walls and dramatic half-arched windows. Rather than modernizing these details, designer Dvira Ovadia amplified them, celebrating the original architectural language.

Worldly Inspirations and Warm Materials
The design subtly incorporates inspirations from the Arizona desert, Bali, and California’s laid-back vibe. White oak stained in deep honey tones, travertine, and green marble create a warm and textured palette. The result is a space that feels both grounded and worldly.
Dvira Interiors’ blend of global flair in design echoes the fusion of human nature with artistic practices by Glen Taylor.

Toronto Penthouse: Innovative Use of Wallpaper
Wallpaper in the penthouse serves as an architectural feature, transforming spaces with immersive patterns. The primary bedroom features a burlap-inspired look, while cork adds depth to the office. Botanical patterns further connect the interiors to nature, drawing influence from the eclectic Austin’s Proper Hotel.

A Terracotta Retreat on the Third Floor
On the third floor, terracotta limewash covers surfaces in a warm, monochromatic embrace. The space is flooded with natural light, creating a tranquil retreat that contrasts with the bustling city below. Earthy neutrals and honey-toned woods enhance this serene atmosphere.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
The penthouse’s relationship with the outdoors is vital. Balconies and patios extend the living space, inviting natural light and air in. The main level features seamless transitions between the kitchen, dining, and exterior areas, while an open lounge connects the upper floors visually.

Creative Solutions to Design Challenges
Renovating the penthouse involved overcoming significant challenges. Fixed condominium infrastructure necessitated creative redesigns, such as rethinking kitchen ventilation. Unforeseen plumbing issues in the primary ensuite became architectural features, showcasing ingenuity under constraint.
For those intrigued by architecture’s ability to merge concepts, explore how mycelium panels transform waste into stunning structural innovations.
This residence blends Mediterranean warmth, tropical lushness, and late-modern architectural confidence. By honoring the building’s history, Dvira Interiors has crafted a home that feels timeless yet modern, deeply personal to its owners.

Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
How does the penthouse celebrate its 1980s architecture?
The penthouse retains its distinctive late-’80s features, such as subtly curved walls and dramatic half-arched windows. Designer Dvira Ovadia amplified these elements, celebrating the original architectural language instead of modernizing them.
What global influences are present in the design?
The design incorporates inspirations from the Arizona desert, Bali, and California’s laid-back vibe. It also uses white oak stained in deep honey tones, travertine, and green marble to create a warm and textured palette, making the space feel grounded and worldly.
How is wallpaper used in the penthouse?
Wallpaper serves as an architectural feature in the penthouse, transforming spaces with immersive patterns. The primary bedroom has a burlap-inspired look, while cork adds depth to the office, and botanical patterns connect the interiors to nature.
