The Bruyeres Project

1 + den condo · Full Service Interior Design · Downtown Toronto

The moment of change:

The Bruyers Project is a one-bedroom plus den condo in downtown Toronto. The client had recently purchased his place and wanted it to feel settled, functional, and ready for real life, hosting included. He needed a home that could handle everyday work-from-home routines, relaxed nights in, and frequent game nights with friends, plus the occasional overnight stay from visiting family.

The condo had the typical challenges of a Toronto layout, with one key twist. An angled wall in the living area made furniture placement feel awkward, especially for a sofa that needed to be comfortable day-to-day while also converting into a guest bed. The den also needed to do a lot at once, with space for a proper desk set-up, storage for books and games, and display for personal objects, without the room feeling busy.

This was a Full Service Interior Design project, which meant we planned the design, sourced and procured the furniture, and completed the set-up so the home was fully finished and ready to live in.

Design psychology approach:

We began by understanding how he moved through the condo across a normal week: focused workdays in the den, casual evenings in the living room, and hosting nights that needed clear circulation and flexible seating. The design strategy focused on flow and containment. We protected the main walkways, anchored each zone so it felt intentional, and used a mix of closed and structured storage so everyday objects could disappear when needed.

A neutral, grounded palette was used to keep the condo feeling calm and cohesive, with texture and subtle pattern to reflect his personality without making the space feel visually loud.

Key moves:

• Planned the living room layout around the angled wall with precise measurements so circulation remained comfortable and the seating zone felt intentional.

• Selected a Queen-sized sofa bed scaled to the room, allowing overnight guests without compromising everyday comfort or blocking movement through the space.

• Anchored the living area with a rug to define the zone and add energy, then layered in tactile elements like textured pillows and a throw to make the space feel warm and inviting.

• Created a practical media set-up with an open console and baskets that keep games, controllers, and tech accessories organised while staying easy to access.

• Used floating shelves as vertical display storage to showcase meaningful objects in a curated way, keeping surfaces clear and reducing visual clutter.

• In the bedroom, added a storage bed to increase capacity without adding extra furniture, and used two smaller mats on either side of the bed to soften the space while respecting tight clearances.

• Designed the den as a high-function workspace and storage zone by fitting an L-shaped shelving system that maximized the corner footprint, supported books and board games, and created a strong backdrop for video calls.

• Balanced the den shelving with greenery and simple styling so the room still felt calm and composed, even with a lot of storage.

• Planned the entry with shoe storage and a runner to create a clear landing zone and a sense of arrival, so the home feels organized the moment you walk in.

Outcome:

The condo now feels complete, cohesive, and ready for hosting. The living room layout works with the angled wall instead of fighting it, with a sofa bed that supports guests while keeping the room open day-to-day. Storage is integrated throughout, from the entry landing zone to the media console and the den shelving, so the space feels organised without feeling sparse. The den functions as a true home office, with ample storage and a backdrop that feels intentional. Overall, the home supports how the client actually lives, works, and hosts, while still feeling calm, grounded, and personal.