Imagine stepping into a space where every single item, from the largest sofa to the smallest vase, screams personality and intention. That's precisely what you'll find inside designer Dimitri Chris's Toronto loft. But here's the kicker: it wasn't a meticulously planned project from day one. It was a journey of serendipity, a series of happy accidents, and a testament to the power of trusting your gut. Let's dive in!
This isn't just another house tour; it's an exploration of how a creative spirit translates their vision across different mediums. Dimitri Chris, previously known for his architectural and sleek fashion designs under the label DIMITRICHRIS, has seamlessly transitioned his talents to interior design. And his 1200-square-foot Toronto loft, shared with his husband, David Marinier, and their adorable dog, serves as the perfect canvas to showcase this evolution.
Adrienne Breaux, Apartment Therapy's House Tour Director, brings us this intimate look into Dimitri's world. With over a decade of experience producing thousands of home tours globally, Adrienne's expertise shines through as she guides us through the details that make this loft so special. (Fun fact: Adrienne currently resides in her own maximalist dream home in New Orleans!)
The story of how Dimitri and David found this particular loft is almost unbelievable. "My husband and I first discovered this building almost 10 years ago, right after we moved to Toronto," Dimitri explains. They were immediately captivated by its historic factory facade and stunning original windows. However, nothing was available at the time, so they settled for a loft in the neighboring Garment Factory building – a funny coincidence, considering Dimitri's recent departure from the fashion industry.
Life took them on another detour when they built a home in Toronto's Greektown, another nod to Dimitri's heritage. But two years ago, seeking a simpler lifestyle, they decided to return to condo living. And this is the part most people miss... the sheer luck involved! David stumbled upon a rental listing for this very unit on Facebook Marketplace, a section he rarely visits. Talk about fate!
"The moment we walked in, we fell in love with the soaring 15-foot ceilings, the incredible natural light, and the sweeping view of downtown," Dimitri recalls. "At night, when I’m in bed, it feels like I’m sleeping above the city. It’s magical." The loft's industrial bones, combined with Dimitri's keen eye for design, create a space that's both sophisticated and inviting.
Now, let's talk about the design choices. Dimitri's background in fashion is evident in the loft's architectural elements and clean lines. The color palette is primarily neutral, with Benjamin Moore's "Decorators White" dominating the walls, allowing the furniture and accessories to take center stage. However, a bold statement is made with Farrow and Ball's "Off Black" in the hallway, bookcase, kitchen, and bedroom, adding depth and drama.
From IKEA shelving and storage boxes in the entry to vintage LC2 armchairs by Le Corbusier in the living room, each piece has been carefully curated. Dimitri even designed custom glass coffee tables and marble pillars for the living room, showcasing his hands-on approach to creating a unique and personalized space. The living room also features a "Dive" sectional sofa by Element de Base, custom throw pillows, and a Samsung "SERIF" TV, seamlessly blending comfort and style.
The dining room boasts a custom dining table designed by Dimitri himself, paired with Jean Prouve chairs by Vitra from Design Within Reach. A black bar shelf from SUNPAN and HAY neon lights add a touch of contemporary flair. In the kitchen, KUZCO pendants from Union Lighting illuminate the space, complemented by glass vases from District Home and a black ceramic vase from ELTE.
The bedroom features a metal bed frame and black nightstands from Wayfair, while IKEA lamps provide soft lighting. White bed linens and pillows from Au Lit create a serene and inviting atmosphere, accented by Gucci throw pillows for a touch of luxury. The bathroom is equally well-appointed, with Diptyque hand soap and hand cream and Au Lit towels.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the mix of high-end designer pieces and budget-friendly finds from IKEA creates a jarring contrast. Others might find the dark accents too stark or the overall aesthetic too minimalist. What do you think? Does the blend of styles work, or does it feel disjointed? Is the dark color palette too intense, or does it add a much-needed touch of drama? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We're eager to hear your perspective on this stunning Toronto loft and whether it inspires you to incorporate similar elements into your own home.
Resources:
PAINT & COLORS:
* Hallway, bookcase, kitchen, bedroom — Farrow and Ball “Off Black”
* Everything else — Benjamin Moore “Decorators White”
ENTRY:
* Shelving — IKEA
* Storage boxes — IKEA
* White garment bags — Amazon
* Desk — Amazon
* Chair — Herman Miller/Design Within Reach
* Lamp — Artemide
* Clock — Kartell
LIVING ROOM:
* Vintage armchairs — LC2 by Le Corbusier for Cassina
* Drink table — Wayfair
* Glass coffee tables — Custom design by me made by The Glass House Inc.
* Marble pillars — Custom design by me made by AST Stone
* Sectional sofa — “Dive” by Element de Base
* Throw pillows — Custom design by me
* Lamps — IKEA
* TV — “SERIF” by Samsung
* Rug — IKEA
* Burgundy lacquer box — ELTE
* Pink dish — GINORI
DINING ROOM:
* Black bar shelf — SUNPAN from Union Lighting
* Custom dining table — Custom design by me
* Dining chairs — Jean Prouve by Vitra from Design Within Reach
* Vase — District Home
* Neon lights — HAY from Design Within Reach
KITCHEN:
* Pendants — KUZCO from Union Lighting
* Glass vases — District Home
* Black ceramic vase — ELTE
BEDROOM:
* Metal bed frame — Wayfair
* Black nightstands — Wayfair
* Lamps — IKEA
* White bed linens and pillows — Au Lit
* Throw pillows — Gucci
BATHROOM:
* Hand soap and hand cream — Diptyque
* Towels — Au Lit
