Revamping a Toronto Bungalow: Modern Home Design Meets Smart Rental Strategy

Tatiana Artemenko
Oct 15
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4

Transforming a Classic Bungalow into a Modern Toronto Home with Airbnb Units

A three-story modern house design with a dark roof and white brick facade. Arched windows and pillars decorate the entrance. A tree and sidewalk are visible.

In Toronto’s vibrant Trinity Bellwoods neighborhood, a traditional white brick bungalow was ready for a modern transformation. TADesign Studios turned it into a stunning family home that not only meets everyday living needs but also generates income through stylish Airbnb rental units. With custom interiors, thoughtful space planning, and artisan touches, this project shows how a Toronto home renovation can blend function, luxury, and modern design.

Project Overview

Location: Toronto (Trinity Bellwoods)
Space Size: 3,000 sq ft
Completion Year: 2024
Scope: Full renovation of a bungalow into a modern family home with Airbnb rental units
Original Blueprint: Bungalow
Permit Required: Yes
Stories Added: 2
Basement: Underpinning
Custom: Yes
Construction: S-Lab Reno
Interior Design: TADesign Studios
Designer: Tatiana Artemenko

1. The Challenge: Dual-Purpose Living

The clients wanted a home that could serve two purposes:

A modern, comfortable family residence
Independent Airbnb units to generate rental income

Achieving this balance required innovative space planning, smart layout strategies, and seamless coordination with contractors. Every square foot needed to be functional, stylish, and practical.

Architectural floor plan showing a kitchen, dining room, and deck. Notable areas labeled: porch roof, stairs, deck hall, and courtyard below.

2. Thoughtful Ground Floor Design

The entry floor defies traditional layouts. Instead of a standard foyer, visitors are greeted by a lounge zone and home office, separated with reeded glass doors for privacy without blocking light. The space is compact, but clever design choices make it feel open and purposeful. This perfectly demonstrates our focus on Toronto residential interior design that maximizes function and style.

3. Design-Driven Second Floor

The second floor is the heart of the home, featuring kitchen, living, and dining areas in a flowing, open layout. Highlights include:

Custom kitchen cabinetry with sleek, modern finishes
A locally crafted artisan dining table
Curated art pieces and neutral palette accents for warmth and sophistication
Custom linen curtains and refined details throughout, blending minimalist modern luxury with comfort

Every element was carefully selected to enhance both aesthetics and functionality, creating a cohesive, livable space.

Modern kitchen with marble island, four dark velvet stools, pendant lights, and large windows. Sleek cabinetry and a peaceful atmosphere. — Sleek and contemporary kitchen featuring a spacious quartz island, modern appliances, and stylish RH pendant lighting, with velvet barstools for a cozy yet elegant ambiance.

Modern interior with a floating wooden staircase, glass railings, and a dining area. Light wood floor, white walls, and large windows.

Modern kitchen with marble countertops, island, and dual sinks. Wooden floor leads to living room with sofa. Glass-railed stairs in view.

Dining room with wooden table, six white chairs, a black bowl centerpiece, abstract green art, glass staircase, and a crystal chandelier.

Modern bathroom with a white vessel sink on a black cabinet, wood counter, hanging lights, and marble floor. Minimalist decor, serene ambiance. — Sleek and minimalist, this modern powder room features a stylish vessel sink, black cabinetry, and elegant pendant lighting, creating a sophisticated ambiance.

Modern living room with a white sofa, gray table with green bowl, and wall-mounted artwork. Marble fireplace, light wood floor, cozy.

4. Third Floor: Minimal Luxury for Family Life

The third floor houses the master bedroom and second bedroom, each with a distinct personality but united by a minimal modern luxury concept:

Arched windows for architectural elegance
Custom kids’ bed and functional storage
Spa-like master bathroom for daily indulgence

This floor combines design, comfort, and practicality, making it a serene retreat for the family.

Modern bedroom with white walls, a large bed with gray and white pillows, wooden nightstand, and a window view. Light wood floor. — Modern primary bedroom with sleek design, featuring a plush headboard, light wood herringbone flooring, and expansive windows for ample natural light.

Minimalist home office with white desk, chair, and pendant light. Large window with leafy view, white cabinets, and wood floor. Calm mood. — A cozy workspace featuring a sleek desk beneath a dormer window, complemented by custom cabinetry for organized storage.

Modern bathroom with white tub, gold fixtures, arched mirror, and soft lighting. A basket of towels sits on the tub ledge. Minimalist vibe. — A stunning bathroom showcasing minimalist elegance with soft curves and gold accents, featuring a sleek white bathtub and modern fixtures against neutral-toned walls.

5. Stylish Airbnb Units in the Basement

The basement was fully transformed into functional, stylish rental units. Each unit balances comfort and modern aesthetics, offering a premium Airbnb experience while keeping the family’s living spaces private and untouched.

6. The Outcome: Function Meets Luxury

From the traditional white brick exterior to the ultra-modern interiors, this project reflects how thoughtful Toronto home renovation can deliver both beauty and utility. The clients now enjoy spacious, functional living spaces, while the property generates additional income through the basement rentals.