Downloads: full (600×372) | medium (300×300) | large (600×372)

In an ordinary Victorian row house in a modest corner of Toronto’s west end is a place filled with profound meaning for the five teen refugees and two house-parents — themselves former refugees — who live there.

It is the newest of four homes operated by Matthew House, Refugee Reception Services, Toronto. The non-profit agency offers safe, supportive shelter and a sense of family — for teens who come on their own — from far-away countries such as Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Sudan.

“They need that desperately,” says Karen Francis, executive director of Matthew House (matthewhouse.ca). “Unlike sponsored refugees, there is no one waiting for these kids at the airport. Many who reside at these homes were wandering the streets unsure of where to go, who to connect with, what to do.”

The entire home, which had been purchased by a community partner in the fall of 2017 in the city’s Little Portugal neighbourhood, required some work before it could open this past December. But no room was in as much need of renovation as the kitchen, which Francis hoped would be the heart of the home.

Francis called interior designer Danielle Nicholas-Bryk, of Studio Nicholas, who had already worked on the redesign of another Matthew House location. That experience taught her how important a simple kitchen reno could be.

“Every day at lunchtime these incredible smells would start wafting down,” Nicholas-Bryk explains. “It was a home-cooked meal prepared by volunteers. All the residents, the staff — everybody — sat down at this massive, beautiful table and shared a meal. That’s when I realized they were creating a family for people who had left theirs behind, and really understood why the kitchen is a great place to start.”

Alarmed but undaunted by the short, weeks-only timeline, Nicholas-Bryk contacted fellow designer Samantha Pynn, whom she knew from working together on HGVT’s “Home to Win” series.

Pynn reacted by calling the schedule “bonkers,” then quickly brought on board Ikea, who donated much of the material. “They immediately agreed to help, and said it was right up their alley,” says Pynn. “Everybody got so excited, and went right to work.”

The cosmic laws of renovation being what they are, what was supposed to be merely a cosmetic kitchen refresh hit a few bumps; upon taking down existing cabinets it became clear that a gutting would be needed in order to move mechanicals, and that fumigation was also required.

Nicholas-Bryk then turned the cramped L-shaped space into a bright, storage-rich galley kitchen that could accommodate up to eight people.

Cabinetry is a mix of Ikea’s Ringhult — which also fronts the dishwasher — in a glossy, highly reflective white, and Kungsbacka, a new line made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed industrial wood, executed in a flat anthracite.

“The flat slab is easy to clean, and it’s very urban — and this is an urban home,” says Nicholas-Bryk, adding that uninterrupted lines in neutral tones make the space feel larger and more open.

Counters are Artisan Grey quartz from HanStone and Ceragres Senio Earth tiles were used for the backsplash. Both were donated.

On the opposite wall, a colour-soaked piece donated by Toronto-based digital painter Alan McKee provides a cheerful focal point.

The floor is a patterned rubber for high traffic. “Instead of doing a fake wood, for example, I decided to just call it what is. It’s very big in the U.K. right now. I think it’s chic. It’s also really easy to keep clean.”

Storage is generous. Open shelving near the sink puts dishware within easy reach. The table is flanked by closed cabinetry on both sides and above. There’s more storage under the banquette, which has quickly become a favourite spot for eating, hanging out and doing homework. Behind it, there’s a chalkboard wall for notes and reminders.

Housemates participate in the cooking. “Making meals together in a central place, where everyone can gather and share food, along with their culture, and their stories, and their challenges, is a good foundation for creating that feeling of community and belonging,” says Francis.

While their circumstances are unique, in many ways the residents are typical teens. “They all have part-time jobs. They have extracurricular events. They are doing well in school,” says Francis. “They are all 16, 17, 18 — so university and is top of mind for them.”

Most kids who live in the home will have already spent several months at Matthew House’s main location, on Dundas St. W., where between 50 and 70 people will stay each year while going through the refugee claimant process.

As residents, they can access support for mental health, refugee claims and employment issues, as well as special services provided by such organizations as the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

There’s no time limit on how long kids can stay. “It’s opened-ended. I want to support them until they are able to come to me and say they are ready,” says Francis, adding that the end of high school, when many begin university, seems to be a natural transition time. “If they are feeling confident enough to go out on their own, I feel like we have done our job. “

NIMBY-ism has so far not raised its head around the home, which is largely funded by private donations, charitable foundations, as well as local church and community partners.

“The reaction has been fantastic. That’s part of what makes this a great Toronto story — I have been touched by the generosity of people, and how they are so moved by the plight of refugees.”

Home Improvement Products Ecohome Berkeley via

Ecohome Improvement Berkeley United States Bamboo Fiber via

Eco Home Improvements Getanswers via

Via Ecohome Improvement via

Squak Muontain Thunder Vanity Countertops Cut Above via

Eco Home Improvement Best Car Reviews via

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The milder weather coming means all the renovations projects we’ve been dreaming about this winter can now become a reality.  Just in time, the NARI Spring Home Improvement Show starts today, and it might be what you need to kick-start the process.

This annual event features 250 different remodeling vendors. Organizers say come with an open mind and be ready to interview builders and renovators you could eventually hire to get the job done.

The remodeling show runs through Sunday.  You can get ideas for both inside and outside your home.  Click here to find out all the vendors represented.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video