When Lisa Bigioniwas looking for a modestly sized condo in Toronto in 2004, she was underwhelmed. “Everything looked the same,” she says. While out for a walk, she spied the Glebe Lofts, a 116-year-old Gothic Revival church conversion. “I loved the location and the charm of the space, and a small condo was a perfect fit for my busy lifestyle.” She bought a storey-and-a-half, 1,048-square-foot unit and, in 2006, her partner, Brian Stuart, moved in. Today, the couple also operates their business, Stok’d Cannabis, from the loft.
Unlike many church conversions, the space didn’t have the typical tells (stained glass, arched doors, brickwork). Instead, it was filled with builder-grade finishes. “Lisa loves character, but the original design was bland and tired-looking,” says designer Nicci Harrison of Studio Cajole, who revamped the space in 2022.
A navy sectional anchors the living room and provides plenty of seating; sheer white drapes filter the natural light.
The living area is compact and cozy with a gas fireplace and warm wood elements.
The pantry has reclaimed wood doors with reeded glass panes, echoing the cabinet drawer details. Mixing woods played an important role in adding character to the kitchen, from the reclaimed doors on the pantry (in a spot that formerly housed the washer-dryer, which moved upstairs) to the new white oak flooring and lower cabinets. “Details like the reeded wood drawers elevate the kitchen,” says Nicci. Opposite the kitchen is a long wall that’s given distinction with applied moulding.
The new custom cabinets were built to the ceiling and include a hidden coffee station that helps keep counters clear.
The console becomes a bar or buffet when Lisa and Brian entertain. The mid-century modern dining table, a family heirloom, was a big part of the kitchen design. “I like a table in the kitchen because you can entertain where everyone gravitates to anyway,” says Nicci. The table also doubles as a workstation for the couple’s business.
Nicci calls the powder room “a pocket of wow.” To install even more character, Nicci added vintage and antique pieces throughout, like the mirror in the dramatic powder room. “I love including older pieces,” she says. “They make the space look collected over time and add so much depth — especially in typically modern spaces.”
The bedroom and office are on the mezzanine level. A sconce frees up space on the nightstand, and the rug extends to the wall. “A common mistake in small spaces is having a rug that’s too small,” says Nicci.
The ensuite’s linear wall tile is a punchy contrast to the mid-tone wood vanity.
Brian Stuart and Lisa Bigioni in their living room.
Smaller square footage means going on vacation is also fuss free. “We love to travel,” says Lisa. “Living in this condo with one very forgiving plant makes getting away at the last minute pretty easy!”
Lauren Miller
Nicci Harrison
church conversion
googlenews
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Loft tour
Nicci Harrison
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small space tour
small spaces
Studio Cajole