Home design: Serenity now

In 2008, Sharon Tam and her family moved to Banbury–Don Mills for the schools and central location. But the original house never felt quite right.  

“I never liked the house since day one,” Tam says. “We renovated before moving in, but I still didn’t like the layout or the low eight-foot ceilings.” After years of searching for another home in the neighbourhood — they couldn’t find one that backed onto the park they loved like this one — they gave up the hunt and chose to rebuild instead. The planning process, which spanned several years and involved three architects, eventually led to a fresh start. 

Designer Jessica Cinnamon was introduced to the family through their builder Cinnamon and quickly became Tam’s creative partner and sounding board. “She and her team spent the time to listen and brought my vision to life,” Tam says. “They were very patient with my ever-changing ideas and were able to accommodate them in the design.” 

The result is a main floor that reads as calm, cohesive and elevated, while meeting the day-to-day needs of a busy family of five.  

“To me, quiet luxury is about restraint, intention and refinement,” Cinnamon says. “It doesn’t shout for attention, but rather invites you to notice the details over time.” 

In this home, those details start at the front door. In the entryway, concealed storage is integrated with statement lighting and soft natural marble, creating a sculptural feel that repeats throughout the main floor. 

One of the most dramatic examples is the kitchen, clad in warm wood tones and continuous natural marble. “Uninterrupted surfaces create a sense of order and calm,” Cinnamon explains, “allowing the architecture to breathe.”  

The marble island, backsplash and cooking wall feature the same bold stone, used consistently for cohesion and impact. “I wanted to bring depth and richness to the space,” Cinnamon says, explaining that natural stone was the best way to achieve that. “Its organic veining and texture create a visual and tactile experience that can’t be replicated with man-made materials.” 

Integration is another key theme. Hidden appliances, a concealed coffee station and extensive millwork storage allow the family to maintain clean surfaces without sacrificing utility. “The clients were very clear about wanting a clutter-free environment,” Cinnamon says. “We wanted that storage to feel seamless, hidden yet highly functional.” 

That balance of beauty and practicality is especially important in a home designed for three generations. The main floor includes an elevator for Tam’s aging mother-in-law, installed not for immediate necessity but as a long-term investment in accessibility. 

“Creating intentional spaces with soft boundaries was important,” Cinnamon notes. “We curated the layout across multiple levels to support different schedules and needs.” 

The principal ensuite is one of the most serene spaces on the main floor. Wrapped in soft tones and matte finishes, it features rift-cut white oak, large-format textured tiles and natural marble. A hidden pocket door allows privacy when needed but disappears into the wall to preserve flow and openness. “We chose a neutral tile with a gentle texture to let the stone be the focal point,” Cinnamon says. “The interplay between wood and marble creates a refined balance between soft and hard materials.” 

Lighting plays a quiet but powerful role in the home’s atmosphere. From ambient mirror lights to under-cabinet glows and coves in the millwork, it’s designed to support the materials, not compete with them. “We always consider the use of the space and layer the lighting accordingly,” Cinnamon explains. “Task lighting for function, ambient for atmosphere.” 

For Tam, the home’s transformation has been life-changing.  

“The kitchen is beautiful and functional, with a large island, a lot of cupboards and even a hidden one to hide clutter,” she says. “The family room has expansive windows overlooking the park, and a custom chandelier like a pearl necklace. It’s breathtaking.” 

While other areas of the home continue to evolve, the completed main floor serves as a distilled expression of Cinnamon’s design ethos and the life the family has built within it. “This home doesn’t demand attention but it rewards it,” Cinnamon says. “It’s a space that feels effortless, grounded and highly personal.”