When it comes to infill properties, many potential owners are involved every step of the way, from demolition to design. But Shyloe and Eric Slatter did things a bit differently.
They first spotted their home on MLS, one of two side-by-side skinny homes designed and built on a Westmount lot by Engleman Construction. “We didn’t think anyone was living in it, and there were no photos, so we came to the house and were peering through the windows,” says Shyloe. They ended up buying the 1,500-square-foot infill home after someone living in the house invited them in for a tour. The nearly floor-to-ceiling windows along the front and back of the home, a defining feature of both the interior and exterior, immediately caught their interest.
“The windows were huge for us,” says Shyloe. They flood the house with light, and provide an ideal backdrop for working and entertaining. Shyloe, a sales consultant who works from home, loves the view they provide from the desk in her office. While the living room windows face the backyard, Shyloe’s office looks down on a quiet street, offering a peaceful view of the mature trees and charming older properties surrounding their modern infill home. “It’s really fantastic in the summertime. It’s like you’re working in a treehouse,” she says. Chairand deskfrom IKEA
When the couple first saw the inside of the home and began to consider decorating the space, their main concern was tempering the modern aesthetic. “We were a little afraid about the space because it’s so modern, and we didn’t want it to be cold and unwelcoming. I think that was a big inspiration for us, to try to make it feel warm and cozy.”
While some features like the range hood —adorned with a light-up cityscape — and large built-in closets throughout the home were selected by the builder, the Slatters’ personality still shines through in elements such as a gallery wall of black-and-white wedding photos in the entry and the animal accents throughout the home, from mounted faux deer heads to framed illustrations of playful zoo animals. City skyline range hood from Italy
While they appreciated not having to do any renovations in the space – “My husband is not handy,” jokes Shyloe — the Slatters still have a few projects in mind. They love to entertain, and the open concept main floor is perfect for hosting guests. However, they have plans to create an indoor-outdoor entertaining space by modifying the living room windows so they can be opened out onto the deck. Chandelier from Park Lighting; table from Mbler; chairs fromPier 1 Imports;rug from The AreaRug Gallery
Before moving to the mature Westmount area, the couple had lived just off the ever-busy Jasper Avenue. There, they had grown accustomed to being close to amenities and, while their current home is tucked away on a much quieter street, it’s still mere steps from local boutiques, restaurants and more. “We love the walkability,” says Shyloe. “It’s so nice to be right next to 124th Street. We walk to North 53 all the time.”
They’re also a short walk away from Eric’s family in nearby Glenora, and enjoy exploring the neighbourhood with their dog, Charlie. “Infill is cool; it just fits our lifestyle,” says Shyloe.
