Marco & Ilse’s Gothic, Industrial Torontol Loft

Name: Marco Pecota & Ilse Gudino
Location: Toronto, Canada
Size: 2,700 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years, owned

Imagining what the combined efforts of an industrial furniture designer/horror magazine publisher/film maker and a professional flamenco dancer could do with a boxy mixed-use building couldn’t even come close to the dramatic reality that is Marco & Ilse’s multi-level loft. Especially considering the fact that every inch was carefully planned in a full interior demolition and re-design by Marco himself.

This incredible space is clearly the work of artists in their element, bringing together gothic-romantic pieces with daring industrial and Spanish flavors. Never one to shy away from bold choices, Marco commissioned the hunt for an old Cessna aircraft wing to be hung from the ceiling, spanning two rooms through a cut-out in the wall. He designed and custom built a 5 meter-long steel black squid bannister for the mezzanine library overlooking the study, and replaced the rear builder-grade windows with 1890s Victorian window frames.

Rich, dark textures, colorful accents and an exotic art and literature collection bring a sensual edge to the extra high ceilings, modern and vintage fixtures, and tastefully abundant selection of Pecota’s own industrial furniture designs and prototypes. For a little icing on the unusual cake, the couple added extra tall doors on almost every room, a motorized, rotating walk-in closet wardrobe rack, a vibrant flamenco costume sewing chamber, and — just to make sure that it truly is their urban castle— added a secret room. (Sorry guys, the hidden room is not included in the gallery. If it was, well it wouldn’t be much of a secret now would it?)

My Style: Cozy, industrial elegance.

Inspiration: I was inspired by the Art Deco and mid-century modern eras, as well as industrial vintage furniture and architecture.

Favorite Element: The library, its railing, and the circular staircase.

Biggest Challenge: The entire interior demolition, redesign and build.

What Friends Say: That it is a cool and unique place.

Biggest Embarrassment: The original railing (I designed before replacing it with the squid railing).

Proudest DIY: I designed and general contracted the complete 2700 square-foot build of our home, but the proudest DIY was the 30-foot-long mezzanine library.

Biggest Indulgence: The 15-foot airplane wing in our closet.

Best Advice: Do not be afraid to dream big. Do not be afraid to decide. Do not be afraid to decide to dream big.

Dream Sources: Pekota Design, Metropolis Factory, Metropolis Living, Smash.

• Steel Stairway and lighting – Pekota Design
• Artwork – Joso Spralja

• Brazilian Cabinet – Cornerstone Furniture
• Custom built library – Pekota Design
• Afghan Silk Rug – Kabul, Afghanistan
• World Globe – Franklin Mint
• Telescope – Bombay Company
• Tanker Desk – Queen West Antique Centre
• Sculpture of Ilse – Marco Pecota
• Indian Sculpture – Remmington
• 1890s Victorian Windows – SMASH
• 1920s Argentinian Hotel Doors – SMASH
• Floor pillows – HomeSense
• Skull Pillow – gift
• Crane Art – HomeSense
• Sword & Shield – Afghanistan
• Artwork by spiral staircase – SMASH
• Tapestry/wall hanging – gift
• Vintage Lighting fixtures – Post and Beam
• Ceiling Fans – Home Depot
• Vintage Anatomy Posters – Metropolis Factory

• Vertebrae Table – Pekota Design
• Titus Chairs – Pekota Design
• Leather Sofa – Ikea
• Titus Shelves – Pekota Design
• Vintage bubble turntable – Vintage Shop in Kensington Market

• Pekota Stools – Pekota Design
• Stainless Steel Counters – Pekota Design
• White lacquered cabinets – Ikea
• Dancer Sculpture – Joso, 1969
• Cerberus Fish Plate – Joso, 1969

• Four poster bed – Cornerstone Furniture
• Indonesian Side Tables – Cornerstone Furniture
• 1920s stained glass replica lamps – Cornerstone Furniture
• New Zealand deep sheepskin rug – Crate and Barrel
• Jet Engine Mirror – Metropolis Factory
• Built-in shelving – Pekota Design
• Chandelier – Union Lighting
• Flamenco Costume – design by Ilse, made by Maria Rosa in Seville, Spain
• Crib – Babies ‘R Us
• Chest – gift

• Sink & fixtures – Tiles Plus
• Letter “E” – Metropolis Living

• 52″ round bath tub & tiles – Tiles Plus
• Sinks – Tiles Plus
• Vanity – Forever Interiors

• 1980s Dry Cleaners rotating rack – SMASH

• Pekota Deck Chairs – Pekota Design
• PK10 Aluminum Tables – Pekota Design

Thanks, Marco & Ilse!

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*Re-edited from a tour previously published