By Jack Kohane, National Post
Though his lifelong occupation has been creating brilliant works for the stage, screen and television, writer and director Morris Panych says that what's preoccupying his mind lately is renovating his semi-detached, 1920s home in Riverdale.
"Renos are a state of constant transition, especially in an old house," says the fiftysomething former actor, who has appeared in more than 50 stage plays and numerous television and film productions. "There are many things to look out for in an old house, so many that you really can't worry about them all. The key is to love your house."
Though most of his plays are black comedies, the home he shares with his life partner, Ken MacDonald, is bright and cheery thanks to "a very long two-month reno" of the main floor. Once dark and dungeon-like, the kitchen had old appliances and odd angles that made the space difficult to navigate, Mr. Panych says.
"The first thing we did was remove the wall dividing the kitchen from the dining room," says Mr. MacDonald, a set and costume designer whose playful collection of deer heads is displayed throughout the home. He has also fashioned sets for Mr. Panych, including his productions of 7 Stories, Parfumerie and the upcoming Toronto production of Art. (It's running March 15 to April 10 at The Canadian Stage Company's Bluma Appel Theatre.) Mr. MacDonald also renders the architectural drawings of the designs the couple create for their home renovations.
A drab, dank and dinky mudroom that had once connected the kitchen to the rear door and outside patio was removed. It was replaced by an enclosed addition with full-length French doors crowned by transoms. The doors lead out to the new cedar deck and barbecue area.
"Now daylight floods the kitchen and dining area. It's perfect for entertaining, which we love to do," Mr. MacDonald says. "The new open-concept living space -- extending from the front living room to the rear doors -- affords good flow throughout the main floor area. There's an airy feel, though the house itself is just 15 feet wide."
The open configuration also encourages conversations -- and in such a pretty space: The U-shaped granite kitchen countertop is made of scratch-and stain-resistant Silverstone quartz. White Bombo barstools with chrome bases and footrests are chic perches for family and friends.
The kitchen also has a countertop gas range, an AEG Competence oven and an AEG Electrolux microwave. "Having them built-in frees up work-top space and gives the kitchen a streamlined look," Mr. Panych says.
The cabinet doors are MDF veneer, are a cinch to clean, and look smart. The cabinetry is all "cheap Ikea," Mr. Panych says. "We chose these cupboards because they come with drawers. That way, you can store and access utensils right to the back."
Mr. Panych points out that he's fine with cabinetry that isn't top-of-the-line. "A new kitchen with all the latest gadgets and accessories can cost as much as $200,000. Our remodel is a fraction of that, and it has proven a good, functional alternative to custom-made."
But he advises hiring an expert for installation, especially for older houses. Over time, his 80-year-old house has shifted. Since the walls in the kitchen are not straight and the floors not level, he says aligning the cabinets and countertop would have been a nightmare without a skilled carpenter.
Before purchasing the quaint three-storey house situated at the juncture of two winding roads within sight of Riverdale Park, the couple had lived in Vancouver. "We renovated our home there at least six times at intervals of every three years," Mr. Panych sighs. "Our first home in Toronto was a 450-square-foot condo with a Murphy bed. But we were looking for a house in a part of the city that's friendly, has a small-town ambience and is conveniently close to parks and shopping. For us, Riverdale has it all."
Mr. Panych says he's itching to get started on the next renovation. The couple has already drawn up workable blueprints for the unfinished basement. "We'll put in a subfloor, and utilize the generous 7 1/2-foot ceilings to build a large pantry, an entertainment area with an L-shaped sofa, a guest bedroom and bathroom."
But what's exciting Mr. Panych most is directing the Tony Awardwinning play Art by Yasmina Reza. The play revolves around the purchase of an expensive, white-on-white painting, which ignites a passionate debate among three friends. "It's a funny show with a great cast," Mr. Panych says.
Asked if constant construction makes living in an old house burdensome, Mr. Panych replies: "Our philosophy is to put our money into our home. With our houses here and in Vancouver, we were advised not to buy them. But we loved them when we saw them, and to us a house has always been about living in and not investing in. The key issue for us is to create quality in our home, and quality in our lives."
The quality of his artistic output is equally undeniable. One of Canada's most prolific contemporary playwrights and two-time Governor General's Literary Award winner, Mr. Panych has written more than 25 works for the stage and has directed about 100 productions.
"In an old house almost anything can be fixed, except the location; but you can learn to love the location, too," Mr. Panych says. "A house is like a relationship; don't get in over your head, and don't sweat the quirky things. If you love it, you can change the rest, or try to. And, oh yes, buy a good screwdriver."
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