Looking for interior design inspiration that blends character with comfort? We’re spotlighting Cornerstone Design & Build, a Toronto-based design-build firm known for beautiful home renovations and timeless interiors featuring Tonic Living fabrics and pillows.
Meet Cornerstone Design & Build, one of our long-time Designer & Trade Program clients whose signature style blends character-filled renovations with thoughtful, design-forward thinking. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, this full-service firm is known for its integrated approach to residential design and construction. Their work focuses on creating homes that are highly livable, beautifully styled, and expertly tailored to their clients' individual needs.
Photography: Mike Chajeki
Get the Look - Living Room Accents:
- Astrid 20x20 Pillow, Domino – This graphic pillow is both elegant, bold, and perfect for adding contrast
- Toulouse 20x20 Pillow, Onyx – This striking black and white stitched stripe is a classic pattern with the enhanced durability of being made from a high performance fabric
- Willow Throw Blanket, Salt & Pepper – This large, black and cream throw blanket will add a soft layer for year-round comfort
Cornerstone’s Design-Build Process for Custom Toronto Homes: A Design-Led Approach from the Ground Up
What sets Cornerstone apart is their start-to-finish process. As a true design-build firm, their work begins with layout and design, well before materials are selected. Whether it’s a complete renovation or a custom new build, the same in-house team manages everything: from floor plans and permits to construction, finishes, furniture, and final styling.
Photography: Mike Chajeki
Meet the Creative Force Behind the Firm
Cornerstone was founded by Lindsay Thornton, a former brand strategist who merged her background in business with a passion for design. As Creative Director, she leads the firm’s signature approach by balancing thoughtful layouts with beautiful, liveable finishes. She especially loves transforming older homes, giving them new life while preserving their character.
Alongside Lindsay is Sr. Interior Designer Sam Darvay, whose work is rooted in creating timeless spaces that feel warm, curated, and personal. Her refined eye and love of classic materials help bring each design to life with style and soul.
Photography: Mike Chajeki
Get the Look - A Versatile Neutral Pillow:
- Pyla 14x20 Lumbar Pillow, Pearl – A soft cream tone with loads of texture, perfect for sofas, beds, or accent chairs
Cornerstone's Interior Design Projects Featuring Tonic Living Products
We’ve had the pleasure of working with Cornerstone Design & Build on a number of stunning residential spaces. From full-scale renovations to custom soft furnishings, their projects often feature our curated fabrics, pillows and ottomans.
Think cozy custom banquettes, layered sofas, and upholstered headboards. Their attention to detail shines through in every space. We love how they used our Dundee Fabric, Sable on a custom upholstered headboard in this stunning bedroom.
Photography: Niamh Barry
Get the Look - A Timeless High Performance Upholstery Option:
- Dundee Fabric, Sable - This masculine upholstery fabric has a classic windowpane pattern and earthy charcoal brown tone. It's a best seller for good reason!
Tudor-Style Entryway with Pillows and Ottomans
In this Tudor-style home, we love how Cornerstone designed a welcoming entryway, pairing classic architectural charm with just the right touch of softness using our Hobbs 12x24 Lumbar Pillow, Graphite and Rodin Stripe 16x16 Cube Ottoman, Natural.
Photography: Mike Chajeki
Get the Look - Create Contrast with Deep-Toned Textiles:
- Hobbs 12x24 Lumbar Pillow, Graphite - A globally-inspired lumbar pillow in a deep graphite hue with soft texture and a graphic pattern
- Rodin Stripe 16x16 Cube Ottoman, Natural - A compact ottoman with a subtle natural stripe and structured silhouette - perfect as flexible extra seating.
- Togo 20x20 Pillow, Black & Natural - A bold accent pillow featuring a modern block-print-inspired floral pattern in high-contrast black and natural tones. It's the perfect statement piece.
A Whimsical Nursery with Pastel Accents
Looking for nursery design inspiration? We love how Cornerstone styled this charming nursery with soft textures, serene colours, and delicate botanical patterns, bringing a sense of comfort and style to the space. The look is beautifully tied together with our Kos Stripe 14x20 Lumbar Pillow, Jade, Quince 22x22 Pillow, Petal Pink and Kensington 14x20 Lumbar Pillow, Lagoon.
Photography: Mike Chajeki
Get the Look - Pattern, Texture and Colour:
- Kos Stripe 14x20 Lumbar Pillow, Jade - This cozy throw pillow adds soothing tones and tons of texture to the space.
- Quince 22x22 Pillow, Petal Pink - An earthy pink cushion with a beautiful, organic quilted texture.
- Kensington 14x20 Lumbar Pillow, Lagoon - This playful yet refined toss pillow has an intricate woven geometric pattern that adds personality to any space.
As Seen in a House & Home YouTube Video
Cornerstone’s work has also been featured in House & Home Magazine's popular YouTube home tours. It’s always exciting to see these projects celebrated, especially when they include Tonic Living products!
▶️ Watch how Cornerstone blends classic and contemporary design in this Toronto home tour, featuring pillows, ottomans, and fabric from Tonic Living.
Check out the home tour on House & Home’s YouTube channel: A Tudor-Style Home Gets a Modern, Organic Upgrade
Follow Along
To see more of their work, follow @cornerstonecustombuild on Instagram and checkout their website.
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• Support from a dedicated Trade Specialist
• Special member discount on all products
• Complimentary fabric swatches
• Insider news and product sneak peeks
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