Inside a condo transformed with luxe marble and stunning custom upgrades
Home and design content creator, Abhishek Dekate, shares how he created a dream space for entertaining
When home and design content creator Abhishek Dekate found his condo in downtown Toronto's Fort York neighbourhood, it was "love at first sight." But as much as he loved the space — particularly its floor-to-ceiling windows — he had a very specific vision for its transformation. Now, as the first feature in CBC Life's new house tour series, On the Inside, he's sharing how he reimagined it with bold, custom upgrades.
At the top of Dekate's to-do list was adding an island to the kitchen, and it's now become a centrepiece in the avid cook and entertainer's kitchen.
He chased another design dream too: finding the specific marble he'd had on his Pinterest board for ages. His search spanned WhatsApp groups with friends across the country, all helping him track down the stunning burgundy-veined Calacatta Viola marble that now makes up his shelves, backsplash and even the area surrounding his cooktop.
"My interior design style is a blend of Japandi and mid-century modern with a touch of wabi-sabi."
Watch this episode of On the Inside to see how Dekate worked this luxe stone and other custom upgrades into his utterly chic yet cosy home. And read on for more about his process, vision and philosophy on home renovation and decorating.
Abhishek Dekate on home decor and design
(As told to CBC Life. These answers have been edited and condensed.)
My interior design style is a blend of Japandi and mid-century modern with a touch of wabi-sabi. What resonates with me is simplicity, natural materials and a lived-in feeling that celebrates imperfection.
In this space, I chose a calming palette of earthy tones and natural textures like wood, linen and stone for added warmth. I then layered in furniture with clean lines and organic forms, as well as pieces with a story — like vintage and thrifted items — to bring in some character.
Many pieces serve multiple purposes in my home, ensuring it remains versatile for both work and play. After all, it's more than just a living space; it's a sanctuary where I can create and reset.
"One of the most valuable lessons I've learned about home decor and design is to trust the process…. It's a journey that requires time, patience and flexibility."
My approach to design and decorating always begins with inspiration, and Pinterest is my go-to tool for gathering ideas, exploring different styles and visualizing how various elements could come together in a space.
I start by creating a mood board that captures the overall feeling I want to achieve. This becomes my creative compass, helping me stay focused on the vision while still allowing room for spontaneity.
Next, I move on to selecting the foundational pieces that will set the tone for the entire home. I began with the kitchen materials in this space, specifically, the Calacatta Viola marble and walnut millwork and flooring.
The rich, deep tones of the walnut and dramatic veining of the marble both became focal points, but the most noteworthy aspect is undoubtedly the stone. When you enter the kitchen, it instantly draws your attention and becomes a conversation starter. To me, it's not just a surface — it's a piece of art that commands the room.
From there, I build a cohesive space by layering in complementary items like rugs, lighting (I love my lamps!) and furniture. Carefully balancing textures, shapes and materials is key.
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned about home decor and design is to trust the process. Bringing a Pinterest board to life is more than just sourcing the perfect pieces — it's a journey that requires time, patience and flexibility.
You'll inevitably encounter hiccups, especially when dealing with structural elements. But whether it's an unexpected issue with the layout, a delay in materials or a design detail that doesn't quite fit the way you envisioned, these challenges are part of the process.
Instead of seeing them as setbacks, I've learned to view them as opportunities to adapt and make creative decisions that ultimately enhance the space.
