This $1.6M Toronto condo was built in 1977 but you'd never know by looking

Sometimes a home is cool simply because of its bones — soaring ceilings, elegant crown moulding, original millwork and charming built-ins that do all the heavy lifting.

But in Toronto, especially when it comes to condos, most places are just… boxes.

That doesn't mean they can't become something iconic with the right vision.

The exterior of Winston Place. 

Take unit 402 at 349 St. Clair Ave. West. The building was completed in 1977 — not exactly the golden age of architectural greatness — and this two-bedroom unit looked every bit its age when it sold earlier this year for $1,080,000.

The kitchen with integrated appliances. 

Think wall-to-wall carpeting, a tiny, gloomy kitchen and wallpaper that had seen better days. It was begging for a refresh.

The dining area. 

Enter Frederick Dawson Design Consulting, who completely transformed the tired space into something that feels elevated, intentional and genuinely beautiful.

The living room. 

The 1,700-square-foot unit is now bright and airy, and while the timeline suggests this was a flip, hardly anything about it feels cookie-cutter. 

One of two bedrooms. 

Every detail has clearly been thought through.

Stone counters and backsplash make the space feel elevated. 

There's a sleek, custom kitchen, artisan-inspired bathrooms and a mix of timeless finishes and modern comfort that actually works.

The bright and airy principal area. 

The main living, dining and kitchen area has been opened up, making the space feel far larger than its footprint.

A wood-burning fireplace in the living room. 

At the centre of it all is a wood-burning fireplace — the kind of rare condo feature that instantly makes the space feel cozy and special.

The solarium off the dining room. 

Two bright solariums extend the living space and flood the unit with natural light. 

Custom millwork in the primary bedroom. 

The second-level bedrooms are spacious and feature smart, custom millwork that adds substantial storage without sacrificing style.

The primary bedroom ensuite. 

And if this transformation proves one thing, it's that with the right design, even a boring box can become something extraordinary.

One of two solariums. 

Unit 402 at 349 St. Clair Ave. West is currently listed at $1,685,000, down from $1,739,000.