Project
Michelle Thompson - Thompson Teardown
About Michelle
Toronto-based interior designer Michelle Thompson is known for her ability to craft elevated yet liveable interiors, blending bespoke details with a classic and collected aesthetic infused with modern sensibilities. As the co-founder of Grey Isle Design, a firm she built alongside her husband, Michelle’s work has been widely recognized in top design publications, including the National Post, HGTV, Reno + Decor, and Designlines. Beyond print, her expertise has made her a sought-after on-air home expert across major national networks and a regular contributor for HGTV Canada.
A Designer’s Choice
HanStone Quartz in Michelle’s Home
When designing her own home, Michelle turned to HanStone Quartz for its unparalleled beauty and durability. For the kitchen, she selected Calacatta Extra, a striking quartz surface that perfectly mimics the elegance of natural marble, adding timeless sophistication to the space. In the primary bathroom and laundry room, she opted for Matterhorn, a refined and versatile choice that complements the overall aesthetic of her home.
Designing a Home with Meaning
Michelle describes her home as earthy, layered, and classic yet contemporary. Inspired by boutique hotels and the serene forest views surrounding her property, she wanted to create a space that feels fresh yet collected and lived-in. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen to balance style and comfort, ensuring that her home feels inviting, sophisticated, and deeply personal.
Design Trends She’s Loving
Michelle, known for her ability to blend timeless elegance with contemporary flair, is currently embracing several standout design trends. She’s especially inspired by colour drenching, a bold approach that immerses a space in a single hue to create both cohesion and drama. Patterned textiles and wallpaper are also catching her eye, as they infuse interiors with warmth, personality, and rich visual texture. In kitchens and bathrooms, she’s gravitating toward darker coloured stone, which adds a luxurious and daring touch. And for a unique twist, Michelle is incorporating fabric elements into cabinetry and light fixtures—an unexpected detail that introduces softness and depth to typically hard surfaces.
Expert Tips for Renovating or Building
Whether you're diving into a new build or updating an existing space, interior expert Michelle offers insightful tips to help you make thoughtful, lasting decisions throughout your project.
Maximize Natural Light and Storage
Enhance functionality and openness by making the most of available light.
Smart storage solutions help reduce clutter and create a more spacious feel.
Seek Inspiration Beyond Social Media
Look to travel, art, history, and nature for unique, personal design ideas.
Avoid trends that may feel dated—create a space that tells your story.
Design for Real Life
Consider how you use your home daily.
Prioritize comfort and usability without sacrificing beauty.
Know Your Must-Haves
Identify your top priorities early in the planning stage.
Invest in splurge-worthy elements that offer long-term satisfaction and value.
Our Favourite Features in Michelle’s Home
Michelle’s own home is full of thoughtful design details that blend style and function effortlessly. One standout is the full-height backsplash in the kitchen, which creates a clean, seamless look while beautifully showcasing the bold veining in Calacatta Extra. This not only enhances the room’s visual impact but also adds a sense of luxury and cohesion. The oval-shaped kitchen island brings a sculptural quality and improves flow and functionality.
In the ensuite bathroom, the custom vanity is a true showstopper, featuring a distinctive double bullnose edge profile and integrated HanStone quartz sinks in our colour Matterhorn—a combination that feels fresh and distinctive, setting the space apart with a truly custom touch.
““I love using HanStone first and foremost because the designs are exceptional, there is no other quartz on the market that mimics natural stone so well while staying on the pulse of trends. Beyond that, the durability is unmatched, so I feel confident using it in all my projects—including my own home.””
Michelle Thompson
Home Tour
Project Products
Shop the Look