Our clients on this project are a couple who had returned home to Canada from the U.S. to care for their aging parents. As the new homeowners of the beloved family home, they considered it a “legacy” passed down to them from loving and hard-working parents. That gave it deep cultural significance to them that we wanted to honour. The father and mother had immigrated to Canada in the early 90s and invested in the home for the family. They long dreamed of handing it down to their son and his family. That dream was finally becoming a reality upon the father’s passing. Our clients wanted to embrace the renovation journey as a way to adapt the home to their modern needs while still honouring the home’s history throughout the process. With two adult children studying in U.S. universities, they also wanted the ideal space for hosting visits with plenty of comfort and space for everyone in the family.
Making a Home for Everyone
There were a few motivations that moved our clients to seek out a knowledgeable and experienced renovation team. The main reason was the home’s outdated aesthetic that just didn’t fit their personal tastes. Along with stylistic concerns, our clients found the layout dysfunctional and not in line with their lifestyles or personal habits. They were eager to transform the home into a more comfortable and functional space designed with their co-living arrangement in mind. The Kitchen and the rest of the Main Floor were in particularly dire need of updates. The old cabinetry and finishes gave the room an aged look, while the closed-off layout blocked light and left everything feeling cramped. It just didn’t live up to their lifestyle. Our clients were uncomfortable having guests over, and the lack of space made it hard to even enjoy family gatherings. We had our work cut out for us.
Modernizing the Home While Embracing the Family’s History
We knew that creating a more open-concept layout was a major priority for the project. To address these space concerns, we removed multiple walls to create the living area our clients needed. This allowed natural light to flood the space for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Brighter spaces are safer to navigate and easier to use, not to mention feeling more welcoming to residents and guests alike.
The updated Kitchen was designed with both of the family’s home cooks in mind. It now features a large central island for easy meal preparation that doubles as a gathering point for socialization during gatherings. Adding an entire pantry wall provided much needed counter space and storage. We complemented all of this work with upgraded appliances to improve the functionality of the Kitchen. Our clients finally got to enjoy a home cooking space that was both beautiful and highly functional.
Balancing the Costs and Overcoming Surprise Challenges
This renovation represented a significant investment for our clients. They were understandably concerned about balancing the costs with the improvements made to the home. We worked closely with them throughout the process, adjusting the budget where necessary to ensure it all stayed within their comfort level even with the changes we had to make over the course of the project. We understood their requirements and restrictions, working within them to create a design that met their needs and budget at the same time.
As with any renovation, there were a few surprises along the way with this project. The vanity that we selected was slightly too large for the bathroom. We didn’t let this slow us down and found a suitable replacement to quickly resolve the issue and stay within budget. Despite the minor hiccups that occurred along the way, we successfully managed the scope of the entire project to keep it aligned with their vision.
A Complete Transformation for the Space
By the end of the renovation, it was clear the home was completely transformed. The stunning results speak for themselves. Custom-stained flooring flowed beautifully throughout the home, tying them together while complementing the features of each room. In the calm white and grey Kitchen, a bright and airy atmosphere was reinforced with elegant details like marble-like counter tops. All of the renovated rooms had a new sense of flow and space, including the Bathrooms that were updated with light coloured tiles and functional prefab vanities. In the process of renovating this legacy home, our team ensured that no detail was overlooked. The home now exudes a sense of modern elegance while retaining its original charm and sentimental value to the family.
Loving Life After a Complete Home Renovation
The impact of this renovation project on our clients’ lives was extensive and still surprises them to this day. The new Kitchen in particular now offers them the perfect space for cooking together and entertaining family and friends. There’s no need to struggle with the daily routine or fight to keep everything clean thanks to a design that prioritizes functionality without sacrificing any style. The addition of “Molly’s suite” created a private space for their mother that was equipped with all of the accessibility features she needed to continue living a comfortable and independent life. In particular, we created a step-in shower design that is complete with grab bars.
The entire home now provides the storage the family needs to beat the clutter and keep everything accessible at the same time. This was a major concern for the family, but they’re no longer embarrassed to have guests over. Everyone can relax and enjoy each other’s company in the space. There are no more issues with dark or cramped rooms that make it difficult to entertain guests or relax.
Understanding the Project Timeline and Remembering the Special Moments
The design process for this project began in October 2023. We wrapped up the final details by January 2024, allowing us to extend the timeline slightly due to our clients’ travel commitments. Consistent communication throughout the process kept everything flowing smoothly.
One of the most memorable moments of this project involved the unveiling of the new Kitchen. It brought tears of joy to our clients’ eyes, letting us know we had made a big difference with our renovation work. The successful resolution of the vanity issues in the bathroom also stands out as a testament to our team’s problem-solving skills and commitment to client satisfaction. Another meaningful moment came at the final walk-through, when we surprised the family with a custom shadowbox. During demolition, we had carefully salvaged pieces of the original wallpaper—a nostalgic detail from the home’s early years. We used those pieces to create a keepsake that now serves as a touching reminder of the home’s history and its role as a cherished legacy.
The Sosna Difference
This renovation was much more than just a project for us. It was a chance to help revitalize a legacy and create a space where an entire family could come together and thrive. Three generations can unite and share their love without feeling like there’s a lack of space for everyone. We are incredibly produce to have played such a big part in this journey. We are confident that this renewed home will continue to be a source of comfort and joy for generations to come.
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If you have a home you inherited from a parent or want to leave it to your children, we’ll be happy to help you keep it modernized and perfect for daily life. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.
