This renovation project was centered on helping a wonderful client in North York and her equally fantastic dog. We aimed to completely transform her beloved condo into a space that truly reflected her style and simplified her daily routine. She was eager to create a home for herself that was both beautiful and highly functional, and we were happy to help her make her dream of a haven in the heart of the city come true.
Renovation Details
- Total Main Floor Remodel Cost:
- Designer:
- Project Manager:
BEFORE 
AFTER 
Dealing with the Before: Feeling Disconnected and Uninspired by the Home
Before we began this renovation, our client told us that she felt disconnected from her condo. It still featured the builder-grade kitchen features it started with, including an awkward peninsula that hindered the flow of the space and was a constant source of frustration for her. Beyond the kitchen, the foyer and laundry areas were cramped and lacked the organization needed to keep the spaces clean and free of clutter. There was also a major mismatch in the styles of hardwood flooring used throughout the space which only added to the disjointed atmosphere. Even the bathrooms felt frozen in time and were desperately in need of an update. Overall, the condo felt dated and no longer captured our client’s vibrant personality.
Addressing the Worries and Concerns of the Client
Our client had heard her fair share of renovation horror stories, just like many homeowners that we work with across the Toronto area. She had heard tales of projects gone awry and listened to friends and family members complain about the frustrations of managing multiple contractors. While she was understandably cautious about taking on such a major task, she also knew that her condo was beyond ready for an update. She knew that finding a trustworthy, experienced team that she could rely on would lead to a successful renovation. That’s where we came in to handle the project with the care and expertise that only Sosna can provide.
As an all-in-one design-build firm, we can handle every part of the renovation project without having to involve a lot of other parties. That means that little details don’t get overlooked in the process. You’ll know exactly who’s responsible for the work and feel empowered to bring up any concerns you feel. Communication is key to a successful renovation, and we’re experts at it.
Finding the Solution: Creating a Personalized Transformation with Plenty of Heart
We started by taking the time to listen carefully to our client’s needs. Our design team took her concerns and desires into account and developed a tailored plan to address each of her pain points in the home. That’s the Sosna difference and it’s why so many of our clients return for more work in the future.
AFTER – Bright, Modern Cabinetry
Updating the Kitchen
For the kitchen, we decided to preserve the existing layout while still reimagining the space entirely. We made better use of the awkward peninsula by redesigning it to improve traffic flow around it. Yet we also found a way to add much-needed storage and counter space at the same time. This was through the addition of clever storage solutions like pull-outs, additional shelving, concealed drawers in the toe kick area, and an appliance garage. We’re proud to say that the kitchen now boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere that was missing thanks to the builder-grade materials. With light wood-tone lower cabinetry, off-white upper cabinets, and brushed nickel hardware that ties it all together, the space is welcoming and ready to receive guests for easy entertaining.
BEFORE
AFTER
Tackling the Laundry Room
The laundry room started out cramped and chaotic, but we worked our magic on the room to make it into an organized and efficient space that supports our client’s daily routine. We added custom cabinetry for better organization, complete with pull-outs for hanging clothes, open storage above for other items, and a laundry sink for washing up when necessary. There’s even a spacious counter for folding and staying on top of clean laundry now. No more piles of laundry for our client!
BEFORE – Dark and Cramped
AFTER – Bright and Fresh
Boosting the Bathrooms
Both the en-suite and shared bathrooms needed complete renovations to bring them in line with our client’s dreams for the space. Custom cabinetry was the start, including a floor-to-ceiling linen closet with plenty of space. We selected light grey and brown-toned tiles to add a sense of warmth to the space while still maintaining a sense of elegance, while hexagonal tiles were chosen for a contrasting look on the shower floor. Our client wanted a new level of comfort while going about her daily self-care tasks, so we installed a heated flooring system for an unmatched sense of luxury year-round.
Tying the Space Together
In the rest of the condo, we focused on dealing with the mismatched flooring. We recommended a cohesive style that combined durable vinyl with crisp-looking porcelain tiles, creating the seamless and modern aesthetic throughout the space that it deserved. With a pet in the home, we wanted to use flooring materials that were durable and easy to keep clean while still providing beauty for years to come. We’re confident our client will love how the floor resists wear and tear while giving her a chance to play indoors with her pet.
Overcoming the Challenges That Popped Up Along the Way
Few renovations are completed without any surprises or challenges, and this project was no different. One of the key obstacles we faced was following all of the condo board’s renovation rules and policies. We also had to coordinate the delivery schedules for finishes and fixtures, especially during the busy holiday season. We put all of our planning and scheduling skills to the test and managed to keep the project on track with minimal delays. Additionally, our construction team encountered a height variation between the tile and vinyl flooring as we began the installation process. To resolve this, we used a quick application of self-leveling material under the vinyl, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between the two flooring types without further delays.
Getting to the Grand Reveal: Surprising Our Client with a Dream Come True
The final results are simply stunning and meet the client’s needs perfectly. The kitchen has become a chef’s dream, from the smooth quartz countertops that are resistant to hot pans to the custom-built cabinets complete with extensive organization options. The matching stone backsplash, classic cabinet hardware, and brushed nickel plumbing fixtures lend elegance to the space that was previously missing. There’s even LED lighting under the upper cabinets to boost the illumination on the countertops, adding beauty and functionality to the space.
Custom organizers in the foyer and laundry closets improve the storage capacity of these rooms, keeping everything neatly in place. The bathrooms are now both spa-like retreats rather than outdated rooms in need of an update. The beautiful porcelain tiles pair beautifully with the custom cabinetry. In the rest of the main living areas and bedroom, the new vinyl flooring ties the space together and creates a cohesive and modern atmosphere. Altogether, the effect is quite impactful and surprised even our team.
A Life Transformed
We not only managed to transform our client’s condo to better fit her needs, we also gave her life a complete transformation. As a passionate home cook, she now has the space she needs to create and she relishes spending time in her functional and beautiful kitchen. She loves having a single-bowl sink that makes cleanup a breeze, while the thoughtfully designed storage solutions have finally brought a sense of calm and order to her home. There are no more issues with countertop clutter or difficulties finding an important cooking tool when it’s needed. Improvements to the bathrooms have completely changed how she handles her daily self-care routine, preparing herself for the day without feeling cramped by the space. The refreshed flooring and neutral paint palette in the rest of the home create the relaxing, comfortable environment she knew she always wanted. The client truly loves her home, and so does her dog.
Closing a Memorable Journey in North York
This project wasn’t just a renovation for us. It was a true collaboration with the client. She valued our guidance throughout the design process, letting our expertise help you deal with the overwhelming number of decisions that popped up along the way. We built a strong relationship with her throughout the project, and we are immensely grateful for the trust she placed in our team.
Hear From Our Happy Client!
Hear from our client about her Sosna Renovation experience here!
Let’s Get Started!
If you’re interested in breathing new life into your home in a similar fashion, we can start planning your renovation as soon as possible. Contact us today to discuss the project details and get started on your journey to a more beautiful home.
