Some of our projects require our team to go above and beyond to make our clients happy and help them achieve their dreams. This project showcases just how far we’re willing to go to give our retired clients in Richmond Hill the master ensuite they’ve needed for years. They struggled with a dated and dysfunctional space that didn’t fit their needs. It was far from the tranquil and spa-like retreat they wanted to enjoy on a daily basis. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, were committed to making a major upgrade so they could truly relax and better enjoy their time at home. They also wanted better functionality out of their bathrooms, especially when their family members and grand kids came to visit for some fun. We were so honored to help them bring their vision to life and address all of the issues with the ensuite for a complete transformation.
Renovation Details
- Total Remodel Cost:
- Design Timeline:
- 1 Month – May 10, 2024 – June 19, 2024
- Construction Timeline:
- 1.5 Months – October 22, 2024 – December 6, 2024
- Designer: Camila Tan
- Project Manager: Leo Soudat
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed 3D Renovation Drawings:
In-depth Discussion Leads to a Full Understanding of Their Needs
From the start of our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple prioritized features that would give them both comfort and tranquility. They needed a space that soothed them and supported their self-care routines on a daily basis. The existing ensuite unfortunately fell far short of providing any of that for them. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment to her that failed to meet her needs. She deeply cherishes her long and hot baths, but the tub couldn’t handle the task and posed a hazard to the long-term health of the home due to the leaks.
The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated toilet and bidet combo. It was cumbersome and didn’t function the way that he expected either. He was ready for a modern, single-piece smart toilet. It would provide both the convenience he needed and the touch of modern luxury to complete the room. The shower stall that they relied on for their daily routine was cramped, dark, and plagued by years of mold accumulation. Finally, the large double vanity lacked functional storage for self-care products despite the size of it. The total effect was an ensuite that just didn’t offer the relaxing oasis they deserved.
Addressing All of Their Concerns with a Comprehensive Approach
In addition to exploring everything the clients wanted from their updated home, we also understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful for the homeowners. These clients weren’t going to be on-site for much of the process. That understandably left them feeling a little nervous about concerns like potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. However, we made it our top priority to address each of these concerns with transparency. The Sosna team focused on open and clear communication to reassure our clients that they would stay in the loop at all times. It’s one of our many commitments to delivering on our promises that makes our clients come back again and again for all of their renovation needs. It also helped that our comprehensive design process made it clear exactly what our clients could expect when they returned to their newly updated home.
Our Personalized Solutions for an Outdated Ensuite
We worked closely with both of our clients on this project to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires, such as:
- Creating a Sanctuary for Endless Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was ready to go, and we replaced it with a beautiful freestanding oval tub that was a much better fit for the room. It was easier to access and offered a more contemporary aesthetic that our clients loved. The wife’s vision included a small decorative table within reach for holding bath essentials and that added a personal touch that created a true spa-like experience for her.
- Adding Modern Comfort and Convenience: It was time to end the practice of having both a bidet and toilet in the ensuite, reclaiming the space and meeting the husband’s desire for a more streamlined layout. These two features were replaced with a single smart toilet that is sleek and high-tech, adding a touch of modern luxury to the most basic part of their daily routine.
- Building a Bright and Inviting Shower: The moldy shower stall just wasn’t an inspiring place to begin or end every day for our clients. It was cramped and didn’t offer the space or light our clients wanted while showering. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower to fit the space. It features a frameless glass enclosure that lets the light in, a built-in bench for comfort, and a niche for organizing all of the essential toiletries. The result is a dramatically brighter and more spacious showering experience.
- Expanding the Storage Opportunities While Boosting the Style: A customized double vanity with ample cabinet space and plenty of drawers was installed by our team, finally providing both of our clients with the dedicated storage they needed. We helped them eliminate the counter top clutter once and for all. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily routines and put an end to disagreements over space.
- Putting the Finishing Touches on a Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming color palette for the ensuite that was drawn directly from some of the world’s most inspiring spa environments. The incorporation of muted, neutral tones combined with high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Navigating the Unexpected Challenges Together as a Team
Even with our expertise and skilled team, we know that renovations rarely go perfectly and without any issues. This project was no exception, but we did our best to minimize the impact of these surprises. We started out with plumbing fixture delivery delays which threatened our timeline. However, we always have a trick up our sleeves, and for this project, we leveraged our established relationships with reliable suppliers. They came through with alternative solutions that helped minimize the impact on the overall project schedule. Our clients were pleased we could stick so closely to the original timeline we had proposed.
We also dealt with a minor setback when the initially chosen gray vanity went out of stock before we could place the order. Working closely with the clients, we explored other options that fit the design. Ultimately, we selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish. It turned out to complement the design elements beautifully and created perhaps even a better look than the original choice would have provided. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and a commitment to collaboration throughout the process.
Celebrating the Joy of Transformation
The final result in the ensuite was truly remarkable. The transformed space is a testament to the power of thoughtful design work and meticulous execution from our team. The space now features large-format porcelain tiles with a light colored concrete-look and an easy cleaning routine. This creates a bright and airy feel that is welcoming for our clients when they start their day. A sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a durable quartz counter top, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted soft green walls. Matte black finishes on all the plumbing fixtures and hardware bring a touch of modern sophistication to the space. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure creates an open environment that is comfortable and convenient at the same time, enhancing the spacious feel of the ensuite. Finally, the smart toilet provides a great experience while also giving the room an updated look.
A Space to Cherish for Years to Come
This renovation has made a profound difference in this couple’s daily lives, and we were happy to offer them such a big change. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long and hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband is enthralled by the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. Both of them love the spacious and bright walk-in shower which is both functional and beautiful. The new vanity also provides ample storage, keeping the counter top clutter-free and contributing to a beautiful sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a basic bathroom; it’s a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, and a space where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together.
Memorable Moments and Hiccups
- Budget Adjustment: After we finalized the initial design, we worked closely with our clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their available budget for the project.
- Vanity Setback Changes: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required quick thinking on our part. We worked through the re-selection process effectively, leading to an even better design outcome by the end. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during the renovation process.
Hear from Our Clients
Want to know what this transformation meant to them?
Hear directly from our Richmond Hill clients about their renovation experience and how it changed their daily life – here!
Turn Your Bathroom into a Personal Spa
Let’s create a space that soothes, supports, and inspires. Contact us today to start your own transformation.
