Kitchen Renovation in Mississauga
While many of our previous projects have involved renovations for growing families, we pride ourselves in being able to create designs for every walk of life. When the Sturgeons of Mississauga contacted us, they expressed an interest in a renovation centered around the principles of aging in place. They’ve lived in the same classic home since the 1970s and saw no reason to leave it behind for something new. Instead, they decided to give their beloved home a complete overhaul to make it more appropriate for this phase of their life. After years spent raising a family and taking care of aging parents, they found themselves empty nesters dealing with a home that was designed for a younger audience. We came in to add the essential safety features and useful functions that would allow them to enjoy years of independence. Along the way, we greatly improved the style of the rooms we worked on as well.
Renovation Details
- Project Price:
- Designer:
- Project Manager:
- Timeline:
- Design:
- 1 Month: November 1, 2021 – December 10, 2021
- Construction:
- 2 Months: March 1, 2022 – May 5, 2022
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed 3D Renovation Drawings:
Creating a Forever Home for the Sturgeons
This couple was refocusing their life and wanted their home to reflect their changing priorities. They were making concrete decisions about how they wanted to embrace their retirement years and how their home would play a role in that. They approached us with a list of ideas on how they needed the space upgraded and updated for the years to come. Working from their vision, we spent plenty of time on the design stage of the process. We wanted to make sure we included all the details and features they needed to feel confident aging in place for the rest of their lives. Working with the limitations of the classic 1970s floor plan was a challenge, but it’s one we’ve faced many times before. Bringing our experiences to the table made this project a snap for the team.
Like most homes from the time period, the Sturgeons’ structure featured a layout with walls dividing the Kitchen, Dining Room, and Family Rooms. There was no cohesive flow through the Main Floor, much less connection between these spaces. Today’s interior design trends call for open layouts, which also works well to reduce barriers and trip hazards for older adults. Our clients knew that their Kitchen had a dated look that we could easily update during the renovation. They also wanted more useful storage space from their cabinets, not to mention more open counter top space for all those handy small appliances. However, the Kitchen and Family Room were not their only priorities during the project. They also requested updates to keep the Master Bathroom comfortable, luxurious, and easy to access.
Open Concept Kitchen Renovation for Accessibility
Prioritizing Functionality and Flow
We started the process by planning for the enlargement of the entryways connecting the Kitchen, Dining Room, and Family Room spaces. It’s much easier to travel between the parts of the Main Floor and there’s an improved visibility that adds to the sense of spaciousness. Then it was time to move on to the Kitchen itself, the main focus of our renovations. Our first priority was to rearrange the main appliances to follow the principles of good ergonomics and work flow when cooking. Our clients love to prepare their own meals and wanted to ensure they could keep doing it no matter what. Relocating the refrigerator, sink, and stove improved the functional value of the space while also mixing up the dated layout. We introduced a new oversized peninsula to the room to create both hidden storage opportunities and a new space for informal dining. Other layout changes we made to the Kitchen helped us designate the food preparation and gathering spaces without visually separating them. The Sturgeons wanted some amount of delineation in the new design, just not the overcrowded feeling of the previous layout.
Modern Kitchen Design with Aging in Place Features
In order to help the counter tops clear of clutter, we installed a dedicated cabinet for small appliances and cooking tools. The cabinetry also received essential updates to highlight a more modern look across the Kitchen. While the hardwood flooring had served the family well for decades, it was past time for a replacement. New easy-care vinyl was installed to give the clients a simple maintenance routine with plenty of style to boot. There was no need to choose between beauty and practicality with the way we designed this Kitchen update. Between the color palette of the flooring and the bright cabinets, we added matte black fixtures and hardware to complete the clean and dramatic look. Two-toned quartz counter tops add a hint of luxury without requiring any special care either. Don’t forget the matching back splash that really ties the space together. In the end, the Sturgeons ended up with a Kitchen that they love and that invites them to continue using it safely for many years to come.
Master Bathroom Renovation for Safety and Comfort
Walk-in Shower for Easy Access
Bathrooms are often some of the first places to pose challenges to residents as they age. Even in middle age it can become difficult to safely enter a high-sided tub or slippery shower enclosure without risking a fall. Our clients were already struggling to continue using their Master Bathroom when we came in to help. We removed the bathtub that was interfering with easy access and replaced it with a walk-in shower enclosure complete with conveniently placed grab bars. There’s no barrier on the shower floor at all, allowing for a seamless transition into using mobility devices to enter and exit as well.
Stylish and Safe Bathroom Design
We also added decor-matching grab bars around the relocated toilet. As one of the most widely recommended steps for aging in place, we were happy to plan out a stylish way to add these bars to the design of the Master Bathroom. A new vanity was installed that added storage along with plenty of space for self care. New fixtures and hardware completed the look, along with enhanced lighting and an oversized mirror to add to the spacious look of the room. Our clients also loved the new ceramic tiles that we installed, giving the room a sleek look that isn’t too modern. We stuck to a neutral color palette with a bright white base to make it easy to spot cleaning opportunities and to create a sense of serenity that the clients will enjoy for years to come.
Enjoying Retirement in a Renovated Home
The Sturgeons couldn’t be happier with the results of the Mississauga renovation. Not only do they have a like-new Kitchen that encourages them to cook and entertain guests, but they also have the Master Bathroom they need to age in place with grace and safety. Everything was completed on time and within the client’s budget. Now they have the bright and highly functional empty nester’s home they’ve dreamed of rather than a family house that’s showing its age. They also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their home can continue to support them as their needs change.
Hear Directly from the Sturgeons!
Hear directly from these happy clients about their Sosna Design and Renovation experience!
Ready to Renovate Your Home for the Future?
If you’re impressed and ready to prepare your home for a change in lifestyle, let us help. Sosna has the skills to help you age in place or grow your family. No matter your goals or life stage, we’re the Renovator You Can Count On. It’s our promise to you. Contact us now to see if we are the right fit for your renovation!
