North York Family Home Renovation: Creating a “Wow” Factor
This North York family home renovation project was a perfect match for our experienced team at Sosna. Working with a vibrant and young professional couple, not to mention their two active teenagers, a playful dog, and a cat, meant we had to go the extra mile in our design to meet everyone’s needs. Their lives are busy and filled with energy, but their home wasn’t reflecting that or supporting their needs. They came to us seeking an upgrade that would make it both beautiful and functional at the same time. We’re happy to report that we created the perfect space for their busy lifestyle.
Renovation Details
- Total Main Floor Remodel Cost:
- Construction Timeline:
- 2.5 Months: August 6, 2024 – October 16, 2024
- Designer:
- Project Manager:
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Renovation Drawings
- Proposed Renovation Drawings 3D:
The Challenge: A House in Need of a Functional Makeover
When our team members first walked through the home, our clients already had some key pain points to share with them. The existing kitchen was showing its age after years of daily use by a growing family. The space was affected by limited organization, making both food prep and long-term storage a hassle for our clients. The kitchen featured an island but it was partially closed-off, leaving bar seating available on one side and blocking off the back counter top entirely. There was unused space that ended up being a point for clutter.
Our clients were living with builder grade cabinets as well, which lacked the custom organizers they had admired on so many home improvement shows. They were tired of the limited storage options and accessibility issues they had been living with for years. Aside from the kitchen, the powder room was also due for a refresh. It served as a main entry point for the home and needed to impress guests and offer a more welcoming atmosphere for the home’s residents. The master ensuite was also ready for an upgrade to create a more spa-like experience. Downstairs, the home’s basement was also underutilized. We realized it would make the ideal space tailored to the needs of the family’s teens and pets.
The Concerns: Finding a Reliable Renovation Contractor
Like most busy professionals today, our clients had limited time to set aside for managing the day-to-day details of a renovation project. They needed a dependable and proven team that could handle it all while keeping them updated on the important details. Our clients wanted a company that they could fully trust to deliver the results they envisioned, and they didn’t have the time or energy to deal with unnecessary stress and delays.
The Sosna Solution: A Beautifully Functional Design
To address all of these challenges at once, we reimagined the main living spaces of the home with plenty of thoughtful design elements.
BEFORE
AFTER
Redesigning the Kitchen
The kitchen received a complete overhaul to improve both the function and flow of the space. Since it was so important to the family, we targeted the cabinetry and added plenty of custom organization solutions. We made sure everything they store is easy to reach, maximizing every inch of storage space available in the room. Making the kitchen island accessible from all sides was also a priority during the renovation. Now the family can enjoy a seamless cooking and socializing experience without feeling cut off by the feature. The clutter problem caused by the inaccessible area of counter top has also been solved. New, larger counter tops were added to provide ample food prep space. Contemporary flooring complements the existing hardwoods throughout the rest of the main floor for a cohesive and polished look. We chose a mix of crisp kitchen tiles and warm-toned wall colours to balance beautifully with the original wood flooring, creating an inviting atmosphere that is now perfect for family gatherings.
BEFORE
AFTER
Upgrading the Master Ensuite
Next was the master ensuite. We knew we needed to transform the space into a luxurious retreat for the clients, complete with transitional stone-style floor tiles that add both texture and elegance to the room. Creating a new feature wall of tiles to frame the bathtub created a more luxurious environment by adding a striking focal point. Then we moved on to expand the shower space for functional purposes, adding a spacious glass enclosure around it for a beautiful look. Now the room has the spa-like atmosphere and improved functionality our clients need to have a relaxing daily routine.
Refreshing the Entryway and Powder Room
Staying within the budget was a priority for our clients, so we had to utilize cost-effective strategies to make the most of the entryway and powder room. Refreshing it without replacing the tile was easier than our clients expected. Professional grout and tile cleaning gave it a brand new look with only a minor cost. For added charm, we focused on implementing modern lighting fixtures and a bright new wallpaper that brings a fresh and welcoming energy to these high-traffic areas.
Tailoring the Basement to the Family
With so much space under the home that was underutilized, we knew we needed to create a getaway for the growing teens and the family’s pets. The basement became the home of a dedicated entertainment area just for the teens with the help of a subtle partition. The space has been redefined with only a few major changes, creating space that meets their needs for privacy and comfort. The new basement is now cozy and pet-friendly, encouraging the teens to relax and feel like they have their very own space within the home.
Overcoming Renovation Challenges
This project ran exceptionally smoothly for our clients thanks to organized processes, clear communication, and a team focused on quality and client satisfaction. There was only one notable challenge that we ran into during the project:
Kitchen Flooring Transition
We wanted to add wood-look porcelain tiles to the kitchen for easy cleaning and durability, but the design called for a seamless connection with the surrounding hardwood. Transitioning between two very different materials like that isn’t always easy. We pulled it off with precise planning and careful execution. Our team worked diligently to source the perfect wood-look tile to ensure it complemented the existing hardwood flooring. Ultimately, we achieved a flawless and harmonious blend that flows beautifully across the entire main floor.
Memorable Moments from the Project
One of the most memorable moments for our team and the clients alike came near the completion of the work. Our client had been putting her full trust in the team and hadn’t visited the site frequently as we tackled the majority of the work. She stopped by with her mother one day to see the final touches being put into place. Later, she texted our team, saying, “Olga, it’s such a WOW factor—we didn’t expect it to be this incredible!”
This reaction was exactly what we had hoped for when we began. We want our clients to enjoy a renewed sense of love for their home. Creating a “wow” moment is our ultimate goal, and we’re thrilled to have exceeded their expectations in every way.
The Final Results: A Beautifully Functional Home
The transformation was everything we had envisioned for the clients and more. Our clients now enjoy:
- A streamlined and thoroughly modern kitchen that meets all of their storage and food prep needs
- An upgraded master ensuite that offers a spa-like atmosphere with luxurious finishes for a relaxing experience
- A refreshed entryway and powder room that greet them and their guests with vibrant and welcoming touches that reflect their personalities
- A completed basement that’s tailored for both relaxation and play, fitting the family’s lifestyle perfectly while creating space dedicated to the teens.
Our clients are now ready to settle back into their beautiful and upgraded home, enjoying a fresh atmosphere that enhances their daily life. We’re pleased that our design encourages them to spend more quality time together as a family.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!
Hear directly from these fantastic clients about their Sosna Design and Renovation experience!
Ready to Reimagine Your Home?
If you’re ready to bring the “wow” factor to your home in the Toronto area, reach out to us today! Sosna has the expertise to handle every part of the renovation process from the design work to the demolition and construction stages. Let’s create a custom solution together that meets your family’s needs, reflects your unique style, and brings out the best in your home. There’s no need to deal with the stress of a move when we can transform your current home into the space you need as the years go by.
Contact Sosna today for a free consultation!
