Renovation Details
- Total Remodel Cost:
- Design Timeline:
- 2 Months – February 24, 2022 – May 5, 2022
- Construction Timeline:
- 3.5 Months – January 30, 2023 – May 15, 2023
- Designer: Camila Tan
- Project Manager: Roman Tchaban
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Drawings:
- Proposed 3D Drawings:
When we first met this young couple, they had just purchased what they thought was an 80-year-old home. Turns out, it was actually 153 years old, but that’s part of the charm of old Toronto houses, right? What wasn’t charming was how narrow and cramped the spaces felt, or how outdated everything from the cabinets to the fixtures looked.
The husband loves to cook, and the couple has two dogs and a cat, so functionality was key. Their kitchen was tiny, tucked at the back of the house, and separated from the rest of the main floor by a bathroom and a mechanical room. The existing island doubled as a dining area, which worked for two people at best, and laundry machines were awkwardly stacked right by the stairs. Basically, the house wasn’t working for them. Every space felt like a compromise.
BEFORE:
Reimagining the Main Floor
The first thing we did was tackle the layout. The mechanical room came down, and we built custom cabinetry to cleverly hide their utilities and laundry machines. The small bathroom was converted into a powder room. With those two changes, the main floor suddenly felt open, light, and connected.
This new open-concept layout gave them the room for a proper dining area and allowed the kitchen to expand with plenty of counter space and storage. The husband now has the perfect workspace for cooking. Everything is functional and within reach, and there is finally space for guests to hang out while he works his magic.
Making the Second Floor Work
Upstairs wasn’t much better. The master bedroom had an ensuite, but it was only accessible through the master, which was not ideal for guests. We relocated the bathroom next to the stairs so both the master and guest rooms could access it easily. Then we added a wall to give the master bedroom the privacy it deserved.
Unexpected Surprises
Of course, no old-house renovation is complete without a few surprises. We discovered the foundation wasn’t up to par, which meant underpinning to make sure everything stayed safe and stable. New support posts affected some of our kitchen and powder room plans, so we revised those layouts on the fly. In the powder room we uncovered a hidden brick chimney, a beautiful feature we exposed and highlighted with a floral wallpaper accent wall.
The Finished Space
The final result is a bright, functional home with black and white finishes, warm touches of green, and wood-look kitchen cabinets. Custom cabinetry flows seamlessly from the kitchen into the dining area, cleverly hiding laundry machines without feeling cluttered. Upstairs, the shared bathroom now works for both the homeowners and their guests, with touches of brass hardware adding a hint of warmth and luxury.
Life After the Renovation
The transformation is more than just visual. The main floor is now open, spacious, and practical, perfect for daily life, entertaining friends, and enjoying family time. The kitchen has plenty of storage and counterspace for cooking adventures, and the bathrooms are fully functional for both homeowners and guests.
At the end of the day, the house finally works for the people living in it, and that is what makes it a home.
AFTER:
See For Yourself!
If you want to see more of this transformation, check out our short video showcasing the renovation from start to finish, here!
Ready to Refresh Your Home?
Thinking about making your house feel more like YOUR home? Contact us today to get started!
