Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, and Laundry Room Renovation in Toronto

Toronto mornings in a home with two young children can be a whirlwind of activity. This young family loved their house, but the once-charming Kitchen had become a dated and cluttered battleground, lacking storage and functionality. 

Evenings offered little break, as the Basement, which had the potential to be a family haven, remained an underutilized space with awkward layouts, cold tile floors, and inadequate storage for kids’ toys. The existing cabinetry was falling apart, the doors wouldn’t stay shut, and toys would constantly spill out. As well, there wasn’t a comfortable spot to watch TV. 

Their Laundry Room was equally chaotic, lacking storage and organization, with no place to fold laundry.  

The family knew it was time for a renovation that would transform their home into a space that truly worked for them.

Renovation Details

• Total Remodel Cost: $265,000
• Design Timeline: 3 Months – Start Date: August 20, 2022 – End Date: November 19, 2022
• Construction Timeline: 2.5 Months – Start Date: July 12, 2022 – Completion Date: September 30, 2022
• Designer:  Camila Tan
• Project Manager: Roman Tchaban
• Pre-Renovation Drawings:
  

• Proposed Drawings:
  

• Proposed 3D Drawings

Creating a Dream Kitchen for Busy Mornings

Imagine this: a Kitchen that swallows your breakfast prep whole. Dark cabinets hide forgotten ingredients, and there’s barely enough space to spread out, let alone have the kids join in on baking cookies. Sound familiar? That was the reality for our clients, a family with young children in Toronto. 

Our designer, Camila, listened closely to this family’s struggles. They needed a Kitchen that was both functional and inspiring, a place where mornings wouldn’t feel like a battle zone. Here’s how we made the magic happen:

• Storage SOS!

We banished overflowing cabinets with a tall pantry next to the fridge. No more mystery ingredients lurking in the back!

• Island of Dreams:

A beautiful new oak island with a built-in microwave freed up counter space for chopping veggies and mastering muffin recipes.

• Cabinet Cure:

Out went the tired old cabinets, replaced by sleek white oak ones that offer ample room for all the kitchen essentials.

• Bright and Beautiful:

Light, airy countertops and a subway tile backsplash completed the transformation, creating a fresh, modern space that’s perfect for busy mornings.

Now, breakfast prep is a breeze, and there’s even room for the kids to join in on the fun. Can you already smell those delicious pancakes?

Hiccups Along The Way:  Overcoming Renovation Challenges

Things don’t always go according to plan, and even with the best precautions, hiccups can arise during a renovation. Here are a couple of examples from this project:

BEFORE

AFTER

• From Hardwood Hiccup to Happy Feet:

As the family wanted to keep their existing flooring, it was important to protect and work carefully around all existing flooring. On the stairs, we had to replace posts and pickets, install new steps and match it all to the color of existing flooring.

During the Kitchen makeover, we encountered a surprise hidden beneath the old cabinets: a different coloured hardwood floor! But don’t worry, we didn’t freak out. Our “hardwood wizard” Dragos from Woodpecker Flooring worked his magic with a little spot-finishing, and now the new and old blend seamlessly together. You’d need a magnifying glass to see where one ends and the other begins!

• Basement Blues:

In the Basement, the family had a new custom-built leather sofa that we took out to the garage in order to install heated flooring. When the couch was brought back into the home, the homeowner discovered a rip in the leather. We wanted to make it right – Sosna was ready and prepared to buy a new one (which would be $7,000). Fortunately, we were able to find a leather specialist who was able to repair the rip onsite perfectly for $150! What a relief!

• Mirror, Mirror on the Wall:

 In the Bathroom, we installed a huge custom fabricated mirror (it took 4 people to carry it and install it). Well, there were several holes cut through this mirror for vanity light sconces. Our electrician over-tightened the screw when mounting the light fixture and the mirror.

While It wasn’t fun to rip this huge mirror off from the wall carefully when everything was finished, then fabricate and install a new one, but that’s exactly what we had to do.

BEFORE

AFTER

From Dated Den to Spa-tacular Ensuite

The Master Ensuite was also in need of a remodel. Sure, it was spacious, but the layout was awkward, and a giant tub hogged all the space. Not exactly the relaxing retreat this family needed. So, we transformed it into a spa-inspired oasis:

• Soaking in Style:

A sleek, semi-freestanding tub tucked into the corner freed up space for a luxurious walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead. Now, washing away the day’s stresses is pure bliss.

• Double the Vanity, Double the Fun:

A custom-built double vanity with a built-in makeup table provides ample storage for toiletries and makeup essentials. Plus, the new shower has a handy ledge for keeping everything you need within reach.

• Unwind and Recharge:

After a long day, this beautiful and relaxing space is the perfect place for parents to unwind and feel pampered.

BEFORE

AFTER

Banishing the Basement Blues: Creating a Playroom Paradise

Toronto winters are brutal, and this family’s Basement was no match for the cold. Chilly floors, outdated carpeting, and overflowing plastic bins made it less than inviting. But we transformed this space into a haven for family fun!

• Movie Magic:

We strategically widened the HVAC bulkhead to create a perfect spot for the mounted TV. Custom media cabinets with floating shelves keep electronics organized and stylish.

• Warm and Toasty Toes:

Heated vinyl flooring throughout the basement ensures warm feet during movie nights, rainy day adventures, or simply spending quality time together.

• Toy Taming Triumph:

Tall cabinets with adjustable shelves and deep drawers keep toys organized and out of sight. No more tripping over Legos!

BEFORE

AFTER

From Laundry Chaos to Organized Bliss

In the Laundry Room,  we swapped out the classic stacked washer and dryer for a sleek side-by-side setup. This freed up some serious real estate, allowing us to install a gorgeous, long countertop – perfect for sorting and folding clothes with ease. No more hunching over mountains of laundry!

We also custom-built upper cabinets to finally tame the cleaning supply chaos. Adjustable shelves and dividers ensure everything has its designated spot, keeping the space organized and frustration-free. Now, drying delicates is a breeze thanks to the handy hanging rack installed above the sink.

A Home That Reflects Your Life

This renovation wasn’t just about fancy finishes. It was about creating a home that truly reflects this family’s lifestyle. Now, every room functions seamlessly, offering both comfort and beautiful design. Mornings are less chaotic, evenings are filled with laughter, and weekends are spent enjoying a home that perfectly complements their busy lives.

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Is Your Toronto Home Ready for a Transformation?

Is your home more frustrating than functional? Let Sosna help! We specialize in turning houses into dream homes for families. Contact us today for a consultation and let’s discuss your vision. We’re the Toronto renovation experts you can count on!