Kitchen Remodel in Maple: A Stunning Upgrade for Passionate Home Chefs
We at Sosna understand that a kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s the heart of your home, a reflection of your lifestyle, and a stage for culinary creativity. We’ve had the privilege of transforming numerous kitchens into breathtaking spaces that meet and exceed our client’s expectations. Today, we invite you to delve into one of our most recent projects—a kitchen remodel in Maple that exudes elegance, functionality, and the refined tastes of our amazing clients (who also happen to be professionals in the restaurant industry! We are particularly proud of this renovation, as it was nominated as a Finalist for the Renomark Award for 2024 Best Kitchen Renovation over $100,000!
Renovation Details
- Total Kitchen Remodel Cost:
- Design Timeline:
- 1 Month – Start Date: November 16, 2022 – End Date: December 15, 2022
- Construction Timeline: 3 Months – Start Date: January 10, 2023 – Completion Date: March 27, 2023
- Designer: Camila Tan
- Project Manager: Leo Soudat
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Kitchen Drawings:
- Proposed Kitchen, 3D Drawings:
BEFORE
AFTER
Why a Kitchen Remodel? The Client’s Vision
Our clients, a family of accomplished professionals with deep ties to the restaurant industry, approached us with a kitchen that no longer served their needs. Cramped, outdated, and lacking natural light, their existing Kitchen was far from the culinary haven they envisioned. Daily meal preparation felt like a chore, and the space needed to be equipped for entertaining guests. Hosting a party that seamlessly flowed into the Kitchen was simply impossible due to the restrictive layout.
Having already experienced our expertise through previous bathroom and laundry room renovations, they entrusted us to reimagine their Kitchen as a space that would cater to their culinary passions and serve as a welcoming gathering place for family and friends.
Overcoming Challenges: The Hiccups Along the Way
Every renovation project comes with its own set of challenges, and this Kitchen remodel was no exception. Despite careful planning and expertise, unforeseen issues tested our adaptability and problem-solving skills. Here’s a look at some of the hiccups we encountered and how we successfully navigated them:
Extensive Water Damage
As we started this exciting remodel, our team discovered extensive water damage to the exterior wall and floor joists caused by a leaking window. There was no way to see this coming as the leak happened slowly over the years behind the wall. There were no signs of it happening.
This unforeseen challenge presented an opportunity for a significant upgrade though. We replaced the old window with a larger, more elegant one from Hermes Exteriors Doors & Windows, flooding the Kitchen with natural light and offering a picturesque view of their beautiful backyard. This simple change instantly made the space feel more open and inviting while ensuring structural integrity and preventing future issues.
Uneven Flooring
Before installing the Kitchen, our dedicated Sosna Site Leader, Gus, informed the clients that their floor was uneven due to the original dry pack subfloor, which created a step up from the hardwood to the Kitchen. They wanted a seamless transition, so he explained that we could make the floor true and flat but not level. They agreed, and we achieved the seamless look they desired.
Countertop Confusion
The next challenge was the countertop stone. When the fabricated stone was delivered, the client realized it was the wrong colour. She had selected a black and white stone, but the delivered one was gray and white. After verifying with the supplier, we received a credit for the slabs but not the fabrication. We covered the cost of recutting and reinstallation, meeting the client’s expectations. It was challenging to make yet another countertop from scratch with mitered edges and a waterfall feature and still stay within the deadline, but we found a way to do it thanks to our good partners in the stone fabrication industry.
Unexpected Structural Adjustments
The chandelier was purchased by the client almost at the end of the construction and turned out to be made of stone and weighed around 60 pounds. Suddenly, just a few days before completion, we realized that to hang it properly, we had to open up a freshly painted ceiling and structurally reinforce the ceiling junction box. Not only would it cause additional costs, but it would also delay the completion. Gus rolled up his sleeves and found an innovative solution that allowed us to complete everything on time, keeping our clients happy.
Designing for Connection: The Art of Gathering
The centerpiece of this kitchen transformation is a much more useful peninsula that serves as both a functional workspace and a social hub. Gone is the isolated island of the past, replaced by this multifunctional masterpiece. Topped with a stunning quartz waterfall countertop in polished “Calcatta Fiona,” the peninsula features a unique grooved panel design with energy-efficient LED lighting. These grooves seamlessly align with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall, creating a visually striking element that draws the eye, creating a visual effect that draws the eye up and makes the space feel bigger.
But this peninsula is about more than just being visually appealing. It’s the place where conversations flow as easily as wine. Now, the hosts can chat with guests while cooking, making the whole experience feel more connected and fun. The Kitchen has become a true gathering space where everyone feels welcome and included.
Streamlining Functionality: A Chef’s Haven
The back wall, the heart of the Kitchen’s work area, received a significant upgrade in looks and functionality. We removed the central island to create a more streamlined flow and introduced a ton of storage solutions. Two appliance garages discreetly house small countertop appliances, keeping the space clutter-free. New cabinetry with drawers, pull-out organizers, and inserts ensures that utensils and other essentials are neatly tucked away.
The impressive hood cabinet is the star of the show here, matching the rest of the upper cabinets for a clean and unified look. We’re proud of the detailed work on these cabinets, with their mix of shaker profiles and deep grooves. They show the attention to detail we put into every project, which defines our work.
The cabinet installation went smoothly, thanks to Luminar, our skilled installer. They managed to fit everything perfectly despite the uneven walls and ceilings.
Indulge Your Passions: Wine, Coffee, and Culinary Delights
For our clients, entertaining is all about enjoying the finer things. So, to cater to their love of wine, we installed a luxury wine fridge that keeps their collection at the perfect temperature. There’s also a built-in coffee machine and a dedicated bar area, making it the ideal spot for a morning cappuccino or an after-dinner tea with friends.
The pantry and tall cabinets provide plenty of storage for cleaning supplies and other essentials, making sure everything has its place. This careful organization keeps the space looking neat, no matter how big the gathering.
The Finishing Touches: Where Beauty Meets Practicality
The real magic of this Kitchen is in the details. The light fixture over the round breakfast table casts a soft glow, adding to the atmosphere of the space. The colours are light and airy, with subtle pops of contrast that add some energy to the room while still making it feel calm and comfortable.
The gorgeous tilework from Sarana Tile in “Onyx White” perfectly complements the quartz countertops, creating a beautiful blend of textures.
A Kitchen That Inspires
Our clients are overjoyed with their new Kitchen, a space that has become the heart of their home and a source of inspiration for their culinary adventures. Whether whipping up a gourmet meal for a special occasion or enjoying a casual breakfast with family, their Kitchen now enhances every moment.
Throughout the project, the clients were terrific to work with, making reasonable decisions and considering their options carefully. Their four-year-old daughter was initially shy, but she quickly warmed up to Gus and nicknamed him “Gus the Bus.” (This nickname continues to be used by the team!) She often danced to the music on Gus’ radio, and although she was sad to see the renovation end, he joked that she would need to break something for us to return. Ultimately, their house looks stunning, with the Bathrooms and the Kitchen beautifully renovated.
Your Dream Kitchen Awaits
If you’re ready to embark on a kitchen remodel that will elevate your home and lifestyle, we invite you to contact us at Sosna. Our team of experienced designers and craftsmen is dedicated to creating kitchens that reflect your unique tastes and aspirations. Let us help you transform your Kitchen into a masterpiece you’ll cherish for years.
