Main Floor Remodel in Toronto
This wasn’t just another renovation project; it was about transforming a beloved family home. The Parentes had been living in their house for over 10 years, raising their two sons and two dogs within its walls. They knew it was their “forever home,” but as their sons grew into teenagers, the space felt increasingly cramped, especially the dining area. The structure was still in great shape despite its age, but the interior design of the Main Floor was definitely showing its age. A tight layout crowded with interior walls blocked natural light, leaving the space looking dim and uninspiring. It wasn’t a welcoming space for the family to enjoy, nor was it convenient for inviting in guests and extended family. The Kitchen and Dining areas were completely separated from the rest of the floor. When it came time to serve a meal, everyone had to gather in a space that could barely accommodate more than the daily residents of the home.
In the Kitchen, our clients struggled with a lack of space and storage options. The counter space simply wasn’t sufficient for their love of preparing meals at home – especially for the client who enjoys baking and making homemade pasta! Even the refrigerator was awkwardly placed in the layout, blocking off access to it every time the Dining area was fully occupied. It simply didn’t work for a busy family with two young children to keep fed. It was clear we were going to need to make some big changes in this room to improve both its functionality and style. On top of the layout issues leading to the lack of space, the clients’ Main Floor also suffered from hardwood flooring that had seen better days. Plenty of scratches and visible wear meant it was a priority for upgrading in the renovation.
Renovation Details
- Total Renovation Cost:
- Designer:
- Project Manager:
Design Timeline:
2 Months: February 3, 2021 – March 26, 2021
Construction Timeline:
4 Months: April, 2021 – August, 2021
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed 3D Renovation Drawings:
Planning This Toronto Renovation with the Clients in Mind
Making the most of the downtown location meant maximizing how much value we could add to the existing structure. Our usual multi-stage planning and design process ensured that the Parentes had plenty of opportunities to give their input on the work. Right from the initial call, their experience was fantastic. They received a prompt callback and were impressed by Andrei’s thorough explanation of our proven process, not just the potential cost.
As part of the pre-planning stage, we conducted a thorough structural investigation and put our engineering knowledge to good use. The team focused in on the wall dividing the Kitchen and Dining area. This was the cause of the awkward placement of the fridge that caused it to become blocked during dining – a major pain point for the family. During our first design meeting, this awkwardly positioned fridge, located right behind the dining table, was glaringly obvious. They couldn’t even open it when someone was seated at the table! It was clear that the closed-off kitchen and dining areas, which took up only a third of the main floor, were hindering their lifestyle.
We identified a way to safely remove this wall without compromising the structure, creating a much more open floorplan for the Main Floor of the home. Our skill at demolition allowed us to immediately focus on features that would make the most of the larger space. With our clients interested in entertaining guests along with serving family meals, we wanted to optimize the combined Kitchen and Dining area with flow and foot traffic in mind. In addition to creating more open space, we also focused on creating a peninsula of counter top space for informal dining and gathering. A separate coffee cabinet also became part of the design thanks to feedback from the Parentes.
Tackling Surprises and Challenges During Construction
The design and planning phase flowed smoothly, taking only a little over two months to complete. We moved on to demolition to prepare for the changes a few months later. However, there was a surprise that popped up during this stage that threw a wrench in the original plans. There was an important piece of ductwork that didn’t have a convenient spot for relocation. This presented an unexpected hurdle! However, we found a solution by relocating the ductwork to another wall and cleverly concealing it within the cabinetry we were building for the peninsula. You wouldn’t even know it’s there because there’s still ample storage space inside.
Our suggested designs that drew the most attention from the clients featured both hints of calming color and natural wood finishes. That resulted in a unique look for the new cabinets that combined natural wood finishes for the upper cabinets and an elegant navy blue color for the bottom cabinets. Contrasting colors and finishes help bring a sense of movement and energy to the room that’s perfect for this family. After the custom-built cabinets were completed, we installed matte black hardware and fixtures for even more contrast. The results are bold and welcoming without feeling too overwhelming for a quiet breakfast at home. There’s so much more light in the new Kitchen design, increasing the safety of food preparation routines. Our new light fixtures include a mix of low-profile task lighting and dynamic pendant lamps that help divide the space and draw the eye through the open area.
We finished up the Kitchen upgrade with glazed subway tiles with a handmade look. Despite the high-end look, this material was tough enough to handle the wear and tear from pets and kids combined. It was also a more easy-clean option for a family like this one, especially when compared to the original hardwood. New quartz counter tops completed the redesign, offering a similar mix of luxury looks and durable functionality.
Creating New Memories at Meal Time with a Dining Area Remodel
Moving the refrigerator away from the Dining area was just the start in expanding the seating options in the new layout. We created a proper space for the dining table that allowed for plenty of flow even when the seats were fully occupied. Now our clients can easily entertain or just quickly serve up a family meal without so much hassle.
In addition to the Kitchen and Dining area improvements, we wanted to create a sense of extra space in the rest of the Main Floor without the cost of an addition. Taking one of the walls down to a half-wall gave us the perfect opportunity to establish a clear line of sight throughout the space. This was a practical improvement for the clients because it gives them a chance to keep an eye on their children as they play in another part of the Main Floor.
We also built a new set of stairs to the Basement that complemented the rest of the open layout. Porcelain tiles with a similar style to the kitchen flooring were used throughout the space to tie everything together with the clean Industrial Transitional style our clients preferred. Yet the materials were also meant to last for years with minimal maintenance from our clients, freeing them up to enjoy their time with their dogs and kids instead of focusing on waxing and sealing.
Another Successful Project Completed with Quick Turnaround
Our clients had their new Kitchen and Dining area in under a year from the start of initiating the project. Despite the surprises we found during demolition and the changes we made along the way to the original renovation design, we stayed on schedule and avoided unexpected costs whenever possible. The Parentes were surprised and pleased with what we were able to accomplish despite the affordable total cost of the remodel. They didn’t need to wait months for the mess or noise of construction to wrap up. We completed the complex installation in around 4 months, treating the home and our clients with respect the entire time. Our clients were able to get back to their daily routine after minimal disruption and absolutely loved the improved experience of cooking in their new Kitchen.
Throughout the entire renovation, the Parentes were amazed at how closely we followed the Sosna process. They were kept informed every step of the way, eliminating any uncertainty about the project’s progress. They were able to live in their home during the construction, leaving for work each day and returning to a clean house each night. This minimized disruption to their daily routine, which they greatly appreciated.
The Parentes were thrilled with our vision from the start and were even happier with the results we presented to them at the end. They get to enjoy their home even longer now without having to worry about a lack of flow around the Dining area or worn-looking flooring in the Kitchen. The new design will grow with them and their family, looking great for years to come with minimal extra work. They now have the home they’ve been dreaming of for years, with a bright, open, and comfortable design. In the end, they were thrilled with their first major renovation experience. We delivered a life-changing result on time, elevating their lifestyle. Their main floor is now perfectly proportioned, allowing them to fully utilize the space and comfortably host guests. Want to hear about their experiences directly from them? Click here!
No need to feel envious of what the Parentes have when you can transform your home in a similar way with our help. Contact us today to get started on a journey of home renovation that will wrap up before you know it.
Hear Directly from our Happy Clients
Hear directly from these happy Sosna clients about their thoughts on their home renovation.
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