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Main Floor Renovation in Toronto

These lovely homeowners, in their late 60s, seasoned by life and travel, wanted a home that worked for their lifestyle. They needed their home to be comfortable, functional, and genuinely welcoming for guests.

Renovation Details

  • Total Remodel Cost:
  • Design Timeline:
    • 4 Months – May 23, 2023 – September 21, 2023
  • Construction Timeline:
    • 4 Months – January 3, 2024 – May 8, 2024
  • Designer: Camila Tan
  • Project Manager: Roman Tchaban
  • Pre-Renovation Drawings: 

  • Proposed Renovation Drawings: 

  • Proposed 3D Drawings: 

When Small Annoyances Become Big Dealbreakers

You know how it is, those small frustrations you put up with until you suddenly realize you’re just done? For them, the main floor had a few things that had to change. The kitchen was too cramped, suffering from limited counter space and storage. The wall separating the kitchen from the dining area really hindered the flow for hosting and visiting. Two underused bedrooms wasted valuable space, and the powder room was tucked at the back, and was inconvenient for guests.

Upstairs was problematic too. They had only one shared bathroom serving the primary bedroom and the guest room. They were tired of trekking to the basement for laundry. To top it off, the primary bedroom was practically a sauna thanks to the brutal afternoon sun. 

Facing Renovation Worries

Renovation is exciting but also nerve-wracking. The homeowners were cautious, worried about budget creeps and whether the home they envisioned would be achievable. They were also careful about selecting the right team. A previous renovation attempt with another company had fallen through, so trust had to be earned.

BEFORE

 

The Transformation: Making a Home That Flows

Our approach focused on both functionality and lifestyle. On the main floor, relocating the stairs was transformative. It immediately opened up the whole main floor. Now, the kitchen, dining, and living areas are one big, open, welcoming space.

Smart Details for Everyday Living

The kitchen now features a big island with seating, generous counter space, and storage. But the absolute best detail? That was all the homeowner’s idea: a dishwasher installed at standing height! No more bending down to load or unload, making this idea a smart ergonomic choice.  Our team knew it was a great idea, but figuring out how to successfully run the drain pipe for it was a real challenge that required careful, specialized planning.

We also moved the powder room right up front, making it easy for guests, and tucked a sweet coffee station with its own bar sink near the dining area, perfect for morning routines or setting up a self-serve bar during a get-together. 

Comfort and Flow Upstairs

We didn’t forget the second floor! We made a simple, clever swap: the primary bedroom was moved to the cooler side of the house, finally getting away from that harsh afternoon sun. The new primary suite now connects to what was the shared bathroom, which we converted into a spacious walk-in closet that leads right into the ensuite. 

We installed compact laundry machines upstairs for easy accessibility, completely eliminating those trips to the basement! The former primary bedroom became a beautiful guest suite, complete with its own ensuite and walk-in closet, offering privacy and comfort for everyone who visits.

Overcoming the Challenges 

There was a bit of careful planning needed to run ducting for the new heat supply through the family room floor. And honestly, there was a minor issue with the stair handrail initially, as it had an awkward jog. We corrected it after the fact so it terminates neatly under the ceiling. It’s those small, intentional adjustments that make the final result feel complete.

Finishes That Feel Like Home

Every detail was curated to be beautiful but low-maintenance: custom kitchen cabinetry, leather-finish quartz countertops, engineered hardwood on the main floor, and refinished hardwood upstairs. They chose porcelain tiles for the foyer and patio, and a mix of brushed nickel and polished chrome fixtures tied everything together. A new gas fireplace in the living room added serious warmth and charm, while oak stairs connected the floors beautifully.

The Final Takeaway: Life is Better Now

Their day-to-day life has completely changed. Cooking, entertaining, and simply moving through the house is now effortless. No more wasted space, no more sweltering primary bedroom, and no more trekking to the basement for laundry. Every meal, every gathering, every quiet moment feels better because the home is finally working for them. A thoughtful renovation can transform not just the space, but the quality of your daily life.

AFTER

Hear Directly From Our Happy Clients!

Hear what these clients had to say about their Sosna design and renovation experience here!

Ready to Love Your Home Again?

If your house doesn’t feel like it fits your lifestyle anymore, we can help to explore how a thoughtful renovation can make your home work for you. Contact us today to get started!

Author: Rosie Rooke

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