North York Home Renovation: Transforming a House for Empty Nesters
Team Sosna recently had the privilege of working with a retired couple with a strong vision for transforming their home. They knew they needed a home capable of adapting to their needs and lifestyle while providing both comfort and elegance as the years go by. This family of empty nesters had seen their children grow up and successfully move out of the house, leaving them with the perfect canvas for adding some much-needed updates. They were ready to upgrade their home to reflect their current stage in life rather than showing the years of use. It was time to enjoy having a home that would support their day-to-day activities in a beautiful space that they could easily share with their grown children and friends.
Renovation Details
- Total Main Floor Remodel Cost:
- Construction Timeline:
- 4.5 Months – November 23, 2023 – April 2, 2024
- Designer: Olga Sverdlova
- Project Manager: Roman Tchaban
- Pre-Renovation Drawings:
- Proposed Renovation Drawings
- 3D Proposed Renovation Drawings:
Identifying Areas for Improvement
Before planning out the renovations they wanted, the couple found their home felt limiting and less than its potential. The closed-off kitchen layout made the entire floor feel cramped. It was isolated from the rest of the house, and it also lacked the storage and countertop space they desired for their daily culinary explorations. Meanwhile, the bathrooms were also outdated. These spaces no longer met their needs or made their guests feel welcome, lacking the modern comforts and accessibility details they knew they wanted.
Building Trust and a Shared Vision
The couple knew it was time for a renovation and that it was going to make more sense than moving to a new home. However, their negative previous experience with contractors had left them hesitant to commit to that kind of project again. Trusting a new team was a significant hurdle for them, and we understood why. It took time to build rapport with the Sosna team. Through consistent communication, careful listening, and clear explanations, we gradually earned their trust and aligned our vision with theirs. That’s the Sosna difference that keeps our clients returning to us again and again.
BEFORE
AFTER
Creating an Open and Functional Kitchen
Our mission from the start was to create a space that met all of their needs while retaining the existing character they loved about their home. It takes a careful hand when designing and building to achieve this kind of balance. To address their concerns about the kitchen, we designed an open and spacious layout achieved with the removal of part of the wall separating the kitchen and the living room areas.
This simple change was highly effective, instantly making the space feel more inviting and connected with the rest of the space. We also added a built-in closet to the entry area to add more storage right at the entrance of the home. We aimed to maximize every inch of the existing structure without expanding its footprint.
To give the kitchen a new sense of life and flow, we introduced a complete system of custom cabinetry with ample storage solutions built right in. It made keeping everything organized much easier for our clients. That was one of their biggest requests for the project. Durable contemporary flooring was combined with a completely refinished staircase with sleek new metal railings to give the entire main floor a refreshed and modern look. We also updated the ceiling throughout the space by removing the outdated popcorn texture. This brought a new sense of airiness to the rooms thanks to the clean and smooth surfaces. The addition of new fixtures and a strategically placed skylight transformed the lighting of the space as well, making the living room and kitchen feel bright and more open.
BEFORE
AFTER
Designing a Luxurious Master Ensuite
In the bathrooms, the updates were focused on function and luxury in particular. The master ensuite was expanded first to include a full-sized soaking tub and a wall-mounted double vanity. This created ample storage opportunities for toiletries and keeping the space tidy. There’s no need for clutter in the new ensuite design. Marble tiles were laid to update the floor and up the wall behind the new bathtub, creating a spa-like retreat that the couple could enjoy daily for rest and relaxation.
Bringing the Vision to Life: A Home for a New Chapter
This renovation didn’t just address the practical needs of the clients; it also made way for a whole new chapter in their lives together. The new open-concept layout encourages them to entertain friends and family members more often thanks to the ease of preparing for gatherings. There’s a welcoming atmosphere that flows effortlessly from one space to the next, tying everything together in a new way. The light, airy kitchen has soft finishes—white cabinets, brushed nickel fixtures, and quartz countertops—that have made it the heart of their home. It’s a comfortable space where they can cook together, host guests, and enjoy the simplicity of everyday life without clutter or lighting issues.
With the expansion added to the master bedroom, our clients gained a serene space to retreat to at the end of each day. The space is restful and designed with their needs in mind. The integration of a home office space into their new master suite means they can work on their favorite hobbies or manage their personal affairs without sacrificing privacy and comfort. With a fully reorganized closet system, staying organized and on top of their respective wardrobes has never been easier.
The fully renovated basement was perhaps the biggest surprise of the whole project. Adding a new walk-in shower and custom furniture in the laundry room ensures that the home can accommodate their visiting friends and family members without any hassle. This change made it easier for them to invite their loved ones to stay over and share quality time together.
Overcoming Challenges, Achieving Success
As with any other renovation project we have to handle, there were challenges along the way that popped up to surprise our team. One of the biggest tasks we faced was creating a seamless opening between the home’s existing structure and a new addition to the family room. This required all of our team’s skills in welding and roofing to maintain structural integrity and create a transition that made sense for the style of the home. The installation of a new patio door that seamlessly connects the interior with the outdoor space around the home was a highlight of the project. We felt it really helped turn their backyard into an extension of their living area.
Cultural sensitivity also played a big role in our design approach for this project. We knew our clients had specific tastes and wanted to respect and honor that with our design. Blending in elements that reflected their heritage while also incorporating contemporary materials that suited their aesthetic was the key to success. Throughout the project, regular communication between our design and construction teams was crucial to staying on schedule. We held regular team meetings, shared progress updates with our clients, and addressed all concerns as they arose. This ensured that everyone working on the project remained aligned from start to finish.
A New Beginning in a Transformed Home
The final results in our clients’ home reveals more than just a renovation. It’s a complete transformation of the space. Our clients now have a home that is beautiful along with being perfectly suited to their current lifestyle. It’s a space where they can age gracefully in place, enjoying their golden years while surrounded by the warmth and functionality they always envisioned for their home. We were pleased to help them achieve their dreams and overcome their hesitations towards going through the renovation process.
This project stands as a testament to the power of our thoughtful design approach that is centered around collaboration and communication. At Sosna, we believe that a home can easily evolve with its owners as the years pass. It’s just a matter of making timely renovations as you need to update the space. We’re proud to have helped this couple create a space where they can live comfortably and happily for many years to come. If you’re an empty nester ready to renovate and update your home for a new phase of life, contact us today to see how we can help.
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Imagine a home perfectly tailored to your lifestyle, where comfort and elegance meet. Let Sosna help you create the space of your dreams. Get in touch now!
