KITCHEN RENOVATION
LOCATION: LESLIEVILLE
APPROXIMATE RENOVATION INVESTMENT: $100,000 – $250,000
The Vision
For this young family of four, the kitchen needed to do a lot. It was the main entrance to the home, the place where meals were prepared and eaten, and a high-traffic space used throughout the day.
They wanted to make better use of the 180-square-foot kitchen, creating more storage, more room to prepare meals and a comfortable place for the family to sit together. They also wanted the space to feel brighter and less cramped while standing up to the demands of everyday family life.
The overall direction was modern and Swedish-inspired, with a bright, streamlined look and practical materials suited to a busy household.
The Challenge
The existing galley-style kitchen was cramped and had limited storage. Because the garage was accessed from the back laneway, the patio door had become the family’s primary entrance, bringing frequent traffic and cold air into the kitchen.
The small existing closet wasn’t large enough to handle coats and everyday belongings, adding to the clutter. At the same time, the 180-square-foot space needed to accommodate food preparation, dining, storage and the family’s main entrance.
There were also infrastructure issues behind the scenes. Incorrectly sloped plumbing had contributed to poor water pressure, while grease buildup in the pipes had caused clogging.
The Approach
The kitchen was completely reorganized to make better use of the available space. Floor-to-ceiling white cabinetry increased storage while helping the compact kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
Near the patio door, cabinetry was reconfigured to create a proper hall closet, giving coats and other belongings a dedicated home rather than allowing them to spill into the kitchen.
The island was enlarged to become the main work area, with the sink and dishwasher positioned at its centre. This gave the parents a practical place to prepare meals while keeping the children nearby.
Durability was considered throughout the material selection. Quartz countertops were chosen for the work surfaces and island, while heated porcelain wood-grain tile provided a durable floor suited to the family’s heavy traffic. A mottled finish helps disguise dirt brought in through the main entrance.
Before construction moved forward, the plumbing and electrical systems were redone to address the existing issues. The team also removed plywood and spray-foamed pockets in the headers to help prevent cold air from entering through the patio door.
The Details
The finished kitchen combines a bright, Swedish-inspired aesthetic with materials and features chosen for a busy family.
- White melamine, touch-close cabinetry
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for increased storage
- White quartz countertops
- White honeycomb backsplash tile
- Stainless steel appliances with integrated oven vent
- Heated porcelain wood-grain floor tile with a mottled texture
- Enlarged island with integrated sink and dishwasher
- Island seating for the family of four
- Pot lights and hanging light fixture
- Dedicated hall closet incorporated into the kitchen cabinetry
- Upgraded patio doors designed for frequent use
The Transformation
The 180-square-foot kitchen now handles everything the family needs from it, without feeling like everything is competing for space. Storage is tucked into the cabinetry, the enlarged island provides a practical place to prepare and eat meals, and the new hall closet keeps the main entrance more organized.
The island has also become a natural spot for the children to sit or do homework while their parents prepare meals. With its bright finishes, warm flooring and streamlined design, the kitchen feels considerably more spacious while remaining practical enough for the pace of family life.
