Transforming a Home: A Journey of Renovation

What are the common home renovations in older Burlington and Oakville Neighbourhoods?

Many renovations begin with a life change. This could be a move to a new home or city, downsizing due to an empty nest, or even a career shift that allows for upward mobility in the housing market. For some, it’s simply "just that time" when their space no longer meets their needs.

This client found herself in a situation where she had neglected her home for years while focusing on building a successful career. Now, she was ready to invest in her ideal home. She wanted to reap the rewards of her hard work and truly start enjoying her leisure time at home.

A bright, timeless kitchen with dark stained white oak island and range hood, paired with off-white custom designed cabinetry.

The Renovation Journey Begins

Before: A Dated Front Entry

During our first visit, we discovered that the home was dark and dated. It had a Mediterranean look from the late 90s, complete with reddish oak floors, matching furniture, and numerous black metal finishes with scroll detailing throughout.

BEFORE - View from the front door.

The entire house needed an update. This included the kitchen, two bathrooms, all floors, the staircase, interior doors and trim, windows and exterior doors, light fixtures, and furnishings.

Essentially, we planned a full gut and redesign of the space, including the removal of a structural wall to open up the main floor.

BEFORE: Cherry kitchen cabinets

Prioritizing the Kitchen

The top priority, as with most homes, was the kitchen. It was dark and dated, and fairly small for the size of the home. The client is a wine enthusiast who enjoys entertaining and baking when she finds the time. We aimed to expand the kitchen's footprint while maximizing storage and counter space.

The client desired a classic, timeless kitchen design with a neutral color palette throughout the main floor. However, she also wanted luxury details. Our design plan began with removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room.

To optimize the floor plan and maximize storage, we added:

• A walk-in pantry

• A nine-foot white oak island with ample storage and three appliances

• A custom six-foot oak range hood

• An enlarged window above the sink to allow more natural light

• A view of the beautifully landscaped yard with a pool

  
  

White oak island and range hood balance the off-white custom designed transitional kitchen.

For the cabinets, we chose Benjamin Moore Dove Wing, a warm off-white with a silvery undertone. We added a dark stain to the white oak island and oversized range hood for contrast, complementing the medium-tone white oak plank flooring.

The countertops and backsplash are in Hanstone Aurelia, a Calacatta-inspired quartz with a white base, soft gold wisps, and dramatic grey veins. A six-burner gas range and a second wall oven placed into the island make it easy to create a feast.

Left side of custom kitchen showing paneled fridge, door to pantry and island seating.

The high-end fridge, dishwasher, and wine fridge (in the island) are paneled for a seamless integrated design. The new modern oversized window and the pantry door with black casing add elegance to the space.

Pendant lights are simple RH Utilitaire glass with bronze accent details, allowing the oversized dark oak range hood to be the focal point.

Custom kitchen cabinetry with white oak shelves, stained the same colour as the island, offer a place to highlight collected ceramics, vintage copperware and artwork, while decorative wicker baskets hide the not so pretty, but necessary stuff.

Custom wine glass storage with fluted glass doors lends sophistication and elegance when internal light is on in the evening. Paneled dishwasher next to the sink and a wine fridge (on the island), hidden pull-out garbage, under sink storage drawer, and dish drawers all in the same area allows for a highly functional space with good flow and organization.

The island is a workhorse with secondary sink, microwave drawer, second oven and wine fridge. The new window is three times the size of the original window maximizing light and the pool view.

Living Room Transformation

Living Room - Before

The fireplace, furnishings, and accessories were outdated. This room needed special details to make it cozy and inviting.

Living Room - After

Wall to wall ledgestone highlights the fireplace wall and adds warmth to the living room.

A view of the living room from the kitchen shows the arched oak doorway to the office/library niche.

We replaced the gas fireplace with the largest size that would fit and clad the wall in ledgestone tile in an earthy palette of cream, taupe, and grey. This set the tone for the new cozy furnishings. We then added a custom rustic wood mantel for holiday stockings.

The right side of the living room was elevated with an arched opening in white oak trim stained to match the kitchen. This small niche serves as an office/library space. Built-in walnut bookcases on all three walls were designed for future use.

Primary Bedroom Transformation

Primary Bedroom - Before

BEFORE - primary bedroom

BEFORE - primary bedroom

The primary bedroom was darker than the rest of the home. We aimed to brighten it up while maintaining a cozy and luxurious feeling.

Primary Bedroom - After

A mix of chenille, linen, boucle and cotton velvet fabrics make this monochromatic colour palette soothing and inviting in the primary bedroom.

We added trim detail on the headboard wall to provide architectural interest and visual height to this large bedroom space. Custom drapery in chenille fabric creates a moody luxe vibe.

Glass and brass pendant lights over bedside tables allow for a cleaner look on the bedside table.

Ensuite Bathroom Transformation

Ensuite Bathroom - Before

We created an access doorway from the bathroom to the adjacent bedroom, which was turned into a dressing room with a custom closet system. This allowed us to relocate the toilet to a less visible space and adjust the double vanity for better flow.

We changed the layout to allow for a beautiful view of the new freestanding tub with a marble niche above and a bubble chandelier—both glamorous and soothing.

Ensuite Bathroom - After

Luxurious ensuite bathroom includes a sleek free standing tub with elegant polished nickel faucet and a marble mosaic niche built into the wall. The bubble glass chandelier elevates the luxe factor.

The quartz-topped, custom designed double vanity with storage tower framed by full height mirrors and pretty glass pendants.

Front Entry Transformation

Front Entry - Before

This space was previously a formal living area that was seldom used. It did not make a great first impression when you walked in the door.

Check out that unfortunate window situation on the left—an architect, not a designer, made that decision for the exterior front view of the house.

Front Entry - After

Custom designed fireplace with reeded panel detail.

We aimed to create a focal point in this space by adding a fireplace with reeded wood detail to draw you into the room. We then installed wall sconces with the same ribbed glass feature to tie it all together. Three matching sconces line the staircase (not shown).

A muted earth-tone area rug defines the space. We added modern abstract art, cozy armchairs, and curated accessories, making it an inviting area to linger in the evening with a glass of wine. This space also has the flexibility to be used as a dining room in the future, adding versatility to the home.

Conclusion: A Modern Home Renovation

We executed a modern home renovation with timeless design features that will add value to the house and improve how the client lives and entertains in the space.

We hope you enjoyed the tour and the transformation of this home. If your home could use a redesign or a full reinvention, let's talk.

Photography by: Kosta Bratsos

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