Trading Spaces
Demolishing a small bathroom, a closet and a patio, open up space in this cramped fixer-upper
by Noemi Hallett and Cindy Kolar
after photos Stephani Buchman
Finding the perfect home was the goal of a Toronto couple with two young children. They were looking to move out of the downtown core and purchase a house in a more family-friendly neighbourhood. What they found was a fixer-upper, a dated single-family home that showed potential, but needed work.
The wish list
The first floor lacked flow, a common problem in older homes. The narrow hallway felt cramped because a wall blocked off the living room, restricting the space, and the kitchen was closed-off at the back.
The homeowners, being avid cooks, wished for a larger kitchen with plenty of storage and an open space for entertaining. They also wanted to add an ensuite bathroom on the second level.
Reorganizing the space
An outdated bathroom, a small closet and a patio at the back of the house were demolished, freeing up an extra 100 sq. ft. for a total of 200 sq. ft. to expand the kitchen, provide an addition upstairs for the new ensuite bathroom retreat, and somehow keep the main-floor bathroom. The kitchen was expanded to 180 sq. ft., and the extra 20 sq. ft.? It was allotted to a new powder room, which was relocated closer to the front of the house near the stairs and front door. To further open up space, the wall blocking access from the kitchen to the dining room was taken down and replaced by a beam, creating one unified area for cooking and entertaining. The installation of nine-ft. sliding doors completed the picture, flooding the back of the house with natural light.
Kitchen delight
With a larger canvas on which to work, the redesign included installing a 7.5-ft.-long, four-ft.-wide island, where the two young children could sit and watch while meals were prepped and cooked. The Zurich quartzite countertop is easy to maintain, and extra storage was added in the island where the bar stools are located. The thin, linear fixture was chosen for its clean lines that won’t distract from the sightline into the backyard. The stools have durable leather seats that are comfortable, and the cognac colour complements the brown veining in the countertop. Finally, in the dining area, the 10-ft. live edge wood table was custom made and surrounded by classic wishbone chairs.
A private retreat
The addition on the main floor at the back of the house added more space on the second floor, so the homeowners’ desire for a private, relaxing ensuite retreat could be realized. The existing space was reorganized, and the upstairs hall bathroom was reduced in size to make room for a new walk-in closet in the master bedroom.
For a high-end hotel bathroom vibe, Carrara marble was chosen for its timeless appeal, and it was carried throughout the 90-sq.-ft space to create a uniform, spa-like feeling. As a special touch, a floral marble mosaic inset was placed in the centre of the floor. Eschewing a free-standing tub, the homeowners preferred the luxury of a large shower. Touches of gold add a bit of glamour and the walnut floating vanity brings a soft warmth to the space.
Saving graces
Budget was always top-of-mind throughout this home renovation. To meet the needs of the homeowners without overspending, it was critical to choose where to save and where to spend. In the kitchen, the wish was for a functional yet beautiful space, so money was directed toward new appliances, such as a stainless-steel, six-burner Wolf gas range; a built-in stainless-steel Kitchen Aid full-depth fridge; custom two-toned cabinetry that extends to the ceiling; and stunning Zurich quartzite for the countertops and backsplash.
Savings occurred elsewhere, such as in the powder room, where an Ikea vanity was constructed with filler panels to create a custom look for less. The countertops in the small powder room and new second-floor ensuite were made from off-cut stone slabs, which are leftover pieces available at the stone fabricators warehouse, at a fraction of the cost.
A collaboration
All renovations, whether large or small, require careful planning and a clear sense of direction, to achieve a homeowner’s goals on time and to remain on budget. Transforming and personalizing a space is a special collaboration between the client and the designer and the result can lead to a beautiful home that welcomes you every time you walk through the front door.