Often, it takes time to realize a home lacks critical elements for comfortable living. This is what happened to a couple who purchased a 2,000-sq.-ft., two-storey, semi-detached home in Leslieville. What they initially thought was a turn-key home, ended up being a poorly executed flip. After living in it for a couple of years, they discovered its functionally fell short in critical spaces: The kitchen and dining area on the main floor and the primary bathroom ensuite located on the upper level.
“Their vision was to rework these spaces into something that felt contemporary, elevated and distinctly theirs,” explains Megan Crosbie, principal designer and founder of Megan Crosbie Design. “On the main floor, they wanted an inviting, functional hub for cooking, dining and gathering. Upstairs, the priority was transforming the ensuite into a retreat that was beautiful and highly functional.”
The issues
The kitchen update also extended into the adjacent powder room, while the primary suite transformation centred on the ensuite, but also included rethinking the room’s layout for better flow and function.
“Aside from a few pre-existing furniture pieces, the main floor was a complete overhaul, and the primary suite became a true retreat,” says Crosbie.
While both areas had functional and quality issues, the details differed greatly. The ensuite bathroom suffered from persistent water damage, which resulted in mould, and the awkward layout left the tub crammed into a corner with no breathing room. As well, the vanity had no counter space. In the kitchen, the flow and overall ergonomics of the space were off. For example, the fridge door couldn’t open fully without hitting the wall. The original millwork amplified the home’s “bowling alley” feel, and the inexpensive white oak floors were laid in short, choppy boards that affected the overall aesthetic of the entire main level.
“These were problems you only discover by living with them,” says Crosbie, “but once identified, they became the driving force behind our design solutions.”
The solutions downstairs
The kitchen was the biggest transformation. Starting with a blank slate, every new element was designed with intention. The marble island, clad on three sides to create a sculptural centrepiece, became the focal point, and its veining set the tone for the entire palette – layered with painted charcoal, white oak and a complementary taupe in the millwork. Mixing slab and micro-shaker fronts created a subtle play between contemporary and classic, keeping the look elevated but not cold.
“Custom millwork was key,” says Crosbie. “We designed every inch with the family’s lifestyle in mind, from toddler-safe shelving heights and wine storage to a reeded-glass cabinet that obscures contents while keeping the space light, and a single open shelf for functional, within-reach storage.”
For durability near the cooktop, a quartz that complemented the marble was chosen. “A concealed coffee bar – complete with a pull-out work surface – is an MCD signature, and it makes the morning routine seamless.”
The long hallway created a ‘bowling alley” effect and to remedy it, a herringbone floor was installed to add sophistication. A built-in banquette opened up floor space, while deep green leather seating against the charcoal cabinetry created a soft touch. Down the hall, the powder room echoes the kitchen’s materials. The vanity is made from an off-cut of the marble slab from the kitchen island, and is paired with warm white oak and a gold faucet to shift from the kitchen’s black hardware, while maintaining a subtle connection.
The solutions upstairs
A spa-like retreat was created by completely rethinking the layout. Added were a water closet for privacy and a proper double vanity for functionality. The tub and shower share a wet room, which is a space-saving design with a hotel-level, luxurious flair. A serene and neutral colour palette was chosen, with mixed metal finishes adding warmth, and textured tiles for layering. “Every choice, from tile selection to fixtures, was made to feel timeless, so the room will age beautifully alongside the home,” says Crosbie.
Tying it all together
“We brought both spaces back to life with thoughtful planning and a refined aesthetic,” explains Crosbie. “Custom millwork became the focal point, adding quiet sophistication while dramatically improving functionality. Every design decision worked double duty to enhance storage, flow and long-term livability.”