Nestled in the neighbourhood of Kleinburg, a five-bedroom, 5,000-sq.-ft. home with a beautifully landscaped backyard underwent a remarkable transformation to fulfill the vision of its discerning owners.
Constructed three decades ago, the home had a dated charm characterized by plastered walls adorned with hues of beige and red, complemented by dark oak trim and built-ins throughout. The original layout of the home created a series of spatial challenges for the renovation, as each area was distinctly separated from the others either through walls, openings, or a lowered platform level.
A collaboration between the homeowners – a family of six – and the design team was guided by a shared vision to modernize the style while preserving its allure. Keywords such as serene, spa-like and light and airy set the tone for the project, shaping every aspect of the renovation process.
The kitchen
Central to the redesign was the kitchen, which felt small and enclosed. The clients wanted a more open and connected space, with a natural flow between the kitchen, dining area, family room and backyard. The goal was a reimagined space that would be the heart of the home, serving as a culinary hub, while fostering a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor living.
European design principles
To create clean lines, modern features and an aesthetically pleasing simplicity, and taking into consideration the family’s Italian heritage and their passion for entertaining, the new kitchen layout focused on openness, maximizing the space between the kitchen, breakfast area, and family room. Originally measuring 300 sq. ft., the kitchen featured beige-toned wood cabinetry with intricate trim detailing, which did not extend to the full height of the ceiling and contributed to the sense of the space feeling small.
To expand the area, the structural load-bearing wall was moved by approximately two ft., which opened the wall between the kitchen and family room, enlarging the combined kitchen and breakfast area by almost 150 sq. ft., for a total of 450 sq. ft. This additional space allowed for a full-size standard island to be installed, providing ample counter and prep space.
The overall aesthetic includes oak cabinetry designed to incorporate state-of-the-art appliances; integrated handles to maintain clean lines; and light oak flooring, complemented by white lower cabinets that break up the wood tones. Black accents throughout add a modern touch, and matte black plumbing fixtures paired with matching light fixtures create a cohesive look. The durable Dekton countertop, which is an ultracompact porcelain surface ideal for high-traffic areas, is paired with a real Calacatta marble bar top and feature side for added elegance. Subtly patterned, light-grey countertops extend onto the backsplash and walls, for continuity.
Finally, extra pantry and storage space were added, providing convenient access to essentials and reducing clutter. Strategically placed drawers facilitate easy organization and retrieval of cooking items such as pots, pans, utensils and other culinary essentials.
Upstairs, downstairs
The curvilinear staircase, a key architectural feature in the home, underwent a dramatic transformation to enhance the overall flow and functionality of the home. This change was driven by the desire to create a more contemporary and efficient use of space. The original staircase, while visually striking, occupied a significant amount of floor space and created awkward, less usable areas around it. It also relied on specific load-bearing walls and foundations tailored to its unique shape and weight distribution. Altering these supports required a detailed structural assessment to preserve the building’s integrity, involving structural engineers to safely redistribute the load and reinforce the new structure – an L-shaped slanted waterfall staircase. Extending a structural column to the basement provided the needed support and reinforcing and slightly elevating the floor structure above ensured safe and comfortable access between levels.
Once the staircase was redesigned, the foyer was enlarged. The previously cramped area was opened, offering storage drawers and a space for seating – a welcoming entryway and a perfect spot for the family to prepare for the day ahead
Adding more features
Upstairs, a three-piece bathroom was added to one of the bedrooms by combining a walk-in closet inside the bedroom with a linen closet accessible from the hallway to allow for an ensuite with a walk-through closet. This change provided more privacy, while also increasing the property’s value by adding another bathroom. The home’s other bathrooms underwent comprehensive renovations, shedding their pre-fabricated enclosures in favour of bespoke, functional and beautiful designs.
Remodelling a large home with an outdated floorplan and features takes a lot of planning and collaboration with trades and consultants to correctly place columns and prioritize structural integrity while preserving the desired open-concept design. Early attention to ductwork and plumbing considerations were important, too, to prevent last-minute adjustments and maintain a cohesive transformation.
Timeless allure
By blending contemporary luxury with timeless elegance, this home reflects the dedication and ingenuity of the homeowners and the design team. From its spacious and open living areas to its meticulously crafted details, every aspect of this renovation showcases the potential for reinvention and renewal.