The square footage of a house describes its size, but large or small, any space can feel cramped and dysfunctional when how a family moves between each room is restricted by the floorplan.
This was one of the issues facing the owners of a detached, four-bedroom, four-bathroom home. Although the main floor had been previously renovated, it felt disconnected, with many areas left bare and underutilized. Updating it to meet the homeowner’s needs required reimagining the flow, as well as bringing the previous upgrades into the 21st century. After a three-month renovation, the space was transformed into five clearly designated zones that better reflects the daily routines of the family of four.
Changing the vibe
The goal for Patricia Katsis, interior designer and principal at PK + CO Interiors, was to bring the rooms together visually and aesthetically, while creating separate areas to enhance daily life.
“Despite the modest footprint, we were able to reimagine how the space could feel more expansive, connected and aligned with the way the family actually lives.”
Switching the switches
“Lighting is so critical in a space,” says Katsis. In this home, one switch turned on the lights from the front to the back. “Major rewiring was needed to allow for separately controlled lighting in different rooms,” she explains. “We wanted to create more of a zone type feeling and a new switch plan allowed the homeowners a more concentrated feeling in each space.”
Dimmers were added in every room to accommodate changing moods and functions throughout the day. The number of overhead pot lights were reduced and a dining room fixture added to make a dramatic statement and further ground the space. A more architectural light was placed above the island in the kitchen to not compete with the one in the dining room. Now, lights can be turned on and off individually, according to a specific need.
The centre of life
As you enter the home, the living room sits at the front and flows into the dining room, where new custom millwork surrounds the window, concealing previously exposed bulkheads, and hiding extra storage, including a shallow cabinet to keep water bottles. While the marble dining table anchors the space, it is the kitchen that is the centre of family life and the heart of the upgrade. “We kept the kitchen in its original position but completely reworked its footprint across two walls, introducing a central island. It opened circulation, improved function and brought the kitchen into conversation with the rest of the home.”
The mid-hued material palette, inspired by European design, was chosen to ground and elevate in equal measure. “I find if you get into the trend before it happens here, then it gives your kitchen even more longevity,” explains Katsis. “We also stripped and sanded the maple wood floors to give it a clear finish. This allows the space to feel brighter against a darker-hued colour palette.”
Natural walnut was chosen for the cabinetry and quartz counters selected for a durable, clean, elevated finish. Small, square handcrafted Zellige tile brings in subtle texture, a visual relief from the otherwise smooth surfaces that infuse the room. Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, the homeowners’ preferred brands for performance excellence and aesthetic, were integrated into the design.
“Now, the family loves the space. The kitchen flows much nicer with the new coffee bar section. This frees up room for the person who is cooking, and overall, becomes more functional.”
Five easy pieces
The main floor now has five distinct zones that reflect how the family lives and gathers. There is the foyer, separated from the adjacent living room by a beautiful walnut architectural wall that adds definition and privacy to both spaces. The living area offers a relaxing vibe where everyone can gather. The dining room, anchored by the striking table and chandelier, has ample storage in a contrasting colour to the kitchen, allowing it to feel cosy, even though it is an open floorplan.
The kitchen, which now extends the width of the house, flows into a once underutilized space at the back of the house. An added closet now hides coats and boots beside a frequently used side entry door, transforming the underused area into a gorgeous, welcoming spot to curl up and read a book.
“The renovation is really about how everything now works together. The main floor feels open, grounded, refined and comfortable. It’s a space that reflects how the family lives today, and how they will continue to grow into it.”