In the rolling hills of Caledon, where pastoral charm meets modern luxury, homeowners often seek a sanctuary within their own four walls. For one family just outside Toronto, their master bathroom had become less of a retreat and more of a reminder of a bygone era. The challenge was clear: transform a dated, inefficient space into a bright, functional, and stylish oasis. The solution involved a thoughtful design centered on a stunning custom bathroom tower with a white MDF vanity, brought to life with an elegant mix of brushed gold and black fixtures. This project is a masterclass in blending form, function, and personality.
Quick Facts
- Location: Caledon, Ontario
- Project Type: Master Bathroom Renovation
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Key Features: Custom floor-to-ceiling storage tower, floating white MDF vanity, porcelain slab shower with niche, mixed metal fixtures (matte black and brushed gold), quartz countertop, LED backlit mirror.
- Designer: Alena C.
Design Vision
We sat down with our lead designer, Alena, to discuss the inspiration and goals behind this beautiful Caledon bathroom transformation.
Q: What was the primary goal for this renovation?
Alena: The clients were dealing with a classic “builder-grade” bathroom from the early 2000s. It had a bulky corner tub that was never used, a tiny shower stall, and a single vanity with almost no counter space or storage. Their main goal was to reclaim the space for better functionality and create a bright, spa-like atmosphere. They needed storage—smart storage—that didn’t feel heavy or overwhelming. That’s where the idea for the custom bathroom tower integrated with the vanity came from.
Q: The mix of brushed gold and black fixtures is a bold choice. What was the thinking behind that?
Alena: It’s a design strategy I love because it adds so much depth and personality. Sticking to one metal finish can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional or overly coordinated. Here, we used matte black as the foundational finish for the core plumbing—the shower system and the faucet—to ground the space with a modern, industrial edge. Then, we introduced brushed gold in the “jewelry” of the room: the vanity hardware, the light fixture, and the mirror frame. This creates a beautiful, warm contrast against the cool tones of the tiles and the crisp white vanity. It feels curated and intentional, not like a mistake. The key is to be consistent in the application; we designated specific roles for each finish.
Q: Why was a custom vanity and tower chosen over a pre-fabricated unit?
Alena: Two words: perfect fit. The layout of this bathroom had some unique dimensions. An off-the-shelf vanity wouldn’t have maximized the wall space effectively. By designing a custom piece, we could create a floating white MDF vanity that perfectly fit the alcove, making the room feel wider. More importantly, the integrated custom bathroom tower allowed us to build storage vertically. It houses everything from towels to toiletries, eliminating clutter from the countertop and keeping the space serene. It’s the functional hero of the room, but its seamless integration makes it a design feature, not just a cabinet.
Materials & Specifications
Achieving this level of refined elegance required a careful selection of high-quality, durable materials suited for a modern Ontario home.
- Vanity & Tower: Custom-built floating vanity and floor-to-ceiling storage tower. Fabricated from high-moisture-resistant MDF with a satin white lacquer finish for durability and ease of cleaning.
- Countertop: 3cm thick Calacatta Laza Quartz. Chosen for its subtle, warm veining that complements the brushed gold accents, and its non-porous, stain-resistant properties.
- Floor Tile: 24” x 24” large format porcelain tile in a light grey, concrete-look finish. The large format minimizes grout lines, creating a more seamless and spacious feel.
- Shower Walls: 32” x 64” large format porcelain slabs, matching the Calacatta Laza quartz pattern. This creates a dramatic, grout-free look that is incredibly easy to maintain.
- Waterproofing: Schluter-KERDI waterproofing membrane system used throughout the entire shower enclosure, including the custom niche and bench. This is our standard for ensuring a fully sealed, mold-resistant shower that exceeds Ontario Building Code requirements.
- Fixtures:
- Shower System: Moen Gibson Posi-Temp Eco-Performance in Matte Black.
- Faucet: Delta Trinsic Single Hole Faucet in Matte Black.
- Vanity Hardware & Lighting: Emtek hardware and a Kuzco vanity light in Brushed Gold.
- Mirror: 60” round LED backlit mirror with a brushed gold frame, providing both ambient and task lighting.
- Paint: Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace” (OC-65) on the walls for a crisp, clean white that enhances the natural light.
Process & Timeline
A successful renovation is built on a meticulously planned schedule. This entire transformation was completed in an efficient 2 weeks by adhering to a strict, phased approach.
- Days 1-2: Demolition & Preparation: Our crew carefully removed all old fixtures, tiles, and the oversized tub. The space was stripped back to the studs, allowing us to inspect the framing and subfloor. All debris was removed from the Caledon property, leaving a clean slate.
- Days 3-4: Rough-ins: This is the critical behind-the-walls stage. Our licensed plumber reconfigured the plumbing for the new shower drain, toilet location, and double vanity sinks. Simultaneously, our licensed electrician ran new wiring for the pot lights, vanity light, and installed a new GFCI-protected outlet near the vanity, as required by the Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario.
- Days 5-8: Waterproofing, Tiling & Grouting: With the rough-ins passed inspection, we installed the Schluter-KERDI waterproofing system in the shower. This membrane system is a crucial step for long-term durability. Once secure, our tiling experts began meticulously laying the large format porcelain tiles on the floor and shower walls. The precision here is key to achieving those minimal grout lines.
- Days 9-11: Major Installations: The bathroom started to take its final shape. The custom white MDF vanity and tower were installed, followed by the quartz countertop. The toilet, faucets, and shower system were connected and tested.
- Days 12-13: Finishing Touches: The final details that tie everything together were completed. This included painting, installing baseboards and trim, hanging the LED mirror, and installing all the brushed gold hardware and lighting fixtures.
- Day 14: Final Cleaning & Client Walkthrough: A professional cleaning crew made the entire space sparkle. We then conducted a final walkthrough with the homeowners, demonstrating the new features and ensuring every detail met their expectations.
The Final Look
Stepping into the completed bathroom is like entering a boutique hotel suite. The space feels twice as large, thanks to the floating vanity, large-format tiles, and expansive glass shower enclosure. The custom tower stands as a sleek, architectural element, its clean lines drawing the eye upward.
The Calacatta Laza porcelain slabs in the shower create a stunning, seamless feature wall, with a perfectly recessed niche in matte black providing stylish storage. The mix of brushed gold and black fixtures adds a layer of sophisticated warmth. The soft glow from the backlit mirror creates a relaxing ambiance, while the overhead pot lights provide excellent functional lighting. Every element, from the feel of the quartz countertop to the satisfying click of the vanity drawers, speaks to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. It is a space that is not only beautiful but profoundly functional and calming.
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Design Takeaways
We asked Alena for some key takeaways that any Ontario homeowner can apply to their own bathroom renovation.
Q: What is the most important lesson from this project about maximizing storage?
Alena: Go vertical. In many Toronto and GTA homes, floor space is at a premium. Instead of a wider vanity, which can crowd a room, think about building upwards. A custom tower like the one we did in Caledon uses the full height of the wall. It’s far more efficient than a collection of small, scattered storage units and creates a much cleaner, more integrated look.
Q: For homeowners nervous about mixing metals, what’s your number one tip?
Alena: Establish a clear hierarchy. Pick one dominant metal that will be your workhorse—usually for the plumbing fixtures like the faucet and shower trim. This creates consistency. Then, choose a secondary, accent metal for the decorative elements—the “jewelry” like cabinet pulls, lighting, and mirror frames. This approach ensures the mix looks deliberate and chic, not chaotic. In this project, black was the workhorse, and gold was the jewelry.
Maintenance Tips
To keep this Caledon bathroom looking pristine for years to come, we provided the homeowners with these simple care instructions:
- MDF Vanity: Clean with a soft, damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water, which can damage the lacquer finish over time.
- Quartz Countertop: Wipe up spills promptly. Clean daily with a pH-neutral cleaner or a simple mixture of soap and water. Although highly stain-resistant, avoid direct contact with high heat or permanent markers.
- Porcelain Tile: Porcelain is incredibly low-maintenance. Regular sweeping and mopping with a gentle floor cleaner are all that’s needed. For the shower, use a squeegee after each use to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup.
- Matte Black & Brushed Gold Fixtures: Clean with a soft cloth and water. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemical cleaners (especially those with bleach or acid), as they can damage the finish. A 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar can be used to gently remove mineral deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of budget should a Caledon homeowner expect for a master bathroom renovation of this calibre?
A full master bathroom renovation in the Caledon or greater Toronto area involving custom millwork, plumbing relocation, and high-end finishes typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000+. The final cost depends heavily on the specific materials chosen, the complexity of the layout changes, and the scale of the custom elements like the vanity and tower.
Why is a professional waterproofing system like Schluter-KERDI so important in Ontario?
The Ontario Building Code has strict requirements for waterproofing in wet areas like showers to prevent water damage and mold growth, which can be detrimental to both your home’s structure and your family’s health. Systems like Schluter-KERDI go above and beyond the minimum code requirements, creating a completely sealed, watertight, and vapor-tight enclosure. It’s a critical investment in the long-term health and durability of your home.
How long does a custom vanity take to build, and how does it fit into a 2-week timeline?
The key is pre-planning. The custom bathroom tower and vanity are designed and fabricated off-site while we are finalizing other project details and waiting for tiles and fixtures to arrive. We take precise measurements at the beginning of the project, and our cabinet makers build the unit in their workshop. This means it’s ready for installation as soon as the tiling and painting are complete, allowing us to maintain a tight and efficient timeline without any on-site delays.
This Caledon project showcases how a thoughtful combination of custom storage, elegant materials, and a touch of design daring can completely redefine a space. It’s more than just a renovation; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
If you’re inspired to create your own personal sanctuary, we’d love to help. Contact us for a free quote and let’s begin designing the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of.