A Midtown Toronto Masterpiece: A Tale of Two Bathrooms

When Sarah and Tom first saw their home in midtown Toronto, they fell in love with its classic charm. But like many homes in the area, the bathrooms were a trip back in time—and not in a good way. They envisioned a modern, cohesive update, a complete mid town 2 bathroom reno that would bring both function and style to their daily routines. Their goal was clear: to blend sophisticated materials like Ciot tile with Emco plumbing fixtures and create a bright, open feel using custom shower glass with towel shelves. This is the story of how we transformed two dated spaces into serene sanctuaries in the heart of the city.

Project Quick Facts

• Project: Primary Bathroom & Guest Bathroom Renovation
• Location: Midtown Toronto, ON
• Key Features: Walk-in shower with custom glass, floating vanity, large-format porcelain tile, heated floors, updated plumbing and electrical.
• Materials: Ciot porcelain tile, Emco plumbing fixtures, custom-built vanity, Schluter-DITRA-HEAT system.
• Duration: 2 weeks

The Design Vision: Cohesive Calm

“We have two full bathrooms, and they felt completely disconnected from each other and from the rest of our home’s style,” Sarah explained during our initial consultation. The primary bathroom was cramped, with a bulky tub-shower combo that dominated the small footprint. The guest bathroom, while slightly larger, suffered from poor lighting and a dated pedestal sink that offered zero storage.

The vision was to create a unified design language between the two spaces without making them identical. The keywords were “bright,” “calm,” and “uncluttered.” Sarah and Tom wanted a spa-like retreat for their primary bathroom and a welcoming, functional space for guests.

For the primary ensuite, the plan was to remove the old tub entirely and install a spacious, curbless walk-in shower. This would be enclosed with a single panel of custom shower glass to create an illusion of a much larger room. Integrated towel shelves built directly into the shower wall were a non-negotiable for a clean, hotel-inspired look.

In the guest bathroom, the focus was on maximizing functionality. A new, larger window was on the wish list, along with a floating vanity to open up the floor space and provide much-needed storage. The colour palette for both rooms would be grounded in soft greys and warm whites, letting the quality of the materials speak for themselves.

Materials and Specifications: A Foundation of Quality

A successful renovation hinges on the quality of its components. For this project, we curated a selection of materials known for their durability and timeless appeal.

Tile and Stone

The foundation of the design was the stunning large-format porcelain tile from Ciot. We selected a 24” x 48” tile in a soft, matte grey with subtle veining for the floors and shower walls in both bathrooms. Using the same tile created a powerful sense of continuity. The large format minimizes grout lines, which not only looks cleaner but is also easier to maintain—a huge plus for any busy Toronto household. For the primary shower floor, a matching mosaic tile from Ciot provided a safe, non-slip surface that felt great underfoot.

Plumbing Fixtures

All plumbing fixtures were sourced from Emco. In the primary bathroom, we installed a wall-mounted rain shower head and a handheld wand in a sleek, polished chrome finish. The single-handle faucet on the vanity echoed this modern aesthetic. For the guest bath, we chose a more classic Emco faucet and a high-efficiency toilet, balancing style with practicality. Emco fixtures are renowned for their reliable performance and solid construction, ensuring these bathrooms will function flawlessly for years to come.

Custom Millwork and Glass

The floating vanity in the guest bathroom and the storage tower in the primary were custom-built to fit the exact dimensions of each space. Finished in a light oak veneer, they add a touch of organic warmth to the cool tones of the tile.

The star of the primary bathroom is undoubtedly the custom shower glass. A single, floor-to-ceiling panel of 10mm tempered glass makes the room feel expansive and bright. We worked with a local Toronto fabricator to ensure a perfect fit. The ingenious addition was the set of towel shelves cleverly integrated into the pony wall beside the shower—a custom touch that eliminates the need for bulky towel bars.

Process and Timeline: A Two-Week Transformation

One of the biggest concerns for any homeowner is the disruption a renovation causes. Our challenge was to complete this mid town 2 bathroom reno efficiently without compromising on quality. We achieved the full transformation in an ambitious but meticulously planned two-week timeline.

Week 1: Demolition and Foundation

The first few days were all about careful demolition and preparation. We stripped both bathrooms back to the studs, allowing us to inspect the plumbing and electrical systems. Our licensed plumber rerouted the water lines for the new shower configuration and the wall-mounted vanity faucet.

Simultaneously, our certified electrician updated the wiring to meet the latest Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards. This included installing new GFCI outlets near the vanities and running wiring for the new pot lights and a high-powered, quiet exhaust fan—a critical component for moisture management in any bathroom.

The most crucial step of this week was waterproofing. We installed a complete Schluter-KERDI system in the primary shower. This German-engineered system creates a fully sealed, watertight membrane behind the tile, offering superior protection against leaks and mould—a standard of quality we bring to every Toronto bathroom renovation we undertake. By Friday, the drywall was up, taped, and ready for tile.

Week 2: Finishes and Fixtures

The second week was a whirlwind of precision and detail work. Our tile setters began by installing the heated flooring system, followed by the large-format Ciot porcelain tiles. Their expertise was essential in ensuring perfect lines and minimal grout joints.

Once the tile and grout were set, the plumbing fixtures from Emco were carefully installed. The vanities were mounted, countertops set, and sinks connected. The moment the custom shower glass was installed in the primary bathroom was a major milestone—it instantly defined the space.

The final days were dedicated to painting, installing trim, mounting mirrors and light fixtures, and performing a thorough, multi-point inspection. By the end of the second Friday, we were ready for the final walkthrough with Sarah and Tom.

The Final Look: Serenity Achieved

Walking into the finished bathrooms is a breath of fresh air. The primary bathroom feels double its original size. The curbless entry into the shower, combined with the seamless glass panel, creates an unbroken visual line that flows through the space. The warm glow from the heated floors makes the Ciot tile feel luxurious underfoot.

The guest bathroom is now a bright and inviting space. The floating vanity makes cleaning a breeze, and the combination of a new window and layered lighting has banished the old, gloomy feeling. The consistent use of materials ties the two rooms together, creating a sense of harmony throughout the home’s upper level.

“It’s hard to believe these are the same rooms,” Tom said during the reveal. “The team was so professional and efficient. We expected to be displaced for a month, but they delivered a flawless renovation in just 2weeks. It’s completely changed how we start and end our day.”

Design Takeaways for Your Renovation

1. Continuity is Key: Using the same primary floor and wall tile in multiple bathrooms creates a high-end, cohesive feel throughout your home.
2. Invest in Custom Solutions: Off-the-shelf doesn’t always fit. A custom glass shower or vanity can solve unique layout challenges and maximize every square inch of your space.
3. Think Beyond the Surface: What’s behind the walls matters most. Professional waterproofing and updated, code-compliant electrical are non-negotiable investments in your home’s safety and longevity.
4. Don’t Underestimate Lighting: A layered lighting plan with overhead pot lights, vanity sconces, and even in-shower lighting can dramatically alter the mood and functionality of a bathroom.

Maintenance Tips

• Ciot Tile: Clean porcelain tile with a pH-neutral cleaner to protect the grout and the tile’s finish. For the shower floor mosaic, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub grout lines weekly.
• Emco Fixtures: To keep the polished chrome sparkling, wipe fixtures down with a soft, dry cloth after each use to prevent water spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Custom Shower Glass: Use a squeegee after every shower to remove water droplets. Clean weekly with a simple solution of white vinegar and water to prevent hard water buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did you complete a two-bathroom renovation in just two weeks in a busy area like midtown Toronto?

It comes down to meticulous planning and project management. Before Day 1, all materials—from the Ciot tile to the Emco fixtures—are ordered and on-site. We schedule our licensed tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, tilers) to work in a coordinated sequence, eliminating downtime. This efficiency is crucial for projects in dense neighbourhoods like those in Toronto, minimizing disruption for our clients.

What is the advantage of using a premium tile like Ciot in a bathroom?

Investing in a high-quality porcelain tile from a reputable supplier like Ciot offers several benefits. First, durability: porcelain is incredibly dense and resistant to water, stains, and scratches. Second, consistency: premium tiles have precise sizing and colour, which allows for tighter grout lines and a more professional finish. Finally, design: suppliers like Ciot offer cutting-edge designs that elevate the entire space.

Are custom glass showers difficult to get permits for in Toronto?

For a straightforward renovation like this that doesn’t involve moving major structural walls, a permit for just a custom glass shower is typically not required in Toronto. However, permits are required for significant plumbing and electrical work, which we always secure. It’s essential to work with a contractor who understands the Ontario Building Code and local Toronto regulations to ensure your project is fully compliant and safe.

What waterproofing system is best for a shower renovation?

We exclusively use topical waterproofing membrane systems like Schluter-KERDI. Unlike traditional methods where the mortar bed gets saturated with water, these systems are applied directly behind the tile, stopping water right at the surface. This is the gold standard for shower construction, meets Ontario Building Code requirements, and provides the best protection against leaks and mould growth.

Ready to transform your own bathroom into a personal oasis? Our team is here to bring your vision to life with the same care, quality, and efficiency. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let’s start planning your dream renovation.