Condo 90: A Classic Toronto Transformation with White Shaker Cabinets and Two Modern Bathrooms

In the heart of Toronto, where space is a premium and style is paramount, condo renovations demand a special kind of expertise. This project was a perfect example: a desire to transform a dated unit into a bright, cohesive, and highly functional home. The core of this renovation centred on creating a timeless look with a full overhaul of the kitchen, featuring classic white shaker kitchen cabinets, and a complete remodel of the unit’s 2 bathrooms. Our goal was to blend classic design with modern durability, delivering a space that feels both luxurious and perfectly suited for downtown living.

This project showcases how thoughtful design and material selection can dramatically enhance a condo’s value and livability, turning it from a standard unit into a bespoke urban retreat.

Quick Facts

Project: Full Kitchen & 2 Bathroom Remodel
Location: Toronto, ON
Key Features: Custom white shaker kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, porcelain tile bathrooms, walk-in shower, new fixtures and lighting throughout.
Category: Condo Renovation
Duration: nan
Completed: October 2024

Design Vision

The homeowners approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to escape the generic, builder-grade finishes that defined their condo. The existing kitchen was cramped and dark, and the two bathrooms felt tired and inefficient. Their goal was to create a unified aesthetic throughout the home—one that was bright, airy, and would stand the test of time.

The Kitchen: A Bright and Functional Hub

For the kitchen, the choice of white shaker cabinets was foundational. This classic style is beloved for its versatility and ability to make any space feel larger and more open. The vision was to create a U-shaped layout that maximized counter space and storage while maintaining an easy flow. We aimed for a clean, almost monochromatic palette with subtle textures to add depth and interest, turning the kitchen into an inviting hub for cooking and entertaining.

The Bathrooms: Creating Personal Sanctuaries

The two bathrooms—an ensuite and a main guest bath—were to be transformed into serene, spa-like escapes. The design vision called for a departure from the cramped and cluttered, moving towards clean lines, durable materials, and a sense of calm. For the ensuite, a spacious walk-in shower with a glass enclosure was a must-have. For the main bathroom, a functional and stylish bathtub/shower combination was planned to serve guests and daily life. The design thread connecting them to the kitchen would be the use of shaker-style vanities and a consistent colour palette, creating a seamless design story throughout the condo.

Materials & Specifications

Choosing the right materials is crucial in a high-traffic condo environment. Our selections focused on blending aesthetic appeal with long-term durability and ease of maintenance.

Kitchen Specifications

Cabinetry: Custom-built shaker-style cabinets with a durable, factory-painted white finish. We used high-density fiberboard (HDF) for the doors to prevent warping and cracking in the fluctuating humidity of a condo tower—a superior choice over solid wood for painted finishes. Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides were standard for a touch of luxury and convenience.
Countertops: Calacatta-style quartz countertops with a 1.25-inch mitered edge. Quartz was selected for its non-porous, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant properties, making it a perfect workhorse for a busy kitchen. The subtle grey veining added visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Backsplash: A simple yet elegant 3x6 inch white ceramic subway tile laid in a classic brick pattern. We used a light grey grout to define the tiles and add a hint of contrast.
Flooring: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in a light oak finish was installed throughout the main living area and kitchen, creating a seamless transition and providing a waterproof, scratch-resistant surface ideal for condo living.
Fixtures: A single-handle, high-arc pull-down faucet in a brushed nickel finish was paired with a deep, single-basin undermount stainless steel sink.
Lighting: We replaced the single central fixture with four LED pot lights for even, ambient illumination and added under-cabinet LED strip lighting to provide excellent task lighting on the countertops.

Bathroom Specifications

Vanities: To maintain design cohesion, we installed shaker-style vanities in both bathrooms, finished in a sophisticated deep grey to contrast with the lighter tones. Both were topped with the same quartz as the kitchen.
Tiles: We used large-format (12x24 inch) porcelain tiles on the floors and shower walls. In the ensuite, we chose a tile with a subtle concrete texture for a modern feel. In the main bath, a marble-look porcelain tile added a touch of classic elegance. Porcelain is an ideal choice for wet areas due to its extremely low water absorption rate.
Waterproofing: This is non-negotiable, especially in a condo. Behind all the beautiful tile, we installed a complete Schluter-KERDI waterproofing system. This includes a waterproof membrane on the shower walls and floor, sealed seams, and a pre-sloped shower base. This system exceeds Ontario Building Code requirements and provides the ultimate protection against leaks—a critical consideration in a multi-unit building.
Fixtures: We selected fixtures from the same collection for both bathrooms to ensure consistency. This included brushed nickel faucets, showerheads (a rain shower head with a handheld wand in the ensuite), and matching hardware.
Glass: A custom frameless 10mm tempered glass enclosure was installed for the ensuite walk-in shower, enhancing the feeling of openness.

Process & Timeline

Renovating in a Toronto condo presents unique challenges, from navigating condo board approvals to managing logistics in a high-rise building. Our process is designed to handle these complexities seamlessly.

While every project’s timeline is unique and depends on factors like building management approvals, material lead times, and scope complexity, the process follows a structured and predictable path.

Phase 1: Planning & Approvals: This is the most critical stage. We worked with the client to finalize the design, then prepared a detailed renovation package for the condo board. This included architectural drawings, scope of work, proof of insurance, and our electricians’ and plumbers’ licenses. Securing approval and booking the service elevator are key first steps before any physical work begins.
Phase 2: Demolition & Preparation: With approvals in place, our team carefully protected all common areas from the unit to the elevator. We then proceeded with the demolition of the old kitchen and two bathrooms, disconnecting plumbing and electrical systems safely.
Phase 3: Rough-ins & Inspections: This is where the new layout takes shape. Our licensed plumbers reconfigured the pipes for the new vanities and shower, and our licensed electricians ran new wiring for pot lights, under-cabinet lighting, and GFCI outlets as required by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario. All electrical work was inspected and certified.
Phase 4: Waterproofing & Tiling: Once rough-ins were complete, we installed the Schluter waterproofing system in both bathrooms. This meticulous process ensures a fully sealed, watertight environment before a single tile is laid. Tiling followed, transforming the bathrooms from a construction zone into elegant spaces.
Phase 5: Cabinetry & Countertop Installation: The heart of the project came to life as the white shaker kitchen cabinets were installed. We took precise measurements for the quartz countertops, which were then fabricated and installed by our trusted partners.
Phase 6: Finishing Touches: This final phase included painting, installation of the LVP flooring, connecting all plumbing fixtures, and installing light fixtures, hardware, and mirrors. Every detail was meticulously addressed.
Phase 7: Final Walkthrough & Handover: We conducted a thorough final inspection and a detailed walkthrough with the homeowners to ensure every aspect of the project met their expectations and our high standards of quality.

The Final Look

The transformation is stunning. Stepping into the condo, you are immediately greeted by a sense of light and space. The white shaker kitchen is the undeniable star, reflecting natural light from the windows and making the entire open-concept living area feel expansive and welcoming. The Calacatta quartz countertops provide a touch of luxury, while the seamless flooring connects the space beautifully.

The two bathrooms are now tranquil retreats. The ensuite’s walk-in shower with its frameless glass and modern tile feels like a high-end hotel spa. The main bathroom is equally impressive, offering a polished and inviting space for guests. The cohesive use of shaker vanities and quality fixtures ties the entire renovation together, creating a home that is not only beautiful but also incredibly functional and built to last.

Design Takeaways

This Toronto condo renovation offers several key insights for anyone considering a similar project:

Embrace a Cohesive Palette: Using a consistent material and colour palette—like the quartz countertops and shaker-style cabinets—across different rooms creates a powerful sense of flow and makes a smaller space feel larger and more thoughtfully designed.
Invest in Professional Waterproofing: In a condo, a leak doesn’t just affect you; it can affect your neighbours. Investing in a premium waterproofing system like Schluter is essential for peace of mind and protecting your investment. It’s a non-negotiable part of our process.
Prioritize Smart Lighting: A great lighting plan is transformative. By layering ambient lighting (pot lights), task lighting (under-cabinet strips), and accent lighting, we made the kitchen and bathrooms more functional and enhanced their overall mood and appeal.
Work with Condo Renovation Experts: Navigating condo board rules, elevator bookings, and noise restrictions requires experience. Working with a contractor who specializes in Toronto condo renovations can save you significant time, money, and stress. If you’re planning a project like this, we’d be happy to share our expertise. You can start by requesting a free quote.

Maintenance Tips

To keep this beautiful renovation looking its best, we provided the homeowners with a few simple care instructions:

Quartz Countertops: Clean daily with a soft cloth and a mixture of mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Although highly stain-resistant, wipe up spills like red wine or coffee promptly.
Shaker Cabinets: Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For cleaning, use a damp cloth with a mild, non-abrasive detergent, and dry immediately. The recessed panels of shaker doors can collect dust, so pay special attention to those areas.
Porcelain Tile & Grout: Clean tile with a pH-neutral cleaner. To keep grout looking fresh, it’s wise to have it sealed after installation and re-sealed every few years, especially in high-moisture areas like the shower floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps for starting a condo renovation in Toronto?

The very first step is to thoroughly review your condo corporation’s bylaws and renovation guidelines. Before any design work begins, you need to understand the rules regarding working hours, noise, debris removal, and what types of alterations are permitted. The next step is to hire a qualified, insured contractor who can prepare the necessary documents for the condo board’s approval.

Why are white shaker cabinets so popular for condo kitchens?

White shaker cabinets are a perfect fit for condo kitchens for three main reasons. First, the white colour reflects light, making smaller kitchens feel brighter and more spacious. Second, the simple, clean lines of the shaker style are timeless and versatile, complementing nearly any design aesthetic from modern to traditional. Finally, they offer excellent resale value, making them a smart investment for any Toronto homeowner.

How important is professional waterproofing for a condo bathroom renovation in Ontario?

It is absolutely critical. The Ontario Building Code has specific requirements for waterproofing in wet areas, but in a multi-unit dwelling, the standard should be even higher. A leak from your bathroom can cause catastrophic damage to the units below you, leading to complex insurance claims and costly repairs. We use systems like Schluter-KERDI to create a fully sealed, tanked environment, which provides the best possible protection and peace of mind.

Ready to transform your own Toronto condo into a space you love? We specialize in creating beautiful, functional, and code-compliant renovations that stand the test of time. Let’s talk about your vision.

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