Welcome to the site diary for one of our favourite recent projects, a stunning transformation in a lovely Scarborough home. When our clients first reached out, their goal was clear: they wanted a complete kitchen reno that was bright, timeless, and highly functional. The vision was an all white sanctuary with elegant brushed nickel fixtures to add a touch of modern warmth. This project was all about shedding the weight of a dated design and creating a clean, airy space that the family would love for decades to come. Join us as we walk through the journey of turning that vision into a beautiful reality.
Project Quick Facts
- Project: Full Kitchen Gut and Renovation
- Location: Scarborough, Toronto, ON
- Style: Modern Transitional
- Key Features: Custom all-white Shaker cabinetry, Calacatta Laza quartz countertops, large-format porcelain tile, brushed nickel hardware and faucet, layered LED lighting scheme.
- Duration: 3 weeks
The Design Vision
The original kitchen was a product of a different era. Dark oak cabinets, a busy laminate countertop, and dated vinyl flooring made the space feel cramped and dim, despite having a decent-sized window. The layout was also inefficient, with limited counter space next to the stove and a refrigerator that felt disconnected from the main work area.
Our design process began with a simple question: “How do you want to feel in your new kitchen?” The answer was “calm, organized, and happy.” This became our guiding principle.
The vision was to create a classic, light-filled space that felt both luxurious and approachable. An all-white colour scheme was the obvious starting point. White reflects light beautifully, instantly making a room feel larger and cleaner. To prevent the space from feeling sterile, we focused on texture and subtle details.
- Layout: We reconfigured the layout to create the classic “work triangle” between the sink, stove, and refrigerator, ensuring an effortless flow for cooking and prep. We moved the refrigerator to a more integrated position and expanded the countertop area on both sides of the new range.
- Aesthetic: We chose the timeless Shaker-style cabinet door for its clean lines and versatility. This style bridges the gap between traditional and modern perfectly. The hero of the material palette would be the countertops, featuring a quartz with soft, elegant veining to add visual interest.
- Finishes: To complete the look, we selected brushed nickel for all the hardware and plumbing fixtures. Unlike polished chrome, brushed nickel has a softer, warmer feel that resists fingerprints and adds a touch of understated sophistication. It was the perfect metallic accent to complement the stainless steel appliances and tie the whole design together.
Materials & Specifications
Every detail in this kitchen was carefully chosen for its beauty, durability, and function. Here’s a breakdown of the key materials that brought this Scarborough kitchen to life:
- Cabinetry: We installed custom-built, full-height Shaker cabinets. The frames were constructed from solid maple, ensuring longevity, while the doors were a high-density MDF chosen for its superior, glass-smooth paint finish. They were professionally sprayed with Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace,” a crisp, clean white that provides the perfect neutral backdrop.
- Countertops & Backsplash: For the countertops, we selected Calacatta Laza Quartz. This engineered stone is a homeowner’s dream—it’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and incredibly durable. The Laza design features a soft white background with dramatic, through-body grey veining that mimics the look of luxury marble without the maintenance. This was paired with a classic 3”x6” white ceramic subway tile for the backsplash, laid in a traditional brick pattern with a light grey grout to provide subtle definition.
- Fixtures & Hardware: The faucet is the Delta Trinsic Single-Handle Pull-Down model in their “Brilliance Stainless” finish, which perfectly matches the brushed nickel aesthetic. All cabinet doors and drawers were fitted with elegant, minimalist pulls and knobs in a matching brushed nickel finish.
- Appliances: The homeowners opted for a full suite of KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, including a counter-depth French door refrigerator, a 30” gas range, an ultra-quiet dishwasher, and a combination microwave/hood fan.
- Flooring: To ground the bright white space, we laid large 24”x24” porcelain tiles in a soft, matte grey. The large format of the tiles means fewer grout lines, which contributes to a more seamless and expansive feel underfoot.
- Lighting: A layered lighting strategy was crucial. We installed ten 4” LED pot lights on a dimmer switch for excellent ambient lighting. For task lighting, we ran hardwired LED strips under all the upper cabinets, illuminating the quartz countertops beautifully. Finally, a new brushed nickel pendant light was centered over the sink area, adding a decorative focal point. All electrical work was, of course, completed by our licensed electrician and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to meet all Ontario code requirements.
Process & Timeline
A successful renovation is all about a methodical, step-by-step process. While every project has its unique rhythm, we follow a proven sequence of events to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency.
Phase 1: Demolition and Preparation The first step was the careful removal of the old kitchen. Our crew systematically dismantled the old cabinets, countertops, and flooring. We sealed off the work area from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting to contain dust and debris, ensuring the homeowners’ living space remained as clean as possible.
Phase 2: Mechanical Rough-ins With the room stripped back to the studs, our licensed tradespeople got to work. The plumber rerouted the water supply and drain lines for the new sink and dishwasher location. Our electrician then ran all new wiring. This included dedicated circuits for the refrigerator and microwave, new lines for the pot lights and under-cabinet lighting, and upgrading all outlets to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles near the sink, as required by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. This is the critical stage where everything must be perfect before the walls are closed up. All work was inspected and passed before we proceeded.
Phase 3: Drywall, Flooring, and Paint Once the rough-ins were complete and approved, we installed new drywall, followed by professional taping, mudding, and sanding to create flawless, smooth walls. Next, the large-format porcelain tile flooring was expertly laid. Finally, the entire room—ceiling, trim, and walls—received two fresh coats of high-quality paint, setting a pristine stage for the main event.
Phase 4: Cabinet and Countertop Installation This is the phase where the vision truly starts to take shape. Our installers meticulously fitted the custom white Shaker cabinets, ensuring every piece was perfectly level and aligned. Once the base cabinets were in, a specialized team came to create a precise digital template for the quartz countertops. About a week later, the stunning, perfectly-cut quartz slabs were delivered and professionally installed.
Phase 5: The Finishing Touches The final week is a whirlwind of detail-oriented work. The subway tile backsplash was installed, the plumber returned to connect the new faucet and dishwasher, and the electrician completed the “trim-out”—installing all the light fixtures, switches, and outlets. The appliances were delivered and slid into their new homes, and the beautiful brushed nickel hardware was mounted on every door and drawer. A final, thorough cleaning left the space sparkling and ready for the homeowners.
The Final Look
Stepping into the finished kitchen is like stepping into a different house. The space is utterly transformed. Where there was once darkness and clutter, there is now an abundance of light and a sense of calm, open space. The all-white cabinetry seems to expand the room’s dimensions, while the soft grey veining in the quartz countertops adds a graceful, organic element.
The brushed nickel fixtures and hardware act as the perfect accents, providing a subtle metallic warmth that keeps the design from feeling cold. The layered lighting scheme allows the homeowners to adjust the mood from bright and functional for cooking to soft and ambient for a quiet evening. The new layout is a dream for functionality, with ample counter space and an intuitive flow that makes meal prep a joy. It’s more than just a kitchen; it’s the new, vibrant heart of their Scarborough home.
If you’re feeling inspired by this transformation, we can help you achieve a similar result in your own home. Start with a free, no-obligation quote.
Design Takeaways
This project offers some valuable lessons for anyone planning a kitchen renovation:
- Embrace a Timeless Palette: An all-white kitchen is a wise investment. It will never look dated and serves as a perfect canvas for you to introduce colour through accessories, textiles, or even a different wall colour down the road.
- Don’t Underestimate Hardware: The cabinet pulls and faucet are the “jewelry” of the kitchen. The choice of brushed nickel here was intentional—it elevated the entire design, adding a layer of sophistication that polished chrome might not have.
- Function First, Always: A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t work well is a failed design. We spent significant time planning the layout to ensure every inch was functional, from storage solutions to workflow.
- Invest Behind the Walls: The most important parts of a renovation are the ones you can’t see. Ensuring your plumbing and electrical systems are updated to current Ontario building codes by licensed professionals is paramount for the safety and long-term value of your home.
Maintenance Tips
To keep this beautiful white kitchen looking its best for years to come, 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. While highly stain-resistant, wipe up spills from things like red wine, coffee, or turmeric quickly. Always use cutting boards and place hot pots and pans on trivets.
- Painted Cabinets: Wipe down with a soft, damp microfibre cloth. For stubborn grease, use a small amount of diluted dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads, which can dull or scratch the paint finish.
- Brushed Nickel Fixtures: Clean regularly with water and a soft cloth to prevent mineral buildup. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. A 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar can be used to gently remove hard water spots if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I live in an older Scarborough bungalow. Can you work with the unique layouts and smaller spaces? A: Absolutely. Many homes in Scarborough and across the GTA have unique footprints. This is where a full-service design-build firm excels. We specialize in creating custom solutions, like clever cabinetry and smart layouts, to maximize every square inch of your space, making it feel larger and far more functional than you might think possible.
Q: Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in the City of Toronto? A: It depends on the scope of your project. If you are simply replacing cabinets and countertops in the same location (a “rip and replace”), you typically don’t need a permit. However, if you are moving walls, changing the layout, or altering plumbing or electrical systems, permits are almost always required. We handle the entire permit application process for our clients to ensure everything is done to code and fully compliant.
Q: How long does a typical kitchen renovation take from start to finish? A: A full gut kitchen renovation in the Toronto area can generally take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. This timeline accounts for design, material selection and ordering, demolition, construction, and all necessary inspections. The final duration depends heavily on the project’s complexity, the availability of materials, and the inspection schedule.
This Scarborough kitchen story is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. It’s a space that is not only beautiful but will serve the family’s needs for many years to come.
If you’re dreaming of what your kitchen could be, we’d love to help you bring that vision to life. Contact us today for a complimentary quote and let’s start the conversation about your home.