When we first bought our house in Scarborough, it had what they call “good bones.” The location was perfect, the neighbourhood was welcoming, and we knew it was the right place to raise our family. But over the years, the way we lived in our home changed. The closed-off kitchen felt cramped during family gatherings, the entryway was a constant jumble of shoes and coats, and the mismatched flooring felt disjointed. We dreamed of a complete home renovation that would not only update the aesthetics but also reshape the flow and function of our main floor. Central to this vision was a modern kitchen with custom cabinets, anchored by a dramatic black island, with seamless wood flooring throughout and a durable, elegant tiled foyer to welcome guests. We also knew that clever storage, like built-in closets, was non-negotiable for our busy family. This is the story of how we turned our dated house into our dream home.
Project Quick Facts
- Project: Main Floor Transformation with Kitchen Remodel
- Location: Scarborough, Toronto, ON
- Key Features: Custom two-tone kitchen, waterfall quartz island, engineered white oak flooring, large-format porcelain tile foyer, custom built-in closets.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Completed: Winter 2024
Our Design Vision: Open, Connected, and Bold
Our primary goal was to create a sense of unity and openness. The original layout was a classic Toronto suburban design from a few decades ago—functional, but compartmentalized. The kitchen was separated from the living area by a non-load-bearing wall that did nothing but block light and conversation.
The vision was clear: that wall had to go.
We imagined a bright, expansive great room where life could happen seamlessly. We wanted to be able to cook dinner while helping with homework at the island, or chat with guests in the living room without feeling isolated in the kitchen. This informed every subsequent decision.
For the aesthetic, we leaned towards a “transitional” style—a blend of timeless and contemporary. We wanted a space that felt modern and clean, but also warm and inviting. The core of this design was a high-contrast kitchen. We pictured crisp, white perimeter cabinets to keep the space feeling airy, grounded by a substantial, monolithic black island that would serve as the home’s social and culinary hub.
This concept of flow extended to the very entrance of our home. We wanted the foyer to be a proper introduction—durable enough for Toronto winters but stylish enough to make a statement. From there, a single, continuous wood flooring would flow through the rest of the main floor, visually connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas into one cohesive space. And finally, to conquer the clutter, we planned for custom built-in closets in the foyer and hallway, designed to hide everything away and maintain the clean lines we were working so hard to create.
Materials & Specifications: The Building Blocks of a Dream
Choosing the right materials was about balancing beauty, durability, and budget. We knew these surfaces would be the backdrop to our daily lives, so they had to perform.
In the Kitchen
- Cabinetry: We opted for custom Shaker-style cabinets. The perimeter cabinets were finished in Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace,” a reliable, crisp white that reflects light beautifully. For the island, we chose a deep, saturated black to create that dramatic anchor we envisioned. Using high-quality MDF for the panels and solid maple for the frames ensures they won’t warp with Toronto’s fluctuating humidity.
- Countertops: To maintain the high-contrast look, we selected two different quartz surfaces. The perimeter features a subtle, light grey veining on a white background, mimicking the look of marble without the maintenance. For the black island, we went all-in with a matte black quartz that features a stunning waterfall edge, cascading down both sides. Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, and incredibly durable, making it the perfect choice for a busy family kitchen.
- Backsplash: To add texture without overwhelming the space, we chose a slightly irregular, handmade-look subway tile in a glossy white. Laying it in a herringbone pattern behind the stove created a subtle yet sophisticated focal point.
- Appliances: A suite of stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range and a cabinet-depth French door refrigerator, completed the functional heart of the home.
Throughout the Home
- Flooring: This was a critical choice for creating a unified look. We selected a 7.5-inch wide plank engineered white oak hardwood. Its light, natural tone and matte finish hide dust and minor scratches well, and its engineered construction provides superior stability against the seasonal expansion and contraction common in Ontario homes.
- Foyer Tile: For the entryway, we needed something that could stand up to salt, slush, and heavy foot traffic. We chose a 24”x48” large-format porcelain tile with a dark grey, concrete-like finish. Installing a proper decoupling membrane underneath was a crucial step to prevent any cracks from forming over time.
- Storage: The built-in closets were designed with our specific needs in mind, featuring a mix of adjustable shelving, deep drawers for winter accessories, and ample hanging space for coats.
The Process & Timeline: Building with Purpose
While every renovation project has a unique timeline, ours followed a clear and methodical path from demolition to the final, joyful walkthrough.
The first step was the most dramatic: demolition. Seeing the wall between the kitchen and living room come down was exhilarating. It instantly validated our entire vision, flooding the space with natural light.
Next came the crucial “behind-the-walls” work. Our renovation team coordinated all the mechanical updates, which is where professional expertise really shines. The electrical plan was completely overhauled to meet the latest Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) standards. This included adding dedicated circuits for the new appliances, installing plenty of GFCI-protected outlets around the kitchen perimeter as required by the Ontario Building Code, and mapping out the placement for new pot lights and pendant lighting over the island. Plumbers rerouted supply and drain lines for the new island sink, ensuring everything was perfectly placed and up to code.
With the rough-ins complete and inspected, the space began to take shape. Drywall was installed and finished, creating the clean canvas we had been waiting for. The new engineered hardwood flooring went down first, carefully protected as the rest of the installation proceeded.
Watching the kitchen cabinets arrive and get installed was a major milestone. The precision required to get everything perfectly level and aligned is an art form. The templating for the quartz countertops followed, and a week later, the stunning black island with its waterfall edge was carefully lowered into place. It was a heart-stopping moment!
The final phase was all about the details: installing the backsplash, painting the walls, connecting the appliances, and mounting the new light fixtures. Each step brought us closer to the finish line, turning a construction site back into a home.
The Final Look: More Than We Imagined
Stepping into our renovated main floor today feels like a dream. The new tiled foyer is both practical and impressive, and the custom closet immediately tames the entryway clutter that used to drive us crazy.
From there, the space just opens up. The continuous white oak flooring draws you into the great room, where the kitchen stands as the undeniable centerpiece. The balance between the bright white cabinets and the bold black island is exactly what we had hoped for. It’s dramatic without being cold, and modern without being sterile. The island has become the true heart of our home—it’s where breakfast is served, where friends gather with a glass of wine, and where countless conversations happen.
The improved lighting design has made a world of difference. The combination of ambient pot lights, task lighting under the cabinets, and decorative pendants over the island creates a layered, functional, and inviting atmosphere at any time of day.
It’s not just about how it looks; it’s about how it feels. The flow is intuitive. The storage is ample. The space just works for our family in a way it never did before. It’s a testament to how a thoughtful renovation can completely transform not just your home, but your daily life.
Key Design Takeaways
- Don’t Fear the Dark: A bold element, like our black island, can act as a stunning focal point that grounds an otherwise light and airy space.
- Unify with Flooring: Using one type of flooring throughout the main living areas creates a powerful sense of cohesion and makes the entire space feel larger.
- Invest in Built-Ins: Custom storage is worth every penny. By designing closets and pantries for your specific needs, you can eliminate clutter and create a more serene environment.
- Light in Layers: A good lighting plan is essential. Think about ambient (overall), task (functional), and accent (decorative) lighting to create a space that is both beautiful and highly usable.
Simple Maintenance for Lasting Beauty
- Quartz Countertops: Clean spills promptly with a soft cloth and a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner. While very durable, always use cutting boards and place hot pots on trivets to protect the surface.
- Engineered Hardwood: Sweep or vacuum regularly and clean with a slightly damp microfiber mop. Avoid soaking the floor with water. Place felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent scratches.
- Cabinetry: Wipe down with a soft, damp cloth. For tougher spots, use a mild soap and water solution. Keep the touch-up kit provided by your cabinet maker handy for any inevitable nicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a major kitchen and main floor renovation cost in Scarborough?
The cost can vary significantly based on the scope, materials, and structural changes. A project like ours, involving a complete kitchen gut, wall removal, new flooring, and custom built-ins in the Toronto area, can range widely. The best approach is to define your vision and then get a detailed estimate. We offer a free, no-obligation quote to help homeowners understand the potential investment for their specific project.
Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen in Toronto?
Yes, in most cases. If you are moving or removing walls (even non-load-bearing ones), altering plumbing, or making significant electrical changes, you will need a building permit from the City of Toronto. This ensures all work is done to the Ontario Building Code, which is crucial for your family’s safety and your home’s value. A reputable contractor will manage the entire permit process for you.
What are the benefits of engineered hardwood over solid hardwood for a Toronto home?
Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for the Ontario climate. Its layered construction makes it much more stable and resistant to the expansion and contraction caused by our seasonal humidity swings. This means less risk of gapping or cupping compared to solid hardwood, making it ideal for the main floor of a busy home.
If our Scarborough story has sparked your imagination, we’d be honoured to help you write the next chapter for your own home. Every great transformation begins with a simple conversation. Contact us today to schedule your free quote and let’s explore the possibilities together.