A North York Kitchen Transformation: Light, Function, and Modern Elegance
In the heart of a bustling North York neighbourhood, a dated kitchen was holding back an otherwise beautiful home. Our recent project in York, Toronto, focused on a complete overhaul, a kitchen renovation with two designed pendant lights acting as the stunning centrepiece. This transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a carefully planned reinvention of the home’s primary workspace, blending high-end materials with meticulous craftsmanship to create a space that is both inspiring and exceptionally functional.
Quick Facts
- Project: Full Kitchen Gut and Remodel
- Location: York, Toronto, ON
- Key Features: Custom Cabinetry, Quartz Countertops & Backsplash, Central Island, Layered Lighting Plan
- Duration: 3-4 weeks
- Completed: March 2025
Design Vision: From Confined to Contemporary
The original kitchen suffered from a common ailment of older Toronto homes: a cramped layout, insufficient lighting, and finishes that had seen better days. The homeowners envisioned a bright, open, and modern space that would serve as a hub for both cooking and family gatherings. The core of our design strategy was to improve the flow, maximize storage, and introduce a sophisticated lighting scheme.
The brief was clear: create a “light and airy” feel with a touch of drama. We achieved this by removing a non-structural partition to open the kitchen to the dining area, creating a more cohesive main floor. The centrepiece of this new, open space would be a large island, providing much-needed counter space, informal seating, and a visual anchor. Suspended above this island, two carefully selected designer pendant lights would provide not just illumination, but also a sculptural, artistic element that would define the room’s character.
Materials & Specifications: A Technical Deep-Dive
A beautiful kitchen is built on a foundation of quality materials. For this North York project, every element was chosen for its durability, performance, and aesthetic contribution.
Cabinetry and Storage
We opted for custom-built, full-height cabinetry to maximize vertical storage. The doors are crafted from high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a sprayed matte lacquer finish in a soft grey (Benjamin Moore’s “Coventry Gray”). HDF was chosen over MDF for its superior density, screw-holding ability, and resistance to moisture fluctuations—a critical factor in any kitchen. The interior of the cabinets features a durable melamine finish for easy cleaning. All drawers and doors are equipped with high-quality soft-close hardware from Blum, ensuring smooth, silent operation for years to come.
Countertops and Backsplash
To create a seamless and luxurious look, we used 1.25-inch thick Calacatta Laza quartz for both the countertops and the full-height backsplash. This engineered stone offers the timeless beauty of natural marble with its dramatic grey veining, but without the associated maintenance. Quartz is non-porous, making it highly resistant to staining from common kitchen spills like wine, coffee, and oil. It’s also incredibly durable and scratch-resistant. Extending the quartz up the wall as a backsplash eliminates grout lines, creating a clean, monolithic look that is exceptionally easy to wipe down.
Electrical and Lighting
The lighting plan was the star of this renovation.
- Ambient Lighting: We installed ten 4-inch slim LED pot lights on a dimmer switch to provide even, overall illumination. These were strategically placed to avoid casting shadows on workspaces.
- Task Lighting: Under-cabinet LED strips were installed to light the countertops directly. This is essential for food prep and safety. We chose a warm white temperature (3000K) to create an inviting glow.
- Accent Lighting: The two feature pendant lights over the island are the Tom Dixon “Melt” pendants. Their distorted spherical shape and mirrored finish are captivating when off, and they produce a beautiful, ethereal light when on.
All electrical work was performed by our licensed electrician in strict compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC). This included installing dedicated 20-amp circuits for the refrigerator and dishwasher, a proper 40-amp circuit for the new induction range, and ensuring all outlets within 1.5 meters of the sink were protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
Plumbing and Fixtures
The sink is a 30-inch undermount single-basin stainless steel model, paired with a sleek, high-arc pull-down faucet in a matte black finish. All plumbing connections, including the dishwasher drain and P-trap installation, adhere to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) standards for proper venting and drainage to prevent sewer gas intrusion and ensure efficient flow.
Process & Timeline: A Four-Week Transformation
A successful renovation hinges on a meticulously planned schedule. Our 3-4 week timeline was ambitious but achievable through precise coordination.
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Week 1: Demolition and Rough-ins The first few days involved the complete demolition of the old kitchen, down to the studs. This allowed us to inspect the framing and subfloor. Our electrical and plumbing teams then completed all rough-in work—running new wiring for the pendants, pot lights, and appliances, and repositioning water supply and drain lines for the new sink location in the island. This phase concluded with a mandatory electrical inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
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Week 2: Structure and Surfaces With rough-ins approved, we moved to insulation and drywall. Our team hung, taped, and mudded new drywall, creating pristine surfaces. Once the drywall was primed, the new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was installed. We chose LVP for its 100% waterproof construction and commercial-grade wear layer, making it an ideal choice for a high-traffic kitchen.
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Week 3: Cabinetry and Countertops This was the week the new kitchen truly began to take shape. The custom cabinets were delivered and professionally installed, ensuring everything was perfectly level and plumb. Immediately following cabinet installation, the quartz supplier came to create a precise digital template of the countertops. The countertops were fabricated off-site and installed by the end of the week.
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Week 4: Finishing Touches and Completion The final week was a whirlwind of finishing details. The full-height quartz backsplash was installed, followed by the installation of the sink, faucet, and all new appliances. Our electrician returned to complete the final connections—installing the outlets, switches, and hanging the stunning pendant lights. A final coat of paint was applied, and after a thorough cleaning, we conducted a final walk-through with the homeowners to ensure every detail met their expectations.
The Final Look
The result is a breathtaking transformation. The open layout feels expansive and welcoming. The soft grey cabinetry provides a calming, neutral backdrop, allowing the dramatic veining of the Calacatta Laza quartz to shine. The matte black hardware and faucet add a touch of modern contrast. But the undeniable focal point is the pair of pendant lights, which float above the island like works of art, casting a warm, inviting glow that transforms the entire atmosphere of the home. The space is now a masterclass in balance—perfectly functional for a busy family, yet elegant enough for sophisticated entertaining.
Design Takeaways
This North York kitchen renovation offers several key insights for anyone planning a similar project:
- Invest in a Layered Lighting Plan: Don’t rely on a single overhead fixture. A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting is crucial for both functionality and mood.
- Create a Focal Point: Whether it’s a statement backsplash, a unique range hood, or dramatic lighting, a strong focal point elevates a design from good to great.
- Continuity is Key: Using the same material for the countertop and backsplash creates a clean, high-end look that can also make a space feel larger.
- Function First: Before finalizing aesthetics, meticulously plan your layout for optimal workflow. Consider the classic “work triangle” (sink, stove, refrigerator) to ensure an efficient and ergonomic space.
Ready to see what’s possible in your own home? Let’s talk about your vision. You can request a free, no-obligation quote to get started.
Maintenance Tips
To keep this kitchen looking brand new for years to come:
- Quartz Care: Clean countertops daily with a soft cloth, water, and a mild pH-neutral soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. While highly stain-resistant, wipe up spills like red wine or turmeric promptly.
- Matte Lacquer Cabinets: Use a microfiber cloth dampened with water to wipe away fingerprints and smudges. For tougher grime, use a gentle, non-ammoniated cleaner. Dry immediately to prevent water spots.
- LVP Flooring: Sweep or vacuum regularly. Mop as needed with a cleaner specifically formulated for luxury vinyl flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Toronto?
It depends on the scope of work. For a project like this one in North York, where we moved plumbing and electrical, a building permit and separate electrical permit are required. Simple cosmetic updates like replacing cabinets or countertops in the same location typically do not require a permit. It’s always best to consult with the City of Toronto Building department or your renovation contractor to ensure compliance.
What are the benefits of custom cabinetry over stock options?
Custom cabinetry, while a larger initial investment, offers unparalleled advantages. It allows you to maximize every inch of your space, which is especially valuable in older Toronto homes with unique layouts. You have complete control over the material, finish, style, and interior organization, resulting in a kitchen that is perfectly tailored to your needs and will last significantly longer than off-the-shelf options.
How critical is proper ventilation in a kitchen?
Proper ventilation is mandated by the Ontario Building Code and is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. A powerful, properly vented range hood removes smoke, grease, steam, and cooking odours from your home. This not only makes the environment more pleasant but also prevents grease buildup on your new cabinets and reduces moisture that can lead to mould and mildew. We always ensure our range hoods are vented directly to the exterior, never recirculated.
This North York kitchen is more than just a renovation; it’s a new beginning for the heart of the home. It stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, quality materials, and expert execution.
If this story has inspired you to reimagine your own kitchen, we’d love to help you bring your ideas to life. Reach out to us today for a free quote and let’s start planning your transformation.