A kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s the bustling heart of a home, where memories are made and days begin and end. For one Toronto family, their dated kitchen was falling short. They dreamed of a space that was both timelessly elegant and perfectly suited for modern family life. The vision was clear: a stunning navy colour center island to serve as a bold anchor, surrounded by bright and airy L shape white kitchen cabinets. This project showcases how a classic colour combination and a thoughtful layout can completely transform a home’s central hub.
Project Quick Facts
- Project: Full Kitchen Renovation
- Location: Toronto, ON
- Key Features: Custom two-tone Shaker cabinetry, large navy blue island with seating, Calacatta Gold quartz countertops and backsplash, brushed gold hardware, integrated lighting.
- Project Year: 2022
- Duration: 4 weeks
The Design Vision
We sat down with our lead designer to discuss the inspiration and goals behind this beautiful transformation.
Q: What was the primary objective for this Toronto kitchen renovation?
A: The homeowners’ existing kitchen was a product of a different era. It was closed off, the layout was inefficient, and it lacked both storage and personality. The primary goal was to create an open, luminous, and highly functional space that felt welcoming. They wanted a kitchen that could handle a busy weekday morning as gracefully as it could host a dinner party. The clients were drawn to classic design elements but wanted a contemporary twist, which led us directly to the two-tone cabinet concept.
Q: How did the combination of an L-shape layout and a contrasting island achieve those goals?
A: It’s a powerhouse combination for a reason! The L shape white kitchen cabinets are brilliant for maximizing corner space and establishing a very efficient “work triangle” between the refrigerator, sink, and range. By keeping the perimeter cabinets white, we made the space feel larger and brighter, reflecting the natural light from the nearby window.
The navy colour center island then becomes the star of the show. It’s not just a beautiful piece of furniture; it’s a functional masterpiece. It grounds the design, adds a rich depth of colour, and introduces a massive amount of storage with deep drawers for pots and pans. We also designed it with an overhang for casual seating, turning it into the social core of the home where kids can do homework or guests can chat with the cook.
Materials & Specifications
Choosing the right materials was essential to achieving a look that was both luxurious and durable enough for daily family life.
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Cabinetry: We used custom-made, solid maple Shaker-style cabinets. The perimeter L-shape was finished in Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace,” a crisp, pure white that provides a clean backdrop. The commanding central island was painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Hale Navy,” a timeless, deep blue with sophisticated grey undertones.
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Countertops & Backsplash: To unify the space and add a touch of elegance, we selected Calacatta Gold Quartz for both the countertops and the full-height backsplash behind the range. This engineered stone is a fantastic choice for kitchens; it’s non-porous, highly resistant to staining and scratching, and easy to maintain. The subtle, warm gold veining beautifully complements the hardware.
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Hardware: The cabinet pulls and knobs are finished in a soft brushed gold. This choice adds warmth to the cool tones of the white and navy, tying the entire palette together and elevating the overall aesthetic from classic to chic.
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Flooring: We installed wide-plank, light oak engineered hardwood flooring, which flows seamlessly from the rest of the main floor into the kitchen. This continuity enhances the open-concept feel of the home.
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Lighting: A multi-layered lighting plan was crucial. We installed dimmable LED pot lights for ambient light, discreet under-cabinet LED strips for bright task lighting on the countertops, and a pair of stunning brushed gold and glass pendant lights above the island to serve as functional art. All electrical work was completed by a licensed electrician and inspected to meet the strict standards of Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
The Process & Timeline
While every project’s timeline is unique, our process follows a structured path to ensure quality and efficiency from start to finish.
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Demolition and Rough-ins: The first step was the careful demolition of the old kitchen. Once we had a clean slate, our licensed tradespeople updated the plumbing and electrical. This involved running new lines for the island’s outlets and the dishwasher, ensuring all new wiring met or exceeded Ontario Building Code requirements for dedicated circuits and GFCI protection near water sources.
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Foundation and Installation: With the infrastructure in place, we moved on to drywall, taping, and priming. The new hardwood flooring was installed, followed by the precise installation of the custom cabinetry. We started with the L-shape perimeter cabinets to establish the kitchen’s footprint, then perfectly centered the large navy island.
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Finishing and Details: After the cabinets were set, a specialist came to create a digital template for the quartz countertops, ensuring a flawless fit. Once the countertops and full-height backsplash were installed, our tile setters created a beautiful herringbone pattern for the remaining backsplash areas. This was followed by final painting, installation of the lighting fixtures, hardware, and new appliances.
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Final Walkthrough: The last step is always a detailed walkthrough with the homeowners. We inspected every drawer, tested every appliance, and ensured every finish was perfect before handing over their stunning new kitchen, complete with all necessary permits and inspection certificates.
The Final Look
Stepping into the finished kitchen is a breath of fresh air. The space is filled with light, feeling both expansive and intimate. The crisp white cabinets along the walls create an airy, clean perimeter, while the deep, rich navy of the island draws you in, inviting you to pull up a stool and stay awhile.
The brushed gold hardware and fixtures catch the light, adding a layer of warmth and sophistication that plays beautifully against the cool tones of the cabinetry. The subtle gold veins in the quartz countertops seem to trace paths between the island and the perimeter, unifying the design in a quiet, elegant way. This kitchen is no longer just a utility room; it’s a beautifully crafted space that functions as the true heart of this Toronto home.
Design Takeaways
We asked our designer for her key insights from this project.
Q: What is one design choice that homeowners can learn from in this kitchen?
A: Don’t be afraid of a bold, dark colour, even in a moderately sized space. The key is balance. By pairing the deep navy colour center island with bright L shape white kitchen cabinets, light countertops, and a reflective backsplash, the navy doesn’t overwhelm the room. Instead, it adds character, depth, and a high-end, custom feel. It’s a testament to how contrast, when used thoughtfully, can make a space feel more dynamic and interesting.
Q: Any advice for someone in Ontario planning a kitchen renovation?
A: Plan for your lighting early in the process! It’s not just an afterthought. Good lighting transforms a kitchen. In Ontario, any new electrical work requires a licensed electrician and an ESA inspection. By planning your pot lights, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant locations during the design phase, you ensure the rough-in is done correctly, saving you time and money later. Thinking about how you’ll use the space—chopping vegetables, reading recipes, entertaining—will help you create a lighting plan that is both beautiful and incredibly functional.
Maintenance Tips
To keep this kitchen looking pristine for years to come, we provided the homeowners with a few simple care instructions:
- Quartz Surfaces: Clean daily with a soft cloth and a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. While highly durable, always use trivets for hot pots and cutting boards for knives. Wipe up acidic spills like lemon juice or vinegar quickly to be safe.
- Painted Cabinets: For regular cleaning, a dry microfiber cloth is best. For grease or smudges, use a slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull or damage the painted finish.
- Brushed Gold Hardware: Simply wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and restore its luster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a permit from the City of Toronto for a kitchen renovation? A: It depends on the scope. If you are simply replacing cabinets, countertops, and fixtures in their existing locations, you typically do not need a permit. However, if you are moving walls, altering the plumbing layout, or changing the electrical wiring (like adding an island with power), you will require building and electrical permits. We manage this entire process for our clients to ensure full compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
Q: How much does a kitchen renovation featuring an L-shape layout and a navy island cost in the Greater Toronto Area? A: The investment for a custom kitchen renovation can vary significantly based on factors like the overall square footage, the quality of materials selected, the brand of appliances, and the complexity of the structural or mechanical changes required. A project of this caliber is a significant investment in your home’s value and your daily life. The most accurate way to understand the cost for your specific space is to schedule a consultation. We provide detailed, transparent estimates to help you budget effectively.
Q: What are the benefits of custom cabinetry over stock or semi-custom options? A: Custom cabinetry, like that used in this project, offers unparalleled flexibility. It allows us to maximize every inch of space, which is invaluable in many Toronto homes. You can specify the exact dimensions, configurations (like deep pot drawers or spice pull-outs), and choose from an endless array of colours and finishes, like the specific “Hale Navy” used here. The result is a kitchen that is truly tailored to your home’s architecture and your family’s lifestyle.
This Toronto kitchen renovation is a perfect example of how thoughtful design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship can come together to create a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Inspired to start your own kitchen transformation? Whether you’re dreaming of a bold navy island or a serene, all-white space, our team is ready to help you design and build the heart of your home. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s begin the conversation.