Welcome to the project diary for one of our latest transformations, a beautiful kitchen renovation in a classic East York home. Our goal was to take a dated, inefficient space and turn it into a bright, modern, and highly functional heart of the home. This project is a perfect showcase of how a thoughtful material palette, featuring serene light grey kitchen cabinets with chrome handles and a pristine white sintered stone countertop, can create a timeless and elegant atmosphere that will be loved for years to come.
Project Intro & Quick Facts
Nestled in the charming, tree-lined streets of East York, this Toronto home had great bones but a kitchen that was stuck in the past. The layout was awkward, storage was lacking, and the dark, heavy finishes made the room feel smaller than it actually was. The homeowners, a busy family who loves to cook and entertain, dreamed of a space that was not only beautiful but also practical, durable, and easy to maintain—a space that could stand up to the rigours of daily life while still feeling like a sanctuary.
Our mission was to completely re-imagine the space from the studs out. This wasn’t just about replacing old with new; it was about fundamentally improving how the family used their home. We set out to create a seamless workflow, maximize every square inch of storage, and flood the room with natural and artificial light. Our design approach settled on a transitional style—a sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary elements that respects the home’s original character while providing all the conveniences of modern living.
Quick Facts
- Project: Full Kitchen Gut and Renovation
- Location: East York, Toronto, ON
- Key Features: Custom shaker-style cabinetry, full-height sintered stone backsplash, layered LED lighting plan, luxury vinyl plank flooring, reconfigured appliance layout.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Completed: Late 2023
Design Vision
The initial consultation revealed a common story for many older Toronto homes: a kitchen that felt like an afterthought, disconnected from the rest of the living space, with outdated appliances and surfaces that had seen better days. The primary vision, as articulated by the clients, was one of “light and flow.” They wanted to eliminate the dark, cramped feeling and create an inviting hub where homework could be done, meals could be prepped together, and friends could gather comfortably.
Our design approach was built on four foundational pillars to bring this vision to life:
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A Calming, Neutral Palette: To achieve the bright and airy feel they craved, we immediately knew the dark wood of the previous kitchen had to go. We proposed a soft, light grey for the cabinetry. This choice is wonderfully versatile—it feels warmer and more sophisticated than stark white, but still reflects an enormous amount of light. It acts as a perfect neutral backdrop, a canvas that can be accessorized with different colours and textures over the years as the family’s tastes evolve.
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Modern, Clean Lines: The clients loved the timeless appeal of shaker cabinets, but were wary of a look that felt too traditional or “country.” To modernize this classic style, we specified a shaker profile with sharp, clean lines and a narrower stile and rail width. We paired this with sleek, minimalist chrome bar handles. This combination elegantly bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary, creating a look that is both fresh and enduring.
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Ultimate Durability: With a young, active family, performance was just as important as aesthetics. The surfaces had to withstand the daily onslaught of dropped utensils, spilled juice, and hot pans. This requirement led us directly to sintered stone, a powerhouse material known for its incredible resilience. A pure white sintered stone was chosen for both the countertops and the backsplash. This creates a seamless, monolithic look that feels incredibly high-end and, crucially, is exceptionally easy to clean.
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Optimized Workflow: The old layout was a classic example of inefficiency. The refrigerator door blocked a main pathway when open, and there was precious little counter space next to the range. We completely re-worked the layout to create a highly efficient work triangle between the refrigerator, range, and sink. By relocating the fridge to a different wall and extending a run of cabinetry, we not only improved the flow but also dramatically increased both counter space and storage, adding a much-needed pantry cabinet with roll-out shelves.
Materials & Specifications
The success and longevity of any renovation lie in the quality of the materials specified. For this East York kitchen, we curated a suite of products known for their beauty, longevity, and superior performance.
Cabinetry
The foundation of the design is the custom-built cabinetry. We opted for a classic shaker door style, crafted from solid Canadian maple for the frames and high-density MDF for the centre panels to ensure stability and prevent cracking. The finish is a factory-applied, multi-coat lacquer in a custom light grey, similar to Benjamin Moore’s “Coventry Gray.” This catalyzed lacquer provides a hard-wearing, non-porous, and scrubbable surface far superior to a simple painted finish. All drawers are solid wood dovetail construction and, along with the doors, feature high-quality Blum soft-close hardware for a silent, premium feel that will last a lifetime. The choice of polished chrome handles provides a touch of sparkle and ties in perfectly with the stainless steel appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Countertops & Backsplash
The undisputed star of the show is the white sintered stone countertop. Sintered stone is a cutting-edge engineered surface created by fusing natural mineral particles under immense heat and pressure, a process that mimics the way natural stone like granite is formed over millennia. This results in a non-porous, ultra-compact slab that is virtually indestructible. It’s resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and UV rays, making it one of the most durable and low-maintenance options on the market. For this project, we selected a clean white with very subtle, misty grey veining for a touch of organic movement. To elevate the design and create a truly seamless look, we ran the same 12mm thick sintered stone slab up the wall as a full-height backsplash, eliminating grout lines and creating a stunning, easy-to-clean focal point behind the range.
Flooring
To ground the cool tones of the kitchen, we installed Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring in a warm, light oak finish. LVP is an ideal choice for kitchens in busy Toronto households. It’s 100% waterproof, incredibly scratch-resistant, and much more comfortable and forgiving underfoot than ceramic tile—a welcome feature when standing for long periods. The realistic wood-look planks add warmth and texture, beautifully complementing the cool tones of the grey cabinets without competing for attention.
Lighting & Electrical
A well-designed lighting plan is critical to both the function and ambiance of a kitchen. We implemented a layered approach for maximum versatility:
- Ambient Lighting: Dimmable 4-inch slim LED pot lights (3000K colour temperature for a warm, welcoming glow) were installed throughout the ceiling for clean, even illumination.
- Task Lighting: High-output, dimmable under-cabinet LED strips were installed to perfectly light up the countertops, eliminating shadows and making food prep safer and easier.
- Accent Lighting: A modern, sculptural pendant light was hung over the peninsula, creating a stylish focal point and defining the casual dining space.
All electrical work was completed by our licensed master electrician and fully inspected to comply with the stringent requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, including the correct placement of GFCI-protected outlets along the countertop.
Process & Timeline
While every renovation journey is unique, this project followed our trusted, phased approach to ensure clear communication, quality control, and efficiency from start to finish.
Phase 1: Demolition & Preparation (Days 1-3) The first few days on site are always the most dramatic. After carefully sealing off the kitchen from the rest of the house to control dust, our crew disconnected the plumbing and electrical. Then, they systematically removed all the old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. With the room stripped back to the studs, we had a clean slate to begin the transformation and could inspect the underlying structure for any surprises—a crucial step in older East York homes.
Phase 2: Mechanical Rough-ins (Days 4-6) This is the critical, behind-the-scenes work that sets the stage for everything to come. Our licensed plumbers and electricians re-routed pipes and wires to accommodate the new, optimized layout. New wiring was run for the pot lights, pendant, and under-cabinet lighting. Outlet boxes were moved to new, code-compliant locations. The plumbing was adjusted for the new sink and dishwasher placement, ensuring perfect alignment for the cabinet installation.
Phase 3: Drywall, Taping & Priming (Days 7-10) With the rough-ins inspected and approved by the ESA, it was time to close up the walls. New moisture-resistant drywall was hung, taped, and mudded to a smooth, Level 4 finish—a testament to the skill of our drywall specialists. Once sanded, the entire room received a fresh coat of high-quality primer, creating the perfect, uniform base for the final paint colour and ensuring a flawless finish.
Phase 4: Flooring & Cabinet Installation (Days 11-14) The first major visual change began with the installation of the light oak LVP flooring. Next, our skilled carpenters began meticulously installing the beautiful light grey shaker cabinets. This is a precision job; each cabinet box must be perfectly levelled and securely fastened to the wall and adjacent cabinets to ensure tight seams and perfect alignment for the countertops.
Phase 5: Templating & Countertop Installation (Days 15-20) Once the base cabinets were firmly in place, countertop specialists arrived to create a precise digital template using laser technology. This eliminates human error and ensures the sintered stone is cut to the exact dimensions for a perfect, hair-line fit. About a week later, the installation crew returned to carefully carry in and install the stunning white countertops and the full-height backsplash. This is always a milestone day where the kitchen truly starts to look like the final vision.
Phase 6: Finishing Touches & Final Inspection (Days 21-25) The final phase is all about the details that bring the room together. Our team installed the chrome handles, connected the undermount sink and faucet, and installed the new suite of stainless steel appliances. The painter applied the final coats of durable, scrubbable paint to the walls and trim. Finally, the electrician returned to install the light fixtures, switches, and cover plates, bringing the whole space to life. After a thorough professional cleaning and a final walkthrough with the homeowners to create a “punch list” of any minor adjustments, the kitchen was officially ready for them to enjoy.
The Final Look
Walking into the finished kitchen is like a breath of fresh air. The space is now bright, open, and incredibly welcoming. The soft grey of the cabinetry provides a sense of calm sophistication, while the polished chrome handles and stainless appliances add a layer of modern crispness. The room feels twice as large as it did before, a testament to the power of a light colour palette and an improved layout.
The white sintered stone surfaces are the undisputed hero. They bounce light around the room, making the entire space feel larger and more luminous. The seamless transition from countertop to backsplash creates a clean, uncluttered look that is both luxurious and eminently practical. The new layout functions beautifully, with ample counter space for meal prep, baking projects, and easy circulation for multiple people. It’s a complete transformation from a dark, cramped workspace into a bright, elegant hub that this East York family will enjoy for decades to come.
Design Takeaways
This project offers some valuable lessons for anyone planning a kitchen renovation in Ontario:
- Look Beyond White: While all-white kitchens are timeless, a soft, light grey is an equally classic choice that can feel more personal and sophisticated. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of materials, from warm woods to cool metals.
- Invest in Your Surfaces: Your countertops are the workhorses of your kitchen. Investing in a high-performance material like sintered stone or quality quartz pays dividends in longevity, ease of maintenance, and peace of mind.
- The Power of a Slab Backsplash: If your budget allows, opting for a full-height slab backsplash instead of tile creates a massive visual impact. It’s a high-end detail that eliminates grout maintenance and makes cleaning a breeze.
- Hardware is the Jewelry: Don’t treat cabinet hardware as an afterthought. The sleek chrome handles on this project were the perfect finishing touch, elevating the overall design and tying all the metallic elements together into a cohesive whole.
Maintenance Tips
To keep this new kitchen looking its best for years, we provided the homeowners with a few simple care instructions:
- Sintered Stone: Clean spills with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner or a simple mix of soap and water. While it’s highly resistant to scratches and stains, it’s always best practice to use cutting boards and wipe up highly acidic spills (like wine or lemon juice) promptly.
- Painted Cabinets: Wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn smudges, use a mild, non-abrasive solution of dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or scouring pads which can damage the lacquer finish over time.
- Chrome Handles: A quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth is usually enough to remove fingerprints. For a deeper clean, a bit of glass cleaner on a cloth will restore their brilliant shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does sintered stone compare to quartz for a Toronto kitchen renovation? Both are fantastic, durable engineered surfaces. The main advantage of sintered stone is its superior resistance to heat and scratching; you can place a hot pot directly on it without issue, whereas a quartz countertop can be damaged by thermal shock. Sintered stone is also completely UV-stable, so it won’t fade or yellow, making it a great option for kitchens with large windows and lots of natural light. We help clients across the GTA weigh the pros, cons, and budget implications to select the perfect material for their lifestyle.
2. Were permits required for a kitchen renovation like this in East York? For this specific project, major structural walls were not moved or altered, so a building permit from the City of Toronto wasn’t necessary. However, all electrical work was performed by a licensed electrician who filed for an inspection with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). This is a non-negotiable, critical step in any Ontario renovation to ensure all new wiring is safe and up to code. Any significant plumbing changes would also require a permit and inspection.
3. What is the advantage of custom cabinets over big-box store options? Custom cabinets, like the ones we installed, are built to the exact specifications of your room. This means no awkward filler strips and the ability to maximize every single inch of storage—a huge benefit in older Toronto homes that often have unique dimensions or sloped floors. You also have complete control over the materials (plywood boxes vs. particleboard), the style, the finish, and the interior fittings, allowing for a truly personalized and higher-quality result that is built to last.
4. I’m worried about the renovation process. How do you manage project timelines? That’s a very common concern. We believe in meticulous planning. Before we even swing a hammer, we create a detailed project schedule that outlines each phase. While unforeseen issues can arise, especially in older homes, we build contingency time into the schedule and maintain constant communication with our clients. Our dedicated project manager is the single point of contact, ensuring a smooth process and that you’re always aware of what’s happening next.
This East York kitchen project was a joy to bring to life, resulting in a space that perfectly balances timeless style with modern performance. The new kitchen is not just more beautiful—it’s a more functional, durable, and joyful place for the family to gather, create, and make memories.
If this transformation has inspired you to re-imagine your own kitchen, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation quote and let’s start the conversation about your home.