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North York open kitchen with central island connecting living and cooking area

North York Kitchen Renovation 81 — Central Island Design

Kitchen Projects · ·Updated Oct 28, 2025 · North York, ON

Project 81: North York kitchen renovation featuring a central island that connects the kitchen and living room. A modern open-concept design with white finishes, quartz surfaces, and efficient lighting for a spacious, elegant look.

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Project #81 — North York, Ontario

Quick Facts

  • Location: North York (Project 81)
  • Duration: ~4 weeks
  • Service Provided: Kitchen Renovation
  • Project Area: ~160 sq ft

This North York renovation showcases how thoughtful design can merge functionality and openness.
By placing the kitchen island at the center, positioned between the kitchen and living room, Reno Mumu created a flowing, balanced space that allows easy interaction, efficient cooking, and a luxurious visual transition.

Design Concept — Central Island as the Heart of the Home

Modern kitchens in urban homes are no longer closed-off workspaces — they’re social centers where family and guests gather.
The goal of this project was to design a kitchen island that anchors the room both visually and functionally.

Core Design Principles:

  1. Central placement: the island aligns perfectly between the kitchen zone and living room, creating open sightlines.
  2. Multifunctional layout: serves as prep space, breakfast bar, and visual divider.
  3. Bright white palette: amplifies natural light and gives the illusion of spaciousness.
  4. Hidden storage: multiple drawers integrated into the island for clutter-free design.
  5. Soft warm lighting: makes the space welcoming at any time of day.

Materials & Finishes

Cabinetry

  • Custom-made white matte lacquer cabinets with minimalist handles.
  • Soft-close drawers and integrated spice pull-outs for efficient storage.
  • Upper cabinets in satin white to reflect light evenly.

Island

  • Quartz countertop with waterfall edges on both sides for symmetry.
  • Built-in drawers on both faces for extra storage.
  • Seating area for 3 people, designed for casual dining and conversation.

Flooring

  • Wide-plank engineered oak flooring, continuous from kitchen to living room.
  • Natural tone adds warmth and contrast to the white cabinetry.

Lighting

  • 3000 K warm-white LED downlights evenly spaced across ceiling.
  • Three pendant lights above island — gold-trimmed glass design for elegance.
  • Under-cabinet LED strips providing functional counter illumination.

Renovation Process

Week 1 — Planning & Demolition
We began with a full layout redesign, ensuring the new island aligned with structural and electrical constraints.
Old cabinetry and flooring were removed, and the open concept layout was measured for symmetry with living room furniture placement.

Week 2 — Electrical, Plumbing & Subfloor Prep

  • Installed new wiring for pendant lighting and island outlets.
  • Relocated sink plumbing to island center for better ergonomics.
  • Applied moisture barrier membrane under flooring for durability.

Week 3 — Cabinetry & Island Installation

  • Custom cabinetry and island base set into position.
  • Quartz countertop and backsplash installed with precision miter joints.
  • LED lighting tested for uniform brightness and tone.

Week 4 — Painting, Detailing & Inspection

  • Final painting in “Chantilly Lace” white.
  • Trim work and silicone sealing completed.
  • Full project inspection with homeowners for quality verification.

Total Duration: ~4 weeks.

Project Photos

results
kitchen

After
After — open kitchen with central island

Challenges & Solutions

  • Space balance: The living and cooking zones needed equal weight — we maintained harmony by aligning the island’s centerline with the living room focal point.
  • Electrical logistics: Added island outlets via floor conduit to meet Ontario Building Code standards.
  • Lighting tone: Adjusted LED temperature to 3000 K for a warm, natural balance with the oak flooring.
  • Cabinet storage: Used drawer-in-drawer configurations to optimize organization within limited wall space.

Expert Design Tips

  1. Align the island with natural sightlines — it visually connects spaces and avoids awkward proportions.
  2. Use mixed finishes (wood + white) for depth without clutter.
  3. Install hidden outlets in island sides for a clean look.
  4. Choose 3000 K lighting for warmth while preserving the bright aesthetic.
  5. Keep flooring continuous to make the kitchen feel twice as large.

Investment Range (Guide Only)

A kitchen renovation with custom island installation in North York typically ranges $32 k – $55 k + HST, depending on materials, electrical scope, and appliance upgrades.
Every Reno Mumu project includes:

  • Transparent itemized estimate.
  • ESA permit handling and inspection.
  • WSIB & full liability insurance.
  • 1-year workmanship warranty.

Start your project now: Free Quote

Maintenance & Care

  • Wipe quartz surfaces daily with neutral pH cleaner.
  • Use microfiber cloths on matte cabinetry.
  • Avoid dragging stools or chairs directly across flooring.
  • Check silicone joints around sink annually.

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