Project — Scarborough 15
Quick Facts
- Location: Scarborough, Ontario
- Service: Kitchen Renovation
- Duration: ~1 month
- Scope: Full kitchen redesign, materials, lighting, flooring, and inspection
A Bright Kitchen Built on Contrast
This Scarborough kitchen renovation (Project 15) was all about redefining balance.
The homeowner wanted a space that felt bright and contemporary, yet grounded with rich, natural tones.
Our solution was a modern white kitchen contrasted by deep, engineered wood flooring — bringing warmth, character, and depth into an otherwise narrow, galley-style space.
The challenge lay in the layout: a long and narrow footprint typical of older Toronto homes.
We optimized it by creating a linear flow — cabinets, appliances, and lighting arranged with precision — making every inch functional while keeping the room bright and open.
The result is a refined kitchen that feels airy yet sophisticated, achieved in just under one month.
Design Goals
- Brighten the narrow kitchen using a white-on-white scheme for cabinets, backsplash, and quartz.
- Add visual depth and texture with deep-toned engineered wood flooring.
- Enhance lighting layers to prevent shadows and maintain openness.
- Maximize storage with full-height cabinetry and efficient layout zoning.
- Ensure long-term durability through moisture-resistant materials and professional waterproofing.
Design Highlights & Materials
Cabinetry & Countertops
- Matte white upper and lower cabinets with soft-close drawers and sleek, handle-free design.
- Quartz countertops (1¼″) in “Calacatta White” pattern for subtle marble veining.
- Integrated quartz backsplash for a seamless, light-reflective finish.
- Full-height pantry wall with built-in microwave and concealed storage.
Flooring
- Dark engineered wood flooring, warm espresso tone with visible grain for natural texture.
- Installed in linear planks to elongate the narrow space visually.
- Moisture-resistant underlayment and perimeter expansion gaps for long-term stability.
Lighting & Electrical
- Recessed LED downlights (4000 K, CRI 90+) for general illumination.
- Under-cabinet lighting (3500 K) to highlight backsplash and workspace.
- Slim pendant fixtures above prep zone for vertical balance.
- ESA-compliant wiring and energy-efficient dimmers.
Appliances & Fixtures
- Stainless steel range and hood vented outdoors.
- Single-bowl undermount sink with brushed-nickel faucet.
- Compact dishwasher and counter-depth refrigerator for narrow-space optimization.
4-Week Project Timeline
Week 1 — Demolition & Prep Work
Removed old laminate cabinets and vinyl flooring. Inspected subfloor and wall studs.
Planned linear cabinet alignment and updated plumbing and electrical layouts.
Week 2 — Flooring & Cabinet Installation
Installed dark engineered wood flooring first to define the space visually.
Mounted base and upper cabinets in symmetrical alignment, ensuring clean sightlines down the narrow corridor.
Week 3 — Countertops, Backsplash & Lighting
Quartz countertops and backsplash were templated and installed.
Recessed LEDs and under-cabinet lighting added brightness and depth.
Week 4 — Final Touches & Inspection
Painted trims, sealed floor transitions, installed appliances, and completed final ESA and plumbing inspections.
The kitchen was move-in ready by day 28 — fully functional and photo-ready.
The Result — Sleek, Bright, and Balanced
The final kitchen embodies modern contrast done right:
White cabinets and countertops amplify brightness, while the dark engineered wood flooring grounds the space in warmth.
Even though the kitchen is long and narrow, the cohesive palette and linear design make it feel expansive and inviting.
The reflective quartz surfaces, combined with warm LED tones, create a perfect balance of brightness and coziness — a space that feels both elegant and practical for everyday living.
“The dark floor acts like a visual anchor — balancing the light above while giving the kitchen a sense of depth and flow.”
Completed Project Photos
1. White Cabinets & Dark Wood Flooring
2. Narrow Layout & LED Lighting
3. Quartz Countertop & Backsplash
4. Overall View — Bright & Cohesive Design
Design Takeaways for Homeowners
- Narrow kitchens can feel spacious with light-reflective materials and continuous lighting.
- Dark engineered wood adds warmth without making the room feel smaller.
- Quartz countertops and backsplash unify the space and bounce light beautifully.
- Consistent tones enhance flow — white cabinets, neutral walls, and deep flooring achieve harmony.
- Proper planning keeps projects efficient — this transformation was completed in 4 weeks with coordinated scheduling.
Estimated Cost Range
A kitchen renovation of this scope in Scarborough typically ranges $27,000 – $38,000 + HST,
depending on appliance grade, quartz selection, and flooring type.
Request your customized quote: Free Quote
Maintenance & Care Tips
- Clean engineered wood flooring with a microfiber mop and pH-neutral cleaner.
- Wipe quartz surfaces daily with mild soap and water; avoid bleach.
- Keep under-cabinet lighting dust-free to maintain brightness.
- Reseal silicone joints every 12 months for waterproof integrity.
Transform Your Kitchen with Reno Mumu
From narrow kitchen remodels to full-scale modern renovations, Reno Mumu delivers craftsmanship and design precision across Scarborough and the GTA.
Our projects combine functionality, lighting, and material harmony to create spaces that truly inspire.
✨ Bright cabinetry. Dark flooring. Perfect contrast.
👉 Get Your Free Kitchen Quote