WHEN STRUCTURE, LIGHT, AND STORAGE RESHAPE A TORONTO KITCHEN RENOVATION
As with many small kitchen renovations in Toronto, this project started with the idea of IKEA
Kitchen Design Concept
It all began on a wintry Wednesday in January. Our newsletter had just arrived when the email came in: “Kalli, we need to renovate our kitchen.” After one Zoom call and a couple of follow-up emails, we met in person. As with many Toronto kitchen renovations, it started with the idea of IKEA cabinets. (More on that later.)
C&G were ready to make a change. Their compact kitchen had long since passed its prime—and we love tackling small-space renovations. Limited square footage doesn’t mean limited potential. It just means every inch has to work smarter.
THE BRIEF: The original kitchen in this wartime Etobicoke bungalow didn’t work for its homeowners. The layout was awkward, the counters were few, and the storage was practically nonexistent. Clutter had claimed the space above the cabinets. Dull and beige were out—this Toronto kitchen renovation called for fresh finishes and thoughtful flow. Bright, two-toned cabinetry was in.
Planning a Small Kitchen Renovation in a Toronto Bungalow
The original kitchen layout had multiple access points, making cooking feel chaotic and disorganized. The oven was wedged right beside a doorway. Despite the window, it was a dim and disconnected space. Counterspace was minimal, and cooking as a couple was more frustrating than fun.
When we reviewed their original floor plans, a solution quickly surfaced. A few key changes could open up the kitchen and the front hall—expanding storage, improving flow, and adding valuable square footage to this Toronto bungalow renovation. One overlooked opportunity? A 4-foot void between the kitchen and foyer—used only for a mirror and a catchall table. We split the space strategically between the two rooms.
Another pain point: there was no proper hallway. Getting to the back of the house meant cutting through the kitchen or dining room. We rerouted the circulation to include a central hall, carving out a defined, interruption-free kitchen zone.
mart Kitchen Design Ideas for Small Toronto Homes
That new wall we added? It gave us room for ceiling-height cabinetry, adding much-needed storage. The wider footprint also created more prep space—finally making it easy for two people to share the kitchen without bumping into each other. The new U-shaped layout allowed us to introduce activity zones: coffee near the fridge, cooking at the range, and prep + recycling by the sink wall. To preserve the prep area, we tucked the microwave beneath the counter.
The dishwasher was moved left of the sink—right where the original plumbing had been hiding all along. A little construction luck goes a long way.
How to Make a Small Toronto Kitchen Feel Spacious and High-End
Even with its compact footprint, this Toronto kitchen renovation delivers prominent design features. A pull-out recycling system frees up the sink base. A continuous quartz backsplash and countertop give it a clean, high-end finish. The entire room feels composed and calm. Good design supports movement. There’s no room for bottlenecks. And definitely, no time to catch your sweater on a fussy cabinet knob. Wall cabinets received simple handles, while lower drawers got integrated pulls for a streamlined look that doesn’t get in your way.
Why Custom Cabinets Work Best in Toronto Kitchen Renovations
About that IKEA idea—tempting, but not the right fit here. Custom millwork enabled us to optimize every inch, including the addition of pull-outs and custom-depth drawers. For a Toronto kitchen remodel, especially in older homes, customization often makes all the difference. It’s all about maximizing kitchen space in older Toronto homes. We retained the original walnut-stained oak floors in the surrounding rooms but introduced a cork-backed luxury vinyl tile in the kitchen. It picks up a dark grain from the oak and transitions with a stainless trim—a clean break that feels deliberate.
This project began with a focus on structure and simplicity. It’s a transitional kitchen with soft, modern notes. No overly decorative millwork. Just intention and performance in every detail.
This updated kitchen doesn’t beg for attention—it earns it. And now, C&G have a Toronto kitchen that finally works as beautifully as it looks.
Your kitchen deserves more than a facelift—it deserves a redesign that works. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Toronto, I’d love to help you make every inch count.