PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
A Kitchen Renovation in Etobicoke
Designed for storage, flow, and function
This kitchen started with frustration — and ended with flow. What was once a cramped, beige bungalow layout in Etobicoke is now a space with purpose, polish, and Charleston charm.
The homeowners, C&G, reached out to us after reading one of our newsletters. Their Etobicoke home, like many wartime bungalows in Toronto, had quirks that had gone unchecked for decades: tight circulation, limited counter space, no real hallway, and more doorways than made sense in a kitchen.
But these design quirks offered opportunities.
From Beige and Blocked to Bright and Purposeful
The existing kitchen had multiple points of entry — one from the foyer and one from the dining room — that made the layout feel disjointed. The oven was placed right by the entry, which interrupted movement. Cooking together was not easy.
Although there was a window, the kitchen still felt dark, and clutter accumulated on top of the upper cabinets due to a lack of storage space. It was the kind of space that had stopped evolving decades ago. Our clients were ready to bring their home into the present — and stay in it for the long haul.
Opening Up the Floor Plan
This kitchen renovation wasn’t a tear-down-and-expand kind of kitchen remodel. It was a clever rework that utilized the home’s existing footprint.
By reviewing the original floor plan and analyzing the flow, we noticed a 4-foot-wide section between the kitchen and foyer that served no discernible function — other than just a place to hang a mirror and drop keys. So, we gave this space purpose.
We used this space to expand the kitchen, widen the front closet, and create a proper hallway connecting the front and back of the house. No more cutting through the kitchen to get to other rooms. That one move created a more functional kitchen and a more livable home.
Custom Cabinetry that Adds Storage and Style
With the addition of the new wall to define the kitchen, we gained valuable space for more ceiling-height cabinetry. These cabinets deliver ample storage and draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more open.
To keep the base area clean and purposeful, we integrated:
A garbage and recycling centre
An under-counter microwave to free up counter space
Pull-out drawers for easy access
We also relocated the dishwasher to a more intuitive spot next to the sink — and as luck would have it, that’s where the original plumbing was hiding all along—a rare case of renovation serendipity.
Designed Around Real Life — and Real Cooking
This kitchen was small, but that didn’t mean sacrificing luxury or flow. We created clear work zones:
A coffee zone close to the fridge
A prep zone near the recycling centre
A cooking zone with ample counter space by the oven
We selected cabinet hardware with function in mind: pulls for the base cabinets (no snagged sweaters!) and sleek handles for the uppers. These small touches make everyday tasks easier — and they matter.
Materials that Feel Like Home
The original oak flooring throughout the home had a walnut stain. Instead of ripping it out or trying to match it, we installed luxury vinyl tile with cork backing in the kitchen — explicitly chosen to pick up the darker tones from the surrounding floor.
Where the materials met, we added a stainless steel transition strip — a quiet moment of visual continuity. The result is a kitchen that feels distinct but still cohesive with the rest of the home.
For the backsplash and counters, we selected luxury quartz for its durability and seamless look—fewer seams mean less visual noise, resulting in a calmer space.
About IKEA…
Like many homeowners, the conversation began with: “Could we use IKEA?” The answer? Not this time.
To fully maximize this kitchen’s potential, we needed a more customized approach. That meant designing every cabinet to fit precisely — no fillers, no gaps, and no compromises. It also meant incorporating clever features like pull-out shelving and right-sized drawers, which wouldn’t have been possible with a flat-pack.
This kitchen remodel wasn’t about building a flashy showpiece. It was about creating a kitchen that could keep up with the rhythm of real life.
A Kitchen Built for Couple That Likes to Cook Together
Our clients now had a kitchen that reflected their lifestyle, not just their cooking habits. No unnecessary detail, no crown moulding or oversized embellishments. Simply clean lines, thoughtful storage, and an intuitive layout.
It’s a kitchen that doesn’t just look good — it works. And it’s proof that even smaller spaces have hidden potential waiting to be unlocked.
Design Build: Kalli George Interiors & Ifill Homes
Photography: Stephanie Buchman Photography
Location: Etobicoke, ON
Project Type: Complete kitchen renovation
BEFORE IMAGES
