With our latest renovation, the challenge was to transform an outdated, well-loved, but tired, two bedroom, two bath, 1350 square foot condo from a bland blank canvas (a designer’s dream, by the way) into a duos’ forever home.
Complete with spa-like bathroom retreats to soak away the day’s cares, the ultimate girl’s best friend – a walk through closet – and a fully equipped, gourmet chef’s kitchen perfect for even the most discerning of culinary minds, the condo now offers limitless opportunity and boundless space. It succeeds in recognizing the present and future needs of a couple set on downsizing in style. Once treated to a fresh makeover of effortless neutrals and current finishes, the soon-to-be sanctuary boasts an open concept living/dining space that is only a momentary step from its expansive kitchen. The fully integrated great room forms the ideal backdrop for entertaining and engaging with guests or a quiet night in for two.
Its simple complexities invite the eye to excitedly capture the entirety of the condo in one spectacular sight line, while its velvet grey corridors welcome in life, love and memory making.
In the master ensuite, a full height gloss white cabinet with a white quartz counter and an under mount porcelain sink with a single column square profile faucet enhances the desired classic minimalist look. A large soaker tub is flanked by 12 x 24 Carrara marble tiles, imported from Italy, which are carefully installed with 1/16” grout joints to mimic a marble slab. The walk-in shower, complete with matching square profile hardware and an 8” rain head shower, is finished off in the identical marble tile to mirror the effect. The floor and walls were waterproofed using Schluter-kerdi membrane and finished off with Carrara marble, 12 x 24 on the walls and 1” hexagonal on the floor. The bathroom floors, with underfloor heating, are completed in a 6 x 24 porcelain tile with a wood grain like finish. A structural concrete column in the bathroom was enrobed in a small profile random linear tile in stone and glass set vertically to turn an unfortunate “eyesore” into a design element. Earthy, grounded greys and muted, translucent whites are combined effortlessly to create a bathroom oasis rich in both structure and whimsy.
In the second bathroom, a wall hung floating gloss white vanity with white quartz countertop, rectangular, low profile vessel sink, a single column square profile faucet and under vanity lighting was installed. The walk-in shower was equipped with an 8” square overhead rain head shower, a handheld shower extension and a variety of marble selections as in the master ensuite. Accent niches add functional storage and opulent charm. In light of space constraints, a contemporary barn door sliding shower enclosure in 10mm tempered glass was chosen. A one piece Euro-style dual flush toilet with enclosed trap is included in the streamlined design. A translucent shimmer metallic wallpaper reminiscent of high end gift wrap adds a silvery warm glow and elegance to the second bathroom.
To obtain an open plan layout between the kitchen and living/dining space, the wall separating the kitchen and existing dining room was removed. For flow, white cabinetry was incorporated throughout the condo. In the kitchen, Shaker style cabinetry with soft closing doors and drawers was combined with espresso stained cabinets for the expansive island. White quartz was installed with a waterfall feature over the island. The 3cm quartz counter top proves to be durable, functional and classically beautiful. All hardware used is manufactured by Blum. To maintain continuity, creamy 3 x 6 Carrara marble subway tile was set in a brick pattern with tight grout joints to enhance the desired sophisticated and timeless look.
The client requested hardwood flooring to unify the open concept design of the living/dining, kitchen and passage areas. In light of the condo’s Southwest exposure with floor to ceiling windows, laminate flooring was selected as an alternative. To retain a high end wood floor look, a narrow plank laminate with micro beveled edges was installed. A noise suppression membrane was included to minimize disturbance and sound transfer.
The existing fireplace was removed to allow for the creation of a customized entertainment area complete with built in cabinetry, sleek linear Valor gas insert and flat screen television. The fireplace wall was clad in 24 x 24 white porcelain tile with a set back on either side of the insert in a dark grey tile to create the illusion of more width. Flanking the central flat screen TV mounted above the fireplace are 2 entertainment/storage cabinets in an espresso wood finish to complement the island cabinetry in the kitchen.
The closets throughout the condo were retrofitted with new organizers. Inserts in a clean white finish were selected with adjustable shelves and full extension drawers running on smooth operating ball bearing slides. The depth of the organizers was increased to 20” to maximize functionality and optimize storage capacity.
Special attention was paid to detail by sourcing unique door pulls cast in bronze from a pattern made by using salvaged wood chip debris collected after Hurricane Katrina. Conducive with most spec. built homes, the condo had virtually no overhead task lighting. A bulkhead with flush mounted 4” LED fixtures was introduced seamlessly with the existing crown moulding feature around the perimeter of the living/dining area. In addition, accent fixtures, both substantial and pretty, were incorporated in the walk-through dressing room, entrance and dining room.
Renovateme! design & construction is a family owned and operated provider of home improvement services proudly based on the North Shore. For additional information on this project and more, please visit us at www.renovateme.ca
