Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing - it's so nice to be able to see these pictures showing what things look like when you stick with it and get it done. Congrats! I'm jealous!

Very nice. Dropping the ceiling in the kitchen was ingenious. It really helps define the space in an open concept area.

What are your countertops?

Great to see what can be done with a cheapo cookie-cutter condo layout. In some cases, eliminating an enclosed balcony might require Corporation permission.

That is stunning. Something out of a magazine. Might I ask what city you're in?

I live in downtown Vancouver, BC Canada and was within walking distance to several of the Olympic venues back in February. The countertops are Caesarstone quartz.

The renovation was a long process that started about 5 years ago with the removal of the enclosed balcony. The bulk of the work was done last summer and the new kitchen went in this summer. I actually did not get a chance to take "before" photos of my place but as it turns out, my friends (and neighbors) recently sold their place on the same floor (opposite corner) and I was able to snap some pics when they moved out. The only difference between their place and mine was they had laminate flooring and I had the original (and disgusting) beige carpet. I just flipped everything in Photoshop so the spaces appear in the same orientation as mine.

Just so glad it's all over and I can enjoy it now. An amazing increase in both storage and counterspace. (the bar side of the island is all cabinets!).

Here's a couple more shots that show the view:

Wow. Just wow. It's stunning. The living space was nice before, but the difference is amazing. So open and airy!

Fabulous job, kenjwan, with spectacular looking surface materials all around. What excited me most, however, was the "front kitchen/back kitchen" concept. Sort of reminded me of those distinct rooms in old 19th century Nova Scotia farmhouses. I had always wondered why they had two kitchens, but in looking at your place it become clear - one for a more public celebration of food and cooking and one more hidden space to focus on the sometimes messy details of cooking (and cleaning up).

I predict you and your guests are going to enjoy this place thoroughly for many years!

Oops, maybe I mis-spoke. I thought there was another galley kitchen behind the wall, but I guess that was the "before" kitchen I was looking at. I guess it's only a slim hall back there. Still like the look though, and great view of the city.

I love how you've transformed your space, it's like looking at two totally unrelated apartments. Enjoy your beautiful views of our wonderful city!

Wow, this looks really great.

We are looking at renovations as well and in particular replacing / removing the partitions for the enclosed balcony to open up the space. I was wondering if you needed to get a building permit to do this. I called City Hall to check, but they are not sure, so I was wondering if you needed one for your renovations to remove the enclosed balcony. Our strata has given approval already. if you have any insight then that would be greatly appreciated.