After nearly 20 years of working in a cramped and inefficient kitchen, as well a doing most of their cooking on a hotplate because of on-going issues with old appliances, our food-loving clients were more than ready for a major kitchen remodel. Our goal was to open the kitchen and living space without compromising the architectural integrity of this gorgeous 1930’s home, allowing our clients to cook and entertain guests at the same time. We made sure to retain key elements, such as the plaster cove moulding detail, arched doorways, and glass knobs in order to maintain the look and era of the home. Features includes a new bar and prep sink area, new appliances throughout, a cozy dog bed area incorporated into the cabinet design, shelving niche for cookbooks, magnetic cabinet door on the broom closet to display photos, a recessed television niche for the flatscreen, and radius steps with custom mosaic tile on the stair risers. Our clients can now cook and entertain guests with ease while their beloved dog’s standby to keep the floor clean!

Photography by Natalie Marotta Bungalows are lovable homes, but how can they be better? Along with many of our clients, we find that older (early 20th c.) homes have a lot of character and a comfortable scale, but are leaky, damp (especially in the basement), have fair to poor air quality, and use unconscionable amounts of fossil fuels to heat. The owners of this bungalow were ready to change that, and wanted to do so with minimal upfront carbon emissions as well. The gut renovation included replacing the basement slab and providing capillary breaks and insulation continuously below grade. The brick structure was treated with a fluid-applied air and water barrier from the interior and insulated entirely with cellulose, a carbon-storing insulation. The roof used HFO-blown spray foam to provide sufficient insulation while allowing headroom for bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry. One great benefit of a full renovation is the possibility of reconfiguring spaces to suit the family’s lifestyle, and to make the best of indoor-outdoor connections. We opened up the main rooms on the first floor, creating a family gathering spot with a view to the back yard, and a spacious kitchen that supports the family’s commitment to cooking for healthy eating. The stair uses a north-facing skylight to bring light from above into the middle of the home, where it was previously dark. As a decarbonization retrofit, the inefficient furnace was replaced with two small ducted heat pump systems, water heating and clothes drying are powered by air-source heat pumps, and cooking uses an induction cooktop plus electric ovens. Energy recovery ventilation provides filtered fresh air continuous exhaust from the kitchen, baths, and laundry, and supplies fresh, highly filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces. The Better Bungalow now makes sense for the 21st century–it now fits the owners’ life-patterns, is super comfortable, has great air quality, and uses a fraction of the energy it did before, greatly lowering the demand on the utility grid. In the near future, when solar PV is installed, it can achieve net zero or near net zero emissions, and with battery backup, can provide great resilience in the event of power outages.

Our client had the perfect lot with plenty of natural privacy and a pleasant view from every direction. What he didn’t have was a home that fit his needs and matched his lifestyle. The home he purchased was a 1980’s house lacking modern amenities and an open flow for movement and sight lines as well as inefficient use of space throughout the house. After a great room remodel, opening up into a grand kitchen/ dining room, the first-floor offered plenty of natural light and a great view of the expansive back and side yards. The kitchen remodel continued that open feel while adding a number of modern amenities like solid surface tops, and soft close cabinet doors. Kitchen Remodeling Specs: Kitchen includes granite kitchen and hutch countertops. Granite built-in counter and fireplace surround. 3cm thick polished granite with 1/8″ V eased, 3/8″ radius, 3/8″ top &bottom, bevel or full bullnose edge profile. 3cm 4″ backsplash with eased polished edges. All granite treated with “Stain-Proof 15 year sealer. Oak flooring throughout.

A revitalized kitchen exudes modernity with its pristine white palette and sleek, contemporary design characterized by clean lines, and a modern and inviting culinary space.

The existing Kitchen was extremely inefficient with very little counter space and few cabinets. We re-organized the Kitchen appliances to create an efficient work triangle, maximized cabinet storage by customizing the depth of the cabinets to create a continuous flow of cabinets (deep and shallow) as well as maximized usable counter space which used to be interrupted by the chimney flue. We added a new shallow work counter along the large window wall with tall storage flanking the windows, where our client can sit down while prepping for her dishes. This shallow counter can also be utilized as a serving counter while entertaining guests. Since the footprint remains small, we took advantage of the high ceilings and provided tall wall cabinets and pantry storage. A tall cabinet adjacent to the refrigerator houses the microwave, and what would be a dead corner for the countertop is saved for a toaster oven. photo: Volume Zero LLC

This kitchen with pantry received a major makeover with classically styled Savannah Beaded Inset Door cabinetry from Showplace Wood Products and quartz counter tops from Caesarstone. With just a small structural change, a cramped and inefficient space was transformed into a chef's kitchen, a connoisseur's show space and a discrete laundry room. This traditional kitchen design was achieved by combining stainless steel appliances, ceramic backsplash, gray quartz countertops, and hardwood flooring. See before photos. Design: Elyse Hochstadt, Photos: Ren Dodge

This primary bathroom was transformed from an underused, inefficient space into a luxurious retreat designed for everyday wellness. The homeowners wanted the feeling of a dark, relaxing, moody resort with the function of a private spa. Their favorite features of the new space include the steam shower, dual shower heads, sauna, cold plunge, benches, warm wood details, dramatic tile, and thoughtful lighting. Our design-build team guided the project from design through completed construction, creating a cohesive space that flows beautifully with the bedroom. The result is a high-performing wellness suite that the homeowners now use and enjoy daily.

We transformed an inefficient walk-in closet/bathroom into a luxury master bathroom. The walk-in closet was relocated to another area. Our customers were looking for an open concept bathroom with lots of natural light but with some privacy. This beautiful master bathroom has a custom walk in shower with half walls for privacy. It also creates a nice hidden space for the toilet. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

This Kitchen renovation was created for a busy family who wanted their home to better support the way they lived. With two children, a dog, and demanding professional schedules, the Kitchen was the heart of their home. However, the existing space felt outdated, inefficient, and disconnected from their personal style. The heavy wood finishes and worn materials no longer reflected the look or functionality they wanted. The goal was to create a Kitchen that felt fresh and elevated, while still looking like it had always belonged in the home. The new design focused on improving functionality while carefully selecting materials that blended seamlessly with the existing finishes. White oak veneer Kitchen cabinetry brought warmth and timeless character, while a natural dolomite countertop became the centrepiece of the space. Custom cabinetry was also added to the Mudroom, creating additional storage and helping the home function better for everyday life. The Clients had a strong vision and a preference for natural materials rather than standard builder-grade finishes. Through thoughtful conversations and careful sourcing, we helped bring that vision to life while balancing design goals and budget considerations. The finished Kitchen is warm, functional, and timeless. It is a space designed not only to look beautiful but to support busy mornings, family meals, and everyday moments. Project Details: ? Kitchen Renovation ? White Oak Veneer Cabinetry ? Natural Dolomite Countertop ? Custom Mudroom Cabinetry ? Timeless, Functional Design Sosna Home Renovations 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 website: www.sosna.ca phone: 416-888-7366 extension 1 email: contact@sosna.ca

Our homeowner had worked with us in the past and asked us to design and renovate their 1980’s style master bathroom and closet into a modern oasis with a more functional layout. The original layout was chopped up and an inefficient use of space. Keeping the windows where they were, we simply swapped the vanity and the tub, and created an enclosed stool room. The shower was redesigned utilizing a gorgeous tile accent wall which was also utilized on the tub wall of the bathroom. A beautiful free-standing tub with modern tub filler were used to modernize the space and added a stunning focal point in the room. Two custom tall medicine cabinets were built to match the vanity and the closet cabinets for additional storage in the space with glass doors. The closet space was designed to match the bathroom cabinetry and provide closed storage without feeling narrow or enclosed. The outcome is a striking modern master suite that is not only functional but captures our homeowners’ great style.

This Bonney Lake bathroom remodel turned an outdated space into a sleek and modern oasis. The project started with a full demolition, stripping away old tiles, worn-out fixtures, and inefficient plumbing. The goal was to create a luxurious, spa-like retreat with contemporary design and high-end finishes. Once the foundation was prepared, we installed large-format, marble-inspired porcelain tiles, adding a sophisticated and seamless aesthetic. The floor was upgraded with high-gloss, large white tiles, enhancing brightness and creating a polished, modern look. A custom-built vanity with quartz countertops and gold hardware introduced a perfect blend of elegance and functionality. The shower transformation was a key highlight, featuring a built-in bench, recessed niches, and a frameless glass enclosure for a spacious feel. High-efficiency lighting and modern ventilation were installed to improve both ambiance and air circulation. The fixtures were carefully selected, blending matte black and gold finishes to create a bold and refined contrast. The final result is a stunning, high-end bathroom that balances beauty with practicality. This Bonney Lake remodel showcases expert craftsmanship, premium materials, and a design that enhances both comfort and home value.

Harnessing the power of 3D Architectural rendering abilities, OMNIA Architects’ delivered this finished conceptual design to our client, who wanted to modernize a dated residential seashore house, located in lovely Longport, New Jersey OMNIA designed both a new interior layout and a new exterior aesthetic. By rearranging the architectural living spaces, we ended up with an expanded, gourmet kitchen that was open to the primary living area. OMNIA Architects then doubled the size of the covered outdoor space and replaced the small patio doors with two full walls of folding glass Nana walls, Entering the home, one now sees through the foyer and out to the backyard with views of the bay. An inefficient, awkward utility area was enlarged by removing a rarely used back stair that accessed a small room over the garage. The new utility room features laundry, a second “beach” powder room and significant, thoughtful built-ins for dirty and clean towels, beach stuff and more. The room over the garage was reconfigured to be accessed from the main floor and the room enhanced to become a full suite. On the outside, new window patterns, more glass and new cladding create a sleek, modern new beach feel while ensuring minimum maintenance through the use of premium materials like Hardie Vertical Fiber Cement.

A previous client (Big Wood Lane) reached out to us to help design a remodel of a recently purchased on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka. The home had grown organically since its original construction in 1945. It had evolved over time to accommodate the needs of its numerous owners. Our client brought a new set of needs to the home that included a desire to make the lake home a comfortable destination for family and friends. The project consisted of reconfiguring an outdated, inefficient kitchen, expansion of the bedroom wing to include individual bathrooms for bedrooms and redesign of the central stair guard rail. The redesign of the kitchen included repositioning major appliances for greater efficiency, more seating at an enlarged island, a new pantry, and expanded views to the lake. The expansion of the bedroom wing included eliminating a three-season porch on top of the garage on the inland side of the home. The space above the garage roof was enclosed and turned into dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom. These bathrooms are accessible only from the bathrooms which provide privacy and convenience to visitors.

An under used whirlpool tub and inefficient layout were rectified by removing the tub and outdated glass block shower to create a generous walk-in shower area and dual vanity with built ins for storage. Woods and textured materials add warmth and sophistication to the space.

Our design solution began with a thoughtful reconfiguration of the layout to improve both function and flow. By eliminating inefficiencies, we were able to create a spacious walk-in shower and a separate heated, jetted air tub, delivering the calming, spa-like experience the homeowner envisioned.

Although large and spacious the original kitchen did not meet the client's needs. The appliances were old and inefficient and the cabinets did not reflect the style of the home. The goal was to design the kitchen for more than one cook and include high-end appliances and stylish cabinetry and finishes. The new design allows for food preparation, cooking and storage areas. The professional style refrigerator allows access from both sides of the island. The microwave oven is beside the refrigerator for quick re-heats while the professional oven at the other end cooks food at remarkable speed. The range top becomes the command center. Plenty of space was allocated at the window at the end of the kitchen for a large table and chairs that overlook a beautiful backyard. A wet bar was located at the opposite end just outside the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The kitchen is now completed in a traditional style with simple, but elegant, white painted cabinetry. White marble counter tops and back splashes are highlighted by elegant pendant lights above the island. Finally, this beautiful room is dramatized by a black coffered ceiling accented by lighting above the crown molding.

A previous client (Big Wood Lane) reached out to us to help design a remodel of a recently purchased on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka. The home had grown organically since its original construction in 1945. It had evolved over time to accommodate the needs of its numerous owners. Our client brought a new set of needs to the home that included a desire to make the lake home a comfortable destination for family and friends. The project consisted of reconfiguring an outdated, inefficient kitchen, expansion of the bedroom wing to include individual bathrooms for bedrooms and redesign of the central stair guard rail. The redesign of the kitchen included repositioning major appliances for greater efficiency, more seating at an enlarged island, a new pantry, and expanded views to the lake. The expansion of the bedroom wing included eliminating a three-season porch on top of the garage on the inland side of the home. The space above the garage roof was enclosed and turned into dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom. These bathrooms are accessible only from the bathrooms which provide privacy and convenience to visitors.

In this Breakaway Trails home, our clients were ready to say goodbye to their outdated, builder-grade kitchen and welcome a space designed for daily living. We transformed their dark, inefficient layout into a bright and functional kitchen with clean white shaker cabinets and thoughtful details throughout. Custom storage features like hidden pull-outs, cutlery organizers, and an appliance garage keep the space uncluttered, while a new wine bar adds convenience and a touch of personality. The result is a kitchen that feels fresh, organized, and truly tailored to the way our clients live.

This primary bathroom was transformed from an underused, inefficient space into a luxurious retreat designed for everyday wellness. The homeowners wanted the feeling of a dark, relaxing, moody resort with the function of a private spa. Their favorite features of the new space include the steam shower, dual shower heads, sauna, cold plunge, benches, warm wood details, dramatic tile, and thoughtful lighting. Our design-build team guided the project from design through completed construction, creating a cohesive space that flows beautifully with the bedroom. The result is a high-performing wellness suite that the homeowners now use and enjoy daily.