This 80 year old farm house was in need of an update. The kitchen and dining areas were cramped, dark and isolated from one another. The homeowner requested an open floor plan with more storage and space where her children could play while she was busy in the kitchen. Thompson Remodeling flipped the existing positions of the dining room and kitchen and removed walls to open up the space. The new kitchen has bright white cabinets, quartz countertops and an island with a butcher block counter. A custom banquette provides seating and a spot for the kids to play and do homework while its bench doubles as hidden storage. The wet bar in the dining space has loads of pantry space. The existing floors were very uneven, so we used a vinyl plank flooring that would allow more give for installation. It looks just like weathered pine and will offer very easy care for the busy family.

A spacious and open kitchen design was ideal for these clients, who wanted a home for entertaining. The traditional white shaker cabinets offer an updated feel when combined with the slate gray countertops, stainless steel appliances, and glazed subway tile backsplash. A convenient banquet is subtly placed to the side of the kitchen, offering an accessible place to sit with family without being isolated from them.

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This 80 year old farm house was in need of an update. The kitchen and dining areas were cramped, dark and isolated from one another. The homeowner requested an open floor plan with more storage and space where her children could play while she was busy in the kitchen. Thompson Remodeling flipped the existing positions of the dining room and kitchen and removed walls to open up the space. The new kitchen has bright white cabinets, quartz countertops and an island with a butcher block counter. A custom banquette provides seating and a spot for the kids to play and do homework while its bench doubles as hidden storage. The wet bar in the dining space has loads of pantry space. The existing floors were very uneven, so we used a vinyl plank flooring that would allow more give for installation. It looks just like weathered pine and will offer very easy care for the busy family.

Kat Alves
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Theater seating in tan leather adds a nice contrast to the dark color scheme. To isolate sound from the theater, back boxes were used for the speakers and special drywall was chosen. Photo Credit: Kevin Kelley, Gramophone

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2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER Built circa 1980, a young couple with three children originally purchased this home for their growing family. After four years of karate, soccer, piano and other activities, however, the home was becoming too small to meet their needs. Problems started upon entering the front foyer. A 25-foot long dark hallway separated the family room and the kitchen, ending in a tiny powder room stuck in the middle of the layout. The kitchen was especially isolated, a cramped L-shaped design with a box bay breakfast bump out that was literally falling apart. The new design started with the core of the problem—the maze and separation created by the long hallways. First, the 25’ load bearing wall separating the foyer from family room was totally taken out and replaced with a long supporting beam. A French door replaced a small door and window leading to a screen porch . This action allowed lots of light to get into family and foyer. Then, the powder room was removed and the partition wall between the kitchen and family room was taken down. This created a large open concept design and greatly increased the size of the kitchen. The box bay was demolished and replaced with new walls and a large window. The plumbing for main sink and dishwasher got relocated into this box bay allowing a total transformation of the space. Now there are cabinets and counters on all sides. The doorway to the dining room was reconfigured to allow a butler area on its left. While the right side was occupied with new 36” gas range top with a decorative wood hood above it. The refrigerator, microwave/oven and pantries—the space’s tall elements—occupy one wall.. A large Island with a prep sink and beverage center for the kids occupies the center of the layout. Capable of seating up to four, family and friends can now keep the cook company. A large built-in desk area lets the kids do their homework so the parents can supervise while they prepare meals. Light cabinetry with a touch of caramel glazing and exotic granite countertops by our designers contributed to this kitchen’s elegant design. The contrasting distressed island’s darker finish matches the dinette set and other furnishings. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the first floor for a seamless look, while recess, pendant and task lighting make the space even brighter. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for parents and kids to hang out together. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home.

© Maxwell MacKenzie, courtesy Dale Overmyer, AIA/Architect
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Designed and Photographed by: Marco Romani, RLA - Landscape Architect. Glenview Design - Outdoor Living Terrace and Landscape. ____Constructed by: Arrow

This Toronto courtyard landscape design is thoughtfully curated to support quiet mornings, mindful reflection, and fireside gatherings, with uninterrupted views to a plunge pool nestled below a covered porch. Designed as an extension of the home, the space balances luxury outdoor living with warmth and intimacy, proving that small urban landscapes can be both highly functional and deeply restorative. Refined materials and fine finishes echo the interior architecture, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection while inviting family and friends to slow down, gather, and reconnect with nature. This courtyard garden in Toronto demonstrates how intentional spatial planning and wellness-focused design can transform compact spaces into immersive outdoor retreats.