This Wooden Victorian addition and complete kitchen remodel transformed this old outdated traditional home into an elegant and functional space. Now the owners don’t want to move. Even though It looks like an expensive architect designed project, we saved the homeowners the expense of an architect by designing in house with our virtual CAD software to show everything from the chef’s stove, granite top island, pass through arched top window over the kitchen sink and french doors to make the kitchen feel larger, fresh and filled with natural light. With our modular designed Conservatory and structurally insulated floor system, this new favorite part of the house was finished much more quickly than other options.

This family compound is located on acerage in the Midwest United States. The pool house featured here has many kitchens and bars, ladies and gentlemen locker rooms, on site laundry facility and entertaining areas. Matt Kocourek Photography

Our clients were struggling with their existing bathroom layout as it was not an efficient use of space.Their vision included a freestanding tub and a more open shower. The existing tile was also very dark and didn’t reflect the homeowners style. In order to achieve the aesthetics and functionality our clients were looking for, we designed a wet room to accommodate a tub and shower area by using the space where the toilet once sat. We also turned the shower into a water closet, elevating the bathroom’s functionality. The wall to wall maple stained vanity provides plenty of storage space for the homeowners. The space was brightened with elegant pulpis marble-inspired porcelain and a light wall tile.

Beth Singer Photography
Transitional bathroom photo in Detroit

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes. After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence. While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even. Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time. The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere. One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved. Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

Our clients were struggling with their existing bathroom layout as it was not an efficient use of space.Their vision included a freestanding tub and a more open shower. The existing tile was also very dark and didn’t reflect the homeowners style. In order to achieve the aesthetics and functionality our clients were looking for, we designed a wet room to accommodate a tub and shower area by using the space where the toilet once sat. We also turned the shower into a water closet, elevating the bathroom’s functionality. The wall to wall maple stained vanity provides plenty of storage space for the homeowners. The space was brightened with elegant pulpis marble-inspired porcelain and a light wall tile.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come!

The pictures below are of a Riven Slate floor at a house in in the Leeds suburb of Horsforth which had been laid ten years prior. It’s probably difficult to appreciate from the images but the sealer on this floor was well worn through in the high traffic areas making it patchy in places. Without the protection of the sealer dirt was now ingrained in the pores of the stone leaving it looking dull. Riven slate is always tricky to clean thoroughly due to the rough surface and that combined with the ingrained dirt was making it very difficult to keep clean. The floor now needed to be stripped of old sealer and then resealed and although I can provide a price for this over the phone my preference is to visit the property and survey the floor. In the case the owner had sent me some photographs via email however they were not too clear and so I felt it would be best if I paid the customer a visit to ensure I could give them an accurate price. The floor was indeed overdue a clean and seal, as suspected dirt was ingrained into the areas where the seal had worn off. The house was home to a very busy family, so the area was subject to the significant traffic. I carried out a test clean on a small area and they were surprised by the results, when you live with a floor for so long you don’t notice the very slow decline in its appearance. They agreed to my quote and we arranged a time to return and carry the deep clean out. When I arrived, I started off by protecting the skirting and surrounding woodwork. Given the rough surface of the floor I first applied Tile Doctor Wax Away which is a very effective coatings remover that is designed for removing wax but works very well in these situations. The product was left to dwell for a round ten minutes so it could get to work breaking down the old sealer and then scrubbed in using a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. This process removed most of the dirt and old sealer, but some stubborn patches remained. To treat these, I replaced the black pad with a coarse 200-grit burnishing pad and finally some handheld diamond burnishing blocks for the edges and corners where more intricate work was required, and the circular pads struggle to reach. I gave the floor a rinse, and extracted the soil with a wet vacuum, the floor was then left to dry off overnight. The next day I returned, first the slate floor was checked for moisture using the moisture meter. Once I was happy it was within the correct parameters, I then sealed with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This is a modern water-based blend of acrylic polymers that provides both a stain resistant surface seal and a durable low-sheen finish also being water based there’s no smell as it dries. The sealer really brought the stone to back to life and the lovely colours in the natural stones were now evident. The patchy appearance of the floor was gone, and the customer was happy. I discussed with them how they should maintain the floor and advised them to use Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner. This is pH neutral cleaner that won’t prematurely erode the new sealer like the stronger products you find in Supermarkets which are only for use on Vinyl and Ceramic floors. Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

Lisa & Juan guest bathroom struggled to meet the needs of their children, guest, and became a problem with its age. The dated fixtures and the lack of space for organization was a big problem for them. They hired us for a solution to improve and help to make the space more functional. First, we literally went to the drawing board to design a custom vanity that will help in the storage area. The vanity is dark grey with a white quartz countertop. A rectangular undermount sink were installed. All plumbing fixtures are from Delta Faucet and in Matte Black. New lighting and mirrors were also installed to modernize the room and support the overall design style. After that shifted our focus to the tub and shower. They wanted a clean, contemporary, and functional space that was low maintenance but stylish. A new Kohler tub was installed. This tub is wider and taller for a better bathing experience. We installed a new floor as well which contrast nicely with the tub. The floor tile is called Unica Stone from Arizona Tile. The Shower walls are called Cemento Rasato Bianco from Arizona Tile. The niche tile is a large format tile called Box Silver. This tile is 18X35 and is installed as one piece in the niche which eliminates any grout in the niche back wall.

Our clients relocated to Ann Arbor and struggled to find an open layout home that was fully functional for their family. We worked to create a modern inspired home with convenient features and beautiful finishes. This 4,500 square foot home includes 6 bedrooms, and 5.5 baths. In addition to that, there is a 2,000 square feet beautifully finished basement. It has a semi-open layout with clean lines to adjacent spaces, and provides optimum entertaining for both adults and kids. The interior and exterior of the home has a combination of modern and transitional styles with contrasting finishes mixed with warm wood tones and geometric patterns.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

For years, this family felt like their main floor was working against them. The kitchen was a tight galley where only one person could comfortably stand at a time. An old addition felt disconnected and awkward, making everyday life a struggle. Rethinking the Space They thought the only solution was a big, expensive addition. But after walking through the home and completing a feasibility study, we found that the square footage was already there. It just needed a smarter plan. Designing a Floor That Works We reimagined how the home works day to day. The kitchen became a bright, open hub with a generous island perfect for cooking, homework, and family time. Awkward corners were given clear and useful purposes. A long steel span replaced an exterior wall that could not carry the load, opening the space safely and effectively. Personal Touches We made sure the house reflected the family. A custom basement door with a built-in cat door adds charm and function, and cat-shaped handles in the laundry room bring personality throughout the home. Even the piano room feels warm, inviting, and easy to live in. A Home That Flows Now, multiple people can cook together comfortably. The rooms feel connected and welcoming. The previously awkward addition feels fully integrated. Daily life flows naturally, and the house finally supports the family instead of working against them. Discover the Potential in Your Home If your kitchen does not work or a space feels off, there may be more potential than you realize. Sometimes the right solution is already within your walls. Reach out to us, and see what your home could become! Sosna Incorporated 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 Phone: 416-888-7366 extension 1 Email: contact@sosna.ca

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes. After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence. While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even. Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time. The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere. One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved. Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

When our client approached us with a budget of $1,000 and a two-month timeline, she was looking to revive her outdated walk-in closet. The old setup was literally falling apart and so cramped that it hardly lived up to the name "walk-in." Our mission was to breathe new life into this space, transforming it into a functional and inviting retreat. We kicked off the transformation by applying fresh paint and crafting custom storage solutions that precisely matched our client's needs. She had been struggling with locating her shoes, hidden away in old shoe boxes, and her handbags scattered throughout. Our solution was a wallet-friendly, adaptable shoe storage system that keeps everything in sight and easily accessible, evolving right along with her collection. One of our client's priorities was ensuring comfort for her adorable, cuddly dogs who love spending time in the closet. We chose a washable rug that not only complements the decor but also withstands the occasional mess, maintaining a cozy vibe. Adding a personal touch, we showcased her cherished wedding shoes and incorporated vintage knobs from her daughter's nursery into the design, making the closet feel uniquely hers. To streamline her daily routine, we introduced a practical, stylish hamper on wheels, enabling easy transport of laundry from the closet to the laundry room. The decluttering process was initially overwhelming for our client. With patience and a fresh perspective, we helped her let go of five bags of high-quality clothes and shoes. This not only cleared up physical space but also made room for new beginnings and experiences in her life. This project was much more than a simple renovation; it was about creating a space that reflects and supports our client's lifestyle, complete with thoughtful touches that make it truly special.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Location: Denver, CO, USA THE CHALLENGE: Elevate a modern residence that struggled with temperature both aesthetically and physically – the home was cold to the touch, and cold to the eye. THE SOLUTION: Natural wood finishes were added through flooring and window and door details that give the architecture a warmer aesthetic. Bold wall coverings and murals were painted throughout the space, while classic modern furniture with warm textures added the finishing touches. Dado Interior Design DAVID LAUER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Our clients wanted to increase the size of their kitchen, which was small, in comparison to the overall size of the home. They wanted a more open livable space for the family to be able to hang out downstairs. They wanted to remove the walls downstairs in the front formal living and den making them a new large den/entering room. They also wanted to remove the powder and laundry room from the center of the kitchen, giving them more functional space in the kitchen that was completely opened up to their den. The addition was planned to be one story with a bedroom/game room (flex space), laundry room, bathroom (to serve as the on-suite to the bedroom and pool bath), and storage closet. They also wanted a larger sliding door leading out to the pool. We demoed the entire kitchen, including the laundry room and powder bath that were in the center! The wall between the den and formal living was removed, completely opening up that space to the entry of the house. A small space was separated out from the main den area, creating a flex space for them to become a home office, sitting area, or reading nook. A beautiful fireplace was added, surrounded with slate ledger, flanked with built-in bookcases creating a focal point to the den. Behind this main open living area, is the addition. When the addition is not being utilized as a guest room, it serves as a game room for their two young boys. There is a large closet in there great for toys or additional storage. A full bath was added, which is connected to the bedroom, but also opens to the hallway so that it can be used for the pool bath. The new laundry room is a dream come true! Not only does it have room for cabinets, but it also has space for a much-needed extra refrigerator. There is also a closet inside the laundry room for additional storage. This first-floor addition has greatly enhanced the functionality of this family’s daily lives. Previously, there was essentially only one small space for them to hang out downstairs, making it impossible for more than one conversation to be had. Now, the kids can be playing air hockey, video games, or roughhousing in the game room, while the adults can be enjoying TV in the den or cooking in the kitchen, without interruption! While living through a remodel might not be easy, the outcome definitely outweighs the struggles throughout the process.