After searching for two years, losing several bidding wars and eventually giving up and swearing off MLS, Alex and I bought our first house. For the record it was him who caved and did the fateful last search that led to us purchasing our three bedroom two bathroom abode.

The listing started with, "Stunning newly renovated…" and the list price wasn't too shabby. So, on a Friday after work we drove over to see it and bought it on the spot. As you will see, it wasn't a stunning reno. The last improvements had been made 10 to 15 years ago, when the previous owner had been inspired to install an orange and black kitchen complete with matching orange terracotta floors and a blue, green and white bathroom with its own matching terracotta floor. Of course.

My first impression was, "Um.. I don't think so" but then Alex reminded me that they had updated the electrical and there was forced air. Air conditioning happened to be on my non-negotiable list. As was no knob and tube—a known issue in older houses that effectively makes your house uninsurable since it can lead to the place burning to the ground. I agreed we could buy the house if (and only if) the bathroom and kitchen were renovated prior to moving in. Living with an ugly kitchen and bathroom or through messy dusty renovations also happened to be on my non-negotiable list.

So, with 30 days between the closing of our condo and moving into our new house, one talented design firm, four contractors, a closet designer and a duct cleaning company, we got the house of our dreams.

Behold the kitchen!

Kirsten Marshall of Palmerston Design Consultants (remember her?) assisted by Allison Granovsky designed the look and feel from top to bottom. Hideous orange was replaced with light airy whites and cool grey tones. We replaced all appliances including an ill fitting fridge, donating them to Habitat for Humanity and got a package deal from CanadianAppliance.ca.

Renaissance Painters, in addition to repainting the entire house, suggested we repaint the cupboards and get new handles in lieu of replacing them. Not only did that save a bundle, it ended up looking like a brand new kitchen!


The beastly terracotta floors that had extended all the way to the front entrance were replaced with slate grey tiles by Cornerstone Renovations (416-455-9528) who handled the majority of the major renovations efficiently, on time and on budget. The stairs and door were repainted in black and white. I absolutely love our black accent door now.


Our living room was repainted in softer tones and the floors re-sanded and varnished by Invision Hardwood & Decor. Re-sanding the floors is a very messy job so I'm glad we weren't living here at the time.  All of the furniture was from our condo. Now all we need is some art!


The Sunroom addition at the back of the house had a very rustic cottagey feel—which is not our style. These floors were also refinished by Invision, which made them look almost new. California Closets installed a new wall unit that will be my new ChickAdvisor HQ while I'm home with the baby. We kept the breakfast nook on the other side, but repainted mellow greys and whites for a more modern feel.


The bathroom transformation is one of my favourites. It went from a cramped space with far too much blue and far too little storage to my own personal spa with a floating vanity that has loads of room for all of my beauty products. The soaker tub is one of most treasured pieces. It takes forever to fill but it's big enough to stretch out in.

As you can tell from the picture, the bathroom is now a fair bit bigger because we took the existing hall closet that was beside the bathroom and extended the whole bathroom, turning the closet into a separate stand up shower. (Alex wants you to know that was his idea.)


Glass block replaced the rickety old window, and subway tile and a rain shower make this by far the nicest shower I've ever had. Although, now that we're paying for our water separately we're trying to keep showers short. Naturally!

I can't talk to you about budget because it still pains me to think how much we spent, but we were very fortunate that all of the teams we worked with were prompt and professional.  

I'm so glad we didn't attempt any of these renovations ourselves. Not only would my colour selections have been terrible (based on the horrified look on Kirsten's face when I showed her a swatch I was thinking of for the bedroom), Alex and I long ago concluded that our skills are best suited at the office.

Are you a DIY'er or would you hire pros for a renovation like this?