Condo 90: A Classic Toronto Transformation with White Shaker Cabinets and Two Modern Bathrooms

In the heart of Toronto, where square footage is premium real estate, a well-executed condo renovation is the key to unlocking a property’s full potential. Condo 90 represents a masterclass in this discipline. The homeowners sought to shed the generic builder-grade skin of their unit and embrace a bespoke aesthetic. The result is a comprehensive renovation centered around a timeless white shaker kitchen, a complete overhaul of 2 bathrooms, and a unified design language that breathes new life into the space.

This project highlights how a strategic condo renovation can blend classic design elements with modern durability, delivering a home that is both luxurious and highly functional for urban living.

Table of Contents

• Project Snapshot
• Design Vision: Timeless & Bright
• Renovation Specs: Kitchen Details
• Renovation Specs: Bathroom Sanctuaries
• The Renovation Process: A Toronto Condo Guide
• Maintenance for Your Renovation
• FAQ: Condo Renovation Specifics

Project Snapshot

For homeowners looking for Toronto condo renovation inspiration, here are the core details of this transformation:

• Project Type: Full Kitchen & 2 Bathroom Renovation
• Location: Toronto, ON
• Design Style: Transitional, Classic Modern
• Key Materials: Custom HDF white shaker cabinets, Calacatta Quartz, Porcelain Tile, LVP Flooring.
• Renovation Scope: Demolition, plumbing reconfiguration, electrical upgrades, custom millwork, waterproofing.
• Completion Date: October 2024
• Est. Duration: Approx. 8-10 weeks

Design Vision: Timeless & Bright

The driving force behind this renovation was a desire for longevity and light. The original unit felt compartmentalized and dark—a common complaint in older Toronto high-rises. Our renovation strategy focused on two main pillars:

1. The Kitchen as a Hub: We moved away from dark veneers to white shaker kitchen cabinets. This choice was strategic; white cabinetry reflects natural light, instantly making the open-concept living area feel larger. The U-shaped layout was optimized during the renovation to maximize counter space without compromising flow.
2. Bathrooms as Retreats: The 2-bathroom renovation aimed to create distinct yet cohesive spaces. The ensuite was designed as a private spa with a walk-in glass shower, while the guest bath received a functional yet stylish upgrade.

Renovation Specs: Kitchen Details

A kitchen renovation in a condo requires specific material choices that can withstand daily use while looking pristine.

• Cabinetry: We installed custom-built shaker-style cabinets. Crucially, we used High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) for the painted doors. Unlike solid wood, HDF does not expand or contract with humidity changes, preventing the paint cracks often seen in condo environments.
• Countertops: 1.25-inch mitered Calacatta-style quartz. This material offers the luxury look of marble but is non-porous and stain-resistant—essential for a low-maintenance renovation.
• Flooring: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in a light oak finish. LVP is a top choice for condo renovations because it is waterproof, durable, and offers better acoustic dampening than traditional laminate, keeping downstairs neighbors happy.

Renovation Specs: Bathroom Sanctuaries

The bathroom renovation portion of this project focused heavily on waterproofing and fixture quality.

• Waterproofing: We utilized the Schluter-KERDI system for the shower enclosure. In a high-rise renovation, leak prevention is critical. This system creates a completely sealed, waterproof envelope behind the tile.
• Surfaces: Large-format (12x24 inch) porcelain tiles were used on walls and floors. Porcelain is denser and less absorbent than ceramic, making it the gold standard for bathroom renovations.
• Vanities: Matching shaker-style vanities in a deep grey provided a grounding contrast to the bright white tiles, tying the bathroom design back to the kitchen’s aesthetic.

The Renovation Process: A Toronto Condo Guide

Executing a condo renovation in downtown Toronto involves more than just construction; it involves logistics. Here is how we managed the workflow:

1. Approvals and Logistics

Before swinging a hammer, we handled the Condo Board approval process. This included submitting architectural drawings, insurance certificates, and WSIB clearance. We also coordinated elevator bookings for material delivery—a logistical puzzle unique to high-rise renovations.

2. Demolition and Rough-ins

The renovation began with the removal of old fixtures. Our licensed tradespeople then updated the electrical to meet ESA standards (adding new pot lights and GFCI outlets) and reconfigured plumbing for the new shower layout.

3. The Build Phase

Once the “guts” of the renovation were approved, we moved to installation. This included the precise application of the waterproofing membrane, tiling, and the installation of the custom cabinetry.

4. Final Touches

The final stage of the renovation involved painting, hardware installation, and a deep professional clean, turning a construction site back into a home.

Maintenance for Your Renovation

To ensure this condo renovation retains its value, we recommended the following care routine:

• Quartz Care: Wipe spills immediately. Use a mild soap and water solution; avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
• Painted Cabinets: Clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid hanging wet towels over cabinet doors to protect the finish.
• Grout Lines: We sealed the grout as part of the renovation, but re-sealing every 1-2 years helps maintain the bright white look in the shower.

FAQ: Condo Renovation Specifics

Why do you recommend HDF over solid wood for painted condo cabinets?

In a Toronto condo, humidity levels can fluctuate drastically between summer and winter. Solid wood expands and contracts with these changes, which leads to hairline cracks in the paint at the joints. HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) is a stable engineered material that stays dimensionally stable, ensuring your kitchen renovation looks brand new for years.

How do you handle lighting in a condo with concrete ceilings?

Lighting is a common challenge in condo renovations because you cannot drill into concrete structural slabs to hide wires. In this project, we used a combination of track lighting (using existing junction boxes) and dropped ceiling bulkheads in the kitchen area to house recessed pot lights, providing a clean, modern look without compromising structure.

Is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) better than engineered hardwood for condos?

For many condo renovations, LVP is the superior choice. It is 100% waterproof (great for open-concept kitchens), highly scratch-resistant, and often comes with a built-in cork or foam underlayment that provides excellent sound insulation—a key requirement for meeting condo board flooring rules.

This Condo 90 project is a testament to the power of a well-planned renovation. By combining classic aesthetics with modern engineering, we created a space that is as durable as it is beautiful.

Thinking about renovating your Toronto condo? Navigating board rules and design choices can be complex. Contact us for a free quote and let our team guide you through a stress-free transformation.