Redesigning My Toronto Condo: A Fresh Start After Almost a Decade
I bought this condo in 2014, pre-construction, when I was 23. It was a huge deal for me at the time. My first home, my first real investment, and my first chance to design a space from scratch. I moved in by 2017, proud of what I had pulled together on a tight budget and with very little experience. It was white, glossy, modern — all the things that felt “grown-up” back then.
But now I’m turning 34. I’ve grown. My style has evolved. And this space doesn’t reflect who I am anymore.
I moved to Montreal in 2019 and rented the unit out for almost four and a half years. Coming back now, it feels like walking into a time capsule that doesn’t quite fit. The bones are still good, but it’s clear this place needs a full reset.
The Old Design: What Worked Then, But Not Now
Looking back, I designed this place with a 20-something mindset. The finishes I picked in 2015 and 2016 were clean and trendy. High-gloss white cabinets, a stainless steel backsplash, dark brown floors with a grey tint. But now it just feels cold and kind of impersonal. A few things that really stood out:
The upper kitchen cabinets looked sleek, but they weren’t actually that useful as the area I ahs the most access too had limited space.
Full depth uppers were almost useless
The stainless steel backsplash didn’t hold up well, visually or practically. I was over it pretty quickly.
The floors were too dark and dull. Plus, some of the planks started to splinter over time.
The kitchen island took up too much room without adding enough function. What I really want now is a proper dining table, something that seats at least three comfortably.
Storage and counter space were both lacking. I had a microwave taking up half the counter, which made the whole kitchen feel cramped.
Where I’m Headed
Now that I’m moving back in, I’m approaching this renovation from a completely different place, both professionally and personally. I want the space to feel warmer, more masculine, more like me. I’m bringing in natural textures, deeper tones, and design details that reflect my cultural background. But I’m also being honest about what I need to live well — better flow, smarter storage, and spaces that feel intentional.
This is going to be a full-gut transformation. I’ll be rethinking every inch, not just how it looks but how it functions. Over the next few posts, I’ll be sharing the real story behind the renovation. What’s working, what’s not, what I’m choosing, and why.
If you’ve ever looked around your space and thought, “this doesn’t feel like me anymore,” you’re not alone. I’m excited to show you how I’m making this condo feel like home again, this time for the person I’ve become.
Stay Tuned!