Before and After
11 Renovation Transformations You Have To See
Photography, Mike Chajecki
Before and After
11 Renovation Transformations You Have To See
Get inspired by these stunning before and after transformations.
1. Pretty curves
Photography, Valerie Wilcox
This outdated kitchen was not very functional; its layout needed to be redesigned to improve ergonomics and add storage, and the adjacent dining room needed an upgrade.
Before
Highlights
- Quartz, chosen for both the countertops and backsplash—a sleek and refined look.
- Curves, which appear in different places (the arched hood, table, bench, and stools) to balance out the straight lines.
- Illuminated shelves placed on either side of the hood to showcase decorative accessories.
Tip
Photography, Valerie Wilcox
To personalize decor, add colour in small touches. Here, black and burgundy punctuate the different areas and tie in the dining room artwork.
2. Say goodbye to boredom
Photography, Valerie Wilcox
The old kitchen was monotonous and stuck behind a semi-island counter. Now, it’s bigger and open to the rest of the house.
Before
Highlights
- Blue cabinets and wood surfaces add personality.
- Arranging stools on both sides of the island means family members can eat most of their meals here.
Tip
To ensure there's a place for everything, focus on custom storage. Equip drawers with dividers to keep them neat.
3. Compact and complete
Photography, Kiely Ramos
This tiny kitchen was dark and constantly cluttered. Light was invited in by removing the cabinets above the counter and creating smart storage solutions. The space is now fluid and practical!
Before
Highlights
- The counter was enlarged by a few inches and now has more workspace. It incorporates compartments for wine bottles and glassware, a mini fridge for beverages and large drawers for pots and pans.
- The microwave and other frequently used appliances (coffee maker, toaster) are placed in a closed cabinet, easily accessible but hidden from view.
- The sleek pendant fixture illuminates the space while remaining discreet.
Tip
Photography, Kiely Ramos
By extending cabinets to the ceiling, you can increase your storage; to avoid a bulky appearance, opt for smooth fronts and avoid adding handles to upper modules.
4. Bathed in light
Photography, Ryan Fung
This kitchen appeared overwhelmed by its dark cabinets and was cramped due to a separating wall. It’s now open to other rooms of the house and adorned with trendy colours and materials.
Before
Highlights
- The immense quartz countertop island provides a generous workspace and comfortably accommodates the whole family at lunchtime.
- Custom-made cabinets painted in a soft blue-gray with built-in display nooks.
- The stainless steel covering of the hood.
- The ceiling mouldings create a beautiful continuity with the adjacent living room.
Tip
In an open area, everything is always visible—it's crucial to have enough storage to keep surfaces clear, especially the island, which can quickly appear cluttered.
5. Florals
Photography, Stacey Brandford
The cabinets and black countertops were outdated. The space was redesigned to reflect its occupants' love for colour and patterns.
Before
Highlights
- The charming artisanal aspect of the pleated porcelain lampshades and tiles with hand-painted flower patterns.
- The absence of upper cabinets in the cooking area allows the tile, which also covers the hood, to be the true star of the room.
- The botanical print blind, lovely pottery and landscape illustration personalize the decor while preserving its harmony.
Tip
Photography, Stacey Brandford
The simplest way to create a sense of continuity in a room is to use the same colour palette. Here, for example, several cabinets, including those covering the pantry (to the left of the hood), use the greige hue of the tiles, while the island is painted the same blue as the floral pattern.
6. British touch
Photography, Stacey Brandford
This dining room was once dark red and furnished with bulky furniture from another era. It was time to opt for a lighter decor.
Before
Highlights
- The mid-century modern furniture with simple and timeless lines, which is both comfortable and versatile.
- The home office area is set up in the back of the room, which doubles as a bar.
- Playful touches: the pendant light fixture and the multicoloured rug with a a whimsical floral pattern designed by William Morris, a 19th-century British designer.
Tip
Don't be afraid to add playful elements to a space, no matter how elegant it is.
7. Chic patterns
Photography, Mike Chajecki
This dining room’s flavourless and disjointed decor now showcases colour and patterns. The space has been designed to accommodate the family's daily meals and more sophisticated gatherings.
Before
Highlights
- The custom-built banquette allowed the table to be moved closer to the wall to facilitate circulation in the room while adding seating—up to six children can sit there! It has become everyone's favourite place to gather.
- Fabrics, one speckled, the other striped, bring dynamism to the space—their shade of blue was drawn from the existing Roman shade. For a perfect match, the wood structure of the chairs was painted the same colour.
- They kept the retro-style chandelier; not only does it fit well in the new space, but now its beauty is highlighted.
Tip
Photography, Mike Chajecki
People often fear putting a rug in the dining room because small spills are common, but it's actually a great way to accessorize an otherwise empty space. Opt for a flat weave, more durable and a patterned design, which will better conceal light stains and dust.
8. Blues
Photography, Mike Chajecki
Despite its beautiful architectural details, this living room nestled in a century-old house, lacked personality. It was updated with new furniture and, most importantly, colour!
Before
Highlights
- The dark blue, featured on all walls, including the fireplace mantel, creates a soothing atmosphere. The pale tones of the other elements add a nice contrast.
- The lush new furniture with aims to bring the family together, while the coffee table, now larger and with edges, is a great surface for board games.
- The colourful painting above the fireplace and the patterned cushions add a lively touch to the overall classic composition.
Tip
Don't hesitate to opt for a dark colour if your room has little natural light, as is the case in this living room with only one window overlooking a porch sheltered by a roof. It will create an atmosphere that will make you forget the lack of brightness. If necessary, increase artificial lighting sources.
9. Green shine
Photography, Kiely Ramos
With an angular design that looked aged, this bathroom lacked storage and light. Renovations have given it a fresh, modern look!
Before
Highlights
- The thick countertop paired with sleek wooden storage brings a modern look to the bathroom.
- The glossy green tiling paired with golden hardware—a simple yet effective combination that enhances the decor.
- The elongated sconces on either side of the medicine cabinet provide balanced lighting and refinement.
Tip
Photography, Kiely Ramos
In small rooms, resort to wall space to add storage. Here, the cabinets are shallow, but they reach up to the ceiling to maximize available space. They also make the room appear larger by drawing the eye upwards.
10. Quiet luxury
Photography, Alex Lukey
The room was poorly configured and suffered from a glaring lack of functionality and aesthetics. By removing the bathtub, the space was redesigned to create a bathroom worthy of a boutique hotel.
Before
Highlights
- Marble (half-wall, shower bench, and countertop) as the centrepiece. It was chosen for its elegance. It's paired with ceramic tiles with a subtle pattern that doesn't overshadow it.
- The mirror conceals a large built-in medicine cabinet.
- The custom-made vanity stands out with its fluted covering.
Tip
To blur the visual boundaries of a small bathroom, opt for the same tile on all walls, including the shower; on the floor, a similar shade covering will maximize the effect. The space will appear as a whole, which is soothing to the eye.
11. Spa style
Photography, Ryan Fung
Previously reserved for children, this bathroom was reconfigured to give the occupants a relaxing and comfortable space.
Before
Highlights
- The textured ceramic covering all walls makes the room feel like a soothing cocoon.
- The white shutters—whose slats continue the lined pattern of the wall covering—add privacy.
- It’s all about comfort! The occupants have a towel warmer and radiant flooring.
Tip
To create streamlined decor where nothing clashes, avoid mouldings and baseboards. Additionally, as the walls are covered with tiles down to the floor, they will resist accidental water spills.
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