As you might have seen on Instagram, we recently moved from our sweet condo where we lived for 6 years to a beautiful house. We loved our two-bedroom condo but we had outgrown the space.
We've been passively looking at homes for the last few years and everything we loved always seemed just a little bit out of our budget as we were looking in High Park proper. So we decided to look just a little west. My hubby was searching online and came across a beautiful townhome just about 10-15 mins west of High Park in an area that was very familiar to me because my Grandma McCarthy and Uncle John lived in the area when I was a child. We had a tour of it on my birthday and the rest is history. Everything fell into place!
We knew from the moment we saw it that it felt right because it had really good energy and it was a gut feeling. I swear that's a huge part of it.
That being said, we didn't love the kitchen because it was pretty outdated even though it was of excellent quality (cameo kitchen). It definitely needed a good refresh. We got thinking, how can we give this kitchen a makeover without breaking the bank?
Here's what the kitchen looked like before.
In this post, I'm going to share everything we changed in the kitchen with links to each item from the lights, to the faucets, counters, and more. We are so happy with how it turned out! There are a few odds and ends we still have left to do but that will happen in time.
Everything is itemized below in case you're looking at doing a kitchen update. We did a LOT of research to find the best brands and quality and price that worked for us.
The countertops needed an update and we wanted to change the shape of the island to make it bigger since we spend so much time in the kitchen! We went with "Organic White" from Caesarstone that we bought from Stone Lab who also installed it. Stone Lab was excellent to deal with and no installation issues. The countertops are gorgeous!! This made an immediate difference before the cabinets were even sprayed!!
We replaced the backsplash
The backsplash before was a taupe colour that didn't feel bright and fresh. We chose to do a herringbone design to elevate the space and I'm so glad we did! Even though herringbone is more expensive to install and takes a little longer, it was totally worth it. That backsplash took 5 days to complete but I LOVE IT! We bought all our tile from Centura Tile. Shoutout to Linda who was the amazing sales rep who helped us find everything and gave us amazing advice. She also helped us with our bathroom renos.
We had our kitchen painted white and the island painted navy blue
The original kitchen was outdated as you saw and just too much brown especially with the hardwood floors. So we had it sprayed "Chantilly White" by Paint Core (the same company that does the Property Brothers show!) and the island painted Hale Navy. We had quite a bit of back and forth deciding whether to do the island white or navy - Walker really wanted to do it navy and I wanted it white. We went with navy and I am so happy we did because I LOVE it!! Our dear friend who is an interior designer, Emilia suggested those colors to us and even though I was hesitant on the blue, I'm so glad we did it because it turned out gorgeous!
My hubby got about 6 or 7 quotes and he did a ton of research on companies and people who paint kitchens. While Paint Core was not the cheapest, they were by far the most professional and we felt confident they knew what they were doing.
Please note if you're sensitive to smelly stuff you don't want to be home when they spray cause the primer doesn't smell good. It took about 3-4 days to air out. We had the windows open, the central heat off and the Dyson filter blasting. We were not living here the day it was sprayed. We moved in after it was all done. They do not spray the doors while they are attached, they take them away and spray them at the warehouse which can take up to two weeks but it's all good because this helped us get to know where everything is found in the kitchen without cabinet doors!
We replaced all the hardware
We wanted a more warm and cozy vibe for our kitchen which is why we chose brass for the door handles and knobs. Omg, I love!! I got overly obsessed with this look spending far too much time looking at kitchens on Pinterest!! It looks so elegant and beautiful. We ordered "satin brass" pulls and these knobs for the cabinet doors. The brand is Emtek and you can buy them at various stores and online shops.
We removed the glass cabinet doors
We wanted a more cozy vibe so we didn't put the doors back on these two upper cabinets.
We got a new sink and stovetop
The old sink was two separate sinks that felt small. We wanted a spacious bucket sink since we do so much cooking (which also means washing) so we bought a sink from Teco Canada - nothing fancy, just functional. We also have the grill on the bottom of the sink so it doesn't get all scratched. Stone Lab installed our sink when they installed the countertop. As for the stovetop, we replaced that as well and bought a JennAir.
We replaced the kitchen faucet and added a filtered water faucet
Staying with the satin brass theme of our pulls and knobs, we bought this gorgeous faucet from Delta in "champagne bronze". This is the same faucet we had in our condo (but in chrome) and it was still in great shape after 6 years. We bought a matching water filtration faucet cause the ones that come with water filters ain't pretty!
We installed a water filtration system under the sink
After many hours of research from structured water to RO, we decided on a water filtration system from Watermart in Toronto. We have a 4 stage filter that removes 99% of the contaminants including fluoride and arsenic but not the minerals. We decided against an RO filter since that removes everything (including the minerals) and I don't like the taste of RO water - we had that in our condo. Walker did the installation himself, it was pretty easy.
We replaced all the lighting
We had 3 pot lights installed by an electrician around the island and Walker installed four new pendant lights we bought from Crate and Barrel. What a difference good lighting makes! The kitchen was very dark before and the lights were very outdated as you probably saw in the "before" photo. We bought the lights in brass to match the kitchen faucets and all the cabinetry hardware.
At the same time, we replaced the lighting in the dining room too. We also removed a gas fireplace that was a monstrosity in the middle of our living area. We took it out because we wanted to put our dining table there and the fireplace was too large for the space.
Here's the BEFORE photo.
And AFTER.
That gorgeous chandelier is from West Elm - swoon!
I also want to mention that we had an amazing contractor demo the kitchen (remove the backsplash and counters) in a few hours. If you're in Toronto and want their contact info, just email hello@joyoushealth.com. They are also in the process of redoing Vienna's bathroom which I will share pics once it's all done!
- Install cabinet organizers. Right now we have baskets from the Dollar Store to organize everything. Once we get the proper organizers we will use those baskets for Vienna's toys.
- Replace the glass open shelving with wood.
- Add a shelf to the cookbook area where the microwave used to be
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When you're standing in the kitchen looking out - you either look into our backyard and see fir trees or this (photo below) is opposite the kitchen - a yellow second-hand couch with our McJordan gallery wall. We also have a family room on the other side of this wall - to the left and that's a work in progress. I'm doing a few more decorating touches to this area of our home so stay tuned for that! I ordered a rug from Baba Souk that I can't wait to receive!
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There you have it! Our kitchen makeover without gutting the whole kitchen. What a difference it makes to really brighten up the space.
I just want to say a special thanks to my hubby Walker. He did so much organizing for this all to happen weeks before we moved in so everything went smoothly. We made all the big decisions for the kitchen about 6 weeks before so that all the changes could happen as soon as we got possession from the kitchen demo to the counter installation to the painting of the whole kitchen.
Also special thanks to our dear friend Emilia who we bugged with our barrage of text messages asking her what she thought of this and that, haha! It helps when you're friends with a designer! She helped us fine-tune things in the early stages.
In a couple of weeks, I will share our joyous bathroom renos with you!
Have a great rest of your day!
Joy xo
Lovely kitchen reno. Yes, please for contractor info!
ReplyThank you! Please reach out to us at hello@joyoushealth.com and we can pass it along.
I love it Joy!! Congratulations!!
ReplyThank you so much!
Hi Joy, definitely share the contractor info for the kitchen demo please! Huge thanks!
ReplyFor sure! Please reach out to us at hello@joyoushealth.com and we can pass it along.
So beautiful - great choices and thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyThanks Nancy!
Love this Reno, looks amazing, so you and Walker 😊 Congratulations on your beautiful home. Love the last pic ☺️🥰 so sweet
ReplyHi Fatima! Thanks so much! Oh I know, love it too!!
Congratulations Joy to all of you. Your kitchen is beautifully done. I love the colors you have chosen. 🙂
ReplyThank you so much Monika!
What a stunning transformation. Personally, I like the openness of the glass shelves, but maybe sure wooden shelves will look nice too 😊
ReplyThanks Pam!
Gorgeous! Thanks for all the great details.
ReplyThank you!
Hey Joy! Looks gorgeous, you have an eye for style. Curious if the backsplash is glass tile? Love the herringbone pattern too! Thanks!
ReplyThank you! No it's not glass, it's just ceramic :)
I’m so curious about no VOC paint recommendations, what do you use on your walls??
ReplyFusion Mineral Paint or Natura :)
Was planning to use Natura but it has been discontinued 😢 I tried to do some research and feel overwhelmed by all the chemicals. Any thoughts on Sherman Williams Harmony?
Are you asking about bedding? Check out Sunshine Mattress. We bought our bedding and new organic wool pillows from there too! I don't that brand you mention. Hope that helps!
Check out Sunshine Mattress and Essentia. Good luck!
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing Joy! 🤗
ReplyThanks Joanne!
Contractor name please
ReplySo happy for your family’s new home...congratulations! It looks beautiful 😍☺️
ReplyThank you Elena!
Thank-you for sharing such an interesting and informative post( which was also fun to read). Your kitchen renovation is stunning and I look forward to seeing all the videos you will create from there. I also love the dining nook and photo collage. Congrats on your new home and wishing you years of happiness, love and joy there:)))
ReplyThanks so much Marla! It was an enjoyable process (not the dust haha) but putting it all together :)
Beautiful! Enjoy! Your home like you and your family are simply lovely 😊 Janet
ReplyThank you Janet!
Enjoy your beautiful new home making new memories!
ReplyThank you so much!
I love what you did to the kitchen Would you be able to give an estimate cost of everything you got done?
ReplyFor sure. My hubby spreadsheets everything. It was around 18k - that includes the labour as well.
So beautiful. Whereabouts are you living? Just wondering if this a house or semi detached? Love, love love your products and books. Thank you so much for being genuine!
ReplyIt's a townhouse, but it's a great size! We have 2000 sq ft. We moved just about 15 mins west of high park where we were living before in a condo.
I love everything about it. I have lived in that location as well and have been looking for a new home. Wondering if you would narrow down the area. Thank you
ReplyThank you! I don't want to post on a public forum where I live :)
Wow, a fabulous transformation! Thanks for sharing and all the links. Congrats on your new home too.
ReplyThank you Elizabeth!
Gorgeous, Joy! A totally new kitchen, it is so light, bright, and lovely. And I absolutely agree it’s a “feeling” when buying a new house. My husband and I are looking now and it always comes down to that for me. Thanks for sharing! 😊
ReplyGood luck with your search!! Thank you very much!
Joyously Beautiful, warm
ReplyThank you so much Brenda!
Congratulations on your new home! I love all your details- it painted a great picture. 😁 You have absolute exquisite style
ReplyThank you so much!!
Congrats on your new home! It’s always great to make a space your own. You did a great job. Love the windows throughout! Many years of happiness, Helen
ReplyThank you Helen, appreciate it!
What a gorgeous transformation! I love it and know you are thrilled with it too. Can't wait to see the bathroom renos.
ReplyThanks Karen!
Hi Joy. We recently renovated too. So joyous that we also picked a beeswax yellow and blue accents too. Happy baking!
ReplyLove yellow and blue!! They go together so perfectly! I got that idea from Pinterest :)
Thanks for sharing. Love what you have done. I am sharing with my daughter so she can get ideas for her kitchen.
ReplyPlease do and thank you so much!
It looks gorgeous - congratulations on your move!
ReplyThank you Melanie!
IT LOOKS AMAZINGGGGGG! Can't wait for some joyous fam dinners together :)
ReplyThanks lady! Looking forward to that as well!!
Joy and Walker, your kitchen is stunning and well thought out. I want to start cooking just looking at it! I just love your openness in sharing your life and, of course, your wonderful cookbooks, newsletters and teaching pods. You are a blessing to many and I am delighted to share in your joy.
ReplyThank you so much Shirley, I really appreciate it!
It looks beautiful! I think I might be borrowing some ideas for tile and countertops!
ReplyYes absolutely, do it! and thank you!
Congratulations! Looks gorgeous and quite a dramatic change. Could you please share the colour paint on the walls? Thank you. Ioana
ReplyThank you! Collingwood Grey on the walls :)
Thank you!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the kitchen. Looks brand new and so nice and bright!!! What a difference.
ReplyThank you so much Debbie!
Love the new kitchen. It is soooo bright and happy looking.
ReplyThank you Carol!
First of all congratulations on your new home. The kitchen looks amazing. Your colour combinations are great. The Hale Navy and the brushed brass hardware looks good together. I like what you did in keeping the glass doors off and opting for some open shelving. Just the right amount to add interest. Looks so amazing and I'm betting it feels great to be in!
ReplyThanks so much Chris, I appreciate it!
Congratulation on your new home. Paint is such a great solution when you don't want to replace the existing cupboards . Your kitchen looks so fresh and bright. 👍
ReplyYes totally! Or when you don't have the budget ;)
Lovely transformation! I'm hoping you will share more details (ie. brand, model name/number, etc) of the water treatment system you chose. I have limited space in my condo and I don't want RO. Your option sounds great (especially since it also removes fluoride). However, I don't live in Toronto or within the service area noted on your supplier's website.
ReplyJust call them and ask them what Joy McCarthy has... I'm sure they can tell you. I linked to the multi-system we got and we added a fluoride arsenic filter too :)
Joy you and Walker did an amazing job! Can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
ReplyThanks so much Ann Marie!
Absolutely stunning and so welcoming. I love the brightness of the new look. Enjoy and May you make great memories in your new home 🤗❤️
ReplyThank you so much Barbara!
Beautiful kitchen! Nice work and colours!
ReplyThanks Elaine!
Just a question, the watermart home filtration system vs the Berkey water filtration. Your thoughts?
ReplyI love the Berkey filter too. The only reason we didn't go with a berkey was because they don't have a system that goes under the counter and we didn't wan it on our counter cause it's so big.
Do they both do exactly the same?
ReplyI can't say for sure without having a device to measure the PPM in the water but both claim to remove the majority of contaminants. Not sure if the Berkey can remove fluoride, you'd have to ask them.
Beautiful! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Replythank you!
Lovely home Joy! Congratulations to you and your family. You guys have done an amazing job
ReplyThanks Kelly!
Hi Joy, kudos for a lovely Reno. Would appreciate name of your contractor for my kitchen and guest bathroom Reno. BTW how did this all happen during Covid eg people in and out of your home Much thanks Candise Toronto
ReplyPlease send me an email to hello@joyoushealth.com and I can pass it along to you!
OMG What a stunning kitchen!!! Can you please share which jennair model did you end up going with? Thankyou
ReplyThere are so many different links and I couldn't figure out which exact one it is and neither can my hubby but it has 4 burners and 2 of them have varying sizes. I love it!
It’s so beautiful, great job ,thank you for sharing your information, our kitchen is also outdated so this really help
ReplyThank you so much France! Amazing what some paint can do right!
where did you get those lovely stools? that's the kind we want when move into our new home in a few weeks!
ReplyThanks! We bought them from Stuctube :)
Hello! Can Walker share the brand of his espresso maker? :)
ReplyHi EJ, the brand is ECM and this is the exact one we have: https://idrinkcoffee.com/collections/ecm/products/ecm-casa-v-espresso-machine
I should also add we have a Breville espresso machine in the office but the ECM one we have at home is much better, also a lot more $$ too!
Amazing! Thank you. I’ve been looking for one to invest in. ☕️
ReplyPerfect! Enjoy!
Absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your lovely new home.❤️🏡
ReplyThank you Nancy!
Hi Joy, Does your water filter go through the whole house or just in the sink? Thanks!
ReplyHi Stephanie! We have a whole home filter that filters all the water that comes in the house and then an additional filter on our drinking water. Hope that helps!