What was once a closed-off service kitchen was transformed into the central gathering space of this Rosedale home, as part of a larger whole-home renovation completed by Greening Homes.

The original first-floor layout reflected the home’s history, with the kitchen separated from the principal living spaces and accessed through two narrow doorways and a former servant staircase. Greening Homes relocated the kitchen to the centre of the floor plan, removed the staircase and introduced substantial structural beams to create an open connection between the kitchen, living room, breakfast nook and new Ipe deck.

The new layout was designed around how the family actually wanted to live: cooking together, entertaining, moving easily between indoors and outdoors, or simply sitting down for a quiet coffee. Generous cabinetry and drawers provide extensive concealed storage, while a walk-in pantry keeps larger appliances, bulk items and a wine cooler tucked away. Contrasting countertops and FSC-certified wood cabinetry give the kitchen a strong visual identity without losing the character of the century home.

That character was carried through the renovation with FSC-certified wood trim, high baseboards, wainscoting and carefully detailed structural beams. Custom leaded, energy-efficient windows were designed for the bay above the sink, introducing diffused natural light while complementing the architecture of the existing house.

Sustainability extended well beyond the finishes. Existing plumbing fixtures and kitchen cabinetry were donated to Habitat for Humanity, while demolition and construction materials were separated on site to increase waste diversion. The renovation incorporated FSC-certified wood, recycled-content drywall, NAUF plywood, low- and no-VOC finishes, LED-compatible lighting and heat-recovery ventilation. A drain-water heat recovery system also captures otherwise wasted heat to help preheat incoming water.

The result is a kitchen that feels naturally integrated into the home—not simply as a renovated room, but as the new heart of its first floor.

Project highlights: Kitchen renovation · Whole-home renovation · Historic Toronto home · Structural reconfiguration · FSC-certified wood · Custom energy-efficient windows · Material reuse & waste diversion · Low-VOC finishes · Heat recovery · Improved indoor air quality