Lakefront Renovation - Underway

The renovation is now well underway.  As project manager and designer I have been busy finalizing all the planning that goes into a major renovation.  My job as project manager is to produce a detailed estimate of the costs, draw up a construction schedule and coordinate all trades for the job.  As the interior designer I am responsible for the design of cabinetry, layout of the space and selection of all materials.

With the wall in the kitchen removed, the beautiful view is exposed!

Before - the kitchen has poor lighting, and has an overall dark look and feel

Dark backplash tiles, lack of under-cabinet lighting

Small cabinet hardware, dark countertops

During -  Four days later, and all materials have been removed!  The wall separating the kitchen from the beautiful lake view has come down - one of the most exciting parts of a renovation!  Now we can all stand back and start to see the new space taking shape.  


Some of the challenges in the first week.  Surprise location of a plumbing stack in the kitchen and working within the rules of a strata building.  We are coming up with solutions to incorporate the stack in the over all design.

This type of situation is common, particularly in high-rise renovation.  Staying open and fluid with the design process to allow for on the spot changes that will make a problem seem like it was always part of the design!

Below are the shots of the state of the condo with all materials removed.  The "challenge" of the plumbing stack is exposed, and I will keep you posted as we come up with design solutions to incorporate the stack into the new kitchen!

Plumbing stack surprise!

Clean slate!