Project_RV - Home Renovation - Vancouver

Condo Renovation | Modern Kitchen & Powder Room Transformation

For this renovation, our goal was to redefine the look and everyday experience of the space without making major changes to the existing layout.

The original kitchen was fully functional, but the combination of glossy reddish-orange wood cabinetry, black countertops, and a dark small-format backsplash made the space feel visually heavy and dated. The multiple finishes and contrasting lines also created a more fragmented appearance.

Rather than completely reconfiguring the kitchen, we focused on materials, lighting, cabinetry proportions, and visual continuity to create a space that better reflects a modern condo aesthetic.

01 | Design Direction — Creating More Space Through Clean Lines

The new design pairs warm walnut cabinetry with soft white upper cabinets, balancing warmth with brightness.

Minimalist flat-panel cabinet doors and integrated handles reduce unnecessary visual breaks, creating cleaner elevations and making the kitchen feel more open and organized.

Key Design Features
- Walnut lower cabinetry paired with soft white upper cabinets
- Minimalist flat-panel cabinetry with integrated handles
- Large white quartz countertops
- Light-toned textured backsplash
- Large-format dark grey floor tiles
- Recessed lighting and under-cabinet lighting

Together, these elements create a streamlined kitchen that feels contemporary without sacrificing warmth.

02 | Materials & Lighting — Creating a Refined Condo Aesthetic

A key feature of this renovation is the textured backsplash, which introduces subtle depth and allows light to reflect differently across the surface throughout the day.

Combined with under-cabinet lighting, it provides better task lighting while creating a softer, more sophisticated atmosphere in the evening.

Compared with traditional small-format tiles, the larger continuous surface reduces visual fragmentation and gives the kitchen a cleaner, more cohesive appearance.

03 | Functional Integration — Concealed Appliance Garage

Beyond the visual transformation, functionality was equally important.

A custom appliance garage was incorporated into the cabinetry to keep frequently used small appliances—such as the coffee machine and toaster oven—accessible without permanently occupying countertop space.

The design incorporates lift-up hardware, dedicated electrical outlets, and carefully planned cabinet depth, allowing appliances to remain plugged in and ready to use while staying neatly concealed when not needed.

This feature goes beyond storage. It reflects thoughtful planning around daily routines, accessibility, and maintaining a clutter-free kitchen.

04 | Reimagining the Space — Same Layout, Completely Different Experience

Although the overall kitchen layout remained largely unchanged, the combination of updated materials, cleaner lines, and layered lighting completely transformed how the space feels.

What was once a visually heavy, traditional wood kitchen is now a warm, modern, and refined condo kitchen—one that feels more connected to the rest of the home and better suited to everyday living.

Powder Room Renovation | A Bold Touch of Personality

The renovation also included an update to the powder room.

Originally finished with a dark countertop, traditional cabinetry, and a large wall mirror, the space felt dated and lacked both visual depth and a clear design focal point.

The new concept introduces colour and personality within a modern minimalist framework.

✨ Design Highlights
- A bold mustard yellow feature wall creates an immediate focal point
- A floating walnut vanity introduces warmth and natural texture
- A white quartz countertop keeps the space bright and balanced
- Geometric textured wall tiles add dimension and visual interest
- A round mirror softens the clean architectural lines
- Brass-tone fixtures and hardware add a refined finishing touch

Through a carefully considered contrast of colour, texture, and materials, the once conventional powder room has been transformed into a memorable modern space with its own distinct character.

A Renovation Beyond New Finishes

This project is another example of how a successful renovation is about more than simply replacing outdated materials.

By reconsidering visual balance, lighting, functionality, and the way each space is experienced every day, even an existing layout can feel completely new.