For many Canadian families, the bathroom is a sanctuary. But when it's trapped in a 1980s time warp, it becomes a source of daily frustration. This is the reality for one Toronto family, who reached out for help to transform their only bathroom into a functional, modern space.
The Design Challenge: A Dated Layout
A family of four, plus their dog, living in a small semi-detached house in downtown Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood, has a bathroom in desperate need of a makeover. The existing vanity is described as nasty and dating from the 1980s. The core issues are a severe lack of storage, inconvenient electrical outlets for hair dryers, outdated light fixtures, and no dedicated space for wet towels or laundry.
The room's most significant architectural challenge is its vaulted ceiling. While it provides great daylight, it creates awkward proportions, dwarfing the vanity and featuring a dramatic, dated slope towards the bathtub.
The Renovation Blueprint: A Multi-Trade Project
According to design expert Virginie Martocq, this transformation is not a simple weekend project. It will likely require the coordination of multiple trades, including a carpenter, plumber, electrician, tiler, drywaller, and painter. Hiring a good contractor is emphasized as the best first step.
The proposed solution involves a significant structural change: lowering and straightening the ceiling to a more standard height of about nine or ten feet, while keeping the valuable skylight. This would create a more grounded and proportional room. For those wanting to keep the high ceiling, painting it a darker colour or adding wood paneling for a 1970s aesthetic are suggested alternatives.
Smart Solutions for Storage and Function
To address the storage crisis for a family of four, the plan maximizes the available 72 inches of wall space. The recommendation is to install an 18-inch floor-to-ceiling storage column alongside a 54-inch double vanity from the same company for a seamless look.
This custom storage unit is a game-changer. It could feature a pullout section on wheels at the bottom for laundry, shelves for linens, and a central area for hair appliances. Crucially, an electrician can install a plug that is only active when the cabinet door is open, solving the constant unplugging problem.
When selecting a vanity, opting for one with drawers under the sink is key. This may require a plumber to run the plumbing high and towards the back, turning the trap 90 degrees to be parallel to the wall to accommodate the storage.
For the finishing touches, a recessed medicine cabinet is recommended to keep daily necessities out of sight. The article also highlights specific product recommendations, such as the Wenniah 54\" Double Vanity by Latitude Run, available for $2,459 on Wayfair Canada, and the Anatolia 3-inch x 12-inch ceramic wall tile from Home Depot for $7.78 per square foot.
This comprehensive makeover plan, while an investment, promises to rescue a dated 1980s bathroom and turn it into a highly functional and stylish space tailored for modern family life in Toronto.
