Although renovations to two one-bedroom 1980s condos on Toronto’s Bloor Street ‘Mink Mile’ involved extensive updates to lighting and finishes, lifestyle changes were the real drivers on this project. Many of the building’s residents now work from home regularly or on occasion, and they may also have children who live with them part-time. The design of the existing units felt too compartmentalized and lacked flexibility. Previously, each unit’s kitchen was a cramped, windowless space close to the hallway entry. We shifted the kitchen closer to the exterior and opened it onto the living and dining areas, creating an expansive view.

Along with adding a powder room and more storage to the condominiums, we inserted a second bedroom or den in behind each new kitchen, with a tall, narrow window that brings natural light deep into the unit. When an extra bedroom is required, sliding doors can be closed to partition off the sunroom. When these doors are left open, the sunroom remains part of the main living space.