Project Scandi Noir
Main Floor, Ensuite and Laundry Room Renovation
A full main floor renovation of a 70’s split level home results in a new space that marries the mix of modern minimalism and the warmth of Scandinavian interiors in this home located in the southwest area of Guelph.
Location: Guelph, ON
Photography: Lauren Weiler Photography
Design and Construction: Otis Interiors
Project Third Tour
Welcome to Project Third - a warm and inviting kitchen renovation just outside Guelph, Ontario. The design blends cozy, country charm with modern touches to reflect our clients’ family-focused lifestyle and semi-rural setting. Every detail, from the soft cabinet colours to the patchwork backsplash and breakfast nook, was chosen to feel timeless and personal. In this video, we walk you through the transformation, sharing the story behind the space and the unique challenges we faced along the way.
Our Clients
Lovers of cooking and hosting, this couple was craving a more inspiring space that matched their desire for a cozy and clean aesthetic that would bring a quiet sophistication to their home.
With many split-level homes, it’s challenging to make updates without the ripple effect so a whole main floor renovation was always the goal so it didn’t feel disconnected once updates were made.
The homeowners found us online and were drawn to our integrated design-build approach and resonated with the warmth our aesthetic could bring to their home. We focused the overhaul on the whole main floor (including some furnishing upgrades and drapery) as well as their main bathroom and lower level laundry room, including some furnishing upgrades and custom drapery to add the finishing touches. We closed off a second entrance to the main bathroom upstairs so that when hosting, family and friends would gain more privacy for extended stays.
Project Features
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New Hardwood and Tile Flooring Throughout
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Upgraded Interior Doors and Hardware
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New Electrical Plan and Fixtures
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Smooth Ceilings Throughout
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Custom kitchen with Integrated Channel Hardware
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Integrated Hood Vent in Kitchen
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Premium Quartz Countertops
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New Railings and Stairs
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Gas Fireplace with Micro Cement Finish
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Custom Cabinetry in Powder Room and Main Bath
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Glass Surround with Wall to Wall Niche Ledge
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Refresh of Laundry Space
Project Details
Each corner of the main floor of this backsplit was renovated into a fresh, modern home that balances clean lines with warmth and character. The renovation maintained the footprint of the main level to enhance flow and natural light, while thoughtful details elevated both functionality and style - a custom kitchen with clever storage solutions and a mix of unique materials, a sleek waterfall staircase and new hardwood floors, a textured fireplace as a focal point and a new lighting plan with unique fixtures.
Inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and contemporary living, the whole redesign embraced neutral and earthy palettes, natural textures, and carefully layered materials to create a home that feels inviting and refined.
The transformation also extended to the bathrooms and laundry space. The main bathroom received a modern upgrade by closing up one of the two entrances to the bathroom to go from a single to a double vanity with loads more storage. We repeated the linear open shelving detail from the kitchen into the vanity which repeats the detail yet with a new palette. We opted for a freestanding tub and larger shower area and used the glass as both a divider and a feature by creating a wall to wall niche that spans both areas. The layered materials create depth and create the perfect backdrop for unwinding.
The powder room incorporates a floating vanity with an offset faucet and sink as the main feature along with the looks of a built-in mirror to help increase the amount of natural light throughout the room. The laundry room refresh provides more storage and space to move in to help make the experience of doing laundry more enjoyable.
Every design and decision was made with livability in mind, resulting in a home that feels expansive, bright, and effortlessly timeless.
The Neighborhood
The quiet and upscale neighborhood of Kortright Hills in Guelph attracts families and those seeking more space, green surroundings and a calmer lifestyle than the urbanized areas of the city. Many of the homes in the area were built in the 1980-1990’s with large lots and while they are generally well maintained, are quickly becoming dated as the original finishes (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, etc.) may reflect tastes and materials from decades past. These might feel less modern, less open plan, with less energy-efficiency in windows, insulation, etc.
Cost, Timeline, & Challenges
Explore the estimated costs, time to completion and both challenges and solutions that were presented
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$275-325K Plus HST
Adjusted for 2025 pricing
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Approx. 16 weeks
*Property unoccupied during construction
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1. Maximizing space in a compact kitchen
Transforming a small U-shaped kitchen into a space that felt larger and more functional required creative space planning and thoughtful storage solutions without sacrificing style.2. Navigating complex custom details
Coordinating elements like a floating vanity and integrated LED niche lighting required precise planning and collaboration with trades to ensure both design integrity and technical execution.3. Managing and resolving supplier challenges
When a supplier error occurred, we quickly identified the issue, collaborated on a solution, and leveraged strong relationships to keep the project and design vision on track.
Coming home should feel nothing short of amazing.
Reach out to us so we can book your Discovery Call and get started.