Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Toronto Custom Concepts would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season!
Thank you for all of your support in 2013 that helped us to continue to grow and to continue to offer an excellent customer experience for your renovation projects!

Happy New Year and looking forward to an amazing 2014!

White Wall Unit

This white wall unit we just completed in the Danforth area in Toronto was an exciting project with a great client who wanted to hide their extensive music and media collection and still maintain an elegant style to their family room.

Here are some pictures of the white wall unit including both the left and right side of the built-in wall unit.  Check out more examples of our built-in wall units here



White Wall Unit - Left Side

White Wall Unit - Right Side

Toronto Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Your Toronto kitchen cabinet refacing project should begin by doing an initial assessment of what existing aspects of your current kitchen that you would like to keep vs the components that you would like to scrap and change altogether.

You first should take stock and make a list.  You can reface your existing kitchen cabinet door front alone or you can also swap out your kitchen hinges and hardware.  Depending on the material of your current kitchen, you maybe able to sand down and repaint/restain your kitchen cabinets and cabinet upper and lower cabinet boxes as well.   Some folks like to preserve their investment and keep their existing kitchen countertops if granite or other stone material. 

Cabinet refacing can add new life to your older kitchen and you have more options around what you want to swap out and keep vs a traditional gut and new build kitchen.   Call Toronto Custom Concepts today at 416-806-2232 to explore your options

Toronto Custom Kitchens

This Toronto kitchen in Forest Hill that we just completed was part of a larger home renovation upstairs and downstairs including kitchen, bathroom, flooring etc.

Here are the pictures of the completed kitchen renovation in Toronto.


We worked with Cori Halpern, the interior designer on the project, and we are excited to work with her again.

We hope you like the end result of this Toronto Custom Concept finished kitchen.

Check out Kitchens section on our TCC website!

TCC Joins Renomark and BILD Associations

Continuing our focus on providing top quality renovation projects, Toronto Custom Concepts Inc has decided to join the Renomark and BILD GTA associations.

Renomark is driven by companies who accept and abide by their published code of conduct.  Some of the areas include:

• being in good standing with Canadian Home Builders Association
• abide by the code of ethics
• provide written contracts with outlined scope of work included
• offer warranty on their work
• having a minimum $2 million insurance liability policy
• carry appropriate licenses
• maintain a safe worksite

We are excited to be part of the program!

HANSALATRAVA Faucet

We came across this beautiful faucet from Hansa.   Its sleek and modern design will draw the attention of your guests to ask about this faucet.

It is electronically controlled temperature adjustment with push button on/off and hot/cold functions

Check out more information about this faucet and other great products at http://www.hansa.com/products/overview/bathroom-fittings/hansaedition/hansalatrava.html 

Reclaimed Wood Flooring Toronto

In Toronto, reclaimed hardwood flooring is one of the biggest trends to hit the city.
People are looking for that distinctive look of older aged wood flooring that has an trendy element to it.

Here is a picture of a friend's reclaimed wood flooring project that he did in his guest bedroom.

These reclaimed wood floors have great character and charm with their uneven contours and unique texture and they provide a unique focal point for any room.

Toronto International Home Show

The Toronto International Home Show starts today!

It runs from Nov 7-10 at the International Centre by the Toronto airport.

Check out www.internationalhomeshow.ca for more information

Toronto Custom Bathroom is up and live!

Toronto Custom Bathrooms division of Toronto Custom Concepts has launched it's dedicated website focused on highlighting our clients bathroom renovation projects.

You can click here to see the new website!

Let us know your feedback and suggestions for the site.

Enjoy!

Before and After Bathroom Renovation Pics

Before and after renovation pictures really help to serve a variety of purposes.  If you are a client looking to renovate then before and after pictures can provide you with an idea of different styles and colours for your renovation project.   If you are a contractor or designer, before and after renovation pictures can serve as a guide and provide useful visual cues for your client on how their project may turn out.


Here are a couple of our before and after pictures of a recent bathroom renovation project...

Before And After Shower

Before And After Shower

Custom Heat Registers

Custom heat registers provide that integrated look and a seamless finish to a renovation project.   Heat registers are necessary but the standard builder ones take away from the completeness of a custom renovation project.



Custom Heat Register

Heat Register Tile
 

For example, we completed a bathroom last month, and you can see in the following picture if we used a standard heat register the bathroom flooring would have seemed nice but not perfect. 


The porcelain tile we used didn't flow into a standard heat register, so we used an existing porcelain tile and then custom cut into a pattern that presented a seamless transition from tiles to heat register.   We were absolutely thrilled with the final outcome and so was our client!

Face Frame Cabinets

This face frame cabinet that we completed in a recent bathroom renovation highlights another option to provide a stronger and more custom appearance that seems more integrated and flows from end to end.



Face Frame Cabinet

Face Frame Bathroom Vanity

Face frame cabinets are comprised of vertical stiles and horizontal rails that really provide a pronounced custom look and feel.   We really enjoyed incorporating face frame cabinetry into this bathroom renovation.  We hope you enjoy these bathroom pictures...

Toronto Fall Home Show

I can't believe that the Toronto Fall Home Show is already upon us.

Once again, being hosted out of the Better Living Centre at the Exhibition Place in Toronto, this is your opportunity to see the latest trends, and vendor products entering the home marketplace.  With more than 300+ exhibitors and keynote speakers it is sure to be another amazing event.

This year's event runs from October 3-6.

Here is the link for more information

Toronto Fall Home Show

See you there!

Countertop Types Pros and Cons

We listed the pros and cons of different countertop types.  This list will help you select the right type of countertop depending on your needs and budget

• Stone/Composite (Granite/Quartz/Slate)
• Pros: Heat resistant, durable
• Cons: High price tag
• Price: $50-$100/sq. ft.
• Butcher Block
• Pros:  More Flexibility to shape
• Cons: Does not clean as easy, moisture damage
• Cost: $60-$90/sq. ft.
• Stainless Steel
• Pros:  Easy to clean, stylish, heat resistant
• Cons:  Potential to dent
• Cost:  $100/sq. ft.
• Concrete
• Pros:  Durable and heat resistant
• Cons:  Potential Staining
• Costs: $70-$125/sq. ft.



Countertop Samples

White Painted Ceilings

We can paint your white ceilings whether you have a waffle ceiling or a smooth flat ceiling. 
You can let us know if you prefer a silk, matt, semi-gloss, high gloss type of paint finish to match the rest of your room décor.

Here is a picture of a recent paint job we did in south-east Oakville.



White Ceiling Paint

You can see the sheen of the white paint that reflects the accent lighting in the room and the intricate woodworking thru-out the office.

Bandini Arya and Seta Faucets

The Bandini Arya and the Bandini Seta faucets are absolutely amazing faucets.  They are the merger of both beauty and artwork coming together to produce a top-of-the-line faucet.  Bindini, located near Florence Italy, produces fantastic faucets for both kitchen and bathroom.  They have both modern and classic product lines with more than 16 collections to choice from.

Here are a couple of pictures of their Arya and Seta faucets....Truly stunning!

This is a link to their website www.rbandini.it

Cottage Stone Fireplace

This stone fireplace built in a high ceiling cottage is the focal point for your eye in this beautiful cottage.  The layout of the stones is time consuming, but if done properly will result in a nice pattern that matches nicely with the rustic theme of most cottages.

Toronto Storage Wars Idea

One of our Toronto client's storage requirement was to figure out how to make the best use of this landing space beside their downstairs staircase for neatly storing their articles yet still showcasing that it was a custom built design that worked with the room layout

Toronto Storage Idea

You can see the integrated seating area, uppers and lower cabinets for storage of both big and smaller parcels, and the angled shelving that you can see on a 45 degree for easy access to their smaller items, pictures etc...Great storage design idea!

Outdoor BBQ Island

After we finished off the setting up the integrated wine fridge and installing the quartz countertop on this outdoor BBQ island,  the owners finally had a chance to enjoy a meal and some nice vino on their new outdoor BBQ island.  (Thanks to PlusOneLandscape for their masonary work on this project)

The integrated built-in breakfast bar on the right side serves as a focal point for enjoying a nice BBQ meal while remaining close enough to watch what is still cooking on the grill, or one can just chill and sit down while sipping your favourite Merlot over some good conversation.

Outdoor BBQ Island Idea

Our advice to you if you are planning an outdoor BBQ island is to spend some time figuring out how you plan to use it and that will help drive the optimal layout and design to meet your needs....Bon appetite!

Custom Wall Units Toronto

Looking for custom wall units in Toronto...look no further...Toronto Custom Concepts can work with you to custom design the best wall unit for your family room, living room, office or any other space.

Check out the following wall unit we designed for a large home renovation project in a Bridlepath mansion this year.   This wall unit spanned the entire back wall in the office and included a roll-up desk space as well.



Toronto Custom Wallunit

Toronto General Contractors

When researching a GTA general contractor you must ensure that the contractors you are evaluating provide you will the following information:

1) Licensed Contractors (we are registered here http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/licensed-contractors.html)
2) Business Liability Insurance (a minimum of $1.5 Million)
3) Dozens of examples of finished related jobs (that they have completed)
4) References (clients who are willing to validate the companies quality of work)
5) Online testimonials (with this new world of social, internet etc...consumers can be better informed before making a decision.  This is increasingly more important as it seems there are more fly-by-night contractors now than ever before)
6)WSIB Insurance

Good luck on selecting your general contractor for your next job!

Novello Love Collection

Check out the latest line-up addition from Novello's Love Collection.

This modern piece has an amazing flow to from faucet to tub, and it will definitely be talk-of-the-town at your next get together.

If you like it, make sure you ask our friends at Canaroma to special order this for your renovation project....All I can say is wow!

http://www.canaroma.ca/new-products/bathtubs-whirlpools/Bathtub-Novello1/novello/in-stock-or-8-weeks/

Green Renovations Toronto

When seeking green ideas while planning a renovation in Toronto, then consider the following suggestion...How about upgrading your current toilet to one of the latest water efficient green alternatives that are available, this will help to reduce water consumption yet have no impact on performance of your throne.

Check our friends at Canaroma and their line-up of green alternatives....Go Green

http://www.canaroma.ca/products/green-products/

Kohler Ceiling Tub Filler

This Kohler ceiling tub filler is a fantastic accent to any bathroom renovation project.
We installed this Kohler ceiling bath filler in our latest phase of the Toronto Bridlepath mansion renovation project completed by Toronto Custom Concepts




Kohler Ceiling Tub Filler

Ceiling Tub Filler

This ceiling tub filler produces a solid stream of water that comes vertically from the ceiling down into your bath tub.  This Kohler tub filler offer a pressure sensitive flow to avoid splattering.

Hope you like it!

Toronto Bathroom

This Toronto bathroom that we finished was a complete bathroom renovation project.
We renovated the bathroom including new flooring tiles, bathroom vanity, new countertop, glass shower with the latest fixtures including a terrific square rain-head shower.

This was a great project with another wonderful client.

Enjoy the bathroom pics!

BBQ Island Countertop

When planning your countertop for your island BBQ, check out this countertop that Dave suggested and installed.  Quartz was selected instead of granite and other options due to it being more accommodating to the harsher Toronto weather condition.   This installation used 1.5 inch thick quartz to allow for strength to to avoid the risk of cracking.   The lighter colour of quartz was suggested to avoid too much heat and sunlight vs a darker shade.

Quartz Countertop BBQ Island

The BBQ island stonework was completed by our friends at PlusOneLandscape.com

Top Must-Have Tools for DIY Carpenter

This is our top 5 list of must-have tools for the carpenter in each of us

1. Cordless Nailer/Compressor
2. Mitre Saw
3. Table Saw
4. Cordless Drill
5. Sawsall :)

Ask us for our preference of which brands are the tops in these categories ;)

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen

When planning your outdoor kitchen, there are many factors to take into consideration.

Layout
Electrical for Mini-Fridges
Plumbing for Outdoor Sink
Gas-Propane
Extra Storage
Countertop
Drainage
Foundation
Accent Lighting
Direction of Shade/Sun

Toronto Custom Concepts can help you layout the perfect outdoor kitchen to serve your needs

Caesarstone Concetto Countertops

Interested in upgrading your countertop to one of the latest and greatest options currently out there?   Well look not further....check out the line-up of Caesarstone's Concetto series of stunning countertop options.

Some of the more unique and interesting patterns include blue agate, gray agate, brown agate, rose quartz, and white quartz to name a few.

Amazing and absolutely stunning....but don't forget your wallet as the Concetto series are beautiful, yet beauty sometimess comes with a premium pricetag :)

Toronto Bridlepath Bathroom Reno

Our Bridlepath mansion renovation project has produced absolutely stunning results surpassing even the toughest critics expectations

Here is a picture of just one of the renovated bathrooms during our phase 1 renovation of this Toronto Bridlepath mega mansion renovation project by the team at Toronto Custom Concepts! 

Enjoy!!!

LED Lights Ideas

Installing LED lights are all the rage now-a-days....Clients are asking us to install them in some fantastic locations.  Gone are the days that these lights were only for behind your valence and below your upper kitchen cabinets.  We have installed these LED lights in a variety of locations, here are a few of our favs:

-LEDS under granite countertops

-wetbar accents LED light

-stone wall accent lighting

-art niches to name a few

Ask us about the newer LED lights that come with a mini remote control ;)

Toronto Custom Countertops

When planning your custom countertop project, Toronto Custom Concepts has designed many projects involving new countertop installations.

A few design areas to consider for your new custom countertop

1) Type - Granite, Soapstone, Quartz
2) Thickness
3) Edging
4) Finish
5) Corners
6) Overhangs
7) Support / L Brackets

Toronto Custom Concepts and Pinterest

Toronto Custom Concepts has now launched our Pinterest company account...

Check it out when you have a moment, and Pin Us! :)

http://pinterest.com/tocustomconcept/

Toronto Custom Shelving Ideas

We have done some creative custom shelving ideas across the greater Toronto area... here are some suggestions that you should consider when planning out your next project.

Custom shelving/storage improvement projects include:

1) corner spaces - leverage custom shelving in corner, consider lazy susans and extendible corner units
2) loft spaces - you may want to leverage pull down hanging storage...great for laundry rooms and closets
3) basements - plan out amble shelving and storage when converting an unfinished basement to a finished one
4) hard to reach spaces - elevated storage is great in garages, mezzanine areas
5) hidden spaces - some of the most unused space are the best ones for custom shelving, such as behind staircases and in closets...these are great to plan for when starting a new custom built home.

Ledgestone Design Ideas

Ledgestone design ideas vary thruout your home including using ledgestone for amazing fireplace surrounds.  You can also incorporate ledgestone into your backsplash designs including in your kitchen, laundry room, office and wet-bar to name a few.    Ledgestone is also a great option when looking to accent a particular wall or structure.

These are some recent pictures of projects we have completed that incorporate ledgestone as part of the design.

Cultured Ledgestone comes in a variety of different styles and colour options including dark ridge, winterhaven, harvest, and chardonnay to name a few.

Lazy Susan Kitchen Corners

When considering upgrading your kitchen corners for better usability, a Lazy Susan will help improve your accessibility to hard-to-reach corner space.  But Lazy Susan's have come a long way.

They are now offered in a variety of different layout options.
You may want to consider one of the following different Lazy Susan shapes:

Kidney Shaped
Half Moon
Round
D-Shaped

Check out Richelieu's line-up of Lazy Susans

http://www.richelieu.com/en/lazy-susan-1052086-c

Ironing Board Storage Ideas

The ironing board storage idea that was most popular for us at this years National Home Show was the hide-away ironing board system that extends for easy access, and then once finished with all your ironing, this board quickly and easily folds up and away back into your dedicated space.

This ironing board takes up very little space so it is great for laundry rooms, closets, dorms, and condos to just a few.  It measures less than 14 inches deep by 6 inches in height when in the stored position.



Check out this hot new accessory that will spice your ironing needs.....ok, at least just a little ;)

Laundry Room Reno

Laundry room renos are big for us this time of year with spring cleaning upon us, people are looking to give their current laundry room an upgrade while cleaning up their home for the warmer weather.

Upgrading your laundry room is typically not a small undertaking...some folks think since it is typically a small room that upgrading it is a piece of cake...but most laundry renos need to take into account quite a few things such as:

Laundry Room Reno

-electrical being modified for washer/dryer relocation or stacking
-adding additional cabinets (uppers and lowers) - think smaller version of a kitchen
-have plumbing done for major renos
-installing new countertops due to new layouts
-installing new flooring tiles

Laundry Room Countertop Reno

-installing backsplash
-reworking dryer vent hose
-repainting the walls
the list goes on and on....

Stacked Washer and Dryer

So design and plan out your laundry room renovation project, as it will add value to your home and differentiate you from any of your neighbours when you sell your home.

Toronto Closet Reviews

When reviewing any Toronto closet vendors installers, please keep in mind a few tips...

1. Do your homework.  Look online and review background checks on your potential closet vendors
2. Ask about timeframes...Some Toronto vendors are unable to commit to timetables and schedules
3. Ensure companies are licensed and insured in and around the greater Toronto area.
4. Ask your vendors to work with your to produce an electronic rendering of what your space will look like...With technology so cheap, there is no reason why a vendor shouldnt be doing this for you
5.  References, references, references....look online, check out websites, and directories.  If you potential feedback doesnt have credible feedback and references there has to be a reason to why not

Good luck!

TCC Booth at the National Home Show

For those of you who werent able to make it out to this years National Home Show held at the Direct Energy Building in Toronto, we wanted to share with you a glipse of Toronto Custom Concepts/Toronto Custom Closets and our showcase booth. 

 

Dont worry if you missed it, cause we will be back again next year at the 2014 National Home Show!

Here are some pics to hold you over until then :)

Closets at Toronto Home Show 2013

Our closets booth at Toronto Home Show has a wide variety of the different offering available from Toronto Custom Concepts including granite island, double hutch, glass shelving and over 20 different closet accessories.

National Home Show Directory Listing

Make sure you stop by our closet booth as we will be giving away some great prizes and gift certificates.

See you at the Toronto Home Show!

Top 5 Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Here are some kitchen renovation ideas that will make a huge improvement in your home and will not break the bank...

1. Reface old cabinets - swap out your old cabinet doors with something more current.   Designs, colours, materials have come a long way

2. Remove your old countertop - replacing your existing countertop and install a new one using granite or another natural stone will improve your kitchen aesthetics and increase your homes value

3. Install Backsplash - adding a nice backsplash can add a nice finishing touch to you kitchen.

4. Add Crown Moulding and Valences along your cabinets - it completes your cabinets top and bottom.

5. Replace hardware - swap out old knobs, for fresh new pulls, handles, rings to rejuvenate your kitchen

These kitchen renovation ideas will help improve your kitchen appeal and will help increase your homes value!

Cabinets and Closet Expo

It is back again...I cant believe it is already that time of year again for the Cabinets and Closets Expo.
This year they will be moving back to New Jersey.
Dave will be heading over to get the latest design trends, products and glimpse of the new materials being released in spring 2013

Here is the the website

http://www.cabinetsandclosetsexpo.com/

Location: The New Jersey Convention Center running from Feb 28 - March 1

Ideas For Closet Corners

Here are some ideas for making the best use of closet corners.  Some say closet corners are dead space, but we think otherwise.  We have design and implement more than half a dozen fantastic workarounds for fixing the challenges of corner spacing.


Here are just a few of our ideas and a couple pictures...
-rounded bars
-seamless 45 degree custom shelving
-peek-a-boo corners

Enjoy!

TorontoCustomClosets.com is Live!

We are excited to announce that www.TorontoCustomClosets.com is up and live!
Thanks to everyone that made it possible.

This site will focus on all of our custom closets installations.
I hope you like the website as much as we enjoyed building it
Enjoy!

Cottage Renovation Ideas

With us entering February and the weather starting to warm up over the next few weeks, it is time to start thinking about cottage renovation ideas that you would like to do over the next few months, so that your cottage is ready for entertaining come summertime.


Some quick cottage renovation ideas include:

-Upgrading outdoor decks and patios
-Replacing old interior trim, baseboards, crown mouldings
-Switching out interior and/or exterior doors
-Refacing Kitchen cabinets
-Adding additional storage and closet organization systems



If nothing else, a fresh new coat of paint always is an easy cottage renovation idea that is cost effective too ;)

Toronto Custom Concepts Wins Houzz's Best of 2013

Toronto Custom Concepts is proud to be recognized by Houzz.com with their annual  “Best Of Houzz” awards for 2013.

This award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design.

Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in a dozen categories. 

Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of 11 million monthly users (Houzzers), who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks

You can see the Houzz awards at this link - Houzz Best of 2013 Awards

You can read more on our website Toronto Custom Concepts

Blanco Sink Styles

The new Blanco series of sinks called Precis Cascade are being launch in Spring 2013...Blanco produces another amazing product into Blanco sink line-up that provides amazing design and functionality 

Some features of the new sinks include:

-bi-level bottom
-square sink for better use of space

-comes in a variety of colours, such as Cinder, Anthracite, and Cafe 

Click here for more information about this product...

Ask us about using Blanco sinks in your next kitchen renovation project!