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Project

From outdated nunnery to stunning, modern family home

Discover how Sansa Interiors renovated this outdated 1970s nunnery and transformed it into a modern family home

Published on 01 March, 2023 by Ash Read

Today we're diving through the keyhole of Sansa Interiors' whole-house renovation of a 1970's Etobicoke nunnery.

The existing property was designed for six nuns and featured a small kitchen, partial walls, and oddly shaped rooms with wasted space, so Jude Kamal and her team remodeled the house create a more functional space, then incorporated modern, Scandinavian-inspired design elements to create a fresh yet functional look that was in line with their clients' desires.

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.Natural materials combine perfectly with sleek cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances to create a fresh and modern open-concept kitchen and dining area

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.The rustic table compliments the otherwise clean, sleek, Scandi-style design of the open-concept kitchen-diner

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.Light wood combines with white tiles and black accents to create a clean, modern and practical space

"Our clients wanted to maximize their living space while delivering a clean and modern look," said Kamal. "So, we knew that the best approach was to open up the interior to take full advantage of all the space they had available."

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.The combination of clean, minimal design and natural materials continues into a living room that features a beautifully-framed bay window

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.Marble and wood combine brilliantly throughout the home, and work exceptionally well here to create the perfect focal point for this cozy Scandinavian-inspired living room

Natural materials and earthy tones and finishes were used to bring the space closer to the outdoors.

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.This compact restroom features a mix of textures and materials, and a large mirror, to create a light and airy space

As a young family, maximizing their living space while delivering a clean and modern look, was a top priority
Jude Kamal, Founder and Principal Interior Designer at Sansa Interiors

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.Light wood and neutral colors combine to create a light and airy hallway

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.A neutral color palette, patterned wallpaper and cleverly-selected bed linen ensure this bedroom feels like a kid's room without feeling out-of-place in the home

As is so often the case with full-home renovations, the project wasn't all plain sailing. Even with advanced planning, given the age and style of the home, the discovery of asbestos delayed the project by four weeks. Further challenges arose in the form of the Covid pandemic and the realization that the property didn't have a proper HVAC system. Unwilling to be deterred, all hurdles were successfully jumped and the project was completed within the 6-month deadline.

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.This beautiful bathroom features his and her's sinks with large mirrors that flood the room with natural light

Traditional bathroom — Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.This beautiful bathroom features his and her's sinks with large mirrors that flood the room with natural light

Photo: Design by Sansa Interiors. Photography by Bruno Belli.Three different tiles were used to create a clean, minimal and modern shower room

"We are thrilled with the end result," said Kamal. "Our clients now have a modern, inviting, and functional home that is perfect for their young family."