A Holistic Full Gut Renovation in Lorne Park
Inside the Personal Residence of Sansa Interiors’ Founder, Jude Kamal
project # 3091
Lorne Park, Mississauga
3500 sf
11 months
$750,000
Holistic Interior Design & Functional Minimalism
10ft Curved Kitchen Island, Soft Edges, Custom Millwork, Unique Natural Stones & Earthy Solid Surfaces and Collectible Artwork.
City
Property Size
Timeline
Budget
Philosophy
Key Features
The original structure was a fragmented 1970s build that lacked flow and natural light. As a luxury interior design firm in Toronto and Mississauga, our challenge was to strip the building to its studs and re-imagine a layout that prioritized wellness, movement, and "The Sansa Way."
This comprehensive case study explores the total transformation of a legacy property in Lorne Park. Led by Sansa Interiors, this project represents a "designer’s home"— the personal residence of our founder, Jude Kamal. This project was a comprehensive full gut renovation that transformed a dated structure into a masterclass of holistic interior design.
By stripping the home back to its studs, we reimagined the layout to prioritize wellness, natural light, and functional minimalism—proving that a home can be both a luxury statement and a deeply personal sanctuary.
photography: luke cleland
The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is the heart of this renovation, designed to function as both a high-performance workspace and a serene entertaining zone. We removed all upper cabinets to maintain a sleek, modern visual line, replacing them with white oak tall cabinetry and an open floating shelves, making room for large windows and lots of natural light to flood the space.
Key Design Elements:
10-Foot Curved Island: A custom-designed island featuring soft, curved edges that mimic the plaster hood enclosure. This curvature softens the room’s linear architecture, a hallmark of our holistic design philosophy.
Hidden Functionality & The "Un-Kitchen" Aesthetic: To keep the aesthetic clean, all countertop appliances are concealed. Triple pocket doors by Häfele allow the coffee station to be hidden instantly, maintaining a clutter-free environment.
Materiality: We selected Silestone countertops for their durability and earthy feel, paired with 22 System outlets integrated seamlessly into the backsplash to avoid visual disruption.
"We wanted the kitchen to feel like furniture, sculptural, intentional, and void of visual noise." — Jude Kamal
The Palette: Deep Charcoal vs. Soft Neutrals
Departing from the standard all-white kitchen, we introduced deep charcoal cabinetry along the base perimeter to create a dynamic anchor for the space, offering a moody counterpoint to the airy, light-toned walls and large windows. The dark millwork, allows the 10-foot curved island to still remain as a focal point.
The Ground Level: Flow & Functional Living
The ground level was reconfigured to support a wide range of activities across all seasons of Canadian living. We wanted this level to be extremely functional regardless of its size and be a hallmark of our holistic interior design approach.
From the mudroom with direct garage access to the casual living space that opens onto the pool, every square foot was optimized for flow. The mudroom also functions as a compact laundry room with closet space for coats, shoes, towels and cleaning supplies to accommodate all the functions that happen within that level (pool, TV time, play, reading, gathering, etc). This space was meant to feel playful, dramatic, and expressive; a moment of surprise within the home.
The casual living area is perfect for relaxed family time, summer entertaining, and movie nights, all while enjoying views of the pool and backyard.
Throughout the ground level, large-format concrete-look porcelain tile was used for durability and slip resistance, ideal for indoor-outdoor living. Lighting remains simple but sculptural, featuring an inverted handwoven metallic globe fixture that adds texture and warmth.
Lastly, you have…
The Powder Room: A "Jewel Box" Moment:
The powder room was designed to be unapologetically bold. Colour-drenched in a deep blue tone, we departed from the home's neutral palette to create a moody, high-impact experience. The space features a custom hand-carved fluted Purple Lilac marble floating sink, sourced from Turkey. A matching custom mirror echoes the sink’s curved silhouette, paired with polished nickel fixtures and p-trap.
The Palette
The design of this home was inspired by organic shapes and contemporary elements. The crisp contrast of white & black brings a sense of depth to the space and a very bold contrast. While the main level is different than the ground level and second level. We wanted to bring warmth through flooring, micro details, furniture and lighting in order to add a layer of texture. Making room for all indoor plants and unique details to shine, the design is all about harmony between human habitation and the natural world.
At its core, the design concept of this home is inspired by organic modernism, and the seamless harmony between human habitation and the natural world. The design narrative begins with a bold foundation: the crisp, bold contrast of deep charcoal, white oak tones. This interplay creates a profound sense of depth, acting as a visual anchor that allows the interior architecture to feel both grounding and expansive.
But true luxury lies in the softening of those lines. We didn't just want visual contrast; we wanted tactility. While the architecture provides the structure, the soul of the home comes from the 'micro-details.' Through the rhythmic warmth of white oak herringbone flooring, the soft millwork curves, rounded edges, curated furniture, and the glow of sculptural lighting, we introduced multiple layers of texture that make the space feel open but warm.
This restrained yet rich palette acts as a quiet canvas, allowing the vibrant greens of indoor plants and the unique character of the artwork and fun materials to be noticed.
The Staircase:
where old meets new
Connecting the levels is a staircase that bridges modern design with vintage soul. We used tapered round posts in white oak and deep charcoal to match the kitchen, but added Mediterranean-inspired detailing on the stringers. This "old-meets-new" approach adds layers of history and depth, ensuring the home feels curated rather than just "new."
Primary Suite: A Holistic Sanctuary
The primary bedroom was intentionally designed as a serene retreat. A restrained palette, minimal furnishings, and grounding textures allow the space to function as a true relaxation zone.
In contrast, the primary ensuite introduces subtle playfulness through materiality. Large-format speckled tiles are paired with jade green hand-glazed ceramic wall tiles, creating depth without visual noise. A handmade asymmetric mirror and artisanal wall sconces reinforce the home’s holistic, handcrafted feel.
Brushed brass fixtures, fluted glass in the threshold-free shower, a rain head, and vintage-inspired controls complete the space — balancing modern comfort with timeless character.
How we implemented wellness interior design:
We achieved this "sanctuary effect" through four specific pillars:
1. Soft Geometry & Neuroaesthetics: Softening any sharp jagged lines where possible.
2. Circadian Lighting Design: Light is the primary regulator of our sleep-wake cycle. A wellness-focused home must mimic the sun's natural progression. We maximized natural light by removing internal walls to let sunlight penetrate deep into the core of the house. For artificial lighting, we avoided cool, blue-toned LEDs which disrupt sleep. Instead, we layered warm-dim technology and low-level ambient sconces that allow the home to transition into a "sunset mode" in the evening, signalling the body to rest.
3. Spatial Flow & "Visual Silence": Clutter is visual noise that taxes the brain. A wellness home must offer "visual silence." Simply keeping ALL surfaces through the home clutter-free and providing ample storage to avoid items sitting there. Clutter also hinders energy flow form a holistic design lens, so every single room is spacially organized and optimized.
Wellness-Focused Design:
"The Sansa Way"
In an era where burnout is common, we believe a home must act as a charger for the human spirit. For this Mississauga Home, "wellness" wasn't just a buzzword; it was the foundational metric for every design decision. We utilized principles of neuroaesthetics—the study of how design impacts the brain—to create a space that actively lowers cortisol levels and promotes mental clarity.
For our founder, Jude Kamal, this home needed to be a retreat from the high-pressure demands of running a design firm. The impact of this wellness-first approach is immediate: the home doesn't just look good; it feels quieter.
The acoustics, the tactile surfaces, and the light quality all work together to down-regulate the nervous system the moment you step through the door. The second floor was reconfigured to house four bedrooms and two full baths, optimizing the footprint for family life.
“We design for the feeling, not just the photo. True luxury is a home that helps you sleep better, think clearer, and breathe deeper.”
Main Bath: Energetic and Playful
In Holistic Design, every room has an energetic assignment. For this bathroom, the goal was to cultivate vitality and a touch of fun.
Designed to feel joyful and expressive, the main bathroom serves as a vibrant counterpoint to the home's neutral palette. We paired dynamic, colourful geometric floor tiles in earthy terracotta and blues with vertical blue-and-white striped wall tiles, creating a space that is bright, energetic, and perfect for kids or guests.
Despite its playful nature, the room maintains a polished cohesion through warm brass accents and a sleek wood tone floating double vanity. Finishing touches like handmade-style shelving, a marble wall sconce, and fresh greenery add layers of organic charm, ensuring the space feels curated rather than just 'busy’.
The Nursery: Nurturing Curiosity Through Design
In holistic interior design, a child’s room must serve two competing functions: it must be a place of visual stimulation for development and a sanctuary for deep rest. For this nursery, we moved away from the 'sad beige' trend to embrace colour, pattern, and storytelling, creating a space that evolves with the child.
The design is anchored by a hand-illustrated jungle wallpaper featuring monkeys and palms. From a developmental perspective, high-contrast patterns and recognizable shapes help spark imagination and pattern recognition in early childhood. To further this narrative, we curated a gallery wall of whimsical animal prints (tigers, toucans, and lemurs), turning the walls into a fun jungle experience.
To balance the energetic walls, the furniture palette is rooted in nature. We selected a white oak crib with cane detailing, introducing organic texture and warmth that connects to the hardwood flooring. The forest green velvet glider offers a soft, tactile landing spot for nursing and reading, grounding the room in an earthy, calming hue.
The thought process behind this room was 'contained maximalism.' While the walls are bold, the ceiling and trim remain crisp white to prevent visual overwhelm. We utilized soft, diffused lighting: via a woven pendant and ribbed glass flush mount—to ensure the energy can be dialed down for sleep. Low-profile book storage allows for autonomy, letting the child access stories independently as they grow.
2. Structural Surprises: The Subfloor Discovery
The Challenge: As with many older homes in Lorne Park, demolition revealed hidden conditions. We discovered the existing structure lacked proper subfloors, making it impossible to install the new hardwood directly.
The Sansa Solution: We brainstormed with the contractor an immediate change order to run full sheathing throughout the home. This unexpected cost caused the budget to rise, but it was non-negotiable for quality. We levelled the entire floor system to near-perfection, which was a critical step to ensure the herringbone white oak flooring could be installed seamlessly without creaking or uneven gaps.
“Renovations are rarely linear. The difference between a good project and a great one is how the team pivots when challenges arise. We chose to invest time and budget into the bones of the house, like the subfloors to ensure the finishes on top would last for decades. ”
Overcoming Challenges: The Reality of a 5.5-Month Gut Renovation
Every high-end renovation presents unique hurdles. For the Mississauga Road project, the timeline and structural conditions required aggressive project management and quick decision-making.
1. The 5.5-Month Deadline & Strategic Procurement
The Challenge: Completing a full gut renovation of this scale in just 5.5 months is an incredibly aggressive timeline. A project of this magnitude typically requires 8–10 months.
The Sansa Solution: To mitigate delays, we took over the FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) procurement entirely. Instead of waiting for construction to start, we ensured that all plumbing fixtures, lighting, and finish materials were selected, ordered, and deposits placed well in advance. By having materials on-site or ready to ship before the General Contractor needed them, we eliminated the dreaded "supply chain wait times" that often stall projects.
3. Precision Millwork Adjustments
The Challenge: Custom millwork is the defining feature of this home, but the initial installation required refinement. Issues like misaligned gables and drawers requiring tightening threatened the "perfect" finish we demanded.
The Sansa Solution: We dedicated an entire month post-installation to deficiency management. We worked closely with the millworkers to perform extensive touch-ups and realignments. While this extended the final close-out, we refused to compromise. In a designer’s personal home, the details down to every inch had to be flawless.
Design Plans, Before & After
Why this project matters:
This project is the personal residence of our founder, Jude Kamal. It stands as the physical manifestation of the Sansa Interiors brand, proof that we don't just 'sell' holistic design; we live it. By navigating the complexities of a full gut renovation herself, Jude has stress-tested our processes, budget management, and timelines from the inside out.
This home is more than a portfolio piece. It is our assurance to you that we can manage high-stakes, luxury renovations while delivering the distinct, soul-filled aesthetic you crave. We know the journey, and we know how to lead you to the destination.
Feeling inspired?
You’ve seen how we transformed a dated structure into a holistic sanctuary for our founder. Now, let’s do the same for you.
Don't settle for a renovation that just looks good, build a home that feels right. As your expert guides in holistic design, we have the roadmap to take you from overwhelmed to overjoyed.
Sansa Interiors Inc.
Toronto, Canada
info@sansainteriors.com
(647) 556-3137