This is the sign that now hangs outside my front door (the 6 is for unit 6 in case you were wondering). I am so excited with the results of this ridiculous undertaking. If I loved the last version of my home a billion percent, I love this one a gazillion times more. As a recovering perfectionist, I have long since taken this word out of my vocabulary, but in this case, she is going back in. My new home is ‘perfect’.
Before I take you on a tour, I must give thanks where thanks are due.
Great big thank you to:
My mom. The world’s best best mom and the world’s worst project manager. Despite reassigning any project management duties right back to me, she did an outstanding job at working. From helping me refinish the furniture, scraping the ittiest bits of invisible paint out of minuscule cracks, joining me on many a long and unfun adventures to Lowe’s, Ikea and Home Depot, following behind me with a vacuum and a sponge, my mom was the queen of details and perseverance.
My cousin Jenny, a talented architect who, in the midst of her own move, a job and two wee little ones, made the time to come over and take proper measurements so that we could put together the initial plans. I still kind of wish we had done the whole expand the bathroom, put in a bathtub thing… next time!
Stephen Callahan and his (very cute) assistant Brian. Who finds a builder, carpenter, electrician and plumber in one? Me! Stephen was more into the details than I was and was awesome when it came to following my principals of reusing as much as we possibly could. Creative, tidy, considerate, punctual, honest and diligent; who could ask for more in roommates- which is what they became in the month we did this work. They were also good sports when I pushed coconut water on them, made them try raw cacao beans, educated them on the grossness of cow’s milk and gave their lunches the evil nutrition eye. Thank You!
Joe at Bloor Dovercourt Appliances. was amazing. I chose to get my appliances there because they are local, Joe is sweet and that was really the only two reasons I needed. He gave me magnificent deals on my appliances, made amazing recommendations on what I should get and I never, in my whole life thought I would have actual feelings of love towards my Fisher and Paykel Refrigerator. I proclaim Bloor Dovercourt Appliances an official sponsor of my Cooking School.
Brett Poff of Cycling Painters is eco friendly and very cute (hey- if I was going to have guys hanging about doing work in this hot hot August heat, might has well have ‘em be awesomely attractive right?). Brett and I met a couple months ago when he dropped in to a couple of my cooking classes. He also works at a health food store and we share a fondness for the same yoga teacher. Selecting him to do the painting was the easiest decision I made. He showed off his patience when my yellow wall required a full five coats and really, what’s a home without a bright red door?
Dorothy McMillan was the owner of this space before me and far from a stranger. Dorothy likes to remind me that I was in a car-seat in the back of my mom’s station wagon when we first met about 28 years ago. She has been pivotal in shaping my visual identity, which may sound odd but it’s true. See, Dorothy and my dad are business partners and she is the Chief Creative Officer of their agency. Dorothy has designed most important things in my life starting with my Bat Mitzvah invitations and most recently designed my logo. She was the one who painted the beautiful floral pattern on my cupboards (when the studio was hers). The red chandelier that now hangs over my bed- also a leave behind that I love to bits.
My Dad. Not only did he do an amazing job of hanging all the photos, he also sold me this place. He had bought it from Dorothy almost three years ago. When I came back from LA for nutrition school, rather than have me move home (which is what my finances were going to enforce), my dad generously allowed me to live in this studio, for the year. When school ended, I refused to leave and when we realized that I needed to move in order to grow my business, he generously offered to sell me this place for a price I couldn’t refuse so that, as the property owner, I could renovate it. Thanks Dad!
Though I strongly believe in the philosophy on life that the process is the outcome, when it comes to a renovation, this is just not true. The outcome is what it is all about.
Kitchen Renovation: Day 1
Kitchen Renovation: Day 8
Kitchen Renovation: Day 17
Kitchen Renovation: Day 21
Kitchen Is Finished: Sneak Peak
The Before
End Of Day 1
Day 8
Day 17
And so- without further ado… My New Kitchen!
Knock knock.
1 of 2 cooking areas
These shelves used to be by my desk. They were removed from the wall and rehung on this side.
My fave wall decal could not be saved so I had to get a new one. And check out that dishwasher, maybe the best part of the place.
This angle in the counter caused so much trouble. Notice how Stephen got creative in reusing old parts of my former kitchen to create more cupboard, a book shelfe and a special little place to store my Vitamix.
Yep- that’s a Dirty Dancing poster over my fridge. A gift from my girlfriends for my 16th birthday. And yes- there are chickens on my fridge.
From another angle. I love my red door!
The main part of the kitchen. And see that curtain hung up top. Look familiar? (hint, check out my before photo above)- That used to be my duvet cover. Reused!
The second cooking area.
Look! It’s like a mirror.
Colourful!
And now I will let you in to my bedroom. I have a closet. This is very exciting.
Bed by the window. Been sleeping so very well!
Very nice. But wait… what’s that yellow thing hooked on to the black rope around the pillar?
The pantry, complete with pretty labels for all my jars of goodness. And the red shelves were formerly cupboard doors- they have the flowers painted them on too!
A close up of the amazing recycling skills of my team.
Spices! and Photos from St. Lucia
My office is now fully in my kitchen… where it belongs
Right. A kitchen is not complete unless there is a hammock hung across it. 
And if you have read my book The Healthy Cookie: Unbaked you also know where this special hammock came from and who hung it.
There are just three things still on my list. That tall dresser back in the corner by my bed will be replaced with a comfy chair and foot rest (being delivered this week from the antique store where I found it) and I am getting a fire escape style ladder built for the loft space/stroage area/ guest room and lastly, a track is to be suspended from the ceiling to hang a curtain from that will divide my living area from the kitchen/work area.
Here is the complete collection of pics.
Come decorate my apartment! You have a real gift, my dear!
Oh Meghan, this is exquisite. I’m absolutely delighted for you!!!!!
AWESOME Meghan!!!! Reading your book now! I want to know where that hammock came from! ;-P Congrats are on your beautiful and authentic home!!
AMAZING! I can’t believe what you’ve done in that small space.
I’m still surprised that a) You live AND work in space of that size (good to see that you’re getting a divider!) and b) You don’t get claustrophobic.
You’ve really maximized it. It seems bigger than it is. I’m incredibly impressed.
Now that I know that you own the place it makes more sense (I let out an audible “Ohhhh!”). I wondered how you were able to do the reno as a renter.
Is the loft no longer your meditation space?
Mazel tov.
looks great! (did you consider putting in a second dishwasher too?!) lots of character, often lacking in kitchens.
my new kitchen goes in on the 4th – it’ll be much more utilitarian, though i’m excited for the butcher block counter-top.
Hip Hip Hooray! It looks gorgeous!!! ENJOY.
Hugs and raw cacao cookies
Gabriela
What is not to love. It looks so stunning. I would like to know where you found the chickens on your fridge. We have backyard hens. That would be so fun in my kitchen as well.
really nice!!
Oh Meghan, this is absoluately stunning!! You have the most amazing kitchen now. You must be thrilled. I cant wait to come over and make a little love in it
It is so beautiful. I am over the moon thrilled for you! Can’t wait to visit in person!!
Meaghan – it looks amazing!!! Congrats on finishing and I can’t wait to see it!
WOW… simply WOW!
A perfect recycled housewarming present in appropriate colours will have to wait for my next trip to th market on Saltspring Island…After seeing your pics, I know exactly what you need (don’t worry, it’s very small and utilitiarian!)
Just lovely. All of it. As a subdued-colour-palate kind of gal, seeing someone who embraces the canary and fuchsia makes me smile.
Yay for dishwashers. One investment that is so very worth it for large-scale cleanup.
Meghan,
It looks exquisite. You are multi-talented! You have done such a great job with a small space. You should submit it to some magazines. I want to come see it in person.
Your cousin-who is a big fan of your design prowess-Jenny.
Having been a part of every decision big and small, I am also amazed at how fantastic the space is. Meghan you had the vision and I admit I was skeptical, but I stuck with you. We worked hard but we laughed, almost cried and WE DID IT. Thank you Meghan for your tribute and good luck with your venture. You are on the cusp of something enormous. When things weren’t so great, I used to say, “let’s get to the next chapter”, well I am loving this chapter a whole lot.
love you.
mom
Totally beautiful! I love the Vita Mix cubby too. I need a place like that for mine.
Love, Sari
So beautiful Meghan!! Thanks for sharing! We just painted our front door red and hung a similar door knocker (only it’s a lions head)! Great minds, right?
Wow, I love it Meghan! You’re inspiring me to get my place together!
Adele
Thanks for sharing Meghan!! It is stunning and so very welcoming! i love the hammock!
I am halfway through your e-book and am thoroughly enjoying it. I have to stop occasionally to really absorb what you are saying because it is so meaningful. I recently finished Wayne Dyers ‘Change your thoughts, Change your life’ and like your book it highlights how simple things such as taking time to do nothing or living in the present can have such a profound effect on your well-being.
I recently moved back to Toronto and am hoping to sign up for some of your classes.
Sham
BEAUTIFUL!
it really turned out FABULOUS! I hope you are nothing short of THRILLED!
I so love the bright and cheery colors!!!
Meghan, that’s wonderful. It’s beautiful, and it looks like it was worth the wait.
I think I need a hammock in my kitchen.
Awesome! What a smart, funky, beautiful space!
I love how functional it is- space is being used intelligently and the set-up makes sense.
I have a hammock from Ecuador that I would love to put up…I guess I need to grow some trees/pillars in my apartment!
You must be so happy to get this done! Congrats!
Oh Meghan! It’s gorgeous! Great work! I love the colour scheme and the way your kitchen flows into the rest of your home!
Congratulations, Meghan. Your place is amazing and has so much character. Enjoy!
Meghan,
I love your new space-it’s so bright and happy! And the pictures, well, I just kept saying, “Ooh, Ooh, Ooh!” I have two questions: What are those window shades over your desk? Too cool, and I like the views of trees, too. Also, I want you to go to your refrigerator and open the door and tell me if it looks that wonderfully organized right this minute. If it does, well you are officially my hero! That is if you weren’t already after I stayed up till 3am reading your book because I couldn’t stop reading until the end. I hope you will give us the contact info for Dr. Ha. I’m thinking about Santa Monica, myself-going there, that is. I’m sending a prayer that those nasty fires don’t go anywhere close to that blessed place. Anyway, enjoy your new digs; and thanks for letting us enjoy them with you.
Much love and many blessings,
June
Such gorgeous decorating! And TWO STOVES?? Are you lucky, or what? The place is stunning–enjoy it!
LOVE it, Meghan! Bold. Bright. Beautiful. Compact. Just like YOU.
I live in a 500 sq foot cottage, so I am very accustomed at having to get creative, in order to do a lot with a little. You most definitely succeeded and I just love how the space is a reflection of your personality.
2 thumbs up!
Loving your mom’s comment.
Moms are great.
(Well, the great ones. I’ve heard of not-great ones. We’re lucky.)
What a beautiful job! That schooling really paid off, but I know you brought a lot to the project that was inside you all along. I didn’t know you added the insets to the glassed cabinet. What a great idea and well executed too. Looks like a very happy place to work.
renée
Wow – you are good! Everything looks amazing.
Oh Meghan – it’s beautiful. Just beautiful. Well done!
THANK YOU ALL!!! Who knew I had so many readers
Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement.
Denise- I would say, aside from a bath tub, the one thing my home is missing is a backyard full of hens (and maybe a goat or two). The decals came from Etsy.com do a search for chicken decals and I am sure you will get to them.
elain- can’t wait to see what treasure is on its’ way.
Jenny- you are welcome anytime. Pick a class and come as my guest!
Patsy Telpner- Thanks mom! We seriously could star in our own home renovation show. It would be absolutely hilarious.
Sham- Thank you and you must come by for a class or something. So happy that you are enjoying the book- only thing though is that once you meet me, you’ll realize I am far less impressive in person
Laurie and Alex- everyone needs a hammock in their home.
Jennifer Squires Ross- Thank you! And I am still trying to work out what CBC show you heard me on. If you remember, please let me know.
Junecutie- the window shades over my windows are just vinyl black out blinds. Awesome for projecting movies on! And yes, my fridge still looks that organized. The trick is to stick with veggies only. Keeps things fresh and green. Here is the link to Dr. Ha’s contact: http://local.yahoo.com/info-20529483-santa-monica-acupuncture-center-santa-monica?tab=reviews#reviews
EarthMother – In The Raw: I don’t get why people need so much space. Keep less stuff, get creative and you are good to go. I’ve got about 650 square feet.
I LOVE it! The colors make me happy.
Oh, and so jealous of your two ovens…my dream!
awesome!
you’re going to make magic in there!
Hey Cookie,
Beautiful job! Love it. Well done!
Lou.
Super FUN!! Love how you have incorporated the antique furniture with a fresh look and use!!
Hey Telpner. You got it goin’ on grrrrlfriend! Private message to follow.
Wow. Like wow. It’s totally and utterly amazing. Very profesh too with the double stove set up. love it – can’t wait to see it in person!!!
Meghan,
This is so awesome! I am sure you must feel so inspired just being in there! Two things I really love: The Vitamix special space, and the cookbook cupboard – I had never thought about leaving a door off a cabinet for displaying the cookbooks – LOVE that idea!
I have a question – the trees on the closet cabinet – are those a decal or were they painted on using some sort of special technique (and a lot of skill)?
One day I need to come to your neck of the woods and take a class! I will download that book of yours in a few months when I finish my thesis and am allowed to read for pleasure (ssshhhhhh – don’t tell my nagging husband that I am on the internet right now instead of working on my school work!). I was actually intending to devote myself to recovering from some health issues on a full-time basis myself, starting in Jan., so reading your book will be a good companion to my own journey.
In joy, peace and health,
Jennifer
I almost missed the reveal totally as I didn’t see when it was announced!
Congratulations on your accomplishment – it looks BEAUTIFUL! I love that you reused a lot of the stuff you had and some in such creative ways. I envy that you and your mom got to work on this project together, and I particularly enjoyed reading, laughing and tearing up at the thank you tribute to your mom! You are so lucky to have each other and be as close as you are.
Good luck Meghan, and God Bless you in all your future endeavors! xo
That all looks so wonderful and colorful! Two stoves though, you are a machine!
The space is gorgeous! I can’t wait to see it on September 13 when I come to your Healthy Prep workshop.
beautiful! I love the colour!
Gosh, your home is lovely. Its like your personality made into a home. You could visit that place and just know that it had to be your home.
A mate encoraged me to read this site, brill post, fascinating read… keep up the good work!
Commented on Day 8 of the renovation and then realized it was back in August so I had to search for the final so I could see how it turned out!
Looks like you turned it into a great space that fits you perfectly (not that I know you personally) but it has many personal touches that would indicate you ended up with the perfect match for you. Love the idea of the hammock, very unique!
Congrats on a fab job!
Thanks! Have to use my degree in design for something right?
The leaving off the cabinet door thing wasn’t even really intentional. I refused to buy more cabinet stuff and so we were only allowed to re-use what was already here. All the other cabinet doors became shelves on my pantry rack.