For an interior designer who has guided numerous clients through home transformations, applying her own professional advice during a personal renovation project proved essential for success. Jessica Cinnamon, principal designer and founder of Toronto-based Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc., recently completed a massive renovation of her family's "forever home," turning a dilapidated 1935 duplex into a modern living space.
The Search for a Forever Home
Cinnamon and her husband, a stock trader with a passion for construction and development, had been searching for their ideal family residence for years. "Especially when we found out we were expecting our youngest, it really lit a fire under us to find the perfect space," she explains. Their search ended with a Tudor-style property in Toronto's South Kingsway neighborhood, conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from the subway.
Transforming a Historic Property
The original structure was a rundown duplex featuring two bathrooms, two small kitchens, and five bedrooms. Despite its condition, Cinnamon and her husband recognized its potential, completely reimagining the floor plans to create a spacious kitchen, five full bathrooms, one powder room, six bedrooms, and a wet bar in the children's loft area.
"We wanted a home we could truly make our own," says the mother of two. "I wasn't interested in a house that was already finished. We wanted to create the spaces where we would raise our family and build our life together." The couple purchased the property in September 2023 and moved in during August 2025 after an extensive renovation process.
Ambitious Renovation Challenges
The renovation involved a complete interior gut down to the bricks, including asbestos remediation, entirely new layouts on every floor, interior framing, basement underpinning, new electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC installation, spray foaming, and window replacements. The project presented numerous unexpected challenges that tested their planning and adaptability.
Initially hoping to preserve the original joists, they discovered during demolition that the joists were undersized and required either sister jointing or complete replacement, ultimately deciding on full replacement. Achieving their desired floor plan also necessitated substantial structural steel work, adding complexity to the project timeline and budget.
Balancing Dreams with Practicality
Despite having completed six major renovations as a couple over the years, Cinnamon describes this project as fundamentally different because they understood they would be living with every decision for the next fifteen to twenty years. "Like many of our clients, there were countless luxuries and features we dreamed of including but we also needed to make thoughtful choices that would work for the home and our budget," she notes.
"Every element had to be practical, timeless and functional, while still reflecting our style and vision. We wanted a home that could grow with our family, accommodating changing needs over the next decade and beyond – spaces for the kids to play, for family gatherings." She emphasizes that the renovation became a careful balancing act between aspiration and realism, ensuring each detail would withstand both aesthetic and functional tests over time.
Expert Renovation Tips for Homeowners
Drawing from her professional experience and personal renovation journey, Cinnamon offers valuable advice for homeowners considering similar projects:
- Plan Before You Spend: Map out your entire renovation vision before purchasing materials or hiring contractors. A clear plan prevents impulse decisions and costly mistakes.
- Invest in Key Pieces; Save on the Rest: Splurge on essential elements like quality countertops, durable flooring, or statement lighting fixtures. Save on smaller finishes such as cabinet hardware.
- Inspect Materials Before Installation: When tradespeople deliver materials, verify they match your orders in color, finish, and quantity. Early detection of discrepancies prevents expensive corrections later.
- Stay Involved with Your Designer or Contractor: Regular on-site check-ins several times weekly help prevent misunderstandings and catch potential issues before they escalate.
- Understand Lead Times and Scheduling: Review schedules with your contractor, recognizing that trades often work on multiple projects simultaneously. Confirm availability and plan accordingly, as delays in one area (like plumbing) can halt progress in others (like tiling).
- Communicate Changes in Writing: Document any modifications and confirm cost implications with suppliers or contractors to maintain budget control and avoid confusion.
Cinnamon will be sharing more insights at the National Home Show, speaking on Saturday, March 7 at 3:15 p.m., Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. For additional information, visit the event website.
"Renovations are a journey and like any meaningful transformation, there will be moments that feel overwhelming," Cinnamon reflects. "My best advice is to try your best to enjoy the process and keep your eye on the prize. There are many moving parts and inevitable decisions along the way, but the temporary disruption is just that: temporary. If you stay focused on the end goal and trust the plan, the result is almost always worth the wait."
