Transforming Spaces: Before and After of Our Latest Airbnb Renovation – A One-Bedroom Gem in a Character Building

At Cedar and Stone, we take pride in taking a dated building that needs some love and transforming spaces into welcoming, functional environments that feel like home. Our latest project, a charming one-bedroom unit on the second floor of a century-old character building, posed both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the before and after of this renovation, showcasing the steps we took to elevate the space and create a memorable guest experience. P.S. This building actually has two more units on the second and third floor that we are working on renovating next, so stay tuned!!

Introduction: Breathing New Life into a Historic Space

This one-bedroom apartment, located in the heart of the city, was in a beautiful building, full of character but in desperate need of a refresh. The goal of the renovation was to honour the building’s historic charm while bringing modern comforts and style to the unit. From restoring original details to incorporating contemporary amenities, we aimed to strike the perfect balance between old and new—creating a space ideal for short-term guests seeking both comfort and a unique stay.

Before the Renovation: Charm Meets Challenges

When we first walked into the unit, it was clear the space had potential, but it needed significant updates. The original hardwood floors, though beautiful and in good shape, but and the charm was charming... But the kitchen was outdated, featuring old cabinetry, the bathroom had vintage tile, but it felt cramped and uninviting. The living area, while spacious, lacked the warmth and functionality that today’s Airbnb guests expect.

Key Issues:

Outdated Kitchen: Worn cabinetry, inefficient layout, and dated appliances.
Cramped Bathroom: Poor lighting and outdated fixtures.
Worn Floors and Walls: The original hardwood floors had lost their luster, and the walls needed fresh paint.
Lack of Personality: The unit had potential, but it lacked the thoughtful touches that would make it feel inviting and memorable for guests.

Before Photos:

The Renovation Process

Planning and Design: Melding the Past with the Present

Our design vision was to preserve the building's historic features while integrating modern conveniences that would appeal to today’s travellers. Being a one bedroomn unit, the layout was pretty much optimized, but what the space really needed was modern upgrades to make the space special and functional for short-term rental. Really, it just needed some beauty to bring it back to life!

Key Design Elements:

Restoring Original Features: We chose to keep the beautiful hardwood floors.
Bathroom Updates: We chose to bring in some beautiful marble tiles to really add elegance and beauty to the space and to tie in the old charm with modern beauty.
Open and Functional Living: We simplified the kitchen layout by removing the upper cabinets to create a more open, flowing space while maintaining the charm of its original footprint and function in the small space.
Modern but Timeless: For the interiors, we opted for a neutral color palette with warm accents, using materials like natural wood, gold fixtures, and classic grey furniture to keep the design timeless and inviting.

Materials and Products Used

To enhance both the style and functionality of the space, we selected high-quality materials and products that not only looked great but would stand the test of time.

Luxury Bedding and Linens: We outfitted the bedroom with a plush, high-thread-count bedding set and soft, hypoallergenic pillows to ensure a luxurious night’s sleep.
Sleek Updated Furniture: We replaced the old appliances with energy-efficient stainless steel options, perfect for guests who enjoy cooking during their stay.
Modern Lighting Fixtures: For the living and dining area, we chose stylish, energy-efficient LED pendant lights that added a modern flair to the room.
Bathroom Upgrades: We replaced the cramped tub with a walk-in glass shower and added eco-friendly, organic toiletries to enhance the guest experience.

After the Renovation: A Cozy, Contemporary Retreat

The transformation was remarkable. What was once a dated, under-utilized space became a cozy, inviting retreat perfect for short-term stays. The original hardwood floors glowed with warmth, the updated kitchen became a functional, beautiful space for guests to prepare meals, and the bathroom felt spa-like with its modern shower and the bedroom was transformed to feel like an oasis.

Living Room: With new, cozy furnishings and a smart TV, the living area is now a perfect place for guests to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The combination of exposed brick and modern furniture provides a unique, stylish contrast that makes the space feel both timeless and fresh.

Kitchen: The updated layout has made a world of difference. The addition of open shelving creates an openness and contemporary yet functional cooking space that’s ideal for short-term guests.

Bedroom: We kept the bedroom serene and comfortable, with soft lighting, luxury bedding, and plenty of storage space for long-stay guests. The hardwood floors and calming neutral palette make it a peaceful retreat.

Bathroom: The bathroom finishes are modern and sleek. Large marble tiles, gold fixtures, glass shower door and a beautiful rain showerhead. After Photos:

Guest Feedback: The Proof is in the Reviews

The feedback from our first guests was overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what a few had to say:

“This space is absolutely beautiful! We loved the mix of historic charm and modern comforts. The kitchen was beautifully updated with high-end finishes, and the bed was so comfortable—we didn’t want to leave!”— Katherine, Guest from Toronto

“Nice place with convenient location. Would definitely stay again!”— Mark, Guest from Kenora

Conclusion: An Elevated Space with Endless Charm

This one-bedroom unit in a historic building is now a perfect example of how thoughtful design and careful renovations can transform even the most challenging spaces into elevated environments. With its mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences, it’s the ideal getaway for anyone looking for a unique and comfortable Airbnb experience.

Thinking about renovating your own space or enhancing your Airbnb? Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and behind-the-scenes stories from Cedar and Stone!