Toronto designer Jessica Kelly serves this homeowner a dose of modern garnished with lighthearted colour and texture.

Preparing for a kitchen renovation is definitely a time to dream - to think of how that brand new stainless steel range, show - stopping backsplash or even extra counter space will make life just that much better. But for a Bay Street financier, its also a time for prudence. When Christopher Craib, the chief financial officer of a securities firm in Toronto, decided it was time to overhaul Lhe builder - boring kitchen in his 10 - year - old west - end condo, his plan involved more than just updating the look.

"I had to consider I was renovating in a condo and wanted to spend my money wisely," says Christopher, who has been living in his 1,600 - square - foot condo for eight years. "You have to be careful not to overspend for your building if you want to get your money back in the future, so I was mindful of those constraints." For Christopher, cautious spending meant keeping the reno simple, mixing high and low elements and creating a modern look that lasts. So he enlisted Toronto designer Jessica Kelly to make sure he got it all right the first time.

To create a contemporary, slightly industrial aesthetic, Jessica incorporated all - white high - gloss cabinetry, grey quartz countertops and over - sized porcelain floor tiles. Giving the kitchen its standout appeal, tumbled marble serves as the backsplash on one side of the kitchen and creates a captivating feature wall, which was kept free of any upper cabinetry, unlike the other. It was a big decision, but Christopher bucked the trend of open - concept condo living and chose not to take down the nine - foot - long wall separating the kitchen and dining room. Instead, Jessica pared back two half walls that slightly separated the kitchen from the eat - in nook and created a more open, streamlined 18 - by - eight - foot galley space.

While the relationship between designer and homeowner was extremely simpatico during the process, there was one bit of controversy. "I was against doing a banquette in the eating area, says Christopher. "I didnt want to invest money in a built - in because, if I sell the place, I cant take it with me." Hes glad he changed his mind, because with the kitchen now being his favourite room in the condo, the banquette offers him a spot to sit and enjoy the space. "I have coffee there, I read there," he says. "Ive even managed to have a nap."

So, as Christopher proves, its important to let self - indulgence sometimes win over prudence. "Ultimately, I built this kitchen for myself.