Living Room Renovation with Fireplace Update & TV Feature Wall – North York

Sometimes a living room doesn’t need a full renovation to feel completely different.
Thoughtful updates to a few key elements can transform how the entire space looks and feels.

In this North York home, the living room had a solid layout and good natural light, but several elements felt dated. The stone fireplace, the TV area, and the built-in cabinet were all visually heavy compared to the lighter look the homeowners wanted.

Our goal was to modernize the space while keeping the existing structure wherever possible, focusing on finishes, surfaces, and a new focal point for the room.

Project Overview

Location: North York, Toronto
Project Type: Living room renovation
Scope of Work

• Fireplace surface renovation (skim coat and paint)
• TV feature wall design and installation
• Cabinet painting
• Cabinet hardware replacement
• Quartz countertop installation

Design + Build: Habitual Homes

The Fireplace Update

The original fireplace was finished with dated stone cladding that made the corner of the room feel visually heavy.

Instead of demolishing the entire structure, we applied a skim coat over the stone surface to create a smooth base and then finished it with paint. This approach allowed us to modernize the fireplace while keeping the existing structure intact.

The result is a much lighter and cleaner fireplace that blends naturally with the rest of the room.

This type of approach is often a great option when the fireplace layout works well but the finish feels outdated.

Creating a TV Feature Wall

The TV area previously lacked a clear design element, so we created a feature wall that anchors the living room.

The design combines two materials:

• Vertical wood slats that bring warmth and texture
• Large-format panel behind the TV that creates a clean architectural backdrop

This composition gives the television a defined place in the room while adding a strong visual element without overwhelming the space.

The combination of wood and stone-like surfaces also helps balance the warm tones of the flooring and furniture.

Refreshing the Built-In Cabinet

Along the back of the room there was an existing built-in cabinet that provided useful storage but had a darker finish that felt dated.

Instead of replacing the cabinet completely, we refreshed it with a few thoughtful updates.

The cabinetry was painted in a lighter tone, helping the piece feel more integrated with the room. We also replaced the hardware with new cabinet knobs, which adds subtle contrast and a cleaner look.

On top of the cabinet, we installed a white quartz countertop, creating a durable and easy-to-maintain surface.

This upgrade gives the cabinet a much more refined appearance while keeping the existing structure.

The Result

Together, these changes completely transformed the living room.

The fireplace now feels lighter and more contemporary, the TV wall creates a strong focal point, and the refreshed cabinet blends naturally with the rest of the space.

By focusing on finishes, surfaces, and thoughtful design details, we were able to update the room while avoiding unnecessary demolition.

Projects like this show how strategic updates can significantly improve the look and functionality of a space.

Renovating Living Rooms in Toronto Homes

Many homes in North York and across Toronto include fireplaces, built-ins, or media walls that were designed years ago and no longer match modern interiors.

Updating finishes, adding feature walls, or refreshing cabinetry can dramatically change the look of a living room without requiring a full structural renovation.

With the right design approach, existing elements can often be transformed into clean, contemporary features that work with the rest of the home.

Thinking About Updating Your Living Room?

If you’re planning to update your living room, media wall, or fireplace, thoughtful design and well-chosen materials can make a significant difference.

At Habitual Homes, we help homeowners across Toronto plan and build renovations that improve both the function and the character of their spaces.

If you’re considering a similar project, feel free to contact us to discuss your renovation ideas.