The Gracious Living Centre

I am writing to you to confirm just how happy Francine and I were with the outcome of the kitchen that you supplied. The kitchen surpassed expectations. What you have provided is a truly amazing living area. It was a pleasure working with you to determine what products to order and what colours we should choose. We chose Rational because of the quality and the non-toxic, formaldehyde free factor. Cambria’s Bala Blue quartz is an exceptional colour and sets off the kitchen design. Miele appliances were the best choice for quality and installation. As you will recall, you came up to our cottage so that you could prepare detailed drawings. You then worked with us throughout the process which again, ended up in a wonderful kitchen, which we will enjoy for years to come. Thank you again.

We have just completed out second kitchen in a second home, with the Gracious Living Centre and as one can imagine are totally sold on the Rational Product. The clean look and the opportunity to mix and match uppers and lowers, made it fun to create a design that is unique to us. The fact that it is non-toxic and of such good quality contributed to the decision to work with Xandra and her team. When we engaged with them in our first kitchen over 10 years ago, we saw unique pieces that helped us use small spaces more productively - like the pull out pantry, the pots and pans drawers, and the pull out shelving that helped access the space that is often lost where the corners of the cupboards meet.

The first time round, being sold on Miele products before engaging GLC,we secured most of our own appliances and arranged for their delivery and installation. This time round we used GLC to do these arrangements and were appreciative of their intervention when the dishwasher showed up unable to perform and they helped facilitate the arrival of a newer upgraded replacement at no extra cost.

The best part about the whole process was working with Vanita. She is very personable and responsive, and takes full responsibility for what she says she is going to do and communicates about this. She helped us design the kitchen in a way that listened to our needs/requests and did her best to come up with something that would work for us as some of our ideas shifted and changed. She is very knowledgeable and creative in her work. Even after the kitchen was installed, she had some very creative ideas helping us solve storage issues unrelated to the product, referring us to useful resources. The delivery and installation happened very close to the projected dates and with her overseeing the project, it all went very smoothly. There was one issue after the installation, where one of the cupboards was not closing properly, and it was attended to quickly and without any problem from our perspective.

Idon't suppose we will ever have the need to do another kitchen, but if we did, we would not hesitate to engage the Gracious Living Centre.

Cost includes appliances...

I would like to thank Xandra and the staff at the Gracious Living Centre for providing excellence in service. We had
the good fortune to work with Xandra some 15 years back when we built our first kitchen. We were in process of building a new home and wanted an ultra-­‐modern kitchen to suit the open floor plan of the space. Xandra worked collabora:vely with the architect to design a sleek, high lacquered galley kitchen. The results were beautiful! The craftsmanship and her attention to every detail was what you would expect. Xandra also designed a beau:ful bathroom in the same house. The bathroom project was fraught with challenges as it was in a small space which had to be designed to look much larger. Xandra was able to accomplish satisfying results through the use of natural stones, mirrors and glass. In light of our positive experiences in working with the team at the Gracious Living Centre, it made good sense that we should seek their services again in designing the kitchen and bathroom in our new home. The second home is the absolute opposite of the first; the tradi:onal style of the kitchen was in dire need of renova:on. We decided to totally revamp the space and start fresh; no small task in an old house. We desired a classic style to compliment the elegance of the French chateau architecture of the house. We started with a montage of pictures of different kitchens and, using he pictures, then scaffolder a design concept appropriate for our space. Xandra and the team at the Gracious Living Centre visited the site on numerous occasions to: monitor the progress of the job, take precise measurements (this was done over and over with the ought most care), and advice on material selections and colour choices. Xandra was able to use her professional contacts in the industry to secure top-­‐of-­‐the line:les and accessories for reasonable prices.
There were a number of challenges which were overcome: panels which re ordered but not delivered, were ordered and immediately sent from the manufacture; an extended kickboard had to be installed in order to be1er balance the look of the Island counter; and minor manufacturing defects in the finishing of the cupboards, which Xandra insisted was not to the standard of the Gracious Living Centre, had to be redressed. Even months aSer installation, Xandra has consulted with us to ensure that we are s:ll happy with the kitchen. We are now embarking on bathroom renovations. The team of professionals at Gracious Living Centre has now completed computer generated floor plans, advised on best materials and sourced fixtures and accessories. We are excited about this final phase of our home renovations and happy to be in partnership with the Gracious Living Centre. We sincerely thank Xandra and Yanita for their service. Denise and Mark

Reference for the Gracious Living Centre (TGLC)

We hired Xandra from TGLC to oversee the design, supply and installation of our new German Rational kitchen in 2013. We are very happy with her work, which resulted in a beautiful, functional and state-of-the-art kitchen with the latest Miele appliances.

Her consulting skills are thorough. She understood our taste and made several visits to our home to ensure the design was feasible and congruent with the surrounding space. She always made herself available to us to provide advice and assist in our decision-making process.

TGLC designs (by Yanita) were detailed and helped us visualize the end result. Xandra and Yanita guided us through the design process, educated us on alternatives and maximized the use of a small space in ways we were unaware of. We were so impressed with Xandra’s attention to detail; we were able to leave her in charge whilst vacationing in Europe during the major portion of the renovation.

The renovation and installations were completed on time and within projected budget. Follow-up service was a phone call away and was quickly and expertly handled. We are very pleased with the quality of the design, supply and installation of our new kitchen from start to finish. We highly recommend TGLC!

Dr.Phil Yaneff & Jackie Gray

Five years ago, we undertook a massive renovation of a 21-year old, 1800- square feet condominium that had not been in any way upgraded since its construction. The Gracious Living Centre acted as our consultants, designers, and general contractors. From first planning steps to final touches, Xandra and the team were a joy with whom to work. They made a multitude of helpful and useful suggestions; they were always ready to accommodate our wishes.
We had 2 ½ baths and a kitchen completely gutted and refitted with Rationale Cabinets and Miele appliances plus completely refinishing floors, walls, and ceilings. The quality of the materials used was exemplary. Five years later, everything still appears bandbox fresh.
After five years of great satisfaction, as we get ready to leave Toronto, we recently sold the condominium for a very gratifying price. The price achieved was due in no small measure to the work accomplished by The Gracious Living Centre. Renovations accomplished with The Gracious Living Centre are both an investment in quality-of-life and in long-term value.

Overall rating: 10 out of 10: best rating
This is the only company we will deal with now and in the future. On one kitchen project we saved $18,000.00.

Design process & problem solving was fun & creative because we were included in it.

We were presented with the best materials to suit our budget.

They took the entire worry out of appliance purchasing. We will only buy all our appliances for our new properties with them in the future.

Our kitchen is a beautiful traditional one with the counter top & backsplash all completed to perfection.

The Owner & Staff are honest people who stand behind their work & the supervision of the project.

This is refreshing in today's world.

We later had our difficult tenant’s kitchen & storage also completed. They were thoroughly pleased with the outcome.

Work was always completed on time & with little disruption to daily company work and the home environment.

In all we had 4 large projects completed by The Gracious Living Centre.

It's very rare to find a company of this calibre today.

Words to describe The Gracious Living Centre: Professional, Insightful, Honest, Superb communicators, Go the extra mile

Available at hours that only people who care will do

On time and in budget

TGLC saved us $18 thousand dollars on one kitchen installation alone!

I would very much like to recount my experience with TGLC and hope that it helps other potential clients make the right choice.

The kitchen in my tenant's apartment was in dire need of an update. The existing kitchen was likely installed in the early 80's and we got every possible day out of it! I was expecting my tenants would be vacating and had a short window of opportunity to get the kitchen redone before showing to prospective new tenants....so began my search...

I was looking for quality, durability, clean job site, timeliness, and within a budget. I searched many potential suppliers (from Big Box outlets to boutique to my regular general contractor). Much to my dismay I wasn't getting the full complement of requirements filled by any firm....until I walked into Gracious Living on Davenport.

Sabitha and Yanita met with me...they were both bright, enthusiastic, pragmatic and gained my confidence within a few short minutes. They came to my home the next day to get a first hand look at the area, existing layout etc. My needs were explored, design options assessed and my timelines respected.

The three of us met in my home with their final suggestions within a few days of our first meeting. I was presented with incredible design choices that fit perfectly into the open concept and existing colour/decor of the living area which meant I didn't have to touch anything else.

My requirements for durability, budget and quality were met by sourcing high end, Canadian non-custom cabinetry and materials. Sabitha and Yanita had been incredibly thorough even including a detailed project plan with milestone dates. My only hesitation at this point was what if the project drags on? This objection was overcome and the project began.

The project management, ownership and constant oversight of Yanita and Sabitha was incredible. These ladies are truly amazing and went beyond the call in so many areas.

Ranga is the general contractor who did the demolition, prep and tiling and he somehow made a 100 year old house seem almost square while maintaining a clean job site and the bonus is he is a wonderfully professional and patient man.

The cabinet installation was done by highly skilled craftsmen...real quality and attention to the finest detail.

The final piece is the countertop and this is where Xandra stepped in to project manage the supplier on site on a long weekend. There were challenges during the install but Xandra remained calm, persuasive and in control to ensure that we got it done that day and it was without compromising quality.

So overall I cannot come up with enough superlatives for my experience with TGLC, their employees and contractors. I can't wait to enlist them again and would not hesitate to recommend them.

On time, on budget, high quality workmanship and materials, professional, thorough and incredible initiative from each individual. Thank you all,

Erin M.

As a side note my tenants renewed their lease and love the kitchen ... it may have been the Reno that kept them!

Our experience with the Gracious Living Centre when we had our kitchen renovated was excellent. Xandra and her staff were always helpful and responded quickly whenever we had questions. Xandra was particularly good at helping us plan the space and in choosing the tiles, counter-top and cabinets. We chose the German-made Rational brand cabinets and have been very pleased with them. We ended up with more storage space than we started out with, and it's much better organized. The tiles and backsplash were suggested by Xandra and look great with the cabinets (honestly I think she knew what we wanted before we did!). She also suggested that we go to Tasco for our appliances and we found them so easy to deal with that we have been back since when we had to replace our washer/dryer. Perhaps the best advice we got was to get an induction stove. We were somewhat skeptical about it, but Xandra said we would end up loving it, and we do. We also have a friend (originally from France) who visits us regularly and cooks for us, and despite claiming he could never get used to a induction stove, he is now a convert too. I would (and have) recommended the Gracious Living Centre to my friends and colleagues, and would happily use them again for our next renovation project.

"We had our kitchen renovated in 2008 by The Gracious Living Centre. Because of the hard work of the whole team, we got our "Dream Kitchen". Since then our family has grown and we've had to sell our house and sadly move away from our beautiful kitchen. The consistent comments from both agents and interested buyers about how beautiful the kitchen was and despite the kitchen being 5 years old, it still looked brand new and current. Our buyers said it was the kitchen that "did it" for them. So thank you for a kitchen we truly enjoyed for over 5 years and definitely sealed the sale of our house for us.”