--- title: "Elizabeth Minish Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elizabeth-minish-design-pfvwus-pf~847484194 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847484194.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Elizabeth Minish Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ba2383b90165b4a3_5428-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1920 Tenth Avenue, New Westminster, BC, British Columbia V3M 3J6, Canada" latitude: 49.187 longitude: -122.9347 phone: "(604) 522-2347" website: http://elizabethminish.com rating: 5 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 86 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Elizabeth Minish Design Original Houzz profile: [Elizabeth Minish Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elizabeth-minish-design-pfvwus-pf~847484194) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** New Westminster, BC, BC - **Serves:** Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Hastings-Sunrise, Killarney, New Westminster, New Westminster, BC, North Burnaby, North Surrey, North Vancouver, Panorama Park, Port Coquitlam, Port Mann, Port Moody, Renfrew-Collingwood, Surrey, Surrey-White Rock, Vancouver - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Online consultation - Woman owned - 23 years in business A hallmark of Elizabeth's practice is creating beautiful but functional spaces that support the way her clients want to live in their homes. Since 1997 she has worked with primarily residential clients to guide and refine their dreams for re-envisioning their homes. Whether choosing paint colours that pull together existing furnishings, maximizing furniture layouts for improved function, or tackling larger-scale, gut-to-the-studs renovations, Elizabeth has worked her magic in the homes of hundreds of clients over the years. For the time-starved, discerning client, she can handle the whole process, or, for the handy homeowner who just needs some direction and focus, she offers strategic help to get a project started off on the right foot. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Bedroom Design - Living Room Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Home Office Design & Construction - Custom Built-ins - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Closet Design - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Shelving - Home Staging - Downsizing - Custom Storage - Kitchen Remodeling - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Burnaby - Coquitlam - Delta - Hastings-Sunrise - Killarney - New Westminster - New Westminster, BC - North Burnaby - North Surrey - North Vancouver - Panorama Park - Port Coquitlam - Port Mann - Port Moody - Renfrew-Collingwood - Surrey - Surrey-White Rock - Vancouver ### Typical Job Cost CAD $30,000 - 300,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Elizabeth Minish Design | | Address | 1920 Tenth Avenue, New Westminster, BC, British Columbia V3M 3J6, Canada | | Phone | (604) 522-2347 | | Website | http://elizabethminish.com | | Followers on Houzz | 86 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — Elizabeth Minish Design ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Elizabeth Minish Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elizabeth-minish-design-pfvwus-pf~847484194) - **Website:** http://elizabethminish.com - **Phone:** (604) 522-2347 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Bachelor of Home Economics - Clothing & Textiles/Housing and Design - Best of Houzz 2017-2022 Winner - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — arizonareno, Aug. 2021** > This is the 3rd time we have hired Elizabeth and as usual she did an excellent job assisting us in our carpet and colour selection as well as facilitating the speedy purchase of carpeting and paint. We were on a tight timeline to renovate and sell my mother’s condo and we were able to complete the entire project in just 9 days and sell the condo in one day. We couldn’t have done that without Elizabeth. THANK YOU!!!! **★★★★★ — Jenni Lynnea, May 2021** > Elizabeth was very helpful in consulting on our bathroom reno. > It all started with replacing the bathroom tiles around the tub, but soon expanded to much more. > She helped us with specific considerations, and ended with the wall colour choice which tied it all together. > It was a choice outside our comfort zone, but we trusted her recommendation, and it's all tied together. > It works with the existing floor, the same layout, and the energy in the rest of the house. > > She has been invaluable in the past on colour choices, furniture layout and rethinking using what we already have which has made our home more comfortable, functional and enjoyable. Thanks again Elizabeth! **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > Thank you for your kind words, Jenni. It all looks as fantastic as I'd hoped and I'm particularly proud of the new functionality we achieved with the 2-head shower system that includes a hand-wand on a sliding rail that will so much better accommodate the height differential of the users and the comfort for bathers and showerers. **★★★★★ — Lesley Christensen, April 2020** > I've worked with Elizabeth for almost 15 years and 3 different homes and I've come to really rely on her expertise. I've needed everything from colour consultations to bathroom renovations to complete room redecorations and every time, Elizabeth has provided reliable, expert advice. > > My latest project was a home office renovation and I am so pleased with the result! The space went from cramped and dark to light, airy and spacious. Elizabeth's advice on colour choices, furniture and lighting really brought my vision to life. The room feels so much bigger than it did before thanks to Elizabeth's excellent recommendations. > > I've recommended Elizabeth to both friends and family members and everyone she has worked with has been so pleased with the experience. > > Whenever I contemplate design choices now, I always consider WWED - What would Elizabeth do? **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > Thank you for your kind words, Lesley. I'm blushing. Virtual space planing is one thing that works really well at any time, but especially now. It's a good thing you have a partner that is so handy. The execution of the plan turned out beautifully and just in time for you to be spending a lot more time working from home! **★★★★★ — Ellen Schwartz, March 2020** > I was in the market for a new kitchen sink and faucet. I asked Elizabeth dozens of questions about the installation and about specific models, and she answered them all promptly and thoroughly, giving me additional recommendations. Her advice was extremely helpful and helped me avoid making poor decisions. She is terrific! **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > I'm glad I was able to guide you through the often bewildering world of faucet/sink selection. Retrofits can be particularly tricky, so I'm happy you found my information helpful! **★★★★★ — Claire Talbot, April 2019** > Elizabeth was invaluable in helping me to make wise decisions in my home renovation. She helped me to avoid unnecessary expenses and to maximize the space and functionality of my house. Her color choices were excellent and I enjoy them every day. **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > Thank you Claire. Your ability to make clear and timely decisions on the multitude of details that had to be sorted out in this total overhaul of your space made the process rewarding and the final product something that I'm very proud to have been a part of creating. Your obvious enjoyment of your new home is the ultimate compliment. **★★★★★ — bedavidson52, March 2019** > I purchased an older home in poor repair and grossly outdated. It was situated on an excellent lot and I wanted to renovate this small , older house. Elizabeth was able to work with the original design on the house keeping in mind my own furnishings. She had an excellent knowledge of construction as well as design and kept the costs down by choosing some less expensive alternatives when available. The final look was a wow, better than I expected and it was eclectic, combining modern and antique looks. My place is a one of , not a cookie cutter style I see with friends having other designers. Her attention to details was astounding. **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > Thank you for your kind words, Barbara. It was very rewarding working with you on this project because you had a strong vision for how you hoped to live in the house. This made it easier to make the design decisions throughout the process. Your consistently practical, value-based approach was much appreciated as was your ultimate trust in my vision for how to get you the house you wanted. **★★★★★ — Lynn Ullett, March 2019** > I HIGHLY recommend Elizabeth Minish. Her design and attention to detail is exceptional! Her project consisted of choosing hardwood flooring throughout my two bedroom condo, area rugs, new wall colors, window treatments, light fixtures, new pieces of furniture, artwork and accessories. Elizabeth demonstrated an impressive level of expertise throughout the entire project. Everything came together so beautifully and on budget. Elizabeth is simply the best! **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > Thank you for your kind words, Lynn. You were such a pleasure to work for and with. Your place was perfectly lovely before, but it looks so much more like you now! **★★★★★ — Patricia Adams, March 2019** > We are planning a renovation of our kitchen and family room. As my home is in Winnipeg, and Elizabeth Minish is in British Columbia, she provided consulting services. Elizabeth worked with me in a very collaborative manner, guiding my thinking and decisions with questions, samples and photographs from HOUZZ. > > Through this process, Elizabeth assisted me in selecting options that I had not previously considered. I am very excited to move forward with this new design plan, including furnishings, colours, flooring, cabinet and counter choices. For anyone planning a renovation I would highly recommend Elizabeth Minish’s services. **★★★★★ — Heather Bradshaw, Nov. 2018** > Elizabeth is a gifted design consultant and a genius at accomplishing great things on a tight budget, as all previous reviews mention. Beyond that, I wish to highlight one of her other superpowers. She is exceptionally skilled in communications with seniors. > > I recently hired Elizabeth to help my Dad and me transition him from his house and home of 60 years to a small apartment. Elizabeth was able to hear what my Dad actually wanted, and she coached me to do the same. She saved us $20,000 by asking the right questions and keeping me from a “daughter knows best” mindset. > > Elizabeth staged my Dad’s home with a curatorial eye, and it sold within a week. She then took on the task of helping him find the right furniture - scale/ colours/ fun-factor - for his new place. He still talks about how much he appreciates the way she set up his kitchen and hung his many artworks. He is comfortable and happy in his thoughtfully arranged space. > > Elizabeth took a stressful situation for our family and turned it into an enjoyable adventure. If you are heading into this stage, be sure to call Elizabeth - you will be happy you did. **★★★★★ — Iris Paradela-Hunter, Sept. 2016** > After our first meeting with Elizabeth, my husband -- who at first was hesitant about hiring an interior design consultant -- was singing praises about her. Two of his comments were: “I’m very impressed!” and “Worth every penny!” > > My husband and I are not the type of people who usually hire interior design consultants -- or any consultants at all. We’re used to researching and doing things by ourselves. This last spring we moved from a house to an apartment. We had way too much stuff and much of it didn’t suit the new place. For several months we had things all over the place and our space did not reflect our personality. We had (and still have) a very clear vision of how our new home should look, but it was a real challenge achieving it. It was soooo frustrating! > > Close friends of ours, who live in the same apartment complex, showed us their place and it was fabulous! We knew beforehand that they had hired Elizabeth, so I convinced my husband that we should consult with her too. It didn’t take a lot of arm twisting on my part because we had agreed we were stuck as to what to do with our place. Also, our friends’ awesome living space was “proof” of what Elizabeth could do. > > Elizabeth has many wonderful characteristics. Not only is she a brilliant interior designer, she has a special way of asking questions and listening to our answers so that our space reflects who we are as people and as a family. A home should not be just a mix of furniture, but should reflect one’s personality, values and lifestyle. Elizabeth suggested a lot of practical and creative ways we could increase the storage space in different parts of our apartment. We are still continuing to implement her suggestions, but we can tell that after everything is done the cost will be very reasonable and we’ll be within our budget. > > We continue to have a positive experience with Elizabeth to this day whenever I email her our progress with our home. If you want a fresh perspective of your home, talk to Elizabeth. You will not regret it. She is excellent at what she does, and has outstanding communication and people skills. She will bring out the best in you and help you create a beautiful and functional home that reflects you! **Comment from Elizabeth Minish Design:** > Iris, you're making me blush! It was a great pleasure to work with you and Richard on your new home and I am delighted to get your updates on how well everything is working out. Music to my ears! **★★★★★ — HU-7833425, July 2016** > Our criterion was to create a bright, open, contemporary and stylish home within a set budget without changing the footprint or moving any walls in our 1960s-era rancher. > > Elizabeth was responsive to our needs, providing suggestions and insights that were both thrifty and creative. Throughout this experience Elizabeth’s positive approach, talents and skills, and her ability to work well with our contractor provided us with the confidence the end project would be amazing. And it most certainly is. > > She incorporated pieces of our existing furniture and important ‘memory’ items, coordinating these with other new and found items to provide a space where guests walk in, stop, and say WOW! > > Ross and Terri, Ocean Park (White Rock), BC **★★★★★ — Lauren Bomhof, June 2016** > I met Elizabeth a few years ago when she did the colors for the exterior of my home. She was so personable! We got along extremely well and she very quickly understood where I wanted to go with regards to the outside of our house. I felt she did such a good job that I hired here two more times, for our summer house and in the interior of my home here in town! Thanks so much Elizabeth! ## Selected projects - [Garfield Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garfield-street-pj-vj~6961233) - Location: New Westminster, BC - Photos: 11 - Description: The original brief for this project was to investigate the feasibility of a combined media wall and gas fireplace in the living room that also serves as the family room for this couple and their teen-aged son. The home owners had recently purchased some new upholstered furniture pieces for the room but were struggling with the finishing details including paint colours for a general refresh of the rest of the main floor. - [Garfield Street Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garfield-street-kitchen-pj-vj~6961150) - Location: New Westminster, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: A compact, cluttered kitchen with inadequate storage and an awkward layout gets a much needed overhaul with a rationalized floor plan and new cabinetry. Originally asked to review a kitchen plan already in the works with a local semi-custom cabinet suppler while working on other aspects of this home, Elizabeth Minish Design got more involved in a collaboration to improve the layout even further. A major shift occurred when the idea to swap the placement of the fridge and eating area was implemen… - [West Side TV Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-side-tv-room-pj-vj~6467114) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Kitsilano Duplex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitsilano-duplex-pj-vj~5969572) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: The brief on this front unit of a front/back duplex was to update the 90s vintage space for a busy professional who was downsizing from a larger home in the same neighborhood. The two storey space had formerly been a rental and its finishes were mostly original. New flooring and custom mill work throughout did most of the heavy lifting but some strategic adding and subtracting of closet space also made a huge difference. - [White Rock Bungalow Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-rock-bungalow-update-pj-vj~5968211) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: The client on this project was downsizing from a much larger home in the same community but was looking for a smaller, easier to maintain space as she contemplated retirement and increased travel. A major plus for the property was the same spectacular ocean view out the front of the house my client had enjoyed in her previous home. Another important factor was that the approximately 1100 sq. ft. footprint of the house built on grade allowed for one level living on the top level while an occupied… - [White Rock Condo Facelift](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-rock-condo-facelift-pj-vj~5988469) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This 90s era condo had been updated just a few years before my client bought it and happily, a lot of the heavy lifting had already been done. For example, the kitchen had been opened up and both bathrooms redone. The floors, however, were still carpeted and the colours a bit heavy for the feeling my client was hoping for in this sun-filled space. We replaced the carpet throughout with wide-plank engineered hardwood in a medium brown to match the tile in the entry way and kitchen and lightened t… - [Ocean Park Rancher Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-park-rancher-revival-pj-vj~5971300) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: A 60s era rancher gets a new lease on life with some strategic upgrades to improve function for a couple merging two households into one. While many of the houses in this neighborhood were being replaced with new ones, this single storey rancher on a large lot had just about everything these clients needed in a layout. Top priorities for changes: Replace a mixture of flooring with a single surface that would work for every space and be practical for pets, a space consuming fireplace hearth and b… - [New Westminster Garden Suite Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-westminster-garden-suite-refresh-pj-vj~6005256) - Location: New Westminster, BC - Photos: 5 - Description: This garden suite was built as part of an inter-generational house in 1989. The original finishes had held up very well, but the goal for my client was to refurnish and freshen up the colour scheme to more closely reflect her taste. - [Cedar Cottage Co-Housing Unit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedar-cottage-co-housing-unit-pj-vj~2792555) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This open plan 1 bedroom apartment is part of a 32-unit co-housing project. My clients were down-sizing from a space with almost twice as much square footage so every square inch of the approximately 700 sq. ft. space needed to be carefully considered for opportunities for extra storage and for multi-function. Additionally, one of the homeowners is in a wheelchair, so layout and furniture selection were even more important than usual. We had worked together on the floor plan for this unit in the… - [South Burnaby Bamboo Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-burnaby-bamboo-kitchen-pj-vj~2792583) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: The kitchen in this 20+ year old townhouse development was full of bulky, over-sized appliances that created an awkward layout in the compact space. European appliances including a tall/skinny fridge, an 18" dishwasher and a 24" cooktop and wall oven helped rationalize the layout. The removal of a closet eased a squeeze point at the entrance and created better sight lines to the adjacent living room on a slightly higher level. - [South Burnaby Den/Laundry Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-burnaby-den-laundry-room-pj-vj~2793976) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: The TV room in this multi-level town house suffered from an identity crisis. It had access to a covered outdoor patio area, but the carpeted floor made it feel more like a bedroom. On the same level, the adjacent laundry room opened into a busy hallway/landing area, and its long, narrow dimensions made for an inefficient layout. Closing off its doorway to the hall and opening its long wall to the TV room made both rooms better. (see floor plan below). Vinyl plank flooring that matched the newly… - [West Side Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-side-kitchen-pj-vj~1651030) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: After fifteen years, the kitchen of this West side family home finally gets the full scale renovation its owners had always envisioned. - [Kitsilano Modern Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitsilano-modern-bathroom-pj-vj~1651158) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A hopelessly small family bathroom gets some breathing room and a new lease on life with the addition of some much-needed space stolen from adjacent closets in two different rooms. - [Bistro Style Loft Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bistro-style-loft-kitchen-pj-vj~1281517) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: The original kitchen in this upscale loft building looked as if it had been added at the last minute as it was the lowest grade melamine cabinetry available. It hadn't aged well by the time my client purchased the unit from the original owner. "Something with a bistro feel and not so many upper cabinets" was the brief. That, and maximum storage. - [Retro Basement Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/retro-basement-suite-pj-vj~1281453) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: A partially finished walk-out basement with a drive-in garage was converted to a guest suite and master bedroom in this 1100 sq. ft. bungalow almost doubling the living space for these homeowners while providing a legal suite that can be rented out or used to accommodate visiting friends and family. - [Mid-century Modern Foyer update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-foyer-update-pj-vj~1281636) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: The foyer in this mid century building had been "modernized" a few times in it's 50 year history, but the key to the project's success was looking back to its mid-century roots with period-appropriate colours, finishes and furnishings to make it look fresh and new again. Photo Credit: Striped Pony Images - [Traditional Master Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-master-bathroom-pj-vj~1281649) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: A lovely old home has a 1960s remodel of the master bath undone and replaced with something more sympathetic to its 1910s character. Travertine tile on the floor and bath surround set an elegant back drop for the custom fir vanities flanking the new pedestal sink. - [Contemporary Condo Update - Vancouver](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-condo-update-vancouver-pj-vj~212479) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: The owner wanted to update her condo and take it from the "advanced grad school" look to something more polished and professional. By introducing a modern colour palate, new flooring, a reconfigured kitchen layout, a sleek bathroom (not shown) and inviting bedroom, she hoped to make it a lovely place to live. And, keeping all options open,easier to sell for top dollar if need be. - [Transitional Kitchen in Port Coquitlam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-kitchen-in-port-coquitlam-pj-vj~1281539) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: The owners of this 1950s vintage house were looking for a more open plan that would get rid of the space-wasting corners of their former "U" layout. They also wanted to accommodate some deluxe appliances to put the joy back into their cooking experience but they didn't want to have to move windows because of the impact on the budget. Let's just say that there was a lot of measuring and re-measuring with every inch counting on this straight-line layout. Photo credit: Elizabeth Minish - [Working with Bottle-glass Stucco - Exterior Paint](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/working-with-bottle-glass-stucco-exterior-paint-pj-vj~1288151) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: A modest sized Craftsman with shingle siding gets a new exterior paint job that enhances rather than competes with its original bottle glass stuccoed gable. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Minish [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elizabeth-minish-design-pfvwus-pf~847484194) ## Ideabooks - [C & E Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165744268/list/c-e-project) — 6 ideas - [Clark Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160675810/list/clark-project) — 4 ideas - [Fireplace Wall ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149889376/list/fireplace-wall-ideas) — 3 ideas - [Fireplace wall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149888941/list/fireplace-wall) — 4 ideas - [Texas Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146251750/list/texas-kitchen) — 2 ideas - [Transitional Master Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142165984/list/transitional-master-bedrooms) — 2 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132198469/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Kitchens Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5301710/list/kitchens-ideas) — 28 ideas - [Entries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120202795/list/entries) — 5 ideas - [Dumas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107460995/list/dumas) — 59 ideas - [Shelving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5982952/list/shelving) — 3 ideas - [Pope](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110767868/list/pope) — 9 ideas - [Ullett](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105692492/list/ullett) — 4 ideas - [Den Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105459428/list/den-storage) — 2 ideas - [Retro Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101065821/list/retro-kitchen) — 11 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5301743/list/lighting) — 5 ideas - [Kitchen Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5596462/list/kitchen-islands) — 16 ideas - [Retro Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45028965/list/retro-bathrooms) — 35 ideas - [Shed ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47569593/list/shed-ideas) — 5 ideas - [1920 Kitchen -](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48835098/list/1920-kitchen-) — 28 ideas [See all 40 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/zebragirl) ## Community Q&A **Q: Prep sink beside cooktop or on island across from cooktop?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are making very preliminary plans aka "dreaming" about a new home. The kitchen will have a small island- 4' by 3'- located between the exterior wall/kitchen sink and the interior wall 36" cooktop/counter. The counters on either side of the stovetop are 42" long. I would like a 15" meal prep sink, in addition to a "dish and pot washing" kitchen sink. I would use it to fill and empty pots, and prep veggies/meat. I'm waffling between the choices of having this prep sink located on the island, across from the stovetop OR putting it on one of the counters beside the stovetop. The plus side of the prep sink being on the same counter, beside the stovetop, is that the entire surface of the island could be used for baking prep or other prep. Also, there would be no floor between the sink and stove, in case of drips, etc. However, on Houzz, I have only found a couple of photos of prep sinks beside a stovetop, as most are located on an island across from the stovetop. Which works best? A prep sink beside a cooktop or on an island across from the cooktop? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for your comments in advance. A: Good advice from azline. Also, a 4' island is almost certainly too small to include a sink. **Q: Thoughts on tile install?** *(in Remodeling)* I think I know answer to this but would love feedback before trying to fix. From distance, looks fine until you are in corners and seams. Thank you! A: This work is far from ideal, but as to who pays, that depends entirely on what you agreed on. What was the agreement with the contractor about responsibility for the tile layout? Did you hire a designer? (As a designer, I am always involved in the layout of the tile with the person actually doing the work.) Good luck tomorrow. **Q: Needing help with layout in kitchen...** *(in Design Dilemma)* I know I am wanting my cooktop and fridge flipped walls. Can anyone help on how to do this and where you would put anything else? We have wall ovens not attached to the cooktop. TIA A: Photo? **Q: BM Black Shade of Paint Help Needed.** *(in Paint)* Hi Houzzers! Please advice. I am wracking my brain. Really want to get this right. What Shade of Benjamin Moore Back Paint compliments Benjamin Moore Everlasting 1038 also known as Thousand Islands CC-308? Or is there a better Black Shade of Color that works with Everlasting (Thousand Islands) from another company, possibly Sherwin Williams? A: It would be helpful to know what you're painting. Interior? Exterior? Thousand Islands is a mid-tone beige. Any black is going to have a high contrast and is likely to work with it. Are there any other blacks that it needs to coordinate with, because that is really what you need to be looking at. **Q: how to cover this chimney?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hey! I really dont like this uneven chimney and too bad my island is attached to it. What would be lower cost alternatives to cover it and to make it look even and straight? Like tiles/panels or? something simple and modern. The lines i drew are where i need the covering to be placed. To fill it in with rest of same matching bricks would be a big project and i dont like those bricks. Thank you! A: Add me to the "why on earth would you want to cover up that gorgeous brick?" camp. **Q: 9 piece Dining set** *(in Furniture)* Which is the best place to buy a solid wood dining set? The table should be at least 100 inches. I am having a hard time finding a dark brown table and chair set. Prefer something with clean lines and on the modern side. I do not mind getting it custom made if there are any recommendations. Thanks A: Why a set? That seems unnecessarily limiting. Find the table, then find chairs you like. This approach is trending now probably because it makes things A LOT easier and the end look more flexible and easier to fine tune to one's own tastes. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*