Search results for "Buying decisions" in Home Design Ideas

A bohemian blend of tribal motifs and organic materials complement this space.
Photo: Kim Sargent
Island style beige floor family room photo in Miami with white walls
Island style beige floor family room photo in Miami with white walls

Tthe space was opened up to provide generous amounts of light, and wall-to-wall windows and doors were added to create one great dining experience and to allow the outside beauty to come inside. Eyes are immediately drawn to the expansive kitchen island. The custom island was painted a vintage grey with red undertones and distressed to create the perfect look. Throughout the kitchen the custom cabinets and drawers, made by Trademark Wood Products, were painted a soft, warm white. The ends of the island were custom set at the exact height for our homeowner who enjoys baking. The decision to keep the granite honed countertops lighter on the perimeter was made in order to keep the island as a bold statement. Along the outer custom wall of cabinetry incorporated a stylish and functional prep kitchen allowed our homeowners, who also love to entertain, a more useful and expansive space. After doubling the size of our homeowner’s preceding kitchen and adding custom features, baking, entertaining, or a casual night will never be the same as they overlook the backyard views of Minnehaha Creek.
Susan Gilmore Photography
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As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

The clients came with a plan: buy a charming mid-century post and beam in one of North Vancouver's most desirable neighbourhoods and add onto it. It was a reasonable plan — until the site said otherwise. Careful investigation of the setbacks made clear that a practical addition simply wasn't possible within the regulatory envelope. Rather than deliver a compromised renovation, a better option was put on the table: build new.
It was a bigger decision, but the right one. The new design honours the spirit of the original mid-century post and beam with a modern interpretation of the style — the clean lines, the honest structure, the relationship between inside and outside that defines the best homes of that era, updated for the way families live today.
The case for building new only got stronger from there. A basement suite was incorporated into the design to generate rental revenue, offsetting the cost difference between renovating and rebuilding. The home is built to Net Zero ready standards — future-proofed against energy costs and built to last a lifetime rather than a generation. And the separate living space that serves as a rental suite today becomes something else entirely when the time comes: a comfortable, close, and dignified space for grandparents who need to be nearby.
What started as a renovation became a home the family will never need to leave.

One of the first decisions when choosing a sofa or sectional is whether you want a stationary model or one with reclining capabilities.
Reclining sofas and sectionals come equipped with either a power or manual reclining system, allowing select seats to recline backward for maximum comfort.
Benefits of Reclining Sofas and Sectionals
Unparalleled Comfort:
Reclining sofas or sectionals offer unmatched comfort. Unlike regular sofas where only one person can lie down, reclining models allow multiple people to lay back with ease.
Instant Lounge Feel:
Reclining sofas and sectionals create a lounge-ready atmosphere in your space, ideal for movie nights with family and friends.
Relief for Chronic Pain:
Reclining sofas and sectionals can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with chronic back pain, especially those featuring a Power Lift or Zero Gravity mechanism.
Power Lift Chair
A power lift chair includes an internal lifting mechanism that elevates the user to a standing position at the touch of a button. These chairs are perfect for those who have difficulty standing up from a seated position.

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

The living room was long and narrow but with an amazing bay window. Instead of a galley style living room used by the previous owner, we decided to change the furniture arrangement by putting one big comfy L-shaped sectional all the way to one side to create a pass-through area enabling a better foot traffic. We then added two side chairs for extra seats. We also mounted our TV on top of the fireplace to gain more space. Although it's not my favorite design choice to have TV on top of the fireplace because I think it takes away from the fireplace but we had to work within the limitation of the space.
For the fireplace, we bought wood stove insert and inserted it into the existing masonry fireplace. The look was updated by granite tiles around the insert and custom built wood mantel.
Buying wood fireplace insert was the best decision we made. First of all, it created a memorable space in our home. I LOVE the sound of wood cracking and the smell of wood burning. In winter nights we would sit around the fireplace and make s'mores like it's a campfire. Second, it's a clean burning and efficient heater. You don't lose the majority the fire’s heat up the chimney thereby saving money on your heating bill.
The coffee table is purchased from Wicker Emporium and it's made from reclaimed pine timbers giving the house a rustic feel.
The side chair by the fireplace is the perfect spot for me to relax, put my feet up on the large ball shaped knitted foot rest and enjoy a cup of cappuccino or cozy up with a good book.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

The living room was long and narrow but with an amazing bay window. Instead of a galley style living room used by the previous owner, we decided to change the furniture arrangement by putting one big comfy L-shaped sectional all the way to one side to create a pass-through area enabling a better foot traffic. We then added two side chairs for extra seats. We also mounted our TV on top of the fireplace to gain more space. Although it's not my favorite design choice to have TV on top of the fireplace because I think it takes away from the fireplace but we had to work within the limitation of the space.
For the fireplace, we bought wood stove insert and inserted it into the existing masonry fireplace. The look was updated by granite tiles around the insert and custom built wood mantel.
Buying wood fireplace insert was the best decision we made. First of all, it created a memorable space in our home. I LOVE the sound of wood cracking and the smell of wood burning. In winter nights we would sit around the fireplace and make s'mores like it's a campfire. Second, it's a clean burning and efficient heater. You don't lose the majority the fire’s heat up the chimney thereby saving money on your heating bill.
The coffee table is purchased from Wicker Emporium and it's made from reclaimed pine timbers giving the house a rustic feel.
The side chair by the fireplace is the perfect spot for me to relax, put my feet up on the large ball shaped knitted foot rest and enjoy a cup of cappuccino or cozy up with a good book.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

The living room was long and narrow but with an amazing bay window. Instead of a galley style living room used by the previous owner, we decided to change the furniture arrangement by putting one big comfy L-shaped sectional all the way to one side to create a pass-through area enabling a better foot traffic. We then added two side chairs for extra seats. We also mounted our TV on top of the fireplace to gain more space. Although it's not my favorite design choice to have TV on top of the fireplace because I think it takes away from the fireplace but we had to work within the limitation of the space.
For the fireplace, we bought wood stove insert and inserted it into the existing masonry fireplace. The look was updated by granite tiles around the insert and custom built wood mantel.
Buying wood fireplace insert was the best decision we made. First of all, it created a memorable space in our home. I LOVE the sound of wood cracking and the smell of wood burning. In winter nights we would sit around the fireplace and make s'mores like it's a campfire. Second, it's a clean burning and efficient heater. You don't lose the majority the fire’s heat up the chimney thereby saving money on your heating bill.
The coffee table is purchased from Wicker Emporium and it's made from reclaimed pine timbers giving the house a rustic feel.
The side chair by the fireplace is the perfect spot for me to relax, put my feet up on the large ball shaped knitted foot rest and enjoy a cup of cappuccino or cozy up with a good book.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

When buying the house, the homeowners loved the location, but needed to make the space more open and functional for their family. Having three young children, they wanted to make sure adequate sight lines were included between the kitchen and great room since they knew that’s where they would spend most of their time.
The homeowners also wanted to update the space to match their modern design tastes. The home was a traditional design, but coming from New York City, these homeowners sought to bring a city vibe to their home while making it more functional for their needs.
The opening between the great room and kitchen was enlarged by adding a 13’ beam to the home. The kitchen design was modified to get rid of an awkward and small pantry along with eliminating a window to allow for more cabinetry. The custom island includes a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Outlets were hidden under the upper cabinets to give the backsplash a clean look and feel.
The home had two home offices, one of them was converted to a workout space. Custom millwork was completed to modernize the two-way fireplace. Additional hardwood flooring was added to the first floor, and all was refinished to match. New lighting was installed throughout the first floor as well.
The small laundry room was reconfigured to allow more storage including adding a pocket door to save on real estate. Removing the kitchen pantry, gave the laundry more storage space for hanging laundry and storing supplies.
All these remodeling decisions took place from afar while the homeowners still lived in NYC.

When buying the house, the homeowners loved the location, but needed to make the space more open and functional for their family. Having three young children, they wanted to make sure adequate sight lines were included between the kitchen and great room since they knew that’s where they would spend most of their time.
The homeowners also wanted to update the space to match their modern design tastes. The home was a traditional design, but coming from New York City, these homeowners sought to bring a city vibe to their home while making it more functional for their needs.
The opening between the great room and kitchen was enlarged by adding a 13’ beam to the home. The kitchen design was modified to get rid of an awkward and small pantry along with eliminating a window to allow for more cabinetry. The custom island includes a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Outlets were hidden under the upper cabinets to give the backsplash a clean look and feel.
The home had two home offices, one of them was converted to a workout space. Custom millwork was completed to modernize the two-way fireplace. Additional hardwood flooring was added to the first floor, and all was refinished to match. New lighting was installed throughout the first floor as well.
The small laundry room was reconfigured to allow more storage including adding a pocket door to save on real estate. Removing the kitchen pantry, gave the laundry more storage space for hanging laundry and storing supplies.
All these remodeling decisions took place from afar while the homeowners still lived in NYC.

When buying the house, the homeowners loved the location, but needed to make the space more open and functional for their family. Having three young children, they wanted to make sure adequate sight lines were included between the kitchen and great room since they knew that’s where they would spend most of their time.
The homeowners also wanted to update the space to match their modern design tastes. The home was a traditional design, but coming from New York City, these homeowners sought to bring a city vibe to their home while making it more functional for their needs.
The opening between the great room and kitchen was enlarged by adding a 13’ beam to the home. The kitchen design was modified to get rid of an awkward and small pantry along with eliminating a window to allow for more cabinetry. The custom island includes a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Outlets were hidden under the upper cabinets to give the backsplash a clean look and feel.
The home had two home offices, one of them was converted to a workout space. Custom millwork was completed to modernize the two-way fireplace. Additional hardwood flooring was added to the first floor, and all was refinished to match. New lighting was installed throughout the first floor as well.
The small laundry room was reconfigured to allow more storage including adding a pocket door to save on real estate. Removing the kitchen pantry, gave the laundry more storage space for hanging laundry and storing supplies.
All these remodeling decisions took place from afar while the homeowners still lived in NYC.
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