This kitchen was a huge change from the original - we were able to move to a much more open concept by removing several walls, a column, and adding a large support beam in the ceiling. The result is striking!

With rising real estate costs, demand, and a desire to downsize, our indoor living spaces are smaller. Therefore we need our outdoor living areas to be multi-purpose and an extension of our indoor space. Make yours entertainment-ready by adding a few of these simple elements.

Located in the Casa Loma area of Toronto, these loft conversions used to be an old Toronto Hydro Building. Our client had downsized from a traditional four-bedroom home. Our mission was to make these 12' ceilings feel homey and maintain a more contemporary design than her previous home. We painted, wallpapered, draped, added beautiful lighting, and furnished the new home for her and her family. Mission accomplished! For more about Lumar Interiors, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/portfolio/casa-loma-loft-interior-design-furnishing

Located in the Casa Loma area of Toronto, these loft conversions used to be an old Toronto Hydro Building. Our client had downsized from a traditional four-bedroom home. Our mission was to make these 12' ceilings feel homey and maintain a more contemporary design than her previous home. We painted, wallpapered, draped, added beautiful lighting, and furnished the new home for her and her family. Mission accomplished! For more about Lumar Interiors, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/portfolio/casa-loma-loft-interior-design-furnishing

Located in the Casa Loma area of Toronto, these loft conversions used to be an old Toronto Hydro Building. Our client had downsized from a traditional four-bedroom home. Our mission was to make these 12' ceilings feel homey and maintain a more contemporary design than her previous home. We painted, wallpapered, draped, added beautiful lighting, and furnished the new home for her and her family. Mission accomplished! For more about Lumar Interiors, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/portfolio/casa-loma-loft-interior-design-furnishing

AFTER! A small closet requires thoughtful planning and a few key organizational tools like slim-line hangers and baskets to act as "drawers". This client was able to skip a major renovation!

Located in the Casa Loma area of Toronto, these loft conversions used to be an old Toronto Hydro Building. Our client had downsized from a traditional four-bedroom home. Our mission was to make these 12' ceilings feel homey and maintain a more contemporary design than her previous home. We painted, wallpapered, draped, added beautiful lighting, and furnished the new home for her and her family. Mission accomplished! For more about Lumar Interiors, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/portfolio/casa-loma-loft-interior-design-furnishing

Example of a large transitional master light wood floor and beige floor bedroom design in Edmonton with white walls

Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Baltimore with beige walls

Mid-sized traditional gray one-story vinyl gable roof idea with a shingle roof

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

The owners were downsizing from a larger house and wanted a place that would let them entertain and enjoy rooftop views of the trees and downtown skyline. In response, the design offers generous, flowing open spaces on the main level, which overlooks a small courtyard. The site’s woodland characteristics inspired the use of exterior stone. Accoya, a fast-growing softwood that is impervious to decay in the Houston humidity, was used for siding. The combination of the site strategy, program and aesthetic direction respond to the site’s challenges to create an elegant solution. Peter Molick Photography

I installed a plate glass mirror in this up-cycled second hand picture frame. A single bowl IKEA GODMORGEN/ODENSVIK vanilty/sink helps keep the small space as open as possible. Delta Trinsic faucet, polished nickel wall sconces from lightsamerica.com.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Located in the Casa Loma area of Toronto, these loft conversions used to be an old Toronto Hydro Building. Our client had downsized from a traditional four-bedroom home. Our mission was to make these 12' ceilings feel homey and maintain a more contemporary design than her previous home. We painted, wallpapered, draped, added beautiful lighting, and furnished the new home for her and her family. Mission accomplished! For more about Lumar Interiors, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.lumarinteriors.com/portfolio/casa-loma-loft-interior-design-furnishing

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2016 Houzz
Bedroom - country master light wood floor bedroom idea in Boston

Photo: Robert Burns ˙© 2015 Houzz
Shed - industrial shed idea in Portland

Aging in Place Resident engaged Etalon Studio to downsize their household, create a new exterior color scheme, implement landscape planning and design a Potager Kitchen Garden and an herb garden. Images by JH Hunley