Search results for "Easy task" in Home Design Ideas

We had been to maintain this Sandstone floor about two years previously at a property in the pretty area of Windermere in the English Lake District. The client had run out of our Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner that we left after completing the job and had started using a standard cleaner instead (a well-known ecological cleaner). Unfortunately, this product has a 5% non-ionic surfactant in its chemical structure, which will strip a coat of stone sealer off the surface within 6 months, once that topcoat has been removed the sealed surface is only 50% as strong as it should be.
Readers of this article should be aware that even washing up liquid which is a degreaser will strip sealers although it will take many months of regular use before you will start to notice an issue. Stronger bleach-based cleaning products such as Flash and Domestos will cause instant damage to stone sealer which will often go an off-white colour as a result. So, the importance of using the right cleaner is imperative. Having used our services on this floor previously he client knew what to expect and was happy to go ahead with our quote.
My first task would be to clean the floor and completely remove what was left of the old sealer to ensure the floor would have a consistent appearance. On this occasion I used a strong 1:3 dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean worked into the floor with a Black buffing pad fitted to a rotary buffing machine. The Sandstone floor was then rinsed with water, scrubbed again and then the waste extracted using a wet vacuum.
This was followed with acid rinse using a 1:5 dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up, this is a Phosphoric Acid (not a Brick Acid). After being scrubbed into the tile it was rinsed off the floor as before using water and the wet vacuum. This process further cleans the stone and neutralises the floor after the use of the strong alkaline Pro-Clean used earlier.
Before leaving for the day I gave the floor one final rinse with water and then dried the floor as much as possible with the wet vacuum. The floor was now clean and free of sealer and left to fully dry off overnight.
I came back the following morning and started by testing the floor with the moisture meter. I always do this as I know from experience how important it is to ensure the floor is dry before applying a sealer.
Happy the Sandstone was dry I then proceed to apply the first of what would be four coats of sealer. For this I used Tile Doctor Seal and Go which leaves a nice low sheen finish. This product is specially formulated blend of acrylic polymers that provides will protect the floor from ingrained dirt and staining; it will make the floor easy to clean and has the added advantage of being water based so it doesn’t leave a solvent smell as it dries.
The client was left another complimentary bottle of Tile Doctor Neutral cleaner and hopefully the seal will last a long longer the 2nd time around. The client was pleased the floor had been restored and vowed to use nothing but Tile Doctor products on it in the future.
Heidi Taylor
South Cumbria Tile Doctor

Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular lap pool design in New York

A white frosted glass-topped outdoor table provides an abundance of extra work space. Vintage teak chairs with original white vinyl seats provides seating for meetings.
Photography by Sharyn Kastelic, Toronto Canada
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Building a new home is a momentous occasion. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the home of their dreams. However, selecting the perfect home design and floor plan can feel like a daunting task. After all, you want to ensure that your new home will meet your family's needs and desires for years. That's where trusted services come in. With the latest technology, you can design your entire home and even tour it in 3D. From building your 2D floor plan to furnishing it, you can watch as your dream home is brought to life. In this article, we will explore how you can beautifully decorate your home online.
Select the Main Theme
Embarking on a new home design project can be an exciting yet difficult task. One crucial step is to determine your style preference, as it will guide your decor choices throughout your home. Researching through various platforms and furniture websites can provide inspiration and help gauge pricing for your favorite pieces. One helpful strategy is to create a mood board where you gather your favorite interior design looks and examine any patterns that emerge.
By taking the time to establish your preferred style, you can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your home that reflects your personal taste and style. If you want to create a design while traveling, you may need to use a USA VPN to access some online services with advanced home design tools. It will allow you to bypass geo-blocks.
Create a Layout
The global home design market reached $115 billion in 2022. When designing living spaces, several factors must be considered, including the arrangement of social and private areas and accommodating the changing needs of families over time. Parents with young children usually prefer bedrooms and bathrooms to be clustered together while families with teenagers often request more segregated spaces in two-story home designs.
Home design is an intricate art form that involves creating an interior space that is both visually appealing and functional. Whether you are starting afresh with a new home or looking to revamp an existing one, home design offers ample opportunities to unleash your creativity. It does not matter if you lack professional architecture expertise, as anyone can undertake the planning and execution of a home design project.
The initial steps involve analyzing your existing home layout and then conceptualizing your desired vision for the remodel. This is the cornerstone on which your entire project will be built, and it sets the tone for the aesthetic of your home's interior.
Utilize online home design software to generate realistic images of your new home and easily gather feedback from others. This allows you to make necessary adjustments to perfect your design. With the help of professional software, realizing your ideal home design is now made easy and achievable without requiring any specialized training or knowledge. You can access online tools using VeePN for a secure connection. Start by creating a blueprint of your floor plan.
Furnish Your Space
If you need to decorate house, selecting the right flooring and paint or wallpaper for the walls is key. Using online services, you can speed up this process. With intuitive tools such as dragging and dropping items, you can create a truly unique and personalized home design that is sure to impress.
When selecting a color scheme for your design, it is crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using neutral tones versus incorporating a pop of color. While a neutral palette can simplify the design process and provide a timeless look, it may lack individuality or a focal point. Whereas, a splash of color can introduce a dynamic quality, offer intrigue, and contribute to an energetic ambiance. Additionally, combining a range of price points and textures can add dimension to your design. Consider juxtaposing high-end decor with refurbished furniture and incorporating cozy textures like plush rugs and fluffy cushions, to achieve both sophistication and comfort in your space.
Create a 3D Tour
Home design is a craft that involves creating an attractive home interior, irrespective of whether you're starting from scratch or remodeling an existing home. While anyone can undertake a home design project, you don't necessarily need to be a professional architect. The first step to kick-starting your project entails creating an outline of your abode's current status, and then proceeding to blueprint your preferred design. As you piece everything together, you'll be able to turn your creative vision into a tangible reality. The satisfaction derived from transforming your space into the home of your dreams is truly priceless.
As the market size of the interior design industry is projected to grow by over 4% in the next five years, it is clear that such services are in high demand. Home design involves creating an interior space that is both pleasing and functional. With the help of online tools, you can easily create realistic images of your dream home while gathering feedback from others to perfect your vision. As you piece everything together, be sure to consider neutral color palettes, mix price points, and textures, and add accent colors for depth and vibrancy. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can achieve your ideal design in no time!

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard.
ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home.
All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one.
ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.

Wood-look tile floor using porcelain plank tiles in a herringbone pattern.
Living room - traditional porcelain tile living room idea in Sacramento
Living room - traditional porcelain tile living room idea in Sacramento

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Designed By Runa Novak
In Your space Interior Design
Example of a small minimalist medium tone wood floor powder room design in Chicago with a wall-mount sink
Example of a small minimalist medium tone wood floor powder room design in Chicago with a wall-mount sink

There are not many things better than a room full of your favourite people. As you gather you smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and music playing in the background, as joyful conversation and laughter fill the room. I feel so grateful that we are inching our way back to these days. How about you?
The project I’m sharing with you today has beautiful moments like these at its heart. Spaces that invite people in, foster connection, and make everyday living so simple that it’s impossible not to enjoy...
Meet our Delightful Clients:
The family behind this 1950s North Vancouver home transformation enjoy entertaining friends just as much as cosying up to watch a movie together. A professional couple (I'll call them Jon and Anna) with two elementary school-aged sons, Anna and Jon approached us with the task of furnishing the main floor living spaces and the basement of their family home.
Anna is a busy lawyer who is now working almost full time from home, and Jon works in the film industry. With full careers, two active boys, and a love of gathering, they craved a home that could support their everyday lifestyle.
Design and Lifestyle Goals:
Our central goal for this project was simple: to uncover the hidden potential in their home and create a family-friendly space that functioned well and flowed seamlessly.
On the main floor, our clients tasked us with creating an area for the family to relax and entertain, along with crafting a work and play space for the boys. They also dreamed of a more functional and bright basement, which they envisioned as a dual purpose family room and home office for Anna.
Reveal: Comfortable and Welcoming Entryway & Living Room:
Imagine you are coming home, and you walk through a bright, sunny front door like this one. You are met by this entryway of calming earth and sea tones, paired with warm, natural wood flooring. You feel instantly welcomed and eager to venture further inside... The same is now true for our clients!
The simple details in their entryway are thoughtfully arranged with clean lines and colourful art as the focal point, achieving a timeless and friendly aesthetic. Dried wheat brings movement into the space and plays up the beauty of nature, while the vibrant yet warm colours and textures evoke feelings of comfort and homecoming.
The entry flows seamlessly into this connected living area, which is adorned with ample seating strategically arranged to host and accommodate joyful conversations. With the fireplace and wood mantel as the focal point, these natural elements and hues warm up the room to make it feel beautifully lived-in (not like an untouchable museum).
Another colourful work of art graces the space above Jon’s and Anna’s sofa, and we used decorative pillows and a throw blanket to tempt those colours into the rest of the room. A simply styled coffee table keeps the space feeling open and engaged. Reading material, anyone?
Just beyond this living area, you get a glimpse of the second space our clients requested on their main floor...
A Collected Space for Children to Work + Play:
When Jon and Anna realised that their formal dining area wasn’t being used to its full potential, they imagined creating a work and play space for their boys instead. We came up with a plan to create a shared desk area with plentiful storage.
This timeless natural wood desk was the perfect way to maximise surface area and give the boys plenty of space to do homework during the school year, or spend time crafting or building LEGOs during the summers. The drawers provide storage for all the wonderful items that fuel their productivity or creativity. Or both.
I also love how the white floating shelves display a collection of nostalgic toys, providing just the right amount of childhood endearment to this sophisticated and functional space. This workspace now has endless possibilities for the boys, and it helps Jon and Anna keep their minds and spaces clear, too. Which brings us to...
Basement Family Room & Home Office:
In general, we knew we had to maximise surface area in this ‘50s home, and this was especially true for our clients’ basement. I’m happy to say that we designed an effortlessly comfortable space that focuses on family and makes it simple to settle in and work… or leave the workday behind.
Welcome to this dual-function office and family room. Toward the back of the room, we strategically positioned Anna’s wraparound desk facing out into the room and gave her a wallpaper-and-art backdrop for stunning Zoom calls (she has already received glowing compliments). There is plenty of storage for easy organization including a space to store the family’s shared printer near the door… so they don’t have to interrupt “Mom” to get to it.
Anna also wanted the freedom to be able to relax in this space with her family and turn her back on the work day — quite literally! The sofa is perfectly positioned backing onto the desk allowing her to do just that.
We relocated an existing mustard yellow chair and used pops of the same colour to integrate it into the overall scheme. The wood armrests on this modular sectional provide surfaces for snacks and drinks where there was no room for an end table. The walnut finish carries the theme of natural comfort from the upstairs spaces down into the family room.
The view from the sectional is less business and more pleasure, featuring cosy seating and throw pillows in cheerful colours and patterns.
The highlight of this space? A wallpapered accent wall where we were able to achieve the high-end feel of custom built-in shelving with a simple IKEA hack. The shelves and cabinetry around the television offer plenty of much needed storage space to house family games and movies at a budget price point.
This fun room is the perfect balance of work and play, accommodating and supporting our clients’ daily family adventures.
What Our Clients Had to Say...
Our clients could not be happier with their warm yet functional new rooms. With thoughtful consideration and a plan of action, we were able to transform two areas of their home into spaces that function well and feel good. In fact, they had this to say:
“Lori and her team were everything we were looking for: great listeners, wonderfully creative and highly professional. We couldn't be happier with our interior makeover.” — Clients
That is why we do what we do. If you're ready to start your redesign project, we would love to help. Reach out to us here, and let's get to know more about each other.

How AI is Revolutionizing Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations in 2025
The renovation industry is entering a new era — and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. For decades, bathroom and kitchen makeovers required weeks of back-and-forth planning, consultations, and budgeting. But in 2025, AI bathroom design and AI kitchen renovation tools are transforming the experience, making it faster, smarter, and far more personalized.
A Smarter Way to Renovate
Traditional renovation processes are known for being time-consuming and stressful. From collecting measurements to selecting products and coordinating contractors, homeowners are often left overwhelmed. That’s where AI comes in — simplifying every step of the journey.
Using platforms like the Allreno app, homeowners can now scan their space with a smartphone, instantly generate a 3D model, and receive personalized layout suggestions. The app’s AI engine automatically recommends styles, color palettes, and materials that match your preferences — saving hours of guesswork.
AI Bathroom Design: A Game-Changer
Designing a bathroom used to mean working with spreadsheets, mood boards, and several design consultations. Today, AI bathroom design streamlines this process into minutes. Tools like Allreno analyze space dimensions, plumbing positions, lighting conditions, and user style inputs to generate design proposals that are not only beautiful but also practical and code-compliant.
Homeowners can preview their dream bathroom in realistic 3D, adjust fixtures and finishes, and even get instant price estimates — all before a single tile is laid.
AI Kitchen Renovation: Built for Speed and Precision
AI kitchen renovation takes things even further. AI models can detect where cabinetry fits best, suggest storage optimizations, and align design with ergonomic principles. Whether you’re planning a sleek modern kitchen or a cozy traditional space, AI delivers layouts that balance aesthetics with function.
Allreno’s smart design engine can pull directly from product inventories, ensuring the designs you see are not only buildable but immediately available — reducing delays and backorders.
Empowering Professionals and Homeowners
What makes AI-powered home renovation truly powerful is how it bridges the gap between homeowners and professionals. Contractors, designers, and suppliers can now work with exact specifications and visuals shared directly through platforms like Allreno, eliminating miscommunication and ensuring smoother execution.
This also means cost savings. With AI managing space planning, product selection, and budgeting, professionals spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time delivering quality craftsmanship.
The Rise of Smart Home Remodels
The trend toward smart home remodels is also being fueled by AI. Renovation projects now consider how your bathroom or kitchen connects with your smart lighting, voice assistants, or energy-efficient systems. Allreno helps integrate this tech seamlessly into your renovation plan, future-proofing your investment.
Why Allreno Is Leading the AI Renovation Movement
The Allreno app is at the forefront of this AI-driven shift. It’s not just a design tool — it’s a full renovation ecosystem. By combining design automation, real-time pricing, local contractor matching, and AI-powered recommendations, Allreno makes renovation as easy as ordering a product online.
In a world where speed and personalization are key, Allreno empowers homeowners to take control of their renovation journey — with clarity, confidence, and creativity.
Ready to renovate smarter?
Try the Allreno app and experience the future of home renovation today.

When meeting with our homeowners for this kitchen renovation project, they presented us with a large wish list. This busy family of five loves to cook and entertain for their large extended family. They felt their current kitchen was not functioning to its fullest potential. It felt cramped, dark, outdated, and had no flair. They wanted more room for storage, and convenient areas to hold their cookware. They had an unorganized pantry that wasn’t working for them, and a desk area that had become a clutter zone. They showed us examples of a cool toned color palette that they loved and asked us to bring in some farmhouse style elements with a modern aesthetic. We could not wait to transform this room!
We began by reimagining the flow of the kitchen. In order to give them more counter space to use for food preparation, we moved the fridge to the wall where the desk was. We eliminated the messy pantry closet, and installed a tall cabinet to house an additional oven and built-in microwave. We added a large pantry cabinet to the right of the refrigerator to give them plenty of organized storage space, allowing easy access to snacks from the family room. On the left side of the fridge, we incorporated a drop zone area where they can leave their keys and mail when coming in from the garage. In the island we included a pull-out trash easily accessible from both the sink and the cooking areas, and added a vegetable sink to create an extended area for food prep. For the perimeter of the kitchen, we moved the range down to allow for a corner lazy susan and drawer bank for pots and pans, and provided them with a deep farmhouse sink to aid in washing larger items. By running the cabinetry up to the ceiling, we were able to provide them with additional storage space. We finished the cabinetry off with a beautiful decorative hood surround and capped the cabinets with a large stacked crown molding.
The finishes we chose for the kitchen help modernize the space while keeping the room feeling warm and inviting. We used a soft grey paint on the perimeter cabinets and infused a warm chestnut stain on the island and decorative hood. We incorporated corbel details at both the hood and island to add some depth to the design. We included a very unique focal point to the ceiling above the island; it is a custom trim detail in the shape of an X, with dark paint as an accent. We topped the cabinetry with a luxurious calacatta quartz counter that created movement with large beautiful veining details. Hand-cut high gloss white subway tiles added brightness and sophistication to the space. Touches of silver were brought in with cabinet hardware and gooseneck faucets. We added an abundance of lighting including recessed lights, a farmhouse style silver pendant over the sink, two vintage style pendants at the island with ribbed glass, and a large wood and silver chandelier over the table, giving ample light and making the room feel bright. Adding under cabinet lighting provided our client with much needed task lighting while doing food prep. We finished the room off by using four comfortable upholstered counter stools with distressed white painted legs, adding to the farmhouse feel. New hand scraped oak plank hardwood flooring was added throughout the first floor along with large baseboard trim to tie the rest of the house in with the new kitchen design. Our client now has a large, updated, modernized kitchen to conjure up delicious meals for their family and friends.

The Setup
When Samantha’s clients purchased their new home, they quickly realized the primary bath and adjacent laundry room weren’t just dated — they were dysfunctional. The bathroom featured a hulking decked-in tub, a cramped pass-through layout, and plumbing fixtures that barely worked. Meanwhile, the nearby laundry room felt more like a closet, lacking both natural light and usable storage. As long-time returning Drury Design clients, these veteran remodeling clients came to us with a clear ask: reimagine these two key spaces with long-term comfort, function, and beauty in mind.
Design objectives:
Create a more functional, spacious layout in the primary bath
Modernize the aesthetic while respecting the home’s transitional character
Eliminate awkward bump-outs and toe-stubbing pinch points
Design a large walk-in shower with thoughtful aging-in-place elements
Incorporate a sculptural standalone tub that feels intentional, not crowded
Improve laundry room utility and bring in natural light
Introduce discreet yet effective storage in both rooms
Make both spaces feel cohesive, light-filled, and livable for years to come
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
A bulky built-in tub jutted into the circulation path, creating toe-stubbing hazards
The bathroom layout was awkwardly L-shaped, limiting flow and flexibility
The shower and toilet were squeezed together in an enclosed room with poor use of space
The linen cabinet in the bathroom was large and clunky, crowding the room
The laundry room was undersized, lacked light, and had limited functionality
The home featured transitional details that didn’t align with the clients’ more contemporary style
The clients wanted both spaces to support future aging-in-place needs
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Swapped the oversized tub for a freestanding sculptural version placed on an angle, clearing walkways and preserving window symmetry and light
Reworked the footprint to create a rectangular layout that maximized space in both the primary bath and laundry room
Removed the enclosed toilet/shower room and replaced it with a wide, glass-enclosed shower and a tucked-away toilet — all within a visually open and efficient layout
Tucked a slim, full-height linen cabinet just behind the entry door — easily accessible without cluttering the visual field
Retooled layout allowed laundry room to extend over the old shower/toilet space, also winning a window – this brightens the laundry space and the hallway beyond. Also added smart storage, a wide sink, folding counter, and broom cabinet with power.
Balanced contemporary materials with transitional details — including a rich color palette, chrome finishes, mosaic accents, and herringbone tile in a larger scale for traditional flair
Integrated aging-in-place features including a wide walk-in shower, large built-in bench with nearby handheld, and plenty of room for easy movement and accessibility
Final Thoughts:
By designing these two rooms in tandem, Samantha was able to create a smooth and thoughtful flow between everyday tasks and everyday comfort. The bathroom now offers generous circulation space, elegant materials, and features designed for longevity — including a large shower with bench seating and open sightlines that support accessibility. Just steps away, the laundry room is no longer a tucked-away closet but a light-filled, functional hub with room to fold, hang, rinse, and more (ex. recharge vacuum in a closet with power outlets). For these longtime Drury Design clients, it’s a two-room transformation built not just for today – but for the years ahead.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Materials and interior paint selected by Cherry City Interiors & Design
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized contemporary master beige tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Portland with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, a drop-in sink and tile countertops
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized contemporary master beige tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Portland with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, a drop-in sink and tile countertops

There are not many things better than a room full of your favourite people. As you gather you smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and music playing in the background, as joyful conversation and laughter fill the room. I feel so grateful that we are inching our way back to these days. How about you?
The project I’m sharing with you today has beautiful moments like these at its heart. Spaces that invite people in, foster connection, and make everyday living so simple that it’s impossible not to enjoy...
Meet our Delightful Clients:
The family behind this 1950s North Vancouver home transformation enjoy entertaining friends just as much as cosying up to watch a movie together. A professional couple (I'll call them Jon and Anna) with two elementary school-aged sons, Anna and Jon approached us with the task of furnishing the main floor living spaces and the basement of their family home.
Anna is a busy lawyer who is now working almost full time from home, and Jon works in the film industry. With full careers, two active boys, and a love of gathering, they craved a home that could support their everyday lifestyle.
Design and Lifestyle Goals:
Our central goal for this project was simple: to uncover the hidden potential in their home and create a family-friendly space that functioned well and flowed seamlessly.
On the main floor, our clients tasked us with creating an area for the family to relax and entertain, along with crafting a work and play space for the boys. They also dreamed of a more functional and bright basement, which they envisioned as a dual purpose family room and home office for Anna.
Reveal: Comfortable and Welcoming Entryway & Living Room:
Imagine you are coming home, and you walk through a bright, sunny front door like this one. You are met by this entryway of calming earth and sea tones, paired with warm, natural wood flooring. You feel instantly welcomed and eager to venture further inside... The same is now true for our clients!
The simple details in their entryway are thoughtfully arranged with clean lines and colourful art as the focal point, achieving a timeless and friendly aesthetic. Dried wheat brings movement into the space and plays up the beauty of nature, while the vibrant yet warm colours and textures evoke feelings of comfort and homecoming.
The entry flows seamlessly into this connected living area, which is adorned with ample seating strategically arranged to host and accommodate joyful conversations. With the fireplace and wood mantel as the focal point, these natural elements and hues warm up the room to make it feel beautifully lived-in (not like an untouchable museum).
Another colourful work of art graces the space above Jon’s and Anna’s sofa, and we used decorative pillows and a throw blanket to tempt those colours into the rest of the room. A simply styled coffee table keeps the space feeling open and engaged. Reading material, anyone?
Just beyond this living area, you get a glimpse of the second space our clients requested on their main floor...
A Collected Space for Children to Work + Play:
When Jon and Anna realised that their formal dining area wasn’t being used to its full potential, they imagined creating a work and play space for their boys instead. We came up with a plan to create a shared desk area with plentiful storage.
This timeless natural wood desk was the perfect way to maximise surface area and give the boys plenty of space to do homework during the school year, or spend time crafting or building LEGOs during the summers. The drawers provide storage for all the wonderful items that fuel their productivity or creativity. Or both.
I also love how the white floating shelves display a collection of nostalgic toys, providing just the right amount of childhood endearment to this sophisticated and functional space. This workspace now has endless possibilities for the boys, and it helps Jon and Anna keep their minds and spaces clear, too. Which brings us to...
Basement Family Room & Home Office:
In general, we knew we had to maximise surface area in this ‘50s home, and this was especially true for our clients’ basement. I’m happy to say that we designed an effortlessly comfortable space that focuses on family and makes it simple to settle in and work… or leave the workday behind.
Welcome to this dual-function office and family room. Toward the back of the room, we strategically positioned Anna’s wraparound desk facing out into the room and gave her a wallpaper-and-art backdrop for stunning Zoom calls (she has already received glowing compliments). There is plenty of storage for easy organization including a space to store the family’s shared printer near the door… so they don’t have to interrupt “Mom” to get to it.
Anna also wanted the freedom to be able to relax in this space with her family and turn her back on the work day — quite literally! The sofa is perfectly positioned backing onto the desk allowing her to do just that.
We relocated an existing mustard yellow chair and used pops of the same colour to integrate it into the overall scheme. The wood armrests on this modular sectional provide surfaces for snacks and drinks where there was no room for an end table. The walnut finish carries the theme of natural comfort from the upstairs spaces down into the family room.
The view from the sectional is less business and more pleasure, featuring cosy seating and throw pillows in cheerful colours and patterns.
The highlight of this space? A wallpapered accent wall where we were able to achieve the high-end feel of custom built-in shelving with a simple IKEA hack. The shelves and cabinetry around the television offer plenty of much needed storage space to house family games and movies at a budget price point.
This fun room is the perfect balance of work and play, accommodating and supporting our clients’ daily family adventures.
What Our Clients Had to Say...
Our clients could not be happier with their warm yet functional new rooms. With thoughtful consideration and a plan of action, we were able to transform two areas of their home into spaces that function well and feel good. In fact, they had this to say:
“Lori and her team were everything we were looking for: great listeners, wonderfully creative and highly professional. We couldn't be happier with our interior makeover.” — Clients
That is why we do what we do. If you're ready to start your redesign project, we would love to help. Reach out to us here, and let's get to know more about each other.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary porcelain tile and multicolored floor hallway remodel in Vancouver with beige walls

When meeting with our homeowners for this kitchen renovation project, they presented us with a large wish list. This busy family of five loves to cook and entertain for their large extended family. They felt their current kitchen was not functioning to its fullest potential. It felt cramped, dark, outdated, and had no flair. They wanted more room for storage, and convenient areas to hold their cookware. They had an unorganized pantry that wasn’t working for them, and a desk area that had become a clutter zone. They showed us examples of a cool toned color palette that they loved and asked us to bring in some farmhouse style elements with a modern aesthetic. We could not wait to transform this room!
We began by reimagining the flow of the kitchen. In order to give them more counter space to use for food preparation, we moved the fridge to the wall where the desk was. We eliminated the messy pantry closet, and installed a tall cabinet to house an additional oven and built-in microwave. We added a large pantry cabinet to the right of the refrigerator to give them plenty of organized storage space, allowing easy access to snacks from the family room. On the left side of the fridge, we incorporated a drop zone area where they can leave their keys and mail when coming in from the garage. In the island we included a pull-out trash easily accessible from both the sink and the cooking areas, and added a vegetable sink to create an extended area for food prep. For the perimeter of the kitchen, we moved the range down to allow for a corner lazy susan and drawer bank for pots and pans, and provided them with a deep farmhouse sink to aid in washing larger items. By running the cabinetry up to the ceiling, we were able to provide them with additional storage space. We finished the cabinetry off with a beautiful decorative hood surround and capped the cabinets with a large stacked crown molding.
The finishes we chose for the kitchen help modernize the space while keeping the room feeling warm and inviting. We used a soft grey paint on the perimeter cabinets and infused a warm chestnut stain on the island and decorative hood. We incorporated corbel details at both the hood and island to add some depth to the design. We included a very unique focal point to the ceiling above the island; it is a custom trim detail in the shape of an X, with dark paint as an accent. We topped the cabinetry with a luxurious calacatta quartz counter that created movement with large beautiful veining details. Hand-cut high gloss white subway tiles added brightness and sophistication to the space. Touches of silver were brought in with cabinet hardware and gooseneck faucets. We added an abundance of lighting including recessed lights, a farmhouse style silver pendant over the sink, two vintage style pendants at the island with ribbed glass, and a large wood and silver chandelier over the table, giving ample light and making the room feel bright. Adding under cabinet lighting provided our client with much needed task lighting while doing food prep. We finished the room off by using four comfortable upholstered counter stools with distressed white painted legs, adding to the farmhouse feel. New hand scraped oak plank hardwood flooring was added throughout the first floor along with large baseboard trim to tie the rest of the house in with the new kitchen design. Our client now has a large, updated, modernized kitchen to conjure up delicious meals for their family and friends.

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area.
The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation.
Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color.
Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion.
Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support.
Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes.
Appliance Garage
On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more.
Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors
On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter.
Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request.
Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation.
The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet.
Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices.
Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes.
The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean.
Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen.
Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions.
The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.
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