Designing a Functional and Family-Friendly Home

In this post, designer Maia Roffey takes us through the process of creating a functional and family-friendly home. The homeowners had already done a DIY kitchen renovation a few years prior, but they wanted to expand their space and have a better flow between rooms. Maia was brought in to help them achieve their vision.

The house had a tight footprint, so Maia decided to extend the front of the house to create a mudroom and a larger foyer. This allowed for better organization and storage for the family's belongings. The new mudroom also provided a space for the family to sit down and put on their boots before heading out the door.

The kitchen was another area that needed improvement. The homeowners had already built an island and a wall, so Maia incorporated those elements into the new design. She also added a deeper kitchen island with an overhang for seating. The pantry wall was expanded to provide more storage and a servery counter.

The dining room was kept at the front of the house, but the layout was reconfigured to create a better flow. The living room was moved to the back of the house, allowing for more light and a connection to the backyard. The space was designed to be both kid-friendly and adult-friendly, with a large coffee table for activities and plenty of storage.

The master bedroom and ensuite were also part of the renovation. The ensuite was a tight space, so the shower was placed at the end to maximize the size. The vanity was slightly shallower than standard, but still provided ample storage. The master bedroom featured custom millwork and a neutral color palette for a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Before and after photos of the front of the house, showcasing the extended mudroom and foyer

A photo of the small kitchen before the renovation

A photo of the new mudroom with a bench and storage for boots and backpacks

A photo of the renovated living room with a large coffee table and storage

A photo of the master bedroom with custom millwork and a neutral color palette

Creating a Harmonious Design

One of the main goals of the renovation was to create a harmonious design throughout the home. This was achieved by incorporating similar design elements and color palettes in each room. The use of natural stone tiles in various areas of the house, such as the foyer, kitchen backsplash, and ensuite, created a cohesive look. The custom millwork in the master bedroom and living room also added to the overall harmony of the design.

The homeowners wanted a hotel-like feel in their home, so Maia focused on creating a neutral and calm atmosphere. The color palette was kept mostly neutral, with pops of color in the form of accents and accessories. Metallic accents were also incorporated to add a touch of luxury and elegance to the space.

Throughout the renovation, Maia paid attention to both functionality and aesthetics. The design elements were carefully chosen to meet the needs of a young family while also creating a visually appealing space. The result is a home that is not only functional and family-friendly but also beautiful and harmonious.

A photo of the renovated foyer with natural stone tiles and custom millwork

A photo of the renovated ensuite with natural stone tiles and a neutral color palette

Designing a Kid-Friendly Space

When designing the home, Maia took into consideration the needs of a young family. She wanted to create a space that was not only functional and practical but also kid-friendly. This meant incorporating design elements that were durable, easy to clean, and safe for children.

In the living room, for example, Maia chose a large coffee table that was low to the ground and had no sharp corners. This allowed the children to play and engage in activities without the risk of injury. The coffee table also provided ample storage for toys and other items, helping to keep the space organized and clutter-free.

In the kitchen, Maia focused on increasing counter space and storage. She designed a deeper kitchen island with an overhang for seating, allowing the family to sit and enjoy meals together. The pantry wall was expanded to provide more storage and a servery counter, making it easier to serve meals and entertain guests.

Overall, Maia's design choices created a space that was not only functional and family-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing. The home is a perfect blend of style and practicality, making it a comfortable and inviting space for the entire family.

A photo of the renovated living room with a low coffee table and ample storage

A photo of the renovated kitchen with a deeper island and expanded pantry wall