This Dreamy Lakeside Home is a Lesson in Open-Concept Living

It’s amazing what fewer walls and new flooring can do to transform a space. Jillian Harris wasn’t afraid to incorporate the homeowner’s piano into the open-concept design, either. The addition gives the warm and welcoming space a chic art gallery vibe.

A living room with a three-way fireplace is pretty much as elegant as it gets. The homeowners persuaded Jillian to keep this feature within the new design, and we have to say, it paid off. Its fresh finish is contemporary and lavish, lending understated warmth to the home.

This family loves to hang out together, so the designer made sure they had the space to do so comfortably. The custom sectional is large enough for all four of them, while the beige coffee tables open up to reveal secret storage for the girls’ workout equipment.

A fresh coat of paint, soft grey drapery and sleek light fixtures amount to a bright and modern space.

While Jillian opted for a predominately white scheme, she introduced colour through statement pieces like the living area’s blue sectional and graphic artwork. Other features, such as the area rug, add texture and help cozy up the space.

Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light, while the lightweight grey drapery adds to the room’s open and airy vibe.

Even the open-concept dining room feels like an art gallery thanks to the patterned curtains and eclectic mix of furniture. Hits of black seen in the door frames and head dining chairs add a dramatic note and are the perfect counterpoint to all the wooden elements.

A statement chandelier can make or break a room, and we’re in love with this fixture’s eclectic glass bauble design. There’s no question that it’s the showpiece of the space.

You don’t always need artwork to add personality to a room. Case in point: these stone-inspired floating shelves that display sprigs of foliage.

The dining room naturally flows into the kitchen thanks to the open-concept design and textured feature wall that connects both spaces.

Every family home requires an extra-large kitchen. Jillian ensured the cooking space was the heart of this home by maximizing functionality. First step? Creating an open-concept layout that drastically improves traffic flow. She then doubled up on cabinetry and added a table-meets-island as an additional prep surface.

The kitchen’s oversized white ceramic backsplash tiles are sleek and simple in order to keep the open-concept home from feeling too busy.

These drum pendant lights add another artful touch while also remaining refined and elegant. Thoughtful details like this are what make a home feel complete.

The revamped kitchen is equipped with top-notch appliances, such as this gorgeous range top featuring six burners.

Every aspect in this home was carefully considered, from the cabinetry and countertop materials to kitchen fixtures and hardware. The modern faucet’s textured look, for instance, adds a funky touch without sacrificing any of the functionality.

Jillian maximized space by fashioning a small desk nook in the kitchen. It’s the perfect spot for the girls to finish homework and for the parents to flip through cookbooks and catch up on paperwork.

The kitchen leads into a small office that’s separated by sliding glass doors. The space allows husband Chris to work from home with more privacy. The layout also improves air circulation thanks to the doors leading to the backyard. The family can crack them open to give both the work area and kitchen a burst of fresh air.

This room is the perfect size for a home office, as it boasts plenty of functional design elements. Chris can benefit from a little fresh air while he’s hoping on a conference call thanks to the deck doors, and there’s plenty of cabinet space for him to stay organized.

Leaky skylights meant Jillian had to forego a large part of her original design plan. But in the end, the homeowners were ensured there wouldn’t be any mould or water damage. And now, thanks to these rolling shades, Chris can control the amount of light that spills into the office.

With a stylish office chair and functional industrial-style bookshelf, this office space is calling our name. It’s the last of the elegant, contemporary touches that make this open-concept home just as pretty as it is practical. It’s no wonder the homeowners decided to love it in the end.