How a Family’s Cramped Main Floor Went From Dated to Dreamy

Designer Jillian Harris had the front door widened to ensure the family has plenty of space to maneuver, whether coming or going. The door’s pretty slate colour feels sleek and modern, and ties in with the grey-blue tones present throughout the entryway.

The mudroom feels bright and spacious thanks to an abundance of large windows. The built-in storage unit, complete with extended closet space and cubbies, also adds tons of function. And no entrance is complete without a small bench, a practical addition that also lends a welcoming touch to the space.

Rather than close off the mudroom from the rest of the house, Jillian installed a beautiful paned window and glass door to keep sight-lines open. Small details like child-friendly coat hooks personalize the space.

Since the adults of the household need a convenient space to hang their belongings too, Jillian installed hooks to the opposing wall. The pretty wainscoting adds interesting depth and texture to the room, creating a warm and welcoming feel.

While most of the hex floor tiles in the front entrance are solid grey, Jillian broke up the look with pretty patterned pieces to create a striking first impression.

The new open-concept living area is just as spacious as it is stylish. The extra-large sectional is essential for a large family, while pretty pastel hues peppered throughout wake up the room and make it a happy place to spend the day.

Durable pieces, from the round woven coffee table to the plush grey sofa, will hold up to the kids’ playtime as they age over the years, but still add style and warmth to the space.

To add a rustic chic feel to the otherwise contemporary space, Jillian incorporated plenty of natural elements like the solid wood end table and coasters.

This pretty cabinet with glass doors adds instant character (not to mention storage) to the living room thanks to all the colourful items on display. Its white finish pops against the new hardwood flooring, while the small gallery wall above ties the look together.

The new main floor layout means this family can always hang out together, whether they’re in the kitchen, living room or mud room. By removing the awkward hallway that was once present, Jillian completely transformed the space.

Jillian made the most of the structural issues her team uncovered in the kitchen by installing custom cabinets that stretch to the ceiling. The cabinetry’s pretty grey-blue hue complements the rich hex backsplash, resulting in a modern meets timeless aesthetic.

The varying heights of the cabinets are more obvious here, as is the vaulted ceiling, which lends even more character to the design.

The large custom dining table is perfect for a family of six, plus a few extra guests. The bench seating breaks up the look to avoid the setup becoming too cluttered and cramped. The country-style table and chairs are also forgiving to scratches and spills. The design team even painted the ceiling’s exposed beams a brilliant white to open up the space further.

These drop chandeliers add another interesting layer to the cooking space thanks to their bold geometric shape and dark frame. The candle bulbs provide a vintage vibe, while the slanted glass reflects light in fun and interesting ways.

When you have a big family, a large sink is a necessity. Jillian added a window above to give the area a more relaxing vibe. All in all, the new-and-improved main floor is destined to suit this clan of six for years to come.