Designing the Home I Always Envisioned: An Open Concept Kitchen and Family Room Renovation

Erin Jones – our lead designer & the owner of Erin Interiors – shares the process (and beautiful results!) of her own home renovation.

A comfortable, livable, and beautiful home has always been important to me. But for a long time, the space we were living in didn’t quite match the way we actually lived. Storage wasn’t working for us, the appliances were difficult to maintain, fridge capacity never felt adequate for our family, and pantry space was consistently falling short. Something had to change.

What followed was a four-month renovation. It gave us the opportunity to start fresh and get it right. The result is an open concept kitchen and family room that genuinely supports how we live in and use our home today.

Starting From Scratch: What Wasn’t Working

Before the renovation, the kitchen in particular had several pain points that accumulated over time. Appliances were hard to keep clean and maintain. The refrigerator simply wasn’t large enough for my busy family. Pantry storage was limited, which meant countertops were doing jobs they shouldn’t have to. And perhaps most frustratingly, the storage that did exist wasn’t thoughtfully organized around the way we use our kitchen day to day.

When it came time to plan the renovation, these weren’t afterthoughts, they were the starting point.

The Kitchen: Every Detail, Considered

One of the advantages of my work is the opportunity to see the inside of many homes we design. Over time, I’ve taken many mental notes of the details I’m most drawn to and this project became the opportunity to bring those elements together in one space. My personal style leans transitional: clean, simple lines softened by subtle traditional details.

The custom cabinetry, supplied by KWR Custom Cabinetry, is finished in Benjamin Moore White Dove throughout, with a warm blue-grey accent in Benjamin Moore Overcoat. The countertops are Montauk by Hanstone quartz, a surface I chose as much for its durability as its beauty.

One of my favourite features is the island table. Rather than a traditional kitchen island, this one integrates a dining table at the same height, with seating on all sides. It has quickly become the most used spot in the house. It’s where we gather for family dinners, morning coffee, homework sessions, casual entertaining, and even working from home. The turned legs bring in that subtle traditional character that defines the transitional style, and they also create space for additional drawers beneath, perfect for storing casserole dishes, platters, napkins, and placemats that would otherwise have no home.

The appliance package was selected with maintenance and performance firmly in mind: a Miele induction cooktop, Miele panelled dishwasher, and Miele wall oven, paired with a Liebherr panelled refrigerator that finally delivers the capacity this family needs. Two KitchenAid panelled beverage refrigerators are tucked into the coffee bar, keeping drinks organized and freeing up much needed space in the main fridge.

Favourite Features in the Kitchen

The Coffee Bar: A Daily Ritual, Elevated

The coffee bar deserves its own mention. It has become a genuine part of our morning routine  and the double beverage refrigerators below it keep things organized in a way that our previous layout never allowed. Coffee bars are a feature that seem like a luxury but quickly become something you wonder how you lived without.

The Curved Island End: Function Meets Display

At the end of the island, a curved profile with open shelving brings a moment of softness to an otherwise structured kitchen. It’s a practical choice dressed in a beautiful detail — everyday bowls and platters within easy reach, with just enough space to display a few of the pieces I love & feel are worth showing off.

The Family Room: Comfort Built In

The family room was fully updated alongside the kitchen, and the two spaces now read as one cohesive whole. The brief here was simple: a room that feels genuinely inviting, not just designed.

The stone fireplace (sourced from Casa di Sassi’s Old World collection) anchors the space and extends to the full height of the ceiling. It brings warmth in both the literal and aesthetic sense, and its presence makes the room feel considered rather than assembled.

Custom cabinetry flanks the fireplace with integrated sconces, providing both additional storage and a curated area for styling. The neutral palette is intentional — it allows the space to shift seasonally simply by changing out accessories and accent colours, so the room can feel different in November than it does in June without a renovation required.

The furniture was chosen with equal care. All fabrics carry high abrasion ratings and are treated with Fibreguard stain protection for durability that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The sofas and chairs are designed at exactly the right depth: generous enough to pull your feet up, but not so deep that you feel swallowed. Every piece is filled with feather down. The result is a room that is as comfortable as it looks.

The Result: A Home That Works

A thoughtful design process that is carried out step by step, detail by detail creates something that goes beyond aesthetics. This space now functions the way a family home should: it supports the rhythm of daily life, it adapts to the moments that matter, and it’s genuinely comfortable to be in.

Four months of work. Every decision was made deliberately. The outcome is a home that finally reflects the way my family lives.

Interested in creating a space that works as beautifully as it looks? Contact us to start the conversation.