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Let's talk about the exciting, and often nerve-wracking, phase between buying a new home and actually moving in. You've signed the papers and celebrated — but what next? Do you wait until move-in day and see how your furniture fits? Or do you start preparing for the big day right now?

This week's feature story has answers, and particularly for buyers of smaller spaces, like condos, where there is so much to consider in advance. We talk to three interior designers who weigh in on where to start — from choosing the right-sized furniture to planning storage solutions. Whether it's your first home or your sixth, their tips will help you plan for a space that works and flows from day one.

Also in this week's Westcoast Homes newsletter:   

• Is your patio or deck looking a little dull? Time to level up your outdoor flooring game.
• Renovations transform 1980s-era home in Port Moody.
• And, a worrisome downturn in Metro Vancouver luxury-level real estate sales over the first six months of 2025.

Mary Beth Roberts

Westcoast Homes Editor

Vancouver Sun & The Province

mbroberts@postmedia.com

@marybethroberts

HOME DESIGN

By Kathleen Freimond

The excitement of buying a new condo doesn’t stop once the contract is signed – that’s when many homebuyers start dreaming about decorating their new space and potentially gathering a few furnishings and homewares while waiting for the front-door keys.

Interior designers, who typically create neutral colour palettes in multi-family developments to avoid imposing a specific style that may not appeal to all buyers, say homebuyers who want to collect a few pieces to infuse the space with their own personality and style should be intentional about shopping for their condo.

OUTDOOR LIVING

By Robin Roberts

If your outdoor space is looking a little tired, livening it up is an easy fix with an array of stylish options, including fancy tiles and colourful carpets. You’re limited only by preference, imagination, and budget.

REAL ESTATE

By Nicola Way

1806 Juniper Pl., Port Moody: Four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached, 2,512 square feet

The big sell: This four-bedroom Port Moody house boasts not only a private cul-de-sac location and a lot size of almost 7,000 square feet, but an extensively updated interior too.

Built in 1982, the two-storey home was fully renovated in 2018 with a hot-water-on-demand system, premium JennAir appliances, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, a large kitchen island with built-in storage and bar seating, bay windows, two linear floating gas fireplaces with stylish surrounds, bespoke tiling, recessed lighting, and laminate flooring throughout.

The upgrades continue outside with professional landscaping, an irrigation system, and ambient lighting, all of which can be enjoyed from an entertainment-sized patio and a covered deck. The property is located in the city’s Mountain Meadows neighbourhood with elementary schools, Newport Village, Eagle Ridge Hospital, transit, and shopping nearby.

The property was listed for $1,830,000 and sold for $1,790,000 after 14 days on market in this listing.

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Please reach out if you have a home design story, questions or feedback you’d like to share. Email: mbroberts@postmedia.com