\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4065973_web1_Exterior-168-Ruth-Crossing.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
The Skye design manages to pack in tons of style and livability.<\/p>\n
Broadview Homes\u2019 2026 Spring Parade of Homes show home at 168 Ruth Crossing is a shining example of a well-considered house design, says Lisa Castro of Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt all starts with the main living area,\u201d she says, noting the two-storey home checks in at 1,396 sq. ft. \u201cIt\u2019s very functional, and that\u2019s because so much attention to detail went into the design. Every inch of available space has been used well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Skye feels much larger than its listed square footage due to smart space allotment and subtle design hacks that increase the perception of volume.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the most important of those design hacks is how the wall opposite the kitchen was used.<\/p>\n
Firstly, the wall above the coffee bar was angled to open the upper-level staircase to the main floor. Doing that created visual appeal and an essential feeling of space.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t TODD LEWYS \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n The dining area, which is set beneath a mod chandelier and next to a huge window, can seat anywhere from six to 10 guests.<\/p>\n Then, the wall was used brilliantly, as it not only houses the coffee bar, but a doorway to the home\u2019s side entrance (and lower-level stairwell) and a roomy pantry with sliding doors.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople going through the home during the Parade really liked the functionality of the coffee bar, which could also be used as a sideboard for entertaining,\u201d Castro says. \u201cThey also appreciated the design of the kitchen\/dining area.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to see why.<\/p>\n Almost unbelievably, the kitchen island is eight feet long, offering an eating nook for three, a double sink and tons of prep space.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also plenty of fashion to go with that function, she adds.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t TODD LEWYS \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n Style and functionality mesh perfectly in the primary bedroom\u2019s deluxe ensuite.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone also loved the colours and finishes in the kitchen. The white cabinets go perfectly with the stainless-steel appliances and are set off by a grey-tile backsplash, and the quartz countertops add a touch of luxury,\u201d Castro says. \u201cThe darker oak island base and cabinets under the coffee bar go beautifully with the warm laminate-plank flooring.\u201d<\/p>\n Thanks to spot-on space distribution, both the dining area and great room are as functional and fetching as the magnificent island kitchen.<\/p>\n At nine-by-12 feet, the dining room \u2014 which was placed behind the kitchen beneath a mod chandelier and next to a large window \u2014 can easily seat six to 10 guests. It\u2019s also next to a handy powder room and the back door.<\/p>\n Then, there\u2019s the light-filled great room on the other side.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I like is that the layout in the main living area flows really well,\u201d says Castro. \u201cThe great room is huge at 12-by-16 feet. A linear-electric fireplace surrounded by a grey feature wall is its focal point, while sun shines in all day long from a large, south-facing window.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t TODD LEWYS \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n Tucked away neatly from the kids\u2019 bedrooms, the light-filled primary bedroom is a well-appointed retreat.<\/p>\n She says the upper-level staircase is a very pleasant surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s extra-wide, something you don\u2019t necessarily expect. It looks good, and it\u2019s very functional.\u201d<\/p>\n The same could be said for the Skye\u2019s upper level. Once again, the layout is exceptional, as in efficient \u2014 and bright.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo windows on the wall next to the staircase let in light, while more light streams in from the windows in all the bedrooms,\u201d Castro says. \u201cYou can\u2019t have enough natural light in a home.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the functionality quotient is off the charts. Both secondary bedrooms \u2014 which again are larger than expected \u2014 were placed to the right of the stairs next to a spacious main bathroom.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t TODD LEWYS \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n A handy coffee bar (or sideboard) adds an extra level of utility to the already functional and beautiful island kitchen.<\/p>\n The primary bedroom was then placed to the left down its own eight-foot hallway to separate it neatly from the kids\u2019 bedrooms.<\/p>\n \u201cA laundry area next to it creates even more separation,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd the bedroom is amazing. Two staggered windows on the rear wall let in tons of natural light, there\u2019s a big walk-in closet with a window and a deluxe ensuite with walk-in shower.\u201d<\/p>\n Castro says the Skye is a sensational \u2014 and sensibly designed \u2014 home from start to finish.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a very efficient, family-friendly home that offers a perfect blend of style and function.\u201d<\/p>\n lewys@mymts.net<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t TODD LEWYS \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n Natural light floods all day long into the surprisingly spacious great room from a large, south-facing window.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n