Meet Meridith: a super-mom who’s as busy as she is badass  — and easily my favorite overachiever. She slays her office job and comes home to an equally high-octane family life. We share a love for city living with farmhouse aspirations. There’s a vegetable garden in the backyard, a black cat, and a floppy eared rabbit named Rocky. There has been a mobile chicken coop and a colony of bees in the backyard. At one point they even had a pregnant hedgehog on their hands! Between gardening, entertaining, and helping with homework, Meridith has zero time for interior design. Spending several days a week in New York for work, she has limited amount of time at home with her family. My goal was to let her make the most of it by taking her design projects off her to do list and let her get back to her family (and rabbit). I wanted her to spend her weekends at her son's baseball games, not shopping for sofas. That’s my cue! Meridith is wonderful. She is one of the kindest people I know. We had so much fun, it doesn’t seem fair to call this “work”. She is loving, and smart, and funny. She’s one of those girlfriends everyone wants to call their own best friend. I wanted her house to reflect that: to feel cozy and inviting, and encourage guests to stay a while. Meridith is not your average beige person, and she has excellent taste. Plus, she was totally hands-on with design choices. It was a true collaboration. We played up her quirky side and built usable, inspiring spaces one lightbulb moment at a time. I took her love for color (sacré blue!) and immediately started creating a plan for her space and thinking about her design wish list. I set out hunting for vibrant hues and intriguing patterns that spoke to her color palette and taste for pattern. I focused on creating the right vibe in each space: a bit of drama in the dining room, a bit more refined and quiet atmosphere for the living room, and a neutral zen tone in their master bedroom. Her stuff. My eye. Meridith’s impeccable taste comes through in her art collection. The perfect placement of her beautiful paintings served as the design model for color and mood. We had a bit of a chair graveyard on our hands, but we worked with some key pieces of her existing furniture and incorporated other traditional pieces, which struck a pleasant balance. French chairs, Asian-influenced footstools, turned legs, gilded finishes, glass hurricanes – a wonderful mash-up of traditional and contemporary. Some special touches were custom-made (the marble backsplash in the powder room, the kitchen banquette) and others were happy accidents (a wallpaper we spotted via Pinterest). They all came together in a design aesthetic that feels warm, inviting, and vibrant — just like Meridith! We built her space based on function. We asked ourselves, “how will her family use each room on any given day?” Meridith throws legendary dinner parties, so we needed curated seating arrangements that could easily switch from family meals to elegant entertaining. We sought a cozy eat-in kitchen and decongested entryways that still made a statement. Above all, we wanted Meredith’s style and panache to shine through every detail. From the pendant in the entryway, to a wild use of pattern in her dining room drapery, Meredith’s space was a total win. See more of our work at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, share what's on your plate with us at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Windsor II Modern Farmhouse in Bowling Green, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. High-end first impressions start the moment you step inside the home, where elegant glass French doors create a bright, airy entrance that establishes a warm, inviting welcome for guests. Inspired by the popular Windsor plan, the Windsor II maximizes spatial flow with an open-concept layout on the first floor, seamlessly connecting the family room, dining area, and kitchen into a unified heart of the home. This expansive main living space is anchored by a dramatic, two-story electric fireplace that brings immense height and sophisticated style to the great room, combining custom wood and tile finishes to provide the perfect cozy focal point. Designed for premium organization and practicality, the entry from the garage features a highly functional, custom built-in drop zone. Outfitted with dedicated lockers and cubbies, this mudroom space streamlines daily routines by providing a designated area for everyday essentials. For ultimate main-level privacy, the luxurious owner’s retreat serves as a secluded sanctuary on the first floor, featuring abundant storage thanks to two separate walk-in closets. The spa-like owner's bath offers a premium getaway experience, beautifully appointed with a contemporary freestanding soaking tub and a custom tile shower. Upstairs, the home transitions into an entertainment-focused second floor featuring a versatile media room designed to be the ultimate hub for hosting family and friends for movie nights, weekend sports, and casual game nights.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Windsor Modern Farmhouse in Akron, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. Designed with an expansive open-concept layout, this floor plan maximizes spatial flow, offering abundant storage and generous proportions to entertain guests and cook simultaneously. The premium kitchen is fully equipped for culinary pursuits, showcasing a large walk-in pantry, extensive counter space, and an optional "messy kitchen" secondary prep zone to keep the main island pristine. To accommodate modern family needs, the massive first-floor flex room has been custom-tailored into an executive home office, featuring premium built-in cabinets and shelving to ensure staying organized while working from home is completely effortless. For added main-level luxury, a beautifully appointed first-floor guest suite provides ultimate comfort and seclusion for out-of-town visitors. The thoughtful design details continue as you head upstairs. The private primary owner’s retreat serves as a quiet upper-level sanctuary, showcasing a double-bowl vanity and independent, separate walk-in closets. This primary suite is conveniently located adjacent to the second-floor laundry room, which has been upgraded with a brilliant, custom-built dog washing station perfect for keeping four-legged family members clean. Overlooking the home's main level, the spacious upstairs loft has been beautifully converted into a versatile bonus room. This adaptive upper lounge area functions as a multi-use flex zone, serving as the perfect design canvas for a children's playroom, a home workout fitness room, or a dedicated media and game room.

This custom built-in bookcase was designed to bring both form and function to a modern living space. Featuring a clean aesthetic, this wall-to-wall unit combines open shelving with concealed storage for a perfect balance of display and organization. The asymmetrical cubby layout adds architectural interest while LED accent lighting enhances warmth and ambiance. Crafted with a white semi-gloss finish and a solid wood countertop, this built-in blends seamlessly into contemporary, transitional, and minimalist interiors. Decorative items, houseplants, and books are showcased beautifully, making this unit both a statement piece and a practical storage solution. Lower cabinets offer ample hidden storage for games, electronics, and household items. Ideal for living rooms, home offices, or family rooms, this custom built-in was designed with functionality, aesthetics, and lifestyle in mind.

Meet Meridith: a super-mom who’s as busy as she is badass  — and easily my favorite overachiever. She slays her office job and comes home to an equally high-octane family life. We share a love for city living with farmhouse aspirations. There’s a vegetable garden in the backyard, a black cat, and a floppy eared rabbit named Rocky. There has been a mobile chicken coop and a colony of bees in the backyard. At one point they even had a pregnant hedgehog on their hands! Between gardening, entertaining, and helping with homework, Meridith has zero time for interior design. Spending several days a week in New York for work, she has limited amount of time at home with her family. My goal was to let her make the most of it by taking her design projects off her to do list and let her get back to her family (and rabbit). I wanted her to spend her weekends at her son's baseball games, not shopping for sofas. That’s my cue! Meridith is wonderful. She is one of the kindest people I know. We had so much fun, it doesn’t seem fair to call this “work”. She is loving, and smart, and funny. She’s one of those girlfriends everyone wants to call their own best friend. I wanted her house to reflect that: to feel cozy and inviting, and encourage guests to stay a while. Meridith is not your average beige person, and she has excellent taste. Plus, she was totally hands-on with design choices. It was a true collaboration. We played up her quirky side and built usable, inspiring spaces one lightbulb moment at a time. I took her love for color (sacré blue!) and immediately started creating a plan for her space and thinking about her design wish list. I set out hunting for vibrant hues and intriguing patterns that spoke to her color palette and taste for pattern. I focused on creating the right vibe in each space: a bit of drama in the dining room, a bit more refined and quiet atmosphere for the living room, and a neutral zen tone in their master bedroom. Her stuff. My eye. Meridith’s impeccable taste comes through in her art collection. The perfect placement of her beautiful paintings served as the design model for color and mood. We had a bit of a chair graveyard on our hands, but we worked with some key pieces of her existing furniture and incorporated other traditional pieces, which struck a pleasant balance. French chairs, Asian-influenced footstools, turned legs, gilded finishes, glass hurricanes – a wonderful mash-up of traditional and contemporary. Some special touches were custom-made (the marble backsplash in the powder room, the kitchen banquette) and others were happy accidents (a wallpaper we spotted via Pinterest). They all came together in a design aesthetic that feels warm, inviting, and vibrant — just like Meridith! We built her space based on function. We asked ourselves, “how will her family use each room on any given day?” Meridith throws legendary dinner parties, so we needed curated seating arrangements that could easily switch from family meals to elegant entertaining. We sought a cozy eat-in kitchen and decongested entryways that still made a statement. Above all, we wanted Meredith’s style and panache to shine through every detail. From the pendant in the entryway, to a wild use of pattern in her dining room drapery, Meredith’s space was a total win. See more of our work at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, share what's on your plate with us at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

There are not many things better than a room full of your favourite people. As you gather you smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and music playing in the background, as joyful conversation and laughter fill the room. I feel so grateful that we are inching our way back to these days. How about you? The project I’m sharing with you today has beautiful moments like these at its heart. Spaces that invite people in, foster connection, and make everyday living so simple that it’s impossible not to enjoy... Meet our Delightful Clients: The family behind this 1950s North Vancouver home transformation enjoy entertaining friends just as much as cosying up to watch a movie together. A professional couple (I'll call them Jon and Anna) with two elementary school-aged sons, Anna and Jon approached us with the task of furnishing the main floor living spaces and the basement of their family home. Anna is a busy lawyer who is now working almost full time from home, and Jon works in the film industry. With full careers, two active boys, and a love of gathering, they craved a home that could support their everyday lifestyle. Design and Lifestyle Goals: Our central goal for this project was simple: to uncover the hidden potential in their home and create a family-friendly space that functioned well and flowed seamlessly. On the main floor, our clients tasked us with creating an area for the family to relax and entertain, along with crafting a work and play space for the boys. They also dreamed of a more functional and bright basement, which they envisioned as a dual purpose family room and home office for Anna. Reveal: Comfortable and Welcoming Entryway & Living Room: Imagine you are coming home, and you walk through a bright, sunny front door like this one. You are met by this entryway of calming earth and sea tones, paired with warm, natural wood flooring. You feel instantly welcomed and eager to venture further inside... The same is now true for our clients! The simple details in their entryway are thoughtfully arranged with clean lines and colourful art as the focal point, achieving a timeless and friendly aesthetic. Dried wheat brings movement into the space and plays up the beauty of nature, while the vibrant yet warm colours and textures evoke feelings of comfort and homecoming. The entry flows seamlessly into this connected living area, which is adorned with ample seating strategically arranged to host and accommodate joyful conversations. With the fireplace and wood mantel as the focal point, these natural elements and hues warm up the room to make it feel beautifully lived-in (not like an untouchable museum). Another colourful work of art graces the space above Jon’s and Anna’s sofa, and we used decorative pillows and a throw blanket to tempt those colours into the rest of the room. A simply styled coffee table keeps the space feeling open and engaged. Reading material, anyone? Just beyond this living area, you get a glimpse of the second space our clients requested on their main floor... A Collected Space for Children to Work + Play: When Jon and Anna realised that their formal dining area wasn’t being used to its full potential, they imagined creating a work and play space for their boys instead. We came up with a plan to create a shared desk area with plentiful storage. This timeless natural wood desk was the perfect way to maximise surface area and give the boys plenty of space to do homework during the school year, or spend time crafting or building LEGOs during the summers. The drawers provide storage for all the wonderful items that fuel their productivity or creativity. Or both. I also love how the white floating shelves display a collection of nostalgic toys, providing just the right amount of childhood endearment to this sophisticated and functional space. This workspace now has endless possibilities for the boys, and it helps Jon and Anna keep their minds and spaces clear, too. Which brings us to... Basement Family Room & Home Office: In general, we knew we had to maximise surface area in this ‘50s home, and this was especially true for our clients’ basement. I’m happy to say that we designed an effortlessly comfortable space that focuses on family and makes it simple to settle in and work… or leave the workday behind. Welcome to this dual-function office and family room. Toward the back of the room, we strategically positioned Anna’s wraparound desk facing out into the room and gave her a wallpaper-and-art backdrop for stunning Zoom calls (she has already received glowing compliments). There is plenty of storage for easy organization including a space to store the family’s shared printer near the door… so they don’t have to interrupt “Mom” to get to it. Anna also wanted the freedom to be able to relax in this space with her family and turn her back on the work day — quite literally! The sofa is perfectly positioned backing onto the desk allowing her to do just that. We relocated an existing mustard yellow chair and used pops of the same colour to integrate it into the overall scheme. The wood armrests on this modular sectional provide surfaces for snacks and drinks where there was no room for an end table. The walnut finish carries the theme of natural comfort from the upstairs spaces down into the family room. The view from the sectional is less business and more pleasure, featuring cosy seating and throw pillows in cheerful colours and patterns. The highlight of this space? A wallpapered accent wall where we were able to achieve the high-end feel of custom built-in shelving with a simple IKEA hack. The shelves and cabinetry around the television offer plenty of much needed storage space to house family games and movies at a budget price point. This fun room is the perfect balance of work and play, accommodating and supporting our clients’ daily family adventures. What Our Clients Had to Say... Our clients could not be happier with their warm yet functional new rooms. With thoughtful consideration and a plan of action, we were able to transform two areas of their home into spaces that function well and feel good. In fact, they had this to say: “Lori and her team were everything we were looking for: great listeners, wonderfully creative and highly professional. We couldn't be happier with our interior makeover.” — Clients That is why we do what we do. If you're ready to start your redesign project, we would love to help. Reach out to us here, and let's get to know more about each other.

Settle in for the big game with plush furniture that reclines. This room features casual furnishings that are warm and inviting. Modern tables add a trendy touch, while accessories such as ceramic lamps and potted plants make things feel warm and earthy. A large ivory rug anchors the room in a sense of light, balanced by ivory lampshades and a throw blanket. Invite your friends and enjoy the day. Like this look? Grab it by clicking here.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Windsor II Modern Farmhouse in Bowling Green, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. High-end first impressions start the moment you step inside the home, where elegant glass French doors create a bright, airy entrance that establishes a warm, inviting welcome for guests. Inspired by the popular Windsor plan, the Windsor II maximizes spatial flow with an open-concept layout on the first floor, seamlessly connecting the family room, dining area, and kitchen into a unified heart of the home. This expansive main living space is anchored by a dramatic, two-story electric fireplace that brings immense height and sophisticated style to the great room, combining custom wood and tile finishes to provide the perfect cozy focal point. Designed for premium organization and practicality, the entry from the garage features a highly functional, custom built-in drop zone. Outfitted with dedicated lockers and cubbies, this mudroom space streamlines daily routines by providing a designated area for everyday essentials. For ultimate main-level privacy, the luxurious owner’s retreat serves as a secluded sanctuary on the first floor, featuring abundant storage thanks to two separate walk-in closets. The spa-like owner's bath offers a premium getaway experience, beautifully appointed with a contemporary freestanding soaking tub and a custom tile shower. Upstairs, the home transitions into an entertainment-focused second floor featuring a versatile media room designed to be the ultimate hub for hosting family and friends for movie nights, weekend sports, and casual game nights.

This 1,800 sq ft all-season cottage is designed to make the most of its breathtaking south-facing view of the Ottawa River. Every aspect of the cottage was carefully considered to optimize the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the water views are an integral part of daily life. At the heart of the cottage is the expansive open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, featuring a striking stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. An abundance of windows along the river-facing side allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the water. Strategic design elements, including retractable canopies, provide shade during hot summer months while allowing for increased sunlight during the winter to enhance the warmth and comfort of the interiors. Perfect for entertaining, the spacious sunroom serves as a flexible space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. It includes a second stone fireplace and ample room for dining and lounging, with seamless access to the outdoor deck. For sun lovers, the deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the warmth, while the canopy offers a shady retreat to enjoy the river views during hot days. A cozy firepit patio closer to the water creates an inviting space for evening gatherings, complete with the charm of a crackling fire and views of the river. Off the sunroom, a screened porch offers a shaded escape, providing relief from the heat and bugs during the summer afternoons. This porch is conveniently located next to the BBQ area, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and socializing. The primary bedroom suite includes a bedroom partition wall that allows the bed to face the river while providing unimpeded access to the walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The main level also includes a butler’s pantry, office, full bathroom, and a second bedroom ideal for family. The lower level expands the living space further, offering four additional guest bedrooms, a bunk room for the kids, ample storage, a laundry room, and a versatile games room. With thoughtful design and functional spaces, this cottage balances comfort, style, and connection to nature.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Vinemont American Tradition in Charlotte, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. The home commands immediate attention with dramatic, two-story soaring ceilings that bridge the high-end kitchen and great room into a breath-taking central living space. This open layout flows into a bright morning room, creating the perfect transitional space to start your day. Designed for high-performance entertaining and seamless home organization, a secondary "messy kitchen" sits directly off the main living area, serving as the ultimate prep and storage solution complete with built-in shelving to keep cooking clutter entirely out of sight. Off the foyer, organization is made effortless in a custom home office featuring premium flush-mount shelving and built-in cabinets. This dedicated work-from-home space is beautifully separated from the main living areas by a striking sliding barn door, ensuring absolute privacy. The thoughtful architecture continues into a luxurious main-level primary sanctuary. The deluxe owner’s bath serves as a private, spa-like retreat anchored by a bold black subway tile accent wall and a freestanding soaking tub. Intelligently designed on either side of this central focal point are a spacious glass-enclosed tile shower, dual vanities, expansive independent walk-in closets, and a discrete, enclosed water closet. Upstairs, the home transitions into a dedicated family zone. A huge second-story loft and bonus room offers kids plenty of room to roam, serving as an ideal home for toys, media, and video games. This upper level accommodates three secondary bedrooms, where two bedrooms share a highly practical Jack-and-Jill bath layout while the fourth bedroom features its own independent, private en-suite bathroom.

A stylish and welcoming transition from upper levels to the lower level retreat, this basement staircase remodel is all about details. The elegant iron balusters paired with a warm wooden handrail complement the surrounding This beautifully remodeled basement is the ultimate blend of functionality and refined style. Designed with both entertaining and everyday living in mind, the space features a stunning full bar with quartz countertops, floating wood shelves, and a bold herringbone wallpaper backsplash that adds texture and personality. The bar area opens seamlessly to the game room, complete with a rustic wood pool table, shuffleboard, and direct walkout access through French doors. The entire basement boasts warm wood-look flooring, exposed brick columns, and elegant light fixtures that lend a sophisticated, industrial-chic vibe. The large peninsula with bar seating offers the perfect spot to gather with friends and family, while the open-concept layout keeps everyone connected. In a clever design twist, a hidden bookshelf door adds character and provides access to the home’s HVAC system—tucked discreetly out of view. Opposite, a set of black French doors invites you into a dedicated wine room with custom X-style wine storage and a cozy bistro table. Whether you're hosting guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this basement remodel delivers a perfect balance of comfort, style, and purpose-built spaces that elevate everyday living.

This 1,800 sq ft all-season cottage is designed to make the most of its breathtaking south-facing view of the Ottawa River. Every aspect of the cottage was carefully considered to optimize the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the water views are an integral part of daily life. At the heart of the cottage is the expansive open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, featuring a striking stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. An abundance of windows along the river-facing side allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the water. Strategic design elements, including retractable canopies, provide shade during hot summer months while allowing for increased sunlight during the winter to enhance the warmth and comfort of the interiors. Perfect for entertaining, the spacious sunroom serves as a flexible space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. It includes a second stone fireplace and ample room for dining and lounging, with seamless access to the outdoor deck. For sun lovers, the deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the warmth, while the canopy offers a shady retreat to enjoy the river views during hot days. A cozy firepit patio closer to the water creates an inviting space for evening gatherings, complete with the charm of a crackling fire and views of the river. Off the sunroom, a screened porch offers a shaded escape, providing relief from the heat and bugs during the summer afternoons. This porch is conveniently located next to the BBQ area, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and socializing. The primary bedroom suite includes a bedroom partition wall that allows the bed to face the river while providing unimpeded access to the walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The main level also includes a butler’s pantry, office, full bathroom, and a second bedroom ideal for family. The lower level expands the living space further, offering four additional guest bedrooms, a bunk room for the kids, ample storage, a laundry room, and a versatile games room. With thoughtful design and functional spaces, this cottage balances comfort, style, and connection to nature.

Layered in timeless blues, soft greens, and warm creams, this space balances tradition with everyday comfort. Thoughtfully designed with family in mind, the room invites both connection and quiet moments—ample seating encourages gathering, while a dedicated game table sets the stage for friendly competition and shared memories. A traditional secretary desk adds a functional, collected touch, perfect for homework, correspondence, or simply keeping life organized. Comfortable, classic, and meant to be lived in—this is a living room where style and family life coexist beautifully.