This thoughtfully designed home cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for relaxed family living. Its distinctive L-shaped layout defines the architectural presence, naturally centering around the pool area—a lively hub for both everyday moments and entertaining guests. Nestled back from the street and sheltered beneath the expansive canopy of majestic live oak trees, the entry welcomes you with a bold arrangement of steel-framed windows, flooding the interiors with soft natural light and setting an open, airy tone from the moment you arrive. ​The exterior’s carefully curated palette features the natural texture and timeless beauty of cut limestone, paired with warm wood, sleek steel, and expansive glass elements. This combination creates a harmonious balance between the classic appeal of mid-century homes and contemporary elegance. Together, these materials offer both visual interest and tactile warmth, making the home feel grounded in its environment while embracing a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. Every detail—from the interplay of materials to the thoughtful flow of spaces—has been crafted to balance comfort with style, resulting in a sanctuary where family life and entertaining coexist effortlessly.

Typical of bungalows and city lots, the footprint of this home was narrow with living spaces in front, bedrooms in back and kitchen centrally located. However, unlike most bungalows, the hall running from front to back have been closed off to, presumably, accommodate a walk-in pantry. Couple that with the fact that this circa 1925 bungalow had seen a lot of living – read boisterous children and remodeling trends like z-brick, soffits, and fluorescent overhead lighting – the kitchen was due for a major overhaul. Truly the hub of this house, the modest 11’ x 12’ kitchen was most in need of additional countertop space, convenient garbage/recycle bin, counter-depth refrigerator, storage aids, informal dining for two, and sound-proofing to enable this musically adept family to coexist despite varied schedules. Gone are the wall soffits, boxy overhead lighting, six-foot baseboard heat unit, extra deep refrigerator, refurbished cabinets, laminate countertops, z-brick wall covering, and makeshift door swags. Enter rich mahogany cabinets, roll and pull-out storage units, endcap spice storage, gorgeous granite tops, marble backsplash, LED lighting, acoustic insulation and solid-wood doors. Under the guise of such a handsome room, provisions such as a period style sink allow for more efficient use of corners with pull-out half-moon trays for storage. Redirecting the baseboard heat to a compact, toekick unit, means more cabinet and counter space – perfect for a baking and/or entertaining area removed from the basic work triangle. The eating area, also, doubles as a work station with drawers for office supplies and dedicated outlet for cable tv. Functional yet beautiful, this kitchen is at the ready as its owners look forward to their golden years. Designed by: The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com URL http://www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This two-story chalet stands out with its large glass façade and exposed wooden beams. The second floor is set back from the ground floor, minimizing its visual impact from the lake. The second floor houses the master bedroom, which offers stunning views of the lake while ensuring privacy thanks to its recessed design. The chalet is primarily constructed from stone and wood, materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. The glass façade allows an abundance of natural light to enter, creating a fluid connection between the interior and the natural surroundings. The open and spacious ground floor invites relaxation and socializing, while the upper floor provides a peaceful and intimate retreat. The exposed wooden beams add a rustic and warm touch to the overall design, enhancing the natural charm of the chalet. The combination of stone and wood perfectly complements the forest setting, creating a harmonious and serene living space. This chalet is a sanctuary where modernity and nature coexist in perfect symbiosis, offering an ideal refuge for those seeking to recharge in the heart of nature.

This thoughtfully designed home cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for relaxed family living. Its distinctive L-shaped layout defines the architectural presence, naturally centering around the pool area—a lively hub for both everyday moments and entertaining guests. Nestled back from the street and sheltered beneath the expansive canopy of majestic live oak trees, the entry welcomes you with a bold arrangement of steel-framed windows, flooding the interiors with soft natural light and setting an open, airy tone from the moment you arrive. ​The exterior’s carefully curated palette features the natural texture and timeless beauty of cut limestone, paired with warm wood, sleek steel, and expansive glass elements. This combination creates a harmonious balance between the classic appeal of mid-century homes and contemporary elegance. Together, these materials offer both visual interest and tactile warmth, making the home feel grounded in its environment while embracing a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. Every detail—from the interplay of materials to the thoughtful flow of spaces—has been crafted to balance comfort with style, resulting in a sanctuary where family life and entertaining coexist effortlessly.

This basement apartment transformation by HouseHome reimagines a compact lower-level residence into a vibrant “Modern Collector’s Cottage” for a single woman seeking a home that feels electric, expressive, and deeply personal. Designed to celebrate individuality, the space was curated as a true copy-and-paste reflection of the client’s personality, blending her extensive collections, hobbies, and memorabilia into a cohesive, highly stylized interior. The result is a bright, playful, and elevated living environment that seamlessly unites design, modern comfort, and emotional storytelling. The design challenge centered on organizing and showcasing meaningful memorabilia, while blending multi-generational gifts, keepsakes, sports mementos, posters, and artistic collections into a space that still felt intentional and uncluttered. Through layered materials, bold color moments, mixed textures, and thoughtful spatial planning, HouseHome created a home that feels bubbly, surprising, and beautifully curated—never chaotic, always cohesive. Every surface, storage solution, and display moment was designed to support both visual impact and daily functionality. This project exemplifies HouseHome’s expertise in eclectic interior design, small-space living, and collector-focused styling, proving that high personality and high design can coexist in perfect balance. The finished apartment is now a joy-filled, organized, and an inspirational retreat that celebrates life, memories, and personal expression while delivering luxury-level styling in a highly livable form.

From the street, the Bowmanville House commands attention with its confident interplay of form, color, and texture. The design alternates between light and dark volumes, with white Trespa panels stacked above deep brown cladding and black accents. This layering not only enhances the home's visual depth but also anchors the structure firmly to its double-lot site. The elevated glass-fronted deck on the upper level creates a striking focal point, projecting outward as both an architectural feature and a functional living space. Beneath it, sheltered ground-level space adds versatility, offering shade and protection while reinforcing the building's sense of proportion. The black vertical stair at the side provides a crisp architectural line, while the arrangement of windows punctuates the facade with rhythm and balance. Every choice—from material selection to massing—reflects a modernist ethos tailored for family living in an urban neighborhood. This home doesn't just sit on the lot—it defines it. It's a bold gesture of contemporary design in a context where few homes push boundaries this way, setting a new precedent for how form and function can coexist beautifully.

A modern home with an eclectic mix My clients in this space were divided. They were split by competing aesthetics. There were Vietnamese art pieces with modern motifs and bold colours mixed with hand-crafted rustic tables and antique Canadiana. I quickly identified a lack of cohesion and an uncomfortable conversation area as the primary issues that were causing my clients stress. A change was in order. We partitioned their large connected dining room, living and entryway areas using the existing furniture and floor covering. We were able to create several distinct and cohesive areas that each brought out the best of their contents. Each grouping now seemed natural and harmonious. Smooth international contemporary style and rustic heritage pieces now coexisted in the same space without causing my clients decorating headaches. To organize future projects and to summarize personalized decorating tips, Redecorating Vancouver provided them with a written Design Plan at the conclusion of the consultation. Family is important to me. I recognize that items in my clients' homes have unseen significance. In this instance, I was able to gather items to create a grand-parents nook to honour the couple's family. We took advantage of an heirloom antique radio that belonged to the client's grandfather and a meaningful handmade table. It is both pleasing to the eye and a daily reminder to the couple of who really matters in a home: the family that lives in it.

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

This basement apartment transformation by HouseHome reimagines a compact lower-level residence into a vibrant “Modern Collector’s Cottage” for a single woman seeking a home that feels electric, expressive, and deeply personal. Designed to celebrate individuality, the space was curated as a true copy-and-paste reflection of the client’s personality, blending her extensive collections, hobbies, and memorabilia into a cohesive, highly stylized interior. The result is a bright, playful, and elevated living environment that seamlessly unites design, modern comfort, and emotional storytelling. The design challenge centered on organizing and showcasing meaningful memorabilia, while blending multi-generational gifts, keepsakes, sports mementos, posters, and artistic collections into a space that still felt intentional and uncluttered. Through layered materials, bold color moments, mixed textures, and thoughtful spatial planning, HouseHome created a home that feels bubbly, surprising, and beautifully curated—never chaotic, always cohesive. Every surface, storage solution, and display moment was designed to support both visual impact and daily functionality. This project exemplifies HouseHome’s expertise in eclectic interior design, small-space living, and collector-focused styling, proving that high personality and high design can coexist in perfect balance. The finished apartment is now a joy-filled, organized, and an inspirational retreat that celebrates life, memories, and personal expression while delivering luxury-level styling in a highly livable form.

A modern home with an eclectic mix My clients in this space were divided. They were split by competing aesthetics. There were Vietnamese art pieces with modern motifs and bold colours mixed with hand-crafted rustic tables and antique Canadiana. I quickly identified a lack of cohesion and an uncomfortable conversation area as the primary issues that were causing my clients stress. A change was in order. We partitioned their large connected dining room, living and entryway areas using the existing furniture and floor covering. We were able to create several distinct and cohesive areas that each brought out the best of their contents. Each grouping now seemed natural and harmonious. Smooth international contemporary style and rustic heritage pieces now coexisted in the same space without causing my clients decorating headaches. To organize future projects and to summarize personalized decorating tips, Redecorating Vancouver provided them with a written Design Plan at the conclusion of the consultation. Family is important to me. I recognize that items in my clients' homes have unseen significance. In this instance, I was able to gather items to create a grand-parents nook to honour the couple's family. We took advantage of an heirloom antique radio that belonged to the client's grandfather and a meaningful handmade table. It is both pleasing to the eye and a daily reminder to the couple of who really matters in a home: the family that lives in it.

A modern home with an eclectic mix My clients in this space were divided. They were split by competing aesthetics. There were Vietnamese art pieces with modern motifs and bold colours mixed with hand-crafted rustic tables and antique Canadiana. I quickly identified a lack of cohesion and an uncomfortable conversation area as the primary issues that were causing my clients stress. A change was in order. We partitioned their large connected dining room, living and entryway areas using the existing furniture and floor covering. We were able to create several distinct and cohesive areas that each brought out the best of their contents. Each grouping now seemed natural and harmonious. Smooth international contemporary style and rustic heritage pieces now coexisted in the same space without causing my clients decorating headaches. To organize future projects and to summarize personalized decorating tips, Redecorating Vancouver provided them with a written Design Plan at the conclusion of the consultation. Family is important to me. I recognize that items in my clients' homes have unseen significance. In this instance, I was able to gather items to create a grand-parents nook to honour the couple's family. We took advantage of an heirloom antique radio that belonged to the client's grandfather and a meaningful handmade table. It is both pleasing to the eye and a daily reminder to the couple of who really matters in a home: the family that lives in it.

Hoffman Photographer
Example of a transitional home design design in Orange County

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

This thoughtfully designed home cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for relaxed family living. Its distinctive L-shaped layout defines the architectural presence, naturally centering around the pool area—a lively hub for both everyday moments and entertaining guests. Nestled back from the street and sheltered beneath the expansive canopy of majestic live oak trees, the entry welcomes you with a bold arrangement of steel-framed windows, flooding the interiors with soft natural light and setting an open, airy tone from the moment you arrive. ​The exterior’s carefully curated palette features the natural texture and timeless beauty of cut limestone, paired with warm wood, sleek steel, and expansive glass elements. This combination creates a harmonious balance between the classic appeal of mid-century homes and contemporary elegance. Together, these materials offer both visual interest and tactile warmth, making the home feel grounded in its environment while embracing a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. Every detail—from the interplay of materials to the thoughtful flow of spaces—has been crafted to balance comfort with style, resulting in a sanctuary where family life and entertaining coexist effortlessly.

A modern home with an eclectic mix My clients in this space were divided. They were split by competing aesthetics. There were Vietnamese art pieces with modern motifs and bold colours mixed with hand-crafted rustic tables and antique Canadiana. I quickly identified a lack of cohesion and an uncomfortable conversation area as the primary issues that were causing my clients stress. A change was in order. We partitioned their large connected dining room, living and entryway areas using the existing furniture and floor covering. We were able to create several distinct and cohesive areas that each brought out the best of their contents. Each grouping now seemed natural and harmonious. Smooth international contemporary style and rustic heritage pieces now coexisted in the same space without causing my clients decorating headaches. To organize future projects and to summarize personalized decorating tips, Redecorating Vancouver provided them with a written Design Plan at the conclusion of the consultation. Family is important to me. I recognize that items in my clients' homes have unseen significance. In this instance, I was able to gather items to create a grand-parents nook to honour the couple's family. We took advantage of an heirloom antique radio that belonged to the client's grandfather and a meaningful handmade table. It is both pleasing to the eye and a daily reminder to the couple of who really matters in a home: the family that lives in it.

This thoughtfully designed home cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for relaxed family living. Its distinctive L-shaped layout defines the architectural presence, naturally centering around the pool area—a lively hub for both everyday moments and entertaining guests. Nestled back from the street and sheltered beneath the expansive canopy of majestic live oak trees, the entry welcomes you with a bold arrangement of steel-framed windows, flooding the interiors with soft natural light and setting an open, airy tone from the moment you arrive. ​The exterior’s carefully curated palette features the natural texture and timeless beauty of cut limestone, paired with warm wood, sleek steel, and expansive glass elements. This combination creates a harmonious balance between the classic appeal of mid-century homes and contemporary elegance. Together, these materials offer both visual interest and tactile warmth, making the home feel grounded in its environment while embracing a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. Every detail—from the interplay of materials to the thoughtful flow of spaces—has been crafted to balance comfort with style, resulting in a sanctuary where family life and entertaining coexist effortlessly.

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.