Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in Louisville with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

We met the owners of this 6-story townhouse in Philadelphia when we renovated their neighbor's home. Originally, this townhouse contained a multi-level apartment and a separate studio apartment. The owners wanted to combine both units into one modern home with sleek, yet warm elements. We really enjoyed creating a beautiful triangular, glass paneled staircase; a living garden wall that stretches up through 4 stories of the house; and an eye-catching glass fireplace with a mantle made out of reclaimed wood. Anchoring the entire house design are distressed white oak floors. RUDLOFF Custom Builders has won Best of Houzz for Customer Service in 2014, 2015 2016 and 2017. We also were voted Best of Design in 2016, 2017 and 2018, which only 2% of professionals receive. Rudloff Custom Builders has been featured on Houzz in their Kitchen of the Week, What to Know About Using Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen as well as included in their Bathroom WorkBook article. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area. This business, like most others, developed from a friendship of young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in their clients’ lives, one household at a time. This relationship between partners is much more than a friendship. Edward and Stephen Rudloff are brothers who have renovated and built custom homes together paying close attention to detail. They are carpenters by trade and understand concept and execution. RUDLOFF CUSTOM BUILDERS will provide services for you with the highest level of professionalism, quality, detail, punctuality and craftsmanship, every step of the way along our journey together. Specializing in residential construction allows us to connect with our clients early on in the design phase to ensure that every detail is captured as you imagined. One stop shopping is essentially what you will receive with RUDLOFF CUSTOM BUILDERS from design of your project to the construction of your dreams, executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsmen. Our concept, envision our client’s ideas and make them a reality. Our mission; CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND INTEGRITY. Photo Credit: JMB Photoworks

Recently, Mandy Renfrew collaborated with Gemstone Developments to stage their beautiful newly built modern custom home. Gemstone built this home with an incredible attention to detail. From floor plan to finishes, they demanded perfection each step along the way. Polanco Home Decor’s staging experts continued this high level of thought and consideration into the furniture and decor selection to prepare this house for sale. “894 Colonel By Dr. was designed to complement urban, sophisticated living in one of the city’s most sought-after locations. This brand new, custom home includes endless high end features such as a flawlessly crafted master suite, gourmet Irpinia kitchen facing a spacious raised patio, and expansive entertaining spaces all made accessible with a private elevator. ” Josh Zaret, Gemstone Developments http://gemstonecorp.com/portfolio/894-colonel-by-drive/ “While the building is a masterpiece on its own, it also boasts breath-taking views of the scenic Rideau Canal and manicured green space. By spring, enjoy the sights of the Canadian Tulip Festival and in winter participate in the capital’s renowned Winterlude celebrations by taking steps to the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau canal.” Josh Zaret, Gemstone Developments http://gemstonecorp.com/portfolio/894-colonel-by-drive/ Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa StagingThis modern open concept home, designed by Barry Hobin, included 10 foot ceilings with gorgeous floor to ceiling windows. It was important to create an inviting atmosphere with the furnishings we chose, creating a space that anyone who enters could envision themselves living in. We wanted to create a distinction between the living and dining room, as the home featured a very open concept space. Polanco’s designers wanted to create the look of a home meant for entertaining, in which you could enjoy a dining experience as well as socialize in the living room area. The breathtaking view of the Rideau Canal seen from all seating areas in the living space accentuated the spacious feeling of the home. A custom sized Martha sectional from Marcantonio Designs was the perfect choice for this grand open living room. Upholstered in a soft off-white leather, this style with metal legs complements the contemporary style of this home. We paired the sectional with a square fully tufted ottoman in a similar creamy-white leather to complete the seating area. The solid maple Verona sideboard from Handstone Furniture in a vintage silver stain gives buyers a sense of where to position their media centre. Above this piece, in lieu of a TV, we opted to bring some colour into the space with a piece from Celadon Art. To tie the artwork to the rest of the area, beautiful toss cushions in varying tones of blue were placed on the furniture pieces. Two matching Cassandra chairs upholstered in a simple grey linen fabric were selected to complement the neutral tones of the other furniture pieces. White accessories from Torre & Tagus placed on the ottoman are the final element of decor to this gorgeous open concept living space. We wanted to continue with a light and airy look, and chose to place a custom Albany console from Artage on the wall opposite to the Verona sideboard. We decorated the console with white accessories from Torre & Tagus and a Bangkok mirror from Renwil. This mirror is a Polanco favourite due to its size and versatility – it matches both classic and modern designs. The round shape of the mirror adds softness and complements the wall sconces. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingMoving into the dining room, we selected the Cordova dining table from Handstone Furniture. The functionality of a pedestal table allowed for more seating so buyers could envision how many guests they could seat in this large open space dining room. We chose the same vintage silver stain on the dining room table as well as on the living room sideboard to create consistency from room to room. To contrast with the darker stain of the table, we paired it with white leather Linda chairs from Elite Living. At the head of the table, the Albany bar cart from Artage in a bright chrome finish completes the room with a unique entertaining piece. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingMatching Linda white leather counter stools were used in the kitchen to create continuity from one room to another. In the family area off of the kitchen, we placed the Melynda swivel chair from Marcantonio Designs in a complementary white leather. The swivel feature on the chair allows buyers to envision how the space would function – if you were sitting in this area you could easily swivel your chair to talk to people in the kitchen as well as enjoying the contemporary fireplace. Opposite this chair is the Melrose love seat upholstered in a light grey linen fabric. It was chosen for its low profile look, as it does not obstruct the view of the beautiful terrace at the back of the house. In the centre of both pieces is the Orion coffee table also in a bright chrome finish. The Orion coffee table, light in design, was a strategic choice, making the room appear larger. Patterned toss cushions complement the geometric texture of the tiled fireplace while bringing the design elements of the space and furniture together. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingIn the master bedroom, we selected the stunning Layla king size bed upholstered in a light grey linen fabric. The soft curve of its headboard complements the curved Capricorn chairs placed in the seating area near the window of this room. Crisp, white linens from Cuddle Down Products were chosen to dress the bed, accentuated by Polanco’s own decorative toss cushions in fabrics from Robert Allen Design. On each side of the bed we chose custom wide Brooklyn nightstands painted in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and accentuated with decorative glass knobs. Silver accents are continued throughout the room, as shown with the nailheads on the upholstered bed and occasional chairs, cabinet knobs, lamps, and accessories. The spare bedroom was designed specifically to allow future home buyers to envision their own furniture in the space. We chose the Linea queen bed in a neutral grey fabric for its simple and elegant design and paired it with crisp white linens from Cuddle Down Products. A silver end table from Torre & Tagus and a silver table lamp from Arteriors Home finish the space. The entranceway was decorated with a large simple 48” round mirror with a decorative upholstered Thomas bench in a contemporary grey velvet fabric. We accented the design of the entrance bench with toss cushions to create an inviting feel upon entering this exquisite home. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingOpen to the entranceway, the large den has magnificent floor to ceiling windows showcasing the view of the gardens along the Rideau Canal. We chose to show this space as a home office, featuring a live edge solid cherry desk from Harden Furniture. We positioned a Wilson chair in blue fabric at the desk, facing towards the breathtaking views of the canal. To complete this office look, a Timeout chair and ottoman were placed in the corner of the room paired with the Funco side table. Artwork was chosen to create interest and add colour, complementing the contemporary wing back desk chair. It was a pleasure working with Gemstone Developments on this stunning modern home designed by Barry Hobin Architecture. Our goal was to furnish and decorate the home in such a way that potential buyers could envision themselves living in the space, while also accentuating the existing interior design. We are pleased to announce 894 Colonel By Drive was sold just three months after the staging project was completed.

Example of a large trendy open concept travertine floor and beige floor family room design in Miami with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a media wall

Chris Golden
Inspiration for a transitional carpeted living room remodel in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Mid-sized trendy master porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in Calgary with flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Recently, Mandy Renfrew collaborated with Gemstone Developments to stage their beautiful newly built modern custom home. Gemstone built this home with an incredible attention to detail. From floor plan to finishes, they demanded perfection each step along the way. Polanco Home Decor’s staging experts continued this high level of thought and consideration into the furniture and decor selection to prepare this house for sale. “894 Colonel By Dr. was designed to complement urban, sophisticated living in one of the city’s most sought-after locations. This brand new, custom home includes endless high end features such as a flawlessly crafted master suite, gourmet Irpinia kitchen facing a spacious raised patio, and expansive entertaining spaces all made accessible with a private elevator. ” Josh Zaret, Gemstone Developments http://gemstonecorp.com/portfolio/894-colonel-by-drive/ “While the building is a masterpiece on its own, it also boasts breath-taking views of the scenic Rideau Canal and manicured green space. By spring, enjoy the sights of the Canadian Tulip Festival and in winter participate in the capital’s renowned Winterlude celebrations by taking steps to the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau canal.” Josh Zaret, Gemstone Developments http://gemstonecorp.com/portfolio/894-colonel-by-drive/ Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa StagingThis modern open concept home, designed by Barry Hobin, included 10 foot ceilings with gorgeous floor to ceiling windows. It was important to create an inviting atmosphere with the furnishings we chose, creating a space that anyone who enters could envision themselves living in. We wanted to create a distinction between the living and dining room, as the home featured a very open concept space. Polanco’s designers wanted to create the look of a home meant for entertaining, in which you could enjoy a dining experience as well as socialize in the living room area. The breathtaking view of the Rideau Canal seen from all seating areas in the living space accentuated the spacious feeling of the home. A custom sized Martha sectional from Marcantonio Designs was the perfect choice for this grand open living room. Upholstered in a soft off-white leather, this style with metal legs complements the contemporary style of this home. We paired the sectional with a square fully tufted ottoman in a similar creamy-white leather to complete the seating area. The solid maple Verona sideboard from Handstone Furniture in a vintage silver stain gives buyers a sense of where to position their media centre. Above this piece, in lieu of a TV, we opted to bring some colour into the space with a piece from Celadon Art. To tie the artwork to the rest of the area, beautiful toss cushions in varying tones of blue were placed on the furniture pieces. Two matching Cassandra chairs upholstered in a simple grey linen fabric were selected to complement the neutral tones of the other furniture pieces. White accessories from Torre & Tagus placed on the ottoman are the final element of decor to this gorgeous open concept living space. We wanted to continue with a light and airy look, and chose to place a custom Albany console from Artage on the wall opposite to the Verona sideboard. We decorated the console with white accessories from Torre & Tagus and a Bangkok mirror from Renwil. This mirror is a Polanco favourite due to its size and versatility – it matches both classic and modern designs. The round shape of the mirror adds softness and complements the wall sconces. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingMoving into the dining room, we selected the Cordova dining table from Handstone Furniture. The functionality of a pedestal table allowed for more seating so buyers could envision how many guests they could seat in this large open space dining room. We chose the same vintage silver stain on the dining room table as well as on the living room sideboard to create consistency from room to room. To contrast with the darker stain of the table, we paired it with white leather Linda chairs from Elite Living. At the head of the table, the Albany bar cart from Artage in a bright chrome finish completes the room with a unique entertaining piece. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingMatching Linda white leather counter stools were used in the kitchen to create continuity from one room to another. In the family area off of the kitchen, we placed the Melynda swivel chair from Marcantonio Designs in a complementary white leather. The swivel feature on the chair allows buyers to envision how the space would function – if you were sitting in this area you could easily swivel your chair to talk to people in the kitchen as well as enjoying the contemporary fireplace. Opposite this chair is the Melrose love seat upholstered in a light grey linen fabric. It was chosen for its low profile look, as it does not obstruct the view of the beautiful terrace at the back of the house. In the centre of both pieces is the Orion coffee table also in a bright chrome finish. The Orion coffee table, light in design, was a strategic choice, making the room appear larger. Patterned toss cushions complement the geometric texture of the tiled fireplace while bringing the design elements of the space and furniture together. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingIn the master bedroom, we selected the stunning Layla king size bed upholstered in a light grey linen fabric. The soft curve of its headboard complements the curved Capricorn chairs placed in the seating area near the window of this room. Crisp, white linens from Cuddle Down Products were chosen to dress the bed, accentuated by Polanco’s own decorative toss cushions in fabrics from Robert Allen Design. On each side of the bed we chose custom wide Brooklyn nightstands painted in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and accentuated with decorative glass knobs. Silver accents are continued throughout the room, as shown with the nailheads on the upholstered bed and occasional chairs, cabinet knobs, lamps, and accessories. The spare bedroom was designed specifically to allow future home buyers to envision their own furniture in the space. We chose the Linea queen bed in a neutral grey fabric for its simple and elegant design and paired it with crisp white linens from Cuddle Down Products. A silver end table from Torre & Tagus and a silver table lamp from Arteriors Home finish the space. The entranceway was decorated with a large simple 48” round mirror with a decorative upholstered Thomas bench in a contemporary grey velvet fabric. We accented the design of the entrance bench with toss cushions to create an inviting feel upon entering this exquisite home. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingOpen to the entranceway, the large den has magnificent floor to ceiling windows showcasing the view of the gardens along the Rideau Canal. We chose to show this space as a home office, featuring a live edge solid cherry desk from Harden Furniture. We positioned a Wilson chair in blue fabric at the desk, facing towards the breathtaking views of the canal. To complete this office look, a Timeout chair and ottoman were placed in the corner of the room paired with the Funco side table. Artwork was chosen to create interest and add colour, complementing the contemporary wing back desk chair. It was a pleasure working with Gemstone Developments on this stunning modern home designed by Barry Hobin Architecture. Our goal was to furnish and decorate the home in such a way that potential buyers could envision themselves living in the space, while also accentuating the existing interior design. We are pleased to announce 894 Colonel By Drive was sold just three months after the staging project was completed.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, white backsplash and porcelain backsplash

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Vicenza Grigio Limestone
Patio - large coastal backyard concrete paver patio idea with no cover

gorgeous details of this adjustable height dining table and hide on hair bar stool. Photo by Gerard Garcia @gerardgarcia
Inspiration for a small industrial concrete floor and gray floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York

Example of a 1950s home design design in Seattle