Kirkland clients, Shayna and Anthony had a lovely home with a beautiful view of Lake Washington. However, the waterfront side of their home didn’t offer an ideal set-up to fully enjoy the magnificence that their lot provides. They desired more year-round use of their home in the form of an outdoor covered living room, along with more overall functionality from their outdoor spaces. Their formal living area had a door to the outside that the couple never used. The McAdams Remodeling & Design team replaced the sliding door with a window that still offered plenty of natural light but enclosed the space providing more options for furniture placement. The room’s exterior stairs and landing were removed. The exterior siding was matched, and the new landscaping along with an arbor installed, was created in tandem during the remodel by a local landscape architecture firm, ensuring the change looked natural. Past the seating around the gas firepit, a new large deck was constructed, half of which was covered, to replace the smaller, dated version. The metal railing was exchanged for a new composite one, and a new Dutch back door leading from the kitchen offers an alternative option for ingress and egress along with fresh air on nice days. The covered deck area adjacent to the family room provides protection from the weather and now houses the outdoor kitchen they desired for entertaining family and friends. The outdoor kitchen includes a built-in gas grill, stone gas fireplace, refrigerator for food and beverages, and a garbage receptacle. A ceiling fan and heaters are incorporated into the outdoor living space design to provide year-round comfort. Finally, retractable shades were installed so that the couple can enclose the space if desired. A small upstairs bedroom was used as a den for relaxation and reading but also contains one of the best views in the home. The McAdams team removed the windows and base bulkhead, adding floor to ceiling windows and a glass door for an unobstructed view. The new medium-sized deck above the covered outdoor living space gives Shayna and Anthony the opportunity to entertain or relax while highlighting their view of the lake. Finally, their Juliet balcony off the primary bedroom received a re-coated railing and new decking, while the home was repainted to offer a classy craftsman feel and pull all of the changes into one cohesive home design. Shayna and Anthony love their new entertainment spaces and expect to use them often.

Kirkland clients, Shayna and Anthony had a lovely home with a beautiful view of Lake Washington. However, the waterfront side of their home didn’t offer an ideal set-up to fully enjoy the magnificence that their lot provides. They desired more year-round use of their home in the form of an outdoor covered living room, along with more overall functionality from their outdoor spaces. Their formal living area had a door to the outside that the couple never used. The McAdams Remodeling & Design team replaced the sliding door with a window that still offered plenty of natural light but enclosed the space providing more options for furniture placement. The room’s exterior stairs and landing were removed. The exterior siding was matched, and the new landscaping along with an arbor installed, was created in tandem during the remodel by a local landscape architecture firm, ensuring the change looked natural. Past the seating around the gas firepit, a new large deck was constructed, half of which was covered, to replace the smaller, dated version. The metal railing was exchanged for a new composite one, and a new Dutch back door leading from the kitchen offers an alternative option for ingress and egress along with fresh air on nice days. The covered deck area adjacent to the family room provides protection from the weather and now houses the outdoor kitchen they desired for entertaining family and friends. The outdoor kitchen includes a built-in gas grill, stone gas fireplace, refrigerator for food and beverages, and a garbage receptacle. A ceiling fan and heaters are incorporated into the outdoor living space design to provide year-round comfort. Finally, retractable shades were installed so that the couple can enclose the space if desired. A small upstairs bedroom was used as a den for relaxation and reading but also contains one of the best views in the home. The McAdams team removed the windows and base bulkhead, adding floor to ceiling windows and a glass door for an unobstructed view. The new medium-sized deck above the covered outdoor living space gives Shayna and Anthony the opportunity to entertain or relax while highlighting their view of the lake. Finally, their Juliet balcony off the primary bedroom received a re-coated railing and new decking, while the home was repainted to offer a classy craftsman feel and pull all of the changes into one cohesive home design. Shayna and Anthony love their new entertainment spaces and expect to use them often.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

Embrace the essence of cottage living with a bespoke wall unit and bookshelf tailored to your unique space. Handcrafted with care and attention to detail, this renovation project infuses a modern cottage living room with rustic charm and timeless appeal. The custom-built unit offers both practical storage solutions and a focal point for displaying cherished possessions. This thoughtfully designed addition enhances the warmth and character of the space.

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!)

Inspiration for an industrial deck remodel in London with no cover

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

photo by Douglas Gibb
Example of a hallway design in Edinburgh

Group of Seven Photography
Example of a large classic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Toronto with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Surrounded by 30 year old trees, the homeowners were looking for an organic, modern, low maintenance finish to their outdoor environment. Utilizing the pre-existing mature apple tree in the backyard VisionScapes developed a tranquil retreat that extended the sq.ft of the home through a series of terraced concrete and wood decks. Pathways and patio systems were locally sourced from a quarry on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. Photo credit: Jamen Rhodes

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard landscaping in Toronto.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

Kirkland clients, Shayna and Anthony had a lovely home with a beautiful view of Lake Washington. However, the waterfront side of their home didn’t offer an ideal set-up to fully enjoy the magnificence that their lot provides. They desired more year-round use of their home in the form of an outdoor covered living room, along with more overall functionality from their outdoor spaces. Their formal living area had a door to the outside that the couple never used. The McAdams Remodeling & Design team replaced the sliding door with a window that still offered plenty of natural light but enclosed the space providing more options for furniture placement. The room’s exterior stairs and landing were removed. The exterior siding was matched, and the new landscaping along with an arbor installed, was created in tandem during the remodel by a local landscape architecture firm, ensuring the change looked natural. Past the seating around the gas firepit, a new large deck was constructed, half of which was covered, to replace the smaller, dated version. The metal railing was exchanged for a new composite one, and a new Dutch back door leading from the kitchen offers an alternative option for ingress and egress along with fresh air on nice days. The covered deck area adjacent to the family room provides protection from the weather and now houses the outdoor kitchen they desired for entertaining family and friends. The outdoor kitchen includes a built-in gas grill, stone gas fireplace, refrigerator for food and beverages, and a garbage receptacle. A ceiling fan and heaters are incorporated into the outdoor living space design to provide year-round comfort. Finally, retractable shades were installed so that the couple can enclose the space if desired. A small upstairs bedroom was used as a den for relaxation and reading but also contains one of the best views in the home. The McAdams team removed the windows and base bulkhead, adding floor to ceiling windows and a glass door for an unobstructed view. The new medium-sized deck above the covered outdoor living space gives Shayna and Anthony the opportunity to entertain or relax while highlighting their view of the lake. Finally, their Juliet balcony off the primary bedroom received a re-coated railing and new decking, while the home was repainted to offer a classy craftsman feel and pull all of the changes into one cohesive home design. Shayna and Anthony love their new entertainment spaces and expect to use them often.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.