Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the bathroom remodeling contractor for this Delafield master bath and closet. This black and white boho bathrooom has industrial touches and warm wood accents. The original space was like a labyrinth, with a complicated layout of walls and doors. The homeowners wanted to improve the functionality and modernize the space. The main entry of the bathroom/closet was a single door that lead to the vanity. Around the left was the closet and around the right was the rest of the bathroom. The bathroom area consisted of two separate closets, a bathtub/shower combo, a small walk-in shower and a toilet. To fix the choppy layout, we separated the two spaces with separate doors – one to the master closet and one to the bathroom. We installed pocket doors for each doorway to keep a streamlined look and save space. BLACK & WHITE BOHO BATHROOM This master bath is a light, airy space with a boho vibe. The couple opted for a large walk-in shower featuring a Dreamline Shower enclosure. Moving the shower to the corner gave us room for a black vanity, quartz counters, two sinks, and plenty of storage and counter space. The toilet is tucked in the far corner behind a half wall. BOHO DESIGN The design is contemporary and features black and white finishes. We used a white cararra marble hexagon tile for the backsplash and the shower floor. The Hinkley light fixtures are matte black and chrome. The space is warmed up with luxury vinyl plank wood flooring and a teak shelf in the shower. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “Kowalske just finished our master bathroom/closet and left us very satisfied. Within a few weeks of involving Kowalske, they helped us finish our designs and planned out the whole project. Once they started, they finished work before deadlines, were so easy to communicate with, and kept expectations clear. They didn’t leave us wondering when their skilled craftsmen (all of which were professional and great guys) were coming and going or how far away the finish line was, each week was planned. Lastly, the quality of the finished product is second to none and worth every penny. I highly recommend Kowalske.” – Mitch, Facebook Review

From the outside of this very traditional home in Harrison, New York, you would never expect the contemporary styling and pops of color throughout the interior, including the white feather chandelier and oversized painting of Marilyn Monroe with pink bubblegum, both of which accent the dinner table. When the client first came into meet with Bilotta designer, Danielle Florie, they had an idea of what they wanted, and what they didn’t want. They have modern/transitional taste and wanted both an aesthetically “wow” kitchen that was also very functional. Danielle made it come to life. They had been collecting photos for ten years before they decided to pull the trigger. They opted for Bilotta’s private cabinetry line, the Bilotta Collection, and selected a frameless, stepped door with double tiered wall cabinets, all accented by polished chrome rectangular pulls and square knobs. Instead of a deep corner cabinet they went with thick alumasteel shelves in the corner of the kitchen. At the peninsula they added some “bling” with the polished chrome and glass doors above the appliance garage. Also at the peninsula they decided to face their secondary, “prep” sink out towards the dinner table primarily so the kids could wash their hands before eating. There is also an undercounter beverage center to the right of that sink for easy access to drinks. Instead of going with a smooth painted finish they opted for a hand-brushed finish for a little texture. All appliances are Miele including their brand new 48” duel fuel range, smart enough on its own to tell you how to cook! The backsplash behind the range is the Stone Fox Collection from Ellen Blakeley of Ellen Blakely Studio in Santa Rosa, CA. It is a custom made tempered glass mosaic. The countertops and rest of the backsplash are White Diamond marble from Rye Marble, and the flooring is a porcelain Tile from Terra Tile. Designer: Danielle Florie. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

What is the first room you see as you walk in your front door? A messy, yet productive office? A fun playroom for your kids? So many of my clients have expressed the need to close off these types of rooms to create more of an organized feel in their foyer. When throwing around ideas to my client, Dr. @lenolen we explored doing a pair of doors that would open into the room with a glass transom above. In my head, it just didn't seem special enough for their house that we totally re-designed. We came up with a custom pair of 8' sliding doors so they would not protrude into the playroom taking up valuable space. I'll admit, the custom hardware took WAY longer than expected because the vendor sent the wrong thing. But, this is exactly why you should hire an Interior Designer! Let Design Actually worry about the hiccups that inevitably will arise so you can spend more time on things you need to accomplish. Click the website in my bio to see more of her house!

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Lisa Gebhart of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA collaborated with Bowman Walker to design a transitional-inspired beach house kitchen featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry in the Portrait door style. The kitchen's perimeter cabinets are in the Boardwalk finish, while the island cabinets are in the Basalt finish. The countertops are Hanstone Montauk quartz. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their gratitude, stating, "Everything about working with Lisa was amazing, she was my secret weapon to the compliments I received in construction mode. Her kitchen design suggestions worked with our budget and transitional beach house design." "The best suggestion Lisa gave was to follow my instincts. She didn’t always agree with me, but she kindly offered an alternative and was always right! My favorite part of the kitchen is the custom hood and island cabinets. Well done!" Lisa added, "The clients, along with their builder, were all such a pleasure to work with! We worked together on selections and designs for many months and through several revisions and finally got to a place where it was able to exceed their expectations. Building a whole house can be challenging, but I believe their final selections and designs will make them happy for years to come." Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Dana Thompson Photography
Girl nursery photo in Los Angeles

Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

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!)