The owners were downsizing from a large ornate property down the street and were seeking a number of goals. Single story living, modern and open floor plan, comfortable working kitchen, spaces to house their collection of artwork, low maintenance and a strong connection between the interior and the landscape. Working with a long narrow lot adjacent to conservation land, the main living space (16 foot ceiling height at its peak) opens with folding glass doors to a large screen porch that looks out on a courtyard and the adjacent wooded landscape. This gives the home the perception that it is on a much larger lot and provides a great deal of privacy. The transition from the entry to the core of the home provides a natural gallery in which to display artwork and sculpture. Artificial light almost never needs to be turned on during daytime hours and the substantial peaked roof over the main living space is oriented to allow for solar panels not visible from the street or yard.

Stephanie Brown Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

This crisp and clean bathroom renovation boost bright white herringbone wall tile with a delicate matte black accent along the chair rail. the floors plan a leading roll with their unique pattern and the vanity adds warmth with its rich blue green color tone and is full of unique storage.

Inspiration for a large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

Philip Crocker Collaborative design work between our clients and ourselves incorporating their own tastes, furniture and artwork as they downsized from a large home to an almost new condo. As with many of our projects we brought in our core group of trade specialists to consult and advise so that we could guide our clients through an easy process of option selections to meet their standards, timeline and budget. A very smooth project from beginning to end that included removal of the existing hardwood and carpet throughout, new painting throughout, some new lighting and detailed art glass work as well as custom metal and millwork. A successful project with excellent results and happy clients! Do you want to renovate your condo? Showcase Interiors Ltd. specializes in condo renovations. As well as thorough planning assistance including feasibility reviews and inspections, we can also provide permit acquisition services. We also possess Advanced Clearance through Worksafe BC and all General Liability Insurance for Strata Approval required for your proposed project. Showcase Interiors Ltd. is a trusted, fully licensed and insured renovations firm offering exceptional service and high quality workmanship. We work with home and business owners to develop, manage and execute small to large renovations and unique installations. We work with accredited interior designers, engineers and authorities to deliver special projects from concept to completion on time & on budget. Our loyal clients love our integrity, reliability, level of service and depth of experience. Contact us today about your project and join our long list of satisfied clients! We are a proud family business!

The homeowners of this condo sought our assistance when downsizing from a large family home on Howe Sound to a small urban condo in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. They asked us to incorporate many of their precious antiques and art pieces into the new design. Our challenges here were twofold; first, how to deal with the unconventional curved floor plan with vast South facing windows that provide a 180 degree view of downtown Vancouver, and second, how to successfully merge an eclectic collection of antique pieces into a modern setting. We began by updating most of their artwork with new matting and framing. We created a gallery effect by grouping like artwork together and displaying larger pieces on the sections of wall between the windows, lighting them with black wall sconces for a graphic effect. We re-upholstered their antique seating with more contemporary fabrics choices - a gray flannel on their Victorian fainting couch and a fun orange chenille animal print on their Louis style chairs. We selected black as an accent colour for many of the accessories as well as the dining room wall to give the space a sophisticated modern edge. The new pieces that we added, including the sofa, coffee table and dining light fixture are mid century inspired, bridging the gap between old and new. White walls and understated wallpaper provide the perfect backdrop for the colourful mix of antique pieces. Interior Design by Lori Steeves, Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Christy and Matt have traveled the world, picking up a love of Monet’s garden in France and many unique artifacts along the way. They had accumulated an extensive art collection of their own which expanded to include an eclectic array of folk art inherited from Christy’s mom. With an eye on downsizing, the couple realized their living environment had become cluttered. They wanted a more serene feeling in their home…like a modern version of Monet’s Garden. LiLu’s inspiration began with a new color palette, using green as a neutral and adding a mixture of vibrant colors reminiscent of a garden. Sheer drapes in the living room diffuse the natural light, almost as if the sun is being filtered through a canopy of trees. The design team also brought focus to their art collection by designing custom built-ins to display their artwork. The dark wood finish relates to the color of the custom dining table creating a cohesive composition. The clean-lined furniture features soft curves to suggest a more botanical feel. The result has brought dazzling serenity to this condo hidden among the busy streets of downtown Minneapolis. ---- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. ---- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ --- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/secret-garden/

Inspiration for a large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

N. Franzen A 750 square foot top floor apartment is transformed from a cramped and musty two bedroom into a sun-drenched aerie with a second floor home office recaptured from an old storage loft. Multiple skylights and a large picture window allow light to fill the space altering the feeling throughout the days and seasons. Views of New York Harbor, previously ignored, are now a daily event. Featured in the Fall 2016 issue of Domino, and on Refinery 29.

Example of a large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

Philip Crocker Collaborative design work between our clients and ourselves incorporating their own tastes, furniture and artwork as they downsized from a large home to an almost new condo. As with many of our projects we brought in our core group of trade specialists to consult and advise so that we could guide our clients through an easy process of option selections to meet their standards, timeline and budget. A very smooth project from beginning to end that included removal of the existing hardwood and carpet throughout, new painting throughout, some new lighting and detailed art glass work as well as custom metal and millwork. A successful project with excellent results and happy clients! Do you want to renovate your condo? Showcase Interiors Ltd. specializes in condo renovations. As well as thorough planning assistance including feasibility reviews and inspections, we can also provide permit acquisition services. We also possess Advanced Clearance through Worksafe BC and all General Liability Insurance for Strata Approval required for your proposed project. Showcase Interiors Ltd. is a trusted, fully licensed and insured renovations firm offering exceptional service and high quality workmanship. We work with home and business owners to develop, manage and execute small to large renovations and unique installations. We work with accredited interior designers, engineers and authorities to deliver special projects from concept to completion on time & on budget. Our loyal clients love our integrity, reliability, level of service and depth of experience. Contact us today about your project and join our long list of satisfied clients! We are a proud family business!

When a new widow decided to move, she found a near perfect house to downsize to in Rossmoor, a gated community in Walnut Creek. A well-executed renovation helped to make it home—one that reminded her of her previous home in Berkeley, but smaller and easier to manage. Luckily, the original layout of the house worked for the client, so for the most part, she only needed to update the look and feel of the rooms. The house was remodeled with new White Oak hardwood flooring, new windows with white wood shutters, and new doors and hardware throughout. Every room also received a fresh coat of paint. As a very talented painter, the client mixed her own custom colors, which Gayler Design Build gladly applied for her. The kitchen was designed with custom southwest cherry Precision Cabinets, Lemurian Blue Quartzite countertops, and a Venetian Classic Tuscan Slate tile backsplash. The Sub-Zero refrigerator was disguised using custom cabinet appliance panels, effectively integrating it with the cabinetry wall for a unified look. Other stainless steel appliances included a Wolf rangetop, range hood, oven and microwave.

Example of a large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

Eric Roth - Photo INSIDE OUT, OUTSIDE IN – IPSWICH, MA Downsizing from their sprawling country estate in Hamilton, MA, this retiring couple knew they found utopia when they purchased this already picturesque marsh-view home complete with ocean breezes, privacy and endless views. It was only a matter of putting their personal stamp on it with an emphasis on outdoor living to suit their evolving lifestyle with grandchildren. That vision included a natural screened porch that would invite the landscape inside and provide a vibrant space for maximized outdoor entertaining complete with electric ceiling heaters, adjacent wet bar & beverage station that all integrated seamlessly with the custom-built inground pool. Aside from providing the perfect getaway & entertainment mecca for their large family, this couple planned their forever home thoughtfully by adding square footage to accommodate single-level living. Sunrises are now magical from their first-floor master suite, luxury bath with soaker tub and laundry room, all with a view! Growing older will be more enjoyable with sleeping quarters, laundry and bath just steps from one another. With walls removed, utilities updated, a gas fireplace installed, and plentiful built-ins added, the sun-filled kitchen/dining/living combination eases entertaining and makes for a happy hang-out. This Ipswich home is drenched in conscious details, intentional planning and surrounded by a bucolic landscape, the perfect setting for peaceful enjoyment and harmonious living

Example of a large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

The option to downsize was not an option for the empty nesters who have lived in this home for over twenty-five years. Situated in TMR, the sprawling home has been the venue for many social events, dinner parties and family celebrations. With grown children living abroad, and grand children on the way, it was important that the new kitchen be highly functional and conducive to hosting informal, yet large family gatherings. The kitchen had been relocated to the garage in the late eighties during a large renovation and was looking tired. Eight foot concrete ceilings meant the new materials and design had to create the illusion of height and light. White lacquered doors and integrated fridge panels extend to the ceiling and cast a bright reflection into the room. The teak dining table and chairs were the only elements to preserve from the old kitchen, and influenced the direction of materials to be incorporated into the new design. The island and selected lower cabinetry are made of butternut and oiled in a matte finish that relates to the teak dining set. Oversized tiles on the heated floors resemble soft concrete. The mandate for the second floor included the overhaul of the master ensuite, to create his and hers closets, and a library. Walls were relocated and the floor plan reconfigured to create a luxurious ensuite of dramatic proportions. A walk-in shower, partitioned toilet area, and 18’ vanity are among many details that add visual interest and comfort. Minimal white oak panels wrap around from the bedroom into the ensuite, and integrate two full-height pocket doors in the same material.

Large transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and an island

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography