When it comes to pool design, for some homeowners less is more. As opposed to a natural and rustic setting, these homeowners chose a contemporary theme focused on clean lines and geometric design. For this project, we ripped out a previous existing pool and installed a new lap pool design. Parallel to the lap pool, sits a square toddler pool. Planter boxes sitting behind lounge chairs are surrounded by a retaining wall containing a lush green softscape. Six pieces of large stone were used for a fire feature. The flames dance through large, decorative chunks of glass for an element of lighting effect.

In this new build project, our objective was to create light and airy spaces and rooms that evoke warmth and coziness, including a main level floor plan that elicits open concept and separate spaces through architectural details. We love that our client felt inspired by minimal, clean and modern design elements that incorporate interest through movement in natural materials yet also adored traditional elements and beachside inspiration. By juxtaposing strong raw wood elements against soft linen curves and contrasting soft neutral colors against moody tones, we strove to create balance within the design. The space provides the perfect amount of richness and depth to ensure coastal vibes are respected not overwhelming. Bringing the outdoors in, through greenery and living plants, we created a soothing and natural ease about this family home.

This beautiful kitchen was remodeled for a growing family in the Chicago suburbs. As they were purchasing a new home, they realized there were many drawbacks to the kitchen. It needed to be redesigned to meet their lifestyle and it made sense to do it before moving in. It was a large kitchen but the functional work space was very small. The work triangle was cumbersome and traffic flowed right through it. The existing kitchen had new red oak floors. They were beautiful, but dark red floors just aren’t practical for a growing family with dogs. THE REMODEL The first thing we did was redesign the space and reorient the layout with two islands. Incorporating a built-in banquette, instead of a table, freed up plenty of room for them. The islands are strategically placed in the opposite direction of the previous layout’s single island. This not only creates a better view from the family room, it keeps the traffic flow out of the work area while facilitating two separate workspaces. The small island incorporates a new prep sink. It’s right across from the cooking area, which is a new focal point with a gorgeous new metal hood. The larger island incorporates a Galley Workstation with accessories for efficient prep, expediting and serving. The 4′ sink makes post-meal clean-up a breeze. The butler’s pantry just outside the kitchen was large enough to create a new beverage center for morning coffee and cocktail prep. An ice maker was added to this area but there wasn’t enough room for a new wine cooler and refrigerator drawers. A separate area using previously unused space was added to the kitchen (by the table) – it includes a new wine cooler and cold beverage drawers. This is framed nicely with some glass door cabinets and a lighted open niche above for decorative display. STRATEGIC DESIGN A combination of colors and finishes highlight different focal points in the kitchen – this includes a slate blue, a soft grey and a light whitewashed stain on rift-cut oak. The stained white oak makes the wine cooler and refrigeration areas look more like furniture pieces instead of kitchen cabinets. The floors were refinished with a very light grey stain that enabled us to lighten up the color and get the red out of the finish. A new ceiling was designed to add architectural detail to the space – it includes three separate tray areas with new crown molding and lighting. THE RENEWED SPACE This stunning new kitchen is the perfect fit for the family and their home – the finishes and design elements flow beautifully into the adjoining spaces. It fulfills all of the family’s dreams for a beautiful and comfortable space that is functional and versatile.

Eichler X-100 Rear Exterior & Pool: Where Architecture Meets Landscape The rear exterior of the Eichler X-100 is where the home fully expresses its vision of indoor-outdoor living—a seamless composition of architecture, landscape, and water that feels both sculptural and deeply livable. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, this side of the home transforms the backyard into an extension of the interior experience. A Wall of Glass to the Landscape The rear façade is defined by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. Living spaces open directly to the backyard, allowing light, air, and views to flow freely through the home. From nearly every angle, the outdoors becomes part of the architecture. The Pool as a Design Element At the center of the backyard is a striking geometric pool, often described as being formed through intersecting circular forms. This is not just a recreational feature—it is a deliberate extension of the home’s architectural language. The curves of the pool contrast with the linear steel structure, creating a balanced interplay between softness and precision. Outdoor Living, Elevated The rear grounds are carefully composed to support both relaxation and entertaining: Integrated patio and seating areas Clean hardscape that echoes the home’s geometry Landscaping that enhances privacy while maintaining openness Every element is intentional, reinforcing a sense of calm and cohesion. A Continuous Flow of Space Large sliding glass panels allow the interior to open fully to the backyard, turning the living areas into an open-air pavilion. Whether hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment, the transition between interior and exterior is effortless. This is California Modernism in its purest form. Framed Views and Privacy Despite the openness, the design maintains a strong sense of privacy and enclosure. The positioning of the home, landscaping, and surrounding elements creates a protected environment—one that feels expansive without being exposed. A Lifestyle, Not Just a Backyard The rear exterior of the Eichler X-100 is more than a setting—it is a lifestyle environment, where architecture and nature work together to shape daily life. It’s where morning light reflects off the water, where evenings unfold under open skies, and where the home’s original vision—of living seamlessly between indoors and out—comes fully to life. In the X-100, the backyard isn’t separate from the home. It is the home—just without walls.

Example of a mid-sized trendy home design design in Other

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Inspired by the client’s frequent trips to Martha’s Vineyard, this renovation project’s primary goal was to create a landscape complimentary of this Colonial Revival style home, reminiscent of Edgartown, Massachusetts. The front landscape was specifically designed to offer expansive views of a layered horizontal foundation planting that nestled itself around the base of the home, allowing the home itself to be the star of the show. Flowering borders that rotate with the seasons create a strong foreground while a clipped yew hedge forms the barrier needed to separate the billowing panicle hydrangeas in the background. The axial design of the herringbone front walk, punctuated by a bluestone transitional space and formal cast limestone urn, create an axis by which all other landscape elements are symmetrically mirrored. Desiring a rear entertainment space separated from the adjacent 4 car garage and recreational lawn, a series of intimate gathering spaces were designed to include Edgartown inspired architectural features that would establish the character of the garden while setting the backdrop for a robust mix of perennials, grasses, hedges and annuals. Mimicking the pattern and detail previously established on the stone base of the home, individually hand chiseled pieces of Valders veneer were used to construct the garden walls. Reclaimed street pavers border a reconfigured bluestone patio and create a garden walk that separates the garden into 4 equal quadrants; each section of the walk connecting itself to a prominent feature of the garden. The central paver transition space is backed by a concentric hedge of low growing boxwoods, delineating annual and perennial. The relocation of an arbor, in conjunction with a new evergreen hedge, creates the desired partition between relaxed conversation and open lawn activities. A brick masonry water feature with reclaimed 1916 antique cast iron tub anchors the garden and terminates the perennial adorned paver walk opposite the home’s fireplace centered within the main seating area. Whether spending an evening with friends or a quiet moment alone, this quaint garden space offers our clients the perfect ambiance to pause and reflect on life’s special treasures.

This beautiful kitchen was remodeled for a growing family in the Chicago suburbs. As they were purchasing a new home, they realized there were many drawbacks to the kitchen. It needed to be redesigned to meet their lifestyle and it made sense to do it before moving in. It was a large kitchen but the functional work space was very small. The work triangle was cumbersome and traffic flowed right through it. The existing kitchen had new red oak floors. They were beautiful, but dark red floors just aren’t practical for a growing family with dogs. THE REMODEL The first thing we did was redesign the space and reorient the layout with two islands. Incorporating a built-in banquette, instead of a table, freed up plenty of room for them. The islands are strategically placed in the opposite direction of the previous layout’s single island. This not only creates a better view from the family room, it keeps the traffic flow out of the work area while facilitating two separate workspaces. The small island incorporates a new prep sink. It’s right across from the cooking area, which is a new focal point with a gorgeous new metal hood. The larger island incorporates a Galley Workstation with accessories for efficient prep, expediting and serving. The 4′ sink makes post-meal clean-up a breeze. The butler’s pantry just outside the kitchen was large enough to create a new beverage center for morning coffee and cocktail prep. An ice maker was added to this area but there wasn’t enough room for a new wine cooler and refrigerator drawers. A separate area using previously unused space was added to the kitchen (by the table) – it includes a new wine cooler and cold beverage drawers. This is framed nicely with some glass door cabinets and a lighted open niche above for decorative display. STRATEGIC DESIGN A combination of colors and finishes highlight different focal points in the kitchen – this includes a slate blue, a soft grey and a light whitewashed stain on rift-cut oak. The stained white oak makes the wine cooler and refrigeration areas look more like furniture pieces instead of kitchen cabinets. The floors were refinished with a very light grey stain that enabled us to lighten up the color and get the red out of the finish. A new ceiling was designed to add architectural detail to the space – it includes three separate tray areas with new crown molding and lighting. THE RENEWED SPACE This stunning new kitchen is the perfect fit for the family and their home – the finishes and design elements flow beautifully into the adjoining spaces. It fulfills all of the family’s dreams for a beautiful and comfortable space that is functional and versatile.

Inspired by the client’s frequent trips to Martha’s Vineyard, this renovation project’s primary goal was to create a landscape complimentary of this Colonial Revival style home, reminiscent of Edgartown, Massachusetts. The front landscape was specifically designed to offer expansive views of a layered horizontal foundation planting that nestled itself around the base of the home, allowing the home itself to be the star of the show. Flowering borders that rotate with the seasons create a strong foreground while a clipped yew hedge forms the barrier needed to separate the billowing panicle hydrangeas in the background. The axial design of the herringbone front walk, punctuated by a bluestone transitional space and formal cast limestone urn, create an axis by which all other landscape elements are symmetrically mirrored. Desiring a rear entertainment space separated from the adjacent 4 car garage and recreational lawn, a series of intimate gathering spaces were designed to include Edgartown inspired architectural features that would establish the character of the garden while setting the backdrop for a robust mix of perennials, grasses, hedges and annuals. Mimicking the pattern and detail previously established on the stone base of the home, individually hand chiseled pieces of Valders veneer were used to construct the garden walls. Reclaimed street pavers border a reconfigured bluestone patio and create a garden walk that separates the garden into 4 equal quadrants; each section of the walk connecting itself to a prominent feature of the garden. The central paver transition space is backed by a concentric hedge of low growing boxwoods, delineating annual and perennial. The relocation of an arbor, in conjunction with a new evergreen hedge, creates the desired partition between relaxed conversation and open lawn activities. A brick masonry water feature with reclaimed 1916 antique cast iron tub anchors the garden and terminates the perennial adorned paver walk opposite the home’s fireplace centered within the main seating area. Whether spending an evening with friends or a quiet moment alone, this quaint garden space offers our clients the perfect ambiance to pause and reflect on life’s special treasures.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner A Slice of Paradise Strongsville, Ohio Rock Bottom Lawn & Landscaping With a resort-like feel, this project incorporates many entertainment features. The homeowner requested an area for hosting large parties without feeling crowded. The separate design elements allow for more intimate gatherings within the overall project. These elements include a partially covered outdoor kitchen/bar, large dining area, covered pavilion and fireplace patio, in-ground swimming pool with accompanying pool deck, and a raised gas fire pit patio bordered by a curved seat wall. The theme of contrast runs throughout the project while unifying each of the features. Light and dark, smooth and textured, linear and sinuous play off each other adding interest and bringing attention to the materials used. The large pavers were chosen to fit the grand scale and style of the project, additionally creating a smooth surface along the pool deck, all while having a minimal joint between pavers. Textured dark grey and brown pavers provide accents and borders throughout the site. Seven feet of elevation change from the threshold of the house to the back side of the pool wall had to be taken into account. Retaining walls and the placement of patios limit the amount of stairs between areas, as requested by the homeowner, while still creating vertical interest in key places such as the fire pit patio. Non-concrete elements such as the palm trees, wooden pergolas and columns combine with the hardscaping to create a truly unique and relaxing slice of paradise.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

This project was kick-started by the removal of a large intrusive peninsula that competed with the young family’s bustling daily routine. Having already experienced the time investment of a sweat equity remodel, our clients enlisted us to do things a bit different while still paying careful attention to their personal aesthetic and lifestyle needs. The design sought to recreate a kitchen layout that would encourage gathering and create a welcoming space for friends and family, young and old. To open things up, the wall between the kitchen and dining room was eliminated. But we chose to retain and added on architectural elements to maintain a sense of intimate space within the new open concept. Those architectural elements were a creative way to accommodate existing structural elements and respect the bones of the home. The chunky early 00s arches were squared off for a more modern feel that better aligned with the client’s style. The hub of the home centers around the large walnut island featuring storage on three sides and seating for four. Handmade tile from Heath Ceramic creates a bold focal point. To ensure the space was bright and open, we opted for the two-tone mix of walnut and white cabinetry. The walnut cabinetry grounds the island and adds a touch of symmetry by flanking either side of the gas range. A new broom closet offers visual separation between the kitchen and the garage entry. Just of the garage door are a set of three tall cabinets that have been configured as locker storage for their kid's book bags, jackers, and shoes. Opposite the lockers is an overflow pantry space, window seat with extra storage, a nook for the dog bowls, and a mail station. A glass table in front of the window seat turns this area into the perfect homework nook. A set of three glass pendants from Pottery Barn illuminate the island. The soft white countertops are Daltile’s, Lincoln White matte quartz. Sleek cabinetry pulls from Amerock add that final touch. We are so in love with this cheerful, inviting main-level and are so happy our clients get to create memories inside these walls!

Designed with a nod to the Modern Movement of architectural styles, The Newcastle's exterior elements include horizontal Nichiha vintage wood cedar planks offset by Modera tailored and stacked ledgestone and a welcoming path of deep gray slate pavers. The horizontal grid lines in the home's 10' black iron double doors are mimicked throughout the home and add a classic modern feel to the windows, sliding glass doors, and an all-glass, temperature-controlled wine room. The Newcastle's great room is open to the chef's kitchen that features two separate quartzite islands, one with a beveled waterfall edge that's perfect for either casual dining or entertaining. Just off the kitchen, the wine room with a backlit blue-agate accent wall leads you into the home's bonus room, complete with a beverage refrigerator, humidor, and access to a private courtyard. The great room overlooks the spacious outdoor living areas which feature your own putting green, fire pit, pool and plenty of space for lounging, cooking and dining. The master suite has a volume ceiling, oversized windows overlooking the pool and lake with a private entrance to the rear lanai. The master bath features a recessed tub, a glass-enclosed shower that is centered within the room and surrounded by walls of glass, two separate vanities, water closets, and elegant courtyards, and of course spectacular closets. Additional living spaces inside this 4,806 SF home include a separate Casita, two additional en-suite guest rooms, study, walk-in pantry, laundry room, and 4-car split garage.

Luxury bathrooms showcasing modern features and one-of-a-kind accents. We went above and beyond to add spa-inspired tranquility to these homes. Luxe marble countertops, unique freestanding tubs, large walk-in closets, and modern vessel sinks were all must-have features that come together for a stunning cohesive design. Project designed by Denver, Colorado interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Denver as well as surrounding areas such as Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and Bow Mar. For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/

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!)

Modern exterior home idea in Atlanta

Peter Vanderwarker View towards ocean
Example of a mid-sized 1960s open concept and formal light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Boston with white walls, a stone fireplace, no tv and a two-sided fireplace

Bigger is not always better, but something of highest quality is. This amazing, size-appropriate Lake Michigan cottage is just that. Nestled in an existing historic stretch of Lake Michigan cottages, this new construction was built to fit in the neighborhood, but outperform any other home in the area concerning energy consumption, LEED certification and functionality. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room, a separate mudroom entrance and a separate laundry. This small (but smart) cottage is perfect for any family simply seeking a retreat without the stress of a big lake home. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The dining area was custom designed, custom built, and features both new and reclaimed elements. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details and has a large EZE-Breeze screen porch for additional dining and lounging. This home owns all the best products and features of a beach house, with no wasted space. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.