Photo: Ty Cole
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in New York with white walls

Large arts and crafts formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Denver with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel

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!)

Patio - contemporary patio idea in San Francisco

Open concept kitchen - small scandinavian galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Burlington with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, gray countertops and quartz countertops

Whether crafting is a hobby or a full-time occupation, it requires space and organization. Any space in your home can be transformed into a fun and functional craft room – whether it’s a guest room, empty basement, laundry room or small niche. Replete with built-in cabinets and desks, or islands for sewing centers, you’re no longer relegated to whatever empty room is available for your creative crafting space. An ideal outlet to spark your creativity, a well-designed craft room will provide you with access to all of your tools and supplies as well as a place to spread out and work comfortably. Designed to cleverly fit into any unused space, a custom craft room is the perfect place for scrapbooking, sewing, and painting for everyone.

Transitional multicolored two-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Milwaukee

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept porcelain tile and gray floor living room remodel in Miami with gray walls

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

From Empty to Exceptional | Minneapolis, MN | Sawhill Built-in Buffet, Minneapolis From Empty to Exceptional built-in buffet by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

Empty Nest Perfection | Golden Valley, MN | Sawhill Kitchen Remodel, Minneapolis Empty Nest Perfection kitchen remodel by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

Empty Nest Perfection | Golden Valley, MN | Sawhill Kitchen Remodel, Minneapolis Empty Nest Perfection kitchen remodel by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

From Empty to Exceptional | Minneapolis, MN | Sawhill Built-in Buffet, Minneapolis From Empty to Exceptional built-in buffet by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

From Empty to Exceptional | Minneapolis, MN | Sawhill Built-in Buffet, Minneapolis From Empty to Exceptional built-in buffet by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

Empty Nest Perfection | Golden Valley, MN | Sawhill Kitchen Remodel, Minneapolis Empty Nest Perfection kitchen remodel by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

Empty Nest Perfection | Golden Valley, MN | Sawhill Kitchen Remodel, Minneapolis Empty Nest Perfection kitchen remodel by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

From Empty to Exceptional | Minneapolis, MN | Sawhill Built-in Buffet, Minneapolis From Empty to Exceptional built-in buffet by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com

Empty Nest Perfection | Golden Valley, MN | Sawhill Kitchen Remodel, Minneapolis Empty Nest Perfection kitchen remodel by Sawhill, a design/build/remodel firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To learn more about us and see additional examples of our work, visit www.sawhillkitchens.com