With two teen daughters, a one bathroom house isn’t going to cut it. In order to keep the peace, our clients tore down an existing house in Richmond, BC to build a dream home suitable for a growing family. The plan. To keep the business on the main floor, complete with gym and media room, and have the bedrooms on the upper floor to retreat to for moments of tranquility. Designed in an Arts and Crafts manner, the home’s facade and interior impeccably flow together. Most of the rooms have craftsman style custom millwork designed for continuity. The highlight of the main floor is the dining room with a ridge skylight where ship-lap and exposed beams are used as finishing touches. Large windows were installed throughout to maximize light and two covered outdoor patios built for extra square footage. The kitchen overlooks the great room and comes with a separate wok kitchen. You can never have too many kitchens! The upper floor was designed with a Jack and Jill bathroom for the girls and a fourth bedroom with en-suite for one of them to move to when the need presents itself. Mom and dad thought things through and kept their master bedroom and en-suite on the opposite side of the floor. With such a well thought out floor plan, this home is sure to please for years to come.

Erik Grammer Photography - I recently came across a post on Facebook with a photo of an elderly couple with a quote saying "We were born in a time when if something was broken we would fix it, not throw it away..." This quote resonated with me. I found myself thinking of it while working on the same house - for the fourth time. I affectionately call this beautiful Southern California beach house the Humpty Dumpty home. I started a wonderful business relationship with one of my favorite clients back in 2003. Initially, I was called in to "fix" and finish what another designer started. Once completed and with everything just so, the couple unfortunately divorced and amicably divided the art, rugs and furnishings. I was hired for a second time to recreate each room as close as possible to replace all items that were missing. The house was happily restored back to the original design and all was well for a few years. My client relocated to the East Coast for a temporary job assignment and the house was rented to a person (whose name I can't say) from a famous all-girl band. During this time there was a problem with the upstairs laundry room and water damage occurred. I was hired for the third time to help repair and update (ever so slightly) some areas in the house. My client requested to keep the design and feeling of the house intact because he loved it so much. A few years passed before a pipe broke in the master bathroom while the new renter was out of town on vacation. Unfortunately, things like this do happen - and if not attended to quickly, major damage can occur. In this case, nearly the entire house was flooded requiring it to be completely gutted and stripped down to the floorboards and studs. In January of this year, I was hired to help the client, the insurance company, and the contractor put the house back together again. But unlike the Humpty Dumpty story, this house has actually been put back together again - several times over. Although, this house and client have experienced some challenges, I say this is a perfect example of design success. My client has had many opportunities to change and create something new in his environment with every mis-adventure. Instead, he realizes his home is exactly the way he likes it. It has been such an honor to work with this man who is definitive, trusting, and confident enough to create (or re-create) the perfect home that "fits" his personality and lifestyle. Although this Humpty Dumpty home has been good for my business, I hope the next project with this client is to decorate another property - perhaps a New York City Apartment!

When these homeowners bought the executive property years ago they didn't really notice that all the bathroom countertops were several inches lower than today's standard height. Add that irritating anomaly to badly outdated bathrooms in terms of colors, materials and functionality, well, you've got the perfect remodeling storm—all three baths at once needed to be remodeled. This presented some challenges as well as some opportunities. Cost and time efficiencies can be gained by doing all the bathrooms at once, assuming the homeowners have a latrine out back, leave the property until the work is done, or have a fourth bathroom—which was the case with this ambitious project. The homeowners were able to continue to utilize their Master Bedroom throughout the project, as the prep for the work area included a temporary plastic wall barrier and floor coverings, creating a protected hallway to the workspace and keeping dust minimized in adjacent areas. In the end we updated the main floor powder room with new custom vanity, sink and mirror, replaced all the materials in the guest bathroom, including the tub, opened up the feel and functionality without changing the foot print, and completely gutted the master bath, moving the vanity wall forward to allow for a much larger walk-in shower. Design/Build Consultant—Cherie Poissant Photography—Alyssa Lee

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

Erik Grammer Photography - I recently came across a post on Facebook with a photo of an elderly couple with a quote saying "We were born in a time when if something was broken we would fix it, not throw it away..." This quote resonated with me. I found myself thinking of it while working on the same house - for the fourth time. I affectionately call this beautiful Southern California beach house the Humpty Dumpty home. I started a wonderful business relationship with one of my favorite clients back in 2003. Initially, I was called in to "fix" and finish what another designer started. Once completed and with everything just so, the couple unfortunately divorced and amicably divided the art, rugs and furnishings. I was hired for a second time to recreate each room as close as possible to replace all items that were missing. The house was happily restored back to the original design and all was well for a few years. My client relocated to the East Coast for a temporary job assignment and the house was rented to a person (whose name I can't say) from a famous all-girl band. During this time there was a problem with the upstairs laundry room and water damage occurred. I was hired for the third time to help repair and update (ever so slightly) some areas in the house. My client requested to keep the design and feeling of the house intact because he loved it so much. A few years passed before a pipe broke in the master bathroom while the new renter was out of town on vacation. Unfortunately, things like this do happen - and if not attended to quickly, major damage can occur. In this case, nearly the entire house was flooded requiring it to be completely gutted and stripped down to the floorboards and studs. In January of this year, I was hired to help the client, the insurance company, and the contractor put the house back together again. But unlike the Humpty Dumpty story, this house has actually been put back together again - several times over. Although, this house and client have experienced some challenges, I say this is a perfect example of design success. My client has had many opportunities to change and create something new in his environment with every mis-adventure. Instead, he realizes his home is exactly the way he likes it. It has been such an honor to work with this man who is definitive, trusting, and confident enough to create (or re-create) the perfect home that "fits" his personality and lifestyle. Although this Humpty Dumpty home has been good for my business, I hope the next project with this client is to decorate another property - perhaps a New York City Apartment!

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

This Travertine tiled kitchen floor had been laid around five years previously in a house in Didsbury and now most of the sealer had worn down making the floor difficult to clean effectively. This resulted in the tiles looking continually dirty and a few of the tiles had cracked which you can see in the photograph below. To start off with i scrubbed Tile Doctor Pro-Clean into all the grout lines with a stiff brush in order to get them as clean as possible followed by a rinse with water which was extracted using a wet vacuum. The next step was to strip the Travertine of any remaining sealer and dirt using a set of four Diamond encrusted burnishing pads which come in a number of grades and are applied from coarse to extra fine with a little water to help lubricate. I used the first three pads from coarse to fine rinsing between each pad to restore the polished finish of the stone but stopped before applying the final pad so I could fill all the cracked tiles with a resin filler in a matching shade. Once the filler had dried I gave the floor a final polish with the fourth extra fine burnishing pad and gave the floor a final rinse at the end to make sure the floor was clean before sealing. Once the floor was dry it was sealed using a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that occupies the pores in the stone so dirt cannot become ingrained there. This particular sealer also enhances the natural colours in the stone. After the final polish and sealing the cracked areas had blended in very nicely and the customer was very pleased with the overall result. Steve Keary Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.