Renovation of an existing mews house, transforming it from a poorly planned out and finished property to a highly desirable residence that creates wellbeing for its occupants. Wellstudio demolished the existing bedrooms on the first floor of the property to create a spacious new open plan kitchen living dining area which enables residents to relax together and connect. Wellstudio inserted two new windows between the garage and the corridor on the ground floor and increased the glazed area of the garage door, opening up the space to bring in more natural light and thus allowing the garage to be used for a multitude of functions. Wellstudio replanned the rest of the house to optimise the space, adding two new compact bathrooms and a utility room into the layout.

In this total gut and reconfiguration of the kitchen and adjacent spaces, a seamless marriage of farmhouse aesthetic with materials that are already in the home create a space that integrates with the feeling of the original home. Significant changes to the layout and removal of walls has created an open concept living, larger kitchen area, and an organized and functional kitchen space. New French doors connect to the outdoors and introduce more light into the space, as well as increased recessed and accent lighting assist in generating a light-filled home. The new layout provides an open, inviting entertaining space where children can play in the den while meals are prepared on the oversized island.

This garden follows the architecture of the house which was completely redesigned to reflect the owner's love of Mission style architecture. Palms of various sizes are massed to provide the structure which they lack on their own. Sizeable ferns throughout the garden provide and underlying texture and dynamism. Annuals in hot colours, bananas and coleus provide seasonal thrill. The highly textured foliage of Albizzias add an exotic note and will, over time, increase the play of light and shadow in the garden. The biggest challenge was creating a relationship between the house, which sits high on the lot, and the garden. A strong sense of indoor outdoor connection was achieved from both the basement and main level of the house by creating landings and enclosed courtyards ensconced by generously filled planters that lead up to the main garden.

The transformation of this home was extensive. We removed walls, creating connectivity between rooms and an updated open concept floor plan. We did a complete redesign the layout of the kitchen, tripling the size, storage, and counter space for the whole family to enjoy. We created a built-in bar in the dining room and separate media room, opening up the entertaining options for both kids and adults. For the finishes throughout, the family was able to capture their love of Spanish and old-world design. We used warm neutral colors for the pallet, antique and worn textures throughout the surfaces, and pops of color and personality to make it uniquely theirs. Touches of brass and wrought iron in the lighting and railings continued the theme. The enlarged glass door systems and windows all increased the natural light and opened up the viewing area to capture the panoramic ocean view.

Expansive doors naturally create the illusion of larger spaces. As seen in this image, the Bi-fold patio door opens up the interior room to the outdoor patio, enhancing the flow and seamlessly connecting the two areas. This design effectively increases the usable square footage, making it easier to navigate between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The entire grounds of this Sherwood Park walkout basement home was constructed with gardening and the view in mind. To increase the amount of usable space extensive excavation of the backyard started the project. Careful consideration was taken to create an effortless path from the basement to hot tub and backyard. We used layers of wood retaining walls to support and complement the centerpiece flower bed and steps. The walls continue past the width of the home and connect to four tiers of garden space and flower beds on each side of the residence. The backyard view is a park and pond. A small privacy fence was installed to create a shaded area without taking away from the view.

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.

This garden follows the architecture of the house which was completely redesigned to reflect the owner's love of Mission style architecture. Palms of various sizes are massed to provide the structure which they lack on their own. Sizeable ferns throughout the garden provide and underlying texture and dynamism. Annuals in hot colours, bananas and coleus provide seasonal thrill. The highly textured foliage of Albizzias add an exotic note and will, over time, increase the play of light and shadow in the garden. The biggest challenge was creating a relationship between the house, which sits high on the lot, and the garden. A strong sense of indoor outdoor connection was achieved from both the basement and main level of the house by creating landings and enclosed courtyards ensconced by generously filled planters that lead up to the main garden.

Their media system was AT&T Uverse-based, cluttering the living room with 5 separate components, 3 remotes, and multiple cables. We replaced AT&T with Comcast for high speed internet including the cable modem and wireless antenna, increasing their wireless download speed from 24 to 175 Mbps. On the opposite wall, we installed PowerBridge recessed cable management outlets to run cables behind the wall, hung their television on a Sanus super-low profile fixed TV mount, connected an Apple TV HD, and set them with YouTube TV. Result, one cable modem/wifi antenna and one small Apple TV box.

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.

This project transformed a 1930's kitchen and back entry into a contemporary flow through kitchen and breakfast nook. The spaces connect the back yard with the dining room and bedroom hallway greatly facilitating circulation in this small bungalow. The new kitchen triples counter space and quadruples the storage. A new bay window floods the kitchen with light. It's wedge of glazing provides a view down the driveway to the street to increase the occupants' sense of security. New cut outs in the walls allow a view from the back yard deck through the nook and kitchen into the dining room.

Knowing what we know about man’s innate connection with and love of nature and natural environments, if we’re not incorporating biophilic design principles into our own personal spaces, we’re depriving ourselves, and those with whom we share these spaces, of all the benefits that access to nature offers us. Click on the next picture to continue reading………..

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.

The goal of this renovation was to modernize the home while preserving its warmth and character. The design introduces a more functional layout, increased storage, and a cohesive material palette that connects the mudroom, kitchen, pantry, primary suite, and bathroom. Clean-lined millwork, warm wood tones, painted cabinetry, and layered textures create a balanced aesthetic that feels both timeless and updated.The original layout featured a compartmentalized kitchen with limited storage and circulation challenges. The mudroom lacked built-in organization, and the pantry provided minimal functionality. Within the primary suite, the bathroom and closet areas did not maximize available square footage or storage opportunities. Existing finishes throughout the home relied heavily on warm wood cabinetry and beige-toned tile.