Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen remodel in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

J2 Construction St. George Utah, 2015 Parade Home Kayenta
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Salt Lake City

Photography by David Ross

This piece of structural woodworking is made from solid red oak with a Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi) finish. Specifically, this example is 23 feet tall. However, being that it can be custom fitted to any dimensions. Alternate designs are also an option. If you can dream it, we can build it!

This residence represents the dynamic collaboration between artist and architect. The architectural experience seeks to unite the tactile warmth of earth and clay with the compositional elegance of craft. Against a textured canvas of linen and limestone, light is leveraged to bring dimension and life to the architecture on every level. Through the radical embrace of nature, guests are greeted by a 16’ tall Australian Brachychiton tree as they enter the double-height entry. The home is organized around a large, outdoor courtyard which creates fluid continuity and access between the indoor and outdoors. From a chandelier of ceramic bells to a locally sourced, custom dining table, every major element has been calibrated to add to timeless composition of the home.

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!)

On a corner lot in the sought after Preston Hollow area of Dallas, this 4,500sf modern home was designed to connect the indoors to the outdoors while maintaining privacy. Stacked stone, stucco and shiplap mahogany siding adorn the exterior, while a cool neutral palette blends seamlessly to multiple outdoor gardens and patios.

Vestibule - huge contemporary porcelain tile vestibule idea in Houston with gray walls and a glass front door

Open | Close Doors
Example of a cottage closet design in Los Angeles

Modern exterior home idea in Denver

Henrybuilt
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern l-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a classic home design design in Dallas

Interior Design: Lucy Interior Design Architect: Swan Architecture Builder: Elevation Homes Photography: SPACECRAFTING

This converted warehouse loft features a contemporary wall unit done in fir veneer. Redl Kitchens 156 Jessop Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7N 1Y4 10341-124th Street Edmonton, AB T5N 3W1 1733 McAra St Regina, SK, S4N 6H5

Finished exterior of the Atlantic Beach House
Large modern gray three-story concrete flat roof idea in Jacksonville

Contemporary exterior home idea in Los Angeles

Thanks to very clever thinking by one of Australia's leading quality builders, Seidler Homes, a Melbourne luxury home specialist, elevators were incorporated into this wonderful development.

A floating vanity in warm gray and matte white lacquer keeps necessities within reach, yet easily tucked away with a light push. Its streamlined design and integrated handles harmonize perfectly with the square angles of the tiles and space. The existing ceiling provides an interesting angled contrast; hanging pendants and chandelier in hand-blown milky glass are as artistic as they are functional. Photography by Anice Hoachlander.