This contemporary farmhouse is located on a scenic acreage in Greendale, BC. It features an open floor plan with room for hosting a large crowd, a large kitchen with double wall ovens, tons of counter space, a custom range hood and was designed to maximize natural light. Shed dormers with windows up high flood the living areas with daylight. The stairwells feature more windows to give them an open, airy feel, and custom black iron railings designed and crafted by a talented local blacksmith. The home is very energy efficient, featuring R32 ICF construction throughout, R60 spray foam in the roof, window coatings that minimize solar heat gain, an HRV system to ensure good air quality, and LED lighting throughout. A large covered patio with a wood burning fireplace provides warmth and shelter in the shoulder seasons. Carsten Arnold Photography

We wanted to create multiple functional spaces, perfect for them to entertain as they expressed to us their love of hosting. We designed two additional structures. A timber frame cabana with TV wall and fire feature create a large lounge space perfect for entertaining late into the evening. We worked with the original grade and added retaining walls with a lot of planting to separate the spaces and add green to the large interlock patios. Then, to anchor the dining space, a timber pergola provides some shade but mostly creates an intimate space for gathering.

Photography by Stacy Zarin
Example of a huge transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in DC Metro with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

Already a beauty, this classic Edwardian had a few open opportunities for transformation when we came along. Our clients had a vision of what they wanted for their space and we were able to bring it all to life. First up - transform the ignored Powder Bathroom into a showstopper. In collaboration with decorative artists, we created a dramatic and moody moment while incorporating the home's traditional elements and mixing in contemporary silhouettes. Next on the list, we reimagined a sitting room off the heart of the home to a more functional, comfortable, and inviting space. The result was a handsome Den with custom built-in bookcases to showcase family photos and signature reading as well three times the seating capacity than before. Now our clients have a space comfortable enough to watch football and classy enough to host a whiskey tasting. We rounded out this project with a bit of sprucing in the Foyer and Stairway. A favorite being the alluring bordeaux bench fitted just right to fit in a niche by the stairs. Perfect place to perch and admire our client's captivating art collection.

The tropical features of the lands surrounding Roberts Bay in Sarasota make you feel like you're in a nature sanctuary. At the edge of bustling pockets of towering trees, there are mangroves for miles, hosting a litany of vibrant flora and fauna. This home is perched along the edge of the bay, with a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of the daily activities of the wading bird community, with the occasional kayak streaming by. The front of the home has a series of planters and porch that help terrace the massing up to the elevated floor level. The main spaces of the home face out the back through wide glass doors, over the pool, terraces and dog lawn. Intricate exterior architectural millwork and mouldings recall the passive ventilation and simple ornamentation indicative of the British West Indies style architecture.

The tropical features of the lands surrounding Roberts Bay in Sarasota make you feel like you're in a nature sanctuary. At the edge of bustling pockets of towering trees, there are mangroves for miles, hosting a litany of vibrant flora and fauna. This home is perched along the edge of the bay, with a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of the daily activities of the wading bird community, with the occasional kayak streaming by. The front of the home has a series of planters and porch that help terrace the massing up to the elevated floor level. The main spaces of the home face out the back through wide glass doors, over the pool, terraces and dog lawn. Intricate exterior architectural millwork and mouldings recall the passive ventilation and simple ornamentation indicative of the British West Indies style architecture.

Photo By: Jude Parkinson-Morgan
This is an example of a large transitional drought-tolerant front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

The tropical features of the lands surrounding Roberts Bay in Sarasota make you feel like you're in a nature sanctuary. At the edge of bustling pockets of towering trees, there are mangroves for miles, hosting a litany of vibrant flora and fauna. This home is perched along the edge of the bay, with a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of the daily activities of the wading bird community, with the occasional kayak streaming by. The front of the home has a series of planters and porch that help terrace the massing up to the elevated floor level. The main spaces of the home face out the back through wide glass doors, over the pool, terraces and dog lawn. Intricate exterior architectural millwork and mouldings recall the passive ventilation and simple ornamentation indicative of the British West Indies style architecture.

An empty nester couple wished to re-envision their home to be a warm and inviting destination they enjoy together and also be a place suitable to entertain friends and host their grown children and grandchildren. The existing home endured a series of additions and lacked coherence and connection to the large private yard. We rethought the house and land as a whole and as a result arrived at a series of interconnecting inside and outside rooms. This thinking led to an unexpected and beautiful reordering of the home with gardens. Reclaimed woods beams and stone walls used inside and out, limestone colored plaster, and walls of floor to ceiling glass curate environments elevated yet relaxed.

We wanted to create multiple functional spaces, perfect for them to entertain as they expressed to us their love of hosting. We designed two additional structures. A timber frame cabana with TV wall and fire feature create a large lounge space perfect for entertaining late into the evening. We worked with the original grade and added retaining walls with a lot of planting to separate the spaces and add green to the large interlock patios. Then, to anchor the dining space, a timber pergola provides some shade but mostly creates an intimate space for gathering.

This property and house underwent a complete renovation. Existing drainage and grading problems were fixed, then modular outdoor spaces such as the pool area, a rich lush lawn, an entertaining area for large gatherings under an allee of fragrant linden trees, and a pool house/guest apartment were installed. In phase one, a large planting of evergreen privacy perimeter plants and foundation plants were installed. Landscape lighting extends the use of the entire property into beautiful summer nights lounging by the pool. The two entry areas were re-designed and renovated to accommodate guest parking when the family is hosting a large gathering.

This property and house underwent a complete renovation. Existing drainage and grading problems were fixed, then modular outdoor spaces such as the pool area, a rich lush lawn, an entertaining area for large gatherings under an allee of fragrant linden trees, and a pool house/guest apartment were installed. In phase one, a large planting of evergreen privacy perimeter plants and foundation plants were installed. Landscape lighting extends the use of the entire property into beautiful summer nights lounging by the pool. The two entry areas were re-designed and renovated to accommodate guest parking when the family is hosting a large gathering.

This property and house underwent a complete renovation. Existing drainage and grading problems were fixed, then modular outdoor spaces such as the pool area, a rich lush lawn, an entertaining area for large gatherings under an allee of fragrant linden trees, and a pool house/guest apartment were installed. In phase one, a large planting of evergreen privacy perimeter plants and foundation plants were installed. Landscape lighting extends the use of the entire property into beautiful summer nights lounging by the pool. The two entry areas were re-designed and renovated to accommodate guest parking when the family is hosting a large gathering.

This property and house underwent a complete renovation. Existing drainage and grading problems were fixed, then modular outdoor spaces such as the pool area, a rich lush lawn, an entertaining area for large gatherings under an allee of fragrant linden trees, and a pool house/guest apartment were installed. In phase one, a large planting of evergreen privacy perimeter plants and foundation plants were installed. Landscape lighting extends the use of the entire property into beautiful summer nights lounging by the pool. The two entry areas were re-designed and renovated to accommodate guest parking when the family is hosting a large gathering.

This property and house underwent a complete renovation. Existing drainage and grading problems were fixed, then modular outdoor spaces such as the pool area, a rich lush lawn, an entertaining area for large gatherings under an allee of fragrant linden trees, and a pool house/guest apartment were installed. In phase one, a large planting of evergreen privacy perimeter plants and foundation plants were installed. Landscape lighting extends the use of the entire property into beautiful summer nights lounging by the pool. The two entry areas were re-designed and renovated to accommodate guest parking when the family is hosting a large gathering.

Our client loves to entertain and host large gatherings, so we created a secondary prep area for catering and storage. We incorporated a farmhouse sink, warming drawers, a microwave and two beverage fridges that allows cooks to have a fully functioning kitchen when guests are over. We just love the really pretty olive green cabinetry that she selected for this area, mixed with the floating shelves, subway tile and quartz countertops. This area also has a fully functioning bathroom with an accent furniture vanity, subway tiled shower with a sliding glass barn door, and a landing space with storage all hand selected.

We wanted to create multiple functional spaces, perfect for them to entertain as they expressed to us their love of hosting. We designed two additional structures. A timber frame cabana with TV wall and fire feature create a large lounge space perfect for entertaining late into the evening. We worked with the original grade and added retaining walls with a lot of planting to separate the spaces and add green to the large interlock patios. Then, to anchor the dining space, a timber pergola provides some shade but mostly creates an intimate space for gathering.

Inspiration for an eclectic medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Singapore