Photograper: Jim Westphalen
Inspiration for a large victorian gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Burlington

Trendy light wood floor family room library photo in New York with white walls

Brownstone, an original AZEK Deck color from the Harvest Collection®, has set the standard for homeowners who want calming earth tone decking with a cathedral grain texture. Brownstone offers a consistent board-to-board color and can be installed with hidden fasteners. This tried and true color option has been a perennial favorite with unrivaled low maintenance and long lasting durablity. All AZEK Deck products offer a limited lifetime warranty and are designed to last beautifully.

Custom designed stone fireplace, custom cushioned window seat and cabinetry surrounds.
Large trendy loft-style light wood floor living room photo in New York with gray walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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!)

Example of a huge trendy multicolored one-story mixed siding house exterior design in Toronto with a metal roof

Jared Medley
Transitional home design photo in Salt Lake City

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Monte Verino Beige Porcelain Tile | This Light Beige Monte Verino Beige Porcelain Tile is 13in. x 13in. with a stone look finish. Inkjet technology offers the very best in tile design. Offering excellent color range, sharp details and exceptional variation, inkjet technology will create a tile that is stunningly realistic. This porcelain tile is made in the USA. Known for high quality design and efficient production, tiles made in the USA are excellent options for any floor or wall. Porcelain tiles are strong and long-lasting making them ideal for use in high-traffic or outdoor living areas. Porcelain is an excellent choice to decorate your walls or floors, and comes in a variety of colors, sizes and textures. With proper installation, porcelain tiles can last for years with very little maintenance.

Small trendy medium tone wood floor entryway photo in Boise with white walls and a white front door

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This Family Room, compact space is modern and glam using hues of Blush, teal, aqua and grays!
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Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Dallas

This master bedroom serves as a peaceful retreat. Notice that the sloped ceiling is painted correctly with the wall color to prevent the destruction of a shorter wall appearance. The dark espresso furniture and drum lamp shades give this room an updated design.

Large transitional master white tile and subway tile marble floor, multicolored floor and double-sink bathroom photo in Chicago with white walls, a hinged shower door, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Kimberley Bryan © Houzz 2014
Example of an eclectic living room design in Seattle

Beverly Hills Historic Restoration Marmoleum Kitchen: Paul Williams, Los Angeles Architect ,designed this Beverly Hills home for Lon Chaney, who died 3 months before it was completed in 1930 ... He died from complications resulting from inhaling corn flakes used to simulate snow in his last movie. The client had been raised in this house and recently purchased it back gutting the kitchen restoring it back to its original with photos. The inlays were our collaboration. Laurie Crogan www.inlayfloors.com

Details: The integrated stainless steel sink was custom fabricated by the countertop craftspeople. It has crisp corners, a lowered center divider (to minimize splash from the faucet) and offset drains (to push back the plumbing so as to allow for better cabinet storage below). To the right of the sink is a subtle detail (look closely at the reflections to see it), but one that adds great functionality: a sloped, recessed drainboard directs water back into the sink. The window is trimmed tight to the cabinets on either side with custom maple millwork, and has a built-in shelf above--again with trim up to the ceiling. The shelf provides a nice spot for favorite curios and mementos. The pendant light above the sink is actually an LED fixture with an Edison style bulb. Stainless steel outlet and switch covers over black devices pull the design together. Under-cabinet xenon lighting highlights the tile.

Stylish and sensible, the Montlake™ 230 fireplace insert from the Country Collection converts any fireplace to an efficient, clean-burning wood heater. Its elegant design features an expansive ceramic glass panel that offers unobstructed views of the fire and enhances the existing fireplace. Each EPA-certified insert comes equipped with IronStrike's innovative Thermal Fin Technology (TFT™), a cast iron heat exchanger system that maximizes heat output to quickly deliver warmth to your living space. And with features like the Montlake's precise one-touch control and smoke-reducing air booster, reliability, efficiency, and technology come together to ensure lasting comfort for your home. Aesthetics Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire. Tall opening provides and expansive view of the burning fire. Precision-cut, heavy-gauge steel provides dependable, long-lasting operation. Comfort Innovative Thermal Fin Technology™ (TFT) creates 32% more surface area than a standard design resulting in more heat entering the room. High-density firebrick retains heat, resulting in increased efficiency. Optional 150-CFM variable-speed blower quickly moves heat from the stove into your room. EPA-certified and Washington State-approved for clean and efficient operation. Ease of Operation One-touch control ensures easy operation and comfort. Design Versatility Decorative door trim in standard Black, Brushed Nickel or Nickel allows customization to your style. Top warming surface with classic cast-iron or solid, heavy-gauge steel options allow for easy customization. *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design and insulation, ceiling heights, climate, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.