Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master limestone floor and beige floor walk-in shower remodel in Phoenix with dark wood cabinets and a vessel sink

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in London

Through thoughtful rearranging and repurposing of the existing spaces, the Owners gained a larger, better Kitchen, and new Laundry Room, and, as a nice surprise, this art niche specially designed for one of their prized pieces from Africa.

The 1950's pink & red 3/4 bathroom was replaced with an efficient & appropriate Powder Room. The extra space was given to the new Kitchen and to a new Laundry Room, plus a nice surprise for the art-collecting Owners.

This dramatic master closet is open to the entrance of the suite as well as the master bathroom. We opted for closed storage and maximized the usable storage by installing a ladder. The wood interior offers a nice surprise when the doors are open.

This dramatic master closet is open to the entrance of the suite as well as the master bathroom. We opted for closed storage and maximized the usable storage by installing a ladder. The wood interior offers a nice surprise when the doors are open.

This dramatic master closet is open to the entrance of the suite as well as the master bathroom. We opted for closed storage and maximized the usable storage by installing a ladder. The wood interior offers a nice surprise when the doors are open.

This dramatic master closet is open to the entrance of the suite as well as the master bathroom. We opted for closed storage and maximized the usable storage by installing a ladder. The wood interior offers a nice surprise when the doors are open.

The wall dividing the kitchen from the dining room was replaced by a peninsula which serves as a prep and serving area or as an informal dining counter. This element also houses base cabinets that are full of storage with recycling and trash bins that are neatly hidden. An efficient work triangle between the fridge, sink and range offers the cook a work space in which she can thrive, whether it's cooking for two or for twenty! Other changes made to create a more comfortable and efficient space include: moving the compact washer/dryer to the hallway and replacing them with full-sized appliances. The dining room closet was re-oriented to the hallway and converted into a linen closet. The door to the hallway was removed and the opening made slightly wider: all key elements for better function and improved spacial flow. Old tile removed from the dining room floor revealed a nice surprise: hardwood flooring! Floors were refinished throughout the home. Aesthetics were partly driven by the client's love of the Jersey Shore. So, like a handful of beach pebbles and sand, the colors are clean, bright and natural. Materials are durable and easy to clean, yet stylish and of the highest quality. So bring on the holidays! This cook's new kitchen is ready for the entire family!

Bespoke hide bar stools with nail head detail work perfectly in this play space. The craftsman style handcrafted back-splash tile is a great focal point that is flanked by custom cherry cabinets. A custom wine storage room was created to the owner's specifications to house his favorite wine. The lighting is by Hubbarton Forge and Fine Art Lamps. Photographer: Michael Conner

Example of a transitional light wood floor kitchen design in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands and white countertops

Kerri Torrey Photography
Example of a transitional gray floor dedicated laundry room design in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Valerie Wilcox
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen remodel in Hyderabad with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photographer: Ron Rule
Photo of a craftsman landscaping in Vancouver.

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!)

We love the surprise element of an open and spacious bookshelf at the side of the island. This would be one of the things that would catch the attention of people walking into the kitchen. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar of www.zeeandmarina.com

Brandon Barre & Gillian Jackson
Enclosed dining room - mid-sized victorian light wood floor enclosed dining room idea in Toronto with a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Enjoy the view from your own breathtaking kitchen. Despite the scenic view outside the kitchen window, it’s your Dura Supreme Crestwood Cabinetry kitchen that takes your breath away. A panoramic mantel hood soars over the stainless steel range creating a stunning architectural focal point. Beveled glass cabinet doors twinkle in the early morning sunlight. A picturesque kitchen island stands amid the stream of family activities as you begin and end each day in the heart of your home – your Dura Supreme kitchen. Although Dura Supreme Cabinetry is crafted with quality materials and construction, it was the bounty of delicious design details that cemented your decision. Of course the delicate dent it made on your pocket book was a nice surprise as well.