Fiberglass pillars are strong and look great painted in most any shade. But if a customer wants a more natural look we are happy to oblige. In this case we made use of engineered plasters as well as traditional lime-based plaster and wax to create this look.

These homeowners told us they were so in love with some of the details in our Springbank Hill renovation that they wanted to see a couple of them in their own home - so we obliged! It was an honour to know that we nailed the design on the original so perfectly that another family would want to bring a similar version of it into their own home. In the kitchen, we knocked out the triangular island and the pantry to make way for a better layout with even more storage space for this young family. A fresh laundry room with ample cabinetry and a serene ensuite with a show-stopping black tub also brought a new look to what was once a dark and dated builder grade home. Designer: Susan DeRidder of Live Well Interiors Inc.

The smooth motion of automated window coverings creates a sophisticated way of managing daylight with the push of a button. One of the many wonderful benefits of motorized shade systems with Somfy or Lutron controls is the ability to sync up different sets of window coverings to move simultaneously. With wireless control systems, you can effortlessly adjust sunlight levels indoors at will. And the lovely design benefits serve as the cherry on top! As a certified Lutron shades dealer, Master Blinds offers high-end motorized shading solutions for the home and commercial spaces. Schedule a free in-person consultation with no obligation at 877-708-5883 to hear from our professional team about amazing shade systems custom made for your windows!

Headland is a NextHouse, situated to take advantage of the site’s panoramic ocean views while still providing privacy from the neighboring property. The home’s solar orientation provides passive solar heat gains in the winter while the home’s deep overhangs provide shade for the large glass windows in the summer. The mono-pitch roof was strategically designed to slope up towards the ocean to maximize daylight and the views. The exposed post and beam construction allows for clear, open spaces throughout the home, but also embraces a connection with the land to invite the outside in. The aluminum clad windows, fiber cement siding and cedar trim facilitate lower maintenance without compromising the home’s quality or aesthetic. The homeowners wanted to create a space that welcomed guests for frequent family gatherings. Acorn Deck House Company obliged by designing the home with a focus on indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces with a large, open great room and kitchen, expansive decks and a flexible layout to accommodate visitors. There is also a private master suite and roof deck, which showcases the views while maintaining privacy.

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!)

Draperies have a way of bringing elegance to any space. With sheer drapes, you can create an airiness that makes rooms feel less restrictive through the utilization of natural sunlight with diffused glare. And on the more modern end, we have automation options. Everybody loves efficiency, and with custom made motorized roller shades (powered by Lutron’s amazing control systems) you can’t go wrong! These wireless shade systems offer child-safe sunlight management with elegant window coverings that utilize remote control to protect your indoor spaces from harsh sunlight and maintain privacy. Go in-depth into the world of custom shade solutions with the Master Blinds design team. Get in touch with us at 877-708-5883 to book your free in-person consultation with no obligation!

Headland is a NextHouse, situated to take advantage of the site’s panoramic ocean views while still providing privacy from the neighboring property. The home’s solar orientation provides passive solar heat gains in the winter while the home’s deep overhangs provide shade for the large glass windows in the summer. The mono-pitch roof was strategically designed to slope up towards the ocean to maximize daylight and the views. The exposed post and beam construction allows for clear, open spaces throughout the home, but also embraces a connection with the land to invite the outside in. The aluminum clad windows, fiber cement siding and cedar trim facilitate lower maintenance without compromising the home’s quality or aesthetic. The homeowners wanted to create a space that welcomed guests for frequent family gatherings. Acorn Deck House Company obliged by designing the home with a focus on indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces with a large, open great room and kitchen, expansive decks and a flexible layout to accommodate visitors. There is also a private master suite and roof deck, which showcases the views while maintaining privacy.

This luxury bespoke wine cabinet was custom-made by Acorn for a residence in Sutton, Surrey. Our clients, who collect and enjoy fine wine, commissioned us to create a dedicated wine storage unit that combined exceptional functionality in an impressive statement piece. The resulting cabinet provides tailored storage and display in a stunning finish that coordinates with the interior décor style of the house. It is built-in to the bespoke floor to ceiling wall panelling we installed in the hallway. The wall panels cleverly conceal cupboard storage for clothing, footwear and other accessories. Creating hidden doors using wooden wall panels adds storage to the entrance hall while maintaining a beautifully, cohesive, streamlined look. Bespoke wine cabinet The distinctive tailormade wine cabinet features made to measure wine racks, horizontal bottle holders and shelving. The large doors are made of toughened glass sitting within a solid oak frame. While ensuring the wine bottles are stored in the correct position, the cabinet has turned an underutilised space into an eye-catching display feature in the entrance hall and when viewed from the dining table area. Integrated LED lighting adds ambience and highlights the collection. You can view more of our tailored lighting designs here. Oak room divider doors We also handcrafted a pair of coordinated minimalist oak partition doors that lead into the dining room area. Internal room divider doors are a superb way to create distinct spaces and separate rooms. The doors give our clients control over how they use their living space and can be opened to allow freedom of movement and create a sense of space or closed to provide privacy and a cosy atmosphere. The doors are designed to blend seamlessly into the cabinetry when opened giving the impression of there being no doors at all. Oak cabinetry with a graphite stain finish The oak cabinetry has been flawlessly finished with a graphite wood stain and satin lacquer, which gives the surface a premium and protective hardwearing finish. The grey stain allows the beauty of the wood’s natural grain to show through while also adding depth and character, creating a contemporary rustic aesthetic. The deep grey colour is an up to date neutral with a refined, high-end appearance; and this dark shade brings sophistication and drama to the entrance hall, while also making a stunning backdrop to the illuminated wine cabinet. Are you interested in a bespoke wine or drinks cabinet for your home in Surrey, Sussex or London? Thinking of repurposing an empty understairs area or adapting another part of a room to store and display your wine or drinks collection? Whether your requirements are grand or modest, we can create the perfect wine storage or drinks cabinet for your home in Surrey, Sussex or London. Please contact us for a free initial design consultation and no obligation quotation.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Reviving Unique Reclaimed Hardwood Floors in Homer Glen, Illinois. We’re excited to share the successful completion of a stunning project: the refinishing of reclaimed hardwood floors and stairs by Tom & Peter Flooring, Inc. This transformation was showcased by Lägler North America. Using a custom color Bona stain combined with the Bona HD Traffic finish, we’ve created a breathtaking result. The surface still bears the original saw marks and patina, showcasing a captivating blend of textures—from the rustic, dark tones of the original wood to the smooth, bright grains that emerge after refinishing. This grade of wood is not only durable but also rich in character, adding an unparalleled charm to any space. Another thrilled customer joins our list! Our flooring services include a no-obligation site visit, prompt quotations, and expert advice—all at no cost to you. Ready to breathe new life into your floors? Call us at (773) 805-2288 to speak with Tom, who can arrange a free assessment for your floor sanding or wood floor fitting service at a time that works for you. Let us help you revitalize your space!

A window seat was high on the family’s wish list, so we obliged with an L-shaped version with loads of storage. The children each have a drawer for their personal belongings and toys, labeled with engraved brass tags.

This is a roof replacement we did for a strata company in Surrey, BC Homeguard Roofing & Renovations is able to run large or small projects. Quality work on time and when needed. Give us a call at 604-308-1698 for a FREE no-obligation quote from our qualified professionals.

Headland is a NextHouse, situated to take advantage of the site’s panoramic ocean views while still providing privacy from the neighboring property. The home’s solar orientation provides passive solar heat gains in the winter while the home’s deep overhangs provide shade for the large glass windows in the summer. The mono-pitch roof was strategically designed to slope up towards the ocean to maximize daylight and the views. The exposed post and beam construction allows for clear, open spaces throughout the home, but also embraces a connection with the land to invite the outside in. The aluminum clad windows, fiber cement siding and cedar trim facilitate lower maintenance without compromising the home’s quality or aesthetic. The homeowners wanted to create a space that welcomed guests for frequent family gatherings. Acorn Deck House Company obliged by designing the home with a focus on indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces with a large, open great room and kitchen, expansive decks and a flexible layout to accommodate visitors. There is also a private master suite and roof deck, which showcases the views while maintaining privacy.

When a client tells us they’re a mid-century collector and long for a kitchen design unlike any other we are only too happy to oblige. This kitchen is saturated in mid-century charm and its custom features make it difficult to pin-point our favorite aspect! Cabinetry We had the pleasure of partnering with one of our favorite Denver cabinet shops to make our walnut dreams come true! We were able to include a multitude of custom features in this kitchen including frosted glass doors in the island, open cubbies, a hidden cutting board, and great interior cabinet storage. But what really catapults these kitchen cabinets to the next level is the eye-popping angled wall cabinets with sliding doors, a true throwback to the magic of the mid-century kitchen. Streamline brushed brass cabinetry pulls provided the perfect lux accent against the handsome walnut finish of the slab cabinetry doors. Tile Amidst all the warm clean lines of this mid-century kitchen we wanted to add a splash of color and pattern, and a funky backsplash tile did the trick! We utilized a handmade yellow picket tile with a high variation to give us a bit of depth; and incorporated randomly placed white accent tiles for added interest and to compliment the white sliding doors of the angled cabinets, helping to bring all the materials together. Counter We utilized a quartz along the counter tops that merged lighter tones with the warm tones of the cabinetry. The custom integrated drain board (in a starburst pattern of course) means they won’t have to clutter their island with a large drying rack. As an added bonus, the cooktop is recessed into the counter, to create an installation flush with the counter surface. Stair Rail Not wanting to miss an opportunity to add a touch of geometric fun to this home, we designed a custom steel handrail. The zig-zag design plays well with the angles of the picket tiles and the black finish ties in beautifully with the black metal accents in the kitchen. Lighting We removed the original florescent light box from this kitchen and replaced it with clean recessed lights with accents of recessed undercabinet lighting and a terrifically vintage fixture over the island that pulls together the black and brushed brass metal finishes throughout the space. This kitchen has transformed into a strikingly unique space creating the perfect home for our client’s mid-century treasures.

Our Clients came to us with a clear vision for a chef’s kitchen designed with both entertaining and family nights in mind. Home brewers and beer aficionados, our Clients were also inspired by the tasting rooms they had visited. The resulting space is a truly custom, one-of-a-kind kitchen that is a heady brew of natural materials, warm rustic touches and edgier industrial elements. Natural and stained hickory cabinetry, as well as a bleeding hex tile pattern, are used to define food prep and entertaining areas of the kitchen. The space is further delineated by a bar-height, raw-edge magnolia slab that floats above a soapstone-topped island. Edison bulbs, commercial-grade kitchen appliances, reclaimed wood and rebar round out a diverse material selection. A final project requirement was two taps for draught beer on demand. We were happy to oblige. An adjacent peninsula houses a kegerator (and wine fridge), as well as barware. Cheers!

This young family had just completed an extensive post and beam ‘cottage feel’ renovation to their new home near Lake Simcoe. The final phase was to extend the theme to the backyard with a primary emphasis on family fun. The experts at Betz obliged with a totally unique concept to match their vision.

Natural sunlight provides an amazing way to enhance the look and feel of living rooms and dining spaces, but the lack of privacy and harsh sunlight can prove a major downside. Enter a range of opaque sunlight diffusing roller shades! These amazing sheer window coverings enable you to harness the best aspects of daylight without glare or the feeling of being exposed. From partially sheer to fully opaque, Master Blinds offers a range of sunlight diffusing window shades custom made for all types of living spaces. Start your journey into the world of window treatments with a free in-person consultation with no obligation by contacting us at 877-708-5883!

Our clients in Redwood City said they wanted a home that would make jaws drop. We were happy to oblige. This 4-month project delivered some serious luxury vibes, especially with that chef-worthy kitchen and spa-level bathroom.

Draperies have a way of bringing elegance to any space. With sheer drapes, you can create an airiness that makes rooms feel less restrictive through the utilization of natural sunlight with diffused glare. And on the more modern end, we have automation options. Everybody loves efficiency, and with custom made motorized roller shades (powered by Lutron’s amazing control systems) you can’t go wrong! These wireless shade systems offer child-safe sunlight management with elegant window coverings that utilize remote control to protect your indoor spaces from harsh sunlight and maintain privacy. Go in-depth into the world of custom shade solutions with the Master Blinds design team. Get in touch with us at 877-708-5883 to book your free in-person consultation with no obligation!