This project was kick-started by the removal of a large intrusive peninsula that competed with the young family’s bustling daily routine. Having already experienced the time investment of a sweat equity remodel, our clients enlisted us to do things a bit different while still paying careful attention to their personal aesthetic and lifestyle needs. The design sought to recreate a kitchen layout that would encourage gathering and create a welcoming space for friends and family, young and old. To open things up, the wall between the kitchen and dining room was eliminated. But we chose to retain and added on architectural elements to maintain a sense of intimate space within the new open concept. Those architectural elements were a creative way to accommodate existing structural elements and respect the bones of the home. The chunky early 00s arches were squared off for a more modern feel that better aligned with the client’s style. The hub of the home centers around the large walnut island featuring storage on three sides and seating for four. Handmade tile from Heath Ceramic creates a bold focal point. To ensure the space was bright and open, we opted for the two-tone mix of walnut and white cabinetry. The walnut cabinetry grounds the island and adds a touch of symmetry by flanking either side of the gas range. A new broom closet offers visual separation between the kitchen and the garage entry. Just of the garage door are a set of three tall cabinets that have been configured as locker storage for their kid's book bags, jackers, and shoes. Opposite the lockers is an overflow pantry space, window seat with extra storage, a nook for the dog bowls, and a mail station. A glass table in front of the window seat turns this area into the perfect homework nook. A set of three glass pendants from Pottery Barn illuminate the island. The soft white countertops are Daltile’s, Lincoln White matte quartz. Sleek cabinetry pulls from Amerock add that final touch. We are so in love with this cheerful, inviting main-level and are so happy our clients get to create memories inside these walls!

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

We designed a play area suited especially for the child. The tree cutout demonstrates our ability to design custom components that serve both a purpose and unique scenery within the confines of a persons home. The tree cutout quietly blends with the custom made play area that also functions as a storage unit. The color palette used on the walls match the various furnishings perfectly. The hue of the walls and tree cutout pay homage to fairy tales and the art of storytelling. This bedroom is essentially, a page right out of a children’s book.

This project was kick-started by the removal of a large intrusive peninsula that competed with the young family’s bustling daily routine. Having already experienced the time investment of a sweat equity remodel, our clients enlisted us to do things a bit different while still paying careful attention to their personal aesthetic and lifestyle needs. The design sought to recreate a kitchen layout that would encourage gathering and create a welcoming space for friends and family, young and old. To open things up, the wall between the kitchen and dining room was eliminated. But we chose to retain and added on architectural elements to maintain a sense of intimate space within the new open concept. Those architectural elements were a creative way to accommodate existing structural elements and respect the bones of the home. The chunky early 00s arches were squared off for a more modern feel that better aligned with the client’s style. The hub of the home centers around the large walnut island featuring storage on three sides and seating for four. Handmade tile from Heath Ceramic creates a bold focal point. To ensure the space was bright and open, we opted for the two-tone mix of walnut and white cabinetry. The walnut cabinetry grounds the island and adds a touch of symmetry by flanking either side of the gas range. A new broom closet offers visual separation between the kitchen and the garage entry. Just of the garage door are a set of three tall cabinets that have been configured as locker storage for their kid's book bags, jackers, and shoes. Opposite the lockers is an overflow pantry space, window seat with extra storage, a nook for the dog bowls, and a mail station. A glass table in front of the window seat turns this area into the perfect homework nook. A set of three glass pendants from Pottery Barn illuminate the island. The soft white countertops are Daltile’s, Lincoln White matte quartz. Sleek cabinetry pulls from Amerock add that final touch. We are so in love with this cheerful, inviting main-level and are so happy our clients get to create memories inside these walls!

A historic Spanish colonial residence (circa 1929) in Kessler Park’s conservation district was completely revitalized with design that honored its original era as well as embraced modern conveniences. The small kitchen was extended into the built-in banquette in the living area to give these amateur chefs plenty of countertop workspace in the kitchen as well as a casual dining experience while they enjoy the amazing backyard view. The quartzite countertops adorn the kitchen and living room built-ins and are inspired by the beautiful tree line seen out the back windows of the home in a blooming spring & summer in Dallas. Each season truly takes on its own personality in this yard. The primary bath features a modern take on a timeless “plaid” pattern with mosaic glass and gold trim. The reeded front cabinets and slimline hardware maintain a minimalist presentation that allows the shower tile to remain the focal point. The guest bath’s jewel toned marble accent tile in a fun geometric pattern pops off the black marble background and adds lighthearted sophistication to this space. Original wood beams, cement walls and terracotta tile flooring and fireplace tile remain in the great room to pay homage to stay true to its original state. This project proves new materials can be masterfully incorporated into existing architecture and yield a timeless result!

DRC Pools, the Best in Orange County for Pools, Masonry & Landscaping Based in Yorba Linda, California, DRC Pools has offered superior landscaping to Orange County residents for more than 13 years. Finding our beginnings in masonry as DR Construction more than 40 years ago, we have grown from a masonry company into a custom pool, spa, masonry, and landscape design company. DRC Pools has grown into a premiere custom pool, masonry, and landscape design contractor in Orange County. 90% of our work is completed in-house, allowing us to price ourselves competitively and helps us complete our work in a time-efficient manner. Our mission is to provide quality service and complete customer satisfaction in everything we do, whether it’s high-quality landscaping, masonry, pools, or anything else. DRC Pools promises to provide a unique design that will correspond to your lifestyle. Our designers work closely with you to ensure the desired result. We guarantee outstanding craftsmanship, personally inspecting every aspect of the job, and paying careful attention to even the smallest detail. Please view our photo gallery to see how our work illustrates out incomparable standards. See the quality of work DRC Pools provides and what distinguishes us from our competitors.

Every inch of this 4,200-square-foot condo on Las Olas—two units combined into one inside the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale—is dripping with glamour, starting right away in the entrance with Phillip Jeffries’ Cloud wallpaper and crushed velvet gold chairs by Koket. Along with tearing out some of the bathrooms and installing sleek and chic new vanities, Laure Nell Interiors outfitted the residence with all the accoutrements that make it perfect for the owners—two doctors without children—to enjoy an evening at home alone or entertaining friends and family. On one side of the condo, we turned the previous kitchen into a wet bar off the family room. Inspired by One Hotel, the aesthetic here gives off permanent vacation vibes. A large rattan light fixture sets a beachy tone above a custom-designed oversized sofa. Also on this side of the unit, a light and bright guest bedroom, affectionately named the Bali Room, features Phillip Jeffries’ silver leaf wallpaper and heirloom artifacts that pay homage to the Indian heritage of one of the owners. In another more-moody guest room, a Currey and Co. Grand Lotus light fixture gives off a golden glow against Phillip Jeffries’ dip wallcovering behind an emerald green bed, while an artist hand painted the look on each wall. The other side of the condo took on an aesthetic that reads: The more bling, the better. Think crystals and chrome and a 78-inch circular diamond chandelier. The main kitchen, living room (where we custom-surged together Surya rugs), dining room (embellished with jewelry-like chain-link Yale sconces by Arteriors), office, and master bedroom (overlooking downtown and the ocean) all reside on this side of the residence. And then there’s perhaps the jewel of the home: the powder room, illuminated by Tom Dixon pendants. The homeowners hiked Machu Picchu together and fell in love with a piece of art on their trip that we designed the entire bathroom around. It’s one of many personal objets found throughout the condo, making this project a true labor of love.

Salvaged 200 year old barn doors separate the main dining space from our 45 seat party room. Oversized honey brown banquettes, natural wood beams hovering over handcrafted American walnut tables, lit by crystal and twig chandeliers, creates a timeless, urban aesthetic. Details abound in folk art accents, antiqued French mirrors, and all original art, including a personally commissioned linoleum carving, which pays homage to Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, as well as Chef Christianson's beloved Red Sox.

This project was kick-started by the removal of a large intrusive peninsula that competed with the young family’s bustling daily routine. Having already experienced the time investment of a sweat equity remodel, our clients enlisted us to do things a bit different while still paying careful attention to their personal aesthetic and lifestyle needs. The design sought to recreate a kitchen layout that would encourage gathering and create a welcoming space for friends and family, young and old. To open things up, the wall between the kitchen and dining room was eliminated. But we chose to retain and added on architectural elements to maintain a sense of intimate space within the new open concept. Those architectural elements were a creative way to accommodate existing structural elements and respect the bones of the home. The chunky early 00s arches were squared off for a more modern feel that better aligned with the client’s style. The hub of the home centers around the large walnut island featuring storage on three sides and seating for four. Handmade tile from Heath Ceramic creates a bold focal point. To ensure the space was bright and open, we opted for the two-tone mix of walnut and white cabinetry. The walnut cabinetry grounds the island and adds a touch of symmetry by flanking either side of the gas range. A new broom closet offers visual separation between the kitchen and the garage entry. Just of the garage door are a set of three tall cabinets that have been configured as locker storage for their kid's book bags, jackers, and shoes. Opposite the lockers is an overflow pantry space, window seat with extra storage, a nook for the dog bowls, and a mail station. A glass table in front of the window seat turns this area into the perfect homework nook. A set of three glass pendants from Pottery Barn illuminate the island. The soft white countertops are Daltile’s, Lincoln White matte quartz. Sleek cabinetry pulls from Amerock add that final touch. We are so in love with this cheerful, inviting main-level and are so happy our clients get to create memories inside these walls!

This beautiful tri level townhome nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park Chicago needed some of our design love and TLC. The owners were ready to sell, so The Dowell Group at Berkshire Hathaway hired us to come in and help. We redid all the finishes top to bottom with refreshed original wood flooring, paint, lighting, new kitchen cabinets, updating the master bathroom, painting the bar and bath cabinets, quartz counters and more. We gave it a facelift to show a little love for our clients home that was about to hit the market. The finishes we chose were not what they personally liked, however what buyers are looking for and willing to pay more for. We are proud to present our Lincoln Park Modern Farmhouse.

Despite its diamond-mullioned exterior, this stately home’s interior takes a more light-hearted approach to design. The Dove White inset cabinetry is classic, with recessed panel doors, a deep bevel inside profile and a matching hood. Streamlined brass cup pulls and knobs are timeless. Departing from the ubiquitous crown molding is a square top trim. The layout supplies plenty of function: a paneled refrigerator; prep sink on the island; built-in microwave and second oven; built-in coffee maker; and a paneled wine refrigerator. Contrast is provided by the countertops and backsplash: honed black Jet Mist granite on the perimeter and a statement-making island top of exuberantly-patterned Arabescato Corchia Italian marble. Flooring pays homage to terrazzo floors popular in the 70’s: “Geotzzo” tiles of inlaid gray and Bianco Dolomite marble. Field tiles in the breakfast area and cooking zone perimeter are a mix of small chips; feature tiles under the island have modern rectangular Bianco Dolomite shapes. Enameled metal pendants and maple stools and dining chairs add a mid-century Scandinavian touch. The turquoise on the table base is a delightful surprise. An adjacent pantry has tall storage, cozy window seats, a playful petal table, colorful upholstered ottomans and a whimsical “balloon animal” stool. This kitchen was done in collaboration with Daniel Heighes Wismer and Greg Dufner of Dufner Heighes and Sarah Witkin of Bilotta Architecture. It is the personal kitchen of the CEO of Sandow Media, Erica Holborn. Click here to read the article on her home featured in Interior Designer Magazine. Photographer: John Ellis Description written by Paulette Gambacorta adapted for Houzz.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

The Harmony Gardens Landscaping team has been fortunate to work with many homeowners in Barrhaven who are eager to put special touches on their property. More often than not, this involves enhancing the front yard and side access area. Curb appeal is essential, so we work hard to design spaces that are more visually appealing, while also paying close attention to promoting harmony in the eco-system. As you will see from the progression of photos, this home now has a very welcoming front yard and side yard. Need help making your property more welcoming? Ask our team for a personal consultation!

The age of this stunning home was honored by personalizing every area. We added a master suite and office on the second floor while maintaining the integrity and paying homage to the home's character. The combination of traditional elements and modern finishes truly made this project come to life. We incorporated wainscotting and mural wallpaper to carry the eye throughout the entire space. This traditional/transitional project included: Primary Bedroom, Family Room, Dining Room, Office, Windowseat