WKD’s design specialty in quality historic preservation ensured that the integrity of this home’s interior and exterior architecture was kept intact. The design mission was to preserve, restore and renovate the home in a manner that celebrated its heritage, while recognizing and accommodating today’s lifestyle and technology. Drawing from the home’s original details, WKD re-designed a friendly entry (including the exterior landscape approach) and kitchen area, integrating it into the existing hearth room. We also created a new stair to the second floor, eliminating the small, steep winding stair. New colors, wallpaper, furnishings and lighting make for a family friendly, welcoming home. The project has been published several times. Click below to read:       October 2014 Northshore Magazine       Spring 2013 Kitchen Trends Magazine       Spring 2013 Bathroom Trends Magazine Photographer: MIchael Lee

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!)

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!)

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

The design inspiration for this project was largely influenced by the architecture and time period of the home. The home was built in the early 1900s, and the aesthetic of the bathroom honors that, the finish selections are a nod to the time period, but we also wanted to create a master bath that was both luxurious and has the function of 21st century amenities. We shaped the design to perfectly fit in the client's antique makeup vanity, and went with a monochromatic color scheme in order to create the illusion of more space.

While renovating the master bedroom last year, the Mohrmans replaced the fireplace surround with white ceramic tile. Placed in a herringbone pattern, the tile and dark grout work together to lend a period feel to the room. As with many renovations, there were some surprises along the way. "From what we could tell the mantle had never been removed", Chelsea explains. "We removed the mantle and found bits and pieces of photos, ticket stubs, coins, etc that had fallen back there over the years. Some of the items were dated back to the 1930’s." Being the eighth owners of the home, it was hard to tell whether there was something there from every previous owner, "... but we gathered it all, placed it in a tin, added our own piece, and placed it back inside the mantle as a time capsule for future owners to find in decades to come."