Inspiration for a 1950s slate floor, gray floor and exposed beam kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, colored appliances, an island and white countertops

Twist Tours
Mid-sized elegant open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Austin with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a l-shaped kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with an island, a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartzite countertops and paneled appliances

Mid-century modern white tile claw-foot bathtub photo in Los Angeles with a pedestal sink

Christopher Davison, AIA
Enclosed kitchen - large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Austin with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

This Brookfield Kitchen Remodel was initiated by the Owners desire to update her dated 1990's oak kitchen with a fresh new look. The once, u-shaped kitchen, was redesigned with a large island with granite countertop. A mix of white and dark stained custom cabinets brightened the space and gave personality to chef space. Quartz countertops on the perimeter coordinates with the grey glass subway backsplash. Glass Uppers finish the cabinetry off, providing a space for the Owner to display fun dish-ware. Additional customization is found in the message center with mail slots, charging station, cork board and dry erase boards.

We started with a blank slate on this basement project where our only obstacles were exposed steel support columns, existing plumbing risers from the concrete slab, and dropped soffits concealing ductwork on the ceiling. It had the advantage of tall ceilings, an existing egress window, and a sliding door leading to a newly constructed patio. This family of five loves the beach and frequents summer beach resorts in the Northeast. Bringing that aesthetic home to enjoy all year long was the inspiration for the décor, as well as creating a family-friendly space for entertaining. Wish list items included room for a billiard table, wet bar, game table, family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, space for a treadmill and closed storage. The existing structural elements helped to define how best to organize the basement. For instance, we knew we wanted to connect the bar area and billiards table with the patio in order to create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. It made sense to use the egress window for the guest bedroom for both safety and natural light. The bedroom also would be adjacent to the plumbing risers for easy access to the new bathroom. Since the primary focus of the family room would be for TV viewing, natural light did not need to filter into that space. We made sure to hide the columns inside of newly constructed walls and dropped additional soffits where needed to make the ceiling mechanicals feel less random. In addition to the beach vibe, the homeowner has valuable sports memorabilia that was to be prominently displayed including two seats from the original Yankee stadium. For a coastal feel, shiplap is used on two walls of the family room area. In the bathroom shiplap is used again in a more creative way using wood grain white porcelain tile as the horizontal shiplap “wood”. We connected the tile horizontally with vertical white grout joints and mimicked the horizontal shadow line with dark grey grout. At first glance it looks like we wrapped the shower with real wood shiplap. Materials including a blue and white patterned floor, blue penny tiles and a natural wood vanity checked the list for that seaside feel. A large reclaimed wood door on an exposed sliding barn track separates the family room from the game room where reclaimed beams are punctuated with cable lighting. Cabinetry and a beverage refrigerator are tucked behind the rolling bar cabinet (that doubles as a Blackjack table!). A TV and upright video arcade machine round-out the entertainment in the room. Bar stools, two rotating club chairs, and large square poufs along with the Yankee Stadium seats provide fun places to sit while having a drink, watching billiards or a game on the TV. Signed baseballs can be found behind the bar, adjacent to the billiard table, and on specially designed display shelves next to the poker table in the family room. Thoughtful touches like the surfboards, signage, photographs and accessories make a visitor feel like they are on vacation at a well-appointed beach resort without being cliché.

White carrera honed Hex tile and subway tile are complimented by the polished carrera on the custom designed vanity with Kohler Sinks. Faucets and Shower Hardware are the Grafton Collection from Restoration Hardware. The Custom mosaic Niche in the Shower is repeated on the opposite wall beside the Tresham Toilet by Kohler. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams Emerald Paint in SW6204, Sea Salt, and the Wainscote is one shade lighter in SW6203 Spare White. Photo Credit: Marc Golub

Three years after moving in this entertainment center was commissioned. Staggered heights and depths bring character and visual interest to this piece while cleverly hiding the A/V equipment, television screen, games and other non-decorative items. Door style: Kendral Panel - Wood species: Cherry - Stain: Mission from Dura Supreme

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor dedicated laundry room remodel in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

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!)

Brittany Fecteau
Large farmhouse l-shaped cement tile floor and gray floor kitchen pantry photo in Manchester with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Ally Young
Large beach style l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen photo in New York with an island, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink

This large wet room combines a steam shower and a comfortably spacious tub. MTI Baths' Adena 3 bathtub is minimalist in design but not in comfort. It sits beside a large bank of glass block which provide ample natural light. Randomly placed pin lights are installed overhead for adequate, yet unobtrusive, artificial light on darker days or nights. The shower has a handheld fixture, a fixed showerhead, and an overhead rainhead fixture to suit everyone's preference. A Steamist unit envelops the entire area in relaxing steam, perfect for soothing sore muscles and creating an overall stress-free feeling. An anti-fog mirror sits adjacent to the handheld, situated at the perfect height to facilitate a clean shave. Designer: Debra Owens Photographer: Michael Hunter

Example of a large beach style l-shaped light wood floor and exposed beam kitchen design in Grand Rapids with white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

For a client with a deep appreciation for all manner of architectural styles – and the passion to transform his lifelong dream of a single home showcasing their wide variety into reality – we were thrilled to meet the challenge. Consider the elements: an English conservatory-style kitchen. A Bahamian plantation-inspired bedroom. Florentine palazzos, Swiss chalets, Lowcountry fishing huts – all informed our journey from broad concept to unified, cohesive actuality. First and foremost a home meant to cosset and comfort an active family, it is also an elegant and gracious example of the many handcrafted arts too seldom seen. From custom ceiling treatments to hand-woven rugs, evidence of the artist’s hand abounds, imparting exquisite detail on virtually each and every surface. Nestled waterside along shimmering shores, this home is truly a dream come true – and proof the fanciful notions of the heart can indeed be transformed into functional living spaces that nurture, inspire, and satisfy the soul. Photo: Carlos Domenech Photography

Christopher Davison, AIA
Enclosed kitchen - large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Austin with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Christopher Davison, AIA
Example of a large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Austin with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island