This garden is comprised of CA native plants, a dry river bed to redirect the rainwater, a funky gravel driveway and two rain tanks. This garden also has no irrigation system and is thriving just fine.

From updating the color scheme and tiles to redirecting heating and adding storage, this remodel was designed with the needs of the homeowners in mind. See how we transformed this space in just 23 days below.

From updating the color scheme and tiles to redirecting heating and adding storage, this remodel was designed with the needs of the homeowners in mind. See how we transformed this space in just 23 days below.

This garden is comprised of CA native plants, a dry river bed to redirect the rainwater, a funky gravel driveway and two rain tanks. This garden also has no irrigation system and is thriving just fine.

From updating the color scheme and tiles to redirecting heating and adding storage, this remodel was designed with the needs of the homeowners in mind. See how we transformed this space in just 23 days below.

LeafGuard® Brand Gutters are a one-piece, seamless, hooded system that collects large amounts of rain and redirects them away from your home. Even more reassuring is that LeafGuard® Brand Gutters are certified to handle more than 32 inches of rain in an hour and come with an iron-clad no-clog guarantee. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at a project our craftsmen completed for our client, James.

Starting its life as a dark, walled in space with inadequate cabinetry and multiple awkward components, I knew the only way forward with this penthouse kitchen, was for it to undergo a complete rebuild. The clients were hoping to welcome a child in the years following this renovation, however they love to entertain so also wanted a modern and sophisticated kitchen. Therefore, the task became marrying functional indestructibility with clean, elevated design, resulting in a timeless, architecturally forward kitchen with sensible storage and innovated finishes. The first and most important task when addressing the modernization of this kitchen, was to remove the existing walls that closed off the space. Accomplishing this allowed for a more free-flowing feel and opened the sightline to the rest of the unit. This also invited the opportunity for a new, more welcoming floor plan including the addition of a large island with ample counter space and optional eat-in functionality. In order to maximize functional efficiency and overall aesthetic value, I knew the plumbing required substantial relocation. However, with concrete ceilings and floors, combined with a strata unwilling to allow trenching of the slab, moving the plumbing to the most effective location was no easy feat. Ultimately, I was able to accomplish this by creating a hidden channel inside the cabinetry that allowed the plumbing to be redirected to the ideal location without visible detection. Creatively, I was inspired by the idea of injecting dimension, by way of juxtaposing materials that wouldn’t necessarily be found together in nature, yet worked harmonious when combined. You’ll notice the cabinet fronts are all made of solid Dekton – a manmade stone that while costly, is nearly indestructible. This created the base in which we inset the countertop, backsplash and surround, all made in a wood-like material. As if a huge ice-cream scoop glided into a slab of solid stone, uncovering beautiful layered depths of wood. I worked with a local company to custom manufacture this is a high impact, one-of-a-kind laminate specifically for this project. It’s nonporous, fingerprint resistant and antimicrobial. It offers a matte finish which has a beautiful hand-feel resembling real wood but because it’s manmade, it’s not subjected to the same expansion and contraction of natural wood, making it an exceptional choice for this application. Final details also include a touchless kitchen faucet, integrated appliances, hidden storage, Italian lighting, delicate Australian hardware and smart switches and plugs.

A screen composed of wood slats redirects the flow of traffic upon entry to the house, creating a sense of separation between the entryway and adjacent living room. A bench with built-in shoe storage is nestled into the front bay window, and a long wall of closets accommodate jackets and outerwear, sports equipment, and cleaning supplies. By gradually changing the angle of the slats across the screen, we were able to provide privacy for the family room, while permitting light to penetrate deep into the house from the front window and door. Photo by Scott Norsworthy

The dazzling focal point of this Thornhill backyard is a dry Gunite pool with premium PebbleTec white glass bead interior and Wiarton flagstone coping. The backyard had a drainage problem which was solved with a sloping raised upper patio in architecturally stamped concrete to re-direct the runoff away from the house. (18 x 42 custom rectangular)

An upgraded fireplace with redirected heat eliminates the former drafts and hotspots. Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is low maintenance and easy underfoot.

An awkward entrance to the living room is redirected using a built-in open shelf to display unique artifacts collected through years of travel and discovery

A smart TV installation on the stone fireplace feature using wireless HDMI and video streaming. This TV model has built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer for discreet yet large sound. Before TV installation, the room focus was re-directed to left wall for a media cabinet and furniture layout was not aligned with original home design.

The dishwasher is hidden by an appliance panel (see left of the sink) which redirects the focus on the cabinetry. The base built-in microwave is easily accessible surrounded by great drawer storage. There are six posts incorporated into the island design that were custom made for this client. We continued the top bead detail across the seating area tieing in the two ends posts and custom end panelling.

This project is currently in progress. The perimeter drain is piping around the perimeter of a house, for the purpose of redirecting water that could otherwise affect a home’s foundation. We removed the concrete decking in order to replace the drain piping, and will be rebuilding the deck and landscaping once the piping is completed.

The master bedroom embodies the principles of the SVITLO game: WIND and KVITKA are the natural harmony of light captured in ceramics. WIND is a tile that can catch and redirect the rays like a sail or a breeze. Thanks to its special dynamic shape, the play of light and shadow brings the walls to life with exquisite patterns. Turning day or night light into artistic illumination. KVITKA is a lamp that is adored. Copper or ceramic, it impresses with its volume and the amount of honey light emitted like pollen.

A smart TV installation on the stone fireplace feature using wireless HDMI and video streaming. This TV model has built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer for discreet yet large sound. Before TV installation, the room focus was re-directed to left wall for a media cabinet and furniture layout was not aligned with original home design.

Example of a small transitional open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Vancouver with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

@ Cathy Carr, APLD
Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone retaining wall landscape in DC Metro for fall.

@ Cathy Carr, APLD
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless exterior home remodel in DC Metro