This Mediterranean style home is fit on a compact lot in the heart of town for a professional couple with young children and au pair. The below grade bedrooms, family room and office are essential to providing for the family needs, with the extensive window light wells with lush landscaping and detailed masonry finishes bringing in sufficient light and pleasant views so that the rooms a comfortably used on an everyday basis. The open kitchen, living and dining rooms allow for a casual and informal lifestyle, while careful control of the openings, finishes and lighting create let each space per separately experienced. Italian mahogany windows, hand split limestone walls and antique clay roof tiles give an authentic Tuscan flavor to the exterior. Photos by Phil Bond Photography Stone: Select Stone Tile: All Natural Stone

This young couple was ready to make some changes to their master bedroom. They already laid a great foundation for me: beautiful wall color, carpet and trim. We just needed to update their furnishings and make this space feel more like them. They requested a bedroom that was more classic than trendy and a space that feels relaxing and spa-like. I started with the big pieces. I know they liked the light, upholstered bed look, which is awesome because I get so many clients who shy away from this option for fear of it getting dirty. Next up were the case pieces: dresser, night stands, high boy. I know a lot of designers who favor designing a bedroom with non-matching sets, but in this case, I thought opting for matching nightstands and dressers was the most classic choice and will stand the test of time best. They also a requested an area for the wive to do her make up and hair separate from the bathroom with ample light. I found a vanity, replaced the matching stool with an accent chair in a grey ikat print and used a pair of existing lamps. Extra seating is provided at the end of the bed on a tufted grey bench. The inverted pleat drapes are custom made with black out lining. Accessories and wall art were added to infuse personality and warm up the space.

The Sussex lighting collection from Sea Gull Lighting is a perfect crossover from cottage style into urban chic. The Sussex collection's retro appeal softens and warms-up contemporary spaces, while retaining an up-to-date decor. Look to Sussex when balance and unity are required in your interior design. Offered in Brushed Nickel finish with Satin White glass or Heirloom Bronze with Satin Etched glass. For the wall/bath fixtures only, a Chrome finish coupled with Satin White glass is also available. The assortment includes nine-light, five-light and three-light chandeliers, pendants in six sizes, both flush and semi-flush ceiling fixtures, as well as one-light, two-light, three-light and four-light wall/bath fixtures. Both incandescent lamping and ENERGY STAR-qualified fluorescent lamping are available. Most of these fixtures easily convert to LED by purchasing LED replacement lamps sold separately.

This couple moved to Plano to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. When they purchased the home, they knew that the kitchen would have to be improved as they love to cook and gather as a family. The storage and prep space was not working for them and the old stove had to go! They loved the gas range that they had in their previous home and wanted to have that range again. We began this remodel by removing a wall in the butlers pantry to create a more open space. We tore out the old cabinets and soffit and replaced them with cherry Kraftmaid cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The cabinets were designed to house tons of deep drawers for ease of access and storage. We combined the once separated laundry and utility office space into one large laundry area with storage galore. Their new kitchen and laundry space is now super functional and blends with the adjacent family room. Photography by Versatile Imaging (Lauren Brown)

This couple moved to Plano to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. When they purchased the home, they knew that the kitchen would have to be improved as they love to cook and gather as a family. The storage and prep space was not working for them and the old stove had to go! They loved the gas range that they had in their previous home and wanted to have that range again. We began this remodel by removing a wall in the butlers pantry to create a more open space. We tore out the old cabinets and soffit and replaced them with cherry Kraftmaid cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The cabinets were designed to house tons of deep drawers for ease of access and storage. We combined the once separated laundry and utility office space into one large laundry area with storage galore. Their new kitchen and laundry space is now super functional and blends with the adjacent family room. Photography by Versatile Imaging (Lauren Brown)

A coastal oasis in New Jersey. This project was for a house with no master bathroom. The couple thought how great it would be to have a master suite that encompassed a luxury bath, walk-in closet, laundry room, and breakfast bar area. We did it. Coastal themed master suite starting with a luxury bathroom adorned in shiplap and wood-plank tile floor. The vanity offers lots of storage with drawers and countertop cabinets. Freestanding bathtub overlooks the bay. The large walkin tile shower is beautiful. Separate toilet area offers privacy which is nice to have in a bedroom suite concept.

Photo: Jessica Cain © 2017 Houzz
Mid-century modern dining room photo in Kansas City with white walls and no fireplace

This couple approached us to design and renovate their existing master suite on their adorable Broad Ripple area home. Their goals were to update, open up and improve the function of their space. The ceilings were very low and the space was tight with an inefficient master bath and separate closet. We began by removing the ceiling and providing a high cathedral space for an expanded feel in the bedroom. We removed a side door and picture window and installed a sliding glass door to improve the natural lighting of the space and allow access to their landscaped patio on the back of the home. We stole space from the large master bedroom and eliminated the door that led into the closet, to allow for a larger bathroom and walk-in master closet with dressing area. This permitted a larger shower with a bench and the addition of a make-up vanity area. We also enlarged the window in the bathroom to allow more natural light into the space. The final design element was a floating step outside the sliding door onto their patio which is clean, modern and enhances the entrance to their serene master suite from the exterior.

This couple moved to Plano to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. When they purchased the home, they knew that the kitchen would have to be improved as they love to cook and gather as a family. The storage and prep space was not working for them and the old stove had to go! They loved the gas range that they had in their previous home and wanted to have that range again. We began this remodel by removing a wall in the butlers pantry to create a more open space. We tore out the old cabinets and soffit and replaced them with cherry Kraftmaid cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The cabinets were designed to house tons of deep drawers for ease of access and storage. We combined the once separated laundry and utility office space into one large laundry area with storage galore. Their new kitchen and laundry space is now super functional and blends with the adjacent family room. Photography by Versatile Imaging (Lauren Brown)

This couple approached us to design and renovate their existing master suite on their adorable Broad Ripple area home. Their goals were to update, open up and improve the function of their space. The ceilings were very low and the space was tight with an inefficient master bath and separate closet. We began by removing the ceiling and providing a high cathedral space for an expanded feel in the bedroom. We removed a side door and picture window and installed a sliding glass door to improve the natural lighting of the space and allow access to their landscaped patio on the back of the home. We stole space from the large master bedroom and eliminated the door that led into the closet, to allow for a larger bathroom and walk-in master closet with dressing area. This permitted a larger shower with a bench and the addition of a make-up vanity area. We also enlarged the window in the bathroom to allow more natural light into the space. The final design element was a floating step outside the sliding door onto their patio which is clean, modern and enhances the entrance to their serene master suite from the exterior.

A coastal oasis in New Jersey. This project was for a house with no master bathroom. The couple thought how great it would be to have a master suite that encompassed a luxury bath, walk-in closet, laundry room, and breakfast bar area. We did it. Coastal themed master suite starting with a luxury bathroom adorned in shiplap and wood-plank tile floor. The vanity offers lots of storage with drawers and countertop cabinets. Freestanding bathtub overlooks the bay. The large walkin tile shower is beautiful. Separate toilet area offers privacy which is nice to have in a bedroom suite concept.

This delightful couple purchased this home with renovation in mind. It was situated in an ideal location, but required a serious update bringing modernization while keeping it’s 1940’s period charm. They asked us to design an elegant Master Suite, complete with a bedroom, master closet and elegant bathroom. While we make every attempt to maintain original walls and floors, this renovation required complete gutting of two bedrooms and closets to open the space and allow for all they wanted. In this process we were able to bring uneven floors and walls into level allowing for great end results. The finishing touches on this bathroom included custom white painted vanity and make-up table with White Carrara Marble countertops and a custom tile floor design using Carrara Marble tile. A free-standing tub and bridge faucets/ tub spout upped the game on a modern take on an old-world plumbing fixture. The glass shower completes this sophisticated space, which gives this master bath a modern twist on traditional. We then turned our attention to the master bedroom, touching it up with new paint and refinishing with a new master closet separating the bedroom from the bathroom.

This couple moved to Plano to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. When they purchased the home, they knew that the kitchen would have to be improved as they love to cook and gather as a family. The storage and prep space was not working for them and the old stove had to go! They loved the gas range that they had in their previous home and wanted to have that range again. We began this remodel by removing a wall in the butlers pantry to create a more open space. We tore out the old cabinets and soffit and replaced them with cherry Kraftmaid cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The cabinets were designed to house tons of deep drawers for ease of access and storage. We combined the once separated laundry and utility office space into one large laundry area with storage galore. Their new kitchen and laundry space is now super functional and blends with the adjacent family room. Photography by Versatile Imaging (Lauren Brown)

When our client bought their lot in Broken Top they did not build for years. Living in San Diego,they decided in 2011 to build a vacation home/ future retirement abode. Their vision included a welcoming single level with relaxing Master bedroom and bath, a kitchen/living/dining space to entertain family and friends, and an outdoor living space to enjoy the sunsets.Their vision became reality!! It also includes a wonderful second bedroom perfect for guests, with a separate entrance and a private bath with walk-in shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with lots of windows. The home is rustic from the front. Upon entering one notices the open floor plan and contemporary kitchen design as well as the beautiful rock fireplace and abundance of light. An extra-large island in the kitchen includes a wine cooler, bar sink, and eating area. The décor of the home is comfortable and warm. And the stunning dark Acacia wood flooring runs throughout the main living area. This home is 3210 square feet on a single level. Natural mature landscaping surrounds the home giving it a settled-in feeling. This is a perfect home for retirees who host guests, or a small family. In this case,the couple will use it as their vacation get-away with retirement in their scope. Ross Chandler

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 patio may look like wood, but it is in fact a concrete paver! The paver is a Techo-Bloc product called Borealis. Its natural wood grain surface mimics the beauty of wood, yet gives us the durability of concrete pavers. The pavers were laid directly over the existing concrete patio, which was still in good shape with minimal cracking and settling. The lovely couple that lives here wanted a new cedar pergola. But what they ended up with was that and an entirely new and cool back patio space that will last for years and years!

When our client bought their lot in Broken Top they did not build for years. Living in San Diego,they decided in 2011 to build a vacation home/ future retirement abode. Their vision included a welcoming single level with relaxing Master bedroom and bath, a kitchen/living/dining space to entertain family and friends, and an outdoor living space to enjoy the sunsets.Their vision became reality!! It also includes a wonderful second bedroom perfect for guests, with a separate entrance and a private bath with walk-in shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with lots of windows. The home is rustic from the front. Upon entering one notices the open floor plan and contemporary kitchen design as well as the beautiful rock fireplace and abundance of light. An extra-large island in the kitchen includes a wine cooler, bar sink, and eating area. The décor of the home is comfortable and warm. And the stunning dark Acacia wood flooring runs throughout the main living area. This home is 3210 square feet on a single level. Natural mature landscaping surrounds the home giving it a settled-in feeling. This is a perfect home for retirees who host guests, or a small family. In this case,the couple will use it as their vacation get-away with retirement in their scope. Ross Chandler

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

When our client bought their lot in Broken Top they did not build for years. Living in San Diego,they decided in 2011 to build a vacation home/ future retirement abode. Their vision included a welcoming single level with relaxing Master bedroom and bath, a kitchen/living/dining space to entertain family and friends, and an outdoor living space to enjoy the sunsets.Their vision became reality!! It also includes a wonderful second bedroom perfect for guests, with a separate entrance and a private bath with walk-in shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with lots of windows. The home is rustic from the front. Upon entering one notices the open floor plan and contemporary kitchen design as well as the beautiful rock fireplace and abundance of light. An extra-large island in the kitchen includes a wine cooler, bar sink, and eating area. The décor of the home is comfortable and warm. And the stunning dark Acacia wood flooring runs throughout the main living area. This home is 3210 square feet on a single level. Natural mature landscaping surrounds the home giving it a settled-in feeling. This is a perfect home for retirees who host guests, or a small family. In this case,the couple will use it as their vacation get-away with retirement in their scope. Ross Chandler