Strategize - Photos & Ideas

There are not many things better than a room full of your favourite people. As you gather you smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and music playing in the background, as joyful conversation and laughter fill the room. I feel so grateful that we are inching our way back to these days. How about you? The project I’m sharing with you today has beautiful moments like these at its heart. Spaces that invite people in, foster connection, and make everyday living so simple that it’s impossible not to enjoy... Meet our Delightful Clients: The family behind this 1950s North Vancouver home transformation enjoy entertaining friends just as much as cosying up to watch a movie together. A professional couple (I'll call them Jon and Anna) with two elementary school-aged sons, Anna and Jon approached us with the task of furnishing the main floor living spaces and the basement of their family home. Anna is a busy lawyer who is now working almost full time from home, and Jon works in the film industry. With full careers, two active boys, and a love of gathering, they craved a home that could support their everyday lifestyle. Design and Lifestyle Goals: Our central goal for this project was simple: to uncover the hidden potential in their home and create a family-friendly space that functioned well and flowed seamlessly. On the main floor, our clients tasked us with creating an area for the family to relax and entertain, along with crafting a work and play space for the boys. They also dreamed of a more functional and bright basement, which they envisioned as a dual purpose family room and home office for Anna. Reveal: Comfortable and Welcoming Entryway & Living Room: Imagine you are coming home, and you walk through a bright, sunny front door like this one. You are met by this entryway of calming earth and sea tones, paired with warm, natural wood flooring. You feel instantly welcomed and eager to venture further inside... The same is now true for our clients! The simple details in their entryway are thoughtfully arranged with clean lines and colourful art as the focal point, achieving a timeless and friendly aesthetic. Dried wheat brings movement into the space and plays up the beauty of nature, while the vibrant yet warm colours and textures evoke feelings of comfort and homecoming. The entry flows seamlessly into this connected living area, which is adorned with ample seating strategically arranged to host and accommodate joyful conversations. With the fireplace and wood mantel as the focal point, these natural elements and hues warm up the room to make it feel beautifully lived-in (not like an untouchable museum). Another colourful work of art graces the space above Jon’s and Anna’s sofa, and we used decorative pillows and a throw blanket to tempt those colours into the rest of the room. A simply styled coffee table keeps the space feeling open and engaged. Reading material, anyone? Just beyond this living area, you get a glimpse of the second space our clients requested on their main floor... A Collected Space for Children to Work + Play: When Jon and Anna realised that their formal dining area wasn’t being used to its full potential, they imagined creating a work and play space for their boys instead. We came up with a plan to create a shared desk area with plentiful storage. This timeless natural wood desk was the perfect way to maximise surface area and give the boys plenty of space to do homework during the school year, or spend time crafting or building LEGOs during the summers. The drawers provide storage for all the wonderful items that fuel their productivity or creativity. Or both. I also love how the white floating shelves display a collection of nostalgic toys, providing just the right amount of childhood endearment to this sophisticated and functional space. This workspace now has endless possibilities for the boys, and it helps Jon and Anna keep their minds and spaces clear, too. Which brings us to... Basement Family Room & Home Office: In general, we knew we had to maximise surface area in this ‘50s home, and this was especially true for our clients’ basement. I’m happy to say that we designed an effortlessly comfortable space that focuses on family and makes it simple to settle in and work… or leave the workday behind. Welcome to this dual-function office and family room. Toward the back of the room, we strategically positioned Anna’s wraparound desk facing out into the room and gave her a wallpaper-and-art backdrop for stunning Zoom calls (she has already received glowing compliments). There is plenty of storage for easy organization including a space to store the family’s shared printer near the door… so they don’t have to interrupt “Mom” to get to it. Anna also wanted the freedom to be able to relax in this space with her family and turn her back on the work day — quite literally! The sofa is perfectly positioned backing onto the desk allowing her to do just that. We relocated an existing mustard yellow chair and used pops of the same colour to integrate it into the overall scheme. The wood armrests on this modular sectional provide surfaces for snacks and drinks where there was no room for an end table. The walnut finish carries the theme of natural comfort from the upstairs spaces down into the family room. The view from the sectional is less business and more pleasure, featuring cosy seating and throw pillows in cheerful colours and patterns. The highlight of this space? A wallpapered accent wall where we were able to achieve the high-end feel of custom built-in shelving with a simple IKEA hack. The shelves and cabinetry around the television offer plenty of much needed storage space to house family games and movies at a budget price point. This fun room is the perfect balance of work and play, accommodating and supporting our clients’ daily family adventures. What Our Clients Had to Say... Our clients could not be happier with their warm yet functional new rooms. With thoughtful consideration and a plan of action, we were able to transform two areas of their home into spaces that function well and feel good. In fact, they had this to say: “Lori and her team were everything we were looking for: great listeners, wonderfully creative and highly professional. We couldn't be happier with our interior makeover.” — Clients That is why we do what we do. If you're ready to start your redesign project, we would love to help. Reach out to us here, and let's get to know more about each other.

Transitional Kitchen Transformation - Elmhurst, IL

Drury Design

This beautiful kitchen was remodeled for a growing family in the Chicago suburbs. As they were purchasing a new home, they realized there were many drawbacks to the kitchen. It needed to be redesigned to meet their lifestyle and it made sense to do it before moving in. It was a large kitchen but the functional work space was very small. The work triangle was cumbersome and traffic flowed right through it. The existing kitchen had new red oak floors. They were beautiful, but dark red floors just aren’t practical for a growing family with dogs. THE REMODEL The first thing we did was redesign the space and reorient the layout with two islands. Incorporating a built-in banquette, instead of a table, freed up plenty of room for them. The islands are strategically placed in the opposite direction of the previous layout’s single island. This not only creates a better view from the family room, it keeps the traffic flow out of the work area while facilitating two separate workspaces. The small island incorporates a new prep sink. It’s right across from the cooking area, which is a new focal point with a gorgeous new metal hood. The larger island incorporates a Galley Workstation with accessories for efficient prep, expediting and serving. The 4′ sink makes post-meal clean-up a breeze. The butler’s pantry just outside the kitchen was large enough to create a new beverage center for morning coffee and cocktail prep. An ice maker was added to this area but there wasn’t enough room for a new wine cooler and refrigerator drawers. A separate area using previously unused space was added to the kitchen (by the table) – it includes a new wine cooler and cold beverage drawers. This is framed nicely with some glass door cabinets and a lighted open niche above for decorative display. STRATEGIC DESIGN A combination of colors and finishes highlight different focal points in the kitchen – this includes a slate blue, a soft grey and a light whitewashed stain on rift-cut oak. The stained white oak makes the wine cooler and refrigeration areas look more like furniture pieces instead of kitchen cabinets. The floors were refinished with a very light grey stain that enabled us to lighten up the color and get the red out of the finish. A new ceiling was designed to add architectural detail to the space – it includes three separate tray areas with new crown molding and lighting. THE RENEWED SPACE This stunning new kitchen is the perfect fit for the family and their home – the finishes and design elements flow beautifully into the adjoining spaces. It fulfills all of the family’s dreams for a beautiful and comfortable space that is functional and versatile.

Coastal Theme Kitchen Remodel

Dwellify

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

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Coastal Theme Kitchen Remodel

Dwellify

Irvington Modern

Amy Pearson Design

This classic Portland bungalow in the highly desirable Irvington neighborhood was in desperate need of a kitchen update. Aside from tired finishes and cabinets that have seen a full life, the original layout left the family living in a small portion of the kitchen and not taking advantage of the full square footage. The family desired a design that married both the original architectural details of their bungalow with their preference for clean and modern European design. To accomplish this request, APD brought in sleek flat panel custom frameless cabinets filled with smart and strategic accessories to make the most out of every cabinet box, including full height pantry pull-out, spice and utensil pull-outs flanking the cooking zone, a blind corner pull-0ut to avoid loosing items in the hard-to-reach space, trash & recycling pull-0ut disguised to blend with the adjacent three drawers, and a wall cabinet pull-out sized to fit under the support beam spanning the width of the room. For the traditional - we kept the classic moldings around the windows and doors, continued the homes hardwood floors into the new space, incorporated classic school house light fixtures, and swapped out the slider to the back patio in favor for one with divided lights adding to the architectural detail. Matte black granite countertops with handmade black ceramic tile backsplash bridge the gap between the modern and the traditional thanks to their clean lines, high contrast color palette, and textural and artistic details. Opting for a few adjustments to the layout created a space plan that took advantage of the full square footage of the room! In the original layout, the refrigerator was squeezed onto the same wall as the cooking, leaving very little counterspace around the hard working cooking zone along with a significant portion of the room (a previous addition) under-utilized. Relocating the refrigerator increased counterspace and storage while creating a “flow” through the entire room. Luxury Miele and Subzero appliances make this kitchen a chef’s dream! To add to the clean modern look, we opted for an induction cooktop with wall oven directly below … a great alternative to the often used range! Paneling the built-in refrigerator and dishwasher help to calm the overall visual noise of the space, hiding the two hardworking appliances away! This new family kitchen is at once hardworking, sleek, and timeless!

Chicago West Loop Signature Renovation: Kitchen, Entrance & Powder Room Revival

Chi Renovation & Design

In the heart of Chicago's vibrant West Loop, this transformative renovation reimagined the main level of a distinguished home, meticulously enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project ambitiously relocated the laundry facilities to the basement and removed the existing pantry, strategically reclaiming valuable square footage to expand the kitchen area. This thoughtful redesign paved the way for a more expansive, state-of-the-art culinary space. Central to the kitchen's allure is a striking aged brass chandelier, suspended with precision above the island. This elegant fixture not only serves as a luminous focal point but also embodies the sleek and sophisticated design ethos that permeates the entire renovation. The primary aim of this project was to elevate the home's guest entertaining capabilities, a goal achieved with remarkable success. The guest bathroom received a significant upgrade, adorned with the distinctive charm of Harlequin, a British brand wallpaper, known for its bold and whimsical designs. This choice adds a layer of refined eccentricity and texture to the space, enhancing the guest experience. Furthering the enhancements, the entryway to the house was also updated, setting a welcoming tone that harmonizes with the overall design narrative. These alterations collectively contribute to a more inviting and functional environment, perfectly suited for hosting and entertaining. This comprehensive renovation, encompassing design, labor, and materials, represented an investment of just over $160,000. The result is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and strategic planning, culminating in a space that not only meets the contemporary needs of its inhabitants but does so with unmatched elegance and style. Project designed by Chi Renovation & Design, a renowned renovation firm based in Skokie. We specialize in general contracting, kitchen and bath remodeling, and design & build services. We cater to the entire Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with emphasis on the North Side and North Shore regions. You'll find our work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more info about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/

Elevating Timeless Charm: Townhome Renovation and Revival in this Splendid Tran

Yanover Construction

Prepare to be immersed in a world where classic elegance meets modern opulence. Yanover Construction, a licensed general contractor renowned for their high-end and custom craftsmanship, proudly presents the full renovation of a classic townhome nestled within the prestigious Buckhead locale, a stone's throw from the vibrant energy of Virginia Highlands. At the helm of this remarkable project, Yanover Construction embarked on a journey to rejuvenate every facet of the home, from the carefully preserved architectural features to the introduction of bespoke modern amenities. The heart of this transformation lies in the kitchen, where Yanover Construction's masterful touch reigns supreme. Custom kitchen cabinets, meticulously crafted to both elevate functionality and embody sophistication, create an aesthetic masterpiece. These finely tailored cabinets are complemented by the allure of high-end stone countertops and an intricately designed stone backsplash—a symphony of textures and hues that resonate with luxury. Illuminating this culinary haven are luxury lighting fixtures, casting a radiant glow that accentuates the beauty of every detail. Thoughtfully introduced cabinet lighting adds an extra layer of refinement, seamlessly blending with stunning trim work that exudes the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Yanover Construction's ingenuity takes center stage with the strategic installation of a structural beam. This architectural marvel ingeniously opens up the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, resulting in a harmonious unity that unites every corner of the home. The mastery of merging form and function is evident in the installation and refinishing of hardwood floors—an enduring touch of elegance that resonates throughout. The bathrooms, transformed into personal sanctuaries, reflect Yanover Construction's commitment to excellence. Each bathroom now boasts new tile showers adorned with frameless glass, a nod to modern sensibilities. Electric fireplaces, strategically placed, infuse comfort and warmth into these spaces, creating an ambiance of serenity. Luxury extends to the bespoke vanities that grace each bathroom—custom works of art meticulously curated to blend seamlessly with the home's aesthetic. Yanover Construction's impeccable reputation as a licensed general contractor specializing in high-end and custom work is embedded within every facet of this renovation. The result is a townhome that not only pays homage to its classic origins but also embraces the essence of contemporary luxury living. Elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation converge, inviting you to experience the pinnacle of sophisticated living in the heart of Buckhead.

Delbrook Family Home

Simply Home Decorating

8SUN RESORT

MAKHNO studio

This hotel design captivates with its aerial perspective, showcasing a series of organic, flowing terraces that integrate seamlessly into the natural topography. The architecture employs circular and curved designs to soften the visual impact, creating a harmonious balance with the rugged landscape. Strategic placement of outdoor seating areas, sculptures, and lush plantings enhance the luxurious yet eco-conscious aesthetic, making the space not only a place to stay but a profound experience of design and nature.

Scandi-Industrial Kitchen – Pasadena

Go Home Builders

Welcome to a stunning Scandi-Industrial-designed kitchen nestled in the heart of South Pasadena. This kitchen effortlessly combines the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian design with the rugged, raw aesthetic of industrial elements, resulting in a truly captivating space. As you enter, you are immediately drawn to the exquisite blend of oak and gray cabinets that adorn the walls. The natural grain of the oak adds warmth and texture, while the gray cabinets contribute a modern touch to the space. These cabinets offer ample storage and are carefully designed to maintain the clean lines and functionality typical of Scandinavian design. In the center of the kitchen stands a commanding dark gray island, bringing a bold contrast to the surrounding elements. Its rich hue adds depth and sophistication, becoming a focal point that draws the eye. The island offers additional countertop space and storage, as well as a gathering place for family and friends. Adorning the countertops is stunning dark gray quartz, a material known for its durability and striking beauty. The sleek and polished surface adds a touch of elegance, while its dark color complements the surrounding elements, creating a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic. If you look up you’ll be surprised to see, a white tongue and groove ceiling. Exudes charm and adds a sense of airiness to the space. This classic Scandinavian design element brings a touch of tradition, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the industrial elements. One wall of the kitchen features a captivating Platinum/ Peacock/ Seafoam wallpaper, serving as a focal point and injecting personality into the space. The wallpaper’s design, adds visual interest and enhances the overall ambiance. Beneath your feet, you’ll find beautiful hardwood flooring that seamlessly ties the space together. The warm tones and natural grain of the wood add a sense of warmth and organic beauty, further enhancing the Scandi-Industrial atmosphere. A custom bi-fold door, thoughtfully crafted, offers flexibility and the option to create an open, flowing space or a private, secluded one. This innovative feature exemplifies the functionality and versatility that Scandi-Industrial design embraces, allowing for effortless transitions between different areas of the kitchen and beyond. To add a touch of luxury, brass finishes are strategically incorporated throughout the kitchen. The hardware on the cabinets and drawers gleams with a warm, golden hue, while pendant lights and faucets showcase the same lustrous finish. These brass accents bring a sense of refinement and elegance, elevating the overall aesthetic. The lighting fixtures in the Scandi-Industrial kitchen are both functional and decorative. Suspended pendant lights hang over the island, casting a warm and intimate glow. A hexagon light fixture hangs over the dining area and complements the hexagon backsplash. Under-cabinet LED lights illuminate the countertops, enhancing visibility and adding a touch of contemporary sophistication, Cove lighting enhances the architectural features of the room and makes a room appear warm and romantic with its subtle glow. To complete the look, natural elements are strategically incorporated throughout the kitchen. Fully wood-customized windows, doors, floating shelves, and walls painted with Kilz One Horn White, enhance the overall ambiance and create a calming environment. In summary, this Scandi-Industrial kitchen in South Pasadena seamlessly blends Scandinavian minimalism with industrial ruggedness, resulting in a harmonious and visually striking space. It is a true testament to the marriage of form and function, where simplicity, natural elements, and clean lines come together to create an inviting and effortlessly stylish kitchen.

Gated Metropolitan Seclusion

D. A. Dunlevy

Strategic design turns a busy location into a secret garden. The bustling commuter road right outside was the only thing standing in the way of our client’s happiness with their new home. Though moving Foxhall Road wasn’t an option, the team at D. A. Dunlevy came up with an equally appealing solution. The landscape design incorporated plantings of various heights with impressive stone walls and walkways, and was completed with custom automatic entry gates. The resulting design provides much-needed privacy and a buffer from the busy road, safety for the children, and a stunning landscape that will continue to impress over the years.

Modern Asian Backyard

Harmony Design Northwest

Transforming the blank canvas of a basic builder’s backyard into a captivating retreat, we turned a grass-dominated space into an effortlessly elegant low-maintenance haven with a distinct Asian flair. At the heart of this metamorphosis is the expanded patio and walkway, featuring offset architectural pavers that not only captivate the eye but also contribute to a dynamic sense of flow throughout the elongated backyard. A key focal point is the thoughtfully designed rain garden, adorned with strategically placed boulders that manages stormwater runoff in an aesthetically pleasing way. The carefully curated plant palette plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic. The deliberate choice of low grasses and foliage-forward perennials, coupled with the inclusion of small evergreen plants and vibrant Japanese maples, creates a harmonious blend of colors, shapes, and sizes. This contrasting arrangement not only ensures visual interest year-round but also infuses the space with a timeless allure inspired by Asian design principles. The result is a backyard oasis that transcends the ordinary, offering a serene escape with minimal upkeep requirements. The strategic combination of hardscape elements, lush greenery, and carefully selected plants transforms this space into a sanctuary where the beauty of nature meets the sophistication of thoughtful design.

Sophisticated Simplicity: A Modern Exterior Home Design

Sixth Sense Studio

Imagine a home that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. That's the essence of a Contemporary Elegant Exterior Home. Here's a detailed description to spark your imagination: Curb Appeal Clean Lines: The overall impression is one of simplicity and order. Straight lines dominate the design, with minimal curves or ornamentation. Geometry in Play: Rectangles, squares, and other geometric shapes are used to create a visually interesting facade. High-Quality Materials: Stucco, stone veneer, or wood panels adorn the exterior, often in a combination for added texture. Think muted, natural tones for a timeless look. Windows and Doors Large Windows: Expansive windows bathe the interior in natural light and blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. Picture large panels of glass or floor-to-ceiling windows. Minimalist Door: A sleek, modern door with clean lines complements the overall aesthetic. Pops of Color While neutral tones reign supreme, a touch of color can add personality. This could be a brightly painted front door, a pop of color in the landscaping, or strategically placed planters with vibrant flowers. Putting it Together Roof: A flat roof or a low-pitched gable roof maintains the clean lines. Modern materials like metal or high-quality asphalt shingles are popular choices. Landscaping: Simple and elegant landscaping with clean lines and muted tones complements the home's architecture. Think manicured lawns, strategically placed shrubs, and pops of color from flowers. Overall Vibe The Contemporary Elegant Exterior Home exudes sophistication and timeless style. It's a home that makes a statement through its clean lines, high-quality materials, and subtle hints of luxury. It welcomes you in with a sense of light, openness, and understated elegance.

Chicago West Loop Signature Renovation: Kitchen, Entrance & Powder Room Revival

Chi Renovation & Design

Irvington Modern

Amy Pearson Design

Piermont New York Scandinavian Modern

Design Farm Group

Outdoor rooms were created in various strategic locations to provide gathering spaces for friends and family. Brazilian hardwood was chosen for it's durability and classic architecture with clean lines for this modern deck. Strategic placement provides direct site lines to the Hudson River in Piedmont. Photo Credit : Kristy Engels Carpenter : Joe Gambardella

Dining room with impact lighting

Ernesto Santalla PLLC

Ernesto Santalla was approached to create a new home for two Washington, DC lawyers wishing to downsize their living space. The move took them from a row house in Washington's historic Dupont Circle neighborhood to a two bedroom apartment in the vibrant, up-and-coming U Street Corridor. Our task was to transform a rather plain and generic apartment into a custom, sophisticated space in a few strategic moves. Ceiling details serve to define functional areas of the living space without creating divisions. Changing some doors from wood to frosted glass, creates a sense of continuity between spaces, and allows light to travel between spaces. Lighting was inserted strategically, to enhance certain functions of the home. The kitchen was partially enclosed with a plane of frosted glass to create visual separation from the main living space while still allowing natural light to filter in from the expansive wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Color was used to reinforce the architectural intent and simplify spaces, such as the entry, which as many doors and frames. Furniture was selected to blend with the client's collection of heirloom pieces, creating a sophisticated juxtaposition. Statement pieces like a ceiling light from Viabizzuno create impact while maintaining the visual simplicity of our minimal approach. This project was featured in DC Modern Luxury. https://www.modernluxury.com/washington-dc/story/grand-nest Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Modular Multi-Use

Studio Terrain

With a focus on simplicity, we have successfully converted this backyard into a versatile and functional space, utilizing a modular and contemporary paver design. By strategically placing architectural slabs within the lawn, we have established distinct outdoor rooms that cater to various activities, all within the convenience of a single backyard. The integration of rusted steel and concrete retaining walls not only levels the lawn but also optimizes the available space, providing ample room for the entire family to enjoy.