Photo: Corynne Pless Photography © 2014 Houzz
Example of a farmhouse entryway design in New York

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!)

double height space
Living room - large cottage formal dark wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Huge re-model including taking ceiling from a flat ceiling to a complete transformation. Bamboo custom cabinetry was given a grey stain, mixed with walnut strip on the bar and the island given a different stain. Huge amounts of storage from deep pan corner drawers, roll out trash, coffee station, built in refrigerator, wine and alcohol storage, appliance garage, pantry and appliance storage, the amounts go on and on. Floating shelves with a back that just grabs the eye takes this kitchen to another level. The clients are thrilled with this huge difference from their original space.

Example of a transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office design in Tampa with white walls

Calligaris' distinctive table designs and dynamic extension systems have the ability to transform a simple table into a striking piece of design. The Omnia table is an excellent example of style and ingenuity. With a very thin, almost fluctuating top and distinctively shaped legs, this table fuses modern appeal with traditional craftsmanship. This versatile table is available in different sizes and combinations. Choose from a wood or ceramic glass table top, as well as fixed or extendible versions. The Bess Chair pairs perfectly with the Omnia Dining Table, featuring wooden legs, a padded shell, and your choice of either leather or fabric upholstery. Accessorize your dining set with a pair of Volans Suspension Lamps and an Arabia Rug.

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Los Angeles

Equip your home with a laundry room so inviting, you may actually enjoy spending time there. Clean lines, Eased edge-style fronts and a warm Driftwood finish create a transitional look that coordinates with many current décor styles. Gleaming hardware and crown and base molding add to the high-end aesthetic.

A circa-1970's paneled room was transformed with new sheetrock, trim moulding, and built in bookshelves all painted in high gloss blue paint. Two additional windows were installed to bring in much-needed light. A mix of furniture style adds eclectic personality to the space. Photo by Robert Radifera

Transitional family room photo in Tampa with yellow walls

Adrian Ozimek
Cottage chic kitchen photo in Toronto

photography: raquel langworthy
Example of a beach style dark wood floor foyer design in New York with beige walls

Adam Rouse
Example of a large trendy single-wall light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, an undermount sink, an island, gray countertops and concrete countertops

Photo Credit: Michael A. Hernandez
Example of a mid-sized minimalist master carpeted bedroom design in Miami with gray walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor craft room remodel in Toronto with pink walls and no fireplace

Bedroom - eclectic medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Charleston with white walls

Example of a bedroom classic gender-neutral kids' bedroom design in Boston with beige walls

Restoration Hardware Chandelier
Mountain style medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Beach style medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room photo in Boston with white walls