We gave this rather dated farmhouse some dramatic upgrades that brought together the feminine with the masculine, combining rustic wood with softer elements. In terms of style her tastes leaned toward traditional and elegant and his toward the rustic and outdoorsy. The result was the perfect fit for this family of 4 plus 2 dogs and their very special farmhouse in Ipswich, MA. Character details create a visual statement, showcasing the melding of both rustic and traditional elements without too much formality. The new master suite is one of the most potent examples of the blending of styles. The bath, with white carrara honed marble countertops and backsplash, beaded wainscoting, matching pale green vanities with make-up table offset by the black center cabinet expand function of the space exquisitely while the salvaged rustic beams create an eye-catching contrast that picks up on the earthy tones of the wood. The luxurious walk-in shower drenched in white carrara floor and wall tile replaced the obsolete Jacuzzi tub. Wardrobe care and organization is a joy in the massive walk-in closet complete with custom gliding library ladder to access the additional storage above. The space serves double duty as a peaceful laundry room complete with roll-out ironing center. The cozy reading nook now graces the bay-window-with-a-view and storage abounds with a surplus of built-ins including bookcases and in-home entertainment center. You can’t help but feel pampered the moment you step into this ensuite. The pantry, with its painted barn door, slate floor, custom shelving and black walnut countertop provide much needed storage designed to fit the family’s needs precisely, including a pull out bin for dog food. During this phase of the project, the powder room was relocated and treated to a reclaimed wood vanity with reclaimed white oak countertop along with custom vessel soapstone sink and wide board paneling. Design elements effectively married rustic and traditional styles and the home now has the character to match the country setting and the improved layout and storage the family so desperately needed. And did you see the barn? Photo credit: Eric Roth

This guest bath has a light and airy feel with an organic element and pop of color. The custom vanity is in a midtown jade aqua-green PPG paint Holy Glen. It provides ample storage while giving contrast to the white and brass elements. A playful use of mixed metal finishes gives the bathroom an up-dated look. The 3 light sconce is gold and black with glass globes that tie the gold cross handle plumbing fixtures and matte black hardware and bathroom accessories together. The quartz countertop has gold veining that adds additional warmth to the space. The acacia wood framed mirror with a natural interior edge gives the bathroom an organic warm feel that carries into the curb-less shower through the use of warn toned river rock. White subway tile in an offset pattern is used on all three walls in the shower and carried over to the vanity backsplash. The shower has a tall niche with quartz shelves providing lots of space for storing shower necessities. The river rock from the shower floor is carried to the back of the niche to add visual interest to the white subway shower wall as well as a black Schluter edge detail. The shower has a frameless glass rolling shower door with matte black hardware to give the this smaller bathroom an open feel and allow the natural light in. There is a gold handheld shower fixture with a cross handle detail that looks amazing against the white subway tile wall. The white Sherwin Williams Snowbound walls are the perfect backdrop to showcase the design elements of the bathroom. Photography by LifeCreated.

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Master Bedroom. Photo by Dan Cutrona Photography
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The counter top’s Art Deco inspired radius corners are a distinctive visual element in the room and also provide safe navigation.
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This guest bath has a light and airy feel with an organic element and pop of color. The custom vanity is in a midtown jade aqua-green PPG paint Holy Glen. It provides ample storage while giving contrast to the white and brass elements. A playful use of mixed metal finishes gives the bathroom an up-dated look. The 3 light sconce is gold and black with glass globes that tie the gold cross handle plumbing fixtures and matte black hardware and bathroom accessories together. The quartz countertop has gold veining that adds additional warmth to the space. The acacia wood framed mirror with a natural interior edge gives the bathroom an organic warm feel that carries into the curb-less shower through the use of warn toned river rock. White subway tile in an offset pattern is used on all three walls in the shower and carried over to the vanity backsplash. The shower has a tall niche with quartz shelves providing lots of space for storing shower necessities. The river rock from the shower floor is carried to the back of the niche to add visual interest to the white subway shower wall as well as a black Schluter edge detail. The shower has a frameless glass rolling shower door with matte black hardware to give the this smaller bathroom an open feel and allow the natural light in. There is a gold handheld shower fixture with a cross handle detail that looks amazing against the white subway tile wall. The white Sherwin Williams Snowbound walls are the perfect backdrop to showcase the design elements of the bathroom. Photography by LifeCreated.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

CJ South
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The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

The kitchen at Southlake Manor underwent a full transformation, drawing inspiration from the charm of the South of France while incorporating the Denningtons' personal tastes. A major design feature is the stunning barrelled ceiling, which adds a sense of grandeur and architectural interest. This beautiful ceiling design enhances the space by creating visual height, drawing the eye upward and contributing to the kitchen’s airy and open feel. The Denningtons’ love for the color blue is woven throughout the kitchen, with custom accents in a rich, deep shade that adds warmth and personality to the space. The cabinetry features a mix of finishes that complement the color palette, creating a balanced, sophisticated look. At the heart of the kitchen sits a custom, round island—a standout piece designed to be both functional and visually striking. The island, with its unique shape and built-in drawers, provides ample storage while maintaining a sleek, clean aesthetic. It’s an ideal gathering spot for the family and offers a beautiful contrast to the surrounding cabinetry. The layers of texture throughout the kitchen—from the smooth cabinetry finishes to the intricate details of the island and the natural warmth of the new barrelled ceiling—add depth and dimension. Every element is carefully crafted to elevate the design to the next level, blending style with practicality in a way that reflects the Denningtons' love for sophisticated, yet welcoming spaces.

Large farmhouse l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring exudes a rich and inviting ambiance, combining the stately elegance of dark wood with the durability and natural beauty of stone. The dominant feature of this kitchen is the dark wood cabinetry, crafted from deep-toned woods like mahogany, cherry, or espresso-stained oak. The cabinetry's fine craftsmanship and intricate details lend an air of sophistication to the space, while the dark wood's grain patterns add depth and character. The contrast between the dark wood and the stone tile flooring creates a dramatic and visually appealing effect. The stone tile flooring, often featuring materials such as travertine, slate, or limestone, provides a rugged and textured foundation. The natural variation and earthy hues of the stone tiles add warmth and authenticity to the kitchen, making it not only beautiful but also highly practical, as stone tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Countertops in this kitchen typically feature dark stone surfaces, such as granite or soapstone, which echo the deep tones of the wood cabinetry. These surfaces are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, making them ideal for food preparation and cooking. Overhead pendant lights with metal or glass accents offer functional illumination while adding a touch of contemporary style. The pendant fixtures may incorporate sleek and modern designs to complement the overall aesthetic. The walls are often painted in neutral colors, such as soft gray or muted beige, allowing the dark wood and stone elements to remain the focal point. Natural light streams through the kitchen's windows, creating a sense of brightness and warmth that contrasts with the dark wood, adding balance to the space. The dark wood kitchen with stone tile flooring is a perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's a space that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and provides a practical and visually striking environment for culinary creativity and gathering with family and friends.

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!)

Drawing inspiration from the traditional design of the house, Juergen’s team utilized bold linear elements like a rectangular pool with cascading water features to provide an elegant contrast to the landscape. Subtle details such as rectangular flower beds, an interlocking stonework design on both the patio and pool deck, and the patio furniture abound, providing visual balance and symmetry that accentuates the elegant simplicity of this unique landscape. Finally, the large patio with a built-in barbeque for entertaining unites the various elements of this design, making it a zen space for relaxation and play.

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!)