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Category Archives: tips and tricks

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Timeless design

It is not every day   we are presented with projects that have historic relevance to the city, especially ones that are intended for residential housing. This private residence was truly unique, an address of distinction; the original “Toronto Hunt Club” dating back to 1930 was known as a playground for aristocrats. A landmark where society’s finest would entertain with activities such as hunting foxes…

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Warmth, elegance and unity

It’s always exciting to get involved on a project during the planning stages. So when these homeowners came to us with preliminary floor plans for a major renovation, including adding an addition to their home in a prestigious neighborhood, we were thrilled. The architect had proposed a beautiful new building envelope and facade, however the plans needed to be developed further…

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A great kitchen

In today’s market, five hundred square feet is typically thought to be a common size for a bachelor or one-bedroom condo, however, that was not the case for this designer kitchen. The owners of this fabulous kitchen were building a custom home to accommodate their growing family and decided to utilize the main floor by allocating to the kitchen as…

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A well planned bathroom

Traditionally, bathrooms were a room specifically used for bathing and the water closet. In the past century, these two rooms came together to form the North American bathroom. If you look back fifty or sixty years ago this new combined room was small, efficient and a space designed to get in and out of as quickly as possible. Now it is a room to…

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Modern glory

The Kingsway in Toronto’s west end is an irresistible challenge for designers looking for 19th century English charm. The neighbourhood’s majestic tree lines and half-timber and stone exteriors suggest a stately heritage, one that has weathered well over the last one hundred years. But outdated interiors, notably kitchens and baths, can defy the country-like sophistication of this place. For designers,…

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Harmonious living space

Living in a small space does not mean one must sacrifice style. This certainly proved true in a recent kitchen renovation. When this family invited me to help them transform their kitchen, they faced a major problem: no storage. The first thing we did to increase their storage was to create as much closed storage as possible within the kitchen….

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Creating a concept

To create a dream kitchen you need a concept and inspiration. With this in mind, this kitchen project materialized from being an outdated and impractical space into a perfect living and entertaining area. The pre-renovated kitchen, inherited with the purchase of the house, lacked personality and the wall dividing it from the family room created two impersonal spaces. We knew…

Trend talk

Trend talk

We – Talk to us about emerging trends in fabrics, patterns and textures found on today’s chairs. Lisa Taylor – The trend is leaning towards bold patterns mixed with various solids and two patterns together: one bold, one smaller pattern mixed with sister fabrics. Vinyls/pleathers have become more popular than leather because of colors and textures available. Fabrics have become more creative,…

Kitchen remodeling timeline

Kitchen remodeling timeline

The planning is the most arduous part of any kitchen renovation but ultimately the most important part. not having a good plan is like traveling in a foreign country without a map. it could work out very well but it is equally likely you will end up robbed and in a fl ea bitten motel. Renos are a foreign land…

Bathroom remodeling timeline

Bathroom remodeling timeline

It is often difficult   for anyone to understand why a bathroom renovation should take the time that is does. there are several things to remember about a bathroom as opposed to a bedroom or living room and that is that all trades must attend the job site in order to get the job done. the element of space also…