New Kitchen and Bathrooms - Let the Light In!

A dated lakefront condo was given new life and new light!  The space before lacked proper lighting and the overuse of dark materials detracted from the gorgeous lakefront setting.  The condo is perched above Okanagan Lake, and a wall previously separated that view from much of the space.

BEFORE - The kitchen had some good bones, but lack of lighting (only one ceiling fixture) and use of dark materials give it a dated and dark look

AFTER - The light has arrived!  By removing the wall to the left of the kitchen, the view to the lake is opened up.  Use of rift-cut grey bleached oak and painted cabinetry give the kitchen an elegant feel and relate it to the beautiful natural surroundings

BEFORE - The wall between the dining room and kitchen closes in the kitchen and blocks the lake view

AFTER - The kitchen has a relationship to the view and by removing the wall the entire space is enlarged

BEFORE - Because of the location within a condo structure, the ceiling is concrete and new lighting is not possible within the existing ceiling

AFTER - The ceiling is dropped, which allows for recessed lights and new location of pendants.  The front of the drop ceiling is treated with millwork, as well as the column that now exists.  The column is the plumbing stack which could not be moved given the location on the 17th floor of a high-rise building.  By trimming out the stack in millwork, the column looks part of the overall design - rather than an unhappy location of plumbing that could not be moved!

BEFORE - The Living Room's fireplace and tv area did not utilize the space and looked awkward

AFTER - by enclosing the upper portion a better placement of the tv was a result.  The addition of a new fireplace insert and built-in component cabinetry provides keeps all the stereo and tv accessories hidden from view

BEFORE - The condo's main bath was basic and lacked good lighting

AFTER - New Fixtures and cabinetry give the main bath new life.  The addition of a jetted tub, glass door and unique granite, give the basic main bath luxury and style

BEFORE - The layout of the master bathroom provided for little space for shower or vanity

AFTER - The new custom shower and built-in closet is a re-think of an old layout.  By moving the closet to within the bathroom, the new room is private from the master bedroom, but can function beautifully for two.  A decision was made to  only put in one sink, leaving the right side to function as space for two to use at once!  The addition of custom mirrored medicine cabinets also is a beautiful and practical addition.

BEFORE - The front foyer and hallway was dark and dated.

AFTER - New Hardwood, doors, lighter  paint colour and a light fixture with sparkle is now a  fantastic first impression!

European Design Inspiration!

Paris in the Winter - Perfect!

I just returned from an amazing trip to London and Paris.  I was so inspired by the architectural history of these two great cities!

Everywhere we went there were perfect examples of how they completely understand and apply just right scale and proportion, something as simple and and powerful as a beautiful front door!

The tiny flower arrangements in the local boulagerie in Paris in the Marais neighbourhood I stayed in, were beautiful - in the middle of winter!  Loved the french apartment, a great way to feel part of the city and find the best hidden gem restaurants and cafes!.

Powder Room - Wow!

A small powder room was given some wow factor!

Custom hickory cabinets, wood ceiling treatment, large light fixture and rustic stone floors, all come together for a warm and unique guest bathroom. Even small spaces can live large!

Exterior Transformation

With the addition of new windows, rock treatment, new paint, landscaping and a custom designed glass awning this commercial office building gets a modern facelift!

A House with "Good Bones"

My newest project is a home perched overlooking the lake and has the all the right elements or "good bones" that makes it exciting to reveal and enhance the potential of this beautiful home. The position of the house allows for an abundance of natural light. The interior contains amazing architectural features - vaulted ceilings, post and beam exposure in the main living space, and a good floor plan.

Over the next few months, I will be updating and giving this gem some love to make it really come to life!

Lakefront Renovation - Underway

The renovation is now well underway.  As project manager and designer I have been busy finalizing all the planning that goes into a major renovation.  My job as project manager is to produce a detailed estimate of the costs, draw up a construction schedule and coordinate all trades for the job.  As the interior designer I am responsible for the design of cabinetry, layout of the space and selection of all materials.

With the wall in the kitchen removed, the beautiful view is exposed!

Before - the kitchen has poor lighting, and has an overall dark look and feel

Dark backplash tiles, lack of under-cabinet lighting

Small cabinet hardware, dark countertops

During -  Four days later, and all materials have been removed!  The wall separating the kitchen from the beautiful lake view has come down - one of the most exciting parts of a renovation!  Now we can all stand back and start to see the new space taking shape.  


Some of the challenges in the first week.  Surprise location of a plumbing stack in the kitchen and working within the rules of a strata building.  We are coming up with solutions to incorporate the stack in the over all design.

This type of situation is common, particularly in high-rise renovation.  Staying open and fluid with the design process to allow for on the spot changes that will make a problem seem like it was always part of the design!

Below are the shots of the state of the condo with all materials removed.  The "challenge" of the plumbing stack is exposed, and I will keep you posted as we come up with design solutions to incorporate the stack into the new kitchen!

Plumbing stack surprise!

Clean slate!

New Lake Front Renovation

Just about to embark on a new renovation on a beach front condo!  It will take a very builder-basic unit - to a vacation retreat as a second home for my clients.  I will post before, during and after pictures to chart the progress!  The plan is to have the project complete in under 12 weeks ...  


This renovation is like many here in Kelowna, as the clients are from out of town and need a project manager they can trust.  Just spoke with the client this morning and the feedback in the planning phase is that they are pleased that my approach to getting all things organized, budgeted and scheduled, has alleviated their stress.   I value my clients' trust and work hard to provide them with the look they are dreaming of - on time and on budget!


More to follow ....