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Here I share the projects that I am currently working on, or that have been newly released to the wild...or for permit, but saying I released them to the wild is much more fun.
Nothing is better than a house full of natural light. This house has a window that spans both storeys at the stairwell, bringing in the light to every level all at once.
There is a shift lately toward contemporary homes. The sleek lines, large windows, and modern finishes give a refreshing take on a new home’s exterior.
Jack and Jill bathrooms are a popular way to allow each child direct access to a bathroom, while reducing the number of toilets you need to clean.
This is one where the children share a toilet and bathing area, while still giving each a private vanity area to brush their teeth, pop pimples, or learn to do their make-up.
When creating a look to a home, I always like to tow the line between something that looks like it’s always been there and up-to-date trends.
‘Transitional’ is the epitome of that effort; like this home that blends a new-trend window style within a more traditional home:
How can you minimize the amount of stairs coming into your house from the garage, while simultaneously keeping dirt contained?
A sunken mudroom!
Having a lower floor level in your mudroom allows you to completely load up your arms with grocery bags without having to ping pong your way up the stairs to get into your home. Once inside, keep the dirt on it’s own level. You won’t be accidentally kicking dirt into the main level of your house since dirt can’t defy gravity or jump.
It’s a win-win!
Wider lots allow you to stretch out a bit more. What would you do with the extra space? Extra rooms? Bigger rooms? Or would you add a third bay to your garage like these folks?
Any of my past clients who have requested a balcony off of their bedroom knows: I’m going to push back on it.
Everyone who dreams of a balcony always paints the picture that they will get their morning coffee and go enjoy it on the balcony.
Now let’s look at the reality of that:
You get up.
You shower, get dressed.
You go downstairs.
You get your coffee.
Are you really going to all the way back upstairs just so you can drink your coffee on your balcony? Would you not just go out to your patio on the main level to do that? Or sit on your comfy couch instead?
I joke that unless there is a coffee machine right in your room on a timer, it’s just not going to work the way you think it will.
Well, today someone took my joke to heart.
With a coffee machine on a timer, the freshly brewed cup can wake you up instead of that annoying alarm. Then sip it as you go through the morning motions of getting ready for the day. This was the one time I said ‘okay, a balcony makes sense’.
Interesting curb appeal can be created simply by playing with roof lines. Raise up some areas to create a sense of height, or punch through the roof line with a separate roof over a bump out.
Juxtaposition is my soul sister. Here’s another take on it if you don’t want to go opposite in colour:
The rough texture of the stone vs the smooth brick bring contrast to the eye even though they are close in colour.
Try the ‘contrast in textures’ technique when choosing exterior materials for YOUR new home.
If you’re looking for a place where guests can go to the powder room, but don’t want them to see the shampoo bottles or haphazard towels that your 13-year-old leaves strewn about, and you’re tight on space, may I interest you in a 2-in-1 combo?
The bedroom has direct access to the bathroom to act as an ensuite, but the bathing area can be closed off to have a more formal powder room when guests are over for taco Tuesday.
It’s the best of both worlds, while using your space efficiently!