When you step into your living room, what catches your eye first? Is it a vibrant area rug, the graceful curve of an accent chair, or perhaps a cherished painting from a memorable European holiday? The truth is, our eyes naturally gravitate towards a standout feature in any space. This captivating element is your statement piece. While the term “statement piece” might suggest making a bold declaration, its impact extends beyond aesthetics.  These pieces infuse your space with personal significance, reflecting your family’s unique stories and memories. They spark conversations and often s ..read more

Each chapter of my life has inspired my unique perspective on design: my childhood surrounded by East Coast charm, my studies in Psychology and English Literature at McGill University, the Design MBA program that I completed, talks with my business coach, as well as books and podcasts. These have all played a role in shaping my approach to my work.  As I look back on my personal history, and on my 24 years in interior design, several key themes rise to the top. These are the lessons — design truths, really — that impact everything I do and every project that comes through our door ..read more

This West Vancouver home belongs to Sarah and Mark (names changed), along with their four children, ranging from high school-aged to young adults. Mark is a successful entrepreneur, while Sarah manages their active household and works part-time. Instead of opting for a complete teardown of their original 1952 home, Sarah and Mark approached us with a vision: to update their space with a mid-century feel, creating a warm and welcoming environment where their large family could gather comfortably. Project Scope Initially, our task was to revamp the entire main floor, including the living room ..read more

Imagine a home that not only mirrors your personal aesthetic but also actively encourages you to pursue the activities you enjoy most. By taking an approach that is purposeful, we can do more than simply display what you love — we can craft an environment that enriches your daily practises and removes the hurdles between intention and real action.  Whether it is a dedicated yoga nook, a vibrant art studio, or a cozy home library, these types of spaces help your home become a haven that nurtures your well-being and ignites even more joy in your daily life. This is a feat we love to h ..read more

Designing a large home can evoke feelings of both excitement and trepidation. The grandeur offers boundless opportunities, yet it also poses a distinct set of challenges. Many of my clients approach me with the struggle to infuse intimacy and coziness into expansive spaces, often grappling with echoes and the daunting task of selecting appropriately sized furniture. When not done correctly, the result can fall short of expectations, leaving you (and your space) yearning for more. The secret to transforming your large home into an inviting haven lies in scale and strategy. Here is how we accom ..read more

If your path has been anything like mine, you may have noticed that life does not always follow a straight line. Although design is exactly what I am meant to do, it took me a while to figure out that I was headed here. Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and when I really look, the seeds of design were always there, slumbering amidst the very fabric of my childhood… Early 1980s: Merging Design with Entrepreneurship Growing up in the 1970s and ‘80s, surrounded by East Coast charm, I had never heard of Interior Design, let alone considered it as a possible career path. My mother wove the first thre ..read more

Our North Vancouver design studio is where team meetings ignite fresh ideas, client presentations come to life, and innovation seamlessly meets the artistry of home design. In essence, our studio is the heartbeat of Simply Home Decorating. While you probably expected these traits from a design studio, what might surprise you is that the office is connected to my own home. When faced with the uncertain fate of our former office building across the street, I knew I needed a more creative and long-term home for my business. My husband and I embarked on a major home renovation, adding on a legal ..read more

Treasures like an heirloom dining table steeped in the history of generations past, vintage artwork, or an array of collectible antiques are design delights for me. They infuse a home with distinct character and weave a rich tapestry of stories into a space, enriching it with meaning and a sense of history. Yet, without a balanced approach, vintage pieces can quickly result in spaces resembling a museum or a movie set from days gone by. The true artistry lies in seamlessly incorporating these cherished pieces into your home’s design while maintaining a fresh and modern ambiance. Here is how w ..read more

Designing and renovating your home is a grand endeavour involving more experts than you can imagine. As the saying goes, it truly takes a village, especially when it comes to breathing life into beautiful and functional living spaces. Fortunately, we bring this village to your doorstep, all wrapped up in what we call Trade Day. Trade Day is the official action-packed kickoff of Phase 1 of our thoughtful design process. This is where the magic begins and where we assemble the essential puzzle pieces required to craft — and later execute — your personalized design concepts. Here are the benefit ..read more

This traditional Dollarton home belongs to James and Lauren (names changed), an active semi-retired couple with three adult children. They have spent years building a life filled with adventure. The couple shares a passion for exploring the world, cherishing family moments, and hosting gatherings.  In their initial consultation, they expressed a desire to renovate the entire main floor of their home. Upon visiting, we could see exactly what they meant. Like many original homes in North Vancouver, the interior exhibited signs of its age: Before: Dollarton Traditional Home We encountered ..read more