“If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design.” – Dr. Ralph Speth I’ve posted this quote a few times now on my social media platforms, and it always gets so much attention. So I figured, let’s start the new year off by diving into this one, because Dr. Speth is spouting some serious 2024 energy. Simply put: you get what you pay for. And bad design is costly, not just financially, but doing and redoing takes a mental toll as well. Trust me, as someone who’s been burned by bad design, I’ve made it my mission to ensure that when you’re working with LKD, you’re ..read more

I’ll be home for Christmas, and this year, it’ll be a serene one. Though the snow isn’t quite on the ground here in Burlington, as I write this, I can feel the forthcoming festivity in the air. I’m opening my new office right downtown; and from here, I can already see the city decorating trees with lights, storefronts dressing their mannequins in festive scarves, and our local Starbucks (who’ve brought out the red aprons particularly early this year, it seems). Hey, I’m not one to complain. If setting up for the holidays a little prematurely brings you joy, well, the more decor the merrier.&nb ..read more

*taps mic* Is this thing on? I came across an Instagram post that made me pause the other day. Amidst the impeccably polished, wonderfully curated cacophony of aesthetically pleasing, meticulously designed interiors, was a post of just text. Generally speaking, a post with just text usually catches my attention. Whether it’s a witty tweet (do we still call them tweets? Gen Z, catch me up here), or an important personal announcement, I’m all ears. Or, all eyes, I suppose… This post eloquently painted a picture that I, and many others – women and “homemakers” in particular – are all too familia ..read more

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been there. Tired. Overwhelmed, over-budget, and underprepared; anxiously peering up at sawdust skies, feeling the sandy sensation in your eyes as soft wooden splinters fall, somewhat mockingly into your tear ducts, like a million little eyelashes. How is there still so much sawdust? You hate sawdust. The walls feel like they’re closing in on you as you choke on the dusty air that swirls around them. They feel like they’re closing in on you, because, well, they are. With each deafening bang, that “probably not load-bearing” wall becomes closer and closer ..read more

The perfect home is something that most people aspire to, but very few can actually achieve – that is, without a little professional help along the way. Here’s where an interior designer steps in. Now, before you jump to the conclusion that interior design services are too expensive or out of your realm, know that many people employ interior designers for services ranging from a two-hour design consultations to complete full scale remodel and  renovation. So, what does an interior designer actually do, and how can one help you achieve your dream home? Interior Insights  You may al ..read more

You may have lived in a home for years, but somehow it still feels incomplete. It’s furnished and lived-in, but it could just be lacking those finishing touches that transform a house into a home. Enter the world of accessories. The accessories you choose for your home present an opportunity to set a tone and define a style, whether it’s classic, contemporary or something in between. Accessories can amp up the colour and texture of a room, infuse your unique personality and offer a sneak-peek into your inner workings. As a designer I know that the right accessories, thoughtfully chosen and pl ..read more

Bring NATURE into your Interior Space with more than just Greenery! Nature has always inspired design of every kind, but even more so throughout the last two years, as we increasingly seek comfort, simplicity, and a slower pace in the face of a frantic, pandemic-fueled world outside. Indeed, our connection to nature has taken on new meaning, not just as a creative outlet but an everyday escape.    By using a natural palette of colours and materials, and introducing more plants into our homes, we have progressively embraced nature between our own four walls – a trend that will ..read more

The running trend of monochromatic, all-white interiors can be a hit or a miss. There’s no grey area (pardon the pun). When a white room is not executed correctly, it can fall flat. But it has the potential to be multi-dimensional, luxurious and warm. Here are some key ways to tailor your space when decorating and working all in white. When creating a white room, start with a clean slate. Remove everything and identify the focal points in the space. These will become a focus for your furniture arrangements and accessories, drawing the eye and creating interest. Before we get any deeper into t ..read more

Known for simplicity, function and casual comfort, the Scandinavian aesthetic has inspired homes around the globe. This regional decorating style first appeared on the design scene in the early 20th Century, rose to fame in the ’50s and it hasn’t slowed since. Scandinavian-style homes are typically characterized by a white or neutral colour palette, coupled with blonde woods, organic fabrics, simple silhouettes, and an overarching sense of comfort. I personally love this look, and as a designer, I frequently get requests for this popular decorating style. Try these three simple steps to ..read more

You’ve undoubtedly heard the term “forever home,” but does it actually exist? Every few years in our lifetime, whether on purpose or not, our circumstances change – a new job, a new spouse, a new child, a change of scenery. All this to say, our lives change and in turn, so too do our homes. At least, that’s what should happen. Think about all the milestones you’ve enjoyed through the last 10 to 15 years, big and small. If your home hasn’t changed in that time, then it’s probably not working for you anymore. Our homes should evolve, whether in its style, function or more likely, a combination ..read more