An open concept floor plan is great for some families. You can see from the front to the back of the home, and the space looks bigger at a glance. But before you grab a sledge hammer and remove a wall, it’s worth taking a look at some of the downsides. We are seeing a return to structure and divided spaces in our homes- especially with a lot of us still wanting to work from home. A dedicated space for each person to work or study is a must! Have you ever sat down to read a good book only to hear the television from one end of the room, the blender going at the other, and thought you might lose ..read more

We often hear the same questions over and over. This tells us you all share the same concerns. We’re not too surprised. We’d worry about the same things too. Let’s take those questions on and see if we can set the record straight. 1. What is a typical investment? Every homeowner we hear from starts with their biggest fears — how much will it cost, and how long will it take? While this isn’t a simple question to answer, some guidelines exist.  How much will it cost? The answer comes from you. Your design professional will ask you what you are comfortable investing in your home renovation p ..read more

Couples rarely agree on everything, but there are fewer things that widen the marital divide than trying to agree on home furnishings when disparate tastes clash. Who doesn’t recall the famous wagon wheel coffee table scene from When Harry Met Sally? Note to many: Man caves serve a peace-keeping role in the saving of a marriage by providing a conflict-free place for them to have their say. Blending styles can yield the most interesting and eclectic spaces, but not all styles complement each other well. (Not sure of your styles? Be sure to take our style quiz.) You may feel that your partner’s ..read more

I have finally unpacked from my trip to KBIS, and distilled some of the ideas and new directions I saw, and what’s coming up for the future of design is nothing short of impressive! You can read about our sponsors to see some of the products that caught my eye, and a few more here. While this was my very first trip to KBIS, it is not my first time around the block (or second or third) when it comes to kitchen design. I may not be a show veteran, but I saw some trends I am pretty comfortable telling you about. We have likely not ever seen as big a shift in lifestyle as we have over the past few ..read more

My first trip to KBIS was overwhelming, a ton of fun, and exhausting! As you saw in my previous post, we packed comfy shoes and planned our outfits from there. We covered a lot of exhibits in a very short time! The following three sponsoring brands brought a unique addition to the design landscape: SKS Appliances, Ballerina Küchen, and Mr. Steam. These three outstanding brands are moving the needle for what we can expect a kitchen and bathroom to do for us. Check them out! Innovative Kitchen Additions with SKS Appliances  SKS Appliances is a forward-thinking company focusing on innovation ..read more

My first trip to KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) was an eyeful! We started the day with our comfy shoes on, and for a good reason! There was so much to see, and we walked all day but it was worth it! KBIS is full of innovative, striking, beautiful products and sometimes downright silly items, but that’s how the design process works.  KBIS showcases the latest and greatest, and then product developers take input from the industry and inspiration from wherever it strikes and brainstorm new ideas. From there, the more practical items trickle down to the general market for use, while ot ..read more

It was a “pinch me” moment when I heard I was recently selected to join the Modenus Design Hounds team on this year’s trip to KBIS2023. I’ve got a lineup of blog posts to cover just a fraction of what I saw so stay tuned! Design Influencers head to KBIS2023 My head is spinning with ideas and inspiration after an incredible trip to Las Vegas last week to take in the show. Wow did the brands and manufacturers bring it this year! Before I begin, can I just tell you, I’m not quite sure how I feel about the term “influencer”, it sounds kind of daunting to me. But if it includes all the glitz ..read more

Design trends come and go; as a rule, interior designers aim to steer clients clear of them. But it is still good to know the trends, so we don’t have our clients buy into a quickly fading look. After all, when trends begin to gain traction and hit magazines and retail stores, they’ve already been around for several seasons (or more).  Those inside the industry are already seeing the next big thing!  But trends aside, when significant shifts in home décor start to catch our eye, we sit up and take notice. Take a look at five exciting trends in 2023… 1. Bold Florals Boucle (the warm n ..read more

Whether you are breaking ground for a new home, planning an addition, or simply renovating, architects, designers, and contractors play a vital role in any successful new build. Architects bring a trained eye for structure, adherence to building codes and permits, and the overall integrity of the structure’s design. Your designer guides the layout to ensure you build a liveable space to meet your daily needs. Then your contractor schedules trades and leads the build to the finish line.  These three key professionals provide the triad of a successful team. Without them, you may find yourse ..read more

The holiday season puts me in the mood to celebrate! There’s really nothing more special than celebrating the joy of the season with the people in my life. Before the gifts are open, I love the excitement that fills the air as I await their reactions to the gift I thoughtfully selected for them.  The earliest Christmas I can recall was when I was five years old. I woke up early on Christmas morning in my grandparent’s grand Georgian home. I headed downstairs on those hand-polished oak floors, and hoping no one was looking, I would climb up on the banister and slide down, trusting that the ..read more