Today, we're thrilled to take you on a journey through one of our recent projects, Project Laurel Creek. This main floor renovation, completed by our talented design team in the Fall of 2023, showcases the epitome of modern interior design. We sat down with our designers, Christiane and Alex, to get a behind-the-scenes look at creating this transformation in North Waterloo.

Interviewer: Can you share with us how the design process for Project Laurel Creek started? What are the steps for creating unique designs like this one – from design concepts to execution?

Christiane (C): It all begins with understanding our clients' vision. For Project Laurel Creek, the goal was to create an open, modernized space and required the removal of a wall to achieve this. We started by discussing their lifestyle, preferences, and budget. From there, we crafted a design that not only met their needs but helped improve their everyday living.

Interviewer: What were the key factors you considered when creating the concepts for this project? How are these concepts presented to the client?

C: The clients identified their style as modern traditional, so we aimed to strike a balance between timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Since the room doesn’t have any natural light, we created a light and neutral base to the kitchen using an off-white with natural oak cabinets and accentuated it with dark blue. The colour palette was carried to the living room, to integrate the spaces visually and create cohesion throughout the main floor.

Alex (A): Storage was a major concern, so we designed custom solutions to maximize space without compromising on aesthetics. The mudroom wall is a prime example of combining practicality with visual appeal (and I’m admittedly more than a little envious of the final result here).

Interviewer: Can you walk us through your process for gathering inspiration and ideas for this design? How do you incorporate the client's preferences and needs into it?

C: The clients had a clear vision and knew what they liked and disliked, which made our job easier. We filtered their ideas and combined them with our expertise to present them with design solutions to create an optimized space that accommodated their lifestyle.

A: We aimed to create a timeless, neutral base with the flooring and millwork, and incorporate subtle nods to today’s trends with matte black light fixtures and hardware. The clients wanted an airy and visually light space, and opting for that rich, navy-blue island was the missing piece to creating a layered, custom look.

Interviewer: What inspired you most when creating this design?

C: We were inspired by the existing space and clients’ lifestyle. We wanted to create a main floor design that was integrated, bright, functional, easy to organize and unique to them.

Interviewer: How did you align functionality, beauty, and durability when designing this space? 

C: We prioritized functionality by designing custom storage solutions and selecting durable materials. The custom millwork served as functional, while also making the space appear larger. The lighting was carefully selected for this home, incorporating a mixture of pot lights and decorative fixtures to create a bright and cozy atmosphere.

A: Durability was a key factor in selecting materials like light oak hardwood flooring and quartz countertops. We also incorporated a mix of paint grade and laminate cabinetry. These materials offer durability and a wide range of style options, allowing us to create the perfect colour palette for the space so not only do they look beautiful but they will also stand the test of time.

Interviewer: What sort of challenges did you overcome in this project?

C: Given the home’s layout, designing the kitchen without exposing the stove, fridge, or sink from the front door posed a challenge. However, we successfully achieved this by reconfiguring the layout, creating a beautiful sightline into the kitchen that highlights the two-tone cabinetry and square zellige backsplash tile.

Interviewer: What was your favourite element of the final design? 

C: I love the kitchen island and living room built-ins. The navy blue adds a subtle pop of colour while remaining elegant yet understated and neutral.

A: For me, it's either the mudroom storage or the kitchen backsplash. I’m obsessed with the subtle variation between each tile, which gives it this artisanal and handcrafted look.

Interviewer: What can clients expect when working with Beyond The Design Studio design team?

C: Clients can expect a seamless experience from start to finish. We listen attentively to their needs and goals, translating them into a design that reflects their lifestyle.

A: Working with us allows clients to enjoy the renovation process without the stress. We offer ongoing support and guidance and work to anticipate and mitigate any potential setbacks throughout the renovation process, and work to resolve any unexpected challenges that might pop up. We're committed to delivering one-of-a-kind design solutions tailored to our clients' preferences.

Project Laurel Creek was more than just a renovation; it's a cozy, airy, and inviting space that reflects our clients' lifestyle and preferences. From a visionary concept to meticulous execution, this project saw an idea through to a tangible completion and reality for our clients. Through deep understanding, innovative design ideas and creative problem-solving, this project highlights the impact of customized, full-service design solutions.

Thank you for joining us for this conversation, we hope you enjoyed this exploration of Project Laurel Creek! To check out the complete project portfolio, click here.