We recently used MATT’s panels in the basement of our West Vancouver Project (pictured above), where the fireplace wall needed a simple, yet impactful treatment. Their textured surface added exactly the right balance – industrial yet refined, with a warmth that invites you into the space. It’s a beautiful example of how a thoughtfully chosen material can elevate a room without overwhelming it.

What I appreciate most about MATT is their commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. Each panel is made by hand, and their lightweight overlays use only a fraction of the concrete typically required, which aligns with our belief in designing homes with intention and longevity.

If you are considering a feature wall or simply love discovering talented local makers, MATT Concrete is a wonderful place to start.

ach item in Sydney’s curated collection is chosen for its history and quiet beauty, and her custom refinishing work honours that same thoughtful approach.

Earlier this fall, I found a vintage piece on Facebook Marketplace with incredible potential. The “before” version may not have looked like much at first glance, yet it had the bones and presence I knew could anchor my living room.

I brought it to Sydney, who stripped and refinished it with her signature care and expertise. The transformation feels both timeless and personal—exactly the kind of livable luxury that makes you feel at home each time you walk into the room. It has quickly become one of my favourite pieces.

It was so much fun looking for just the right statement piece for my space and finding someone to give it the finish I was looking for. Who knew that person was just down the street! Whether you have a piece that needs refinishing or you’re in search of the perfect antique piece, be sure to check out Pine & Valley Home.

Combining traditional Japanese and Danish woodworking techniques, Enrique transforms locally collected wood slabs into stunning, exquisitely finished works of art that showcase the wood’s natural beauty.

Enrique’s pebble console table was the first piece to catch our eye at IDS a few years ago. We have since commissioned him to make a lovely console table shoe rack for our West Vancouver Mid-Century inspired project.

Step inside North Vancouver’s intimate Ashdale Gallery, and you’ll be met with a display of the vibrant world of art and creativity. The team behind this gallery is passionate about bringing the diverse and rich tapestry of Canadian artists to the forefront. Their mission is to illuminate the brilliance of these artists, fostering a connection between creators and the community they call home.

We love Ashdale Gallery for its vivacious co-founder Jessica and for being a women-led business in North Vancouver showcasing a diverse range of local and nationwide talent. It is a destination well worth visiting, whether you are seeking inspiration, discovering new Canadian voices, or looking for the perfect piece to begin or grow your art collection.

I’m pleased to introduce you to Marysia Czarski, CEO, Lead Facilitator and Creativity Expert of Ignition Creativity.

Over the past 2 decades, Marysia has guided thousands of entrepreneurs to grow in confidence, creativity, and innovation. She brings a strong business mind to her work with Interior Designers, which is especially helpful to many of us creatives who are not naturally business-minded.

I have worked with Marysia twice over the course of my career and have happily referred her to countless designer colleagues over the years. I love working with Marysia because she approaches her clients with curiosity, acts as a sounding board, and helps us overcome limiting beliefs. She is the unbiased person who pushes me to continually improve myself and my business practices.

If you are an entrepreneur and you have never worked with a business coach, I highly recommend reaching out to Marysia.

North Shore Crisis Services Society, or NSCSS is an invaluable resource to many in our area. This local charity supports women and children leaving domestic abuse and violence by providing emergency shelter, longer-term housing solutions, essential services, and preventative education. With a variety of essential programs supporting those who need it most, NSCSS is vital to our local community.

The NSCSS team preparing for last year’s Gala of Grace

This year, I decided to become more involved in supporting NSCSS, and next month, I will be attending their annual Gala of Grace to further support their mission.

I attended for the first time last year and had a wonderful experience, so this year I have purchased a table for 8. I’ve invited some of our fellow North Shore-based female entrepreneurs to join us there, and we are all looking forward to the event! 

Do you have a favourite local charity? If not, I encourage you to seek out a cause that resonates with you and start a habit of giving. If you already support a favourite organization I would love to know what causes are close to your heart and I challenge you to get more involved or to increase your donation this year.

While working on our PEI project, we were drawn to a piece of textile art by Mary Anne Donovan, owned by our clients (pictured above, right), and we have been looking for an opportunity to collaborate with her ever since.

Mary Anne is the talent behind House of Woolly Thyme, her textile studio in Nova Scotia. Embracing the soothing meditative rhythm of tapestry weaving, Mary Anne draws inspiration from nature and creates textured pieces depicting the beauty of her seaside town. 

A North Vancouver client of ours—and an avid seamstress—saw the piece amongst our project photos and loved the medium. She asked us to commission a piece for her that was inspired by the Alberni Valley on Vancouver Island where she grew up (pictured above), and we were thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with Mary Anne. 

We love Mary Anne’s work for being a modern take on textile art. She was wonderful to work with, sending us progress photos based on the inspiration images that we provided. The result is a delightful combination of colours and textures!

Not only does Mary Anne accept commissions and sell her own work, but she also offers curated tapestry weaving kits and supplies in hopes of instilling a love of textile art with budding fibre artists. Whether you’re hoping to purchase a unique piece for your home or you want to try your hand at a new art form, be sure to explore House of Woolly Thyme.

What sets Once a Tree apart is their extensive portfolio of mid- to high-end furniture lines combined with the ability to create custom furniture to order. This versatility allows us to realize our most ambitious design visions, whether selecting from their carefully curated collections or creating entirely bespoke pieces.

At the heart of our longstanding relationship with Once a Tree is sales manager Les Nelmes, whose expertise and enthusiasm have made him an invaluable partner in our design process. Les brings a perfect blend of professionalism and creativity to each project, helping us transform our design concepts into reality.

We’re excited to share that Once a Tree has recently relocated to 292 W 3rd Ave in Vancouver, near Olympic Village. Their new showroom offers an even more accessible way to experience their exceptional collection of fine furnishings. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Canadian-made piece or dreaming of custom furniture, their new location is well worth a visit.

The owner of this charming shop in Edgemont Village, Lisa Wrixon, says that thestylewell was created to inspire and delight those who appreciate all things beautiful. Her shop certainly delivers. Lisa has curated a stunning array of both useful and decorative home goods, including pillows, throws, accessories, rugs, interior design books, and artwork.

We particularly love thestylewell because Lisa enjoys promoting talented artists and makers as much as we do. She sells a lovely collection of wares from a variety of local sources, helping uplift and honour our community. 

If you are searching for unique, timeless, and eclectic pieces for a gift or for your own home, stop in at thestylewell. You will be well rewarded.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Lori Goldberg, a Vancouver based artist who has been creating inspirational works of art for more than 50 years. Her recent work is tied closely to nature, and she endeavours to use her art as an impetus for positive environmental changes.

I first met Lori a few years ago at the Eastside Culture Crawl, a wonderful event that takes place yearly in mid-November. I purchased one of her floral watercolour pieces on the spot, and it now hangs in a prominent place in my home where I enjoy it every day. When I decided to try my hand at watercolour painting earlier this year I signed up for one of Lori’s classes hosted at her East Vancouver studio. Learning from Lori was a great experience and I continue to be inspired by her creativity.

Photography from Propellor Studio

When our Prince Edward Island project demanded several large-scale yet lightweight fixtures in both the front entrance and dining room spaces, we knew that Propellor’s Cumulus series would be the perfect fit. Through their guidance, we selected the best shape and size for each fixture, and then they expertly packed and shipped them across the country. 

Photography from Prince Edward Island Project

Once installed, these artworks pay beautiful tribute to the breathtaking Canadian outdoors. If you are looking for Canadian-made, nature-inspired statement lighting for your home, exploring Propellor Studio’s work is a must.

Krista’s work focuses on the interplay of light and colour in the natural world. From realism to abstract, close-up perspectives to distant, her pieces evoke a variety of feelings, memories, and moods depending on the beholder.

We personally love her art for its ability to add a dose of bright colour and touch of nature to our clients’ interiors. I have also long admired her work and have a few of her pieces in my own personal collection.

You can find Krista’s art in the Ian Tan Art Gallery linked above, or reach out to us about incorporating her work into your project.