A well-designed kitchen looks beautiful and supports the way a household lives, gathers, and moves through the day. From hurried weekday breakfasts before school to late-night snacks, homework on the island, and kitchen party conversations, this space truly becomes the focal point of a home. 

Every renovation starts with a vision and careful planning. Working with a designer or contractor will help bring that vision to life within your budget and ensure you get the necessary permits in place before you begin. Whether you’re ready to renovate or simply collecting inspiration, these local kitchen companies offer ideas to spark your own dream space.

The Wright Kitchen Done Right

The Wright Kitchen understands that this room is the heart of a home, and no two designs are the same. They recently worked with a client who purchased an older house with the intention of renovating and personalizing the space. The original kitchen was disconnected from separate dining and family rooms, and their goal was to achieve a more functional flow for their young family.

“The client wanted a more classic and timeless kitchen, which happened to be on trend at the moment,” says Nicole Jenkins, Designer at The Wright Kitchen. “We achieved this by pairing creamy white and medium wood tone cabinetry, choosing to finish exposed cabinet ends with two-inch wide columns. Taj Mahal Quartzite counters were used to add texture, depth and warmth, and we mixed in polished nickel handles and knobs to infuse character into the space.”

There are a lot of little decisions that go into a kitchen renovation. An experienced designer can guide clients through the process. “One of my favourite details in this kitchen is the mitered stone apron front sink,” Jenkins notes. “I also love the soft texture and shape of the curved drywall hood.”

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Showstopper

This renovation is rooted in collaboration and thoughtful design. Working alongside West Oak Interiors and Ledgerock Custom Homes, Chervin Kitchen and Bath brought the homeowner’s vision to life: a timeless, elegant space inspired by traditional European charm rather than fleeting trends.

“We are especially proud of how we were able to reflect the homeowner’s goals,” explains Paula Lang, Cabinetry Designer at Chervin Kitchen and Bath. “I love working on projects where people choose what they love, not what others would want. Tell me what inspires you, and let’s turn that vision into something truly unique.”

Lang says the custom treatments took this project from “nice” to “luxurious”. The kitchen includes clever and discreet functionality. Every detail, from the backsplash to the limestone and plaster range hood, and from the marble counter tops to the walnut cabinetry, brings rich, earthy tones throughout the space. “Design for a balance between beauty and livability.  Choose materials and design elements that you love because those elements will be timeless to you forever.”

K Design for Your Designs

When a client asked for a family-friendly renovation, K Design Custom Cabinets delivered. The goal was a warm, inviting kitchen where the homeowner could cook and bake with her young children and make memories gathering for family meals.

Standout features include natural rift-cut oak, which creates a cozy environment with a hint of Scandinavian inspiration, white oak rollouts in the pantry for easy ventilation of root vegetables, and spill ledges under the ceramic farm sinks to protect the cabinets. 

“One unique solution was concealing the electrical outlets in the bottom of the upper cabinets,” explains Karolina Bartosz, Designer at K Design Custom Cabinets. “This kept the backsplash clean and seamless.” Another thoughtful detail is the built-in dog feeding station, complete with a water dispenser. 

Bartosz advises homeowners to “create a folder with your favourite photos and ideas, then trust your designer to turn them into an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.”

By Nicole Hilton

Local Links

The Wright Kitchen
4087 Harvester Road, Unit 4, Burlington
thewrightkitchen.com

Chervin Kitchen & Bath
276 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
www.chervin.ca

K Design Custom Cabinets
1064 South Service Road East, Oakville
www.kdesigncabinets.com

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t end with a tree. Your mantel is the perfect place to let your seasonal style shine. From snowy winter whites that last through the new year to traditional accents that set the tone for December gatherings, your fireplace can become the heart of your holiday home décor.

Mantel Must-Haves

Paula DeOre, Interior Decorator at In House Living, notes that this season’s top trend is the organic look. “Natural greens, neutral colours, magnolia, birch sticks, and pinecones are timeless elements,” she says. “You can leave them up even after the holiday season ends.” This year, she’s seeing more ribbons and bows that add texture and a polished touch. DeOre also emphasizes pairing your mantel style with your tree for a cohesive, consistent look throughout the room.

Wondering just how to build a showstopping mantel at home? “Start with your garland,” DeOre advises. “Weave in twinkle lights, then complement with a wreath or greenery around artwork above the mantel,” she says. 

Jennifer Klassen at Centro Garden offers a garden pro’s tip on hanging garlands. While artificial ones can go up at any time, “always remember if you’re using live greenery, don’t bring it inside until a week before Christmas because it will dry out.”Flameless taper candles will add height and visual interest, especially when grouped with three on one side of the mantel and two on the other. Metal stocking holders and stockings complete the layered, seasonal display.

For minimalists, “instead of hanging garland, simply lay a few picks along the mantel for a festive accent,” DeOre says.

Go Green

Part of the magic of the season is visiting a garden centre to take in the scent of fresh-cut greens and discover wintery options like magnolia, eucalyptus, and berries to use in your holiday décor. Catherine Bulow, part of the family business at Bulow Garden Centre, says there are many choices for garland: “There are Ontario-grown cedars and then B.C. cedar, which has longer boughs and is more expensive,” she explains. “You can also use boxwood or a cedar and pine mix as a base.”

Fresh greens need care. Mist them often and keep them cool until you’re ready to decorate or entertain. “Follow the same rules as a cut tree and remember to spritz them,” notes Bulow. While they won’t last long, with a little extra attention, your mantel will stay fragrant and naturally beautiful.

Festive Fun

If a formal mantel isn’t your style, try creating one that reflects your personality. Select a theme inspired by your favourite holiday movie or show. Tyler Schwartz, RetroFestive’s “Chief Cheermeister,” says he’s seeing shoppers mix classic décor with pop culture pieces. “The Grinch is incredibly popular,” he says. “People are adding Grinch ornaments to trees, wreaths, and garlands on their mantels.”

Marnie Warman of Interior Design House points out that not every mantel is deep enough to accommodate a bulky garland. As fun alternatives, she recommends groups of battery operated candles with garland “picks” placed in and around the bases. “You can add decorative balls, floral products and other items for colour and texture,” Warman says, adding that the candles (or mini lights) also look wonderful inside hurricane type glass containers, of either matching or varying widths and heights. “You can then put some stems, or mini ornaments inside the glass with the candles for a great and simple look.” 

Figurines are another playful accent. Schwartz’s favourite? Buddy from Elf, holding a string of snowflakes just like in the movie. “Stocking holders and stockings are essential, but figurines are more fun. They’re real conversation starters,” he says. Including whimsical elements can revive childhood nostalgia while helping families create new holiday memories together.

Finally, it’s more than okay to venture beyond traditional colours. Customers of Centro Garden are getting downright playful with their trimmings. “Bright colours are definitely trending this year,” Klassen says, “so think about adding some pink, peach or coral hues to your Christmas decor.”

Local Links:

In House Living
3485 Fairview Street, Burlington
inhouseliving.ca

Interior Design House
4047 Fairview Street, Burlington
interiordesignhouse.com

Bulow Garden Centre Oakville
370 South Service Road West, Oakville

Centro Garden
437 Brant Street, Burlington
centrogarden.com

RetroFestive
1100 Invicta Drive, Unit 1, Oakville
retrofestive.ca

By: Nicole Hilton

There’s just something about a crisp fall morning, with a cool breeze and colourful leaves that make you want to cozy up indoors. Fall is the season of layered textures, lush colours, and scents that wrap you in a warm hug. With a few smart swaps, you can turn your home’s interior into a snug retreat that embraces the season. Hot cider is optional but highly encouraged.

“Your accents are what’s going to make you transition (a space),” says Rose Luxton, owner of Lakeside Livin’. But you don’t need to overhaul your home with reds and oranges. Luxton notes that while burnt orange will always be in season, moody purples and earthy mushroom shades have grown in popularity, evoking a feeling of being grounded.

Fabulous FALL FADS
Contributed by FOR Living, Oakville

While autumn can be a homey and nostalgic season, decor can go far beyond the traditional. Traditional elements still have value, especially for their familiarity and comfort (think pumpkins, leaves, rich autumn tones), but designers are definitely experimenting — updating, refreshing, and reinterpreting the ‘look’ of fall each season. These may include…

Earthy, nature-inspired hues: Warm clay, terracotta, olive, honeyed ochre, moss — even smoky plums — are being used more intentionally, often in muted or mid-tone versions rather than oversaturated brights.

Mixed textures and layered materials: Combining velvet, boucle, raw wood, rattan, and stone, to bring visual interest and tactile warmth.

Patina, vintage accents, and finds with history: Instead of brand-new decorations that feel seasonal-only, mixing in thrifted or aged pieces gives character. Think antique rug pillows, found objects or historic art paintings.

Marnie Warman, Owner, and lead designer at InteriorDesign House, recommends decorating in “tones that reflect your current home colours.” Interior Designer Sarah Gunn of Gunn & Co. is also a fan of “layering in patterns that introduce richer shades of your home’s existing colours.”

Layering textiles for cozy comfort

From chunky knit throws to heavy quilts, throw pillows and textured area rugs, textiles can bring depth and coziness to a room, transforming your home into a warm autumn oasis. Don’t stop at the living room. Textiles can play a role in the bedroom, too. “Swap bed linens for flannel sheets (and) layer a quilt or blanket across the foot of the bed,” Gunn says.

Nature is your centrepiece

Welcome fall at the front door and beyond. Create a welcoming autumn entry by swapping summer container pots for colourful mums or hanging a seasonal wreath.

And don’t forget to give your house plants a seasonal update. Luxton likes to add a fall vibe by re-potting her existing house plants in fall containers.

Lighting is an important detail in creating your autumn ambiance. Softer light instantly activates snuggle mode. Luxton’s simple tip for making a room feel cozier is to swap lamp shades for darker, textured fabric shades.

Finally, aromas such as apple pie and cinnamon are so happy-making, scientific studies have confirmed their link to feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in the brain’s emotion and memory centres. Choose scented candles, fragrant mists, diffusers, or a simmer pot of cloves, orange peel and cinnamon on the stove, for a true experience of home-sweet-home.

Go big. Luxton reminds us that fall is not the season to be minimalist with decor. “People just love to add extra layers in their home (in fall),” she says. So, bring in the soft throws, pile on the plump pillows and let every corner of your home wrap you in fall’s embrace.

Inside the home, Warman uses her dining room table as a year-round stage for seasonal change. Using a container that suits the size and scale of the table, she begins with good quality artificial greens as the base and adds something new each season to reflect the time of year. Acorns, pinecones, gourds and branches are great natural elements for fall.

Faux florals are also a great way to add seasonality to your decor. “I have an oversized vintage basket filled with faux leaves that I set out each season,” Gunn says.

Local Links:

Anderson’s Interiors
686 Guelph Line, Burlington
andersonsinteriors.ca

FOR Living
75 Navy Street, Oakville
for-living.ca

Gunn & Co.
gunnandco.ca

House Warmings
550 Speers Road
Unit #3, Oakville
housewarmings.ca

Interior Design House
4047 Fairview Street, Burlington
interiordesignhouse.com

Lakeside Livin’
100 Bronte Road, Oakville
lakesidelivin.com

BY: Lisa Evans

With housing prices remaining high across the GTA and beyond, more homeowners are turning to garden suites as a smart solution to generate rental income, create space for multi-generational living, or boost long-term resale value. Designed with independence and privacy in mind, a secondary dwelling can adapt to changing needs, adding long-term flexibility to your home. It may sound like a big undertaking, but with a solid plan, the right approvals, and a skilled builder, creating a secondary suite is more achievable than you think.

What is a Garden Suite?

Municipalities officially classify garden suites as Additional Residential Units (ARUs). In plain terms, that means a self-contained living space with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas, located on the same property as a primary home. Brian DosRamos, President of Ever After Custom Homes, notes the clear shift toward spaces that emphasize family and sustainability.

Planning Makes Perfect

Getting started on a garden suite, or any secondary dwelling, begins with laying solid groundwork. First, hire an architect or designer to draft a plan that aligns with both your vision and municipal zoning rules. Professionals will help ensure your suite is functional and compliant with relevant codes.“We are seeing an increase in families wanting multi-generational homes and investment options included in their new homes,” he says. “It’s important to find ways to create more housing options within our established neighbourhoods.”

“Care must be taken to provide space and patterns of access that establish boundaries for each inhabitant’s respectful use of the exterior.” JOHN WILLMOTT

John Willmott, Principal Architect at Willmott & Strickland, explains that every project starts with context. “I first consider the scale, massing, compatibility, and relationship it has with the existing house,” he says. “Zoning by-laws determine the size, setbacks, height, and other regulations. And while municipalities are encouraging garden suites, having someone living in your backyard will potentially impact the homeowner’s enjoyment, so care must be taken to provide space and patterns of access that establish boundaries for each inhabitant’s respectful use of the exterior.”

Architects are also invaluable when adapting existing structures. Beyond design, they can help source contractors and oversee construction to make sure the vision is carried out as conceived.

Next, you’ll need to secure the necessary permits, a step that varies depending on local regulations but is critical for avoiding delays or penalties. Several municipalities now offer financial support to encourage this type of project.

Small Space, Big Design

WILLMOTT & STRICKLAND Designing a garden suite is all about balancing comfort, privacy, and long-term value. Working closely with a builder allows you to make the most of a compact footprint — maximizing usable space, building in smart storage solutions, and incorporating multifunctional designs that adapt to different needs.

“The space needs to be curated for the intended user from phase one of design,” DosRamos says. “That may mean barrier-free access for an aging family member, a larger kitchen for someone who loves to cook, or even a dedicated office space if the suite is meant to be a rental for a remote worker.” He also stresses maximizing natural light and airflow, noting that “sunlight and cross breezes are critical to creating healthy, happy spaces.”

BEFORE YOU BUILD

Talk to a local real estate agent to learn current market trends. They can help you:

• Determine the demand for rental units in your area
• Assess property value to optimize your investment
• Connect you to knowledgeable professionals

Future value should also guide decision-making. “Thoughtful design will ensure that the suite fits with the home, property, and community,” says DosRamos. He points to energy-efficient choices like triple-glazed windows, in-floor radiant heating, and upgraded insulation, as well as smart home features. Building to high standards now, he explains, creates long-term value and minimizes costly upgrades later.

With the right combination of intention, efficiency, and details, a secondary dwelling becomes more than an extra unit. It’s a flexible, valuable extension of your home.

Local Links

Ever After Custom Homes
everafterhomes.ca

Wilmott & Strickland
willmottstrickland.ca

BY NICOLE HILTON

The front porch often takes a back seat to the back deck, but in reality, it’s the first impression visitors have of your home. Whether you have a big, beautiful wraparound, a small covered entryway, or a vision for the future front porch of your dreams, simple changes can make a bold statement.

Renovate and recreate

Planning a front porch renovation starts with the basics: design, permits, and hiring the right professionals. “Budget, building code compliance, contractor warranty, and using the proper products for the right application are important to all components of a renovation involving stonework, decking, lighting, and railings,” says Wes Allan of Ridge Rock.

Current trends lean toward durable, low-maintenance materials with a refined look — natural stone in soft greys, composite decking, sleek railings, and oversized lighting for impact. Upgrades like deeper stairs or new railings can enhance function.

Paint also plays a role in transforming a porch. “Colour is often determined by existing elements like stonework or siding,” says Michelle L. Adams of Burlington Paint. “We are seeing a palette of more neutral tones, soft grays, beiges and warm taupes, as well as earthy greens and neutral wood tones.” Suggested paint choices include HC-172 Revere Pewter and HC-110 Wethersfield Moss.

The front door is your chance to add personality. Bold colours like navy or black make a strong statement. “This is how you welcome people to the house,” says Adams. “This is a focal point. Matching the trim to the door looks more substantial, and a rich black door always commands attention.”

For lasting results, start with proper prep and use quality products designed for exterior surfaces.

Stay awhile

Greenery and urns can make your front porch feel more like home. “Seasonal planters elevate your style, draw attention to your entryway, and add colour and texture,” says Michelle Varlese-Fox of Yearn to Urn. She recommends investing in large containers that match your home’s aesthetic. “Update urns seasonally, water low and slow, and don’t rely on rain alone. Nothing can make your entryway look more tired than expired plants and flowers.”

If you’re starting from scratch, container size is a consideration. Varlese-Fox says bigger is always better for boosting curb appeal. She recommends investing in quality containers to avoid replacing them every couple of years and incorporating seasonal plants and flowers that thrive in your lighting conditions.

With proper prep, soil, and maintenance, urns become key design elements, not afterthoughts, all year long. 

To complete the look, layer in outdoor furniture and accessories that blend style with comfort. A set of chairs with cushions, a porch swing, or a small bench creates a welcoming place to relax, while a weather-resistant rug or doormat helps define the space. Add lanterns, decorative pillows, or seasonal accents to extend your home’s personality right to the street. If space allows, a small bistro set can turn your front porch into a cozy spot for morning coffee or casual dining al fresco.

From the warm days of spring through summer and well into autumn, a front porch is a beloved extension of your living space. It’s the face of your home and merits the occasional facelift, a few cosmetic tweaks or, at the very least, quality time with you.

Local Links:

Burlington Paint
3300 Fairview Street, Burlington
905-631-7575
burlingtonpaint.com

Oakville Home Leisure
1318 Speers Rd, Oakville
905-847-8551
oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Ridge Rock
Burlington
905-741-9741
ridge-rock.ca

Yearn to Urn
335 Kerr Street, Oakville
905-808-8319
Y2U@YearnToUrn.com

By Nicole Hilton

A tree can be the start of a beautiful garden story. While it’s fun to plan a deck, garden beds, and even patio furniture, set those aside for a moment and think long term. For an outdoor space you will enjoy for years to come, the blueprint starts with a well-placed tree.

The right trees and shrubsnwill visually anchor a yard, cast cool shade on hot summer days, and grow into providing natural privacy. Awe-inspiring gifts from nature, they provide comfort, beauty, and value, whether you’re designing a yard from scratch or refreshing an established space.

NOT JUST ANY TREE

When selecting a tree or shrub, there’s much to consider besides how pretty it looks in the greenhouse. Think beyond aesthetics and ask your landscape pro for recommendations to suit local climate and soil conditions. You’ll also need to know how fast the sapling will grow, its resistance to diseases and pests, and how wide and tall it will get (a majestic 70-footer too close to the house could eventually wreak havoc with pipes, cables, roof, and foundation).

DARLA’S GARDEN GIRLS PICK

Eastern Redbud Tree

• Ideal for a smaller yard
• Stunning spring blossoms and heart-shaped leaves
• Provides partial-canopy shade
• Adaptable to various soil types
• Thrives in urban conditions

EDITOR MICHELLE’S PICK

Serviceberry tree or bush

• Native to Ontario and highly attractive to pollinators, birds, and small mammals
• Showy white flowers in early spring
• Green foliage and red berries in summer
• Fiery display of reds and golds in autumn

… and if the birds leave you some serviceberries (also known as saskatoonberries), fill a bowl and bake a pie. They are spectacularly delicious. Know your growing zone, and do your research. “In Ontario, selecting trees that are hardy and can really withstand our four distinct seasons while providing good shade is crucial for long-term success,” says Tom Henderson, President of ProScape Land Design.

Darla Malcolm-Hauraney, Chief Garden Guru at TheGarden Girls, encourages taking a broad environmental perspective when making your selection. “Consider a keystone plant that is native to your region,” she explains. “These are critical to the food web and necessary for many wildlife species to complete their lifecycle. Without keystone plants in the landscape, butterflies, native bees, and birds will not thrive.”

What types of trees are best for landscaping a yard? Henderson recommends RiverBirch, Linden, Hornbeam, Serviceberry, Dogwood, and several varieties of Maple. Malcolm-Hauraney adds White Oak to the list, noting that it supports hundreds of caterpillar species, a vital food source for birds.

LOCATION IS KEY

Place trees strategically within your overall landscape plan, especially since some varieties are known to be a little messy — dropping keys, leaves, or sap at certain times of the year. You’ll also want to consider the view from your home’s windows, framing key sightlines with greenery that adds to the visual appeal both inside and out.

“Remember to choose a mix of trees and shrubs that offer visual interest throughout the seasons, like flowering trees in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall,” she adds.

If your goal is to create distinct zones like patios, with built-in natural shade, Henderson recommends working with a professional. “Hiring a professional landscape designer or landscape architect can help determine the best lasting many years of enjoyment out of the space,” he says.

SMALL SPACE, BIG SHADE

Even in compact yards or urban patios, it’s still possible to create a perfectly breezy retreat where you can relax with a good book or enjoy summer sips in comfort. exceptional collection of prints, sculpture & more by Canada’s Inuit and First Nations artists ESTABLISHED IN 1995 “Pergolas, umbrellas, or cabanas are great ways to add shade,” says Henderson. “You can achieve shade without planting trees or enhance these structures with well-placed trees or shrubs for a blended effect.”

MALCOLM- HAURANEY SAYS SMART PLANNING INVOLVES THREE KEY PRINCIPLES:

LAYERING

Placing taller trees at the back or centre of your yard, with medium-sized shrubs and shorter plants in front to create depth.

GROUPING

Planting trees in clusters to achieve a more natural look and provide more effective shade and privacy

FUNCTIONALITY

Using trees to define spaces, create natural barriers, or block unsightly views

Malcolm-Hauraney agrees, adding that manmade structures can work together with nature. “Incorporating shade structures can provide immediate relief while allowing you to plant climbing vines or shade-loving perennials around them.”

Even something as simple as a trellis with a clematis or climbing hydrangea can offer filtered shade and a sense of privacy. Combined with planters of tall grasses, strategically placed shrubs, or even a small ornamental tree in a container, small spaces can feel lush, private, and inviting.

Local Links

THE GARDEN GIRLS
thegardengirls.ca

CONNON NURSERIES
WATERDOWN
shopconnon.ca

TERRA BURLINGTON
BURLINGTON
terragreenhouses.com

SHERIDAN NURSERIES
MISSISSAUGA
sheridannurseries.com

By Nicole Hilton