International Design & Architecture Awards - London England

This September we had the absolute honour of being awarded the “Best Interior Design Scheme - Canada” at the International Design & Architecture Awards in London, England. With Jenelle already having committed to an engagement, she unfortunately was unable to attend the awards, so Stephanie went to represent the SmithErickson team with her Mom,Beverly, in tow. Read on to hear about their experience…

Stephanie and her mom, Beverly.

The trip to London was a whirlwind few days but we were determined to take in all the sights. What better way to spend your first day in London after a long red-eye flight with little sleep than to venture all around the city on a Hop on Hop of Bus. While tiring, it proved to be a great way to pack in the highlights in a short period of time and we took in the magnificent architecture while exploring the many different boroughs of London.

The next day we headed out to the countryside to see a different side of England and were just taken by the Cotswolds. The villages were charming with centuries-old stone walls and cottages set among rolling hills; it looked straight out of a Hallmark movie (my guilty pleasure)! The craftsmanship, attention to detail and heritage materials and colours will continue to inspire.

We could have spent days museum hopping but had the pleasure of walking through the Natural History Museum and deep diving into the art world at the Victoria & Albert Museum which is the world’s largest Arts & Design Museum. From the beautiful building itself to the many displays and original art by artists I have only read about, it was a sensory overload. And in true English fashion we ended our day exploring the exhibits with a lovely high tea.

Now what you have all been waiting for…the awards day! The experience was like no other, as we pulled up to the impressive hotel that was hosting the awards ceremony, I had to pinch myself. The red carpet was rolled out, people milling about dressed to impress and cameras flashing. Was this a dream? The evening flew by in a daze with a total of 66 awards presented.

We were shortlisted for two categories; Interior Design Scheme Canada and Kitchen over $100K. As each category was announced, we had the pleasure of viewing images of the shortlisted projects and were awed by the stunning work and different perspectives from designers close to home and worldwide alike.

To be among such talent was an honour in itself, but when I heard them say “… and the winner is, SmithErickson Designs” I was overcome with so many emotions. Shock, joy and excitement were just a few followed by nervous that I now had to go up on stage to accept the award and say a few words. I can’t recall saying much more than “Wow, thank you!”

Thankful. Above all, thankful. That I have the privilege of having such a stellar partner in Jenelle.

Thankful for our incredible clients, for our amazing team and the trades & suppliers that all have a hand in bringing our projects to life. Thankful for the friends and family that have supported us through our journey and to have my Mom by my side with the biggest smile on her face and a tear in both of our eyes.

Stephanie's Main Floor Remodel

Stephanie embarked on her very own project last summer, a main floor renovation!  Read along to hear about how Steph created her dream kitchen and an inviting home for her & her husband and their dog Fizz.

We purchased this home and immediately embarked upon a renovation to update the tired 90’s interior to a bright, airy space to reflect our personal relaxed style. The kitchen was the focus…and getting rid of that pink tile and carpet! The original kitchen had a corner pantry which I find is often wasted space, by removing the pantry, we were able to extend the cabinetry on the range wall and reorient the island to create more countertop surface and seating. The addition of the tall pantry cabinet works perfectly for organized food storage.

It has always been my dream to have a window seat, so when we toured the home, I knew immediately that the small kitchen nook would be the perfect spot for this! The angled windows and size of the nook didn’t lend well to a kitchen table, but by building in the bench and adding a small bistro table, it has become a perch for a quick meal, a lazy morning coffee or nap spot :)

Added bonus are the drawers below the bench which hold our overflow small appliances and serving dishes. Our new addition to the family, Fizz, even has his own drawer by the back door with balls and treats (and sunscreen for me!)

Connection among spaces is important, so by changing the living room to be off the kitchen, it has created a wonderful intimate living area on the back of the house, with the dining table now in the two storey front room for a more grand feel for entertaining.

Both my husband, Blake and I really enjoy cooking so a lot of thought was put into the function of the kitchen. One of the top priorities was getting a professional style gas range so we started with the appliance selections and I then began to lay out the kitchen based on those to create a nice flow and work space for both of us to be in the kitchen together.

Some of my favourite things about our new kitchen are the functional bits…from the two appliance garages beside the fridge which house our everyday small appliances and bread (haha, specifically bread, because my kitchen would not be complete without a fresh loaf) to the multiple pullouts (spice, oil, utensil, pantry pullouts and garbage/recycling center) These functional interior elements are not the star of the show visually, but I think are worth every penny as they make day to day use of the kitchen extremely functional and keeps things organized and clutter free.

We are planning to be in the home for years to come, so it was really important to design a timeless kitchen, the details are what make it special with the 3 different door profiles (bevel shaker, round over with applied mullions on the pantry and v-groove on the bench), brushed gold hardware and custom hood. The cabinets are Benjamin Moore’s Titanium which is a soft grey that changes with the lighting and the shelves were a custom stain matched to the existing railing. It is one of the only original things left but I like to have a nod to the original home and have always had a soft spot for the vintage feel of turned railing. By far one of our favourite things has been the flooring which pulls everything together. Divine’s Chateau hardwood has beautiful variation and a natural look and feel which adds a very warm and inviting feel to our home!

Hardwood: Divine Flooring - Cosmopolitan Chateau

Custom Cabinetry: Evolve Kitchens

Backsplash: Centura Tile - Magma white 

Counters: Cosentino - Ethereal Glow