Strathcona

Strathcona Renovation

Nestled into a quaint corner of Strathcona, this client’s home is a study on the importance of holistically considered, harmonious spaces.

As the months ticked by, we witnessed our work transform a claustrophobic and discordant space into one of symmetry and elegance, from front entrance to kitchen and beyond.

By relocating the kitchen from one side of the house to the other, prominent functional areas of the house where our client spends the majority of their time (kitchen, living, and dining) became functionally and aesthetically integrated through continuity of colour palette, details, and open sightlines.

Strathcona Renovation

The previously disjointed nature of the home was further diminished by the client’s love for symmetry. For example, the prominent kitchen range elevation features dimensionally balanced cabinetry that continues around the perimeter to the sink location through the integration of a unique corner tower detail. This corner segment acted as a filler to ensure the range elevation uppers could remain the same width, and that the towers flanking the sink on the return could also balance one another in the same manner. Two arched wall recesses also continue the theme of symmetry into the informal living room, providing interest, storage, and balance to the desired TV location.

A once very bold definition of elegance with French Rococo style cabinetry, we strove to design a space still worthy of the name elegant but in subtler terms. Warm, neutral colours, royal blues, arched openings, champagne metallic and glass accents, and fine details are present throughout the entire renovation area establish a strong sense of grace and sophistication that is only accentuated by the symmetry maintained throughout. 

Winter 2021 | Home(s) For The Holidays

“All the moments that had come and gone and all the ones left were a blur. For all that mattered was the snow in their faces and the stars above them – their hearts were young, and anything was possible.” | Stuart McLean (“Jim’s Toboggan”)

Much like everyone this time of year, we are in the midst of preparations for the holidays (except for some wild people around the office who had their decorations up at the start of November). Realizing that we are constantly building, seeing the homes of, and styling for others we thought this might be an excellent time to give you all a mini glimpse into our “home(s) for the holidays.” From favourite decorations and family traditions to home away from home activities (some people really do love living on the slopes this time of year) and all that lies in between, here is a little bit of all our hearts to yours:


As it is also the season of giving, we want to take a moment to note that we are hosting a food drive for the Calgary Community Fridge! The Community Fridge is a truly wonderful and unique not-for-profit organization addressing “food equity in Calgary by helping those facing financial insecurity access free, fresh, and healthy food 24/7.” 

With an ongoing recession, low income levels, high living costs, and pressures from the pandemic, the need for healthy, affordable, and readily available food is much needed. To support our neighbours across Calgary, it is our hope that we can gather an abundance of goods for the Fridge!

If you are interested in donating, below are the guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable items.

*We would like to encourage the donation of non-perishable items for our drive as we will be collecting over the next few weeks and have limited perishable storage space. Some examples of much needed goods are healthy soups, pasta, rice, cereals – pretty well anything nutritious and lasting!

All items can be brought to our office (6503 Elbow Drive SW) during work hours (8am-4pm, Monday to Friday). The deadline for donation is December 21 @ 4pm.

COMMUNITY FRIDGE GROCERY LIST IDEAS

Fridge Items:
Milk, alternative milk types + yogurtEggsButter + margarineApples, oranges + seasonal fruitsFresh vegetables (e.g. carrots, potatoes, broccoli, onions, garlic, etc.)Packaged saladsBottled drinks (e.g. water, juice, gatorade)

Freezer Items:
Frozen lunches/dinnersFrozen pizzaBreadPremade soupsFrozen veggiesFrozen prepared items (e.g. dumplings, perogies)

Pantry Items:
Canned soupsCerealNuts + dried fruitBaking ingredients (e.g. sugar, salt, flour, oils)Granola barsPasta + pasta saucesCanned protein (e.g. fish, chicken)Fruit compotes (e.g. apple sauce)Protein shakes (e.g. “Ensure” brand)Baby food (jarred or powdered)Pet food (canned or bagged)

Toiletry Items:
Toothbrushes + toothpasteShampoo + conditioner Soaps + body washesHand soap + sanitizerFeminine hygiene products (e.g. pads, tampons)Masks
Should you have any questions, please contact our lovely coordinator, Kate, via email: kate@lynndonaldson.ca.

For further information on the Fridge, including their Values Statement, updates, and even how you can start your own fridge in the city, visit the Calgary Community Fridge through the links below.

Thank you for taking the time to support a happier and healthier Calgary!

Garrison Woods

Garrison Woods Kitchen

At times, collaboration really is key! With a design vision in hand conjured through another local design firm, we were approached by our client to execute it. As a team who delights in fulfilling the visions of others, naturally we responded with an emphatic “YES” and the rest is history, as they say.

Garrison Woods Kitchen
Photography by Rebecca Frick

As a historical home, the Altadore Residence was an unsurprising mixture of, well, surprises that never failed to attempt to throw a wrench into things. You think you know a place until you take down walls, open ceilings, and rip up the floorboards. However, with our usual unfailing spirit we took down, opened, ripped up, and then put back together a brighter/fresher future for our client – and we think it looks pretty gosh darn fantastic!

Garrison Woods Renovation

We wish you could see the full extent of structural transformation that took place in this home – we might have to share further at a later date! But just know that our Construction Team has a lot of knowledge, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail at their gloved fingertips. That attention to detail does not stop on site either, it translates across the city to our millwork shop, where our Cabinet Maker works tirelessly to create that “it looks effortless but actually takes a lot of talent and patience” finished product.

We couldn’t be more pleased to highlight another project pulled together by a lot of gifted and diligent people – cheers to future collaboration and more beautifully transformed houses across this city we all call home.

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