January was a whirlwind of settling into our new space while keeping projects moving forward. I skipped December's blog because honestly, my life was just preparing for the move, coordinating trades, actually moving, and trying to squeeze in some quality time with family over the holidays. It felt too boring to write about, and I couldn't bring myself to do two boring blogs back-to-back. But now that we're through it, I'm really happy with how the timing worked out—moving over the holidays meant minimal impact on the business, even though it was still a huge undertaking.

Reflecting on January

Office Move-In Reality
We're settling into our new home at 217 Birmingham, but things are still getting finished around us as we work. We just got cabinets installed the last week of January, appliances came next, then countertops. We still don't have running water and are relying on the building's communal bathroom for now. A curveball during the permit stage was discovering our unit needs a barrier-free bathroom—since we hadn't planned for this from the start, it threw a wrench in my perfectly coordinated timeline. The bathroom is the most behind because I'm not moving forward with anything permanent until I've personally verified it meets Ontario Building Code requirements. It's taking longer, but passing our building inspection and closing out the permit properly matters more.

Staycation at Millcroft Inn
This was such a good reset. We've been so busy and couldn't carve out time to get away over the holidays, so a staycation was perfect. I love visiting places and reviewing them from the guest perspective—what worked well, what I'd do differently. Millcroft was a bit more lived-in than I would have liked, but it was also cozy, charming, and full of character. The staff were attentive, and the place was packed. The property is designed so you walk from the main hotel to the spa and pool area. By the time we left the spa, it was snowing like crazy and completely dark, but we got this beautiful, picturesque, quiet walk back that's now a core memory. There was a shuttle bus for people who didn't want to walk, but honestly, they were missing out. We had a wagyu beef special for dinner that was so damn good.

Project Highlights

Project King II: Custom Kitchen Coming Together
The kitchen renovation is well underway. This month we finalized the slabs, which we had ordered based on a photo and they'd been on a boat for months! The cabinetry is all face frame with beautiful brass detailing and a fully custom metal vent-a-hood coming. Cabinetry install is happening in February, and we can't wait to see it all come together.

Project Kingsway: This Marble is Nutso Gorg
So many finishes have been going in, but most importantly, the marble countertops we selected last summer. Installation isn't fully complete yet, but the island left us speechless. This project is such a timeless space with classic millwork detailing like flush toe kick, custom island legs, and slightly beveled shaker cabinets.

Project Tyandaga: Back in Motion
We've circled back to this project after the clients worked through the exact direction they want to take. A key element is an in-law suite, and we're exploring two more design angles before solidifying everything. We're hoping to get this into construction by spring.

New Fitness Studio Project
Kicking off a new fitness studio project this month. The space already has a beautiful foundation, but there are key areas that need upgrading for the studio's expansion. We're in the concept phase right now exploring design options and should get into design development this month.

Project King III: Residential Renovation
We spent the last month dialing in the details for this project before heading into construction. We’re working on two powder rooms, three full bathrooms, and a laundry room, and we’re excited to finally see it all take shape. Construction starts this month, and each space is layered with thoughtful, elevated details. We’ll be sharing more as things get underway.

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New Projects Onboarded:

Redesign for a basement apartment
Decorating and styling for a living room and dining room
Design concept for an institutional teen space

Inspired By: The "Adore" Office in The Materialists
If you haven't seen this movie, what a great rom-dram, but what truly stole the show for me was the office where Lucy worked. The wood detailing, fluted glass, vintage furniture, white oak desks—completely inspired. The space was so New York, and I'm still thinking about it.

Photos: Thomas Loof