Welcome to this month's window into my world and the latest happenings at Warm Welcome. As we transition into summer, I'm balancing personal growth with exciting project milestones. This past month has brought some significant changes both personally and professionally that I'm excited to share with you. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me as we look back at April's accomplishments and what's coming next.

My Personal Journey

The Fitness Pendulum Swings
In a plot twist that surprises no one who knows me, I've gone from embracing regular breakfast to returning to intermittent fasting! After diving into a really interesting podcast, my husband and I have committed to a low-carb, high-protein approach complemented by sessions with a new trainer. We're both genuinely excited about this health journey; sometimes you need to try different approaches before finding what truly works for your body. I am so used to being on the go it’s the cooking at home everyday that’s been the biggest change - but I am truly loving how I’m feeling and I think that has given me so much momentum.

Boathouse Revival Begins
We've embarked on what might be my most emotionally significant renovation yet, our families 100+ year old boathouse. What started as a practical need to replace the wood cribs with steel has evolved into a complete gut renovation. This space holds my childhood Muskoka memories, making each design decision deeply personal. It's becoming a true labour of love and a unique addition to the Warm Welcome portfolio that I'll be documenting throughout the coming year!

Letting the Light In
We finally installed our oversized slider door! It was actually the first construction item we ordered after buying our house, addressing both water damage concerns and our desire for making the patio and living room feel as one. The unexpected bonus? Our two kittens can now enjoy fresh air while remaining safely indoors. Next urgent mission: sourcing the perfect drapery fabric before the summer sun gets too intense.

Project Update Highlights

Project Strawberry: Completion
We finalized all accessories and furniture installations that had been delayed from December due to that unprecedented snowstorm. The timing actually worked in our favour—our client was able to participate and discovered some incredible vintage heirlooms that added perfect personal touches to the space. Those unplanned elements often create the most meaningful design moments! We are going to be photographing the space this fall.

Project Holborne: Transformation Accelerating
The progress this month has been remarkable: flooring, trim, fireplaces, and so much more taking shape daily. Our clients have officially given notice on their rental and will be moving in June 13th! May brings the exciting millwork installation phase. This project is particularly special for Vivian, representing one of her first full-concept-to-completion designs with Warm Welcome!

Project King: Racing Forward
Since early this year, we've been developing interior detailing and finish selections for a pool house/cabana and basement addition, and this client's construction team has maintained an impressive pace. Our recent site visit allowed us to make critical decisions about ceiling finishes, with tile and fixture confirmations coming next on our priority list.

Project Bronte: Bold Blue Ceiling Victory
How kick-ass is this blue ceiling in the pool house renovation? Working with the existing tongue and groove vaulted ceiling, we explored several strong contenders before landing on this beautiful Benjamin Moore blue-grey called "Subway Tile." We've just placed the furniture order and are counting down to installation before summer pool season begins.

Project Pilates Studio: Commercial Expansion
This month brought an exciting commercial endeavour: creating test fit layouts for a fitness studio's expansion. After developing two strong options, we collaborated with the client to finalize the optimal layout they'll present to their landlord. We love these opportunities to blend design with operational efficiency to enhance client experiences.