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A Year in Review for Barbara Aylesworth and A Stroke of Genius Interiors

A Year in Review for Barbara Aylesworth and A Stroke of Genius Interiors

A Year in Review for Barbara Aylesworth and A Stroke of Genius Interiors

Welcome 2020!

2019 was a fantastic year. It started off strong with many projects on the go and new ones on the horizon. I like to create my future by learning and experiencing new things every day, and here are some of the highlights.
 

Barbara and Kimberley in Palm SpringsBusiness of Design retreat in Palm Springs

At the end of 2018 I attended a Business of Design retreat in Palm Springs hosted by Kimberley Seldon. A group of over 30 designers from all over the world shared stories, experiences and ideas—and toured some very fabulous MCM (Mid Century Modern) homes.

So happy to have spent time with Kimberley and this inspiring group of ladies!

 

Adventures with Frankie

Adventures with Frankie Dreamboat

My Projects take me all over the Lower Mainland, so I get to see quite a variety of landscapes and neighbourhoods.

Of course Frankie is always along for the ride. We are continually discovering new trails, beaches and fields to explore. Sometimes he even takes part in the photo shoots!

 

Home Remodelling in North Vancouver

Emerson North Vancouver Remodel
The year began with the completion of a full home remodel in North Vancouver. The client wanted to create a soft, quiet aesthetic throughout her new home. To achieve this, all the flooring was changed out and new cabinet doors were installed in the kitchen and bathrooms.

We added brushed brass and black door hardware and light fixtures, added door and window trims, lightened paint colours and installed custom built-ins. We chose new furniture, incorporated custom drapery and beautifully accessorized rooms to complete the project. View the project photos here.

 

Interior Design Updates

Interior Design Updates

Farther out in Tsawwassen, my clients (empty nesters) contacted me to help them update their kitchen and family room. The windows in these two rooms were covered with heavy drapery and the walls and ceilings painted a dark sage green.

To lighten up the space and expose the incredible view of the water and mountains beyond, we removed the drapery and painted the walls and trim throughout soft white/beige colours.

We kept the existing kitchen cabinets and hardware as is, but painted the island a warm green taupe (to tie in with the family room furniture). We replaced the dark granite countertop with a new ‘carrera marble’ quartz countertop and added backsplash tile.

In the family room we reupholstered the chairs and ottomans and added ‘cutout’ fabric drapery panels. View the project photos here.

 

Before & After in Burnaby

Burnaby home redesign
This Burnaby couple found me through Houzz. Although their white oak kitchen cabinets were very good quality and still in good condition, they were in dire need of updating. Over time they had turned a bit pink from the sun.

We opted to paint all the cabinets cloud white and the island sage green. We added LED strip under-cabinet lighting and LED pots to the ceiling.

The original kitchen was void of a backsplash, so we added subway tile with a mosaic band that tied in with the existing Corian countertop.  A custom nook and table completed the modern space.

 

Seasonal Home Décor Updates in West Vancouver

Seasonal Home Décor Updates in West Vancouver
From the moment you enter through the huge dark blue (Pantone Color of the Year) front door of this beautiful West Vancouver home, you are struck by the magnificence of the ocean view.

This project is an ongoing labour of love! My client likes to change out her soft furnishings and accessories seasonally, so every few months we have fun with new fabrics for toss cushions, slip covers and upholstery. View the project photos here.

 

An Artistic Bedroom Makeover

Artistic Bedroom Makeover
The inspiration for this bedroom makeover came from the deep blue and purple found in the original painting given to my client by a very close friend.

Based on these rich colours, we changed out the carpet for tile, purchased new side tables, added a custom headboard and bedding, found the perfect vintage lamp and topped it all off with Designer Guild accessories. The client LOVED IT!

 

Freshening Up with Florals

Morag flowers project

Morag flowers project
What do you do when a friend is sick? You bring her flowers… lots and lots of flowers!!

These fabulous wall stickers are a breeze to install. We had a very fun day creating this wall mural.

 

A Hygge Vibe for a Kits Condo

Hygge project Kits

Hygge project kits

This large condo (circa 1980) in the heart of Kitsilano has 9’ ceilings and huge windows overlooking a grassy boulevard.  However, the interior was dated and needed an overhaul.

The inspiration here was the sweet vintage handmade table and chair set passed down to the homeowner by her father.  The Danish modern style of the table and chairs set the tone for the clean lines and Hygge vibe we created.

Read more about Hygge home inspiration.

To begin, we removed all the closet doors and enlarged the openings to 8’. Then we installed flat slab and double doors to allow the client access to the area at the top of the closet, giving them more storage space.

The green metal window frames were painted white, immediately making the rooms brighter.

We updated the kitchen by adding a large single sink, new faucet and ‘honed’ concrete quartz countertop. Mobility issues were taken into account, so the furniture and accessories selected were kept to a minimum to be easily removed if needed.

 

Making Condo & Apartment Lobbies Contemporary

Condo apartment lobby project

Condo lobby project

Several apartment lobby renovations were also on the schedule for 2019, including this one in Vancouver (close to VGH) and another in Burnaby. In both projects, we installed stylish vinyl plank flooring, LED lighting and mailbox upgrades.

Learn more about our lobby renovation services.

 

Completing the Year in Coquitlam

Latimer project

This full, down-to-the-studs reno took almost two years to complete. We removed many of the walls on the main floor to create open concept in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. 

Beautiful Brazilian Cherry floors were carried throughout and the colour scheme was kept to a warm neutral accented by the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020: deep blue.

Custom cabinetry and built-ins, new appliances, furniture and accessories all rounded out this complete renovation.

See more projects and what my clients have to say here.

Barb has recently completed an entire renovation of our home’s interior. She had worked with us 13 years ago,
and we are so grateful to have found her again!

Barb is very professional and detail orien… Read more

JBWest Vancouver
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