BUILDING
my NEST
Behind the build: the real-life journey of designing, renovating, and personalizing my own space.
I’m a designer, renovator, and relentless problem-solver with a soft spot for old houses and a knack for making them shine. This is where I share the real-life side of home transformations: the wins, the messes, the lessons learned, and the moments that make it all worth it. If you love a good before-and-after, want tips from someone who’s lived through the dust, or just enjoy following a renovation adventure, you’re in the right place.
Follow along here and on Instagram to see what I’m cooking up next!
What 20 Years in Fast-Paced Manufacturing Taught Me About Designing a Cohesive Home
I’ll admit it — I don’t really need moodboards. I can assemble an entire space in my head and see how it will come together. (Chris finds this equal parts impressive and annoying — he’s more of a “visual learner.” I'm more, you know, I see dead people… except it’s tile, lighting, and cabinet pulls floating in my mind.)
But here’s the thing: moodboards aren’t about me — they’re about helping clients make faster, better decisions.
And as someone who’s spent 20 years making fast, critical decisions in the medical device manufacturing world (where lives are literally on the line if you hesitate), I know the value of a good process.
Why We Transformed Our Home’s Exterior (and What Had to Come Down First)
When we bought this house in October 2021, I knew from day one that big changes were coming. It was a sweet, quiet neighbourhood with river access (well… quiet until we discovered we were under a flight path — thanks, pandemic-era real estate!). The house sat on a lovely half-acre lot with tons of potential — but from the street, it just wasn’t me.
A 1960s red brick home with a small hip roof and a late-80s addition that didn’t quite match, it had zero curb appeal. The front step led straight into the house with no space to sit and chat with neighbours — and certainly no spot to enjoy a Friday night beer in the summer.
like what you
SEE?
LET’S DESIGN YOUR NEST TOGETHER
If you’ve enjoyed this peek inside my own nest and want to make your own project easier (and more beautiful) I’d love to help. Whether you’re dreaming big or just updating a few key spaces, I bring real-world renovation experience and a designer’s eye to every project.
Let’s create a home that feels as good as it looks and works beautifully for YOU.