Stay Warm but Be Cool
This stylish, energy-efficient fireplace blends modern design with Scandinavian-inspired warmth and functionality.
Celebration Of The Half Shell
Celebrate winter with oysters and sparkling wine, the ultimate pairing for festive gatherings.
The Reluctant Maximalist
Lenny Moy turned Rosemead House into a stunning mix of vintage finds and bold design.
The Return of Renting
Victoria’s new rental options are reshaping the housing market with flexibility, design, and affordability.
The Statement Range Hood
Transform your kitchen with stunning, sculptural range hoods that combine beauty, function, and innovation.
Paint Without the Guesswork
Discover how to transform your space with ease using online paint color tools.
Dreamy Design
Transform your bedroom into a restful retreat with simple, science-backed design tips for better sleep.
Scratch Resistance
For tough gardening in Victoria, durable, puncture-proof rose gloves provide reliable arm protection and flexibility.
Mudroom Makeover
How to create a functional, personalized, and stylish mudroom that embraces the beauty of everyday chaos.
Seasonal Serveware
Create cozy fall table settings with warm earth tones, autumn centerpieces, and whimsical seasonal dishware for memorable gatherings.
Fashion Underfoot
Rugs can transform a room by enhancing style and effectively defining different spaces within the home.
Reading Nook – Fall 2024
Discover fall design inspiration with books offering creative ideas for personalizing your living spaces.
Light Up the Night
The GUBI Multi-Lite Portable Lamp updates Louis Weisdorf's classic design with a touch-activated dimmer and handle for stylish, flexible lighting.
Get Your Garden Ready for Winter
Get your garden ready for winter with these simple but essential fall tasks to ensure a healthy and vibrant landscape come spring.
Custom Coastal Living
A dark, 1970s build gets a bright, beachy makeover designed for aging in place.
Find Your Inspiration – Fall 2024 Design Events
Discover the latest trends and connect with home improvement experts at these must-attend home shows this fall.
Rooms That Sell A Home
Staging kitchens and bathrooms can significantly enhance a home's appeal and lead to faster sales. Simple updates make a big difference without costly renovations.
Fall’s Hot Hues
Pantone's fall 2024 palette features lively, functional hues that offer warmth and energy for the season.
An Emerald-Green Gem
Take a peek into one of the prettiest — and most practical — kitchens you will ever see. A small, cramped, vintage room becomes a magical space filled with warmth and charm thanks to bold colour, gold accents and romantic details.
Reading Nook – Spring + Summer 2024
Create your dream reading nook with fresh, inspiring ideas for spring and summer 2024.
Edible Additions
Elevate your garden with edible plants that blend beauty, flavor, and sustainable design.
How to Build for the West Coast
Master West Coast building with tips on design, materials, and sustainability for the climate.
The Growing Appeal of Green Roofs
A green roof carries out a number of functions. Here’s what you need to know before making this eco-friendly decision.
Living Big in Small Spaces
Maximize small spaces with creative design tips for stylish, functional, and efficient living.
Illuminate Your World with Landlight
Transform outdoor spaces with LandLight’s innovative designs blending artful illumination and sustainable technology.
All On the Wall
Discover bold wall decor ideas to transform blank spaces into stunning focal points.
Strait Ahead – a homeowner’s dream comes true
Explore a stunning waterfront home designed to harmonize luxury living with natural surroundings.
Unlocking the door – exploring novel ways to home ownership
Discover innovative strategies for homeownership that redefine possibilities in today's challenging market.
Water Boost – ideas for adding water features to your garden
Enhance your garden with creative water features that add beauty and tranquility to space.
Quick style ideas for a room refresh
Revitalize your space with simple, stylish ideas for a quick and impactful room refresh.
Cool Down Your Bedroom
Create a serene retreat with expert tips to cool down and refresh your bedroom.
Appetite for Colour
Transform your space with bold, vibrant colors that spark creativity and energize your home.
Defying Gravity
Explore a stunning cantilevered home that pushes architectural boundaries with innovative engineering.
Making Solar Sophisticated
Hakai Energy Solutions, Vancouver Island’s top-rated solar contractor, has redefined the esthetic appeal of solar panels such that even top designers are taking notice.
The Right Light
Illuminate your garden with creative outdoor lighting ideas that enhance ambiance and beauty.
Garden-Shed Charm
Add charm and functionality to your yard with stylish and practical garden shed designs.
Interior Mixology
Blend family heirlooms with modern design to create a unique, personalized home aesthetic.
Praise for the Passivhaus
This energy-saving building method doesn’t compromise on design or comfort, and some say it’s becoming the obvious choice. By Nessa Pullman | Photos by Janis Nicolay It’s been more than…
10 Ways to Add a Pop of Style and Design to Your Home
We explore 10 ways to add a pop of style and design function to your home.
Goodbye Excess, Hello Meaning
Embracing minimalism in home design can clear the clutter and add meaning. BY LIAM RAZZELL Interior design minimalism often conjures images of cold, austere environments, sleek, uber-modern apartments and a…
The Family Penthouse
A top-floor condo levels up its family-sized rooms with a view. By David Lennam | Photos by Dasha Armstrong In a city where condo towers are rising like crops, finding…
Victoria’s Design Festival Returns For its Second Year
Explore the city’s design sector with dozens of free events *SPONSORED ARTICLE Much like its residents, Victoria’s reputation for design is humble yet strong. The city boasts an incredible range…
The Real Deal on Curb Appeal
Investing in outer appearances means more than you’d expect when listing a house. BY SHANNON MONEO Despite what your mother told you, appearances do matter — at least if you’re…
The Science of Acoustics
Architectural solutions for creating a quiet home. By Nessa Pullman In a world that is constantly stimulating us, we seek refuge in the comfort of our homes — the place…
Stairway to Spring
Revisioning your stairwell can give your home a real step up. BY SIMONE PAGET Staircases are as much a feature of the home as they are a functionality. Whether considering…
Opening the Door to Spring
This season brings vibrant new colours, geometric patterns, augmented reality and playthings to fill your home with light. Fresh New Hues Soothing optimism is the theme when it comes to…
How to Live Green in the CRD – Easily!
Living green indoors is just as important as living green outdoors. From kitchen taps to toilet bowls, how we use and treat water inside the home can limit pollution and…
Recipe for a Kitchen to Love
CLEVER STORAGE, CLEAN LINES, MODERN ADD-ONS IN A VINTAGE SPACE. By David Lennam | Photos by Jody Beck How do you keep the chef happy? Simple. Give him a better…
Transition Zones
Here’s how to make the most of your entry. BY Sarah MacNeil Knowing your inner nature — and that of your family — can help find a design that works for…
Life Together
An “impossible” home brings an extended Saanich family together under one unique roof. By Nessa Pullman | Photos by Joshua Lawrence Living with your in-laws could be the makings of…
The Fifth Wall
How to create ceilings made to steal glances. BY LIAM RAZZELL What makes the interiors of some buildings more impressive than others? Wall colour, furniture, ornamentation, flooring and lighting likely…
Personal Effects: Small Touches That Bring Life to Your Home
Plywood Pachyderm In a season framed by childhood joy comes the Vitra Eames Plywood Elephant — a sophisticated take on a toy that could double as a signature sculpture. Charles…
Family Room Reboot
How to turn a forsaken basement into the ultimate hang zone. By Simone Paget Faced with colder weather, many of us are looking for ways to maximize our indoor living…
The Winter-Proof Roof
How to keep your investment safe and dry. BY SHANNON MONEO Winter often calls the question: How’s that roof holding up? If a new one is in the forecast, there…
Your Kitchen Needs a Beverage Station
Here’s what you need to know, whether you plan to set up a coffee centre or build a wet bar. BY JOANNE SASVARI The modern home’s go-to destination is the…
Tomorrow’s Cooktop
Why you should consider replacing your gas or electric range with induction. With all the growing safety and sustainability concerns around gas stoves, induction cooktops are becoming more and…
House of Glass
A home’s architecture plays with the balance between light and dark. By Danielle Pope | Photos by Jody Beck Aaron Baird wanted to live in a glass house. As a…
Steel Plate Turns Fireplace into Dramatic Feature Wall
There are moments in architecture that force someone to pause and marvel when they walk into a room. Seaside vistas, grand staircases and, sometimes, a metal feature wall that acts…
Lighting for Every Kitchen Task
Bright ideas to make the heart of your home more functional — and beautiful, too. BY JOANNE SASVARI In the kitchen, lighting isn’t just about making things look good. It…
10 Trends in Kitchen Design for 2024
It’s the heart and hearth of the home, and potentially your biggest investment, too. Here’s how to bring your kitchen up to date right now. BY JOANNE SASVARI We all…
DesignHeads: Bites, Bevvies and Bright Ideas
5 – 7:30 p.m., February 6, 2024 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Learn from the experts at this fun and inspiring evening celebrating the heart of the home: the kitchen. Our…
From the Ground Up
Is heated flooring right for your home? BY LIAM RAZZELL Winter has arrived, and though your heater is on, there’s one part of your home that never warms up —…
Suds in Style – Creating the Perfect Cosy Bathroom
We've curated the newest trends in bathroom style if you're looking for a refresh or renovation.
Getting Personal: A New Take on the Trends of 2024
BY DANIELLE POPE On the precipice of the new year, there’s the usual fervour around what textures and styles will be in vogue for home design in 2024, and what…
5 Easy Last-Minute Holiday Décor Ideas
If you’ve left your holiday decorating to the last minute, here are five quick ideas for zhuzhing up your home just in the nick of time.
Light The Candles
Adding candles to your home, whether for cultural, religious or simply decorative reasons, is a lovely way to create a warm and welcoming glow.
How to Create a Welcoming Guest Space
It’s that time of year when guests come to stay, and that means it’s also time to zhuzh up the rooms where they will be hanging out. Here’s how. In…
Making more space for holistic cancer care on the Island
*SPONSORED ARTICLE As a family with almost three-quarters-of-a-century history in construction, land development and hospitality, Lynda and Murray Farmer know that in real estate few things are as important as…
Hardware Harvest
Trends, function, design and personal preference all add up to picking the perfect pieces. BY LIAM RAZZELL Ornate hardware, minimalist hardware, colourful hardware, hardware that stands out against cabinetry, hardware…
Dining Room Details
Dedicating a space to your fall gatherings may require revisioning the room. BY DANIELLE POPE The dining room can be a quietly closeted place in a house. When daily meals…
Home Safety, Part 3
This month, we’re offering a three-part series of tips for preparing for any emergency. This week: On November 24: Home security. Previously: Fire and earthquakes. When things go bump…
Home Safety: Part 2
This month, we’re offering a three-part series of tips for preparing for any emergency. This week: Earthquakes and other natural disasters. On November 24: Home security. Previously: Fire. We live…
Home Safety: Part 1
This month, we’re offering a three-part series of tips for preparing for any emergency. This week: Fire. Next week: Earthquakes and other natural disasters. On November 24: Home security. …
Coastal Calling
One retired couple moves across the country for an ocean view only the Island can offer. By Nessa Pullman | Photos by Joshua Lawrence When Wendy and Ian Miles were…
Dressed to Impress
Inspiring window trends will revitalize your space to create an inviting atmosphere this fall. BY SIMONE PAGET Fall has arrived, which means it’s time to swap lazy days at the…
It’s Time to Rethink Clocks
As we fall back this weekend — wait, weren’t we going to do away with this time-change business? — it seems, well, timely to look at how to work timepieces…
Winterizing Your Investment
Getting your home season-ready this fall will keep it from degrading in the months to come BY SHANNON MONEO Greater Victoria may not endure the winter blows felt in places…
CARE Winners Announced
Builders association names the best achievements in home design and construction Build it, and they will come. The who’s who of Victoria’s booming construction, design and renovation industry gathered on…
Great Gourds
When it comes to doorway décor, think beyond the traditional orange pumpkin. We’re just a few short days away from Halloween, and you’re probably thinking about getting a pumpkin, the…
A Dream for Two
This mid-century Oak Bay reno brings a mother and daughter functional living, freedom to play and the chance to connect to what matters most By Danielle Pope | Photos by Mary…
Getting Social with Spruce
PHOTOS BY MEGAN WILSON When Spruce magazine recently invited the who’s who of Victoria’s design and build community to an after-work social, it was only fitting that they’d gather in…
Romancing the Flame
Selecting the right fireplace or stove isn’t just about personal preference Everyone loves sitting in front of a fireplace or stove. Despite the draw of that warm glow, with so…
Home Inspo at the Home Show
If you weren’t already planning to go, your weekend plans just changed Feel like you need some design inspiration? Need to connect with a contractor? Getting ready for a major…
Seven Simple Ways to Set a Harvest Table
Thanksgiving might just be our favourite holiday. There are no gifts to buy, no cards to send, no trees to decorate or lights to put up, no religious services to…
A Range of Ranges
What’s the best kind of cooktop for you? Thanksgiving is just around the corner and right behind it are all the other festive events of the season, not to mention…
Colour the Season Pink
Given the popularity of pinks after the height of the Barbie movie, it’s little surprise that one of Pantone’s colours of the fall season is Rose Violet (17-2624), described as…
Cedar Therapy
Locally made, cedar barrel saunas combine health benefits with backyard luxury. Heat therapy isn’t a new concept to those living on the West Coast, but the idea of having your…
Beautiful Bulbs: Plant Now for a Vibrant Spring
BY JOANNE SASVARI Bulbs are kind of like magic. You tuck these knobbly things in the soil in fall, and in return you get a burst of bright, fresh colour…
Need Ideas? IDS is Here to Help
The design show returns to Vancouver September 21 to 24 Whether you are building a new home, refreshing an old one or just enjoy looking at beautiful things, the Vancouver…
Get set for Fall
Welcome to Spruce Tips, our new weekly feature keeping you up to date on everything you care about for your home, starting with this seasonal checklist. As summer slips into…
A Serene Summer Staycation
No need to jet off to a faraway land this summer when you can enjoy the perfect sanctuary right at home. BY NESSA PULLMAN For some of us, summer vacation…
Small Space, Big Style
Local pros share perspective-changing solutions for turning even the smallest space into a haven of comfort. BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI These days, many of us are choosing to live more simply…
Decked Out
Porch, deck and patio renos offer big payback when it comes to creating livable space this season. BY DANIELLE POPE It’s hard to think of summer in Victoria without picturing…
Repainting Your Front Door for a Bold New Season
A front door shining in this season’s super trendy Viva Magenta or Raspberry Blush may not be for you, but a fresh coat of paint is. Painting your door can…
Architectural Ecosystem
This Island home, nestled in an untouched forest, was built with energy efficiency and ecosystem restoration in mind. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY MATT SHANNON When Jillian and Michael first…
Natural Escape
A peaceful Scandinavian-inspired home was designed to support a young couple’s busy lifestyle. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG Trying to balance the desire for outdoor living with…
Precipice of Design
A remarkable cantilevered home brings dramatic architecture to bayside living. BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY JODY BECK When Tim Agar first met Xinwen Liu, she came to his office…
Fire and Water Features: Inspiring Home Design Enhancements
For eons, the elements have captivated people as symbols of inspiration. In biblical times, fire and water represented purification. In feng shui, water is viewed as a symbol of prosperity,…
Bring Summer Elegance Home with Simple Design Twists
Adorning your space with flexible, striking and modern furniture is an easy way to pop some fun into summer. The Connubia line by Calligaris is a cheerful set of furniture…
West Coast Al Fresco
Summer makes for the perfect time to host outdoors, and working with Vancouver Island’s climate and landscape can create an outstanding entertaining experience. BY SUSAN HOLLIS There’s something alluring —…
Cocina Conundrum
Is renovating the kitchen worth it when selling your home? BY SHANNON MONEO | IMAGES FROM: SPARTAN MEDIA GROUP Remember when, about a dozen years ago, black granite counters and…
Culture on Canvas
Indigenous art can bring meaning and celebration to your home through careful selection. BY DANIELLE POPE Art is often lauded as a personal choice. Even in the design world —…
Playing with the Unknown
One furniture company is putting play at the forefront of its designs, with an eye on the unknown. The “Loose Parts” project, produced by Victoria-based independent design company Part &…
Enjoy comfort all-year round with CRD’s Home Energy Navigator program
You deserve comfort all year round. The recent spring sizzle was a good reminder that temperatures are on the rise and it’s hard to know what we can expect throughout…
Filling the Gap: New Housing Development Enhances the Neighbourhood
An architecturally distinct new housing development meets a gap in the neighbourhood — and the housing market. BY KIM PEMBERTON First-time homeowners Catherine Prowse and Cameron McNab may have different…
Playing with Design
Playrooms inspire opportunities for creating spaces perfectly suited to our youngest residents BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY: DASHA ARMSTRONG Simplification is one of today’s most popular design principles, and…
Blossom into Comfort this Spring
Playing with space, adding layers and planting floral patterns throughout your house will put a touch of spring back in your step this season. A bloom for every occasion …
Victoria is Emerging as a Creative Powerhouse
National Design Conference Kicks Off in Partnership with Design Victoria All eyes will be on Victoria from 10-14 May as the city sees an influx of design-sector professionals from around…
Home Reincarnated
After retiring to Hornby Island, a health diagnosis forced this couple to move back to Victoria — where they recreated their dream home. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY EMA…
Bayside Retreat
This waterfront seasonal home incorporates two decades of design work into a luxurious transitional style, created to escape from it all. BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY JEFFREY BOSDET Iván…
A Design Festival of Delights
Design Victoria delivers five days of events, workshops, talks and tours with some of the city’s most exciting designers Design Victoria is a new, five-day festival which celebrates the city’s…
High Fidelity
Dedicated listening rooms help music lovers tune in and unwind, and are becoming increasingly popular luxury features in homes — for good reason. BY NESSA PULLMAN No matter where in…
Ventilation Checkup
How clean is the air inside your home? You might want to find out. BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI We tend to think of pollution, airbourne allergens and contaminated air as something…
Forevering Your Home: Long-Term Needs for Your House and Investment
Considering what your house will need in the long run will turn your investment into a legacy. BY SHANNON MONEO Greater Victoria home prices will likely never plummet. For those…
Finding the Perfect Front Door
Choosing the perfect front door can be one of the most complex design decisions homeowners will make. When Barry Moore talks with clients about outfitting a home’s windows and doors,…
Creating a Functional and Luxurious Garden Space
BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE In a city lauded for its extravagant gardens, springtime welcomes with it a certain fervour for digging up the dirt. It takes experience,…
Interior Refresh: Three Ways to Revive Your Space This Spring
BY WENDY MCLELLAN The first signs of spring show themselves — from those little shoots of green in the garden to the hint of warmth in the air — and…
Step Up to Creative Storage
Transform that dead space under the stairs into something beautifully useful 1. EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE Having a series of drawers and cabinets built under your stairs makes good use…
The Cohesive Reno
How a total home renovation was completed in two seamlessly integrated phases BY KIM PEMBERTON | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG When it comes to home renovations, having the work done…
Top 5 Ways to Save Space
Form follows function when it comes to furniture for small spaces 1. WALL BEDS Wall beds — aka Murphy beds — have long been favoured for turning a space…
Small Fixes: Simple Changes to Brighten Your Space
BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI Mirror Makeover Revamp your bathroom with one simple change — the mirror. It is surprising how a mirror can change the room, especially if you have been…
Labour of Love: Renovating an Older Home While Preserving Its Character
BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI Renovating a designated heritage home involves some steps that have led some people to believe it is especially challenging. That thinking is completely unjustified in the vast…
Farmhouse Reimagined
An extensive rural renovation brings a 1940s equestrian farm into a new era BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG When Elizabeth learned she was pregnant, she and her…
Expert tips to help guide a home heating upgrade
BY SHANNON MONEO For anyone thinking about updating their home heating, there’s much to consider. Rebates, the environment, costs, standards and even finding skilled tradespeople are all factors. Victoria isn’t…
Pro Tips for Adapting Your Living Area to Fit Your Lifestyle
BY NESSA PULLMAN It’s the place you retreat to after a long day at work, the place where you sit around the table with your loved ones over a good…
An Elaborate Finish
An Esquimalt condo is transformed into a whole new kind of home BY SUSAN HOLLIS | PHOTOS BY JEFFREY BOSDET Ten months and 16 countries into a planned…
A Splash of DIY
An expert’s approach to interior painting for a professional-grade finish BY LINDA BARNARD Ask the pros what gives a DIY paint project a professional look and they agree: success is…
Reader’s Choice: the 2022 SPRUCE Top Five Home Features
Living on Vancouver Island means never being too far from the water, and for many of the homeowners we’ve featured in SPRUCE, it’s where they’ve built their dream homes. Our…
Make Home Inspections Part of Your Regular Home Maintenance
Making home inspections a part of maintenance will extend the life of your most important asset and set priorities for repairs and renovations. BY SHANNON MONEO Catherine Lord and her…
Steps to A Reno Success
The 10 key steps involved in a successful home overhaul Maybe it’s that dripping tap, stained carpet or awkward pinch point that has been bothering you for ages. Perhaps you’ve…
Get to Know: ONE SEED Architecture + Interiors
Creating healthy spaces that tread lightly on the planet: that’s the ethos behind ONE SEED Architecture and Interiors.
From Dated to Dreamy
Working with the esthetics of time, this dramatic reno celebrates a blend of styles. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG When I first walked into this house, I…
Life on the Water
With its West Coast touches, this Gordon Head luxury home blurs the line between the indoors and the outdoors. BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY JODY BECK Douglas and…
Roofs 101: Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home
A primer on getting the right roof over your home — and keeping it there. BY KIM PEMBERTON They are integral to protecting our homes, taking most of the brunt…
Dynamic Lighting: Maximize Your Space with Strategic Lighting Choices
BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI Creating natural flow in a home is more than just the layout. Lighting plays a role from shape to function, directing our attention and highlighting features. It…
Bold Beauty: Pearl Block, Aryze’s Edgy Solution to the Missing Middle
BY DAVID LENNAM | PHOTOS BY EMA PETERSON The challenge was a lesson in geometry — finding a way to build on a triangular, mid-block lot that had sat…
Fall Flooring Design Trends
Cozy up to indoor life this fall with flooring design trends that are also warming up. BY LINDA BARNARD What’s trending for interior floors this fall? According to local flooring…
Gardening in a new era
As climate change brings more extreme weather to Vancouver Island’s temperate seasonal cycle, whole-system planning can help gardeners withstand the change. BY SUSAN HOLLIS Resilience is a popular term these…
Design-Forward Mudrooms
Can a well-designed mudroom bring you joy? You bet it can. BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI While not every home has a mudroom, every home has a space that serves as one.…
Tips for Designing a Home Bar that Matches Your Entertaining Style
BY SUSAN HOLLIS There’s no better time to consider how to improve your space for entertaining. The pandemic inspired all sorts of home renovations, reorganizations and design overhauls, and home…
Set the Season’s Tone with the Allure of a Fireplace
As leaves change colour and the days get shorter, we look indoors to the alluring warmth of the fireplace. “We wanted to introduce something both timeless and rugged to match…
The Guest Room Edit: Create a Welcoming, Homey Space for Your Guests
BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI Now that people are travelling and visiting again, it’s time to consider your guest room. Is it welcoming and comfortable, fresh and joyful? Does it feel relaxing…
The Climate-Friendly Home
Aiming for net zero, or as close to it as you can get, is easier now, thanks to a range of innovative solutions and programs available to homeowners. BY ERIN…
Japanese Inspiration: Eye-catching four-unit townhouse in Sidney
A stacked four-unit townhouse project in Sidney is eye-catching evidence that you can get a lot from a little. BY DAVID LENNAM | PHOTOS BY JAMES JONES It would…
Finely crafted metalwork from Broadwell Metal is in the spotlight
By CAROLYN CAMILLERI Depending on your perspective, metalwork is a trade, a skill or an art — and sometimes it is all of that together. Adam Ruddell describes himself as…
Simplicity by Design
Empty nesters downsize from their family home to a condo to simplify their lives BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG Laura and Greg Dowell had talked about downsizing…
Lakeside Getaway
A Shawnigan Lake build brings a modern twist to this cabin in the woods. BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY JODY BECK Ashley Howard has a soft spot for Shawnigan…
Extend Summer Nights with the Warmth and Beauty of a Fire Table
Amy Wilk of Wilk Stove says fire tables have increased in popularity as people focus on making their homes more comfortable — and that includes staying outdoors later. The adjustable…
New Views on Window Coverings
BY KIM PEMBERTON Making the best choices for your home and needs results in a more comfortable and beautiful living space. When it comes to interior decorating, most people treat…
Due Diligence: Why Home Inspections Are Essential in Property Purchases
BY SHANNON MONEO Russell Cass and his team used to do between 60 to 100 home inspections per month in Greater Victoria. Cass, a home inspector and owner of Home…
Backyard Escape: Expert Tips for Creating Your Outdoor Oasis
BY KIM PEMBERTON Whether you are a city dweller with a small balcony or have a sprawling lakeside retreat, there are always ways to add a touch of luxury to…
A Lot to Consider: What to Know When Buying and Building on the Perfect Lot
BY SHANNON MONEO Buying the perfect lot and building on it is challenging but possible — if you are prepared and know what to expect. Early in the spring, a…
Creating the Ideal Digital Open House Experience
Experts agree: pandemic-induced technology has transformed the way people interact with buying. It’s no surprise big-city residents have been moving locales since the pandemic took hold, searching for space through…
The Benefits of a Project Manager in Landscape Design
What's the difference between hiring a contractor or a landscape designer to oversee your garden renovation project?
What to Know before Hiring a Landscape Professional
BY DANÉE MARIE LAMBOURNE & JOHN CONNORS You’re ready. This is the year you’ve decided to tackle your property, and transform the space into the utopia you’ve always dreamed of.…
Structural Strategy: The Role of Architects in Custom Builds and Renovations
Custom home project by Carolynn Wilson Architect. Photo: Tony Colangelo Photography. BY SHANNON MONEO Many times, when building a home or doing a renovation, the owner opts to not use…
NZ Builders offers high-performance and affordability with Kompak Prefab
They’re known for being Kiwi-owned, Victoria-built, and redefining the way we live. Award-winning custom home builders, NZ Builders’ Damon Gray and David Phillips have started a fresh new project, Kompak…
Get Creative with Cabinetry in Designing Your Perfect Craft Room
BY INCREDIBLE HOME Whether you enjoy crafting for a hobby or you have found success with a home-based craft business, you will appreciate how custom craft room storage solutions can…
Tips for Bringing Spring into Your Living Space
Interior Designer Ann Squires Ferguson shares simple tips to bring spring into your living space.
Crafting Your Closet
BY DANIELLE POPE From bedroom walk-ins to hallway wardrobes, creating the ideal closet for your needs can transform your home. The closet is the one room in the house…
Artful Living
Local restaurant owners turn their oceanfront rental home into a functional and modern art haven for their college-age daughter. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY JAMES JONES When the daughter…
Split-Century Modern Transformation
A Contemporary Reno transforms a 1970s Oak Bay time capsule into a home for the ages. BY DAVID LENNAM | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG Some say the often derided split-level…
Expand Your Home’s Usable Space with a Luxury Outdoor Building
BY DANIELLE POPE There’s nothing like living through a pandemic to force people to take a hard look at their space. Whether working from home, accommodating guests or revitalizing…
Residential Refresh: Top Picks to Revitalize Your Space and Innovate Your Living
Lighten Up Shed some light on your space this spring with pendants fit for the season of renewal — and whimsical enough to last year-round. The Fluo Pendant Light by…
Planning for Success: Key Considerations Before Starting Your Renovation
Thinking of renovating? Here’s our advice on what to consider – and what not to do – before you begin. BY SHANNON MONEO Andrew Hobbs well remembers a client to…
All in the Details
Functional reno transforms a waterfront condo into a purpose-built luxe penthouse BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG Victoria’s rainy, temperate climate was a selling point when Joni and…
Simple Spring Transformations
WELCOME THE SEASON OF RENEWAL WITH A REFRESH OF YOUR OUTDOOR AND INDOOR SPACES BY ERIN McINTOSH As the sun begins to shine, life returns to our gardens and it’s…
Office Revised
While more people are working from home now, not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated office space. Three Victoria designers share how to curate the perfect home office no matter what your situation.
With new ownership, Ruffell & Brown has you covered inside and out.
Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre was founded 35 years ago by Debra Ruffell and Nigel Brown, and over the years it has grown to be one of the largest…
Colour Curation: Key Considerations When Adding Colour to Your Kitchen
BY SHANNON MONEO There’s a chance that sprinkling colour in a kitchen can be overdone or even underdone. Balance, as well as cohesion with the rest of the house, should…
The New Perennial Garden: A Guide to Design and Care
Perennial gardens offer a naturalistic expression of billowing grasses and pollinator vignettes. They also offer many benefits to the native ecosystem and to us as homeowners and land stewards.
Framing Your View: Top Window Design Trends for 2022
Windows — a home’s eyes — an entry to the house’s soul. In what used to be a fairly homogenous feature, in 2022, windows have become a black and white…
Winter Interest Gardens
BY DANÉE MARIE LAMBOURNE & JOHN CONNORS It’s winter, or the “off-season” as the gardeners in Victoria, ‘City of Gardens,’ often refer to it. In just a few months, our…
What’s in an Elevator? Exploring Residential Retrofits
BY SHANNON MONEO As home prices climb, the affordability mountain is getting further out of reach. And as a greater proportion of Canadians stroll into their post-middle years, there’s a…
Incorporating timeless design elements in your contemporary garden
Local landscape designers provide advice on curating a contemporary garden design that's at once timely and timeless.
Keeping It Cohesive: advice on integrating reno projects within your home’s aesthetic
BY SHANNON MONEO Ines Hanl has been designing homes for over 20 years in the Victoria area and last year she put her talents to the test in her own…
Why form follows function: analyzing the key elements of a successful renovation
How is the functionality of a room defined, and how important is it when thinking about a home renovation? Lisa Dunsmuir of Step One Design provides her insights.
Reader’s Choice: the 2021 SPRUCE Top Five Home Features
We spotlight the top 5 most-read home features of 2021, with inspiring home renovations and custom builds that delight the eye.
10 Tips for a Successful and Stress-free Home Renovation
BY SHANNON MONEO We’ve all heard jokes about home renovations. How many divorces after the big job? Or, what about the 1990’s sit-com Home Improvement? Beyond the wisecracks, if planning…
Designing Your Safe Space
Creating the perfect visual aesthetic sometimes comes at the sacrifice of safety
Custom Upgrades for Penthouse Perfection
An open-concept penthouse gets a
luxury upgrade, revamping every surface, and adding extra touches, including some modern high-tech features.
Ivo Zanatta on the many marvels of Vancouver Island’s ’boutique quarry’
BY ATHENA MCKENZIE | PHOTOS BY KURT KNOCK Quarried from the Earth’s surface, natural stone has been a go-to building material for millennia. It can be used to striking effect…
A Shade That Soothes is the 2022 Colour of the Year
Five paint companies and one colour/design institute all agree that sage green, in various nuances, will be 2022’s “it” colour.
Beauty in the Wilderness
BY LINDA BARNARD | PHOTOS BY JODY BECK It’s not easy getting to the off-grid Metchosin house that Dean Read and his partner, Bradford Bell, purchased in 2018. Accessible only…
The Forecast for 2022: What Will Real Estate Look Like?
After almost two years of disruption, what will the coming year bring to the frenetic business of real estate? Local realtors share their predictions, while acknowledging the crystal ball can…
Wine Time: Designing the Cellar of your Dreams
Housed in everything from luxury cooling rooms to temperature-controlled caves, wine is as treasured now as before. Designers and enthusiasts agree: a cellar says a lot about the person who owns it.
Modern Drama in a West Coast custom build
Inventive solutions were required for a new West Coast build so one couple could create a home for each phase of life.
Kitchen Confidential: transforming functionality in the heart of your home
BY DANIELLE POPE The kitchen is one of the most active areas of a home. Customizing this space to the needs of your household is the best way to ensure…
Paper Party: Ivan Meade on the power of wallpaper
From geometric murals to natural textures, wallpaper has made a big comeback, transforming dens into statement rooms. Designer Iván Meade reflects on how to pick the perfect pattern for the…
Dealing with a dated bathroom
Consider style, form and function when approaching a bathroom makeover. By Jenny Martin Some of the most common queries I get about bathrooms are requests to revise dated or spartan…
Feeling into Fall
Layering textures and materials will give any space a dynamic shift for the season. Open Minds Build layers of personality into your home and step through a new portal by…
Splendour in the Trees
Wrapped in dark bronze metal and angled cedar slats, this custom home in Sooke features striking architectural details and was designed to frame the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
Decorating Tips for Awkward Spaces
Interior designer Danisha Drury uses smart floor planning to make the most of her irregularly shaped living room.
Bringing the Outside In
A 1949 art deco-inspired bungalow in Victoria BC undergoes a family-friendly, garden inspired renovation.
Garage Talk
With everyone spending more time at home — and desiring separate areas for specific activities — people are getting creative with the available space. One spot sparking ideas for creative use is the garage.
Life Al Fresco
With its sport court, swim spa and inviting kitchen, this space offers a multitude of ways to make the most of outdoor living.
Trends in finishing details for kitchens
Sandrine Vasilakos of Urbana Kitchens shares the latest trends in kitchen design finishings.
All About the Views
BY KIM PEMBERTON / PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG A YouTuber’s downtown condo features a sleek custom kitchen, an inspiring home office and a stunning panorama of the city — the…
Condo inspections: why you need one
Jan Stuehler of Lighthouse Inspections tells SPRUCE what to be aware of when setting up a proper condo inspection.
Taking the Plunge: Adding a Pool to Your Home
Jim Brown and Dustin Wiffen of Kilo Pools have seen a surge in demand over the past year. The concrete pool specialists share their insights into building a backyard oasis.
The Suite Life
Two interior designers transform the underused bedrooms in their home into a welcoming private guest suite.
Pamela Úbeda – Favourite Piece of Furniture
Pamela Úbeda, Architect and Principal at at Coast + Beam tells SPRUCE about her favourite piece of furniture.
The Market for Green Homes
Whether you’re buying or selling, the increased interest in energy efficiency is something to keep in mind. There’s no black and white slot for green homes. Whether they’re called environmentally…
Creating Community
Guest Contributor Sara Peddle of Western Interior Design Group talks to SPRUCE about how to create a sense of community in spaces.
Extending the Value of Your Home with a Landscape Renovation
Guest Contributor Danée Marie Lambourne of Eden Projects discusses how to extend the value of your home with a landscape renovation.
A Retreat for All Seasons
This state-of-the-art pergola system extends the usability of this stylish backyard
Project Profile: the unique style of Freeman Fabrications
SPRUCE talks with Bronté Freeman of Freeman Fabrications about a custom railing project.
Raubyn Rothschild – Favourite Piece of Furniture
Raubyn Rothschild of Rothschild West tells SPRUCE about her favourite piece of furniture.
How to Discern if a Landscape Contractor is a Good Fit
Danée Lambourne of Eden Projects shares some questions to ask yourself to decide if a landscaping contractor is a good fit.
Creating Work/Life Balance: Interior Design Tips for Work-from-Home-Spaces
Interior designer and home stager Josee Lalonde shares advice on creating workspaces in your home that are both practical and beautiful.
Josée Lalonde Design – Favourite Piece of Furniture
“And now for one of my favorite pieces of furniture…the F598 Groovy Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin!” “I first saw this chair in one of my clients’ home and it…
A Happy, Healthy Garden: Growing Food with the Birds and the Bees
Biophilia Design Collective's Bianca Bodley tells us a beautifully designed garden should be loved by humans and insects alike.
Design Forward Tips for your Garden
Some easy, design forward tips for your garden from Danée Marie Lambourne of Eden Projects.
Ivan Meade – Favourite Piece of Furniture
Ivan Meade of Meade Design Group tells SPRUCE about his favourite piece of furniture.
5 Easy Ways to Create an Inviting Balcony Retreat
Easy ways to create a welcoming condo balcony retreat.
Take Back Your Home – How the Pandemic is Shaping a New Era of Architecture
Architect Pamela Ubeda tells SPRUCE how the pandemic is shaping a new era of architecture.
Design Forward Mother’s Day Gifts
Check out some design forward gift ideas for mom this Mother's Day!
Favourite Piece of Furniture – Ann Squires Ferguson, Western Interior Group
Ann Squires Ferguson of Western Design Group tells SPRUCE about her favourite piece of furniture.
Interior Touches That Finish Any Room
Every home can benefit from the 'soft touch' when it comes to finishing a room, says Paula Grypma of Outlooks Design Ltd.
Original Art: The Jewel of Any Home
SPRUCE talks to Art Rental and Sales at the AGGV and to two designers about how art impacts a space.
Finding the Silver Lining: adapting floor plans to a new reality
Designer Raubyn Rothschild talks to SPRUCE about how she's revised floor plans for clients during the pandemic.
Creating your Outdoor Dining Oasis
Bianca Bodley of Biophilia Design Concepts talks to SPRUCE about outdoor dining trends.
The COVID Effect
There’s no doubt the pandemic has affected the Greater Victoria real estate market. Here’s what the experts think will happen next.
The Rise of the Flexible, Holistic Space
by Emily Dobby There are immense waves of change taking effect in functional planning, since planning is driven, at its foundation, by how people interact with spaces and one another.…
The Multi-Functional Home
Options for creating a multi-functional home that optimizes spaces for living, working and playing.
Finishing Touch – A Sophisticated Modern Kitchen
For this kitchen in a custom build on a waterfront property in East Sooke, the homeowners wanted minimalist clean lines — and a great space for entertaining.
The Soft Touch
Paired with whites and pale wood, soft pastel decor can bring a calming Scandinavian style to your space.
All in the Family: Foxy Banks Build
Sarah MacNeill of Foxy Banks Build talks to SPRUCE about the design of her PEI home.
On-Trend Colours with Enduring Appeal
Learn more about the Benjamin Moore Colour Trends 2021 palette and Colour of the Year.
Ask the Expert: Building the Future
Ed Geric, of Mike Geric Construction, believes mass timber is the natural progression for construction on the Island. Spruce talks to him about the material’s strengths and benefits, and why his company is using it for their new condo project.
Creative Ways to Use Tile
Given its durability and ease of cleaning, tile is traditionally found in high-traffic areas — such as kitchens, bathrooms, foyers and laundry rooms — but it can also be used to striking effect in almost any room, either on the floor or on the walls.
Women’s History Month: Favourite Female Creators
Victoria designers tell SPRUCE about their favourite female makers and creators in honour of Women's History Month.
Design Trend: The Squiggly Aesthetic
Embrace the aesthetic of the soft, squiggly line - a design trend for 2021 that focuses on bright pastels and whimsical shapes.
Statement Staircase
To reflect their personal style and open up their fabulous views, downtown Victoria condo owners Deana and Doug replaced a solid metal staircase with an open, airy design.
Celebrating Irish Design
While images of textiles and hand-carved furniture may come to mind when you think of Irish design, you may want to think again: the interior design world in Ireland is currently undergoing a renaissance of sorts.
A Designer’s Home Makeover
Designer Ben Brannen made some major cosmetic changes that transformed a 1980s townhouse into an inviting and contemporary home.
The Wonder of Water
A water feature brings a soothing focal point to a striking naturalized landscape created on a reclaimed area fronting a golf course in Greater Victoria.
Heritage Nouveau
An extensive Fairfield renovation brings a modern esthetic and function to a historic structure.
Curve Appeal
Architect Franc D’Ambrosio creates a puzzle-fit custom build for a curious, almost triangle-shaped lot on a leafy cul-de-sac in Victoria's Uplands neighbourhood.
Unbuilders: Deconstructing a New Supply Chain
Adam Corneil's Unbuilders is an industry disruptor aimed at diverting construction demolition waste from landfills.
What’s the best way to find the right professionals for your home reno?
Designer Ines Hanl of The Sky is the Limit Design Interior Design Concepts talks about how to hire the right team for your home renovation.
Raubyn Rothschild, Rothschild West Design and Planning
Learn about designer Raubyn Rothschild's favourite room.
The Japandi Trend: Key Elements
Have you heard of Japandi? Design experts and Pinterest Predicts have claimed 2021 as the Year of Japandi. “Japandi” (an amalgamation of the words “Japanese” and “Scandi”) is the fusion…
Preparing Your Edible Garden for Spring
Spring is almost here and that means a brewing of activity for the gardeners among us. Whether you were one of the many first-time gardeners last year, a seasoned grower,…
Ines Hanl, The Sky is the Limit Interior Design Concepts
Principal Ines Hanl came to Canada in 2000 with a MA in what would have to be translated as ‘Interior Architecture’ from the German University of Applied Science, Mainz. A…
An Expert’s Advice on Elevating Your Space with Lighting
Mike Randall of Kurva Design Lighting discovered his passion for lighting about six years ago. He had been focused on building furniture for several years until a friend asked him…
Pinterest Predicts: 2021 Trends
Pinterest, the visual discovery engine that many use to pin inspirations and plan their lives, has released Pinterest Predicts, an annual trend report that looks beyond to the biggest trends…
Ivan Meade – Meade Design Group
Design is Iván’s passion; he believes everybody deserves to live surrounded by beauty. As principal designer and founder of Meade Design Group Inc, Iván Meade has received international and critical…
Garden by Design: a Conversation with Steve McLeish
Landscape architect and owner of Acacia Landscape Inc, Steve McLeish has always loved nature; he grew up around gardens in Durban, South Africa and started his own small landscaping company…
Pamela Ubeda: Journey Home
Architect Pamela Ubeda approaches each building as an artist would: every drawing emanates from the tip of her pencil, she has no interns, every email is answered by her and…
Adriana Wooten: Kimberly Williams Interiors
Adriana Wooten has been in the design field for 18 years. Originally from Ontario, she earned her degree from Ryerson University as well as her NCIDQ certification. She is one…
Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring
Guest Contributor Ivan Meade advises easy ways to update your home in time for Spring!
Sara Peddle, Western Interior Design Group
Learn about Sarah Peddle, senior designer of Western Interior Design Group's favorite room
Brancusi meets Bali: the Aesthetic of Monarch Furnishings
by Emily Dobby How is an aesthetic shaped? The visual philosophy of Monarch Furnishings is very much driven by a feeling. That feeling is the experience of a Balinese resort-meets-working…
Jenny Martin Design
“Details make the design,” as Charles Eames once said. There are a myriad of details that make a room unique. The best rooms speak to the people inhabiting them; they…
Behind the Design: The Ironworks Building
by Emily Dobby The site of the Ironworks building is steeped in the rich history of Victoria’s industrial age, namely the Albion Iron Works Company, which was located on the…
LET THEM EAT CAKE: Behind the Design of One of Victoria’s Newest Restaurants
by Emily Dobby The minute we walked into Friends Of Dorothy, we immediately admired how the historical architectural elements of the building – the original grand arches laid into the…
Behind the Design: Citrus and Cane
by Emily Dobby The 70s are back – with a contemporary twist! Whether you were a child of the era or not, the minute you step into Citrus and Cane,…
Let the Light In: Ann Squires Ferguson on the Joy of Custom Lighting Design
Ann Squires Ferguson of Western Interior Design + Build shares the latest in custom lighting trends as well as her favourite recent projects.
Reader’s Choice: the 2020 Spruce Top Five Home Features
A James Bay condo renovation by Jenny Martin Design. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to showcasing beautiful homes on Vancouver Island, both renovated and custom built. So spoiled,…
Spruce Magazine’s Best of 2020: Five of Our Favourite Rooms
A Kitchen Designer’s Ideal Kitchen When designing her own architectural dream home, Atarah Humphreys, knew the kitchen had to be done first, setting the tone for the rest of the…
Hey Happy Coffee: Behind the Design
By Belle White | Photos by James Jones (Taken PRE COVID-19) When Kyla Bidgood of Bidgood + Co. started the redesign of Hey Happy Coffee on lower Johnson Street she…
Design Trends to Bring Joy to Your Home
Spruce magazine editor Athena McKenzie shares top design trends from IDS Vancouver that can bring a more peaceful esthetic to your space. By Athena McKenzie | Photo by Joshua Lawrence…
6 Ways to Enhance Your Home
Design-forward products and interior design trends to enhance your home. Including smart home technology, soothing hues, and products to create a home sanctuary. By Athena McKenzie | Sourced Photos The…
Using Colour Psychology in the Home
Take advantage of the connection between emotions and colour to create a highly personalized and purposeful space. By Athena McKenzie | Sourced Photos While colour psychology is often associated with…
Homes from Start to Finish: Mike De Palma of Flintstones Design & Build
Mike De Palma, founder and CEO of Flintstones Design & Build, shares his insights on material choices, heritage homes, and the importance of listening and asking questions when it comes…
Oak Bay Heritage Home Renovation
This heritage home renovation designed by Ryan Hoyt Designs makes brilliant use of elegance and function. By Erin McIntosh | Photos by Joshua Lawrence Renovating a character home from 1908…
A Passive Home Means Peak Performance
This ultra-efficient passive home delivers on its owners’ eco-minded goals. By David Lennam | Photos by Joshua Lawrence You might stop and stare when you wander past this tall, rather…
The Appeal of Townhouse Living
New housing on existing lots offer contemporary design in established, family friendly neighbourhoods. By Linda Barnard | Photo by Joshua Lawrence Damion Briscoe and his wife Christine Rafferty-Briscoe are getting…
What You Need to Know About Strata Insurance
In a province where over 1.5 million people live in more than 30,000 strata properties, owners have been fretting over insurance costs. With premium increases from 50 to 300 per…
70s Style Kitchen Transformation
A 1970s kitchen underwent a big transformation to create a modern space.
Reimagined Modern Revelstoke Chalet
Victoria-based Interior Designer Mari O’Meara reimagines this Revelstoke Chalet into a contemporary space with old world charm. By Danielle Pope | Home Photos by Jon Adrian When Christina and Mike…
Design Files: Tracey Lamoureux of Spaciz Design Company
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss misconceptions about interior design with Tracey Lamoureux, Founder and Interior Designer at Spaciz Design Company Inc. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local…
Get the Look: Hotel Zed Tofino’s Retro Chic
The Hotel Zed properties are known for their ‘ridiculously fun’ interior design and their new location in Tofino is no exception. Mandy Farmer, President of Hotel Zed, collaborated with Interior…
Behind the Design of Hotel Zed Tofino
By Belle White | Photos Provided by Hotel Zed Tofino Why not create a nook right in the lobby for a fortune teller? Why not have a bike path that…
The Art of Constructing a Passive Home
‘Modern design’ or ‘West Coast style’ might be on your dream-home wish list, but you may want to consider adding ‘passive house building standard’ to it.
Design Files: Sarah Donald + Hansenbuilt Design
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss designing with passion with Sarah Donald, Interior Designer and co-founder of Hansenbuilt Design. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local Victoria home experts…
Bear & Joey: Behind the Design with Ivan Meade
Walking into Bear & Joey is a treat for the senses. From the pretty pink walls to rounded shapes that are incorporated into all aspects of the layout, the experience…
Behind the Design of FARO at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Faro means “beacon” or “lighthouse” in Italian, and that is exactly what the Oak Bay Beach Hotel wanted to create when they launched Faro Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room in…
Design Files: Interior Designer Carley Petillion
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss the best investments for your home renovation with Interior Designer, Carley Petillion of Spaciz. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local Victoria home…
Easy Living Design Trends
Embrace easy living and incorporate these open-concept design trends into your next home project. Perhaps an outdoor shower or a pergola would create a serene, peaceful feel for your space.…
The Home Office Edit
Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design + Build, shares her tips for creating the ideal home office work space with 6 ideas and suggestions. If we’ve learned anything about…
3 Faucets to Upgrade Your Bathroom Sink
Here are three faucets to upgrade your bathroom sink. While chrome has always been a standard choice, there’s a stunning variety of material and colour options to make your bathroom…
Passive Homes with Architect Allison Holden-Pope
A recent addition to the Victoria design scene is passive homes, architect Allison Holden-Pope brings a striking esthetic to her sustainability-forward designs. By Athena McKenzie | Home Photos by Ema…
3 Ways to Elevate a Kitchen Space
Jonathan Poppitt, owner of Thomas and Birch Kitchen and Bath Boutique, shares three ways to elevate a kitchen into a warm, elegant space. Renovating older homes always has its challenges,…
The Role of a Real Estate Lawyer
Ever wondered if you need a legal professional on your team when it comes to buying a home? Here is a breakdown on the role of a real estate lawyer…
3 Ways to Upgrade Your Home Exterior
An expertly painted exterior is critical to a home’s appeal. But there are some important factors to consider when deciding on how to upgrade your home exterior. By Susan Hollis…
A Backyard Design With Space to Play
This backyard design is the ultimate place to play. Space to swim, gather, cook, and even golf on the putting green. For the resources list, scroll to the end of…
Meticulous Planning Creates Beautiful Waterfront Condo
Meticulous planning is the answer to how you translate an Uplands estate into a 1,000 square foot waterfront condo. Find the resources list for this condo renovation at the end…
Functional Family Beach House
A detailed kitchen renovation turns this coastal home into a functional family beach house in the exact style they dreamed of (and with a view!). Find the resources list at…
Timeless Custom Home in Uplands
Take a tour through this timeless custom home in Uplands, created by local architect Brian Morris in a transitional style.
5 Expert Tips to Choose Your Kitchen Faucet
Sameha Dixson, showroom supervisor at Splashes Bath & Kitchen, shares her advice for finding the perfect kitchen faucet for your space.
The Evolution of a “Home”
During lockdown, my home became an office and video-call centre, as well as a makeshift yoga studio, restaurant and movie theatre — there were even days it seemed like a…
Design Files: The Creative Process with Kyla Bidgood
Meet Kyla Bidgood, the Principal Designer at Bidgood + Co. in Victoria, B.C. The local design firm takes on commercial and residential projects.
Design Files: Home Organization with Emily Barrieau
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss home organization and the feeling of a home with Emily Barrieau of Less But Better Home Organization Solutions. Spruce’s Design Files series…
Design Files: Shape and Texture with Elaine Balkwill
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss home inspiration and creating an oasis with Interior Designer, Elaine Balkwill of Luxe Home Interiors. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local Victoria home…
Design Files: Starting Simple and Adding Bold with Josée Lalonde
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss budgeting for your renovation and our obsession with RESULTS of design with Interior Designer, Josée Lalonde, of Josée Lalonde Designs. Spruce’s Design…
Design Files: Designing and Planning with Raubyn Rothschild
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss natural materials, architecture, and having a good design team with Interior Designer, Raubyn Rothschild of Rothschild West. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local…
Design Files: Cindy Scott of KC Custom Designs Ltd.
In this instalment of Design Files, we discuss creating spaces that you love with licensed builder, Cindy Scott of KC Custom Designs. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local Victoria home experts…
Victoria Kitchen Designer Alexandra Graham
In this installment of Design Files, we discuss home trends and Kitchen Design with Kitchen Designer Alexandra Graham. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local Victoria home experts and their insights…
Design Files: Interior Designer Ivan Meade
In this installment of Design Files, we discuss timeless interior design with Interior Designer, Ivan Meade. Spruce’s Design Files series brings local Victoria home experts and their insights on trends,…
How to Build a Custom Garden Suite
Thinking about building a carriage house or garden suite? Discover the creative process through this Colwood couple's undertaking to maximize the possibilities.
Expert Advice on Real Estate Investment in Victoria BC
Coming off almost a decade of rapidly rising home values, property investment in Victoria has been considered a winning idea. Spruce speaks to industry experts on whether this is true, and how to invest wisely.
Your Dream Patio Design: Sidney BC Renovation
An undeveloped backyard in Sidney goes from ho-hum to stand out, becoming an inviting french-inspired outdoor living space with a West-Coast spin. Pretty much the dream patio design. By Erin…
Beach House Renovation Inspiration
Sometimes the best renovation comes from starting fresh and creating a truly special space. That is what happened with this beautiful beach house renovation.
Building Material: The Best Choice for Your Home
Selecting the right building material can be the most important decision of your build but it can also be complicated and confusing. To simplify the process, we investigate the pros and cons of each: Wood, Concrete, Steel, and CLT.
4 Ways to Add a Pop of Colour to Your Home
Today's interiors are thriving with bright jewel tones. Find 4 easy ways to create a pop of colour in your home decor and furnishings.
West Coast Infiniti Pool with a View
With sweeping panoramas over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this outdoor Space exemplifies coastal elegance.
Ask the Expert: 3 Key Elements of the Outdoor Kitchen
According to Mike Black, owner of Capital Iron, there are only three pieces you really need for a functional outdoor kitchen — “everything else is gravy.” A quality built-in grill“This…
Turn Your Backyard into the Ultimate Outdoor Retreat
Up the relaxation factor in your outdoor areas with these spa-inspired additions. INCORPORATE A LUXURY HOT TUB INTO YOUR LANDSCAPING Soaking in an outdoor hot tub is something to be…
Stylish Planters for Container Gardens
Stylish and durable, sculptural concrete containers can make for perfect accents in an outdoor living space.
Add Style to Your Outdoor Area
Take it outside with design-forward finds to augment your outdoor living.
A Message from the Editor
When I wrote to you in our Spring 2020 issue, I never could have imagined the next time I’d write an editor’s letter would be under these extraordinary circumstances.
Waterview Penthouse in Vic West
Trading their family home in Broadmead for a waterview penthouse in Vic West, these empty nesters are embracing condo living.
Dramatic Home Renovation
A full reno transformed this 1912 Oak Bay house from a derelict building to a family’s dream home.
Blending Art & Function in Landscape Design
With the design/build approach of Rusnak Gallant, the supple beauty of the garden meets the hard science of making a space for it to flourish.
How to Use Pantone’s 2020 Colour of the Year “Classic Blue” in Your Home
When it named Classic Blue as its colour of the year, Pantone recognized this hue has always been a strong choice for home décor, stating: “Classic Blue injects creative confidence…
Home Decor Trends + Design Ideas for Spring
Our few of our favourite new home trends and design ideas for the season.
Victoria Kitchen Designers Create Custom Dream Home
Two professional kitchen designers — a husband and wife duo — build their architectural dream home.
Tour this Mountain Lodge-Inspired Victoria Custom Home
Tucked into the rainforest of North Saanich, this custom-built home is West Coast on the outside and Rocky Mountain chalet on the inside.
Home Renovation Thoughts for Springtime
There’s a lovely aphorism that Spring is the season of new beginnings. If you’re anything like me, this time of year brings a surge of energy and creativity, making it the perfect time to embark on that big home project, especially one you’ve been putting off.
The Latest Flooring Material Trends for Your Home
From hardwood and tile to area rugs, our design expert explores the latest and greatest offerings in flooring.
Home + Landscape Reno
This Rockland renovation evolved from an interior overhaul into a sweeping project that modernized both the house and its landscape.
Using Unique Walls to Spruce Up Your Interior Design
Walking the displays at the Interior Design Show, one thing is obvious: designers are embracing statement walls, from 3D wall coverings to textural wall panels and painted murals.
Is Having an Open House the Best Way to Sell Your Home?
Setting up and running an open house is one tool where realtors aren’t on the same page. Spruce talks to industry experts about the pros and cons.
Using a Gate to Create a Beautiful Garden Design in Victoria, B.C.
For this garden design, blacksmith Jake James worked directly with the homeowners to conceive the gate design in a Japanese-inspired garden in Oak Bay,
The Top 9 Room Designs of 2019
Take a look through nine of our favourite featured homes — and maybe start dreaming about your next home project.
5 Joyful Fall Colours
From sophisticated jewel tones to playful brights to subtle shades reminiscent of sea, sand, forest and sky, these shades from Sherwin Williams channel joy and serenity. HEART A unique fusion…
The Search for the Perfect Kitchen Sink
Designing your dream kitchen involves a lot of decisions, including choosing the ideal sink. Spruce takes you through the different styles and functionality of your perfect sink.
Creating a Successful Relationship with Your Realtor
Spruce looks at how to create a beneficial relationship with your real estate agent, whether you are buying or selling.
Statement Fireplace Plays With Geometry
Danisha Drury of Design District Access used a timeless black-and-white geometric element for this modern fireplace.
How to Incorporate Sensory Design into Your Space
How using sensory design and materials can regulate our nervous systems and bring calm to our lives.
Custom Home Advice from Local Designer Keith Baker
SPRUCE looks to local luxury-home designer Keith Baker for his insights on the custom-home process.
The Ultimate Condo Renovation
A local design-build team gives an
outdated condo a full-sized upgrade.
Ryan Hoyt Designs a Modern Day Lighthouse
This oceanside home blends industrial and farmhouse styles to redefine coastal living.
East Sooke Home Embodies the West Coast Dream
Perched on the windswept shoreline of East Sooke, this custom-built home embodies the West Coast dream life.
After the Fire: Rebuilding a Dream Home After Disaster
Home owners learn how to rebuild and focus on the positive after disaster strikes.
A Naturalized Approach to Landscaping
Taking a closer look at meadow gardens — their beauty, low maintenance and environmental sustainability.
A Contemporary Home Inspired by Stone and the Sea
A private home on Oak Bay’s waterfront is designed to pivot easily between hosting and family life.
The Ultimate Kitchen Trend: The Statement Backsplash
Considering how much time you spend in your kitchen, this space should have details you absolutely love.
How to Find the Best Mortgage
Spruce breaks down the options: banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers.
Hands-On Kitchen Reno
Realizing their ambitions went beyond DIY, these homeowners brought in the pros to get the kitchen of their dreams.
The Height of Style
For this Calgary couple, an Oak Bay penthouse condo makes the perfect post-retirement home.
Farmhouse Redefined
The winemaker’s home at Blue Grouse puts a West Coast spin on a 100-year-old farmhouse.
Incorporating Layered Lighting into Your Home
The right mix of task, general and mood lighting can make your home a masterpiece.
All in the Details
Spruce explores the benefits of an integrated design-build approach with Adam Fryatt of MDRN Built.
How Essential is a Home Inspection?
In the flurry of a red-hot real estate market, many buyers skip the step of a home inspection — but when making one of the largest purchases of your life, this can be a costly decision.
Fresh Ideas for the Laundry Room
From state-of-the-art appliances to luxury finishes, the latest trends promise your dream laundry room setup.
Double Take
A major remodel transforms both sides of a 1950s duplex into a personal expression of each family’s style.
Height of Luxury
Building a custom home on Triangle Mountain presented unique challenges — and plenty of rewards.
Stage Your Home for a Successful Sale
Today’s buyers expect for-sale homes to present with perfection. The good news? A well-staged home can speed your sale and increase your selling price.
Paint Perfect: Pro Tips
Local experts answer common questions, from how to choose the ideal colour for your space to how to tackle those tricky textured walls.
The Art of Urban Living
A couple discover their ideal lifestyle Inside an Iconic heritage condo conversion.
Modern Elegance
A South Oak Bay beauty receives
a timeless makeover and earns the moniker 'Mise en Place.'
Complex Curves
This West Coast home overlooking Haro Strait takes off-the-grid living to new levels.
Counter Culture
We explore the latest trends in materials, colours and
tech to help you choose the perfect counters.
Soak in the Luxury
The ultimate bathroom fixture, the free-standing tub always makes a sculptural style statement.
Beyond the Surface
There’s more to good interior design than colour palettes and pretty ideas. Go beyond the surface with Victoria designer Antonieta D’Introno.
A Dwelling by the Shore
A 1913 Gorge Road home that still beautifully fulfills its original purpose as a beachside oasis.
The What, Why and Where of Wallpaper
The benefits of using wallpaper, ways to use it throughout your home, and the top trends to try now.
Q&A with Architect Christian Foyd
At 519 Design + Build, Christian Foyd brings his Scandinavian design ethic and esthetic to Victoria.
Warm Up the Whites
As temperatures drop and days shorten, we tend to crave warmth and coziness in our homes. Here’s how to make whites work for your interiors as fall and winter approach.
Style and Stone
The home of the owners of Victoria Stonescape is, not surprisingly, a celebration of the beauty of stone.
Common Sense for Condo Buyers
You’ve found the condo of your dreams, but before you buy, make sure you understand exactly what you are getting.
A Way with Wood
When it comes to woodworking, Jason Good is known for his ability to transform anything from kitchen islands to vanities and staircases into functional art.
A Designer’s Look at a Heritage Reno
A new homeowner and a passionate design team bring a 104-year-old character home back to life.
6 Hidden Costs of DIY Home Renovation
Saving on a DIY home renovation could end up costing you thousands later on. Before you try to do it yourself, read about the 6 hidden costs of DIY.
West Coast with an Edge
This striking family home in Saanich is a bold celebration of architectural and engineering Innovation.
Reading Nook – Winter 2024
Cozy up with inspiring design books that blend timeless style and functional elegance.