Blog

There is a reason why most renovated homes are actually ‘newer homes’ 1980s – 2000* as “old homes” are more likely to be ripped down for a new house to be built in its place. However, somewhere in there lies the treasured Heritage House – protected or lucky to have been held onto for its…

We always ask our clients, as first steps homework for their project, to create an ideabook. This helps them to clearly communicate their desires for the home to us, as there is nothing more straightforward than visual representation. While there are endless photos that could be saved, and we hope that enthusiasm takes hold as…

Colour Combinations

For those who love colour, and those who aren’t sure…  Different moments in life bring feelings… some are fleeting, and some last. Colours have the same effect, they inspire different feelings, so what kind of feelings are you looking to live with? As the colours that you choose to have in your home will impact…

Why will building or renovating my home cost so much? Whether you have experienced ‘sticker shock’ after talking with a builder or designer, or you are aware of the costs of building – but don’t understand how they accumulate to such a figure – here are some of the reasons why taking on the construction…

Architect, Home Designer, Interior Designer, Decorator, etc.  You have plans to take on a home build or renovation, you need some help, you need a designer… but who? What kind? And where to start?   Your designer will be responsible for planning your home – ensuring it will function well for its intended purposes – so…

Technology at our fingertips… but do you know how much power you hold towards improving your home, right in the palm of your hand? If home design is on your radar, you likely scroll through pretty pictures on the web and perhaps social media, like some, save some, send some to your friends or spouse…

Steady wins the (design) race, when we can’t control the pace – When to avoid reactivity in the process of building your dream home  There are always delays experienced in home building – with careful planning some can be avoided, but some are outside of anyone’s control. This past year especially, we have all had…

We are a ways into the new year now, 2022 promised to be better than 2021 as each new year does over the one that came before it. Whether you are the kind of person to make formal resolutions, or you just see the new calendar as motivation for a fresh and enthusiastic re-start, by…

houzz pro icon

We get a lot of inquiries about how to build a successful design business from fellow designers in the industry, design students, and interns working with SGDI to experience and discover what path they want their career in design to take. There is one transcendent factor that plays into any design service professional’s ability to…

Whether you are beginning your home project right now, or dreaming for the future, you will need to collect your ideas and inspirations in a way that you will be able to communicate them to your designer when you begin the process.   The absolute first step is to get clear on your vision for your…

What People Are Saying

Lawrence Green

"I was impressed not only by Sarah's design ability, but also with her level of construction knowledge. I have heard that a lot of designers are good at making things pretty, but are not that great at understanding how things are actually built- Sarah is fantastic at both. I recommend them to anyone and everyone I know without hesitation."

Diane and Vince Grdina

"We had the pleasure of working with Sarah on the construction of our new home. We had a lot of fun working with them and found them always thoughtful, mindful, and professional. We would highly recommend their firm and would use them again without hesitation."

Pete Rackow

"We were immediately impressed with Sarah's ability to assess our needs and understand the type of home my wife and I wanted for us and our 3 boys. Her attention to detail is flawless and every inch of our fully renovated home is thoroughly thought through. I felt like they cared about our home as much as we the homeowners did."