How We Translate Inspiration into Real Designs: The Making of Project 21

jenn5997
Sep 17
3 min read

One of the questions we’re often asked is: How do you go from moodboards and Pinterest saves to a fully realized design? The short answer: with a lot of intention, iteration, and alignment between vision and function.

Turning inspiration into a liveable, lasting design requires focused intention, balanced creativity, and a thoughtful translation process. Project 21—a serene family home in Ancaster, Ontario—is a perfect example of this transformation. Drawing from early moodboards and carefully chosen built elements, we shaped a timeless, material-rich space rooted in architecture and lifestyle.

Inspiration with Purpose

Our clients were drawn to simplicity—not in the minimal sense, but in how the space could feel calm, open, and enduring. Their saved inspiration leaned into soft materials, natural textures, and classic architectural gestures, which helped guide our earliest concepts.

We took those references and began distilling the key ideas:

A tonal, neutral palette
Honest materials like natural oak and warm limestone
Architectural elements that felt softly sculptural rather than overtly decorative

From there, we used the language of their inspiration to build something cohesive and entirely their own.

Shaping the Architecture & Spatial Flow

The home's layout was thoughtfully refined with SMPL Design Studio to better support how the family lives. We emphasized flow and light, rethinking transitions between key zones while layering in architectural moments like arched openings and custom millwork to soften and ground the space.

These curves appear throughout the home—in the kitchen island, fireplace surround, and thresholds—offering rhythm and repetition without feeling thematic. The goal was always balance: quiet and functional, but never stark.

Developing the Palette: Texture Over Colour

Rather than rely on strong colour contrast, we focused on tone and material richness. Natural oak became a defining element, appearing in flooring, cabinetry, and custom millwork. We paired it with chalky white walls, warm stone, subtle plaster accents, and textural fabrics.

This approach created depth without visual noise; what could be described as warm minimalism with soul. The palette emerged organically from a few early selections: the oak furniture the clients already loved, a neutral area rug, and small material samples that felt right in the light of the home.

Completed living room - shot by Riley Snelling

From Inspiration to Elevation

Once the overall direction was established, we translated the ideas into detailed interior elevations and architectural drawings. The fireplace and kitchen island designs, for example, was developed to anchor the living room, featuring soft curves and an integrated low bench to reflect the home’s sculptural, grounded feel.

In Progress Reel

Millwork was custom-designed throughout: fluted vanities, seamless built-ins, and curved cabinetry that aligned with the home's language. These elements evolved from studying proportions, materials, and the emotional tone behind each reference.

Completed kitchen - shot by Riley Snelling

Completed kids bedroom - shot by Riley Snelling

The Finished Home

What began as a conversation around tone and feeling became a full expression of calm, understated luxury. Project 21 now reflects the way our clients live: with ease, intention, and a strong sense of place.

We don’t believe in replicating saved images, but we do believe in uncovering their essence and transforming that into something entirely personal. That’s the difference between inspiration and design: one sparks the idea, the other gives it life.