Slow Home Studio

The open riser stair in our newly completed Housebrand house has a carpet inlay on each tread as well as a carpeted landing which requires some specific attention to all the connection details. First, at the top of the stairs, a custom wood nosing has been installed across the entire top of the last riser. [...]

For durability reasons, it is a good idea to detail a resilient flooring at your front door. One elegant solution is to create a tile inlay because it visually allows the hardwood to flow through to the entry while simultaneously providing the durability of a floor mat. An inlay simply means that the tile surface [...]

In today’s episode, we are reviewing the floor plans of our recently completed Housebrand house that will be featured throughout our “on location” segments. This three storey, 3,000 square foot home features a sunken courtyard on the lower level and a main floor terrace off the living and dining rooms taking advantage of expansive views [...]

This week’s design dilemma comes to us from Rob in Calgary, who wrote: “Hi John and Matthew, I recently developed my basement and added a TV room and kids play area downstairs, and would like to make the main floor more of an adult space, but would still like to have a TV and some [...]

John and Matthew offer up their solution to Annie’s site problem. View the renderings and plan below. Before After

John and Matthew present their solution to Shannon’s Outdoor Space problem.

John and Matthew continue their look at Sherylee’s home in Western Australia by looking at some of the submissions to our Facebook page and website. PART 1

Sherylee from Western Australia writes to John and Matthew asking for advice on her home. “We are looking to build a strawbale house (bungalow) in southern Western Australia – this is what we have come up with so far. We have 3 acres of land so will have good solar access. My main concerns are [...]

John and Matthew conclude their look at Mike and Denise’s Virginia house by looking at the upper floor and discussing both their solution as well as those proposed by visitors to slowhomestudio.com PART 1 PART 2

John and Matthew discuss suggestions from Slow Home Studio visitors as well as show their solution to the main floor. PART 1

Mike and Denise write John and Matthew looking for help with their home design problem: “Hi John and Matthew, Your book “Whats Wrong With This House” gave hope for the design problems that my wife and I are trying to solve with our 24′ x 36′ south facing hillside house in the mountains of Virginia. [...]

John and Matthew continue their look at Pradeep’s remodel by looking at suggestions from a Slow Home Studio viewer. VIEW PART 1

Pradeep from India has a question about the remodel of high-rise home. “Hello John and Mathew, I watch your YouTube videos and am a fan of yours from India. I am hoping you can solve a dilemma of mine. I booked a 4-bedroom apartment, the construction of which will finish in a year. Now that [...]

John and Matthew present their solution to Catherine’s living space problem based on the feedback on our Facebook page and website. View Part 1

Catherine from Squamish, BC writes to John and Matthew with her design problem. “Hi John and Matthew. After attending your seminar a few years back and working through the Slow Home problems online I’ve finally got my own Slow Home issues to play with! My husband and I purchased a home in Squamish, BC – [...]

Dayle from Calgary writes “Hi John and Matthew, I would really appreciate some design advice on our main floor living room and kitchen. We love our bright infill home in Richmond Park but there are some obvious design flaws. I attended your Furniture Layout course but I am still struggling with how to make the [...]

John and Matthew discuss their solutions to Mike in Toronto’s basement.

John and Matthew answer a question from Mike in Toronto about the development of his basement. “Hi John and Matthew, I’m currently in the process of developing my basement, but I am having some issues and am hoping you can provide some direction. I am having trouble with the layout as I am not sure [...]

John and Matthew answer a question from Roger and Zora in Georgia who asked the following: “Hi there, We love your website & your philosophy of design. We purchased our dream property last year, a 16 acre farm in the Blue Ridge mountains. The log cabin, unfortunately, leaves a lot to be desired. After considering [...]

John and Matthew reveal their redesign ideas for Mike in Pennsylvania’s kitchen. Here’s Mike’s original message to us: “Hi there! I bought my first home about 2 years ago. I got a really good deal on it, and I adore the neighborhood. Its a very small home on a very long/narrow lot. Unfortunately, it lacks [...]