The HLM journal.

Online design   /   5 min read

How online interior design works, from room photos to a useful plan

Understand online interior design, what to prepare, which deliverables to ask for and how to turn a remote room plan into practical decisions at home.

Design inspiration · Clay Banks / Unsplash

Planning a project   /   5 min read

Interior designer or decorator: which kind of help does your room need?

Compare interior design and decorating by the decisions your project needs, from furnishings and colour to layouts, documentation and local expertise.

Design inspiration · Brad Chapman / Unsplash

Budget and scope   /   5 min read

How to build an interior design budget in Canada without guessing

Plan an interior design budget around scope, purchases, installation and uncertainty, with a practical way to compare proposals and set priorities.

Design inspiration · Sarah Brown / Unsplash

Planning a project   /   5 min read

How to choose an interior designer for the way you want to live

Choose interior design support with a clear brief, useful portfolio questions and a fair comparison of scope, communication, fees and responsibilities.

Design inspiration · Clay Banks / Unsplash

Smaller spaces   /   5 min read

A small condo layout that works beyond the floor plan

Plan a small condo around circulation, furniture proportions, everyday storage and flexible uses, with practical checks before you buy or renovate.

Design inspiration · Clay Banks / Unsplash

Colour and materials   /   5 min read

Choosing paint colours that work with the room you actually have

Choose paint colours using your fixed finishes, real light and useful samples, with a clear approach to undertones, connected rooms and final checks.

Design inspiration · Sarah Brown / Unsplash

Kitchens and bathrooms   /   5 min read

Write a kitchen renovation brief before choosing the finishes

Build a useful kitchen design brief around daily routines, storage, appliances and project boundaries, so layout and finish decisions support each other.

Design inspiration · GoodLifeConstruction / Unsplash

Everyday comfort   /   5 min read

Plan lighting room by room, around the things you actually do

Plan comfortable lighting for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and work areas by balancing useful layers, bulb appearance, glare and simple controls.

Design inspiration · Clay Banks / Unsplash

Thoughtful renovations   /   5 min read

Renovating an older home while keeping the parts that make it yours

Plan an older-home renovation with a clear record of character, condition and priorities, then connect practical assessments with thoughtful design choices.

Design inspiration · Clay Banks / Unsplash

Homes for changing needs   /   5 min read

Design a more accessible, flexible home around everyday life

Explore a more flexible home through usable routes, reachable storage, clear lighting and adaptable rooms, starting with the people who use the space.

Design inspiration · Andrew Peluso / Unsplash