Living
JMS
Welcome to JMS LIVING, our journal dedicated to thoughtful living through design, renovation, and everyday inspiration. From Vancouver homes to travel, style, and spaces we love, we share ideas to help you create a space that feels like you.
Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Home
Every spring in Vancouver I notice the same thing happening in our home. The light changes, the windows open, and suddenly I start seeing our home differently. Little things that could work better, spaces that could feel lighter, and ideas for how our home could better support the way we actually live.
Every spring in Vancouver I notice the same thing happening in our home. The light changes, the windows open, and suddenly I start seeing our home differently. Little things that could work better, spaces that could feel lighter, and ideas for how our home could better support the way we actually live.
Spring always makes me want to refresh everything at home.
When the days start getting longer, I find myself moving things around, rethinking spaces, and noticing the areas that could work a little better for our family. A room might feel uninviting, or the layout might not flow well when friends come over.
Spring has a way of making us look at our homes with fresh eyes.
This is also when life at home starts to shift a little. We begin entertaining more, kids are running in and out of the house, and doors start opening to patios and backyards again. Suddenly the kitchen becomes the gathering place, and the living room fills with people more often.
That’s usually when homeowners start realizing certain parts of their home could work better.
Maybe the kitchen feels cramped when people gather.
Maybe the living room layout doesn’t feel quite right for entertaining.
Or maybe there just isn’t enough storage for real life.
These are often the moments when renovation ideas begin.
One thing I always tell clients is that renovations aren’t always about massive changes. Sometimes the most impactful updates are the quieter ones.
Built-in storage that keeps everyday life organized.
Custom millwork that makes a space feel more intentional.
Better lighting that changes the entire mood of a room.
Or simply rethinking how furniture and spaces flow together.
Those small design decisions can make a home feel completely different.
If you’re not quite ready for a renovation yet, here are a few simple things you can try this spring to refresh your home.
3 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home This Spring
1. REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE
Sometimes simply shifting the layout of a room can make it feel entirely new. Try pulling furniture away from walls or creating a better conversation area.
2. EDIT & DECLUTTER
Remove a few items from surfaces, shelves, and tables. Giving objects space to breathe often makes a room feel calmer and more intentional.
3. ADD ONE NEW LAYER
This could be a lamp, a piece of art, a new throw, or fresh branches on the table. Small additions can completely shift the mood of a space.
Spring is also when renovation season really begins here in Vancouver. Contractor schedules start filling up, materials begin moving again, and homeowners start planning the projects they want completed before summer or fall.
If you’ve been thinking about updating your home, this is often the perfect time to start the conversation. Good design takes time, and the earlier we begin planning, the smoother the process is.
At the end of the day, I don’t believe in homes that feel too perfect. The best homes feel lived in. They support your routines, your family, and the way you actually spend time together.
That’s always our goal at JMS Projects & Design.
If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your home this year, we’d love to help you bring those ideas to life.
Love,
ASHLEY XO
You can learn more or get in touch with us at:
www.jmsprojects.ca
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Meet the Penelope Lamp
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Penelope Lamp collection. This is a special project born from a collaboration between Ashley from JMS Projects & Design and Caitlin Prince Ceramics.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Penelope Lamp collection. This is a special project born from a collaboration between Ashley from JMS Projects & Design and Caitlin Prince Ceramics.
This series of unique table lamps is a true intersection of art, design, and friendship. Caitlin and I came together to blend our shared passion for ceramics with a playful, unexpected approach to form and colour.
The collection grew organically through studio visits, ceramic chats, and a mutual fascination with transforming everyday objects through thoughtful design. Each Penelope Lamp is a one-of-a-kind piece; no two are alike. They feature hand-built ceramic bases and expressive silhouettes that celebrate imperfection and play.
Our design philosophy centres on spontaneity and character. Shapes are organic, and colour application is instinctive.
By embracing the handmade and rejecting uniformity, we set out to create lamps that feel personal, alive, and full of soul. This collection is truly a creative conversation between two women who value friendship as much as form.
The Penelope Lamp was selected as a finalist for the 2025 Island Design Excellence Awards, highlighting the strength of local collaboration and thoughtful, handcrafted design.
You can purchase your own Penelope Lamp at Portside Interiors or Caitlin Prince Ceramics’ studio. For those seeking something truly unique, we also offer made-to-order custom options. Please visit our website to learn more.
We sincerely hope these lamps inspire you to live with objects that are crafted with care, rooted in creativity, and tell a story.
Love,
ASHLEY XO
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Ready to Refresh Your Space With New Hardware?
Clients often come to us wanting to refresh their space cost-effectively and sustainably. Updating hardware is an easy way to update your home and give it new life—whether you’re looking to refresh kitchen cabinets or give your bathroom a new look. We love working with Plank Hardware, an innovative and creative hardware company that continuously provides our clients with quality designs and products that suit their needs.
Clients often come to us wanting to refresh their space cost-effectively and sustainably. Updating hardware is an easy way to update your home and give it new life—whether you’re looking to refresh kitchen cabinets or give your bathroom a new look. We love working with Plank Hardware, an innovative and creative hardware company that continuously provides our clients with quality designs and products that suit their needs.
With endless options, it can be hard to pick hardware that’s right for you and your home. Keep reading for our hardware style guide—pick your vibe and check out our favourites from Plank!
MINIMALIST
TRADITIONAL
STATEMENT
Ready to refresh your space with new hardware? LET’S WORK TOGETHER to find the right hardware and style for your space.
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Design Meets Function: Ashley’s Family-Friendly Design Faves
As a mom of two, I know the struggle of wanting to maintain a stylish vibe in my space that still functions for my family. When working with clients who have kids, I always prioritize finding pieces that fit their aesthetic, maximize space and make their lives easier. Here are a few of my go-to kid-friendly decor pieces.
As a mom of two, I know the struggle of wanting to maintain a stylish vibe in my space that still functions for my family. When working with clients who have kids, I always prioritize finding pieces that fit their aesthetic, maximize space and make their lives easier. Here are a few of my go-to kid-friendly decor pieces.
STEP STOOL
Say goodbye to plastic stools, mini tables and chairs—these two products are a must in a family home. The Step On Me Stool from Sundays Furniture is a multipurpose piece that elevates your space. Place it in the bathroom for teeth brushing or use it in the kitchen when you want to cook with your little helper—it’s durable and most importantly, it looks good.
FLIP DESK
Living in the city, we have to be selective with what we bring into our space. We don’t have room for endless baskets, tables and chairs, so the Flip Desk from Sundays Furniture is another awesome option. It’s a great spot for your kids to play and get creative, but it’s easy to tuck away when playtime is over. It’s cute with a capital C!
STORAGE OTTOMAN
When designing a space that kids will live in, lids are your best friend. I often suggest built-in storage or custom millwork to clients with kiddos - which we offer - but, if you’re looking for functional furniture this is it! This Storage Ottoman from Article can stash toys and is easy to wipe down if (let’s be real - when) there are spills! These come in a range of sizes to fit any space or storage need.
STORAGE BASKET
Hidden storage is my favourite kind of storage. That’s why I LOVE Lidded Baskets from West Elm. When you need the toys out of sight, throw them in one of these and zen out. These are perfect for laundry, shoes and blankets too! Sometimes you can get lucky and find a dupe at HomeSense—if you do, buy them all! You’ll thank me.
WALL HOOKS
Hooks are a lifesaver! Not only are they functional, but you can find ones that look like art when there’s nothing hung on them. We have the Muuto Hooks from Vancouver Special in a variety of sizes in our home entry and love mixing and matching the different colour options. Use these in your entryway, kids’ bedrooms or anywhere you want stuff off the floor!
Need more ideas on how to create a functional family home that still has style? We got you!
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