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.

Ashley Yost Sukkau 5/28/26 Ashley Yost Sukkau 5/28/26

Start With One Room: The Smart Way to Renovate Right Now

Not every project needs to be a full overhaul. Some of the most meaningful transformations we’ve done have started with a single room—one space that wasn’t functioning, didn’t feel right, or was just being overlooked.

Lately, I’ve been hearing the same thing from so many people.

You walk through your home and think…
Something isn’t working.

But a full renovation feels like too much. Too soon. Too overwhelming.
So you wait.

And nothing changes.

But here’s what I always come back to:

You don’t need to do everything to change how your home feels.
You just need to start in the right place.

Why I Always Suggest Starting With One Room

Not every project needs to be a full overhaul.

Some of the most meaningful transformations we’ve done have started with a single room—one space that wasn’t functioning, didn’t feel right, or was just being overlooked.

When we narrow the focus:

decisions feel clearer
the investment feels more manageable
and the results feel immediate

And honestly, you get to enjoy it so much sooner.

A Bathroom Reset

Bathrooms are one of our favourite places to start.

They’re used every day, and they’re often the space people put off the longest.

In this project, we weren’t just updating finishes—we were rethinking how the room worked.

Before, it felt disconnected and a bit flat.
Now, it feels calm, intentional, and easy.

What shifted:

a more thoughtful layout
simple, layered materials that work together
a mix of warm and cool finishes (white oak + marble + chrome)
lighting that actually supports the space

Same footprint. Completely different experience.

It’s More Than How it Looks

A well-designed space isn’t just about the before and after.

It’s how it functions.
How it supports your day.
How it makes your home feel without you even thinking about it.

That’s always the goal.

If You’re Not Sure Where to Start

You don’t need to figure out your entire home right now.

Start with the room that’s bothering you the most.
The one you use every day.
The one that could shift everything with a bit of intention.

Start with one room.

If you’ve been thinking about making a change but aren’t sure where to begin, We are always happy to help guide that first step.

Love,

ASHLEY XO

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.

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.

Residential and Commercial Interior Design/Home Styling Services in Vancouver, BC

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

Spring Home Styling — 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.

Kitchen Countertop Statement Decor — 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.

Window Seating Area Throw Pillows — 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,