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 4/1/26 Ashley Yost Sukkau 4/1/26

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,

ASHLEY XO

You can learn more or get in touch with us at:
www.jmsprojects.ca

Making Vintage Feel Right At Home

There’s something special about a home that feels collected. Vintage pieces have a soul. When you mix them into your home, you instantly add warmth and personality that no ordinary store can replicate.

All Images Sourced From: www.unsplash.com

I'm dedicating this JMS Living post to the queen of vintage herself ... my mom.

My mom taught me the art of mixing vintage and the beauty in how special each piece is. Every find should make you smile, and you should always be on the hunt because you never know what gem is waiting for you!

If the idea of blending old and new feels intimidating, don’t worry. Here are my favourite tips for making vintage pieces feel thoughtful in your space.

Vintage Brass Candlesticks — SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT

If you’re new to vintage, dip your toes in with a statement piece instead of a full room makeover.
Here are some examples to inspire you:
A beautifully aged wooden bowl on your kitchen counter
A vintage lamp that adds sculptural interest
A quirky brass candlestick that catches the light just right

Vintage Home Decor Statement Pieces — CURATED NOT COORDINATED

The secret to that “effortlessly collected” look is contrast. Pair sleek modern furniture with a timeworn vintage coffee table, or tuck a velvet vintage chair into a crisp white office. The mix of textures and warmth keeps your home looking pulled together, while each vintage piece gets a moment to shine.

Mix and Match Vintage and Modern Home Decor — FORM & FLOW

You can get away with almost any style combo if the shapes and sizes balance. For example, a chunky farmhouse dining table looks stunning under a clean-lined modern chandelier. It’s all about the silhouette and how the pieces talk to each other, even if they come from completely different decades.

PATINA IS THE STAR

The beauty of vintage is its imperfections: scratches, dents, and worn leather. When you lean into the charm of patina, your home instantly feels warmer and more lived-in. Pair a weathered vintage console with white walls and modern art for that perfect elevated but effortless vibe.

Vintage Record Player — CREATE A “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!” PIECE

Every home needs a piece that makes people say, “Where did you get that?!” Maybe it’s a bold ceramic lamp from the ’60s or a chair you found and love reupholstered in funky fabric. Vintage shopping is like a treasure hunt ... when you find a piece that sparks joy, let it shine.

MAKE IT YOURS

Sometimes vintage needs a little refresh to feel personalized. A coat of matte paint, new hardware, or updated upholstery can completely transform an old piece while keeping its character intact.

My mom's motto? If it's not white yet, it will be. She's got every shade ready to transform the next piece that comes home with her.

THE GRAND FINALE

The best vintage finds usually happen when you’re not looking for them. Pop into flea markets, antique shops, or even scroll through online marketplaces for those special pieces. Building a collected home takes time, and that’s the fun part. Vintage pieces are conversation starters, memory makers, and the secret sauce to a home that feels personalized. When you mix the old with the new, you create a space that’s uniquely yours .. It’s a vibe!

I'm excited to see what finds and vintage magic make their way into your space!