Blogs

Transforming a basement into a vibrant, functional extension of your home is both an art and a science. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new build or re-imagining an existing space through a renovation, our team of  designers approaches each project with a meticulously detailed eye. We ensure that every aspect is considered to craft spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional now and in the future.

Entertainment Space

Whether you want a cozy media room with plush seating and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment or an elegant bar area perfect for hosting lively gatherings, we ensure that these spaces are tailored to meet your specific desires. Our team’s expertise in both design and technology integration means that every detail, from acoustics to lighting, is thoughtfully considered to enhance your space.

A Hangout for Kids

For those with little ones, a dedicated play area can transform your basement into a wonderland of creativity and adventure. Our design philosophy embraces the use of our imaginations so we can create vibrant spaces where children can explore and grow. From thematic play zones to quiet nooks for reading and study, each element is meant to spark joy and curiosity.

Wellness and Workout Retreat

In today’s fast-paced world, having a personal wellness retreat within your home is invaluable. Whether you envision a yoga studio with ambient lighting and soothing colors or a robust mirror-clad gym equipped with the latest technology, our attention to detail ensures we will find that perfect blend of functionality and tranquility.

Exciting Extras

For those looking to elevate their basement transformation with features that will “wow”, the options are endless. Picture a cutting-edge golf simulator that brings the green into your home, or a sophisticated wine cellar that showcases your finest selections. We also love to explore innovative options to ensure that your basement reflects your passions and lifestyle.

At Boss Design, we understand that your home is a reflection of you. Each project we undertake, whether a new build or a renovation, is a unique opportunity to bring your vision to life with precision and flair. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, working closely with you to ensure that every detail of your dream basement is perfectly aligned with your needs.

When we think of luxury homes, it’s easy to picture soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases, or expansive windows framing breathtaking views. But true luxury isn’t always about scale … it’s often about the details. The choices that seem small on the surface are the ones that transform a house into a masterpiece of design. From the feel of a hand-selected stone to the glow of perfectly placed lighting, luxury lives in the layers. At Boss Design, we believe it’s these subtle, thoughtful touches that set a home apart. 

Here’s how the smallest details make the biggest impact:

Materials and Texture

The cool touch of marble, the warmth of natural wood, or the soft embrace of velvet upholstery each tell their own story. Luxury design is about curating these tactile moments so that every interaction feels intentional.

Texture adds richness, depth, and personality. Imagine a matte black cabinet paired with gleaming brass hardware, or a sleek stone countertop contrasted with hand-scraped oak flooring. These pairings aren’t just visually striking, they create a sensory experience that invites you to touch, linger, and enjoy.

Lighting as Jewelry

Lighting is often called the jewelry of a home, and for good reason. Beyond its practical purpose, it has the power to define mood, highlight architecture, and add an element of artistry to a room.

A statement chandelier in a dining space becomes a sculptural centerpiece. Layers of soft ambient lighting in a bedroom create a sense of calm retreat. Even hidden lighting (tucked under cabinetry or along architectural lines) adds an almost magical quality, turning a well-designed home into an extraordinary one. In elevated interiors, lighting isn’t an afterthought—It’s a design element in its own right, chosen and placed with the same care as fine art.

The Subtle Luxuries

Some of the most powerful design decisions are the ones you might not notice at first glance but you’d feel their absence. 

Perfectly aligned sightlines that draw your eye through a space. 

Trim details that frame a room with quiet elegance. 

Door hardware that feels substantial in your hand.

These subtle luxuries create a sense of harmony and refinement that lingers, even if you can’t immediately pinpoint why a space feels so good. They’re the marks of design excellence: quiet confidence, not loud extravagance.

The Beauty of Small Things

At the end of the day, luxury isn’t always about the grand gesture. It’s about the way a space makes you feel:  grounded, inspired, and cared for. The smallest details, when executed with thought and artistry, can elevate a home from simply beautiful to truly extraordinary.

That’s the kind of luxury we design for: one that lives in the details.

This summer, we were honoured to once again host our annual Golf Invitational: an event that brings together our clients, partners, and peers not just for a day of connection and camaraderie, but for something much more meaningful. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants, this year’s tournament raised $47,000 in support of The Build Project Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta. These funds will go directly toward the upkeep of an additional apartment unit and support future renovations and new unit designs, creating spaces intentionally to feel like home for families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments. It’s a cause close to our hearts: providing design that goes beyond beauty, offering comfort, dignity, and peace of mind when it’s needed most.

At the Core of Good Design: Care

At Boss Design, we believe that thoughtfully created spaces have the power to transform lives. Whether it’s a custom home or a temporary haven during a medical crisis, design can ease burdens, offer emotional refuge, and foster a sense of belonging. This belief is what fuels our support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta. Through The Build Project Foundation, we’re able to use our skill set and industry connections to help craft these essential environments because every family deserves a space that feels safe, supportive, and like home.

With Gratitude

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. To our sponsors and donors: your contributions turn a day on the green into a lasting legacy. Thank you for standing with us and making every swing count.

A heartfelt thank-you to:

• General Body & Equipment
  
• Titan Flooring
  
• Enman Construction / Revolution
  
• Gem Cabinets / Kitchen Craft
  
• UrbanAge Homes
  
• Canadian Stone Industries
  
• Qualico Streetside
  
• River City Outdoor Living
  
• Tapal Building Supplies
  
• Vandenbergs Jewellers
  
• Sierra Flooring
  
• Legacy Heating & Cooling
  
• Mission Building Supplies
  
• Karjohn Drywall
  
• North Pointe Homes
  
• Iron River Surfaces
  
• Monarch Insurance
  
• Hub Warranty

As we reflect on another successful year of the Golf Invitational, we’re reminded that design is not just about aesthetics, it’s about impact. We’re proud to stand alongside our community in creating spaces that uplift, support, and heal. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to seeing you on the green again next year.

In the world of residential design, standing still is never an option. The most exceptional homes—those that feel effortless, timeless, and uniquely personal—are created by designers who stay curious, informed, and ahead of the curve.

At Boss Design, continued education isn’t just a professional obligation. It’s a key part of how we ensure our clients receive truly elevated, forward-thinking design. We’re constantly seeking out new materials, technologies, and ideas to bring the best of what’s next into every home we design.

Here’s how that dedication benefits your project and why it’s so integral to our process.

Staying Ahead, So You Don’t Have To

Design trends evolve. Building codes change. New products enter the market. At Boss Design, we make it our priority to stay informed, not because we follow trends blindly, but because we want to understand and interpret them thoughtfully.

We study design trends and monitor innovations in construction and technology. We attend design seminars and opportunities for education. We also maintain close relationships with top suppliers and artisans. All of this gives us the insight to recommend materials, layouts, and design elements that are not only beautiful but also well-considered and future-ready.

Exploring with Purpose

Some of our most impactful design ideas begin with a simple question: What if?

What if we combined time-honoured craftsmanship with modern forms? 

What if we used a new, sustainable material to improve durability without compromising aesthetics? 

What if we redesigned a floor plan to better reflect how families live today?

These types of questions are encouraged at every level of our team. We foster an environment where research, experimentation, and collaboration lead the way. We believe that truly innovative design doesn’t come from repeating the familiar, it comes from constantly pushing ourselves to think differently and work smarter.

Turning Knowledge into Confidence

Our clients come to us for our vision, but they stay with us because they trust our guidance. When we make recommendations (whether it’s a layout adjustment, a finish selection, or a technical decision) we do so with the full weight of our knowledge and experience behind it.

We take complex information and distill it into clear, actionable insights for you. Our job is to make your decision-making process feel effortless, because we’ve already done the work to ensure the options we present are aligned with your goals and your lifestyle.

Why It Matters for Your Home

Design is advancing more quickly than ever. From smart home integration and wellness-focused floor plans to sustainable materials and high-performance systems, today’s luxury home must meet a wide range of modern expectations. That’s why working with a design firm committed to continuous learning is more important than ever.

At Boss Design, we believe the best homes are created through a blend of creativity, curiosity, and deep industry knowledge. Our commitment to continuous learning ensures that your home is not only beautiful and functional today, but also thoughtfully designed for the future. Because in the end, we’re not just designing spaces—we’re designing homes worth living in.

Tucked into the most exclusive pockets of Edmonton, ravine properties offer something few others can: an intimate connection to nature, privacy, and unparalleled views. But to truly unlock the potential of these exceptional locations, custom design is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. We’ve worked with discerning clients across Edmonton to transform premium ravine lots into breathtaking, livable works of art. 

Here’s why custom design matters so much in these homes (and how it can elevate your investment):

Let the Landscape Lead the Design

Unlike standard city lots, ravine-edge properties often come with irregular shapes, steep elevation changes, or protected green spaces. A cookie-cutter floor plan simply won’t do. Custom interior architecture allows us to shape a home around the natural landscape rather than imposing one upon it. Think of walls of glass that align perfectly with the treeline, bent footprint to elongate the view, or a stairwell that captures the riverscape. Nature becomes your artwork! 

Privacy Without Compromise

One of the most desirable aspects of ravine living is the sense of seclusion. But creating a private sanctuary doesn’t mean sacrificing openness or light. Through detailed interior planning, we position spaces so that your most intimate rooms (bedrooms, bathrooms, offices) face the ravine, not the road. It’s the ultimate balance: open and airy, yet completely private.

Natural Light as a Design Element

In Edmonton, maximizing daylight (especially during long winters) is a vital part of interior design. Ravine properties offer a rare opportunity to amplify natural light from multiple directions without the obstruction of neighbouring homes. Our custom approach ensures your floor plan is optimized to follow the path of the sun. Morning light can warm your kitchen and dining room, while golden-hour sunsets spill into your living space. 

Indoor-Outdoor Flow That Feels Effortless

A luxury ravine property should never feel boxed in. Custom interiors allow us to craft seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for entertaining or quiet mornings with coffee and birdsong. Features like retractable glass walls, heated outdoor terraces, and matching materials between interior and exterior surfaces help blur boundaries. The result? A home that lives much larger than its square footage suggests.

If you own, or are considering, a ravine property in Edmonton, now is the time to think beyond finishes and fixtures. Let’s talk about architecture that frames your view, enhances your privacy, and brings the natural world into every corner of your home. We specialize in full-service luxury design, from concept to completion. REACH OUT to begin a conversation about what’s possible when you design a home worth living in.

Building a home is one of life’s most significant investments, a journey that not only fulfills your dreams but also creates a space uniquely yours. At the heart of this journey lies residential design—a meticulous process that transforms your vision into a tangible reality. Hiring a professional designer can elevate your home build, ensuring that every detail is considered and every aspect is executed with precision.

The Phases of Residential Design

Our journey to create your home involves several meticulously detailed phases, each serving as a crucial building block in crafting a blueprint that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.

1. Pre-Design Phase: Laying the Foundation

The adventure begins with the Pre-Design phase, where we gather vital information and work with you to create the vision for your new home. Through comprehensive discussions, we dive into your goals and wishes, ensuring that we understand your personal style and functional needs. Our team of experts analyzes your building site, considering factors such as grading, views, sun exposure, and wind patterns, as well as reviewing local bylaws. These elements are essential in maximizing your investment and identifying potential hurdles that could impact both construction and the future enjoyment of your home.

2. Conceptual Design Phase: Bringing Ideas to Life

In the Conceptual Design phase, we translate your vision into tangible plans, crafting floor plans and a front elevation that reflect your desires. This phase is characterized by a dynamic collaboration, with back-and-forth communication to ensure every aspect aligns with your expectations. It is a time for thorough evaluation, where you can seek feedback from friends and family, ensuring that the plans are just right. Remember, this is one of the largest investments you can make, and getting it right at this stage is crucial. It is the most cost-effective and straightforward time to make changes, laying a strong foundation for everything that follows.

3. Construction Drawings Phase: Detailing the Blueprint

Once the conceptual design is approved, we advance to the Construction Drawings phase, an intensive process of detailing every elevation, section, and floor plan. This is where our attention to detail shines, as we add in all the specifics. A comprehensive quality control review ensures accuracy, resulting in a detailed set of plans ready for pricing, permits, engineering, and construction. The importance of these plans cannot be overstated; they serve as a vital reference for builders and trades, preventing costly misunderstandings and ensuring seamless execution.

Why Hire a Professional Designer?

Hiring a professional designer elevates your home build by combining creativity with expertise. Our team excels in harmonizing aesthetic appeal with functional design, ensuring that your home is not only beautiful but also practical. We are committed to personalized service, tailoring every decision to reflect your unique lifestyle and preferences.

A professional designer brings an innovative approach to problem-solving, foreseeing potential challenges and devising solutions that maximize your investment. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, we guide you through each phase, offering expert advice and support to help you make informed decisions.

In choosing professional residential design services, you are investing in a meticulous, thorough process that respects your vision and enhances your living experience. Let us help you create a home that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, turning your dream into a home worth living in.

Lighting is a powerful design tool that can transform the atmosphere of any room. In luxury homes, lighting isn’t just about illumination…it plays a key role in enhancing the beauty, functionality, and mood of a space. With the right lighting design, you can create a welcoming, elegant environment that complements both the architecture and the purpose of the room.

Lighting can dramatically change the feel of a room. For example, warm, ambient lighting in a living room creates an inviting, cozy atmosphere for relaxation, while cooler, task-oriented lighting in an office supports focus and productivity. Our skilled designers know how to layer different lighting types to achieve the perfect mood for each space.

Layered Lighting: The Foundation of Great Design

In high-end interior design, layered lighting is essential. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, designers create depth and functionality while enhancing a room’s overall aesthetic.

Ambient Lighting

This general lighting provides even illumination throughout the space. In luxury homes, recessed lighting, chandeliers, or pendant fixtures offer a clean, seamless glow that serves as the foundation of the room’s design.

Task Lighting

Task lighting focuses on specific activities like cooking, reading, or working. In a high-end kitchen, under-cabinet lights illuminate countertops, while desk lamps or pendant lighting ensure proper light for focused tasks.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting highlights specific features, such as artwork or architectural details. Track lighting, spotlights, or strategically placed light fixtures draw attention to focal points and create visual interest.

Types of Lighting in High-End Design

Several types of lighting are key to luxurious, functional spaces:

Recessed Lighting

Sleek and unobtrusive, recessed lights are perfect for providing even, subtle light throughout a room, often used for ambient or accent lighting.

Track and Spotlights

These fixtures are ideal for highlighting art, sculptures, or architectural details, offering adjustable lighting that creates focus and drama.

Chandeliers and Pendant Lighting

Chandeliers are classic statement pieces in luxury homes, often used in entryways or dining areas, while pendant lights offer task lighting with style, perfect for kitchens or lounges.

Exterior Lighting 

Outdoor lighting, such as landscape or path lights, enhances the exterior of the home, creating a cohesive feel between interior and exterior spaces.

Lighting design is a critical element in creating a luxurious, functional home. From layering different lighting types to selecting specific fixtures that highlight architectural details, lighting can elevate the beauty of a space and set the right mood. With expert design, lighting becomes more than just illumination—it enhances every aspect of a high-end interior, turning a house into a home.

In the wake of the devastating 2024 wildfire, Boss Design has already begun working with residents of the resilient community of Jasper in redesigning their homes. Here, we delve into the unique architectural tapestry of Jasper – a town that tells its story through every stone and shingle, every beam and brick.

Jasper’s architectural charm is the result of a fascinating blend of history, environment, and innovation. This picturesque town was shaped by two powerful forces: the railway and tourism. Each left its mark on the local building style, creating a unique architectural narrative that continues to inspire and guide modern design. The railway’s influence is seen in Jasper’s straightforward and unpretentious structures where buildings served the practical needs of railway workers. These early designs were modest yet functional, embodying a simplicity that is both timeless and worthy of modern-day inclusion.

At Boss Design, we believe in honouring this legacy by meticulously integrating practical design elements that echo the railway’s influence. Our approach ensures that homes not only meet aesthetic expectations but also exceed functional requirements, all while remaining rooted in Jasper’s historical context.

At the same time, the bustling tourism industry transformed Jasper into more than just a railway town. With tourists flocking to experience the raw beauty of the Rockies, architecture began to reflect romantic visions of the wilderness. Buildings designed during this period embraced the mountain’s majestic landscapes, resulting in the iconic “Rocky Mountain Picturesque” style.

Our team excels in crafting spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. We meticulously consider every aspect – from the extensive use of local materials, like logs and stone, to the integration of steep-pitched roofs and gable dormers. This attention to detail ensures that each home feels like a natural extension of the mountain landscape, rather than an intrusion upon it.

The significant impacts of the 2024 Jasper Wildfire have prompted a forward-thinking approach to design, focusing on resilience and sustainability. Updates to the Land Use Policy and Architectural Motif ensure that Jasper remains a modern tourism destination, equipped to withstand the challenges posed by the Wildland Urban Interface.

At Boss Design, we embrace these updates as opportunities for innovation. By specifying modern, fire-resistant materials alongside traditional aesthetics, we are designing homes that are not only visually stunning but also resilient to the elements. Every project we undertake is a collaborative journey, where teamwork and personalized service transform visions into reality. Our commitment to excellence and thoroughness ensures that each home we design in Jasper is a masterpiece of Mountain Architecture—distinctive, harmonious, and enduring.

If you are ready to start your journey of rebuilding in the Rockies, contact out team  here.

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through Jasper in the summer of 2024, the path to recovery is both a challenge and an opportunity for renewal. As the vibrant community of Jasper begins the courageous process of rebuilding, Boss Design is here to provide expertise and support.

At Boss Design, we understand that navigating the complexities of rebuilding can be overwhelming and emotional. From deciphering zoning regulations to ensuring compliance with national park bylaws, the amount of information available can seem daunting. That’s why our team is dedicated to transforming this challenge into a clear and rewarding experience for you.

Our approach is rooted in personalized service, where every aspect of your vision is considered and brought to life. Our team’s extensive experience with national parks bylaws, insurance intricacies, and fire rebuild protocols empowers us to guide you through each step with confidence and clarity. The team at Boss Design is well-versed in the unique guidelines and policies that govern Jasper’s development. We’ve conducted thorough research to ensure that every design aligns with the latest standards and regulations. 

For those interested in delving deeper into these guidelines, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

• Rebuilding Guide
• Land use map
• Land use policy
• Architectural Motif
• Jasper Colour Palette
• Garden Suites

At the heart of our service is a commitment to collaboration. We believe that the key to successful rebuilding lies in teamwork and open communication. Our collaborative approach ensures that your needs and aspirations are at the forefront, resulting in a home that is as unique as you are.

As Jasper rises from the ashes, Boss Design is honoured to be part of this journey. We are driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to delivering high-quality service that leaves our clients fulfilled. Together, we can rebuild Jasper, crafting homes that reflect resilience, beauty, and hope for the future.

When it comes to designing an entire home from top to bottom, no project feels more perfect than our Pivot project. This stunning home, completed in late 2024 was a great example of our out of the box design thinking, elegant selections, and collaboration.

The exterior of this home is one of a kind, while also fitting in well with this sought after neighborhood. The angled black roof, large windows, wood accents and stone facade create an awe-inspiring aesthetic that draws you into the space.

The spacious entryway invites you into the open concept main floor. The modern fireplace with a white, fluted surround and built in bookshelves creates a focal point in the living room, while the light filled staircase location combines natural light and privacy for the living space.

The dark espresso kitchen cabinets, accented with clean white quartz countertops and backsplash, have plenty of space for storage, while the modern gas range and high end appliances create the perfect cooking space for any chef. A trio of gold and crystal light fixtures illuminate the large 6-seater island. The connected dining space includes modern lighting solutions, a built-in bar and access to the back covered deck.

Upstairs, there is an office, complete with built in layered  lights and wall panels to add visual interest. The primary suite includes fluted wood wall panels and modern lighting, however, the true oasis is the primary ensuite. A double-sided vanity ensures everyone has their own space to get ready in the morning, while a freestanding tub and glass shower create the perfect spot to wind down at the end of the day.

This project stands as a testament to our collaborative spirit and dedication to personalized service, ensuring that every aspect was considered and executed. From the dramatic exterior to the thoughtfully designed interior, our Pivot project is a harmonious blend of creativity and craftsmanship. We are proud to have brought this visionary design to life, setting a new standard for home design that is both timeless and forward-thinking.