Have you ever dreamed of designing and building your own home from scratch? It’s exciting to imagine a space that reflects your personal style, fits your lifestyle perfectly, and feels like you from the inside out. But as dreamy as it sounds, the reality of building a house involves a lot of planning, decisions, and unexpected twists. So before you dive in, here are some things to know that might help you feel more prepared and confident as you start your journey. 1. Start with What Matters Most Before getting into floor plans and finishes, take a step back and ask yourself…

Vancouver’s climate is known for being mild but very wet—making it essential to choose cladding materials that can stand up to moisture, resist damage, and still look great year after year. Whether you're building a new home or updating an existing one, here's a guide to some of the best exterior wall cladding options for Vancouver: Top Durable & Low-Maintenance Cladding Materials 1. Metal Cladding (Aluminum or Steel) Metal cladding is a favorite in Vancouver for its sleek, modern look and incredible durability. Aluminum and steel resist corrosion and weathering, making them ideal for rainy conditions with minimal upkeep. 2. Composite Siding Designed to mimic…

At YU+ME Design Inc., we believe that a well-designed space isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating an environment that supports your lifestyle and well-being. Thoughtful space planning brings balance, functionality, and beauty into your home, positively impacting both your day-to-day life and your mental well-being. How Good Space Planning Supports Mental Health Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you can unwind, focus, and connect. Smart space planning can contribute to a healthier mindset by: Reducing Stress & Anxiety – A well-organized and clutter-free space promotes a sense of calm, helping you feel at ease the moment you step inside. Enhancing Focus…

Are you ready to transform your kitchen and bathroom into stunning, functional spaces? Discover expert tips for mastering renovations with a focus on optimal layouts and material choices. Whether you're a busy professional or a discerning homeowner, these insights will guide you in selecting high-quality, durable, and low-maintenance materials that align with a refined Japanese aesthetic. Elevate your home's design and functionality while enjoying a seamless, stress-free renovation experience tailored to your unique lifestyle and needs.

Biophilic design is trending in 2025 because people are increasingly seeking environments that promote well-being, sustainability, and a stronger connection to nature. Here are some key reasons why it’s gaining popularity: 1. Well-Being & Mental Health With growing awareness of mental health, biophilic design helps reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being by integrating natural elements like plants, natural light, and organic materials into spaces. 2. Sustainability & Eco-Conscious Living As sustainability remains a priority, biophilic design aligns with eco-friendly principles by using energy-efficient solutions, sustainable materials, and indoor greenery to improve air quality and reduce environmental impact. 3. Post-Pandemic Lifestyle Shifts After the pandemic,…

Transform your living space into a sanctuary of warmth and elegance with our expert guide on textures, lighting, and color choices. Discover how to effortlessly blend luxurious materials with functional design, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects your unique style. Whether you’re a busy professional or a discerning homeowner, learn how to select the perfect lighting to enhance every room and choose colors that evoke tranquility and sophistication. Join us at Yu & Me Design, where we blend practicality with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your home is not only beautiful but also a true reflection of your lifestyle and values.

As we age, our homes need to adapt to our changing needs. One aspect that often gets overlooked is window treatments. For seniors and individuals with disabilities, choosing the right window coverings can make a significant difference in their daily lives. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of motorized​ roller shades versus manual roller shades, helping you make an informed decision for your home. Convenience and Accessibility Motorized Roller Shades: Ease of Use: With a simple push of a button, motorized roller shades can be raised or lowered, making them ideal for individuals with limited mobility. This eliminates the need for physical effort, which…

Designing homes that are both safe and stylish for seniors is a delicate balance that requires thoughtful planning and expert insight. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover how to transform living spaces into elegant sanctuaries that cater to the unique needs of older adults. From selecting high-quality, low-maintenance materials to incorporating culturally inspired aesthetics, learn how to create environments that prioritize safety without compromising on style. Whether you're an established homeowner or a professional in the interior design industry, this guide offers invaluable tips and strategies to enhance the living experience for seniors, ensuring their comfort and independence in beautifully designed homes.

​Open floor plans have become increasingly popular in modern home design, and for good reason. They offer a spacious and flexible layout that many homeowners love. However, like any design choice, open floor plans come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. At YU+ME Design Inc., we want to help you make informed decisions about your home. Let's explore the pros and cons of open floor plans. The Pros of Open Floor Plans Photo Source: Pinterest 1. Enhanced Natural Light: One of the biggest advantages of an open floor plan is the abundance of natural light. With fewer walls to block the…

As we step into 2025, the focus on aging in place is more prominent than ever. Designing homes that cater to the needs of older adults is essential for creating safe, comfortable, and accessible living spaces. Here are some key tips for designing age-friendly interiors: Universal Design: Incorporate universal design principles that make spaces usable by everyone, regardless of age or ability. This includes wider doorways, no-step entries, and lever-style door handles. Non-Slip Flooring: Choose flooring materials that are slip-resistant to prevent falls. Options like textured tiles, vinyl, and non-slip hardwood are great choices. Ample Lighting: Ensure that all areas of the home…

Living in a cozy space has its own charm, but sometimes it can feel a bit too snug. If you've ever wondered how to make your small space feel larger, you're not alone! At YU+ME Design Inc., we specialize in creating beautiful, functional spaces, no matter the size. Here are some of our favorite tips to help you make the most of your space. Embrace Light Colors Light colors can make a room feel airy and open. Opt for whites, soft greys, and pastels to create the illusion of more space. Dark colors, while cozy, can make a room feel smaller and…

Planning to renovate your kitchen? The heart of your home deserves to be both functional and stylish. To help you create a kitchen that meets all your needs, here are the top 5 organizing tips to consider during your renovation. These tips will ensure your new kitchen is a well-organized, efficient, and beautiful space. Maximize Cabinet Space: Install pull-out shelves, magic corner, lazy Susans, and vertical dividers to make the most of your cabinet space. This way, every inch of your cabinets is accessible and utilized efficiently. Drawer Organizers: Use customizable drawer organizers to keep utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools neatly arranged.…

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to infuse your home with romance and charm. Fresh flowers play a vital role in setting the mood and adding a touch of elegance to your decor. Here are four creative ways to use fresh flowers to enhance your space: 1. Romantic Centerpieces: Create stunning centerpieces with classic red roses, pink tulips, or white lilies. Arrange them in elegant vases and add some candles to enhance the romantic ambiance.  2. Heart-Shaped Wreaths: Craft a beautiful heart-shaped wreath using fresh flowers and greenery. Hang it on your front door or above the fireplace to greet your loved ones…

  At YU+ME Design Inc., we understand that the terms "interior design" and "interior decorating" can sometimes be confusing. While they are often used interchangeably, these fields are distinct and come with unique skill sets. Let's clarify the difference and help you decide which service you need for your next project. Interior Design: The Science and Art of Creating Functional Spaces Interior design is a comprehensive profession that goes beyond just making a space look beautiful. At YU+ME Design Inc., our interior designers delve into the intricacies of architecture, spatial planning, and functionality. We work on both residential and commercial projects to create…

When it comes to countertops, marble and quartz both offer stunning options, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Let's explore these two popular materials to help you decide which is the best choice for your home. What are Marble and Quartz? Marble is a natural stone that's been prized for thousands of years, used in iconic buildings and artworks by figures like Julius Caesar and Michelangelo. Available in a range of colors, marble is known for its unique veining and translucent quality. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are manmade. They are created by combining quartzite (a naturally occurring stone)…

Choosing the right color palette for a room can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. As your trusted interior design experts, we're here to guide you through the process and help you create a space that reflects your personal style and feels just right. Start with a Favorite Item Do you have a piece of art, a rug, or a piece of furniture that you absolutely love? Use it as your starting point! Pull colors from this item to form the basis of your palette. This approach ensures that your color scheme is cohesive and anchored by…

As we age, our homes need to adapt to our changing needs to ensure safety, comfort, and independence. Designing a space that accommodates these needs doesn't have to mean compromising on style. With thoughtful planning and smart design choices, you can create a home that supports you through every stage of life. In this blog, we share three essential interior design tips for aging in place, helping you create a space that is not only functional but also beautiful. 1. Optimize Accessibility Wider Doorways and Hallways: Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Zero-Step Entries: Implement ramped or…

  As the New Year approaches, many of us look for ways to welcome it with joy and tradition. In Japan, the New Year is a time of rich cultural practices and meaningful customs. From special foods like Toshikoshi soba to traditional decorations such as kagami-mochi and kadomatsu, these practices help usher in a year of good fortune and resilience. In this blog, we explore some of these cherished Japanese traditions and their significance, offering you a glimpse into the beautiful ways the Japanese celebrate the New Year. What to Eat: Toshikoshi Soba Toshikoshi is all about crossing over to the new year…

Upgrading your Christmas gift wrap can add a special touch and make your gifts look even more festive and thoughtful. 3 Simple Steps to Elevate Your Christmas Gift Wrap: Gather Materials: Prepare live rosemary sprigs, small Christmas ornaments, and natural jute twine. Create a Ring: Form the rosemary sprigs into a ring shape and secure them with the jute twine. Add Ornaments and Ribbons: Attach the small ornaments to the rosemary ring and tie them with your favorite ribbons.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned decorator, these books are packed with practical advice and stunning visuals to spark your creativity. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your interior design skills and create the home of your dreams. "Call It Home: The Details That Matter" by Amber Lewis: This book offers practical advice on how to create a stylish and personalized home.    "The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home" by Shea McGee: Shea McGee shares her insights on designing beautiful and livable spaces.   "A Dictionary of Color Combinations: by Sanzo Wada is a…