Welcome to Elmy Homes
Meet Elaine | Founder of Elmy Homes
A Lifelong Learner
A Material Explorer
Never settling, always evolving —
With every project, Elaine redefines what it means to design with purpose. Her design approach is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, she embraces every client’s unique style and needs, making it her mission to co-create floor plans that feel entirely tailored. Through many years in the construction, real estate, and design field, Elaine is able to bring her proposals alive and manifested into reality.
Creating layouts that breathe
What draws clients to Elaine isn’t just her eye for design—it’s her ability to transform a space beyond the limits of traditional architectural planning. Elaine is deeply involved in the floor plan process. She opens up layouts to match both functional needs and aesthetic dreams, often identifying opportunities to unlock the fullest potential of a space.
On days off, Elaine enjoys sitting in the sunroom with her birds singing, along with a blank canvas and easel. She is enthusiastic about art, drawing and painting. She is driven by a rare combination of boundless curiosity, artistic intuition, and tireless dedication.
Known for her willingness to adapt and take on new challenges. Rather than sticking to a single style, she constantly evolves —researching trends, being inspired globally, communicating deeply with her clients, and refining each detail from floor plan to final staging. Her goal is to create not just beautiful homes, but turnkey living experiences — where every design element matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you also handle floor plan design as part of your work?
Elaine’s Answer:
Yes, we love being involved in floor plan design. Even if a project already comes with one, we often look for ways to refine it — because a floor plan is truly the foundation of great design.
When we revisit a plan, our focus is to:
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Improve flow and circulation.
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Maximize natural light and views.
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Open up tight spaces to feel more spacious.
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Create a welcoming entrance and comfortable living areas.
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Ensure key spaces like the kitchen, dining, patio, or balcony are both functional and inviting.
Being part of the floor plan stage also helps us imagine how staging, furniture, and daily living will all come together. And of course, if the floor plan is already fixed, we respect the design and focus on bringing out the best through interiors and finishing touches.
Q: From your experience, what are the most important stages when starting a new design project?
Elaine’s Answer:
For me, there are four key stages that make a project successful:
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Planning and by-laws — A solid floor plan is essential. It starts with understanding the program, local by-laws, and any restrictions before design begins.
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Client communication — Clear, open dialogue is everything. We need to understand who will live in the home, their lifestyle, and their style preferences so the design truly reflects their needs.
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Materials and sourcing — Great design depends on the right materials. Finishes and products not only elevate the look but also improve function. Staying current with what’s available helps us deliver both beauty and practicality.
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Site visits — Whenever possible, I visit the site. Being there in person allows me to catch issues early, refine details on the spot, and ensure the design comes to life as intended.
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When these four stages are in place, a project doesn’t just meet expectations — it has the best chance of exceeding them.
Q: How do you approach materials and color selection in your design work?oject?
Elaine’s Answer:
For colors, I usually start by sharing inspiration images and asking clients to do the same. From there, we develop a color palette together — sometimes based on their preferences, sometimes expanded with my suggestions to create more richness.
For materials, it depends. Some clients already know exactly what they want, and we’ll respect that while curating complementary options. Other times, I’ll propose materials directly in drawings or renderings, drawing from market trends, design resources, and even hands-on visits to showrooms. The goal is always to match the right material and color to the atmosphere the client wants, and then bring it to life in the design.
Q: Do you offer eDesign services for clients outside Vancouver or even outside Canada?
Elaine’s Answer:
Yes, we do. Since last year we’ve taken on eDesign projects not only beyond Vancouver, but also in other countries.
With eDesign, we work primarily through drawings, concepts, and detailed plans that clients can implement locally. Because we can’t be on-site, clients usually share their local by-laws, restrictions, and any required adjustments — and every project’s scope is a little different.
We welcome these projects as a creative challenge, and as long as the timeline allows us to do the work thoroughly, we’re happy to take them on.
