Livwell Collective believes that because everybody is unique, their home should be too. We sat down with Livwell’s Krystal Lucas, responsible for Sales & Admin at the Abbotsford, BC home renovation and design business, to talk about Canada’s economy, design trends, and why living upside down for awhile might be worth it.

01. What is Livwell Collective and what makes you different?

Krystal: Livwell Collective is a full-service design and construction company. We believe in designing and building a home that you love that is unique to you. Our design strategy is to create something both functional and beautiful while keeping your budget in mind.

Because we’re a full-service company and have all our own trades, we can better manage the quality of work, product, and communication between all the different trades. This also speeds up build and renovation timelines as we don’t need to wait on anyone but ourselves to get the job done. Livwell also has partnerships with many suppliers which allows us to offer high quality products to choose from for any design. At Livwell we offer a variety of services from design only, sales, design and build, and styling.

02. How do you see Canada’s current economy affecting Livwell and the industry?

Krystal: COVID and the current economy affected our business both positively and negatively.

On the plus side, people are spending more time at home and wanting to update their spaces. As a result, there are more renovations happening and we’re busier than ever!

On the flip side, due to demand, our supply chain has been impacted and we’re all experiencing delays and shortages in the parts needed for renovations. We’ve pivoted by ordering popular parts in advance and keeping stock on hand to ensure our projects run smoothly with as minimal impact on our customers as possible.

Photos: Livwell Collective

03. What design trends are you seeing right now?

Krystal: Moving away from the traditional white kitchen! While we still do a lot of white, we’re seeing a lot more clients get creative in what they’re doing with their cabinetry and the colours they use. Although everyone still loves neutrals, more customers are trying greys, navys, or cloudy, creamy colours.

People are also choosing more organic materials, like Travertine stone, and shifting away from glossy white subway tile backsplashes.

04. What’s something people should know before they start renovating?

Krystal: Don’t try to do it yourself. Especially if you’re not in the industry, it can be an extremely frustrating process. There are so many things, steps, options people don’t think about because they don’t know what they don’t know! We know all the ins and outs of everything and can guide them through every step of the process.

Also, it may seem obvious, but find a way to be okay with your home being upside down for a while. Your home is going to be dusty and in disarray, but the end result is going to be beautiful and worth the wait.

Before

Photos: Livwell Collective

After

05. What business leader do you admire, and why?

Krystal: Donald Miller. He started his career as an author and publisher and throughout the years adapted to become a marketing and business coach. He took the expertise he developed in writing and communications and shifted to create a whole new thriving business. I admire how, when presented with an obstacle, he used it pivot in a new direction to adapt and grow his business. Reading his books and attending his workshop changed the way we run our business and the way we tackle challenges.

06. What’s a resource you use that you think more people should know about?

Krystal: Mediation apps – I use them every single morning. Especially with the mental health problems going on right now finding a few moments in the mornings to just be is so grounding. Take 2-3 minutes to ground and prepare yourself for the day.

Learn more about Livwell Collective and how to contact them on their website – livwellcollective.com.

This interview has been edited and condensed.