Testimonials

“Our experience with Sarah Gallop Design was overwhelmingly positive. They helped us create a space that is beautiful, functional and truly us. We worked with Jessica and her attention to detail was impeccable. Their design process was informed and considered -they listened and understood our likes and dislikes and considered how our family lives and uses the space before jumping into design. This made for a smooth and efficient design process with zero wheel-spinning. It was also important to us that we worked with a firm that understood the construction process, getting the technical details right, as we knew this impacts the build, timelines, and budget. SGDI delivered.”

Leia Rogers, Vancouver BC
Custom Home

“We hired Top Shelf Design after searching for designers that worked in our area and we are absolutely thrilled with the results. From start to finish, Sarah and the team made the entire process pleasurable, and we now have a home that we love! Thanks to Sarah’s creative ability to re-imagine space, we made structural changes to the kitchen, the master bedroom, and added additional windows. Not only were Sarah and her team supportive during the design process, but throughout the renovation, they were willing to listen and offered suggestions that were invaluable and greatly appreciated. It is without hesitation that I recommend Top Shelf for anyone looking to renovate their home. We are delighted with the results they achieved, and we look forward to enjoying the beautiful space they have created for many years to come! Thank you!”

Valerie B.

“We approached Sarah Gallop and decided to hire Top Shelf Design Inc. when we determined that it was time to change the look and feel of our home. We really wanted to brighten up our place – Our objective was simple – give us light, warmth and a contemporary look – They really listened and were able to translate our objective into a design that completely transformed our home in ways we could not have imagined. From the first meeting, Sarah understood who we are and what we would like and, while the finished home is very much us, what you see is entirely the result of the designer we chose. We are very impressed by our experience with Top Shelf Design and would certainly recommend them; they listen to who you are and what you want and then translate that into a design that is uniquely you.”

Laurie B.

“When we were building our new home, our builder recommended Sarah Gallop and her team for the architecture and design part of the project. We were confident that we were in good hands after the first meeting with Rob and Sarah to discuss our lifestyle and vision for the new home. They were knowledgeable, professional and down to earth. Sarah captured all of our ideas and wish list, and designed a home that fits our family lifestyle. The team at SGDI worked closely with our builder throughout the build process and made the project quite smooth. The end result is a gorgeous and functional home which fits our family. We highly recommend Sarah and her team, in fact we already have recommended SGDI to some of our friends and will continue to do so. It has been such a pleasure working with SGDI!”

Daniel Kuo, Richmond BC
Custom Home

“Sarah Gallop and her team were recommended by friends. We reviewed Sarah’s website and felt her team was the right fit for us. This was reinforced when we reached out to them. Rob Gallop was in touch with us right away to explain the initial process and answer our initial questions. Another team member then promptly reached out to us to begin the design process. Although we already had architectural plans done and a contractor retained for our from-the-ground-up renovation, Sarah’s team were invaluable in reformatting the construction plans to maximize functionality and to best achieve our design vision. When we met with Sarah’s team, they were incredibly well prepared and we loved everything they proposed. Sarah’s team was involved throughout the construction process and offered alternative suggestions in terms of both construction and finishing in response to any changes that arose. Everyone who visits our home is awed by the design and finishing choices that Sarah and her team helped us make. We have already recommended Sarah and her team to countless people and will continue to do so.”

Mike Robinson, North Vancouver BC
Renovation

“We built our house 24 years ago and it was when talking to our children that they suggested we do a renovation on our house. We have a good sized south-facing lot with an in – ground pool on a quiet cull-de-sac, and despite a few small renovations over the years, we realized we were due for some changes. But, where to start? It was a good friend of ours who suggested Sarah Gallop, a local, award-winning designer. We didn’t even look any further, as we heard back from Rob Gallop immediately after our first tentative contact.

Our initial ideas were expanded upon into a much larger scope, making our project a full house renovation after discovering our radiant floor heating on both floors was done with Poly B piping and we would inevitably spring a leak at any time. Also, our last-forever tile roof was losing integrity and needed to be replaced as well. Not only did Sarah’s team take all our added issues into account, they were melded beautifully into the design. We went with a metal roof that added a whole new great look to the outside of our house, along with beautiful natural rock work both inside and out.
Sarah chose the contractor for us and worked closely with them as well as us to bring all our wishes into fruition. This was especially helpful, as we were traveling a great deal during that time, and Sarah was able to handle any issues that arose on our behalf.

We moved several walls, added a covered patio area with speakers, heaters, and lights, beautiful ceiling and wall trims and the walk-in closet of my dreams.

Sarah and her team followed us from the first stage of design and permits, through to completion with excellent attention to detail, including choosing the perfect furniture for our new open concept living room, dining room and kitchen space. And the results are simply stunning!

We have virtually a new home from top to bottom, inside and out and we LOVE it!

We would highly recommend Sarah and her team – in fact, we are about to do another renovation project on our summer home in the Okanagan and we have contracted Sarah Gallop for our second time!”

Lloyd and Betsy Lockhart, Delta BC
Renovation

“Sarah Gallop Design was recommended to us by friends who had worked with them. We were reconfiguring our kitchen layout so I wanted a professional opinion but I was hesitant about using a designer because I felt like I already had an aesthetic vision. Rob was great from the very beginning, he put my mind at ease about the level of collaboration, walked us through the process, and helped us get started.

They took my ideas and were able to create a design that perfectly captured everything I wanted to do but even better than I imagined. We talked through the different kitchen configurations and they addressed every concern with practical recommendations. I always felt like they were receptive to modifications or adjustments. Selecting finishes and furnishings was a breeze because I never had to doubt my choices, I knew they would look great and work well in our design because of their expertise.

When it came to the construction, Sarah and the team worked amazingly with our contractor Wes from Hoskins Homes. We were surprised that the whole process was actually enjoyable. It really helps to know you have a solid team and well defined plans. We were very happy with the final product and still love our new home.

We would highly recommend Sarah and her team for any project. Sarah’s team has amazing expertise and an ability to turn your vision into a reality.”

Crissy M., Delta BC
Renovation

“When we purchased our home 20 years ago, it was always with the intent of renovating and modernizing it. When the time came, we searched for the best interior designers and Sarah’s name came up as a top award winner in the Vancouver area and we immediately made the call. From the initial discussions to the final plans, Sarah and her team made the project seamless. They worked tirelessly with the consultants, engineers, and city to get all designs and permits in place and recommended contractors who we were able to have full confidence in. While we didn’t have a final vision when we started the design process, Sarah and her team helped us create the open kitchen plan we’d always dreamed of, update the whole main floor to include a beautiful entrance, living room and dining area and integrate it with the rest of the house. They also helped us select the materials and furniture to come up with the perfect result and a home we are proud of. We are extremely happy with the result and would highly recommend Sarah and the team to anyone considering a home renovation.”

Larry & Verna Heizlmeir, White Rock BC
Main Floor Renovation

“Sarah and her team’s design for the renovation of our typical 1970’s boxy house has transformed it to a beautiful, light filled, airy, open space that wows all our visitors. From our first meeting with Sarah we were excited by the possibilities that she suggested and reassured that there would be no unpleasant surprises as the project proceeded. We weren’t disappointed. Sarah clearly understood our wish for an open concept living room, dining room and kitchen that would also open up views to our backyard. The final plan involved incorporating the balcony along the front of the house into the interior space and relocating two bedrooms from the back to the front of the house. These changes meant that the exterior needed an update. Sarah and Niki were meticulous in detailing every aspect of the design and material selection and helpful in finding alternatives if we changed our mind. We have beautiful built ins in the dining area, living area as well as window seats in our new bedrooms. We love everything about our renovation and feel like we are living in a new home, in a neighbourhood we love! We couldn’t have imagined the redesign of our home without their expertise, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.”

V. Wilmot, Delta BC
Renovation

“We approached Sarah Gallop and decided to hire Top Shelf Design Inc. when we determined that it was time to change the look and feel of our home. We really wanted to brighten up our place – with its dark floors and dark cabinetry, the north facing home just did not get enough light! Our objective was simple – give us light, warmth and a contemporary look – and don’t ask us to pick out a thing! They really listened and were able to translate our objective into a design that completely transformed our home in ways we could not have imagined. The open concept with its large widows, warm palette, clean lines and unique stone and wood features has turned our home into something really special. The feature wall in the staircase is particularly outstanding! An added bonus in the design, and one that Sarah paid attention to even though it was not on our radar initially, was the clever use of custom millwork throughout creating stylish functionality and storage opportunities without compromising the bright, warm contemporary feel. From the first meeting, Sarah understood who we are and what we would like and, while the finished home is very much us, what you see is entirely the result of the designer we chose. They also referred us to our builder, Aaron of Finnish Builders Inc. who did an amazing job with the construction and all of the unique finishing details – and under budget! We are very impressed by our experience with Top Shelf Design and would certainly recommend them; they listen to who you are and what you want and then translate that into a design that is uniquely you.”

L. Bachynski, Vancouver BC
Renovation

“I purchased a house that needed updating on a tight timeframe before moving in and knew exactly who to call! My current house was still as beautiful as when Sarah Gallop and her team helped me renovate it years ago, it just didn’t fit our family anymore, so it made sense to use them again… This being my 2nd project with Sarah I knew exactly what I was signing up for, and that I could trust her to take the design forward so that construction could be achieved in the expedient manner which I required and make this new place into something that I could love. Top Shelf Design was able to take my vision for this straightforward home renovation and put together all the documents to make everything as easy as possible for my builder. I was mostly hands-off on this one, with a few straightforward requests, and the place turned out wonderfully! I wanted the house to be fun and decorative but upheld functionality and easy maintenance as my main goals. The only major change was the removal of a dividing wall between the kitchen and previous dining room area that has dramatically changed the vibe of the home into a very interactive space. A built-in nook was added to the kitchen, which along with bar top seating for 5, provides enough space for comfortable family dining, eliminating the need for a formal dining room and providing more space for our busy family of boys! The bar top creates a welcoming space for guests. This becomes the main gathering spot for both my family members and when I have guests over. The extension of our kitchen allowed for more storage cabinetry as well, which keeps the house looking organized and uncluttered. With all the considerations made for the house to be clean and functional, there was still careful thought put into ensuring that it would be pleasingly decorative to my artistic eye. My spa-like ensuite is one of the highlights for me personally, patterned tiles and nice new fixtures to match throughout. The home looks great and feels comfortable! We love it all!”

Cathy Zhang, Vancouver BC
Renovation

“We bought our home with a plan to renovate the great room including the kitchen. That was at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, and we had no idea of what challenges that would present. Enter Top Shelf Design to the rescue. At first, we were impressed by the website, showing not a singular look, but a wide variety of beautiful homes’ interiors and exteriors, indicative of a design team that created for the clients’ individual preferences and lifestyles. It also showed a highly qualified group of professionals including designers recognized by the Interior Designers Institute of BC, who can attend to and support all the construction and architectural details as well as the look of the final project. With this vital skill set, Sarah Gallop and her team at Top Shelf Design worked seamlessly with our builder to easily manage the unexpected. They guided us through the big picture with multiple creative floor plan options and then through the myriad of choices for flooring, ceiling details, cabinetry, tiling, lighting, colour palette and furniture. The design team made our decisions easy by presenting just a few carefully selected options, so we weren’t overwhelmed. Additional options were always available on request, but we often returned to the team’s original suggestions. The result was a timeless and comfortable kitchen and great room that will function well now that the pandemic restrictions are lifting, allowing us to bring our extended family and friends back into our wonderfully updated home.”

Kathleen Johnson, South Surrey BC
Renovation

“While planning a reno on our older house, we knew we needed help. We met with a couple of designers but were really impressed with Sarah and her team. We hired Top Shelf based on our first meeting. Sarah’s ability to look at a space and come up with a completely new layout was amazing. Many people had tried to reimagine the space, but no one came up with the layouts that Sarah did. We were given six different options to consider. This let us match possibilities with budgets. The entire process was amazing and just helped reduce stress. Once a layout was picked, the Top Shelf team and Niki did a great job helping us pick the finishings. The amount of time and stress that was saved is immeasurable. Sarah and Niki worked closely with us and got everything together quickly. We always felt like a priority even though we were just doing a smaller reno compared to their full house projects. Having a comprehensive plan to hand to the builders meant that the vision became reality. The project moved along swiftly thanks to all the work that the Top Shelf team did. Working with Top Shelf was the best decision that we made with our reno. It made sure we avoided the common reno disaster stories and just have a beautiful new space that we couldn’t be happier with.”

Lisa Kinneard, Delta BC
Renovation

“Our home was dated and posed some barriers to our ultimate enjoyment. We had decided that we wanted to stay in this house, so we sought professional help to take it from what it was to what we wanted it to be. Sarah Gallop and her team were able to clearly understand our dilemma and to see how we wanted to live in our home. They suggested some very creative design solutions. One of the issues was that the house felt disconnected from the backyard, accessed only by one awkward sideways door from the eating nook. Now our new kitchen opens completely by means of an accordion door system onto a brand new back patio living space. This has transformed our outdoor enjoyment and entertaining ability. Another improvement was a beautiful timeless fireplace that became the focal point of our family room. Built in shelves around it gave us a special place to display family treasures. Sarah Gallop Design coordinated everything from start to finish. We felt overwhelmed with the prospect of starting such a large renovation and having to choose from so many options and details, but SGDI was able to narrow down the materials, finishes and fixtures to a few options for us to choose. This made it an enjoyable and stress free experience. We were able to leave everything in the designers’ hand and ended up with a beautiful and cohesive design, and a home we are proud of and love. We would recommend SGDI to anyone considering a renovation.”

Ann & Chris Hartman, South Surrey BC
Renovation

“Our home needed a major renovation which included the complete main floor as well as three upstairs bathrooms. We contacted Rob and Sarah Gallop as they have a great reputation in our community. We’re happy we did as they exceeded our expectations! Our initial contact started with Rob who was able to provide us an honest perspective as to the process and costs of a major renovation. On the design and selection of materials we worked closely with Sarah and Kaylee who were very easy to work with and quickly picked up on our style and tastes. They were able to come up with many creative ideas for us as well as to provide feedback on our ideas as to what would and wouldn’t work. After the renovation we also had Sarah and Kaylee assist us with furniture layout and selection that fit with our renovation. We made the right choice in trusting Sarah and the Top Shelf Design team with our renovation and furniture selection!!”

Dave Gilliland, Tsawwassen BC
Renovation

“The Top Shelf Design team was amazing work with. Truly the best part of our reno process. Sarah and her team helped us create an open concept kitchen, living and dining area as well as expand and update our powder room. From the first meeting Sarah understood what we wanted to do and was able to take our thoughts and expand on them and make them better. The material and furniture selection process was quick and painless. The team was also quick to offer alternative selections when we wanted to see more options. Both my husband and I work full time and have 2 busy kids. It was so nice not to spend our weekends looking for tile, flooring, lighting etc.. They were always quick to get back to us when we had questions or concerns. Our home looks amazing and we could not be happier!! At least once a day I say “I LOVE our house”. Wouldn’t hesitate to engage in their services again.”

Lynne Taverner, Ladner BC
Renovation

“When it came time to renovate our home, there really was only one choice; I love Sarah’s design aesthetic. We had gone to several Vancouver Home Shows and decided to approach Sarah to renovate our home. My husband was a little hesitant but Rob put him at ease about the process. From the first time that Sarah came to our house, to the final photographs, the process was enjoyable. She helped us to see the potential in our house, and she came up with a design that allowed us to use the space more effectively. Sarah and Kaylee incorporated many of our choices from our Houzz account, and in some instances, read our minds! They listened to both of our concerns and took both of our tastes and styles into account – not an easy task. The result is a beautiful home that we love. We can’t believe we get to live here! Thank you to the whole team at Top Shelf Design.”

Renae Risley, Langley BC
Renovation

“We are absolutely thrilled with our kitchen Renovation, and it is largely because of the skills and expertise of the professionals at Top Shelf Design. They gave us a layout that we had never even contemplated (and significantly added value to our home) and provided us with suggestions for materials and finishes that professionally integrated the renovation. We can unreservedly say that hiring Top Shelf Design was the best dollar value decision of the entire project. Relying on a team of professionals with reams of experience ensured that we got a professionally designed kitchen at the best possible cost. We are pleased to give Top Shelf Design our highest recommendation for the work they did for us. Thanks again.”

Greg & Laurene Whalley, Tsawwassen BC
Renovation

“We engaged Sarah Gallop in February 2014. We were extremely frustrated with our house designer and needed help. She was AMAZING! She was able to take all of our dreams and convert them onto paper. We were very worried about our budget because it was tight as we were a year late in beginning construction. She understood this and recommended ideas to fit. When we received our invoices they were always fair and were within the range she projected. We LOVE our house! Sarah designed so many areas of our house but two of my favourites are my kitchen and office. They are so well organized and functional. As someone who loves to entertain there is room for everyone and all my gadgets. Every single drawer, nook, and cranny has a purpose. It is a chef’s dream. My office is similar – no ugly printers can be seen anywhere. Lastly, I am someone who loves the process of picking out items and I wanted to be part of all decisions. I was worried that I might struggle when working with a designer because I wasn’t fully ready to hand over all the decisions. Sarah understood my needs and was happy to provide me with choices and guide me in the right direction. We will forever be grateful to her for creating our dream home!”

Jen Barker, Ladner BC
Custom Home

“Just wanted to give some feedback from Sarah and co. We are building a new house in Vancouver and where else do I go to find a interior designer then Houzz? I was most impressed by Sarah’s projects, so much that we are taking a lot of elements of it and incorporating it into our design. Rob followed up with my initial inquiry and was quite informative, at that stage of the contact we just submitted our plans to the city so we had plenty of time to finalize our interior plans and actual layout of the house. We met initially to kind of give them an idea of what we were going for as me and my wife like the transitional craftsman style and wanted something like that. Unfortunately, our home is on a smaller lot and we couldn’t quite pull off all that we wanted to but Sarah has helped us maximize our space and given us invaluable feedback regarding the planning of our built-ins and room layouts. We also had Sarah choose our furniture as well which we are in the process of placing the order. My builder gives Sarah top marks as well since he has been in constant contact with her in regard to the paneling, niches, built-ins, drop ceilings etc. This was our first home and me and my wife were debating on whether or not it was worth it to hire a designer…seriously Sarah and co have made our lives much less stressful. We’ve recommended Sarah to friends, and wouldn’t hesitate again to do so.
Oh yes, forgot to add, not only do you get to deal with Sarah, but you get to deal with Rob as well, he’s awesome and funny!”

Johnny & Doris Fong, Vancouver BC
Custom Home

“We have thankfully hired SGDI for our Renovation project. Their scope of work was the whole main floor of our house including kitchen, office, flooring, front door, fireplaces, powder room, staircase and furniture and drapery selection. We have had great value with our designers. They have listened to us, came up with a great open concept and helped us select all the material which fit with our style. In addition, they have been extremely valuable in providing support and dealing on our behalf with an extremely difficult contractor. Because of SGDI and their perseverance and dedication to our project, the quality of our project was finally where it was supposed to be. They really saved our home from complete disaster and we are extremely thankful for their work and will be hiring them again in the near future.”

Marie-Claude Jiles, Vancouver BC
Whole Home Renovation

“Sarah Gallop Design Inc, worked with my wife and I on a gorgeous renovation of both our kitchen and ensuite. From initial proposal discussions through all phases of construction, our experience with Sarah Gallop and her team was thoroughly enjoyable. The kitchen was initially gutted, followed by installation of spectacular new lighting, countertops, cabinets, flooring and a larger, more versatile island. The master ensuite was gutted to allow for a larger shower and more functional vanity space. We are thrilled with our “new” kitchen and ensuite, and would happily and strongly recommend SGDI to anyone looking to renovate their home. We look forward to working with Sarah and her team again on future projects.”

Mark Madryga, South Surrey BC
Main Floor Renovation

“We hired Sarah Gallop to design our main floor reno. Our house had some very strange and useless areas and I was stumped on what to do with them. From the first set of drawings I was extremely impressed with her concept; every area had a purpose and was beautifully designed.
I have been in the construction trade for over 25 years and was expecting that during the construction process I would have to make modifications to her designs and measurements because typically things will work on paper but not in reality. Every measurement and design feature fit and worked perfectly, I was truly impressed. Stephanie took over with the day to day design options and her vision and professionalism was great at no point did I feel like we were forgotten or my request for additional designs was a burden. Rob took care of ordering all the finishes and furniture, this was a great time saver and with their discounts it saved us money in the long run. I would definitely recommend using Sarah Gallop Designs.”

Mark Harrison, Delta BC
Main Floor Renovation

“We set out to renovate our beach front home in its entirety; with a new open concept main floor kitchen, living and dining area, three bathrooms, and every wall, floor, light fixture, window and door. This was our first time using a designer and I was excited to have this experience. It was a great experience from the first walk through until the photo session at the end 🙂 We enjoyed being a part of all the steps of the design process, especially showing up to the SGDI design room to view what materials the designers had selected for us. I enjoyed browsing Houzz and doing the look books to put my ideas in. Having them available to be viewed by SGDI helped with the selection process of the finishes, from doors to fireplaces to countertops etc. SGDI also assisted in recommending a great contractor to get our project built. Sarah and her team are knowledgeable, professional and always available, I would not hesitate to recommend them to others and already have. We love our updated house and are proud to show it off.”

Louise Jackson, Tsawwassen BC
Whole Home Renovation

“Working with Sarah Gallop and her team was such a treat. They were professional, accommodating and set a high standard of work with great attention to detail. Sarah and Amber listened carefully to our wishes and were able to create a space that honoured our vision. Having lived through disastrous constructions projects in the past, the thought of renovating again was overwhelming but we were reassured by SGDI’s clear design process. We chose a design that was unusual; something we hadn’t seen very often but could imagine. Sarah and her team were able to create exactly what we wanted, even better, with an outstanding level of craftsmanship and quality of materials. SGDI encouraged us to take risks and we trusted their guidance and experience. The result is a spectacular yet still practical new living space for our family. Many thanks on a job well done!”

Davina & Mike Whiteley, Tsawwassen BC
Greatroom Renovation

“We hired SGDI (Sarah Gallop) for our recent renovation – and couldn’t be happier. Her team was easy, fun, and professional throughout the entire process. Although we came in with a vision, it was missing many of the cohesive and practical details that have made all the difference in the final product. From the essentials like space-planning and use-cases, to the fun stuff like “did you know you could see the ocean if we blew out this wall” … the team was looking around corners for us each step of the way. One piece that stood out for me in particular was just how much Sarah’s team advocated for us with all of the third-party groups we’d meet along the way. The impact of moving out for four months with a young family could have been much more complicated without SGDI in our corner. We’d recommend Sarah, Stephanie, and the whole team to our friends and family in a heartbeat Thanks SGDI!”

Allan & Sharon Gault, Delta BC
Main Floor Renovation

“For all of you first time renovators out there, this review is for you!! We LOVED working with the Sarah Gallop Design team. Our designer was Stephanie (with Sarah always closely in the wings and Rob managing the money/ordering part) and she was great – more than great, AWESOME! She took my ragged scrapbook full of magazine pictures and scribbles, and turned our house into a showcase. Everyone who comes in our door now is amazed by the colour scheme, details, design and trade work. Here are some specifics: We love colour and we got colour, but it threads throughout the house is such a calming and exciting way. We wanted to update our traditional 80s house with some art deco elements – and we got it! From the front door to custom stained glass in the kitchen, the look is classic. We made some changes along the way and they were so supportive and made great suggestions. We LOVED all the tradespeople. All of them were extremely professional, respectful and excellent craftsmen. We are at the ‘deficiencies’ part of the project and I can honestly say that 99.9% of the work is done to our complete satisfaction. And we only started thinking about this last year! For a WHOLE HOME RENO we couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

Yvonne McKenna, Ladner BC
Whole Home Renovation