Good Design is in Key Details
I’m Vanessa, the designer behind Goodkey Design. I take a practical, solution-focused approach to every project, working with homeowners to design spaces that balance function, flow, and beauty.
With over 15 years of experience in the design industry specializing in custom millwork, my process combines smart storage, efficient layouts, and polished finishes.
Whether you're working with a contractor or taking a more DIY approach, I provide clarity and confidence through clear layouts, thoughtful details, and a process that makes decisions feel easier.
My Services
Space Planning
Thoughtful layouts that improve movement, storage, and everyday usability
Millwork Design
Custom millwork design for kitchens, bathrooms, closets and more including IKEA cabinetry solutions
Material Selections & Sourcing
Furniture, lighting, finishes, tile, countertops, and accessories selected to suit your aesthetic, priorities, and investment level
Budget-Conscious Solutions
Sourcing through Facebook Marketplace, vintage, and second-hand stores to create character-filled spaces at approachable prices
Home Staging & Organization
Refreshing spaces using existing pieces and simplifying everyday living through organization, downsizing, and decluttering
Kind words
“Her experience, expertise, and ability to improve both flow and function made a real difference."
"I worked with Vanessa on a large home addition in Chinatown, and she was an essential part of the project’s success. At every stage, her experience, expertise, get ‘er done pace, and design sense made a difference.
Vanessa helped me visualize the flow and function of the space. What she pointed out resulted in excellent changes — like relocating a bedroom closet and turning a wide hallway into a multi-use space. She understood my style and was able to source beautiful pieces, often recycled or second-hand, while finding great deals. Vanessa helped me make hard decisions, went into the weeds when needed, and handled details I didn’t have the appetite for — always with patience and clarity.
I sought her guidance on everything from trim to lighting to closet design. She narrowed down overwhelming choices and helped me feel confident in every decision. I love how every room turned out and highly recommend working with her!!"
Kathryn
“Vanessa is my go-to person for projects, renovations and home organizing"
"Recently, I was undergoing a bathroom renovation and was completely overwhelmed. Vanessa came to my rescue and sourced everything I needed and stuck to my budget. From the beautiful arched mirror that I wanted, to an artistic shower curtain that I didn’t know was even possible to buy, to my unique light sconces, and gorgeous granite counter top, she saw my style and chose everything with precision and care. Because of her attention to detail and natural intuition to somehow knowing what would fit both the space and my style, my bathroom is now my favourite room in the house.
Vanessa is also the most efficient person to work with. She is quick, has the right contacts and doesn’t waste a minute of your time. Whether it is a big kitchen job with custom cabinets, a new functional closet design or simply reorganizing furniture to give a new feel to a room, she can visualize the space and get to the desired outcome in no time. I am always amazed at the transformations that she creates. Thank you Vanessa for bringing both creativity and functionality into my home!"
Robin
“Functional beyond what I could have imagine... and absolutely beautiful to live in!"
"I have worked with Vanessa on several projects over the years. She designed a fabulous kitchen for my country home that was not only functional to a degree I could not have envisaged, but also beautiful to look at, be in, and work in. She also designed the bathrooms and knew when to ask for input and when to come forward with a “fait accompli.”
More recently, Vanessa designed another kitchen and a laundry room. She guided me on where to source appliances, came with me to choose countertops, and pulled together samples that made the process so much easier.
I still rely on Vanessa to help coordinate and choose paint colours so the rooms transition seamlessly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for design guidance or simply help navigating what’s available and where to find it."
Norma
“Vanessa made the whole redesign project easy and enjoyable with her honest assessment"
"Vanessa was a key part of my first-ever home renovation, including a full kitchen redesign. Her sharp eye for functionality as well as aesthetics, and an honest and straightforward assessment of different material options provided a ton of reassurance and made the whole project easy and enjoyable. Her skills and industry experience would be invaluable to anyone's kitchen ambitions and I would highly recommend her to anyone."
Coleman
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