art directors Stesha Ho ( Vancouver ), Edwin Pabellon ( BCBusiness )
digital
vice president, digital Darcy Matheson
digital marketing manager Rebekah Ho
sales representation
vice president of sales Anna Lee
vice president, custom publishing & agency services Chad Brealey
senior media specialists Brianne Harper, Mira Hershcovitch, Sheri Stubel
sales coordinator Victoria Nwaeze
email sales@canadawide.com
european sales specialist S&R media, Sylvie Durlach
tel +33 1 44 18 06 65 email srmedia@club-internet.fr
production/administration
group vice president, education & administration Jane Griffiths
group director of operations Devin Steinberg
director of circulation Tracy McRitchie manager, hr and administration Fiona Cochrane
producer, events & executive assistant to the ceo Hannah Dewar events & office manager Tessa Bilida
production manager/digital ad coordinator Kim McLane
production associate Natasha Jayawardena
production support technician Ina Bowerbank
customer service Kelly Kalirai
finance
group vice president, finance Conroy Ing, CPA, CMA vice president of finance Sonia Roxburgh, CPA, CGA accounting Terri Mason, Eileen Gajowski
address
604-299-7311 fax 604-299-9188 web westernliving.ca email sales@canadawide.com
Local Wisdom
When I met with friends and colleagues after coming home from this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan, I was often asked two questions in short succession. First, typically, was “What was the best thing you did?”
Salone is the world’s biggest furniture fair, and that translates into design activations literally all over the city. There’s nothing quite like it: you might discover an up-andcoming designer showcasing their works in an abandoned greenhouse, or a luxe furniture brand presenting their 2026 collection throughout a 15th-century villa. You’re there for a 360-degree immersion in design, and I’m not sure I could choose just one favourite—but I did love trendspotting along the way, which you can read all about on page 18.
And, of course, being that I’d just returned from Italy, the second question I was asked won’t come as a surprise: “What was the best thing you ate?” And my answer—delicate fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta, a melt-in-your-mouth beauty of a dish—wasn’t a happy accident of discovery, but instead an expert tip from my dining partner that night, Ross Bonetti, owner of Vancouver’s Livingspace. Ross is both a tastemaker—many of the furniture designs you’ll spot in the homes in every issue are sourced from his beautiful shop in the Armoury District—and has been heading to Salone for nearly 40 years; when he suggested Stendhal for dinner, I knew I was in for a treat. (You know someone is a regular at a place when the host says, “Mister Ross, your table is ready.”)
Back in Vancouver, as so many of us across the West continue to lean in to supporting our favourite local restaurants and businesses, the Western Living team is taking a cue from my good fortune with Ross Bonetti’s tip, and looking to the pros in our midst for advice: starting from this issue, the designers we feature in these pages will share their own go-to local cafés, restaurants, design shops and more along with their stunning residential work. And while I’m attempting to recreate that beautiful Milanese zucchini blossom in my home kitchen this summer, I’ll also be ruminating over my own local answers to the “what’s the best thing you ate?” question, so I can be quick on the draw when someone inevitably asks for a recommendation. (Here’s one that comes to mind right away: you’ll love the salted caramel budino from Folietta in Vancouver’s Grandview-Woodland.)
Innotech Windows + Doors is a local manufacturer of highperformance European-style windows and exterior doors. Our products are specified by progressive building professionals for custom residences that are both architecturally striking and deeply sustainable.
VICTORIA
Unit 106, 1551 Broadway St., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6N9 Office: 604 949 3046
Unit 3, 1010 Yates Street,Victoria BC, V8V 3M6 Office: 250 419 7272 (Enter from Johnson St.)
HOMES+DESIGN>
Spotlighting the best of architecture and design in Western Canada.
TRADE SECRETS
Design: MEASURED
ARCHITECTURE , VANCOUVER
Builder: POWERS CONSTRUCTION
The Look: Drink It In
Though Julia Ogier, interior design director at Measured Architecture, describes this as a “high-energy home”—one that accommodates a busy Vancouver family with two kids and multiple pets—you wouldn’t necessarily know it from a look at the calming, orderly basement room. The blue-stained ash veneer cabinets hide away the children’s toys and even cleverly conceal the TV screen (and all the associated cables): no visual chaos here. Adding to the serene, everything-has-been-considered vibe is a sink and built-in beverage fridge, so the homeowners don’t have to head up to the main level when thirst strikes mid-movie night.
Ema Peter
Groovy Baby
You could get a seat cushion for the Tom Dixon Groove patio chair ($378) but then you’d miss out on seeing all the stylish, Art Decoinspired ridges. gabrielross.com
Earn Your Stripes
Even if you’re not jet-setting to Italy this summer, this generously sized Gabrielle Paris striped Weekend bag ($90) will tote the Euro-chic vibes to the beach. cocomain.ca
Stockholm Syndrome
Ikea just dropped its first Stockholm collection in seven years. The pleasantly curvy modular sofa (from $2,590 for a three-seater configuration) was worth the wait. ikea.ca
Fire It Up
Who doesn’t love a little candlelight? Right now the Fatboy Flamtastique lantern ($149) can light up the patio table after sunset; in a few months, bring the modern oil lamp indoors for a cozy winter ambiance. vanspecial.com
Clay Time
Italian ceramic artist Rina Menardi has been creating beautiful, sculptural vessels for two decades now—her handmade Anime collection (from $2,450) features slouchy, sensual pieces. providehome.com
Noteworthy
New in stores across the West.
By Stacey McLachlan
Bright Lights
Bocci’s new 141 light ($1,474) echoes the DNA of the brand’s first (endlessly beloved) 14 pendant lamp; this time, a singleaction glass pouring process creates an organic, petal-like shape. inform.ca
141 light: Kate Williams
Under Foot
The hand-woven, handknotted Salsa Moda wool rug by Paulig ($595) features the same pattern on both sides: flip it to reduce wear and tear. fullhousemodern.com
Pouf Positive
Article’s Keyla black stripe pouf ($179) is proof that you can be all things to all people: the elegant mixed-stripe finish would be just as at home in a coastal-chic space as it would a modern one. article.com
Upper Crust
Gozney’s Dome pizza oven ($2,699) heats up to 500ºC to cook your pies in just 60 seconds—but don’t you wish it took longer so you could admire its chic design? livingspace.com
Ride the Wave
With all the tariff talk, there’s never been a better excuse to buy some beautiful local ceramics. These mixed-glaze New Wave mugs ($50) from Canadian studio Night Shift will do nicely. gatley.ca
Tabled Discussion
Vancouver designer Gillian Segal teamed up with Moe’s Home for the company’s first ever designer collab, and the result is pieces like this ’90s-inspired Sartoria dining table in black granite ($4,099) with jute-wrapped pentagonal legs. moeshome.com
For over a decade, Kit has been a Calgarian’s go-to for real-deal modern furniture. Source pieces from all-star modernist design brands like Carl Hansen, Cassina, Flos, Knoll and Herman Miller (to name just a few).
739 11 Ave. SW, Calgary, kitinteriorobjects.com FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL Figure Lecture
Bring your own containers to stock up on earth-friendly cleaning products from the bulk refill stations here, then peruse other green goods like pretty wooden scrub brushes, patterned beeswax wraps and chic storage containers.
3718 Main St., Vancouver, thesoapdispensary.com
The boutique in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood is chockablock with specialty ceramics from independent artists and beautifully curated functional objects from global designers—and it hosts workshops, too, for arts like weaving and flower arranging.
2076 W 4th Ave., Vancouver, figurelecture.com
VINTAGE VIBES, MODERN MOVES
Mera Studio Architects proves that mid-century design is more relevant than ever— especially when paired with a fresh retail experience.
By Kerri Donaldson / Portraits by Nathan Elson
In a city known for shiny new builds, Calgary’s Mera Studio Architects is telling a different story. Whether it’s a cozy home or a bustling restaurant—like Fortuna’s Row, once a bare concrete shell, now a warm, Latininspired oasis of rattan, handmade tile and woven leather— all of Mera’s projects share the same beating heart: a reverence for the past. The result is that each one feels steeped in history. “We approach every project similarly,” says Mera co-founder Tara Marshall. “From big-picture concept to the tiniest detail.”
Marshall first crossed paths with fellow co-founder Meghan Bannon at a now-defunct firm, where the pair bonded over fast-paced hospitality projects and a shared ambition. “We just worked really well together,” says Bannon. “We were hardworking moms who wanted to build something of our own.”
That spirit of collaboration carries through everything they do—including the Maple Leaf House, a 1960s Calgary home that earned the duo a 2025 Western Living Design 25 award. With a dumbwaiter, a classic rumpus room and its namesake maple-leaf-shaped layout, the house had long lingered on Bannon’s real estate radar. So when a friend of Marshall’s bought it and brought Mera on board, it felt like fate.
“We were all over it,” says Marshall. “People so often strip these homes of all their character.” But this one had been lovingly preserved by its original owner—a woman in her 90s who made the sale contingent on keeping features like the handmade stair railings built by her late husband. Luckily, the new owners felt the same. “They didn’t want to gut it,” adds Bannon. “They wanted to keep what made the place iconic.”
Instead of a full overhaul, Mera gently brought the home
Sunken Treasure
In the Maple Leaf House, Mera Studio Architects brings new life to a 1960s sunken living room with warm wood panelling, exposed beams and sculptural greenery— mid-century soul, beautifully preserved.
into the present—refreshing the kitchen, dining room and entryway; merging two smaller bedrooms into a roomy primary suite; lifting the tired carpet; and choosing new finishes that honour the home’s original style. Even the travertine-like wall panels stayed. “There’s just so much depth to them,” says Bannon.
Their design-forward thinking also led to the Very Very Shop, a retail concept nestled inside their studio. Originally created to streamline sourcing for clients, it’s now a Friday pop-in destination (and online shop) for “interior objects for non-conformists,” which include things like Iziko vases, Nunca wood sculptures, Meraki hand soaps and Very Very Shop merch—and it also doubles as a creative hub for artist showcases and other happenings. “Calgary doesn’t have a ton of design events,” says Marshall. “This was a way to bring people together in a space that feels inspiring.”
Mera is putting the finishing touches on a heritage Art Deco home renovation and Banff’s Kenrick Hotel—the team’s first boutique hotel, complete with pool and spa—and has just launched its first product design: the Mera sound sconce, a sculptural speaker with dimmable lighting created in collaboration with Leon Speakers. “It was a fun challenge, four years in the making,” says Bannon. The experience sparked a new goal—their own furniture line. “We already design so many custom pieces,” adds Marshall. “It feels like the natural next step.”
They actually named the sconce before adopting the moniker for their studio, too. “We liked that it sounded feminine but strong,” says Bannon. Only later did someone point out it was a near-perfect mashup of their names. A fitting coincidence—for a duo that’s redefining the past, together.
Latin Revival
Woven-back chairs and dramatic rattan pendants transform a once-bare concrete shell into Fortuna’s Row, a vibrant cantina in Calgary’s East Village. THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
Lovely Lilac
Avoid the wilt of fresh flowers and buy yourself lilacs with staying power. This pale purple oozes calm and has a contemporary edge when paired with soft greys. Go big with a lilac-painted wall to create airiness without overwhelming a space, or choose a lamp, vase or glassware for just a flirty wink.
By Katie Nanton
Duotone self-adhesive wallpaper strip by Meraki in lilac ($115), simons.ca
28T table lamp by Bocci in purple 1 ($1,140), livingspace.com
Hydrangea paint by Benjamin Moore (from $74), benjaminmoore.com
Calice vase by Kartell ($558), livingspace.com
Tommy old fashioned glass by Saint Louis in purple ($900), atkinsonsofvancouver.com
Carry-On Pro suitcase by Monos in purple icing ($415), ca.monos.com
Botanic sofa by Natuzzi Italia in violet (from $5,030), inspirationfurniture.ca
Cala club armchair by Kettal in wild lupin ($7,380), inform.ca
WHAT’S NEXT: TOP TRENDS FROM SALONE 2025
Watch for these colours, styles and designs in home and furniture design for 2026.
By Anicka Quin
The first time I visited Salone del Mobile in Milan back in 2022, I met up with designers, PR folks and design-business owners who were regular attendees and game to share their collective wisdom on how to do the world’s biggest furniture fair right. And even with that inside help, I’m not sure I was fully prepared for the mindblowing immensity of the show itself and the impact it has on Milan.
This year, over 300,000 people from 37 countries descended on the fairgrounds and all over the city. For design lovers, it’s a week of immersive events that fuel inspiration for the year to come (wear comfortable-yetstylish shoes!). And what is to come, exactly? Here are just a few of the trends I spotted on the floor of Salone del Mobile—look for these in showrooms and living rooms from now into 2026.
Soft Geometry
Straight lines are softened; circles become ovals and atypical shapes: for furniture, it’s all about geometric designs without the right angles. Vancouver designer Christian Woo had his Milan debut with a soft-circle-meets-square design for Zanotta; another Vancouver team, Marrimor, introduced their Drape sofa, its rippling seat like a breezy curtain; Minotti’s Bézier asymmetric seating system sees poufs that seem to swoop right into the sofa itself; and Argentinian designer Six N. Five—who created several new lines for Poltrona Frau—brings biophilic design to a floor lamp with a form that resembles the leaves of a poplar tree.
1. Bulky sofa by Ethnicraft , ethnicraft.com
2. Drape by Marrimor, marrimor.com
3. Aimée by Baxter, baxter.it
4. Foliage lamp by Six N. Five for Poltrona Frau, poltronafrau.com
5. Zymmo by Christian Woo for Zanotta, zanotta.com
6. Bézier seating system by Minotti, minotti.com
7. Foliage armchair by Kartell, kartell.com
Fluid Forms
Call it a cousin of soft geometry: many designs on the floor this year were almost liquid-like in their form—shape shifting, relaxed, easy in nature. Maap from Flos is designed so that it can be infinitely rearranged on a wall, with magnetic “dots” shaping the Tyvek material into expressive shapes; for Moooi’s Drape light, designed by Torontonian Jamie Wolfond, gravity is the force behind the shape of its knitted polyester shade; and Gloster’s Wrap chair is designed to appear as though a rug has been tossed over the chair back.
1. Drape light by Jamie Wolfond for Moooi, moooi.com
2. Wrap chair by Gloster, gloster.com
3. Maap by Erwan Bouroullec for Flos, flos.com
4. Laurel chair by Minotti, minotti.com
5. Alma chair by Paola Lenti, paolalenti.com
Deep Seated
The curves came in strong last year, and for 2026 it’s getting lounge-y, too, with enveloping shapes. Sofas, like the Coupé seating system from Minotti, are truly deep dives—designer Giampiero Tagliaferri inclined the seat slightly, so the user can’t help but lean back and relax— “an homage to an era when sofas embraced the body,” as the designer notes. Biboni from Knoll is a chubby ode to the Michelin man, with precise curves designed to envelop the sitter. And Kartell’s Bonheur du Jour looks ready for a Netflix marathon or three.
1. Bonheur du Jour armchair by Philippe Starck for Kartell, kartell.com
2. Eileen modular sofa by Baxter, baxter.it
3. Coupé seating system by Giampiero Tagliaferri for Minotti, minotti.com
4. Trench by Philippe Malouin for Acerbis, acerbisdesign.com
5. Biboni by Johnston Marklee for Knoll, knoll.com
Colour Story: Moss Green and Red Oxide
Earthy, organic colours remain strong—but two in particular dominated, on everything from sofas and dining tables to lighting and outdoor furniture. Get ready to see moss green—sage green’s earthier cousin—and red oxide, a warm red that’s a sibling to weathered brick.
1. Saki by Nendo for Minotti, minotti.com
2. Pace by A-N-D in float, a-n-d.com
3. Romby armchair by Porro, porro.com
4. Anglepoise 90 lamp in avocado green, anglepoise.com
5. Emile sofa by Molteni&C, molteni.it
6. Goom sofa by MDF Italia, mdfitalia.com
7. Metallico table by Piero Lissoni for Porro, porro.com
8. Aspic table by Roda, rodaonline.com
9. Albert outdoor table by Kartell, kartell.com
10. Coney chair by Pedrali, pedrali.com
11. Pop monoblock sofa by Kartell, kartell.com
12. Plano table by Paola Lenti, paolalenti.com
13. Tokyo chair with new cord seat by Bensen, bensen.com
14. Lamorisse sofa by Pedrali, pedrali.com
MOSS GREEN
RED OXIDE
Light Angles
Euroluce, Salone’s biannual spotlight (natch) on lighting is a showcase of just how important the perfect light can be for a room. And these statement lights demonstrate that flexibility can be a beautiful thing, too, from Davide Groppi’s Set—inspired by photography equipment—to Ipoli from Montreal’s Lambert et Fils, crafted from Quebec aluminum, to Moooi’s ever-evolving Tube light. Great lights involve the human touch: yours, directing it where you want it.
1. Ipoli by Lambert et Fils, lambertetfils.com
2. Kawara light by Pedrali, pedrali.com
3. Tube light by Moooi, moooi.com
4. Set by Davide Groppi, davidegroppi.com
5. Pose by Tom Dixon, tomdixon.net
Glow on the Go
As LEDs and recharging tech gets more efficient and smarter, portable lighting—both indoors and out—becomes infinitely more stylish, too. Gloster’s Ambient Compass lantern is crafted from sustainable teak and can be recharged with solar power; Pedrali’s Filicudi portable light is designed to be waterproof, to act as a vase between charges.
1. Scoora by Dedon, dedon.de
2. Ambient Compass lantern by Gloster, gloster.com
3. Bon Jour Unplugged by Flos, flos.com
4. Filicudi portable light by Pedrali, pedrali.com
WINDOWS AND DOORS SHED LIGHT ON GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS
Energy conservation and occupant health benefits are two ways windows and doors can green up your projects
Building green brings energy efficiency and occupant well-being to homes. The building envelope is arguably the most important component to ensure a project meets green building requirements—and windows and doors are key components of the building envelope. Not only do they contribute to energy efficiency, but they also contribute to occupant comfort and well-being by minimizing uncomfortable drafts, providing natural light and reducing noise transfer. Windows and doors are also crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by lowering energy consumption in all seasons
High-quality windows and doors reduce energy use with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, multiple glazing layers and insulated frames that help maintain consistent indoor air temperatures. Progressive design professionals also ensure the design of the home— and orientation of the windows and doors— leverage solar heat gain to bring in sunlight to warm the interior in winter while using shading solutions, such as mature trees, integrated overhangs or exterior shades, to minimize sunlight in summer. These are design strategies that can significantly reduce heating and cooling loads.
Windows and doors also contribute to occupant well-being. Natural light reduces stress, improves mood and enhances cognitive function. High-performance fenestration allows homes to have abundant natural light while still achieving green building standards. Another benefit of high-quality windows and doors is their superior acoustical performance; reducing noise transfer from the outside to the inside contributes to occupant health.
In British Columbia, custom homes are consistently built to higher green building standards. Here are three examples of how intentional window and door choices can contribute to highly sustainable residences.
BOAT-ACCESS CUSTOM RETREAT
Nestled into the trees on a southwest facing lot on Gambier Island sits an incredibly efficient CHBA Net Zero certified home. This low-maintenance summer cottage, fall hideaway, winter cozy nook or spring nature observatory is built with resilient materials to be comfortable and enjoyed all year.
The builder, Blue Water Concepts, made strong choices in windows and doors, and this helped create the perfect example of an energy-efficient, comfortable and healthy home. The one-story, 1,800-square-foot space has a somewhat challenging sloped lot and no need for a lower floor, so the mechanical room was designed to "anchor" the building to the slope and have the rest of it suspended above.
The home’s sustainability features are all in the way the home was designed and built. The wall assembly comprised ½” drywall, a smart membrane (vapour control layer), ½” plywood sheathing, an air barrier, exterior insulation and triple glazed windows and doors by Innotech Windows + Doors. Standing seam metal siding finished the exterior.
It is a compact home that requires very little energy to operate. An HRV along with electric baseboards and in-floor heat in the bathrooms keeps the space cozy, supplemented by an STUV woodstove in the winter and on colder days. The home’s energy-efficiency targets were also met with integrated rooftop solar panels, which make it a net zero home (the home generates as much electricity as it requires).
The system’s simplicity is what makes it a winner. Passive design principles were applied, including the home’s location on the lot and the position of the windows and doors.
“In order to achieve superior performance targets, the windows and doors in a home must be engineered to provide superior airtightness, thermal performance and overall durability,” says Jessica Owen, brand champion with Innotech Windows + Doors. “With an average U-factor of 0.17 and airtightness of 0.014 CFM/FT2, the windows and doors ensure the home is comfortable throughout the year.”
The home exceeds the requirements for
Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code and was a finalist for the CHBA BC Georgie Awards (Best Custom Home $1.5-$2m) and the CHBA National Awards (Best Custom Home Under 2500sf, Best Custom Net Zero Home).
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN LAKE VIEW HOME
Located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, this Scandinavian-inspired modern home is nestled into its landscape with uninterrupted views of Okanagan Lake. Designed with intention by NIDO Design and carefully built by Red Stag Contracting, the energyefficient ranch-style home features many high-performance building materials and technologies.
The homeowners desired a sustainable and minimalist home. To achieve these goals, Passive House principles were applied to the design and build of the 2,250-squarefoot home. The highly insulated and airtight
building envelope includes an ICF foundation with an additional 2-5/8” EPS on either side and 2” concrete faced EPS insulation panel on the exterior, 2×12 framed walls with densepack cellulose insulation for an effective insulating value of R34, weather resistant barrier with rainscreen, and triple glazed Innotech windows and doors. The home also features a 116% efficient Minotair CERV and is powered solely by electricity with a 6.7 kw/h solar system that accounts for up to 75% of the home’s yearly usage.
“Many of the homes we build are designed with large window to wall ratios,” says Andrew Spear, founder of Red Stag Contracting. “It’s important we select the right windows and doors for our projects, otherwise we risk compromising other goals, such as energy-efficiency, for beautiful views.”
The result is a highly energy-efficient home with stunning 180-degree lake views from every space in the home.
TREEHOUSE ABODE ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Located on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, the Treehouse sits between the mountains and the ocean on a small, steep and heavily forested property. The vision was to build a high-performance home with minimal impact to its environment.
Designed by GNAR Inc. and built by Lincoln Construction, the three-storey home is strategically tucked within the forest. The placement and overall footprint of the home was designed to avoid removing or damaging mature trees. To further reduce impact on the trees, the foundation system features carefully placed screw piles instead of extensive excavation typically required for concrete footings and walls. The screw pile system also used 75% less concrete than a conventional pour and offers greater resilience in the event on earthquakes.
The 1,800-square-foot home also features a durable, airtight and insulated building envelope. The wall assembly is 2x6 construction combined with HUBER Zip system, high-performance tapes and flashings, Passive House Institute certified windows and doors manufactured by Innotech Windows + Doors, fiberglass interior insulation and 3-inch EPS exterior insulation. The result was a final blower door test of 0.28 ACH50—a testament to quality of the design, material choice and installation of the wall assembly.
Learn more about how Innotech Windows + Doors can help your project meet and exceed its green building objectives. Visit www.innotech-windows.com Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube @innotechwindowsdoors
The Hidden Benefits of Airtight Homes: Health & Comfort
An air-tight home delivers energy efficiency, healthier occupants and the ultimate lifestyle comfort
ACH50 measures how many times the air inside a building is replaced by outside air in one hour when the pressure difference between the inside and outside is 50 Pascals (Pa).
Inthe green building industry, there is a heavy focus on airtightness. Afterall, an airtight home is likely an energy-efficient home. And while we’re all familiar with the benefits of energy-efficient homes, an airtight home delivers much more.
Airtightness is a measurement of how well a building resists air leakage. In the BC Energy Step Code, the highest step for Part 9 buildings (single-family homes) requires an airtightness rating of no more than 1.0 ACH50. However, many industry professionals achieve much lower airtightness ratings to meet other standards, such as Passive House.
A More Comfortable Home
When a home is airtight, there are no uncomfortable drafts or swings in temperature. The home is better able to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
A Healthier Home
In a high-performance home, the air exchanges are controlled by the HVAC system, which includes a high-quality air filtration system that prevents pollutants, such as exhaust, pollen and wildfire smoke, from entering the home.
To achieve an ultra-low airtightness rating, the building envelope needs to be prioritized.
A Quieter Home
High-performance homes are quieter. Less noise from outside penetrates an airtight home.
Innotech Windows + Doors is a BC-based manufacturer of high-performance windows and doors that are engineered to deliver superior airtightness. Innotech products are tested to comply with—and exceed—both air infiltration and air exfiltration testing requirements.
Light-filled retreat in Squamish, BC
The team at Blue Water Concepts prioritized the overall design of the home. The team took the time to understand the sun’s path on the property, which guided several important decisions, including the orientation of the home and the overall design of the fenestration.
The home also features integrated solar panels on a metal roof and high-performance triple glazed windows and doors within a highly airtight and well insulated wall. The result is an all-season retreat that is a CHBA Net Zero certified home and meets Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code.
Learn more about how Innotech Windows + Doors can help your project achieve ultimate comfort. Visit innotech-windows.com Connect:
@innotechwindowsdoors
Design. Performance. Sustainability.
Varsa Windows and Doors is redefining glazing for the next generation.
Varsa Windows and Doors is a Canadian company that collaborates closely with Alumil, a global leader in aluminum architectural systems based in Greece. Varsa operates as a local fabricator and installer of Alumil’s advanced aluminum window, door and façade systems for custom residential and commercial glazing projects, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and design.
This partnership grants Varsa access to Alumil’s extensive product portfolio, technical resources and training programs, enabling them to deliver high-quality, energy efficient architectural solutions.
Specializing in high-performance aluminum solutions, Varsa offers a full range of custom systems including oversized windows, pivot doors, sliding and bi-fold doors, swing doors and curtain wall assemblies, all designed for both architectural impact and everyday performance. With an integrated team of sales consultants, in-house engineers and skilled installers, Varsa works directly with architects, designers and builders to streamline timelines and deliver projects that meet the highest energy efficiency standards, including Passive House and Net Zero.
Varsa brings to the market:
• Advanced European Engineering –Access to Alumil’s precisionengineered window, door and façade systems known for high performance.
• Thermal Efficiency – Installation of thermally broken systems that comply with energy-efficiency standards, providing excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Custom Solutions – Tailored aluminum systems that meet the specific needs of residential and commercial projects in Canada.
This August, Varsa is expanding into a 6,000-square-foot interactive showroom in South Surrey, set to redefine industry expectations and push boundaries on energy standards. The space will feature an 18-foot-tall, 7-foot-wide front entry pivot door, soaring lift-and-slide systems, European style window displays and a dedicated Net Zero, High Performance, Passive House learning centre showcasing the scale, precision and architectural impact Varsa delivers for commercial and residential projects.
But Varsa’s mission goes beyond aesthetics and engineering. As part of a global effort to advance environmentally responsible construction, Varsa proudly integrates Alumil’s groundbreaking Loop 80 aluminium into its projects. Developed with 80% recycled content, Loop 80 represents a major leap forward in sustainable aluminum technology.
Reducing emissions, building better
Loop 80 results in an 87% reduction in carbon emissions during production compared to conventional primary aluminum. By significantly lowering the carbon footprint associated with raw material extraction, this innovation supports climate-conscious design without compromising performance or aesthetics.
Supporting the circular economy
More than just a material, Loop 80 is a philosophy. Alumil is a founding partner of REcAL, a European initiative dedicated to enhancing aluminum recycling processes. Varsa proudly promotes these practices in North America, helping architects and builders choose smarter materials that support longterm ecological goals.
Certified and credible
Alumil’s systems, including those using Loop 80, carry Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver status, demonstrating a holistic approach to human and environmental health throughout the product lifecycle. In addition to this, Alumil and Varsa systems support LEED credits and meet stringent criteria for low-VOC emissions, NAFS certification and use of recycled content.
Join us in building greener
Backed by global credentials, including NAFS certifications, LEED support, EPDs, Cradle to Cradle certification, OK Recycled aluminum, 80% recycled aluminum use and low VOC emissions, Varsa and Alumil are committed to delivering excellence in both residential and commercial projects, ensuring the highest standards of sustainability and performance.
Learn more about Varsa Windows and Doors at varsa.ca Connect: @varsa.ca | @VarsaWindowsandDoors 604.213.5232 | info@varsa.ca
Lush landscapes, classic exteriors and contemporary interiors combine in this Vancouver home from Gateway Architecture, The Creative Designworks and Paul Sangha Creative.
By
TOM FORD IN THE COUNTRY
Sara Harowitz / Photos by Ema Peter
Country Modern
The main residence and barn feature pitched roofs and large stone cladding (opposite page), while the interior exudes a more modern aesthetic with rich velvet furnishings, striking lighting and sleek concrete floors. The twin pieces behind the sofa are from artist Julie Mehretu.
In the Mood
The dining room (below) features a work from artist Jeff Koons. The Minotti dining table and chairs and the Molteni&C buffet are from Livingspace.
“Because Southlands has such beautiful old-growth trees and lush foliage, I really wanted to capture that as a backdrop to the home.”
Kelly Suffron Keay and Aaron Keay were planning to move their young family to Australia. They had sold their home, toured schools and neighbourhoods and even packed up their belongings. But then their dream Vancouver property came up for sale.
Located in the idyllic Southlands neighbourhood, the property had everything they wanted: space, seclusion, a true residential feel and a blank canvas on which to build their perfect family home.
“I love the community aspect of it,” Suffron Keay says of Southlands. “There are kids riding their bikes, there are horses. It’s a really, really great neighbourhood, and there’s people and energy. It’s a great place to raise kids.” And so, the couple decided that Australia would have to wait. For one thing, Suffron Keay—an interior designer by trade, under the name The Creative Designworks Inc.— now had a big job to do.
They tore down the old house on the property and started from scratch, working with Michael Cox at Gateway Architecture on the home itself and Paul Sangha and Mohit Srivastava of Paul Sangha Creative on the landscape architecture, teaming up with Fossil Landscape
Curves Ahead
“The atmosphere that we always aim to create across all our projects is one of peace and tranquility,” says landscape architect Paul Sangha. “We create that by focusing on fluidity in terms of movement through the garden and a sense of seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.”
“What I like to think about is how water naturally flows. In the same way, outdoor areas can feel like a continuation of a home, creating a sense of seamless movement so that you’re not thinking about, ‘Well, I’ve got to do this to get to here’ to be able to enjoy those spaces.”
Outdoor Retreats
“We had to carefully consider how to bring the landscape up to the house in a way that was effortless and harmonious,” remembers Sangha. “For a year, we meticulously crafted landscape concepts alongside the evolving house design.”
Construction. Suffron Keay took the lead on the design, with the goal of paying homage to the home’s rural setting while at the same time making it feel fresh and modern.
“Because Southlands has such beautiful old growth trees and lush foliage I really wanted to capture that as a backdrop to the home,” she says. “We positioned windows where the natural surroundings would be captured.”
Her plan was to use luxurious fabrics, cohesive colours and clean lines, resulting in an aesthetic that she affectionately dubbed Tom Ford in the Country. With that vision in mind, the home came together as a strategically harmonious blend of contemporary design elements—concrete floors, large windows, plush velvet furniture, natural marble countertops, modern art (by the likes of Jeff Koons and David LaChapelle)—coupled with more traditional country home features like pitched roofs, tree canopies and large stone cladding.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
PAUL SANGHA’S LOCAL FAVOURITES
FOR BREAKFAST
My wife and I stop in at Beaucoup Bakery, on the edge of Kitsilano in Vancouver, on Saturdays to split a cardamom kouign-amann and onion bacon scroll—the perfect sweet and savoury start.
FOR DINNER
La Buca in the Arbutus Ridge area is a cozy neighbourhood gem where the food is always thoughtful and quietly exceptional.
FOR COFFEE
Thomas Haas’s espresso rivals any in Europe; I always go for the cappuccino.
FOR DRINKS
The bar at Nightingale is a lively downtown spot for a perfectly made cocktail in a buzzy, doublestorey space.
FOR THE WEEKEND
We love to head to the Four Seasons Whistler—morning coffee at Forecast Coffee, an afternoon walk around Lost Lake and dinner at the unmatched Rimrock Café
FOR A LITTLE
LONGER
Tofino is the ultimate West Coast escape. A walk along Chesterman Beach is even better in the rain, with waves crashing along the shore.
Paul Sangha: Brett Ryan Studios; Chesterman Beach: Shutterstock/EB
Green Scene
The primary ensuite is clad in marble, a moody material that contrasts beautifully with the greenery peeking through the window.
A standout design feature is the sunken sofa in the living room, which was custom-built by Vancouver’s WD Western Designers in a delicious shade of hunter green. Minotti Flirt coffee tables and a Baxter Onyx table from Livingspace complete the look, which perfectly encapsulates Suffron Keay’s vision for a contemporary country home. During construction, though, the living room raised a few eyebrows.
“Everyone walked in and went, ‘What are you doing here? That’s ridiculous. What is this, a fishing pond?’” she recalls. “That sunken living room was the first thing that I designed, because in Southlands you don’t have basements. There are not many homes where you can do that.”
And while there might not be a fishing pond, the outdoor landscape has plenty of beautiful features, from the fire pits and the glass-tiled pool to the long country-lane driveway engulfed in layered foliage.
“The project incorporates many classical elements typical of a country home, but with a refined, minimalist approach,” says Paul Sangha. “We integrated the feel of a country lane by adding a planted strip along the centre of the driveway for a softer touch, while the trees lining both sides create filtered views, keeping the destination subtly hidden.”
Those view-filtering trees—Japanese stewartias— are bordered by grasses, while trimmed hedges give a sense of structure to the lane. More plants appear as you draw closer to the house, including Japanese maples and azaleas.
“We aimed to create a sense of compression as you move down the driveway,” Sangha says, explaining that the heavy planting of trees creates a tunnel-like effect, “while the rising garden makes the house appear as though it’s emerging naturally from the surrounding vegetation.”
Into the Blue
The pool’s surface features uniform glass tiles, which provides a lovely splash of colour while maintaining a serene, reflective quality to the water elements in the landscape.
There is also a strong emphasis on a sense of fluidity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. “What I like to think about is how water naturally flows,” Sangha says. “In the same way, outdoor areas can feel like a continuation of a home, creating a sense of seamless movement so that, he explains, “you’re not thinking about, ‘Well, I’ve got to do this to get to here’ to be able to enjoy those spaces.”
Despite the striking result, the project was not always smooth sailing: Suffron Keay acknowledges there was “a lot of pivoting.” For one thing, the entire home had to be raised by 10 feet (not a simple task), because Southlands is located on the Fraser River floodplain. And, right when they were nearing the end of construction, the city made them flip the entire configuration of the house so that the backside of the driveway wasn’t facing a neighbouring property.
“What I can say, ironically,” she reflects, “is every setback that we were faced with ended up making the property better.”
The couple and their three young children moved into the home in 2021 after two and a half years of construction, and Suffron Keay says it feels amazing: “It’s a place where you come home and you take a breath.”
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Partners in Design
Fashion powerhouse
Liz Bell and artist David Burns relax on the patio of their labour of love outside Osoyoos, B.C.
INTO THE ARID
How the charms of the big desert enchanted two Vancouver creatives.
By Neal McLennan / Photos by Jon Adrian
TThe desert has always exerted a siren’s call on the artists among us: Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz in New Mexico, Donald Judd in Marfa and James Turrell in Arizona all did their greatest work amid the combination of light, spareness, heat and expanse that only the arid environment seems to provide. This poses a problem for Canadian creatives, as we’re notoriously long on trees but short on sand, save for one tiny corner of the South Okanagan that is as dry and barren as the more famous desert regions to the south. So perhaps it’s no coincidence that it was said corner that drew artist David Burns and his wife Liz Bell to build their creative retreat.
The couple’s primary residence has long been in scenic Lions Bay, which is no slouch when it comes to inspiring vistas: it influenced Burns’s paintings and offered Bell easy access to the modelling and talent agency that she founded in 1992 and has since grown into a Canadian powerhouse. But, like for many others, their thoughts drifted to a potential second home during the pandemic. The couple were frequent visitors to the central Okanagan area, but oddly had never spent much time in the southern part of the Valley. So, when they came across an interesting listing just outside of Osoyoos, they didn’t know what to expect.
No Boundaries
The stunning Spotted Lake, sacred to the local Syilx First Nation, is the couple’s next-door neighbour.
Space Oddity
The property is 11 acres, but its situation makes it feel even more remote—at night, only the light of two other houses can be seen.
As their car climbed the 10 kilometres west of town, they left the lake, vineyards and powerboats that most people identify with the Okanagan behind. Instead, the landscape turned more arid, with desert sagebrush dotting an earthen-hued landscape of beiges and browns. And while the surroundings offered a welcome surprise (for South African native Bell, it reminded her of her home country’s African veld), the house was a work in progress. On the plus side, it had been a labour of love for the sellers—an Alberta couple who had lived in a RV on the 11-acre plot for two years before building in order to situate their home in the ideal spot. On the not-soperfect side, the sellers were dedicated horse people, so much of the space had been designed with that passion in mind. But Burns was enthralled by the property, and Bell, who’s the best in the business in finding beauty that’s been foolishly overlooked, knew she could reimagine the house into something special.
The massive supporting beams were initially a glossy orange before Bell got her hands on them and re-painted.
Broad Sketches
While the flooring (above and left) resembles Mexican Saltillo tiles, it’s actually stamped concrete (equipped with in-floor heating).
Pretty in Paint
LIZ + DAVID’S LOCAL FAVOURITES
FOR BREAKFAST
When we’re in the Okanagan, we love brunch at The Bear, The Fish, The Root and The Berry restaurant at Spirit Ridge. The dishes are hugely influenced by the culture of the Syilx Nation and their traditional foods, such as bannock and salmon, and a lot of the dishes are infused with local berry and sage flavours.
FOR LUNCH
Stopping at Local Harvest on Lickman Road in Chilliwack on the drive up to the farm is the very best idea. We love their chicken sandwiches. The produce is all sourced and grown locally, of course organic and so beautifully presented.
Another one of our all-time favourite spots is Sophia’s Mexican food truck at the foot of the hill between the farm and Osoyoos. Their burritos are to die for, and paired with a Jarritos guava soda, you can’t go wrong.
FOR DINNER
We will drive an hour from the farm to Penticton just to have the pizzas at Tratto pizzeria. We were first introduced to Tratto by our friends Sarah and Murray Bancroft (of Birch Block Vineyard) during COVID. We knew that if they recommended it then it had to be good, as they are total foodies.
FOR COFFEE
Everything about Isetta Cafe Bistro, just down the road about 10 minutes from our home in Lions Bay, is enticing: the food, the coffee, the ambiance—not to mention it’s the best place to take meetings.
FOR DESIGN
The most beautifully curated design store in Vancouver is, bar none, Provide in the Armoury District. The owner and co-founder, David Keeler, is one of the kindest people we know. He has a keen eye for talent and both the store and gallery are thoughtfully curated with designs from local as well as international artists, artisans and designers.
FOR EVERYTHING ELSE
If you ever need anything, you have to head to Global Grocers in Oliver. This unassuming store on the outskirts of town, right on the main highway, is a treasure trove of delicious, hard-to find ingredients and products. From Indian spices to homemade pakoras to South African chutneys and Middle Eastern spices, they have it all. The proprietors are warm and welcoming, and when you enter you’re greeted like you’re old friends, and they will go to the ends of the earth to bring in something for you that they don’t already carry.
Local Harvest: Maddy Greenwood; Tratto: Wade Comer
Lofty Ambitions
Burns paints all year long in the not-quite-winterized studio he’s created on the property.
Fun and Games
The pull of the property means the couple frequently work remotely in order to stay longer at their perfect getaway.
After the couple closed on the property, the real effort began. Down went the horse paddocks and fencing (Burns kept the horse shelter, converting it into a makeshift studio) and work started on rewilding much of the native environment. As for the house, step one was a major whitewashing that transformed the honey-hued interior into one that draws heavily on the southwestern adobe tradition (with a side of South African Cape Dutch). Burns and Bell reimagined the kitchen as an open, easygoing space, and then lightened up and modernized the bathrooms (the couple, isolated both by the location and the pandemic, amazingly did all the work themselves). But it’s a testament to Bell’s vision that she and Burns were able to effect a wholesale transformation with zero structural modifications. That’s probably a good thing, as the substantial exterior walls, while a doppelganger for authentic adobe, are in fact insulated concrete forms with a full six inches of cement for stability and insulation.
Furnishing the home likewise took on a “necessity is the mother of invention” theme, with Bell doing almost all of her sourcing via Facebook Marketplace—a task that was a bit less tricky than it would be for most, thanks to her famous eye. (It also helps to have an acclaimed artist at the ready to turn the walls of the space into a gallery with his work.)
A bocce court was added, and then later a swimming pool—once again, with the work done by Bell and Burns themselves after their first contractor proved to be a bust. Burns’s uninsulated studio has become the hub of his output, even if it means he’s shirtless in the summer and coat-ed up in the winter. But, despite the temperature swings, the studio helps connect him closely to his outdoor surroundings; a recent series saw him dragging large painted canvases out under the sun to accelerate the drying process, inspired by the cracking texture of nearby Spotted Lake as it evaporates under the intense summer heat. And Bell has been equally inspired: while she continues to run her agency, she’s also found time to recently wrap up an 80,000-word memoir.
And so a pandemic side-project has morphed into something much deeper—an artistic and soulful retreat that’s heavy on inspiration, with a side of solitude thrown in.
In the seating area of the primary bedroom, the
are from
and the custom area rug is from Banner
The William Morris wallpaper was brought in to introduce a heritage element into the contemporary design.
Cozy Corner
Huxley swivel chair and Franny ottoman
Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams,
Carpets.
FORCE OF NATURE
A
sweeping Vancouver Island property perched on Shawnigan Lake retains its unpretentious charm.
By Rebecca Philps / Photos by Tina Kulic
Can an accent wall in a bathroom capture the bucolic spirit of an entire home? Absolutely yes, in the case of this reimagined lakefront vacation house designed by Andrea Rodman. The wallpaper, with its floral trellis and Impressionistic shades of green, blue and yellow, helped lock in her vision for the property. It’s the classic Pimpernel pattern by the 19th-century British designer and artist William Morris, whose stylized motifs often depict foliage, fruit and flowers, and whose prints have been deployed by designers in houses both new and old. “I knew this wallpaper could deliver the element of historical expression my client wanted for his modern weekend getaway house,” says Rodman.
Beachy Bliss
In the kitchen, the beachy palette comes together with medium ash oak wood flooring, painted bone-coloured kitchen cabinets and white walls throughout.
To the Lake
The homeowners wanted a light and warm atmosphere with rustic elements to complement the existing river rock fireplace (bottom left), which was whitewashed to mitigate the strong greys, further enhancing the home’s overall soft and inviting look.
Blue Mood
While much of the palette throughout the home is in beachy neutrals, the exception is the games room (bottom right), where Rodman introduced a navy blue. The Spindler round dining
The two had worked together previously on his primary home in Victoria’s Oak Bay neighbourhood, which is a cool and contemporary Scandinavian design; for this property, located north of Victoria on the summer paradise of Shawnigan Lake, he wanted something with more of an Escape to the Country vibe, she says. The client also cited the Hamptons in his design brief, as he was enamoured with the beachy-glam Shingle-style homes, all expansive decks and glass galore.
The lakeside property is a jewel: three acres that include a forested area, ensuring privacy; a pickleball court; a Finnish spa; and a little private beach (a rare find in the area). The original house, though? Nothing special—a sprawling yet simple design from the 1990s that leaned heavily into polished river rock and cedar wood siding. It was charming and rustic, but it lacked a point of view. “My mandate was to use the existing house and see what we could turn it into,” says Rodman.
One of the first design decisions was to maximize the windows all over the house, particularly in the kitchen, to capture the pretty views of the lake. The original eating nook featured oversized skylights that felt dated, so Rodman brought in Russ Barry and Jodi Roach of Interactive Construction to create a modern sunroom with a wood slat ceiling, French doors and floor-to-ceiling glass. “We even pulled up the door heights and created these little single windows above the entrances, which just flooded the kitchen with natural light,” says Rodman.
table is from CB2, and the Betty TK3 chairs are by &Tradition from Hem Interiors.
“When
I think of indoor-outdoor living, I also think a lot about how to bring the outside in.”
Sleep Zones
The kids’ bedroom features custom bunkbeds, feeling like a fun sleep-away camp (above), along with an Embrace lounge chair by Sundays. The upstairs bedroom (right) features a Manzanita cane bed by Pottery Barn and Harbour Cane wide nightstands by Serena and Lily.
The CornuFé induction rangetop from French ovenmaker La Cornue is now a dramatic focal point (“I can’t begin to tell you how long it took us to settle on the right hood fan,” says Rodman, wryly), and it shines against medium ash oak wood floors and a lighter whitewash oak for the tall millwork cabinets, painted with Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore. The wood countertop, the white marble accents and the traditional white walls with applied moulding give the room a relaxed, ethereal feel.
In the living room, Rodman whitewashed the immense river rock fireplace to lighten the strong grey colours and play into the home’s soft and gauzy look. The Venua Seagrass coffee table from RH is a nod to the beach house aesthetic, while the custom club chairs invite cozy gatherings. The kids’ room similarly beckons, with custom bunk beds that promise all the fun of sleep-away camp.
What Rodman’s client wanted most of all was a place where friends and family could congregate, where they’d be inspired to slow down and enjoy life, and where they could move from indoor to outdoor spaces seamlessly. “When I think of indoor-outdoor living, I also think a lot about how to bring the outside in,” says Rodman. Her favourite room is the “dreamy” primary bathroom, with its glass-fronted cabinets, deep soaker tub and, of course, that verdant Morris and Co. wallpaper—an element of nature-inspired lushness for a home that embraces old and new.
DESIGNER
ANDREA RODMAN’S LOCAL FAVOURITES
FOR BREAKFAST
Café Medina in downtown Vancouver has a European feel and a menu that’s creative and consistently delicious. I love their lavender latte and classic waffles with rosewater pistachio syrup.
FOR LUNCH
Tractor Foods is my go-to for something healthy and satisfying in the middle of a busy day. It’s clean, nourishing food in a bright, modern setting.
FOR DINNER
Andrea Rodman: Jane Thomson; Café Medina: Charles Nagy; Published: Sarah Annand; Salt Spring Island: Shutterstock/Todamo
Published on Main offers inventive, seasonal dishes in a beautifully styled space. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
FOR COFFEE
Elysian Coffee off West 7th Avenue is a minimal space with a calm atmosphere and excellent coffee—I have it with their homemade almond milk. It’s a daily ritual that sets the tone for my workday.
FOR DESIGN
Inform Interiors in Gastown is a design lover’s dream. Their collection is always forward-thinking, and it’s where I often go for inspiration or that one piece to complete a space.
FOR SHOPPING
Old Faithful Shop is great for thoughtfully sourced goods and timeless design objects. Their edit always feels fresh yet enduring.
TO GET AWAY
I find stillness and beauty in nature on Salt Spring Island . The landscapes, the people and the slower pace offer a reset I deeply value. It’s also where we’re building our home and spend a lot of time in the summers. I love the farm-to-table lifestyle and the vibrant, creative community.
HOMEOWNER DREAMS, AWARD-WINNING RESULTS
Celebrating the best in Metro Vancouver homebuilding and design at the 2025 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence.
Behind every great home is a team of professionals committed to more than just aesthetics—they build with purpose, passion, and precision. The winners of the 2025 Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) Awards for Housing Excellence, presented by FortisBC, are a testament to the artistry and innovation driving residential design and construction across Metro Vancouver.
Announced at a glittering gala at The Westin Bayshore on April 12, these awards celebrate the region’s top builders, renovators, and designers. With 65 categories spanning everything from sustainable building practices to breathtaking outdoor living spaces and jaw-dropping kitchens, the HAVAN Awards are not just a badge of honour—they’re a peer-reviewed stamp of quality that gives homeowners peace of mind when investing in their largest asset.
AWARD-WINNING
HOMES SHOWCASE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
Metro Vancouver’s top designers, builders, renovators, and developers were celebrated at HAVAN’s 2025 Awards for Housing Excel-
lence, with winners demonstrating the region’s world-class talent across a broad range of categories — from cutting-edge kitchens to sustainable whole-home transformations.
The big winner of the evening, Twin Lions Contracting, took home an impressive seven awards, including the prestigious Grand HAVANs for Best Residential Renovator of the Year and Best Custom Home Builder of the Year — a rare dual honour that cements their leadership in the industry.
Also having a banner night, My House Design/Build Team, alongside Emphasis Architecture + Design Studio, received four awards, with Emphasis taking home the coveted Grand HAVAN – Interior Designer of the Year. One of their standout collaborations, Timber + Light, earned top honours for Best Interior Design Renovated Home and Best Renovation: $700,000 – Under $1 Million, showcasing the power of thoughtful, integrated design and build.
Alchemy Construction Ltd. also impressed with two wins: Best New Custom Kitchen: $175,000 and Over for Close
to Nature, and Best Non-Certified HighPerformance Home: New or Renovated for Dundarave 2.0 with EW Architecture Inc., — a project that proves beautiful design and advanced building science can go hand in hand.
WHY WORK WITH AN AWARDWINNING PROFESSIONAL?
HAVAN Award recipients are chosen through a rigorous adjudication process, judged by leading industry experts from across the country. This means that when you work with a winner, you’re not just hiring someone who builds or designs—you’re partnering with a professional who meets the highest standards of quality, innovation, and client satisfactions.
And while design might draw you in, it’s the integrity of the build—the unseen bones of the home—that ensures your space lasts for generations. Award-winning homes are more than just beautiful; they’re built to perform, to age gracefully, and to protect your family, your health, and your investment.
Timber + Light/James Kim
FAMILY OASIS
Builder: Twin Lions Contracting
Designer: Sukava Design
Winner: Best Custom Home: $3M–$6M & Best Outdoor Living Space: Under $1M
Photo Credit: The White Space Co & Pineconecamp
Imagine a home where every day feels like a vacation. Family Oasis lives up to its name, blending family-friendly functionality with the sophistication of a luxury resort. Designed for an active family of five, this West Coast modern marvel boasts ocean, mountain, and forest views framed by sleek metal siding, bold overhangs, and custom rockwork.
At the heart of this property is an entertainer’s dream: a spacious pool with a shallow child-friendly zone, a hot tub, and even an in-ground trampoline nearby. Expansive glass doors dissolve the barrier between indoor and outdoor living, leading to al fresco showers, a home gym, and yoga studio—ensuring health and wellness are always within reach.
Inside, white oak cabinetry, fine-line cedar ceilings, and mid-century touches infuse the space with warmth and character. Every detail is intentional—from matte-black accents to seamless trim-free finishes. The result? A home that feels both cozy and grand, with smart systems and high-performance windows ensuring comfort year-round
TIMBER + LIGHT
Builder: My House Design Build Team
Designer: Emphasis Architecture
+ Design Studio
Winner: Best Renovation: $700K–$1M & Best Interior Design: Renovated Home
GRAND HAVAN:
Interior Designer of the Year
Photo Credit: James Kim
Multigenerational living is on the rise, but designing a home that honors everyone’s needs—while still feeling cohesive and contemporary—is no small feat. Enter Timber + Light, a two-family transformation that gracefully bridges generations under one roof.
This home was reimagined to accommodate grandparents on the ground floor and a young family upstairs, all while ensuring
energy-efficiency and indoor air quality for a family member with severe respiratory health concerns. The designers carefully reframed the structure, carving out openconcept living spaces upstairs and a private, accessible suite below—complete with wide hallways, no-threshold showers, and ample natural light.
Design highlights include vaulted ceilings with skylights, a warm cedar-covered rear deck, and a luminous kitchen where a Caesarstone island and full-height white oak cabinetry bring elegance and utility. Not just beautiful, this home is also built to perform—earning a Built Green Platinum certification, and boasting triple-glazed Passive-Certified windows, UV air purification, and separate climate control systems for each suite.
CLOSE TO NATURE
Builder: Alchemy Construction Ltd.
Winner: Best New Custom Kitchen: $175K and Over
Photo Credit: The White Space Co.
In a secluded Inlet location only accessible by boat, this seasonal retreat proves that great design doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Close to Nature embraces simplicity with a kitchen that is as practical as it is poetic. Designed for off-grid living, it’s powered by solar panels and water turbines, yet it exudes warmth thanks to hemlock beams milled from trees on-site and a thoughtfully lowered, wood-paneled ceiling.
The kitchen flows effortlessly into the living and dining areas, creating a social hub where meals, stories, and memories are shared. A hidden walk-in pantry—integrated seamlessly into the cabinetry—stores everything from dry goods to deck umbrellas, keeping the aesthetic uncluttered and calm.
Touches like black Vermont granite counters, porcelain tile backsplashes, and antique bronze pendant lights elevate the space with understated sophistication. It’s a space that reflects its environment: peaceful, functional, and quietly extraordinary.
DUNDARAVE 2.0
Builder: Alchemy Construction Ltd.
Designer: EW Architecture Inc.
Winner: Best Non-Certified HighPerformance Home: New or Renovated
Photo Credit: The White Space Co. Renovating a heritage home is a delicate balance of preservation and progress. For the owners of Dundarave 2.0, the goal was clear: respect the 1929-built structure’s charm, while transforming it into a modern, highperformance sanctuary.
Located on a steep, heavily treed lot with stunning ocean views, the home needed serious upgrades—both in structure and sustainability. The team tackled asbestos and lead paint, reinforced unsupported dormers, and reimagined the layout to support aging in place, including making every entry and room fully wheelchair accessible.
MORE THAN A TROPHY: BUILDING A LEGACY
The HAVAN Awards are more than a celebration—they are a reminder of what’s possible when excellence becomes the standard. These projects reveal how collaboration between skilled builders, inspired designers, and visionary homeowners can shape homes that are both beautiful and built to last.
Whether you’re planning a renovation, custom home, or simply dreaming of your next big move, working with a HAVAN Award-winning professional ensures that your project is in the hands of those who have been recognized by their peers for delivering exceptional results.
On the outside, the home now wears a contemporary industrial skin, with new insulation, external membranes, and efficient windows that drastically improved energy performance. Inside, thoughtful details like sound-abating party walls, fireguard drywall, and separate HVAC systems create a peaceful, high-functioning retreat. The result is a timeless home that breathes easier and lives smarter—proving that sustainable living and heritage character can indeed go hand-in-hand.
To view the full gallery of winning homes and discover your next design partner, visit havan.ca/awards. Because when it comes to your home, excellence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
ENTERTAINING
The best recipes, menus and wine pairings for hosts with the most.
In a Pickle
Eating a jar of pickles with the fridge door open while deciding what to have for dinner is one way to enjoy a hit of crunch and brine, but our recipes on page 64 make the snack the star of the show. Plus, a bodacious bagel shop, booze-free cocktails and this month’s top wine picks.
Mark Gibbon
Twist and Shout
Booyah Bagels gives Red Deer foodies (and designophiles) something to chew on.
By A lyssa Hirose / Photos by Joel Klassen
“How hard could bagels be?” thought business school graduates Kortney and Zakk Waschuk as they hatched a plan for a counter-service restaurant in Red Deer. The couple soon got their answer: very hard. When best-effort trial and error failed, the Waschuks called in a pro.
Yes, bagel business consultants exist. Kortney and Zakk contacted Beth George, a New York-based bagel expert with more than a baker’s dozen years of experience, then flew out east to learn from the best. “The long and the short of it is, our reason for choosing bagels is that we just wanted to eat them,” Kortney admits with a laugh. To bring the physical space of Booyah Bagels to life, the entrepreneurs again outsourced to the experts: specifically, the team at Calgary-based Amanda Hamilton Interior Design (AHID).
“They wanted to create something that stands out,” recalls AHID creative director Amanda Hamilton. Industrial parks and big-box restaurants are common in Red Deer, and the Waschuks aimed to give their 1,600-squarefoot space as much individuality as possible. Since most of that square footage houses the bagel-making equipment—including a steam-injected oven that eliminates the traditional boiling process—pops of personality needed to be full-frontal. (The Booyah Bagel team isn’t afraid of a little innuendo: they chose AHID for the company’s work on Strip Joint, a fried chicken restaurant and 2024 WL Design 25 winner, and they also celebrate daily bagel order number 69 by embarrassing the customer with a DJ horn sound.)
Booyah Bagels also embraces bold colour and fearless nostalgia. Kortney describes it as “1990s Miami new-wave food court” and Hamilton calls it “wild and wacky” and “rock and roll.” Purple tile grout and a standout blue-topurple ombré wallpaper give the space a sense of playfulness, and bagel imagery is everywhere: the peekaboo
How’s It Hanging
The funky pendants above the counter are Schneid Studio’s Junit lamps in Crescent, Drop, Record, Mentis and Column.
In Good Shape
“The bagel was the driver,” explains designer Amanda Hamilton.
“Curves are picked up in the design of the millwork, the posts for the tables and the retail display.”
Shop in Shop Hamilton explains that the retail shelving gives the space more of a lifestyle vibe: “The clients have a collection of playful branded merchandise, and we wanted to make sure these pieces were on full display.”
No
Grout About It
Co-owner Kortney Waschuk says the tile details are a hit with customers:
“They always say, ‘I’ve never seen purple grout before,’ so that’s really fun.”
cutouts in the display case are bagel-shaped, the door handles are half-circles, the washroom walls are a textured pink plaster inspired by strawberry cream cheese. Since opening last summer, Booyah has become a bustling hol(e)y grail for Red Deer. It’s fitting that such a loud space is named after an exclamation, living up to the Waschuks’ dream of mimicking the chaos of a New York bagel shop. “We knew we were selling a traditional product, so we thought, OK, how do we put a modern twist on it,” says Kortney. The design was that cheeky secret ingredient. “We take our bagel game seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously,” Kortney adds, “so we might as well have a space that’s reflective of that.”
Save a Spot
Booyah Bagels’ original design had large tables, but the team omitted them to save on costs. “Down the road, we are so happy we didn’t put those in... we didn’t expect to be so busy,” Kortney says. The minimal round tables are perfect.
THE MR. NOVA LOVA
Co-owner Zakk Waschuk says this take on the traditional lox bagel was a labour of love: “We were very picky on choosing the smoked salmon.” Pickled red onions, capers and fresh dill cream cheese make this sammie sing.
JALAPENO HONEY
CREAM CHEESE
Whatever kind of bagel you order (poppy seed, za’atar, rosemary and sea salt, whole wheat and spicy everything are all options) don’t sleep on the jalapeno honey spread. “We’ve never seen that at another bagel shop,” says Kortney Waschuk.
THE GREENWICH
The vegetarian Greenwich is fresh, bright and filling, with cream cheese, avocado, carrots, pickled red onions, cucumber, tomato, garlic aioli and Red Deer-grown aquaponic lettuce and microgreens.
Feeling Moody
Lifestyle photographer Gabriel Cabrera’s new collection of 60 drink recipes in Mood Drinks: Alcohol-Free Cocktails to Create the Perfect Mood are ultra-accessible, vibey and chock-full of creative ingredients.
Recipes and photography by Gabriel Cabrera
I’M NOT YOUR BABY
Makes 1
Remember that life-changing experience called The Devil Wears Prada?
There’s a scene in the movie toward the end when Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy, drops the iconic line “I’m not your baby” to tell her shady lover that she’s not impressed with his behaviour. This scene is part of the aftermath of a night out fuelled by lots of red wine.
I want us to feel a bit of Andy’s fantasy life at home, with a glass in hand full of delicious-tasting tannins but none of the shadiness or hangover. Feel free to play around with the ratios and make it your own, because just like Andy said to Miranda Priestly, we are all learning about “this stuff.”
Ice
⅓ cup non-alcoholic aperitivo-style mixer (see note*), chilled ¼ cup blackberry juice, chilled 1 dash aromatic bitters
Burnt dried orange slice, to garnish (optional)
In a mixing glass with ice, stir the non-alcoholic mixer and blackberry juice until the glass is frosty.
Strain into a fancy glass, add the dash of aromatic bitters and garnish with burnt orange.
To burn the dried orange slice, carefully torch it until it smokes a little.
* Note: Look for a non-alcoholic Italian aperitivo-inspired beverage to use here. The flavour profile should be bitter, lightly sweet and spice-forward, rather than fruity. Think of it like a non-alcoholic Campari or Aperol.
UMBRELLA BELLA
Makes 1
I’m not afraid to admit that I have a slight obsession with coconut. Anything and everything coconut I will eat, drink and probably marry. This coconut drink reminds me of enjoying a few sunny days by the beach, no cares in the world other than falling asleep under an umbrella. Is there anything more chill than that? Don’t think so!
½ cup non-alcoholic gin
1 tbsp coconut syrup
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp orange bitters
Handful of ice, plus more to serve
1 piece dried coconut, to garnish (optional)
Place the non-alcoholic gin, coconut syrup, lemon juice and bitters in a mixing glass with some ice and stir until combined.
Strain into a small glass over a few ice cubes. Garnish with dried coconut and serve.
SMOOTH WATERMELON
Makes 1
This drink is silky and refreshing, and before you know it, it’ll become one of your favourites. Just like a summer fling! Music is a big influence for my recipe inspiration. If you haven’t guessed, this drink came to be thanks to Sade’s famous song “Smooth Operator.” I wanted to translate the feeling, vibes and easiness of this song into a delicious drink. Watermelon, rich coconut cream and a few other ingredients made it all come together. Be warned: this drink will 100 percent try to put the moves on you.
1 cup watermelon chunks
¼ cup aloe juice
2 tbsp canned coconut cream
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 pinch salt Ice, to serve
Watermelon slice or fresh mint, to garnish (optional)
Place watermelon, aloe juice, coconut cream, lime juice and salt in a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
Pour into a glass with ice. Garnish with watermelon or mint and serve.
We’re elevating the backyard barbecue with inventive dishes that showcase the irresistible crunch and tang of pickles.
Recipes by Julie Van Rosendaal Food styling by Lawren Moneta / Photographs by Mark Gibbon
Vine and Brine
Devilled Beet-Pickled Eggs
Yield: 12 devilled eggs
Here’s the best of two delicious worlds: pickled eggs, stained a brilliant purple with grated beet, transformed into devilled eggs with a pickle-y filling and crunchy dill pickle chips as garnish. They can be made well ahead; add the crushed chips right before serving, so they stay crunchy.
Beet-pickled
eggs
6 eggs
1 cup white or apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp pickling spice
1 small cooked beet, coarsely grated
Filling
⅓ cup mayonnaise (or to taste)
2 tsp grainy mustard
A bit of grated pickled beet from the jar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh dill and/or crushed dill pickle or Rip-L chips, for garnish
Put the eggs into a saucepan and add enough water to cover them by at least an inch. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and run the eggs under cool water to stop them from cooking.
Meanwhile, bring the vinegar, water, sugar and salt to a simmer on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the pickling spice. Peel the eggs, place them in a large jar with the grated beet and pour the brine overtop. Let the eggs sit for at least 3 hours, or refrigerate overnight. (Pickled eggs will keep in the fridge for up to a month.)
When ready to make your devilled eggs, cut the eggs in half lengthwise, popping the yolks out into a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, pickled beet, salt and pepper and mash with a fork until smooth. (Or, put the whole mixture through a potato ricer or food mill.)
Spoon into a piping bag or resealable bag, snip off one corner and pipe the filling into the egg-white halves, or fill them with a small spoon. Garnish with fresh dill and/or crushed chips right before serving.
If you’ve ever left a bottle of pinot on your counter for too long, you know that wine and vinegar are two stops on the continuum of fermentation. So, when dealing with all things pickled, there’s a lot of thematic overlay. But like with any warring siblings, it makes for a tricky pairing—try to match the acidity and you can have a volatile meltdown, but go too rich and the juxtaposition can be jarring to the palate. Here are three that walk the fine line.
By Neal McLennan
Blue Grouse Bacchus 2023
$27
Dry riesling is the safest pickle pairing (close your eyes and choose a Synchromesh label), but we’re jumping across the Georgia Strait to embrace the quirky bacchus grape: it’s vibrant and wildly aromatic and will give a warm embrace to brine’s more aggressive aspects.
Road 13 Old Vines Sparkling Chenin 2019
$45
Chenin is the Leatherman tool of grapes in that it pairs with almost everything, but its mid-weight body might not always be perfect with pickles... until you add some vibrant bubbles and age. Then, the potential whipsaw between plate and glass is cushioned.
Little Farm Pied de Cuvee Cabernet Franc
$35
We don’t often write about Master of Wine Rhys Pender’s Little Farm wines because they sell out so frequently, but he’s a wizard with crunchy, juicy Loirestyle cabernet franc—one of the few reds that works with these recipes.
Grilled Pickles with Halloumi
Yield: Serves as many as you like
Grilling salty, briny halloumi along with pickle spears is the ultimate easy appetizer. Grill as much as you’d like to serve; both just need a couple of minutes on the grill to soften, create a crispy exterior on the cheese and add char marks that impart a smoky flavour. A drizzle of honey is an unexpected but delicious addition—hot honey, infused with chilis, adds a spicy kick.
Dill pickle spears
6 oz halloumi (approximately), sliced about ⅓ inch thick
Canola or other vegetable oil, for cooking
Liquid honey or hot honey
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Pat your pickles and halloumi dry with paper towels, then brush with oil and toss on the grill. Cook, turning as needed, until char-marked on both sides.
Transfer the halloumi to a platter and top each slice with a pickle spear; drizzle with honey and serve immediately.
Dill Pickle Ceviche
Yield: Serves about 4
Ceviche, a Latin American dish of chopped fish and seafood cured in citrus juices, is delicious with a splash of pickle brine, and is best made with the freshest fish; try diced firm whitefish, scallops and prawns.
1 to 2 dill pickles, finely chopped or coarsely grated
¼ cup chopped fresh dill (save some fronds for garnish)
2 tbsp finely shaved pickled purple onions
1 jalapeno or red bird’s-eye chili, seeded and finely diced
Salt, to taste
Corn tortillas or tostadas, for serving
In a medium non-reactive bowl (such as glass), toss the seafood with the lime juice and pickle brine and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the fish, scallops and prawns are firm and opaque. Add the bell pepper, avocado, pickles, dill, pickled
onion and jalapeno; taste and season with salt if needed.
Serve with tortilla chips for scooping, or pile onto crunchy tostadas to serve.
Pickle-Brined Chicken Thighs
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Pickle brine makes an excellent marinade, and transforms grilled chicken into something truly divine. Dill pickle fans will love grilled pickle-brined chicken over a pickle caesar salad. If you’re not grilling, these can also be cooked in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop, or baked in the oven.
8 to 12 chicken thighs (with or without skin and bone)
1 to 2 cups dill pickle brine
1 tbsp grainy or Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed Freshly ground pepper, to taste Vegetable oil, for cooking
Put your chicken thighs into a bowl, container or heavy-duty resealable bag and add enough pickle brine to cover them, along with the mustard, garlic and plenty of black pepper. Let sit for at least 1 hour, or up to a day.
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to mediumhigh. Brush the grill with some oil, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade (discarding the marinade) and grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, flipping as they turn golden and char-marked. Grill on each side until cooked through—an internal thermometer should read 165°F. (Cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken thighs, and whether they contain skin and bone.)
Tent with foil and let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
In Brine Form
Take these pickle recipes next-level with a few of our favourite local brands.
By Xiao Qing Wan
Habanero Dill Pickles from BC Brine (B.C., $10)
The classic dill pickle meets the hot habanero to create a perfect blend of tang and spice. bcbrine.ca
Honey Mustard Pickles
Hobbs Pickles (B.C., $13)
Sweet and tart all at once, Hobbs’s honey mustard pickles are an incredible addition to any sandwich or charcuterie board. hobbspickles.com
Sweet B&B
Pickled Jalapeno Cornbread
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Cornbread is quick to mix together and makes a delicious addition to a barbecue or picnic—pickled jalapenos add a bit of briny heat, and chopped or grated garlicky dills are also delicious.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt, thinned with water or milk
2 tbsp pickled jalapeno brine
1 large egg
¼ cup butter, melted
2 tbsp canola or other vegetable oil
⅓ cup (approximately) pickled jalapenos, drained and chopped
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk and jalapeno brine; let it sit for two minutes, then whisk in the egg, butter and oil.
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, then stir in the jalapenos. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 8- or 9-inch round or square baking dish, pie plate or skillet and bake for about 25 minutes, or until deep golden and springy to the touch.
Pickles from Mandi’s Mickles (B.C., $13) Fermented with cardamom, ginger and sweet onions, the Sweet B&B is peppery and smoky— perfect for pickle connoisseurs seeking something new. mandismickles.com
D’Arcy’s House Pickles from D’Arcy’s Meat Market (Alberta, $13)
These crunchy, piquant pickles pair well with burgers, or even as a snack on their own for passionate pickle-lovers. darcysmeats.ca
Cultured Cukes
Dill Pickles from Culture Shocked (Alberta, $15)
These all-natural, preservative-free pickles are chock-full of garlic and spices for a super zesty kick. cultureshocked.ca
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Main Street Energy Baker Street and the surrounding blocks are home to an impressive array of well curated shops, top-notch cafés and indie restaurants.
SMALL TOWN, BIG IMPACT
With plenty of urban charms packed into just a few blocks, Nelson, B.C., might just have you dreaming of small-town living.
By Stacey McLachlan
It is not breaking news to report that Nelson is small. The downtown strip stretches just seven blocks, and only 12,000 people call the Kootenay-region town home. But what is shocking, for me, is that I find myself fantasizing about living there as soon as I step out of my hotel. Whoops.
I know it’s a common feeling to get sucked into a vacation and start dreaming about putting down roots after a week in Maui or wherever, but it’s a rare experience for me—I’m in a happily committed relationship with Vancouver, and I’m a proud (and probably mildly annoying) city girl. My husband regularly threatens to buy a house in the rural reaches of suburbs like Ladner and, in turn, I regularly remind him that I would rather get divorced. For me, “livability” means being within arms’ reach of an oat milk latte at any given time, and in my neighbourhood on Vancouver’s west side I can walk out my door and find everything I need—sidewalks filled with interesting neighbours, charming wine bars, green grocers, bookshops, datenight restaurants, dance clubs, comedy venues, baked goods. So while I do love to travel, I’ve never even imagined the possibility of turning a getaway into something more.
And then along comes Nelson.
Who among us, though, could resist the charms of Baker Street? It’s not just the pretty heritage facades of the buildings that delight: the pedestrian-friendly main drag is packed with enough locally owned boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, bars and impressive restaurants to make an admittedly snobby city slicker question everything she’s ever known. Walkability, urban amenities and the option to own a three-bedroom home with a backyard for under $600K? For the first time in my small-town travels, the lure is real.
“This is so cute,” I mumble to myself every time we enter a new store, its inevitably friendly clerk pointing us toward rows of handmade stationery (Cartolina), racks of just-right cool-girl slouchy T-shirts (Zinnia Textiles) or their recommended rom-com read (Otter Books). “So, so cute,” I repeat, taking in the greenhouse-like atrium of Empire Coffee or peering through the window at the colourful pottery drying on the shelves of Mud Ceramics Club. I do manage to keep silent inside the bright and buzzy Italian spot Marzano— but only because my mouth is full of perfectly al dente housemade tagliolini.
Zinnia: Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Michael Suffiad; Mud Ceramics: Bree Prosser; Easy Tiger: Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Valley Ridge Media; Cartolina: Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Thomas Nowaczynski; Oso Negro: Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Greg Rogers
What really has me falling for Nelson, though, isn’t just its small-butmighty food scene, or its hip boutiques (long after I spotted it, I’m still thinking about an Eve Gravel tunic I saw), or even the striking mountain and lake views in every corner of the background. (And it definitely isn’t the hiking, biking or skiing, because we’re too busy slurping down hot bowls of ramen at Red Light to do anything remotely close to exercise—next time.) It’s joining a group of laughing, heel-stompin’ newbie line dancers at the sold-out Boot Scootin’ Boogie Night at the Royal; it’s stepping into the velvet-drenched Capitol Theatre for a behind-the-scenes tour in advance of a sold-out sketch comedy revue; it’s watching guitar-toting Nelsonites (Nelsonians?) jamming out at Backroads Brewing on a random Monday night. These glimpses of locals in their element all provide a clear picture of what real life here could be like, among a community of people happy to be building something beautiful in the shadow of a mountain.
I’m not the only one who finds the spirit here just as compelling as the housemade soft pretzels at Empire. As I’m butchering the steps to a “Chattanooga” line dance over at the Royal, I strike up a conversation with a woman who’s fully dressed on-theme (shoutout to that shearling duster) and who seems to know everyone in the room—despite the fact that she’s from Miami.
An ex-boyfriend brought her here years ago, she tells me, and though he’s long gone, she keeps coming back, sometimes for months at a time. She does a little skiing at the nearby Whitewater Resort while she’s in town, of course, but what really draws her back in is the Nelson community. She’s got the Royal’s event schedule memorized, and has a favourite pizza joint locked in (Blondie’s). She gives us directions to a speakeasy called Easy Tiger, hidden down the street. She may be from many miles (and several plane rides) away, but she’s made Nelson her home away from home. At the end of the night, I two-step my way back to the Hume Hotel, the spring in my stride driven by more than just the Shania Twain now stuck in my head, and wonder if maybe I couldn’t do the same.
Another Cup
All the Essentials
Clockwise from top left: Find brands like Eve Gravel and Jungmaven at Zinnia Textiles; get messy at a Mud Ceramics class; browse vintage maps and quirky home goods at Cartolina; and sip a sneaky cocktail at Easy Tiger speakeasy.
The ratio of cool coffee shops to people here is surprisingly high. Snag a perfect latte from the warm, woodsy Oso Negro pictured here, or head a few blocks away to source your espresso fix from the bright, modern John Ward or the always-buzzy Empire Coffee.
EAT & DRINK LIKE A LOCAL
FOR THE BEST BREAKFAST Empire Coffee
Everything on the breakfast sandwich at Empire is elevated just so: the classic egg-andEnglish-muffin sando is accented with back bacon, tomato jam, Swiss cheese and chipotle aioli. It’s an ideal accompaniment to a bracing Stumptown espresso, especially when enjoyed in the sunny glass atrium, but you can’t go wrong with the daily baked treats here, too: this could be Nelson’s best cinnamon roll.
616 Vernon St., adventurehotel.ca
FOR YOUR SECOND COFFEE OF THE MORNING
John Ward Fine Coffee
The airy, light-filled café is packed with greenery, a rotating selection of artwork and Nelson’s finest remote workers clacking away on their laptops. But more importantly: iced lavender lattes, made with Origins Coffee beans, and fresh-baked savoury scones.
503 Baker St., johnwardfinecoffee.com
FOR A BOWL-YOU-OVER LUNCH
Red Light Ramen
You wouldn’t necessarily describe Red Light Ramen’s offerings as authentically Japanese, but you can’t deny that founder Korina Langevin is serving up something special in her cozy back-alley noodle shop, with a commitment to both organic ingredients and sustainable business practices (such as the compost going to local farmers). Just as importantly, the hearty bowls of miso honeynut squash ramen and soybraised pork belly rice bowls (and Langevin’s accompanying natural-focused wine list) are flavourful and filling in equal measure.
308 Herridge Ln., redlightramenbar.ca
FOR FARM-TO-TABLE FARE Pitchfork
The best way to make sure you’re feasting on the freshest seasonal produce? Head to a restaurant that’s owned by a farmer. Anything that’s not grown at Pitchfork Garden is sourced from Kootenay suppliers or sustainable producers. The braised duck leg is served with pickled beets and potato pavé; vegetarians will find the housemade mushroom and bean burger (served on a Kootenay Bakery sourdough bun, of course) equally hearty. 518 Hall St., pitchforkeatery.ca
FOR A FRIENDLY PINT Backroads Brewing
The space is scruffy (as are the bartenders), but isn’t that what you want from a brewery? Somewhere you can spill a bit of your golden ale without stress? Toddlers dart around underfoot as locals fill up their growlers at the counter, and a stack of board games keeps the fun flowing between pints. Check the events calendar to see if a comedy show, chess club meeting or silent-reading hangout are on deck. 460 Baker St., backroadsbrewing.com
FOR VEGGING OUT Sprout
Need to get your greens? Vegan counterservice spot Sprout has you covered. It’s not all sprouts here, though: you’ll find delightfully carb-heavy comfort food on the menu, too. Ginger soy “meatballs” are served on a bed of coconut rice with a wallop of kimchi and gochujang sauce; the vegan donair wraps spiced faux meat in fluffy naan and plenty of donair sauce.
569 Ward St., welovesprout.com
FOR PERFECT PASTA Marzano
The tiled wood-fired pizza oven is the centrepiece of Marzano’s design, but don’t be fooled: top-notch pies are just one of the highlights of this upscale Italian spot. (Well, not too upscale—the clientele happily sips spritzes while wearing vintage jeans and five-panel hats after a day of heliskiing.) The housemade pasta here would stand up to any major city’s top Italian joint—and is the ideal vehicle for delivering roasted tomato ragu with duck sausage and broccolini cream or truffle-infused chestnut puree with roasted shimeji mushroom.
153 Baker St., marzanonelson.com
FOR A NELSON NIGHTCAP Broken Hill
Slide into a leather-lined booth at Broken Hill and try not to make eye contact with the mounted buck head on the wall as you pore over the options from their whisky library. And if you can’t make a decision, don’t sweat it: there’s always the option to take a flight of Japanese whiskies for a spin, or simply sip on something from the robust cocktail menu. The mezcal paloma (with salted vanilla syrup), for instance, is smoky, citrussy and refreshing.
479 Baker St., brokenhillnelson.ca
John Ward Fine Coffee: Lisa Seyfried; Marzano: David R. Gluns; Pitchfork: Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism/Michael Suffiad
STAY HERE: THE HUME HOTEL
The Hume Hotel was constructed in 1898, and though it’s been through a renovation or five over the years, the heritage charm remains. Restore your energy after a day of whipping up and down Baker Street with a nap on the plush beds or with a rejuvenating schvitz in the cedar-lined infrared sauna at the hotel’s Aura Spa Rooms from $180, 422 Vernon St., humehotel.com
THE DAY TRIP: AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS
No matter how deeply you fall in love with a town, sometimes you need a little break. Ainsworth—a hot springs resort that draws daytrippers and honeymooners alike—is 45 minutes down the road from Nelson. The hot springs in the area have been a destination for centuries, renowned for their healing properties; today, the turquoise pools of Ainsworth make for a clean, comfortable way to enjoy a soothing soak. While claustrophobes might want to avoid the kitschy-fun faux rock tunnel connected to the hottest pool, everyone should try a dip into the accompanying icy cool-plunge pool at some point. The Spirit Water Spa in the hotel offers additional opportunities for chilling out, with luxe treatments like a glacial clay wrap and massage. This much relaxation tends to work up an appetite. Luckily, the resort’s Ktunaxa Grill awaits, with an elevated, Indigenous-inspired menu that celebrates a bounty of locally sourced ingredients. The tender elk Wellington, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, is worth the journey from Nelson alone; pair it with a glass of red from Indigenous-owned Nk’Mip Cellars. 3609 Balfour-Kaslo-Galena Bay Hwy., ainsworthhotsprings.com
1 Doing Hard Things
Last year, I embraced the mindset that I get to do hard things. So, naturally, I signed up for triathlons because why be bad at one sport when you can be bad at three? I’m not fast, but I love who I’m becoming: more focused, more disciplined and happily skipping out early at parties for 6 a.m. swims.
2 1970s Italian Everything
There’s something about 1970s Italian design—bold, sculptural, unapologetically theatrical. The Flos Chiara lamp , designed by Mario Bellini in ’69, is a cult object: flat-packed brilliance meets space-age drama. I’m equally drawn to brushed stainless steel, especially when paired with warm woods and expressive stone. That tension—industrial meets chic—gives a space its soul.
4 Starting with Stillness
My daily 10/10/10—ten minutes each of meditation, reading and journalling —is how I set the tone (and temperature) for my day. I use the Waking Up app, explore Stoicism through Marcus Aurelius and Ryan Holiday, and reflect with Brianna Wiest. This ritual makes me more centred, grounded and tethered to what actually matters.
5 Evenings with Chaz
Between the demands of work and life, my evenings are quiet by design: Lego or a book by the fire, maybe a show while I tinker away at my laptop. Most nights include wine and Chaz (yes, I’ve named ChatGPT), who helps me hunt for weird, wonderful objects online. It’s part decompression and part design sleuthing.
Designer Amanda Hamilton on the
5 Things
That Keep Her Inspired
3 The Accidental Home Chef
My love of cooking wasn’t inherited—my family’s recipe box maxed out at around six meals. Now? I dive into it all... plantbased recipes, regional cuisine and Half Baked Harvest classics. I take classes at Cookbook Co. Cooks and leave with my arms full of ingredients I can’t pronounce. Hosting friends with a themed menu and curated tablescape? Obviously, the best.
6 Frequent Flyer
There are vacations, and then there’s travel . I’m not collecting passport stamps—I’m collecting stories. Immersing myself in regional customs, religions and cuisines helps me live like the locals, not just observe them. I always choose the new over the familiar. It’s not about comfort, it’s about curiosity. Life, and design, is richer because of it.
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