Western Living March/April 2022

A Calgary kitchen gets the warming treatment, page 36

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KITCHENS & BATHS 2022 Over a dozen ideas to design your dream space

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HOMES + DESIGN

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Trade Secrets

Nako Design creates a dreamy feature stairwell that looks good from every angle.

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Shopping

Futuristic lighting, playful sofas and magic mirrors top our list of the best furniture and home decor in the West.

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Great Spaces

A Banff barbecue joint that embraces natural materials, traditional textures and (best of all) karaoke.

FEATURES 30

Counter Revolution

From sleek and sexy to natural and beachy, this is your ultimate guide to kitchen design in 2022.

One to Watch

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Nurse-turned-designer Annabelle Mastalic brings a wellness element to every project.

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Tile Trends 2022

Bold and beautiful ceramic inspo straight out of Italy. Buona fortuna!

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Bath & Beyond

Perfect patterns, gorgeous geometry and timeless details make up our roundup of the best bathroom design inspo.

PLUS

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FOOD + TRAVEL

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Dream a Little Dream

Mood Board

Designer Stephanie Brown’s foolproof recipe for a warm, minimalist space.

Brownies, banana bread and bulldogs from an ultra-charming French bakery.

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Remote Learning

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is a luxury retreat—but even though you’re not roughing it, there are still plenty of surprises in store.

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B.C. & ALBERTA L VOLUME 51 L NUMBER 2

CONTENTS

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COVER: In House Design Group/Phil Crozier; this page: Hello Sunshine: Chris Amat; kitchen: Ema Peter; bathroom: Ema Peter

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WESTER

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editorial publisher Samantha Legge, MBA editorial director Anicka Quin art director Jenny Reed travel editor Neal McLennan assistant editor Alyssa Hirose editor at large Stacey McLachlan contributing editors Karen Ashbee, Julia Dilworth, Melissa Edwards, Amanda Ross, Nicole Sjöstedt, Barb Sligl, Julie Van Rosendaal editorial intern Dani Wright email mail@westernliving.ca

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EDITOR'S NOTE

This month we asked our contributors, Is there one tool, appliance or device in your kitchen that you can’t live without?

Amanda Ross, “Bath & Beyond” page 50

CONTACT HIGH

Follow Anicka on Instagram @aniqua

This past fall, in that tiny window we seemed to get between Delta and Omicron, I was lucky enough to experience a couple of back-to-back, in-person design events—and boy, did it feel great. The first was a 50-person rooftop celebration of the winners of our Designers of the Year Awards, held in September. So many times I caught myself saying, “I haven’t seen you in ages!” And then laughing that, of course, I haven’t seen anyone in ages. It may have been a chilly fall night, but our hearts were so very, very warm.

The next day I boarded a plane to Bologna, Italy, to attend my first in-person design show in over two years: Cersaie, the annual exposition of the ceramic tile industry (see “Clay Date,” page 25). Yes, I didn’t sleep for weeks leading up to it.

At the time I had agreed to attend, it was in those sweet days of June, right as we were all receiving our second vaccines. Back then, it felt like our lives would soon be firmly in Normal 2.0. Now that it was nearly October and I was just days away from being packed into an airplane and delivered to a conference hall full of real-world other people, I wasn’t so sure.

But wow, was it wonderful to be able to really feel, touch, see and experience design the way it was meant to be experienced: live and in person. To bounce around ideas and explore trends with the other designers, architects and journalists who came on the trip. And to bring those stories back to the team at Western Living—and to you, too, with the trends we’ve spotlighted in this issue.

As I write this, we’re in the process of planning a safe return to our live WL Design Talks ( join us at our first event, coming this May—details will be posted on westernliving.ca). And with entries now open for our Designers of the Year 2022, we’re already looking forward to celebrating along with the nominees this coming September. As we plan and dream together, may our warm hearts stay healthy—and I hope to see you there.

Before heading to a deserted island, I’d handsdown grab my Chemex pour-over coffee maker.

It’s not the quickest and easiest way to get your caffeine fix (nor to clean), but the slow ritual always starts my day with intention and calm (even if the day doesn’t always end that way!).

Hakan Burcuoğlu, “Dream a Little Dream” page 74 My kitchen workhorses are my cast-iron skillets. I can’t imagine cooking without them.

There’s nothing else that offers that kind of versatility—from charring to shallow frying to low-and-slow cooking. I also find comfort in seasoning them after each use. A wellseasoned cast-iron skillet will last forever.

DESIGNERS of the YEAR

2022

DETAILS AT DESIGNERSOFTHEYEAR.CA

It’s our 15th annual celebration of the best designers in Western Canada—and now’s the time to get your entries in! We can’t wait to see your work: head to designersoftheyear.ca.

VISIT

anicka quin, editorial director anicka.quin@westernliving.ca

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FOLLOW US ON

Anicka Quin portrait: Evaan Kheraj; styling by Luisa Rino, stylist assistant Araceli Ogrinc; makeup by Melanie Neufeld; outfit courtesy Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com; photographed at the Polygon Gallery

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N E W & N O TA B L E • B A R B E C U E I N B A N F F • W E L L N E S S D E S I G N • G O R G E O U S K I T C H E N S • B E A U T I F U L B AT H S

TR AD E S ECR ETS D esig n e d by N A KO D E S I G N , S Q UA M I S H

Sharon Litchfield

The Look: A Heavenly Stairway As much as we appreciate a magazine-worthy room shot, we also know that great design goes beyond creating a 2D moment.

“You have to stand back in different points of the house to see what views are available and how you can experience that space from each view,” says Nancy Surby, principal of Nako Design in Squamish, B.C. “We wanted to create little pockets of experiences in unexpected places all over.”

One particular delight here: an archway that neatly frames a spectacular staircase. From the dark entryway, the curved doorway reveals a wooden stairway climbing up, up and up beneath a double-vaulted ceiling, artfully trimmed by black stainless-steel spindles that hit the sweet spot between trendy and timeless.

“The homeowner really wanted a feature stairwell that complemented the style of the home— and a place to wrap garland during the holidays,” says Surby.

A 360-degree design, intended to please 365 days of the year.

westernliving.ca / m a r c h / a p r i l

2022

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HOMES + DESIGN SHOPPING

Outdoors In We’re digging the pine and ginkgo designs on these pillow covers ($45 each) from Foo Hung Curios. Part proceeds from the covers (and everything in store) benefit the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, a new educational and cultural hub in Vancouver. foohungcurios.com

Smooth Criminal

Fresh Sheets Channel chill springtime vibes with this Vancouver-designed Mineral Check duvet ($435 for a queen). The 100-percent European stonewashed linen weave has a relaxed, luxurious texture and the grey-green pattern is ultra-soothing. somnhome.com

Magic Mirror Aquarelle graphics make the Studio Roso long mirror ($1,270) more than a reflective surface: it’s a totally mesmerizing art piece. No two of these hand-painted steel plates are exactly alike. informinteriors.com

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The Odeon coffee table ($1,250) and end table ($595) mix soft curves with hard lines: it’s minimalism with attitude available as a nesting pair. omgitssmall.com

Extra Terrestrial

It’s not surprising that the Dhala portable table lamp ($2,274) is part of a collection called “Space Invaders”—this rechargeable version made of powder-coated steel and Murano glass is as tech-forward as it is stylish. lightformshop.com

NOTEWORTHY

New in stores across the West.

BY A LY S S A H I R O S E

Racing Stripes

The Bombom 5-seat sofa ($15,770) from Roche Bobois has a playful, organic shape, but the fun doesn’t stop there—you can customize each individual row of colour. We’re digging this purple scheme in honour of Pantone’s 2022 colour of the year, Very Peri. roche-bobois.com

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HOMES + DESIGN SHOPPING Editor’s Pick What’s Cooking In an issue celebrating kitchens, it’s fitting we’d highlight a modern design for the tiniest cooks. The Midmini wooden play kitchen ($680) is finished with hard-wax oils and water-based eco paints; teddy bears are calling it the hottest lunch spot in the rec room. maudekids.com

Novah Lift Desk from EQ3, from $1,049. eq3.com For many of us, that temporary #workfromhome situation is now a permanent hybrid, two years later.

And yet I still haven’t properly set up my home office with something that’s a little more ergonomically inclined.

And so my eyes lit up when I saw EQ3’s Novah Lift desk. With its cleanlined design, simple standing lift mechanism and integrated keyboard tray (why do all desks forget about that all-important component?), I’ll be keeping my back (and my Apple Watch!) happy for years to come.

—ANICKA QUIN, Editorial Director

Raise the Bar After years of closed doors, it’s time to embrace every opportunity to entertain—and Dometic’s MoBar 300 ($2,969) is ready for the challenge. This heavy-duty but sleek mobile bar cart has a fridge that can hold up to 19 bottles or 70 cans (that’s inside—on top, you can fit 22 cans or 32 bottles in the ice bucket).

It’s up for your Easter dinner, dog’s halfbirthday party, etc. trailappliances.com

For more editors’ picks visit westernliving.ca

Heavy Metal

Binge Worthy

It’s contrast central in the Baxter low credenza ($8,750)—walnut and blackened oak complement each other beautifully. The low frame makes this piece a perfect TV console, and the four roomy cabinets within can conceal board games, electronics and other living room essentials. autonomousfurniture.com

Two dozen blacksmiths, welders and other metal artists from B.C.’s southwest coastline are profiled in Out of the Fire: Metalworkers along the Salish Sea ($40). This fresh book also exhibits striking photographs of the artists in action (and yes—sparks fly). heritagehouse.ca

Turn Heads

The Sigrid swivel chair ($2,835) is coziness from every angle: the turning mechanism is totally hidden, and the faux lamb shearling cover is like a warm hug. Ideal for cuddling up with a book (but no guarantees you won’t fall asleep). portsideinteriors.com

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Vicoston

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HOMES + DESIGN GREAT SPACES

MIC DROP

Two Calgary design studios collaborate on a ’70s-influenced psychedelic mountain retreat— karaoke and all. by alyssa hirose // photographs by Chris Amat Perfect Harmony Pre-Hello Sunshine, this space was all concrete and drywall.

“It was basically a white box when they handed it over to us,” says Kelly Morrison.

Warm Alberta cedar, textiles reminiscent of traditional Japanese patchwork and a few thoughtfully placed lava lamps brought the restaurant to life.

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There’s no shortage of breathtaking views in Banff’s great outdoors, but the Calgary-based designers at Frank Architecture and Little Giant Studio set out to create an indoor experience worthy of that stunning mountain landscape.

“Because Banff is a tourist destination, we wanted to create a space that is fun and memorable,” says Kelly Morrison, principal at Frank. And nothing says fun and memorable like karaoke.

The project was a restaurant for Banff Hospitality Collective: “A Japanese barbecue in the mountains,” Morrison calls it. Aptly named Hello Sunshine, the 6,130-square-foot eatery is flooded with natural light and has a decidedly warm and welcoming vibe. There’s texture everywhere, from the handmade ceiling textiles to the natural flagstone bar to the cedar shakes above the warm wood benches.

“We have a lot of cedar board that clads the walls, as well—it just gives you that feeling of being in a ski chalet,” says Morrison. Two massive fire tables add to the retreat-like atmosphere: they bring heat to the interior, but also act as a beacon to passersby.

Because of its impressive square footage, the designers divided Hello Sunshine into complementary zones. “You can go to the restaurant two times and have two completely different experiences,” explains Morrison. Sitting at the main bar, for example, you can take in the funky, seemingly abstract geometric art while you’re having a drink, but sit a bit farther back in the banquettes and you’ll realize that the haphazard shapes actually create a mural. For a weekday lunch, there are communal tables splashed with sunlight.

For Saturday night, there are two private karaoke rooms decked out with lava lamps and a ’70s-inspired carpet.

The restaurant mixes classic, cozy mountain materiality with psychedelic fun, creating a space that’s ready to be explored.

“Discovery is the central part of a guest’s journey through the space,” says Morrison.

“It’s meant to feel organic and meandering; the restaurant unfolds as you move through it.”

Find more inspiring spaces at westernliving.ca

HOMES + DESIGN ONE TO WATCH

Design Diagnosed ANNABELLE D. MASTALIC, creative director, ADM Interiors

Calculated Calm Neutral design elements reign in Mastalic’s Prospect Avenue project (top), and soft edges flooded in natural light make this Springbank home (right) extra soothing.

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wellness into their projects, but Calgary-based Annabelle D. Mastalic has made mental and physical health her studio’s main mission. “Our homes, and the way they are designed, have so much power over how we feel and how we live,” says the founder and creative director of ADM Interiors. Her work in wellness goes beyond the basics (for example, the colour blue is soothing) to embrace science (for example, the colour blue can reduce heart rate and blood pressure).

It’s not surprising that Mastalic’s design philosophy is rooted in research—when she launched her studio in 2019, she had 17 years of nursing behind her. She’s also a Certified Living in Place Professional and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. “We put things in the design that support the homeowners—not only now, but 20 years down the road,” she says. Her spaces are built to endure thanks to a minimalist eye and neutral colour palettes. “I keep it very simple, very natural, and that helps the space feel a lot calmer,” she explains.

Mastalic predicts that advances in neuroaesthetics—the study of aesthetic experiences at a neurological level—are what’s next for wellness design. “You’re going to see devices that give designers the ability to understand, in depth, how someone is reacting to their space at a physiological level,” she says.

From biophilic design elements (natural materials to induce a positive physiological response) to functional details (non-slip floors, custom counter heights and open cabinetry and drawers to reduce bending and reaching) to personal touches (a playful granite countertop for geologist clients), Mastalic brings longlasting and practical style to her projects. “Wellness design doesn’t just benefit the aging population—it’s universal accessibility for everyone,” she says.—Alyssa Hirose

Portrait: Britta Kokemor; interiors: Joel Klassen

Interior designers will often intuitively incorporate

Glamorous, even when you’re not.

HOMES + DESIGN TILE TRENDS 2022

CLAY DATE

Ceramic tile trends for 2022 are bold, beautiful—and totally covetable.

FAP Mural from FAP Ceramiche

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BY A N I C K A Q U I N

Cersaie, the annual ceramic tile expo in Bologna,

Italy, offers the kind of sensory overload that design lovers like myself get pretty excited about. The technological advances on display each year are practically breathtaking: not only are manufacturers learning to replicate precisely the look of natural marble, onyx, granite and more (and without the environmentally destructive mining that can come hand-in-hand with harvesting those materials), they’re also now able to carry that veining pattern all the way through the body of the tile—a total game-changer. (Think: terrazzo-like flooring that can be polished over and over again, or being able to attain the “edge” pattern of marble on a countertop at a fraction of the cost.) I was thrilled to be able to return to Cersaie this past October after a pandemic’s-length away, and to bring back this peek at some of my favourite trends.

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1 Handiwork

Biscuit from Fioranese

Poetry House, a line of tiles that Italian architect Paola Navone designed for ABK, features visible strokes and dollops of paint that the artist hand-dropped herself— giving each tile the appearance of being hand-made.

2 Great impressions Carve from Atlas Concorde

Tile gets embossed like a letterpress, as in Coem’s Tweed Stone (its design can hide all grout lines), or Atlas Concorde’s lovely Carve (the latter hopping on the nature theme as well: two trends in one!).

Ceramica Fioranese’s Biscuit pattern is practically asking to be touched.

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Tweed Stone from Coem

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HOMES + DESIGN TILE TRENDS 2022

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3 3 Big grain terrazzo The colourful grains in tiles like Deconcrete from Sant’Agostino are playful, and perfect for both wall and floor.

6 Tintùri from Cerasarda

4 ...And tiny grains, too Gigacer’s Inclusioni was inspired by the porticos of Bologna (and can be polished over and over without losing its pattern). Lea Ceramiche’s Masterpiece was designed by Kartell art director Ferruccio Laviani, and created to work in multiple colour combinations.

5 Wild life Palms, florals, lush jungle life: wallpaperlike tiles—like these FAP Murals from FAP Ceramiche (see page 24, too!)—are given rich dimension with a lacquer effect that looks as if created with an artist’s paintbrush.

Onyx Aqua Blue Gold from Imola

6 Dreaming in blue and green

Inclusioni from Gigacer

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Chromagic from Cir

7 Muddy pastels There’s a gorgeous ’80s vibe in plenty of the tiles—Ornamenta goes all out on the decade— but the muddy pastels in their muted Clay series (as well as the excellent geometry) were among my favourites.

Masterpiece from Lea Ceramiche

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Blue and green dominated on the show floor—an embrace of soothing natural tones.

Cerasarda’s Tintùri is playful, almost circuslike; Imola Ceramica’s Onyx Aqua Blue Gold is a sustainable take on the rare and porous natural stone. Cir Ceramiche’s Chromagic turns tile into lovely toile wallpaper.

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Desert O

The Oslo Sofa wall bed, featured in the Desert Oasis Guest Room designed by Huma Sulaiman

Transform any space into the ultimate flex space with luxury wall beds by Resource Furniture. Italian-made, endlessly customizable, and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

Resource is a proud sponsor of The Design Collaborative.

ResourceFurniture.com

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In the Zone Because the kitchen is the first thing you see when you enter this condo, clean lines were key.

Designer Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors divided the space into different zones: one for cooking, one for prep, one for cleaning, and one for beverages (that last one is where the wine fridge and JennAir integrated coffee system live).

COUNTER REVOLUTION 30

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Provoke Studios

Ready to renovate? Top designers share their favourite tips for rethinking the kitchen, one gorgeous room at a time.

by Alyssa Hirose, Anicka Quin, amanda ross and barb sligl

westernliving.ca / m a r c h / a p r i l

2022

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HOMES + DESIGN KITCHENS 2022

Extra Extra

Let yourself fall in love with one material When Aleem Kassam, principal of Kalu Interiors, designed the sleek kitchen in his own downtown Vancouver condo, he fell head-over-heels with a bronze-veined, dark brown stone (specifically, Cosentino’s Dekton Laurent). He was all in. “When you have a material that works well in a space, why not try to take it to the next level?” says Kassam.

The designer used the stone on the countertops, backsplash and waterfall island. He clad the dishwasher, warming drawer and hood fan in it, then used it to create stone floating shelves. It wasn’t all about aesthetics, either: “Clean up and prep in our kitchen is so easy, because everything is clad in Dekton,” says the designer. He kept the rest of the space simple with rift-cut white oak cabinets and integrated appliances to really let that hero surface shine.

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Provoke Studios

Kassam’s kitchen mixes functionality with luxury: streamlined, integrated panel doors hide the basics (like the fridge and freezer) and the extras (like the warming drawer, which serves as a toasty spot to store plates when entertaining or a tucked-away haven for rising bread).

SHOWROOM: 8585 123 St. Surrey, BC V3W 6E2 HOURS: M-F 8am – 4:30pm 604.590.5999 | sales@pacificartstone.com | pacificartstone.com @pacificartstone

HOMES + DESIGN KITCHENS 2022

Old and New “We mixed traditional and contemporary lines to create something that is more interesting, and not rooted in a singular era,” says Rivard. The minimalist millwork and matte black hardware contrast with the classic French-style stove and brass pot rail; Rivard says the space “feels like it’s been there forever, but still feels fresh.”

See Through The built-in glass cabinet display is a dust-free place for paintings and sculptures, but it’s also a visual break. “All-closed cabinets can be overwhelming. When you can see right through, it adds some relief,” explains Rivard.

James Jones

Integrate furniture, appliances and art to make a small space feel larger The designers at Bidgood had only 900 square feet to work with in this Portage Inlet home near Victoria, so the kitchen had to be small and smart. “We integrated the appliances and created spaces that are multifunctional,” says Christi Rivard, principal interior designer on the project. White oak conceals the fridge and freezer, and an extended countertop peninsula makes for extra prep space and a built-in dining area. A small architectural recess in the kitchen wall (about 14 inches deep) wasn’t quite enough room for a full-depth cabinet, but the addition of mullioned glass doors formed a stunning display cabinet for the young homeowner’s art collection.

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2022

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HOMES + DESIGN KITCHENS 2022 All in the Details The kitchen opens onto a nook, living room and formal dining room, so cohesive finishes were key to ensure visual flow throughout. The warm white oak finish of the island and range hood reflect the coffered ceiling in the living room.

Warm woods and natural stone can cozy up a white kitchen

Photo: Phil Crozier; architecture: McDowell & Associates; builder: Dream Ridge Homes

Designers Alanna Dunn and Reena Sotropa of Calgarybased Reena Sotropa In House Design Group know that allwhite kitchens sometimes end up looking sterile: artfully mixing materials is key. “We feel it helps add layers of texture and character into a space,” says Dunn. “It also works wonders at cozy-ing up large spaces.”

The duo opted to lacquer this kitchen’s millwork in Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace to match the walls and trim, while wrapping the hood fan and island in white oak to anchor the room with warmth and depth (the endgable’s chevron detail repeats throughout the home). The perimeter counter and backsplash in veined quartzite effortlessly balance against the island’s showstopping soapstone slab.

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Photo: Phil Crozier; architecture: McDowell & Associates; builder: Dream Ridge Homes

HOMES + DESIGN KITCHENS 2022

Pair organic, live-edge finishes with modern materials for a beach-house modern look

Barry Calhoun

Everything about this summer cabin on Mayne Island is designed to be beautiful, yes—but with a casual durability that isn’t precious. “The clients entertain a lot—they have three kids, and their kids bring friends,” says designer Jennifer Heffel of HB Design. “And they have two older dogs. They wanted it to be durable—he was much more about function over aesthetics.”

So what Heffel delivered was both beauty and resilience: the flooring is actually a vinyl product called White Oil from Duchateau, which is based on the look of the flooring company’s hardwood line, and you’d be hard pressed to spot the difference. In the kitchen itself, Heffel evoked the sea, sand and sun of cabin life with the classic pale blue beadboard cabinetry (Farrow and Ball’s Parma Gray) paired with modern Caesarstone counters in Frosty Carina. And a live-edge bar area on the island— harvested right from the site—keeps the space warm and welcoming.

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Look Up Designer Jennifer Heffel wanted to create some visual interest and warmth overhead. A perimeter drywall detail contains a tongueand-groove stained hemlock ceiling, the perfect balance of modern and classic cabin design.

Natural Beauty The oversized dining table was crafted by artisan furniture maker Brent Comber, who walked the property to choose the perfect fallen cypress trees to mill for it.

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HOMES + DESIGN KITCHENS 2022

Turn Up the Heat A super-functional black-and-white kitchen was the best pick for this family of four, but the designers took care to keep it warm and inviting (especially for the two children). “That’s accomplished through the wood and the leather stools—it’s not too formal, it’s still casual and durable,” says Brown.

Rad and Restrained

Janis Nicolay

The kitchen’s panda white marble is a major focal point, so the designers opted to contain it to the backsplash only. “If it was brought down to the countertops, that would become extremely busy,” says Brown.

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Up your cabinet game with three different finishes “Three cabinet finishes is a lot,” admits Stephanie Brown, principal of her eponymous design studio. She credits the trio of cabinets in this kitchen to Peter Rose Architects, who collaborated with Brown and her team on this modern farmhouse-style home in Vancouver. But thanks to a consistent palette, the three different finishes are incorporated seamlessly: the white cabinets match the white countertops, the black cabinets suit the graphic stone backsplash and the warm wood cabinets complement the saddleleather bar stools. “Repetition is the reason that it works,” says Brown.

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Pretty and Practical The backsplash is actually made from a slab of Laminam, an ultra-durable product that is often used in exterior cladding.

“It’s a good reminder to always consider the less obvious options when sourcing materials,” says Bugliarisi.

Ema Peter

Bring a glam factor where it’s typical to default to practicality.

This kitchen, part of a new-build in White Rock, B.C., is large and functional to accommodate the homeowners’ joy of cooking, baking and entertaining—but it also exudes their love of Art Deco/ Old Hollywood. “Functionality aside, our goal was to create room for them to display and decorate,” says designer Lauren Bugliarisi of Marrimor Interiors. “We gave them a floor-to-ceiling openshelving stack that bookends the kitchen, and included a display shelf that spans the feature hood fan.” The drama of that marble hood fan extends to brass-inlay finger pulls and white globe pendants that “have a little bit of everything to tie it all together,” says Bugliarisi.

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AFTER AFTER

Countertops Countertops Backsplash Backsplash Custom Custom builds builds

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Great Connections

Andrew Latreille

The stairway on the far side of the kitchen (inset photo), with its mix of steel and wood slats, defines the entry and dining room, while a steel beam runs the length of the floor to connect the space to the kitchen.

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Introduce a little colour to a neutral palette This kitchen’s handmade blue tile is the star of the culinary show, but never borders on overbearing. “We wanted something ‘pretty’ to play against the steel, concrete and wood in a cool colour tone,” says New Westminster, B.C.-based Randy Bens of Randy Bens Architect. The overall palette focuses on lighter shades in only a few tones and textures— kitchen uppers and towers in soft grey, base cabinets in rift-cut white oak, white counters with subtle veining—which all work in concert to make the room feel larger. “It’s also filled with light so the neutral palette allows for a mix of existing and new furnishings,” says Bens.

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HOMES + DESIGN KITCHENS 2022

A narrow lot in Vancouver—only 33 feet wide—meant this kitchen had to lean in to the long, linear space. “This home is about openness and movement, drawing long lines to create a sense of spaciousness,” says Patrick Warren, senior associate with architecture firm Frits de Vries Architects and Associates. The kitchen—from Italian kitchen company Scavolini, supplied by Siema Kitchen and Bath in Vancouver—is 26 feet long (including a 17-foot-long island) and accommodates all of the homeowners’ functional requirements, including serving space and bar seating for entertaining. “Since the kitchen is exposed to the main living spaces, it’s designed to belong to the architecture rather than having the quality of furniture,” says Warren. This minimalist approach eliminates the decorative (no distracting light fixtures or hardware) and hides clutter. Lower cabinets in light wood elongate and emphasize the horizontality, while upper panels in matte white lacquer are lit from above with cove lighting and integrated with the architecture.

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Sparkle and Light A frosted-bronze mirror panel (covering the hood vent) and irregularly glossed large-format porcelain panels (as the backsplash) capture light and movement.

L M S

R Ema Peter

Don’t give up on a dream kitchen just because you’re on a narrow lot

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YO U A R E A L R E A DY B E AU T I F U L

Luminous.

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Seamless.

R ADIANT GL A ZE HIGHLIGHTER

PA R A B E N - F R E E A N D C R U E LT Y- F R E E E VA L I N A B E A U T Y. C O M

Kerrisdale Heritage Reimagined on the Arbutus Greenway

The Last Addition to The Heritage Collection

by Formwerks Boutique Properties

Heritage Reawakens in Kerrisdale Across from the lush Arbutus Greenway in Kerrisdale, ten elegant homes will arise on a large, estate-like property, which includes the revitalized historic Twiss Residence. The duplex, triplex, and coach homes will adopt the heritage residence’s Craftsman-style architecture, keeping with Formwerks Boutique Properties’ principle of timeless design.

Sales Commence Spring 2022 Enquire For Details At

778.729.0898 HeritageByFormwerks.com Illustrations and renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. The quality homes at Heritage are built by the developer FB West Boulevard Development LP. The builder reserves the right to make modifications and changes should they be necessary. Dimensions, sizes, specifications, layouts and materials are approximate only and subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings can only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&.O.E.

BATH & BEYOND

The ultimate getaway that is the ensuite can soothe with a palette of cool neutrals, or invigorate the day with bold pattern.

Choose your own adventure in the pages that follow.

by Anicka Quin, amanda ross and barb sligl

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Reinvent the classic bath with a modern take on traditional materials “The concept in this heritage Kitsilano home was to create a space that was light, natural and soft,” says the Vancouverbased Sophie Burke of Sophie Burke Design. “But we also wanted a modern take on the traditional.” Instead of opting for a typical beachy beadboard, Burke chose wider plank panelling with a clean chair rail that offers a contemporary spin.

Softly patterned wallpaper— chosen for its organic quality —lends a dreamy calm. In lieu of built-in millwork, the vanity sits exposed and airy: “We wanted something that looked like a piece of furniture instead,” explains Burke.

Gillian Stevens

Focal Point “We chose an above-counter sink to help emphasize the idea of the vanity itself being a piece of furniture that the sink sits on, not in,” says interior designer Sophie Burke.

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HOMES + DESIGN BATHROOMS 2022

Don’t be afraid to get graphic in the bathroom The live/work spaces in Vancouver’s Koret building were originally designed by the legendary Alda Pereira back in 2006, and at the time the open-plan showers and tubs she chose for the converted lofts were quite progressive, says Chad Falkenberg of Falken Reynolds Interiors. When his team was hired to revamp one of these lofts, they kept that openness, but went bold for the client—an electronic music enthusiast—by incorporating graphic elements. “We wanted a playful digital pattern, but something more interesting and with added depth,” says Falkenberg. The Diarama series from Mutina is rich in colour and pattern, and brings just the right amount of play to the space. “While it is a digital dark-and-light pattern,” says Falkenberg, “there are actually 14 distinct tiles, elevating the complexity and interest of the installation.” The black brings another layer of depth: “It’s incredibly bold, especially when contrasting with whites and lighter hues.”

The Thu Thu stool by Patty Johnson reiterates both the pattern play and the black accents.

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Ema Peter

Stripe Brigade

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Heavy Weight The exterior of the home is stone, so Heffel wanted to include “heavier” elements throughout the interiors to keep the space feeling grounded and connected.

Here, iron plumbing fixtures and drawer pulls provide weight in the room.

When renovating a well-loved family getaway on Eagle Island in West Vancouver, designer Jennifer Heffel of HB Design wasn’t looking to turn it into a modern escape. “We wanted everything to feel more rustic than refined,” says Heffel. In this attic bathroom shared by the client’s four boys, she kept the look beachy with shiplap on the walls (painted in a perfect Grays Harbor from Sherwin-Williams) as well as an asymmetrically placed rattan pendant light from Da Vinci’s Home. The vanity is made from flat-cut white oak veneer, which exposes the grain and contributes to that rustic vibe Heffel was going for. But it’s not all straight edges here: a round mirror that sits proud on the wall softens the space and adds a contrasting piece of geometry.

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Ema Peter

Play with geometry to bring a little softness to a straight-lined space

Find a great selection of lighting and plumbing products that add flavour to your kitchen.

NORBURN LIGHTING & BATH CENTRE

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HOMES + DESIGN BATHROOMS 2022

Pattern Play

Janis Nicolay

The black metal frame on the shower separation brings another element of pattern into the space, but it also incorporates a design seen elsewhere in the home: a similar style of door separates the dining room from the living room.

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A powder room is a great spot for bold pattern—but bring in some quieter materials, too While this bathroom on the main floor of a Vancouver home serves mainly as a powder room, it’s also equipped with an accessible shower—part of a city requirement, but also a great set-up for aging in place down the road. The addition of a shower also brought in room for a few bolder design elements, like that herringbone tile (opposite page) that runs from the floor and on up the wall.

“It’s playful,” says designer Denise Ashmore of Project 22 Design. “The rest of the house is very light and airy, and in this space we had fun with the dark tile and making it feel a bit more moody.” The Mutina tile comes in 16 different shades of rich navyblue-brown-grey—the official colour palette is “ink”—which allows for some texture and play. But it’s kept from being too busy thanks to the vanity, and those quietly patterned honed marble tiles on the opposite walls.

“It’s really about simple classic materials,” says Ashmore.

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Jesse Laver

HOMES + DESIGN BATHROOMS 2022

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Gallery Going The matte-blackmetal framed shower and ebony oak vanity mirror, aged brass finger-pulls, and black-and-white photos on each wall build on the gallery aesthetic in this Vancouver bathroom designed by Formwerks Interiors.

Natural materials become art in a space—inside and out From the principal bedroom in this home in Vancouver, the view into the ensuite feels a little like peering into a gallery. The window frames a vista of tree canopy, and, just below it, the freestanding tub is set for a perfect soak.

“I love how the tub is elegantly framed by the doorway in the bedroom,” says designer Eleanor Coyle of Formwerks Interiors. But it’s the high-contrast marble-veneer panels—light Arabescato marble with heavy veining on the wall and dark Nero Marquina marble with quiet veining on the floor—that really draw the eye. Coyle presented the stonework as “art” to her clients, avid collectors themselves, during a full-scale reno of the family house. “It’s a very graphic space,” she says, “but timeless in material.”

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Pretty Accents “I love mixing metals,” says Duncan-He of the champagne gold vanity sconces and lower cabinet hardware mixed with the matte black mirror and faucet. “The owner naturally has more of a feminine sensibility and likes things to look pretty, so I added a few touches here and there that nod to that.”

Despite being subterranean, this Calgary bathroom feels anything but basement-y: clad in soft powder blue, the double-sink vanity is broken up by a linen storage tower hewn in white oak with echoes of driftwood.

“Because the clients wanted a natural sensibility, I balanced the neutral blue with a white oak so it was airy and organic,” says designer Louis Duncan-He. The pretty marble quartz countertop from Vicostone offers a perfect foil to the contemporary matte black hex-tile floor with offgrey grouting that allows the geometric shape to pop. The wallpaper was chosen for its illustrative quality, but also for its monochromatic tone.

“Because the homeowners saw this space being used more by their children and visiting family and friends, they wanted a mix between fun and playful with chic and elegant,” says the designer.

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Genevieve Renee

Even bright and light spaces can use the grounding power of black

Cre

HAVANfe

HAVAN FEATURE

Celebrating Dream Homes

The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) Awards for Housing Excellence, presented by FortisBC, highlight the accomplishments of Metro Vancouver’s homebuilding industry.

PHOTO CREDIT: THE WRAITH AT FANTOM BY FORGE PROPERTIES INC. WITH FORM CREATIVE INC.

C

apturing the very best new-home construction, renovation and design projects in Metro Vancouver, the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence showcase everything from sublime, custom-built homes to opulent whole-home renovations, and resort-inspired outdoor spaces to state-of-the-art smart kitchens.

This year, the HAVAN Awards feature 60 categories, providing ample opportunities to learn about the broad range of custom home builders and designers that are bringing homeowners' visions to life across the Lower Mainland.

The Awards are putting a spotlight on incredible projects with the latest in high-performance building systems and technology for ultimate homeowner benefits. Forget about drafty windows and fluctuating room temperatures, high-performance homes are built better with year-round energy savings, comfort and a focus on the health and wellness of the homeowners and the environment. When families are considering building (or buying) their forever homes, they want to work with award-winning local professionals who are at the forefront of high-performance building standards. Your home is your castle and should be built to last through the ages.

Created by the Canada Wide Media advertising department in partnership with HAVAN

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HAVAN FEATURE HIGH PERFORMANCE HOMES What is a high-performance home? Does it sound complicated, expensive and too high-tech?

Not so. High-performance homes provide homeowners with better comfort, healthier living, lower energy bills, better investment and reduced environmental impact.

SOME ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

◆ Lower energy bills – Lower energy

consumption reduces your operating costs and protects you from future increases in energy prices.

◆

Better investment – An energyefficient home is number three of the top ten desired features for home buyers and offers better value than typical resale homes. Better built homes will also last longer, increasing your resale value.

MODERN FARMHOUSE BY NOVAK CONTRACTING & CONSTRUCTION LTD.

Continued on page 64

What Makes Us Unique At Studio Twenty-Nine Designs, we do not influence any particular style onto our clients. Instead, we help our clients uncover and cultivate their true aesthetic and design a space that is specific to them.

With a blend of disciplines and Abby’s bold and unconventional approach to designs and Alison’s interior styling background and ease for building relationships. Studio Twenty-Nine Designs, is exceptionally organized, cost conscious, and results focused to allow us to remove guesswork and “trust me” from the equation. As experienced interior designers, we are well-versed in a variety of aesthetics that bring style, value, and functionality to every project.

Our team develops and presents a clear vision to our clients while establishing a budget for construction. We’re here every step of the way to ensure the project is carried out professionally, from start to finish.

Q : What are some of your most memorable designs

A: A basement grotto complete with a hot tub, slide and glass enclosure that could turn from clear to opaque

Check out our website for pictures and more unique designs

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HAVAN FEATURE

BEFORE

◆

Healthier Living – The use of heat or energy recovery ventilators is a typical feature of high-performance homes to manage fresh air in your home. A very important feature for anyone dealing with allergies and respiratory issues.

◆

Better Comfort – A building envelope that is more airtight and better insulated helps you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

◆

Reduced Environmental Impact The homes entered in this year’s high-performance categories showcase how high performance buildings are both beautifully designed and encompass building technology and strategies that achieve better energy performance and reduced carbon footprint.

These homes bridge the spectrum

AFTER PHOTO CREDIT: THE MALKIN BY TALL TREE CONSTRUCTION LTD. AND KALU INTERIORS INC.

of architectural styles, and may include large windows, airy spaces and connected indoor/outdoor spaces.

MEET YOUR DREAM KITCHEN More than just cooking for your family, kitchens are entertaining hubs, and a popular segment of the Awards. Homeowners are invited to feast their eyes on the exceptional state-of-the-art designs, smart technology, and environmental considerations of this year’s finalists.

A key trend to note is the way kitchens are moving away from stark white and towards infusions of natural materials like wood and stone, with bold features like wrought-iron accents, central counters that flow into table seating, and ceiling treatment

that take advantage of this normally underused design space.

Hood fans have become architectural features—they are bold in style or seamlessly blended with the cabinetry versus the traditional utilitarian look and function.

Contemporary kitchens employ thoughtful, deliberate lighting strategies that create ambiance, task completion ease, personality and love of design.

And another key trend to watch for among HAVAN Award finalists—whether minimalistic contemporary or modern farmhouse and everything in between, these beautiful, modern kitchen designs capture the essence of homeowners’ personalities—the kitchen truly is the heart of the home, bringing form and function to the home as a hub Continued on page 66

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Maximize your outdoor living potential with a team of experts that have been designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes for over 20+ years!

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2/27/22 11:57 PM

HAVAN FEATURE

Why Choose High-performance?

for entertainment, meal preparation and building memories through everyday family interactions.

celebrated at the highly anticipated Gala to be held at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel—the local homebuilding industry’s night to be remembered.

The 2022 HAVAN Award finalists announced on March 16 are your source for design inspiration and connection to industry professionals, with photos of these incredible homes available at www.havan.ca/awards.

The winners will be revealed and

Eager to start planning your dream home and get connected with industry professionals? HAVAN’s Home Design and Renovation Show, presented by Western Living, takes place at VanDusen Garden on Saturday, April 2.

Continued on page 70

Your home is your castle. Protect your family and realize the benefits of living in a high-performance home. Chose to build, renovate or buy high-performance.

Rebate Programs The CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs, administered

by BC Hydro, FortisBC and the Province of BC, provides rebates for improving your home’s energy efficiency through select upgrades.

BC Energy Step Code High performance homes are built to standards above the basic BC Building Code.

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial regulation that consists of a series of steps above basic code, representing increasing levels of energy efficiency performance in homes.

Benefits of High-performance Homes It’s important to understand there are many benefits to be realized from building and renovating homes to a higher performance standard.

•

Lower energy bills

•

Better investment – Better built homes will last longer, increasing your resale value.

•

Healthier Living – Better air quality, abundant natural light, and sound mitigation for an elevated standard of living.

•

Better Comfort – A building envelope that is more airtight and better insulated helps you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

•

Reduced Environmental Impact – Energyefficient homes use less energy, which means less greenhouse gases and negative impacts on the environment and climate change.

High-performance Home Experts

AFTER BEFORE

PHOTO CREDIT: STILL LIFE BY BEST BUILDERS LTD. WITH SARAH GALLOP DESIGN INC.

Look for the label. An EnerGuide* label on your home provides details about your home’s energy performance, including how much energy is used for heating, cooling, ventilation, etc. An EnerGuide* label means your home has been third-party verified by an energy advisor registered with Natural Resources Canada.

CHBA BC is a service organization licensed

by Natural Resources Canada, and delivers EnerGuide*, ENERGY STAR®, R-2000*, and the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program.

Passive House Canada offers information on passive house design, building and certification.

Award-Winning High-performance Designers and Builders

AFTER Learn more about High-performance Homes from HAVAN: havan.ca/high-performance-homes

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The HAVAN Awards showcase the best in new-home construction, renovation and design in Metro Vancouver, including homes that are built to higher energy performance standards.

Take a look through the gallery of finalists and award winners to see what is possible when you choose to build, renovate or buy highperformance homes.

C, RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • STRUCTURAL

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RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • STRUCTURAL

Construction Management Design & Build RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • STRUCTURAL High-Performance Homes Renovations Construction Management

Design & Build info@coastessential.com coastessential.com High-Performance Homes 604-366-8116 Renovations info@coastessential.com coastessential.com 604-366-8116

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“Each day I find something new to love about our house and our lives in it! Please tell Mitchell how I feel, I can’t thank him enough for making it all turn out right” Est. 1999

604-983-0034 www.karnakprobuilders.com

2/27/22 11:58 PM

HAVAN FEATURE

MODERN. LUXE. YOU. Luxuriously liveable interiors for the busy professional Let your home be your sanctuary

giovannaaverillinteriors.com Phone: 604.360.2727 gperotav

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SMC-BusinessCard_Final.pdf

LUXURIOUS DESIGN MADE SIMPLE

1

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2:58 PM

SMC Interior Design

smcdesign.biz Ph: 604 770-4393 smcinteriordesign

We create luxury but we make the process simple for you.

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6 AM

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NORTH SHORE 778-823-1391 tony@precision-greens.com

SEA TO SKY 604-971-4002 chris@precision-greens.com

VANCOUVER 604-385-4726 info@precision-greens.com

pr eci si on-g r eens. com

2/27/22 11:58 PM

HAVAN FEATURE

Homeowners can talk directly with local award-winning designers and contractors and sign up for the Design Labs focused on helping you design and build your forever home right, the first time.

WHITE ROCK NET ZERO BY NAIKOON CONTRACTING LTD. WITH CAPITAL HOME ENERGY INC.

If you are a homeowner interested in leading-edge design, looking to build and renovate high-performance quality homes with industry professionals in the Metro Vancouver region, the HAVAN Awards are the perfect place to find inspirational design and connect with the builders who can help bring your dreams to reality.

Learn more: HAVAN.ca/awards havan.ca/event/homerenoshow/ HavanOfficial/ havanofficial/ HavanOfficial/

BUILDING IS A PASSION

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Burlington Toronto Vancouver Penticton

Kamloops Edmonton

Calgary Saskatoon

Winnipeg Brandon

KOHLER CRUETM KITCHEN FAUCET

Bringing homes to life

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HAVAN FEATURE

F I R E TA B L E CO L L E C T I O N

DreamCast

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Drafty Castle?

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Talk to a HAVAN Builder about High Performance Homes. Built to Last Through the Ages. www.havan.ca/high-performance-homes

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YO U A R E A L R E A DY B E AU T I F U L

Lightweight.

Volumizing.

Long-lasting.

FLUT TER MA SC AR A

V E G A N , PA R A B E N - F R E E , C R U E LT Y- F R E E , P E G - F R E E A N D T E A- F R E E E VA L I N A B E A U T Y. C O M

C L AY O Q U O T S O U N D • F R E N C H B A K E R I E S • C O M F O R T I N G R E C I P E S

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

Grand Canyoning If you’ve never donned a thick wetsuit, hopped on a paddleboard and headed up a glacier-fed river then you’ve never been canyoning—and Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is on a mission to change that. Read more starting on page 87.

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Hakan Burcuoğlu

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For tips on how to style a harvest table like Mon Pitou visit westernliving.ca

Dream a Little Dream What’s the recipe for the perfect little French café?

Start with two passionate owners and one remote designer. by neal m c lennan

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FOOD + TRAVEL MON PITOU

It

takes a dreamer’s heart to open a restaurant. To look at

a proven, well-documented and industrywide track record of hardship, toil and likely failure and say, “I think that’s for me.”

But there are dreamers, and then there is taking all of the above risks on a tiny street with no parking in the middle of a pandemic just as you’re leaving the security of your longtime airline industry job. There’s not even a name in common usage for such people—except, that is, for the two names known to loyal patrons of Mon Pitou: Jesse Hawes and Triet Duong.

And the above tale of hurdles doesn’t even tell the whole story: how neither had seriously worked in a restaurant before, let alone opened one (Jesse was a flight

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attendant; Triet worked in biotech recruiting). That neither even planned to look at the empty space on Vancouver’s West 7th but happened to see it on a lark and instantly saw the potential.

But for every one of these roadblocks there was a workaround, fuelled by the pair’s passion. For starters, while they were not restaurateurs, the amateur bakers had been successfully baking cakes, brownies and cookies and selling them at farmers’ markets across Vancouver and had developed a rabid following thanks both to said baked goods and to a charming brand based on the couple’s beloved English bulldog. And Triet was blessed with his own dogged determination that saw him hounding the city daily to get their business license on time (in a

stroke of luck they ultimately received it the day before they were set to open). And then there was their ace in the hole: Jesse’s good friend Alanna Dunn of Reena Sotropa In House Design Group, who had agreed to help design their dream, a wonderful offer that contained one final hurdle: she lived in Calgary and the pandemic meant site visits weren’t going to be possible.

Dunn still remembers getting the call from Jesse after the pair had found the perfect space. They brought her along via FaceTime (the first of many virtual site visits), and she agreed that the space had great potential and could work within the couple’s budget. Then, she got to work. “Thankfully, Jesse had a very strong vision right from the beginning,” recalls Dunn—something that

Dream Team

Hakan Burcuoğlu; portraits: Bree Sopatyk

Proud owners Jesse Hawes and Triet Duong (below) and their cute canine inspiration, Ru (right).

sped up all the preliminary work of coming to understand the end goal. The first major challenge was how to incorporate all of the functions that Jesse and Triet had on their wish list—coffee shop, curated market, bakery—into the compact, 1,100-square-foot space. An additional need to be as practical as possible in regards to time and budget meant that the kitchen—the tiny spot that produces such wonders as the French scramble with burrata on rustic sourdough or the now-famous French onion soup—had to stay put, as did the bathroom (see “How to Design Vancouver’s Most Photographed Bathroom,” page 79) and front door.

Once those anchors were established, Dunn could set the team’s mind to the fun stuff. Jesse already had a strong sense of

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what design elements he liked—such as wainscotting—and Dunn suggested Hunter Green from Benjamin Moore, both of which channelled a slight Ralph Lauren vibe. Ultimately the duo’s marching orders to Dunn were simple: “We want it to feel like you’re coming into our home.” The design she created captures that ethos to a T: entering into the small spot, it’s tough to put your finger on what it is exactly that’s drawing you in. There’s no shortage of excellent French bakeries in town, to say nothing of coffee shops, but Mon Pitou feels apart from everything else. It offers the feeling that you’ve just stumbled down

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some forgotten side street in Paris and come across a locals’ haunt that caters in equal measure to grand dames and young hipsters. “Jesse and Triet have always been such gracious and welcoming hosts,” says Dunn. “My goal was to translate that warmth into the space.”

But none of this melange of expertise and passion was a guarantee of success when they quietly opened their doors with zero fanfare and modest expectations in February 2021. And yet there was a threehour lineup, and all pastries sold out before noon. Fantastically, this patronage has continued more or less unabated since

then, with a consistent mulling about of patrons present in seeming perpetuity on Mon Pitou’s cute little stoop. For Dunn, it was a full six months from opening before she was able to make the trip out to see her handiwork in person, and she, like everyone else it seems, has fallen in love with the space all over again. “It’s such a full experience—the smell of baking, the number of things that grab the eye. It’s so layered in details that it’s almost maximalist.”

It’s a sentiment shared by the legions of fans who have made this quaint, Parisianinspired spot part of their weekly (or even daily) routine.

Hakan Burcuoğlu

FOOD + TRAVEL MON PITOU

How to Design Vancouver’s Most Photographed Bathroom

5 Refinished original elements of their century-plusold building—like the repainted door and window.

One welcome surprise of Alanna Dunn’s design is how much people—and Instagram—love the bathroom at Mon Pitou. We asked her to give us her “recipe” for a perfect WC.

6 A quirky collection of art sourced at the Vancouver Flea Market.

1 Lots of natural light.

7 Carrying through Mon Pitou’s brand colour via hand-glazed emerald subway-tile wainscotting.

2 An oversized floral arrangement atop a charismatic antique side table.

3 Brass accents.

4 A charming floor-tile mosaic reminiscent of the City of Love.

8 A thrifted antique hutch displaying Jesse’s collection of chintz pottery.

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FOOD + TRAVEL MON PITOU Tip:

Jesse’s Outrageous Banana Bread I don’t like to honk my own horn, but I really do have to honk it once or twice for this recipe. This banana bread is seriously outrageous, and is best the next day (if it isn’t gone by then). It’s based on a recipe from my Aunt Cindy, with a few adjustments of my own. If you’re asking yourself why there are so many wet ingredients, the answer is simple: moistness is a must, am I right? The butter adds richness and a nice nutty flavour, the sour cream ensures every bite is moist and tangy, and the oil helps the loaf stay as moist as it is even longer. I’m also a little extra and like to use a blend of both frozen bananas and fresh overripe bananas. I think adding the two adds that little je ne sais quoi, but feel free to add just one or the other!

People always ask me what kind of vanilla they should use when baking, and my answer is and always will be Nielsen Massey bourbon pure. Trust me, it’s worth the price and will last for months in your pantry!

2 cups plus 1 tsp all-purpose flour 1½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 1 tsp kosher salt 4 overripe bananas 2 tbsp sour cream 1 tbsp vegetable oil ½ cup light brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 1½ sticks unsalted butter, melted 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ¼ cup pecans, finely chopped ¼ cup dark chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-5-inch lightly greased loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving the edges to hang a little over the sides.

With a stand-mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on low, lightly mix 2 bananas, making sure they still have a little texture to them. Remove from the mixing bowl and set aside. Whip the remaining 2 bananas with the white and brown sugars until you have a light and fluffy banana cream. Add melted butter, eggs, sour cream, vanilla and vegetable oil and beat well.

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Remove whisk attachment and replace with the paddle, then mix in dry ingredients until just incorporated (do not overmix). Toss chocolate chips and pecans with one teaspoon of flour, then fold them into the batter along with the two bananas that were mashed and set aside earlier. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake banana bread for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from pan and place onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Slather on some salted butter and enjoy!

Rebecca Benoit

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and set aside.

Triet’s Favourite Brownies I started making brownies for Triet when we first started dating.

(To be honest they were mostly for me, but, hey, I had an excuse to share them with someone else, so why not!) I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but Ina Garten’s have always been a favourite. I liked that they were more on the cakey and nutty side, but Triet preferred a more chewy and fudgy brownie so, of course, I had to make some adjustments. These brownies are seriously unreal and last forever in the freezer—fabulous for when you have unexpected company coming over.

1 lb unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 lb plus 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 6 oz milk chocolate chips 6 extra-large eggs 3 tbsp instant espresso (or 2 oz freshly brewed espresso) 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract 2¼ cups sugar 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp kosher salt 2 cups chopped walnuts 1 tbsp flaky salt, such as Maldon

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, leaving about an inch and a half of overhang on each side.

In a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt together butter with 1 pound of semisweet chocolate plus all of the bittersweet chocolate, stirring constantly. Remove from heat when the chocolate and butter is mostly melted, and keep stirring until everything is completely melted. Let mixture cool for about 10 minutes.

Tip: The trick for shiny, crinkly brownies is to stir the chocolate constantly as it is melting.

While the chocolate is cooling, whisk together baking powder, kosher salt and 1 cup flour in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, toss walnuts, milk chocolate chips and remaining semisweet chocolate (you can also use dark chocolate chips) with the remaining ¼ cup of flour.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Fold in the slightly cooled chocolate with a rubber spatula.

Add in flour mixture and vigorously mix everything until it has noticeably thickened and is becoming tough to stir. Fold in the chocolate and nut mixture.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven. Slam pan down on your stovetop to release any air, then top brownies with flaked sea salt. Place pan back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Let brownies cool in the pan for about an hour. Place the pan into the freezer for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Makes 24 brownies.

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FOOD + TRAVEL MON PITOU

3½ cups all-purpose flour 1¼ tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 1½ tsp kosher salt 2½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 1½ cups packed light or dark brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 2 extra-large eggs 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1¼ cups milk chocolate chips 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped 2 tbsp flaky sea salt, such as Maldon In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and kosher salt and set aside.

Ultimate Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies

With a rubber spatula, scrape down sides of bowl and mix in any chocolate that may have fallen to the bottom. Form dough into balls by using a 1/3-cup ice cream scoop. Place balls onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Chocolate chip cookies and a glass of cold milk has been my all-time favourite dessert for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom often caught me in the middle of the night eating those delicious President’s Choice chocolate chunk cookies with milk, and not much has changed! My staff always laugh when they catch me with my mouth full of cookies and milk when I’m running around the store. But what’s not to love? Crispy, chewy, salty and chocolatey—trust me, these cookies are a crowd pleaser and make the perfect last-minute dessert or midnight snack when you’re craving something comforting.

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Bake 4 cookies at a time on the pan for roughly 10 minutes, slamming the sheet pan down on the stovetop after you remove it from the oven. (Really slam it down hard—you want the puffy centre to fall completely.) Sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon of sea salt flakes on each cookie, then bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Repeat the slam one last time and really enjoy it this time!

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Rebecca Benoit

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Add white and brown sugars and beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined. Add flour mixture and mix on low until just combined, then add chocolate and mix on low for about 1 minute.

Kyoto Fizz

Cocktail hour gets a spring refresh.

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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

REMOTE LEARNING

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is the O.G. (Original Glampster) of luxe retreats. Now under new Aussie ownership, it’s looking to introduce the world to Bedwell Sound. by neal m c lennan

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FOOD + TRAVEL CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE

Rough Hewn

T

he largely unspoken truth about luxury travel is that the further you go up the food chain, the less likely you are to experience genuine surprise. The high-end brands make their hay by ensuring that every whim that might occur to you—from a bespoke room fragrance to a mini-bar stocked with your favourite single malt—is anticipated such that you spend one day to the next having your needs met before you know you even have them. They have assembled the perfect building blocks for a respite from everyday decision-making—one that helps recharge the batteries magnificently— but if there’s an Achilles’ heel to such hedonism, it exists in the memories department. Who comes home from their trip with a story about how the wine was every bit as good as they’d hoped?

I’m thinking about the post-vacation stories I might tell as I crane my neck to look into the open cockpit of the Twin Otter that is transporting me straight over the hump of Vancouver Island to the isolated idyll that is Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. 7,500 feet. That’s what the scarily imprecise altimeter was reading by the time we were just 10 minutes past Parksville. Out here on the coast, we’ve become used to the quirkiness of the ancient de Havillands that routinely jump us over to Victoria or the Gulf Islands. But what seem like small quirks at 1,000 feet over the well-travelled Georgia Strait— doorlatches that don’t quite seal, a liberal use of duct tape, an age that ranks a full four decades older

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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

The digs at CWL skew toward Ralph Lauren’s idea of the outdoors: equal parts rugged and luxurious.

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FOOD + TRAVEL CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE

than any car I’d consider driving on a highway—somehow grow in size with each additional turn of the dial. And by the time you get to 7,500 feet, when civilization is a full mile and a half below you, you start to really pick up on the fact that the pilot is wearing shorts.

All of which is to say: I’m 20 minutes into my trip and I already have my first story.

If there’s one resort in B.C. that has a reputation people will brave spirited travel for, it’s Clayoquot. The late founder, Richard Genovese, had a vision for the former logging outpost (which, allegedly, got its earliest start as a rough-and-tumble settlement called Bear Town): he believed it was the perfect location for a resort that joined the wild-edge luxury of an African safari with the rugged isolation of the far West Coast. By all accounts, it was a labour of love—emphasis on both, if that’s possible. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, as it was called then, became famous the world over for its ability to capture a rare slice of seemingly untouched nature that even the most remote safaris in Africa struggle to achieve, and the fact that you don’t have to fly 14 hours and eight time zones to experience it made the resort a magnet for North America’s rich and famous. Genovese was able to strike that perfect balance between roughing it (read: tents) and not roughing it at all (read: heated floors on the ensuites attached to said tents).

The resort had become so interconnected with its founder that when Genovese passed away in 2017, there were real questions about how it might continue... and while those were being sorted out, COVID arrived. For a place any less special the two hits would have been a death knell; but, on the other side of the globe, there were some like-minded travellers who knew just how rare it is to find a place that is truly unique. Australia’s James and

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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

“The late founder, Richard Genovese, had a vision for the former logging outpost: he believed it was the perfect location for a resort that joined the wild-edge luxury of an African safari with the rugged isolation of the far West Coast.”

DESIGNERS of the YEAR

2022

CELEBRATING THE BEST NEW DESIGN IN WESTERN CANADA, AS JUDGED BY THE WORLD’S FOREMOST DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS. ENTER NOW! DEADLINE IS APRIL 1, 2022 DESIGNERSOFTHEYEAR.CA

WINNERS ANNOUNCED SEPTEMBER 2022

Active Pass While you’re more than welcome to simply chill out in the fancy digs, most visitors take part in the twicedaily excursions to whale watch, saddle up or enjoy a solo paddle.

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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

FOOD + TRAVEL CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE

Hayley Baillie burst onto the global travel scene in 2008 with the opening of Southern Ocean Lodge, a luxe uber-remote outpost on their home country’s isolated Kangaroo Island. It seemed to hit the zeitgeist like no other spot, emphasizing a sense of place above all else—a luxury of experience rather than indulgence. The duo added several more utterly unique lodges across Australia in the following years and, by the time 2019 rolled around, they were looking to expand outside their borders. Clayoquot, one of the few truly independent high-end resorts, seemed a perfect fit.

Repeat visitors to the lodge might be hard-pressed to notice any changes (even former GM Sarah Cruse was lured back by the Baillies after a three-year stint in Colorado). It has become Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, not Resort. There are a few subtle updates to the tents (the blanket and linens game has improved nicely) and a new bar has been added (see “The Ivanhoe,” page 94), but for the most part the only obvious nod to Oz comes when new head chef Asher Blackford speaks to a sous in a gravelly voice that could be described as “what if Russell Crowe ate a bucket of nails.” (The resort has always sought out great chefs, but the addition of Blackford, who was chef at Southern Ocean Lodge, is a major step up.)

What hasn’t changed is the ability of this place to manufacture stories like they were widgets. My story #1 is followed five minutes later by story #2, when our Twin Otter dramatically dives down into the verdant Bedwell Valley before banking hard to land at the resort’s footprint at the head of Bedwell Inlet. There, a team of horses is standing ready to transport passengers and gear to our rooms. From there, the stories start to present themselves so quickly that I worry there will be too many to properly convey to anyone— forcing me to become the modern equivalent of the host holding guests captive in a dark living room while slides of a trip to Niagara Falls whir by on the wall.

H O M E ACC E S S O R I E S W I T H P E R S O N A L I T Y 2 7 1 7 G R A N V I L L E S T. / T 6 0 4 .8 0 6 .0 5 10 / D E TA I L S B Y M R K .CO M

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FOOD + TRAVEL CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE

CH ECK O UT

The Ivanhoe: The Most Dramatic Bar in B.C.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

There are a few elements at play here. First is the selection— deep in craft gin and single malts, pretty solid in amaros.

Second is the fact that it’s free (i.e., included in your daily tariff ), and no matter how many zeroes you have in your bank account you’re bound to feel an undeniable charge when you see a bottle of Hennessy XO that’s yours for the asking. Then there’s the luxury of time—there’s no bartender scrambling between customers, there’s just a long communion over drink, a back-and-forth that steers you to exactly what you’re looking for. Then take all of that goodness and drop it at 50 feet above the Bedwell Estuary and it’s exceedingly tough to not spend your entire week in the bar’s dramatically cozy confines.

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Shining a light on women and addiction.

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FOOD + TRAVEL CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE

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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge/Jeremy Koreski

“after a split second of cold shock, equilibrium returns and you and your crew start hiking and swimming upriver, oblivious to the freezing water and enamoured of your rough-and-ready surroundings.”

But memory #8 turns out to be a keeper (I’ll save 3-7 for another time). It happens on Day 2 and, like most great memories, it takes you by surprise. It starts with a guide asking if you’ve ever considered canyoning (most days feature a morning or afternoon option), then explaining what canyoning is. You demur repeatedly until the guide more or less begs you to give it a shot, and next thing you know, you’re pulling on a wetsuit and heading up an old logging road that follows the rushing Bedwell River.

It’s the suggestion that you hop on a paddleboard in said freezing cold river that really gives you pause; then, after a few hundred metres of surprisingly easy paddling, you get a bigger moment of hesitation when your guide tells you to jump into an eddy near the bank. But everyone is doing it, and so you do too—and, after a split second of cold shock, equilibrium returns and you and your crew start hiking and swimming upriver, oblivious to the freezing water and enamoured of your rough-and-ready surroundings. In

about a half hour you’re at your goal—the base of a waterfall dropping into a huge, slowly churning pool that, as a look under the water with a snorkelling mask shows, is full of spawning salmon. I mean, c’mon. Every single person here is now an immediate canyoning acolyte.

The rest of the vacation plays out with similar stories popping up regularly. A solitary paddle through the estuary, a hike to see some rare stands of old-growth Sitka fir, having Blackford cook a fish for your group that you and he plucked out of Bedwell Sound not 60 minutes previous (while a pod of resident orcas ambled by your Grady-White fishing boat). It’s verging on an embarrassment of riches, but coming at the end of 18 months of grey lockdowns and bad news, it seems like the perfect tonic: an isolated outpost in the heart of a biosphere—one that’s in your own backyard but feels as exotic as the Serengeti—where you can eat like you’re in Paris and adventure like you’re in Patagonia.

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MOOD BOARD

Organic Minimalist

Designer Stephanie Brown embraces imperfection and warmth in this textural, natural vibe.

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2 Ceramicah plaster lamp from Lawson Fenning “I love how the organic plaster finish gives new life to the minimal form of this half-dome table lamp.” lawsonfenning.com

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4 Janaki Larsen ceramics “Janaki’s work is so stunning. And coveted: just try nabbing her pieces and you’ll soon realize doing so is an art within itself.

Each piece is one of a kind, creating an ensemble of dinnerware that’s truly a conversation piece.” janakilarsenceramics.com

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7 Florence daybed from Lock and Mortice “This piece is organic minimalism perfected—combining a sleek outer wood structure with supple and slouchy linen cushions. It’s a work of art and oh-so comfortable.” lockandmortice.com

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3 MQuan Studio wall hanging “These handmade wall hangings are unique tactile art. I love how they add texture, depth, even movement to a space, and range from subtle tones to highcontrast compositions.” mquan.com

5 Mille et Claire pillows and J’Jute baskets and rugs from Provide “These organic and woven accessories are my go-to staples for adding natural warmth to an interior.” providehome.com 6 Color Atelier limewash paint “If you’re up for committing to an organic vibe on a broader level, then limewash paint is a great way to add subtle depth and variation to your walls. And a bonus: it’s an all-natural product that’s non-toxic and even helps purify the air in your home.” coloratelierpaint.com

Yakusha Design room: Yevhenii Avramenko; Provide: Steven Audia

While “fresh” and “crisp” are the typical go-to themes for spring, Vancouver designer Stephanie Brown is leaning the other way this year, embracing warm, organic textures and accents. “I’m usually an advocate for clean and contemporary design, but I love how this wabi-sabi inspired vibe brings softness, warmth and texture to otherwise sleek spaces,” she says. “This look embraces imperfections and natural materials—and, whether used broadly or sparingly, it perfectly complements a West Coast Modern aesthetic.”

1 Architect: Yakusha Design “This interior is by Victoria Yakusha, founder of Faina and Yakusha Design, and features Kumanec vases and Faina’s Ztista table.” yakusha.design

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