Western Living Condo - Spring / Summer 2019

WLSTYLE // title

Bright Now

BRIGHT NOW

How One Vancouver Designer Gave His Light-Filled Yaletown Space a Gold-and-Glam New Look EXPERT ADVICE

The Everything Guide to Sofa Shopping

NORDIC ZEN

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SPRING/SUMMER 2019 $5.99 Display Until September 10, 2019

Inspiration from a Chic, Modern Makeover

25+

BEST BUYS Design Essentials for Your Dream Home pm 4 0065 475

1275 W 6 AVE VANCOUVER | 604.730.1275 1348-C UNITED BLVD. COQUITLAM | 604.529.6868 INspirationFurniture.ca

1275 W 6 AVE VANCOUVER | 604.730.1275 1348-C UNITED BLVD. COQUITLAM | 604.529.6868 INspirationFurniture.ca

1275 W 6 AVE VANCOUVER | 604.730.1275 1348-C UNITED BLVD COQUITLAM | 604.529.6868 INspirationFurniture.ca

SPONSORED REPORT

WINDOWWORKS

Luminette® & Silhouette®

CONSUMER OFFER

Offer valid May 1 – June 30, 2019. †Mail-in rebate offer. Purchase a minimum of 3 Silhouette® or Pirouette® with PowerView® Motorization and receive a $400 rebate. Earn $75 for each additional qualifying unit thereafter, no maximum. Valid at participating retailers only.

Redemption Process: Consumers can visit www.hunterdouglas.ca/ownthelightevent and complete the online rebate at their convenience. Please note this promotion is available to consumers who have purchased the qualifying product only. Employees of Hunter Douglas, the Hunter Douglas specialists and it’s affiliates, franchisees, agents, associates, advertising and promotional agencies and members of the immediate families of these employees are not eligible for the rebate. Hunter Douglas will bill back the specialist for any claims that are in violation of the rules. Consumers must submit a completed online form by July 31st, 2019. No late submissions will be honoured. Rebates submitted for purchases made outside of the promotional dates will not be considered.

If you require a manual entry form to assist with submissions for 2-on-1 headrail configurations, please visit www.hunterdouglas.ca/ownthelightevent and download the form.

Rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of The Hunt Group.

All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

Windowworks has been supplying custom window coverings to Vancouver’s leading Interior designers for over 30 years. Our custom sewing service and Hunter Douglas designer gallery have covered thousands of windows and are now proud to introduce products for the wall and custom upholstery to place on your floor. Visit our showroom or windowworks.ca to see some of our collections of wallpapers, custom sofa’s, chairs, headboards, beds and ottoman’s. Our design team and skilled craftsmen can create almost anything you can imagine!

REBATES STARTING AT REBATES STARTING

$400

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WHEN YOU PURCHASE† SELECT SHADINGS WITH POWERVIEW® MOTORIZATION

WHEN YOU PURCHASE† SELECT SHADINGS WITH POWERVIEW® MOTORIZATION

MAY 1 – JUNE 30, 2019

Pirouette

®

Window Shadings

Save on a lighting system that doubles as stunning blinds.

Offer valid May 1 – June 30, 2019 †Mail-in rebate offer. Purchase a minimum of 4 Duette® or Sonnette® Purchase a minimum of 3 Silhouette® or Pirouette® with PowerView® Motorization and receive a $400 rebate. Earn $75 for each additional qualifying unit thereafter, no maximum.

Valid at participating retailers only.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Windowworks

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2019-03-29 11:45 AM

Where Vancouver’s designers go for inspiration Silhouette®

Duette®

Pirouette®

Palm Beach®

Silhouette®

Luminette®

PowerView®

DRAPERY | HARDWARE | BEDDING | CUSHIONS | ACCESSORIES | UPHOLSTERY | SHUTTERS | BLINDS | AUTOMATION | HUNTER DOUGLAS | WALL PAPER | FABRICS

13331 Vulcan Way Unit 10, Richmond, BC 604-231-1433 | windowworks.ca

2019-04-16 4:53 PM

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2019-04-10 12:54 PM

SPONSORED REPORT

THE TAILORED MEDIA CENTRE; MORE THAN JUST CLOSETS.

W

hether you’re in a condo or heritage home, having a TV in your living room can present a design challenge: the unit needs to be on full view without dominating the entire room. You don’t want a screen to be the first thing you see or the only object you notice when you walk into a space.

For Karen Sellers, having just the right design for her living space was crucial, given that she was updating her family’s heritage Quilchena home—her forever home.

Sellers’s interior designer, Joanna Eng, introduced her to California Closets design consultant Zainub Malik, the two having successfully worked together on several projects in the past.

Malik brought forward ideas for a customized media centre that would finish off the living room perfectly.

To realize Sellers’s wish for an open, airy space, she designed a floating unit with clean, crisp lines that allow the eye to travel. No visible wires, no hardware, and a simple colour scheme pairing flat white and Adriatic mist with a contrasting Cashmere counter: the media centre isn’t just a functional wall unit; it’s a stunning design element.

“It’s so well-balanced,” Malik says. “I still can’t believe there is a 75-inch TV sitting so gracefully inside the components. It makes the room feel bigger and increases that open, airy feeling.”

While installing a standard media centre often involves struggling to get objects to fit, California Closets is able to customize such a unit for any type of dwelling, whether it’s a studio or a full family home. For Sellers’s residence, Malik created a unit with unique, distinct spaces to house important electronics, display artful décor, and accommodate new ottomans so they fit right underneath.

Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with California Closets

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“Working with a designer means you’re not constricted to standard sizes,” Malik says. “We can go as custom as 1/8 of an inch to make sure a media centre perfectly fits the space.

“Each cabinet section can be wider, taller, or shorter depending on the size of the wall,” she explains. “It’s about building for the items you love, not creating generic storage to hide clutter.”

California Closets design consultants meet with clients in their home for an in-depth assessment. They work closely with interior designers, developers, tradespeople, and clients in a collaborative approach, translating ideas into a 3D CAD program on the spot. This allows people to see their thoughts come to life in a scale-accurate rendering.

“Our designed-in-house software allows us to see exactly how storage components will appear,” Malik says. “We can get as precise as what different hinges will look like or how far a waist-length shirt will hang.”

Design consultants can finetune ideas to come up with a winning solution that transforms a space. Malik worked closely with Eng and Sellers for an easy, enjoyable experience.

“It’s safe to say they got exactly what we discussed,” Malik says. “The process can really be stress-free for the client. It was seamless.”

Consultations are complimentary.

To learn more, please visit www.californiaclosets.ca

Zainub Malik

604.320.6575 californiaclosets.ca/vancouver VANCOUVER 2421 Granville Street | BURNABY 5049 Still Creek Avenue

2019-03-05 2:35 PM

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38 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | VOLUME 14 | NUMBER 1

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LIVING ROOM: EMA PETER; KITCHEN: TRACEY AYTON; DINING ROOM: JANIS NICOLAY

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WLSTYLE // title

CITY+STYLE BRIGHT NOW

How One Vancouver Designer Gave His Light-Filled Yaletown Space a Gold-and-Glam New Look EXPERT ADVICE

17 GET THE LOOK

A trio of luxe lounge areas from three of the city’s top designers are sure to inspire.

The Everything Guide to Sofa Shopping

NORDIC ZEN

Inspiration from a Chic Modern Makeover

25+

BEST BUYS Design Essentials for Your Dream Home

ON THE COVER

Designer Aleem Kassam’s Yaletown space makes the most of the natural light that pours in. Story on page 47.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Provoke Studios

22 ESSENTIALS

Sleek leather sofas, graphic area rugs, artful floor lamps and compact dining tables we love.

30 THE EVERYTHING GUIDE TO BUYING A SOFA

Picking the perfect sofa isn’t easy, so we grilled the pros for some expert advice.

32 OVER EASY

The best brunch dishes in Vancouver, from breakfast burgers to lazy Sunday sushi.

SPACES 38 MODERN FAMILY

A cramped waterfront condo gets remastered for a family of five by designer Sarah-Marie Lackey.

46 SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

Kalu Interiors designer Aleem Kassam brings Shaughnessy-mansion glam to his Yaletown condo.

58 NORDIC ZEN

A chic, modern makeover by Mango Design Co. takes a Steveston townhouse into the 21st century.

66 THE INSPO

What’s on interior designer Annaliesse Kelly’s mood board right now.

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

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EDITOR’S NOTE

STACEY’S PICK I’m dreaming of coming home to this BoConcept Aisle console table—a practical storage option that would fit just right in my narrow entryway, with just a little hit of architectural flair.

Aisle Console Table $1,049, available at BoConcept, boconcept.com

For more of Stacey’s picks, visit westernliving.ca

publisher Samantha Legge, MBA editor Stacey McLachlan art director Jenny Reed editorial intern Candice Lipski art intern Bibiana Crespo email mail@westernliving.ca

westernliving.ca

editorial director, western living Anicka Quin online coordinator Theresa Tran production manager Kristina Borys production support technician Ina Bowerbank designer Amanda Siegmann marketing coordinator Christine Beyleveldt vancouver/victoria tel 604-299-7311

vancouver & victoria office

Tragedy struck during our annual spring cleaning at the office this year. Attempting to juggle a box full of cardboard, a fistful of old magazines and my brimming cup of coffee while en route to the recycling bins (I’m a daredevil of a multi-tasker), I let my mug slip out of my grasp and onto the floor, where it shattered into a dozen jagged pieces.

I was surprised to find my heart shattering a little bit, too, as I swept up the shards.

Maybe it’s silly, but I really loved that mug. The perfect oversized shape, covered with a playful, colourful pattern of cartoon fruit, from local design collective Danica Studio: seeing it there on my desk every morning, so squat and cheerful, just brought a little sunshine to my workday. Everyone could see I was devastated: Western Living’s style editor, Lucy Lau, joked, “It feels like we should have a funeral.”

Ultimately, I know that stuff doesn’t matter: it’s relationships and experiences that make life its richest. I’m all about cutting down the clutter and figuring out newer, kinder ways to say no when my grandpa tries for the tenth time to offload his 12-person silverware set on me. But there’s no denying that there is beauty and pleasure to be found in a well-made object: an office mug that fits just right in your hand; an armchair in your favourite shade of sunshine yellow; a set of walnut coasters polished until perfectly smooth. My accident this morning (RIP, you sweet ceramic angel) was a great reminder that the pieces you bring into your spaces should always be ones you truly treasure...even if your love affair can’t last forever.

And our featured spaces in this issue are all about those design details and key pieces that bring the joy. There’s Mango Design Co.’s Nordic Zen condo (page 58), full of gotta-touch-it textures; designer Aleem Kassam’s own Yaletown home, filled with beloved accessories from his world travels (page 47); and a Coal Harbour suite by Sarah-Marie Interiors designed to honour a spectacular view (page 38). I hope you’ll spot something that might bring a little more joy to your world as you spend some time with the magazine. But more importantly, if you’re enjoying a cup of coffee as you flip through these pages, I hope that the mug you drink from is bringing you as much sunshine as mine brought to me.

James Southam, Nicholas Stanley

email gsepulveda@canadawide.com

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chairman & ceo Peter Legge, OBC, LLD (HON) president Samantha Legge, MBA senior vp of integration Brad Liski vp of content marketing Ryan McKenzie vp of digital Kevin Hinton vp of hr/admin Joy Ginete-Cockle vp of finance Sonia Roxburgh, CPA, CGA executive creative director Rick Thibert creative director Cathy Mullaly director of editorial Michael McCullough director of production Kim McLane director of circulation Tracy McRitchie marketing lead Chris Hinton systems administrator Brian Fakhraie accounting Eileen Gajowski, Terri Mason circulation Jacquie Aitken, Kelly Kalirai, Rhiannon Jones, Lori North executive assistant to peter legge Elaina Kohlhauser

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WESTERN LIVING CONDO MAGAZINE is published two times a year by Canada Wide Media

Stacey McLachlan, Editor

stacey.mclachlan@westernliving.ca

14 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

Limited, Suite 230, 4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7. Phone 604-299-7311; fax 604-299-9188. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. All reproduction requests must be made to COPIBEC (paper reproductions), 800-717-2022, or CEDROM-SNi (electronic reproductions), 800-563-5665. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. This publication is indexed in the Canadian Magazine Index and the Canadian Periodical Index, and is available online in the Canadian Business & Current Affairs Database. ISSN 1920-0668 (British Columbia edition). Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40065475.

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Every Little Thing

head office/sales inquiries web westernliving.ca tel 604-299-7311 director of sales Brianne Harper sales manager Gabriella Sepúlveda Knuth account managers Trish Almeida, Judy Johnson,

1706 WEST 1ST AVE ARMOURY DISTRICT VANCOUVER 604 683 1116 LIVINGSPACE.COM

Obsidian Column Refrigeration by JennAir doesn’t just break convention.

It shatters it. Inspired by volcanic glass, the dark obsidian interior is dramatically brought to life with 650 individual LEDs. Metal shelving and solid glass door bins showcase heightened craftsmanship and materials. Trinity Cooling gives you ultimate control in temperature management with three cooling zones calibrated at every second and its internal water dispenser ensures that filtered water is always at your fingertips.

Obsidian Column Refrigeration

by JennAir – available now.

JENNAIR.CA/COLUMNS

S H A T T E R

C o e i

Scott Myler 604-301-3427 17 Locations across Canada

General Manager, Vancouver

In Vancouver: 8488 Main St.

Susan Ford 778-386-7122

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Designer & Multi-Family Sales sford@coastappliances.com

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Ž/TM Š2019 JennAir. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.

Victoria Winnipeg

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(Colony Appliances)

CITY+STYLE HOT NEW FURNITURE // BEST BRUNCHES // SOFA SHOP LIKE A PRO

Mix and match textural elements.

A monochromatic palette can sometimes make a room feel cool, but Deck was able to counteract this by incorporating a variety of materials throughout: wood, linen, marble and wool lend warmth to the space.

Take it to the floor.

Since the living room backs onto the dining room in this 1,200-square-foot condo, the sofa rests completely on the floor for visual separation.

Smooth out the edges.

Circular coffee and side tables help to soften the space, but they also eliminate the risk of bumping into corners (“Safety first!” laughs Deck) and can be easily moved around when company comes.

LUXE LOUNGES

EMA PETER

Three stunning looks that prove good things come in small packages. WRITER KAITLYN FUNK THE LOOK: BEACHY KEEN Jamie Deck of Shift Interiors brings the Kitsilano vibe inside with a bright and airy condo design.

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

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CITY + STYLE GET THE LOOK

Accentuate heritage details.

THE LOOK: WELL ROUNDED When Emma Kelly, project manager and co-founder of Rudy Winston Design, decided to renovate her 1912 heritage home, she turned to her co-founder and the firm’s designer, Francesca Albertazzi, for help.

Rather than downplay the room’s traditional features—the curved walls, the ceiling medallion— Kelly and Albertazzi embraced them.

Look way, way up.

Kelly immediately fell in love with the tasselled light fixture from Anthropologie, which makes perfect use of the room’s height: “In a space where you’ve got a fairly high ceiling, you want to draw the eye up,” says Albertazzi.

Kelly didn’t focus too much on selecting any one style for the room. Rather, she lived by the mantra “If you like it, get it,” and mixed existing furniture pieces with new accessories for a fresh, whimsical look.

18 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

JANIS NICOLAY

Don’t settle on a single theme.

East India Carpets D I S T I N C T I V E D E S I G N S S I N C E 19 4 8

1606 West 2nd at Fir Armoury District Vancouver Mon-Sat 10-5:30 604 736 5681 eastindiacarpets.com C ARPE T C L E ANING A N D RE S TOR ATION SE RVICE S AVA IL ABLE PHOTOGRAPHY: BARRY CALHOUN PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORIES: PROVIDE HOME

Ad number: EIC WLC SPRING SUMMER 2018 Date: April 1, 2019

Colour: 4 colour

Size: 9” x 10.75”

Insertion: Western Living Condo

CITY + STYLE GET THE LOOK

THE LOOK: MOROCCAN MARVEL Using a playful mix of colour, texture and architectural detail, Ivan Quintana Medina and the team at Medina Living Designs bring a touch of North Africa to Vancouver’s South Granville ’hood.

Carve out a space for privacy.

Sheer cotton drapery softens the natural light and gives the room a romantic feel; the archway, complete with corbels that were handcarved in Indonesia, further complements the Moroccan look.

Load up on the accessories.

“Layering is very important,” says Quintana of pulling together a look like this. As long as you have a neutral background, you needn’t be afraid of mixing in bold colours and textures. (We see you, throw pillows.)

Go big or go home.

TRACEY AYTON

To take it from accent piece to statement piece, Quintana opted for an oversized rug with a scaled-up pattern.

20 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

®

TOUR DU MONDE

DEDON COLLECTION AIIR Design by GamFratesi www.dedon.us

EXCEPTIONAL INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS

1855 Fir Street Armoury District Vancouver 604.736.8822 Mon - Sat 10 - 5:30 pm broughaminteriors.com

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

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Gather Round Set a place and share a meal around these stylish round dining tables.

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PEAK STYLE The graceful Deod table by Gianluigi Landoni ($8,400) was inspired by the natural magnificence of the Dolomites. gingerjarfurniture.com

2

COLOUR BLOCK Add a burst of personality to your dining room with the bold yellow legs of the Mesa round dinette ($1,199). eq3.com

22 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

3

FIRE SIDE Ignite some wild dinnertime conversation around the Incendio table ($8,250). switzercultcreative.com

4

FORM AND FUNCTION Adapt the Billund table ($1,179) to your every need, unfolding the tabletop and legs to accommodate up to five people. boconcept.com

5

ROUND TABLE Based on the success of their iconic armchair, Miniforms introduced the Colony table ($5,175) with a distinctive stretched-cane base. bloomfurniturestudio.com

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LIGHT AND DARK The contrasting lacquer top of the Winston table (from $1,616) brings a smart balance to its minimalist pedestal base. roveconcepts.com

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

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Bright Spot On or off, these fashionable floor lamps bring style and substance to your living space.

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CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER The inquisitive tilt of the Curious lamp ($499) has us wondering which room will showcase it best. boconcept.com

2

MOON SHINE We love the Leap lamp’s ($139) mid-century moon-inspired crescent shade. article.com

24 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

3

SHAPE SHIFTER Mix, match and stack the unique polymer shade designs of the Totem floor lamp series (from $1,950) to create your own illuminated totem. switzercultcreative.com

4

MOD SQUAD Foscarini re-envisioned some of their best-loved pieces to bring us the Twiggy Be/Colour capsule collection (from $2,923) in a parade of cheeky chromatic combos. foscarini.com

5

ARCH RIVAL The solid-marble base of the Cast floor lamp ($300) allows its graceful arch to reach great lengths. eq3.com

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PICTURE PERFECT The tripod base of the Harper lamp ($129) is sturdy yet chic, with iron legs and a wood finish. structube.com

STARTING FROM $1, 320,9 00

START ING FRO M $899,90 0

3 BEDROOMS | 1,576 - 1,590 SF

Rendering is an artist’s interpretation only and may not be accurate.

Pricing and availability subject to change without notice. E&OE.

STARTING FROM $3,72 5,000

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CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

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Luxurious Leather

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Whether you favour classic tufting, Scandinavian chic or something in between, you’re sure to find a leather sofa to fit your taste.

B 1

NEW TAKE Gus Modern’s Wallace sofa ($3,950) may be inspired by the traditional British chesterfield, but its angled arms and base create lines that are anything but stuffy. fullhousemodern.com

2

LEAN AND CLEAN The clean lines of the Bonnie aniline leather sofa (from $6,684) blend natural warmth with a striking minimalist aesthetic. designhouse.com

26 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

3

LUPINE LUXURY High backrests, tapered lines and a versatile inset ceramic table make the Wolf modular sofa (from $11,150) a stylishly practical choice. broughaminteriors.com

4

CARAMEL COMFORT The Luca sofa ($2,449) features piping and tufting elements that bring a classic look. roveconcepts.com

5

DEEP IMPACT Low lines and a deep, single-cushioned seat give the Piazza sofa ($5,899) uninterrupted style with a European flair. cb2.com

6

JUST RIGHT Keep your lounging essentials close at hand thanks to the discreet built-in storage on the adjustable Hampton sofa (from $6,299). boconcept.com

I l c e

$ f

TOTALLY VENTLESS. COMPLETELY INVENTIVE.

Blomberg Ventless Heat Pump Dryer

$500 MAIL IN REBATE!

In today’s most thoughtfully designed living spaces, the Blomberg Ventless Heat Pump Dryer transforms how laundry gets done — and where. Totally ventless and perfectly scaled to fit almost anywhere, its innovative closed-loop heat exchange technology is humidity free while delivering superior clothing care and maximum energy efficiency even in smaller footprints.

$500 mail-in rebate on now until June 30, 2019. Contact Pacific Specialty Brands at 604-430-5253 or visit www.pacificspecialtybrands.com for a dealer near you.

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

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Let your floors take centre stage with these bright, painterly area rugs.

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COLOUR, CUBED The high-pile Element rug (from $620) turns 100-percent New Zealand wool into a work of art. fullhousemodern.com

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STRONG IMPRESSION The hand-knotted Vanguard II rug (from $7,499) has us dreaming of Monet’s waterlilies. jordans.ca

28 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

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PILE ON The deep wool pile of Dellarobbia’s Sousei rug ($3,465) is hand-carved to enhance colour, definition and texture. gingerjarfurniture.com

4

TOTAL GEM The swirling blues in the Aberdine rug (from $445) are reminiscent of an azurite stone. thelivinglab.ca

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STROKE OF GENIUS The design of the abstract Promenade rug (from $599) was originally brought to life in watercolour, acrylic and charcoal. cb2.com

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BOLD BLOOMS Embrace 2019’s colour of the year with the bright and beautiful coral elements of the handwoven Florence TK Multi rug ($153 per square foot). burrittfloors.com

Live Limitlessly

Space-maximizing solutions for every home, large or small.

Designed and made in Italy by clei.

ResourceFurniture.com | 604-899-8874 124 West Hastings Street | Vancouver BC, V6B 1G9 New York Los Angeles San Francisco

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CITY + STYLE EXPERT ADVICE

COUCH COUNSELLING

The Everything Guide to Buying a Sofa Let’s admit it: we spend a good chunk of our lives on the couch. It’s where we nap, read and—truth be told—often where we eat. Like the best friend or partner that grows in perfect lockstep with you over time, a good sofa seems to just fit through every phase of life. So we grilled the pros and did the research to figure out exactly how to find that sofa soulmate.

WRITER HALEY CAMERON

We’re serious when we compare sofas to relationships.

BE UPFRONT WITH YOUR INTENTIONS...

When Kate Duncan, our 2017 Furniture Designer of the Year, decided to build herself a sectional, it had to serve double duty. “I needed a couch to also be a guest bed—even though that’s super-cheesy and inconvenient.” ...AND HONEST ABOUT YOUR COMMITMENT LEVELS. “Is this something that you want long term, or does it just need to fill a gap?” asks Duncan.

“These questions will help inform the budget, as well as how flamboyant you’re willing to go.”

MAKE SURE YOU’RE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR BOUNDARIES...

“Know the square footage of the floor, the size of surrounding furniture and which other pieces are non-negotiables,” says Livingspace’s Albert Yee. ...BUT NOT TOO STUBBORN ABOUT YOUR “TYPE.” “You’re going to change the room’s configuration at some point, so try to envision it at least two different ways,” suggests Yee. “Our customers often come in thinking they want a sectional, then realize a traditional sofa will work much better.”

2 Cabriole

1 Chesterfield

A chesterfield’s high arms curve outward like reverse quotation marks, and big buttons punctuate its pronounced back. Think of rich, old leather couches with hidden footrests.

4 Mid-Century-Modern

The mid-century-modern sofa sits on tapered legs a few inches off the ground and is dotted by a clean row of small buttons along its back.

Still unsure? Just open Pinterest.

30 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

GLOSSARY

Five sofa terms guaranteed to make you sound smarter.

5 Chaise Longue

That this ornate style was a King Louis XV fave is telling. Its wooden frame peeks out past studded upholstery along the arms and under seat cushions, and its curved legs scream 18th-century France.

Proof that French makes even the laziest of concepts sound fancy.

With this elongated design—intended for one—putting your feet up is mandatoire and having a bed in your living room acceptable.

3 Lawson

Unpretentious in style (a simple box shape) and plush with padding, the Lawson was first to fill the back panel with big rectangular cushions, and its low arms are perfect for naps.

FABRIC FAVES ASK THE EXPERTS

A few words of wisdom from our panel of couch connoisseurs.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A CUSHION FILLER? AY: People have different ideas of what a cushion should feel like—it usually goes back to what they grew up with. Some people like down- or featherfilled cushions that are floppy; others like poly-filled cushions that are very plump and bouncy.”

HOW SHOULD YOU SET YOUR BUDGET? KD: Land on a number, then double it. People are lulled into this false sense of security when they look at Ikea. A sofa is something you’re going to park yourself on every day—it should be expensive.

For her own couch, Duncan was set on wool. “It’s really on trend: modern, matte and uniform.” But there’s a catch: “It’s like a magnet for dog hair and fluff—and it’s impossible to vacuum.”

Her choice for a lower-maintenance material: good old-fashioned leather. (“It’s just so sexy!”)

“A lot of the materials we deal with feel like clothing,” offers Yee. “They’re a blend of linens, wools, cottons and synthetics.” He recommends something with a mélange in the weave. “It tends to age well, hides small stains or wear and goes well with lots of different interiors.”

IS IT RISKY TO BUY A SOFA ONLINE? KD: I once bought a sofa on Craigslist for $150.

Would I recommend that? Probably not; I think I lucked out. You need to sit on it, see it to scale.

MW: To feel more confident about [an online] purchase, research third-party reviews on home decor sites, like Apartment Therapy or Wirecutter.

Regardless of what you choose, go big or go home. “Higher-quality materials will last longer,” promises Welton.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY SOFA SO IT LASTS A LONG TIME? MW: Look for couches that withstand the Martindale rub test, which simulates natural wear of the sofa.

You should choose a sofa that can withstand 25,000 rubs or more.

KD: Get it professionally cleaned, vacuum it and flip the cushions if you can. When you start to get bored with it, add different toss cushions or a new blanket.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT A SOFA IS REALLY WELL CONSTRUCTED? AY: Things like really straight piping, nice even folds, and no strange puckering or ugly seams at complicated corners. Without them, your sofa isn’t going to fall apart, but they still matter.

MW: Select a sofa with a solid wood structure and look for corner blocks: pieces of wood at a sofa’s joints that help improve structural stability.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER ADVICE TO SHARE? AY: Use it! My mom can’t believe I let my dog on the couch, but these pieces are meant to be lived on.

STEP BY STEP

Maureen Welton, VP of creative and design at Article, got us up to speed on the modern-day sofa-buying process.

1 Use masking tape to “block” the space.

“Measure the length and width, and ensure there’s about a foot of space between walls.”

2 Think about how you relax.

“Do you like putting your feet up to face the television? A sectional sofa may be a better fit.”

3 Consider the logistics early.

“Have a plan for your existing sofa before delivery day arrives, and measure doorways and elevators to ensure your [new] piece will make it in your home. This is especially important if you live in a condo.”

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CITY + STYLE BEST BRUNCH

BY BARB SLIGL

OVER EASY Whether you’re looking for morning fortification or a post-binge prescription, Vancouver offers a gastronomic world tour of must-try brunch dishes.

CAFÉ MEDINA

The Liège-style waffles at Café Medina are a no-brainer brunch mainstay (topped with crowd favourite salted caramel, of course). But before diving into this sweet treat, consider trying a savoury fricassée with eggs. The signature bestselling vegetarian version (fricassée champignon) is so good that it’s featured in the Vancouver Eats cookbook. 780 Richards St., medinacafe.com

Sushi at Lobby Lounge Rawbar

NELSON THE SEAGULL

TABLEAU BAR BISTRO

Paris meets Vancouver in the croque madame (avec frites, bien sûr): ham, Gruyère cheese and mornay (béchamel with more Gruyère—always a good thing) sandwiched, grilled and topped with a fried egg. The result is “one of the most classic, sensuous and satisfying of all sandwiches,” says general manager Olivier Bureau. Pair with a glass of Sancerre: bliss. 1181 Melville St., tableaubarbistro.com

LOBBY LOUNGE RAWBAR

Head to the swish lobby of the Fairmont Pacific Rim for next-level sushi. The chef’schoice omakase long-table sushi experience is a family-style feast of Ocean Wise fare (maki rolls, sashimi, nigiri, oysters) served on a locally crafted driftwood longboard. 1038 Canada Pl., lobbyloungerawbar.com

YOLKS

Poached-just-right eggs in a benny you build yourself is its own form of brunch bliss. And Yolks’ flow chartlike menu (first offered at the original breakfast cart and now at two bricks-andmortar spots) can result in this must-have mashup: portobello mushroom with aioli and arugula on truffle-lemon hash browns topped with grated aged cheddar. Yes, please.

1598 E Hastings St. and 546 W Broadway, yolks.ca

Fricassée with eggs at Café Medina

CAFÉ MEDINA: ISSHA MARIE

Avocado toast seems ubiquitous now, but the first—and arguably best— iteration in Vancouver (sliced atop delicious house-baked bread) may be found here.

“Avocado toast was always a staple in our house,” say co-owners Lee and Jonathan Snelgar of growing up in South Africa. And it’s become a tradition here, too: “People are not happy at all when we run out.”

315 Carrall St., nelsontheseagull.com

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maisond'

…your home – inspired by you – designed by maison…

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111 West 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1H9 T: 604.484.4030

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The Charlie Bowl at Jam Cafe

CITY + STYLE BEST BRUNCH

JAM CAFE The Charlie Bowl at Jam Cafe is named after the owner’s youngest son, who prefers every meal in a bowl.

One of the last items to make it on the menu, it quickly became the most popular—and Charlie takes full credit for the blockbuster concoction of crumbled buttermilk biscuit, hash browns, tomatoes, bacon, sausage and cheese, all topped with gravy and eggs. 556 Beatty St. and 2153 W 4th Ave., jamcafes.com

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Maj L’ABATTOIR The breakfast burger at L’Abattoir (a quarter pound of beef with, yes, a hash brown patty and fried egg) has been on this Gastown institution’s brunch menu since it began—and it’s here to stay. Chef Lee Cooper thinks he might have started a trend: soon after his debuted, imitations appeared at other restaurants. We recommend the original. 217 Carrall St., labattoir.ca

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RED WAGON CAFE

LA MEZCALERIA Chilaquiles verdes, please.

This traditional brunch of tortillas, salsa (verde or roja), refried beans, eggs and fresh crema is a casual comfort-food mainstay. As chef Mariana Gabilondo says, “It wouldn’t be a true Mexican breakfast without chilaquiles.” 1622 Commercial Dr. and 68 E Cordova St., lamezcaleria.ca

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Jam Cafe Chilaquiles verdes at La Mezcaleria

L’ABATTOIR: VIRANLLY LIEMENA; RED WAGON: NOAH KENT; LA MEZCALERIA: LEILA KWOK

The pulled-pork pancakes at Red Wagon Cafe (three buttermilk pancakes with Jack Daniel’s–spiked maple syrup and all that shredded protein) are a local celeb of sorts. People have travelled from across North America to sample this dish after seeing it on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Vancouverites need only trek to East Van for the all-day-breakfast must. 2296 E Hastings St., redwagoncafe.com

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RECYCLE YOUR LARGE APPLIANCES

Keep BC Green Michael Zarbl Executive Director

Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable

For large appliances, “end-of-life” doesn’t mean an end to usefulness.

You might not know it, but many large appliances can actually be recycled once you’re done with them. In fact, 99.9% of large appliances have a lifespan of around 10 to 20 years, so you’ll probably have a few of your own that need to be recycled.

THAT’S WHERE WE COME IN The Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) is a not-for-profit stewardship agency responsible for managing end-of-life large household appliances in British Columbia. MARR works on behalf of large appliance producers to meet BC Recycling Regulations, making it an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.

Jam Cafe

The Return-It Large Appliance program operates on behalf of MARR in BC. The large appliance stewardship plan is focused on enhancing the performance and transparency of BC’s existing system of collecting and recycling major household appliances.

There are 272 drop-off sites that accept major appliances in BC - that’s in addition to the pick- up services offered by retailers and some municipalities.

For a full list of free drop-off sites, visit return-it.ca/large-appliances/locations.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Many large appliances are used for cooling or freezing. These appliances use chemical refrigerants that as a group are classified as ozonedepleting substances. Ozone-depleting substances are harmful to the environment so it’s important they’re handled and disposed of carefully by licensed professionals.

Not only does recycling ensure refrigerants are handled by experts, but it also means that recyclable materials go back into the manufacturing cycle.

98% of metal from large appliances can be recycled by processors, who can then resell the scrap metal for reuse.

WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS DOING It’s not just people like you who can help. Over the past twenty years, large appliance manufacturers have become more environmentally-conscious.

Many now incorporate ‘Design for the Environment’ principles into their manufacturing processes: they’re always looking for new ways to reduce the amount of manufacturing material, increase energy and water efficiency and incorporate innovative low-to-no Global Warming Potential refrigerant technology.

LET’S KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK In 2017, British Columbians diverted 38,000 tonnes of large appliances from the landfill by recycling responsibly.

As a province, we’re all in this together.

Recycling your large appliances is an important way to help preserve our environment, so do your part and make sure they always get dropped off at a certified collection site.

To find a free certified MARR collection site near you visit: return-it.ca/LargeAppliances/locations

272

98%

drop-off sites across BC

of metals from large appliances are recyclable

Recycle Your: Full Size Refrigerators

Compact Refrigerators

Freezers

Window Air Conditioners

Portable Air Conditioners

Dehumidifiers

Clothes Washers

Clothes Dryers

Ranges

Range Hoods & Downdrafts

Built-In Ovens

Built-In & Over the Range Microwave Ovens

Surface Cooking Units

Dishwasher

Food Waste Disposers

Trash Compactors

Electric Hot Beverage Dispenser

Electric Cold Beverage Dispenser

For more program information visit marrbc.ca

Call us at 1.800.330.9767

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5–8PM

DAILY From May 17– October 14 Happy Hour just got happier at Prospect Point Bar & Grill in Stanley Park! Enjoy the views from our deck with BC’S best craft beer and wine. No matter how you look at it, it’s just another excuse to say cheers! Open daily year round.

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SPACES YALETOWN LUXE // NORDIC ZEN // VIEWS FOR DAYS

FLEX FORWARD

JANIS NICOLAY

Flexible furniture—like this custom fold-out desk by Mango Design Co.—is the easiest way to make the most of small square footage. By day, the simple white oak platform is a minimalist home workstation; by night, it folds away to make room for entertaining friends. Ultimately, it’s simple math: two functions for one room makes for twice the happiness. See the rest of this smartly designed modern space starting on page 58.

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HIGH CONTRAST White Corian countertops pop against the rich walnut cabinetry. A marble mosaic backsplash adds an element of texture and sophistication.

Modern Family

A cramped waterfront condo is remastered for a family of five.

WRITER JULIA DILWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY TRACEY AYTON

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SPACES MODERN FAMILY

Designer Secret #1 PROVIDE ACCESS FOR EVERYONE. Big drawers in the Scandinavian-inspired kitchen island are great for maximizing storage, and the three kids can easily access their own little plates and spoons.

It’s not a big ask, to be able to see the ocean from your waterfront condo kitchen—but it is a bit tricky when said kitchen is surrounded by walls, as was the case with this Yaletown number.

With a somewhat compartmentalized layout, the 1,500-squarefoot condo actually felt cramped, small even, so designer Sarah-Marie Lackey, principal at Sarah-Marie Interior Designs, was brought in to liberate the kitchen, take the plan openconcept and bring the home into the present day.

The vintage Vancouver condo was one of the first luxury apartments to be built along the seawall in the 1990s, and its last full-scale reno, performed by none other than Robert Ledingham in the late ’90s, had lost its lustre for the homeowners. “They just couldn’t see past the designer features that had come and gone,” says Lackey. A mid-century-modern teak armoire with Lucite handles, a custom rounded-edge, high-gloss gilded console table, a brown marble bathroom with gold fixtures—it was all too dark and

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dated for the family of five, and it all had to go.

But dark was exactly what the home needed. With the kitchen walls knocked down (hello, ocean!) and that area now open, the panoramic semicircle of windows in the living room were flooding the entire space with natural light. Combined with white walls, “it was a total whiteout,” explains the designer. “It turned out the kitchen could handle a dark contrast.” And so, one whole wall was painted black, along with one side of the new supersized kitchen island, and paired with rich walnut and black millwork against the mid-tone oak floors—all balanced with light Corian countertops and a marble mosaic backsplash. “I think a lot of people are afraid of black, but I find it works exactly the same way as white,” says Lackey. “It works as a neutral palette you can build on.”

A new Scandinavian-inspired kitchen island, with multiple heights and materials, was another twist on convention. Lackey designed an almost console-table-like countertop at the end of

GATHERING PLACE It’s a space designed to foster family togetherness, whether they’re huddled around the cozy, rustic dining table or all helping prep dinner in the gorgeous blackwhite-and-walnut kitchen.

SPACES MODERN FAMILY

Designer Secret #2 CREATE COMFORTABLE CONTRAST. Dark leather chairs bring contrast to the light-flooded space, and the distressed leather is great for kids, says Lackey. “There’s nothing they can really do to it; jumping on the chairs could almost make them look better.”

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MIX IT UP The furniture in this kid-friendly living room was selected specifically to be moved around so a play space could easily transform to accommodate adults, too.

Designer Secret #3 ADD LIGHTING IN SURPRISING PLACES. Lackey stealthily lined the tub ledge above the faucet with LED strip lights, so at night you can turn them on and the whole wall gets washed with light. “I’m not usually an LED-strip-light kind of gal, but it was really beautiful—and that ambiance is important,” she says. Caesarstone countertops in Sleek Concrete on whitewashed walnut add to the spa-like feel of the master bath without taking away any attention from the seamless marble walls and yellow-gold water fixtures.

Designer Secret #4 SHOW OFF YOUR STORAGE. Even for this 16-by-16-foot master bedroom, storage was an issue, so the homeowners wanted a large-scale closet wall to handle the overflow of winter jackets and boots, and asked specifically for it to be two-toned so it wasn’t one big wall of white. “She wanted something that had visual interest but wasn’t too imposing,” says Lackey.

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SPACES MODERN FAMILY

Designer Secret #5 EMBRACE EXPERIMENTATION. “Because a guest bathroom isn’t where people are necessarily getting ready every day, I like to spice it up,” says Lackey, who opted for a navy blue vanity, floral hexagonal Ames tiles (the jumping-off point for the design), matte-black water fixtures, and flashy gold cup pulls from Restoration Hardware.

GOLDEN TOUCH The shiny gold Restoration Hardware handles pop against the navy cabinetry in the guest bathroom.

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the island in walnut to easily seat the family’s three children close by and at table height but keep them well separated from the hot cooktop. (The black backing also hides even more storage.)

The living room redesign was a further extension of the modern, family-forward imperative that says living with kids doesn’t mean you can’t have nice things. Sure, they could tuck away a playroom elsewhere in the house, but the homeowners wanted their kids to be able to be where they were so they could live daily in all spaces together as a family. Lackey’s solution? A dual living room. Two easy-to-move-around distressed leather chairs in deep cognac, along with a new grey sofa and poufs in soft materials, make up the adult conversation area, while a smaller kids table and chairs sit next to it with Ikea baskets for in-plain-sight toy storage.

“It’s tidy but child-friendly,” says Lackey. “We wanted to incorporate the family and the kids into the whole space entirely.”

Octagonal tile in the entryway might look like a purely decorative touch, but it was chosen over hardwood to resist damage from the youngest’s stroller and rough-and-tumble kid scuffs. The white armoire holding court by the front door is actually a dresser, and a favourite design trick of Lackey’s for families. “I put dressers in hallways all the time; they’re amazing for things like mitts, hats, keys and all the kids’ small things.” She used baskets inside the dresser to divide up more storage space for each family member.

The brief for the master bath called for efficient utility—a nice big tub for family baths plus two shower heads and two sinks so the busy parents could get ready in the mornings at the same time.

But Lackey also saw an opportunity for drama. Turning the space into what looks like a hollowed-out cave of marble, she opted for unencumbered wall-to-wall grey-veined Calacatta with a whitewashed walnut vanity and regal pops of gold hardware. “We didn’t want it to be so over the top that it lost its serene spa appeal, but we wanted to do something playful and a little unconventional,” says the designer.

Lackey acknowledges that the design risks were big, but notes that the homeowners were brave enough to trust her. “My favourite moment in this project was trying to draw out what the kitchen would look like with all the different counter heights. It was a challenge trying to sell my client on this idea which was based on something she couldn’t see and had never seen before—that I hadn’t seen before,” explains Lackey. But the gamble paid off, and the family loves their unorthodox black kitchen, with its island that’s uniquely tailored to their needs: to be together, to entertain, to enjoy their space to the fullest.

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FAMILY MATTERS Interior designer Aleem Kassam (left) and his husband Victor Kazakov cozy up for some quality time with their Bengal cat, Theos.

WRITER JULIA DILWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVOKE STUDIOS

SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

Kalu Interiors designer Aleem Kassam brings Shaughnessy-mansion glam to his Yaletown condo.

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SPACES SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

Designer Secret #1 SET A NEUTRAL FOUNDATION. This sub-penthouse’s interiors might look well adorned, but its modern core is decidedly timeless. “I like to challenge people to imagine the space stripped of accessories, furniture and accents—the gold, the wallpaper—and without all that, it’s just a very clean, contemporary space,” says Kassam.

The Donovan Building, a boutique gem in the heart of Yaletown, was long admired by interior designer Aleem Kassam. So when one of its two-bedroom units came on the market, he pounced on it, even though his partner, Victor Kazakov, was on business in India and had made their realtor swear he wouldn’t let Kassam buy anything while he was away. (Kazakov would understand; this was the one.) The take: a 1,150-square-foot corner-suite sub-penthouse with peek-a-boo views of False Creek, downtown and, to the north, mountains, mountains, mountains. It occupied a whole quarter of the 19th floor, so it was also private and had a deck that spanned the length of the unit, and it balanced wall space with windows (they could have artwork and buckets of natural light).

A decade old, the condo featured yet-untouched original interiors that were an ode to the ’90s, with dark-stained floors and cabinetry. There was plenty of potential, but “it was just way too dark,” says Kassam, a co-founder of local design firm Kalu Interiors.

“I couldn’t wait to just gut the heck out of it.”

But all in due time: Kassam and Kazakov moved in first to study their space. Because this was such a special home and the designer was his own client—and could set his own deadlines—there was no real rush. “I wanted to, kind of, date it for a while?” laughs Kassam. And so for six months, the couple meticulously observed how the natural light came through the windows, where the storage fell short and how the layout worked—or, as it turns out, how it didn’t work. “As we started to live in the unit, we quickly realized how unfunctional the floor plan was,” he says.

Thoughts about a simple surface reno soon transformed into aggressive plans for a complete overhaul that would move walls, doors, islands and closets—starting with the cramped, studio-small kitchen. The original kitchen was less than half its current size, had junior-apartment-sized appliances and, oddly, right off the kitchen island, featured the master bedroom’s only door. “When we had people over and were entertaining, it just felt really awkward if we wanted our bedroom to be private,” says Kassam. To address this, he closed off that

OBJETS ABROAD “Victor and I travel a lot, so I wanted that artifact, Architectural Digest feel for our home, where our space could say a million words about us without literal photos of us travelling,” says Kassam. Shelves in the living room are adorned with the couple’s souvenirs, like figurines from trips to Bali and Taiwan.

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SPACES SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

ON THE GREEN Kassam is a big fan of green spaces, so he used SynLawn to create a lush, whimsical and low-maintenance outdoor lawn. An exterior gas line meant they could custom-build a matte-black outdoor kitchen (from Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens) to fit, and cook year-round. In the dining room, the Louis XIV chairs were gilded and reupholstered from “hideous striped beige” to black velvet from Maxwell Fabrics.

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There’s no place like this neighbourhood. Dinner is a cinch because Save-On-Foods and Everything Wine are just downstairs or you can eat at one of the restaurants next door to your home.

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SPACES SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

Designer Secret #2 CREATE MOMENTS OF REST FOR THE EYE. To counteract all the gold embellishments and drama, Kassam’s design firm co-founder at Kalu Interiors, Phyllis Lui, encouraged him to install a white backsplash in the kitchen. This creates a necessary moment of rest, and allow the black granite kitchen island to really sing.

door, extended the usable wall space in both directions, and even created a hidden nine-by-six-foot butler’s pantry (formerly a flex room) encapsulated in the kitchen’s white oak millwork. “And by removing the bedroom door and moving the island, I was able to add that whole left bank wall, which includes magic corner cabinets, a 36-inch fridge, full-sized 30-inch wall oven, microwave, wine fridge, coffee maker and pullout pantry,” the designer explains. “Yes, we love dinner parties.”

The couple’s new master bedroom door came via the guest bedroom. Kassam removed the room’s French doors, opening it up to the dining room and kitchen areas, and turned it into a chic corner office, complete with triangle desk. The bedroom is now accessed through a sliding barn door entrance in the office, which also satisfied another of the designer’s top goals: “I’m always a huge fan of just completely open living, being able to walk in and out of a master bath, in and out of the closet, the bedroom, and not have the sightlines given away off the first look,” says Kassam. In the master bedroom, the designer installed two black-framed pocket doors on either side of the bed; the left leads to the wraparound

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SPACES SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

Designer Secret #3 INCORPORATE A VARIETY OF MIRRORS. “I think a lot of people tend to find them ’90s-kitschy and tacky, but used strategically, mirrors are your absolute best friend,” says Kassam. He installed custom mirrors above the master bedroom’s pocket doors and on the far wall in the living room to extend the space, but he also included furniture mirrors, like the art deco glam oval mirror from CB2 that hangs in the office, and the ornate gold Louis XIV showstopper that acts as a headboard in the master bedroom.

TOTAL TRICKERY “The hanging storage on the right is actually deeper than that on the left,” says Kassam of his custom design.

By mounting the clothing rods in the same central place with back panelling, the cupboards run parallel and appear to be the same size—a crafty trick to steal space for his master bath.

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L-shaped walk-in closet, the right, to the master bath. “Every day we live with these doors fully open,” he says. “Even in the bathroom, you’ve turned a corner into the bathroom, so you have that open-concept feel and you get plenty of that natural light, but you still have privacy.”

This deft manipulation of the floor plan continued room by room, from the optical-illusion walk-in closet (one cupboard is less deep than the other to steal space for the spa-like master bath) to the ceiling (dropped a few inches to accommodate shallow coffers).

With the bones reset, Kassam turned to creating a decidedly timeless backdrop of neutral materials and finishes. Functional features throughout, like cabinetry and millwork, were cast in white oak and closely matched to the floors (to create an “endless visual seam”), while focal points drew the eye to dramatic blacks (the granite kitchen island, the all-black bathroom vanity, the velvet Louis XIV dining chairs). There’s gold everywhere (the rain-patterned hallway wallpaper, the circle art, the vases and curios), but each piece is a loose embellishment that’s easy to swap

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SPACES SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

SPA LIFE To create a spa bathroom fit for a west-side mansion, Kassam raised the ceiling, stole square footage from the bedroom’s walk-in closet, swapped out a framed-in tub for a spacious soaker and installed glass shelving on unencumbered wall-to-wall Calacatta marble.

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out or update as tastes and seasons change. “Even for my space, I don’t want to have to redesign it three, four or five years down the road,” says Kassam.

In the living room, the sofa, stools and custom storage bench are all low profile to keep sightlines clear and never obstruct the Vancouver views, but nothing in this downtown condo follows the rules when it comes to being “apartment sized.” (There’s the soaker tub, three-sided fireplace wall, seven-foot dining table and the master bedroom’s “massive-splurge Louis XIV gilded mirror from William Switzer that my husband almost killed me for.”)

“My home feels like a house because I’ve chosen scales and proportions that feel like a home in Shaughnessy,” explains Kassam. “Instead of doing a lot of smaller items, I’d rather make that one piece really worth it.” After more than a decade in the business, a strong ethos has emerged: design for the five-bedroom home you want, not the downtown condo you have. “I’m a firm believer in spaces being aspirational,” says Kassam. “Homes that reflect where you want to be and where you want to go.”

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

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Nordic Zen A chic modern makeover brings a Steveston townhouse into the 21st century.

WRITER AMANDA ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY JANIS NICOLAY

LOVELY LAYERS Geometric tile adds dimension and depth to a fireplace wall, while a navy blue sofa brings a focal point to an otherwise light and airy space.

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SPACES NORDIC ZEN DELIGHTFUL DETAILS “Black or brushed nickel would have looked too masculine in the space; rose gold adds that femininity,” says the designer of the renovated kitchen (left).

Textured pendant lights (bottom) are all by local design phenom Propellor.

Designer Secret #1 EMBRACE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE. Use unexpected finishes to help balance the masculine and feminine elements of your home.

For example, the rose gold faucets are an unlikely pairing with the plywood and concrete, but they absolutely make the design.

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The 1990s brought a plethora of good things: plaid flannel shirts, brown lipstick (before Kylie Jenner claimed it) and Rollerblades. But the decade that brought you Friends was less than stellar in the decor department. Layers of beige upon beige, sponge-painted walls and bulky Jacuzzis reigned supreme.

When the owners purchased this circa-1990s townhouse in Steveston, they were enveloped in these hallmarks of ’90s design, including their own wall-to-wall carpeting, tiered soaker tub and chopped-up floor plan with no flow.

The family—Joe, a landscape architect; Louise, an investment banker; and their two hockey-playing kids—had been living in their 1,800-square-foot home for a decade before they were finally ready to undertake a substantial renovation. As a creative type, Joe already had a clear idea of what he liked—clean, contemporary, simple palettes. He pored over design magazines and websites to home in on a clear aesthetic; the couple then discussed their vision. One of the reasons they moved to Steveston was its proximity to the water and the agricultural land reserve next to it, and they both wanted their space to harmonize with nature. Their house may have been faux 1990s Craftsman on the outside, but it would be 2020s modern and airy on the inside. They set out to interview three different interior designers as part of their process—but they never got past the first one.

When Tanya McLean of Mango Design Co. met with Joe and Louise, the trio immediately clicked. “We wanted restrained wall and floor treatments but a design that still allowed for something novel and interesting or little punches of things,” explains Joe. “We were trying not to invoke a certain style; instead, we just laid a bunch of images on the table and then Tanya just listened.” The designer and Mango co-designer, Nichole Skladan, later returned with three concepts for Joe and Louise—a darker palette in black and white with teakwood, a lighter look with blonde wood and grey tones, and a third featuring layers of white. They chose a light look with pops of dark, and from there McLean crafted a cohesive design. “On-site, there’s a lot of push and play,” she says. “I love this process when I work with homeowners.”

Because the home is spread out over four levels, the design duo needed to craft a great room that could do dual duty in only 700 square feet. Not only did it need to accommodate a family of four in their busy daily routine (eating, doing homework, lounging and, occasionally, Louise working from home), it also needed to serve

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SPACES NORDIC ZEN

WORTH THE WAIT The first step was to postpone the renovation until after the holidays.

“Everyone always wants to be in by Christmas,” says McLean. “It’s a crazy rush, the whole industry is ‘working to be back in the house

by Christmas,’ trades are busy, things aren’t ordered in on time...” The designer encouraged the owners to wait rather than rush, and while they waited, she set to work ordering all the fixtures, appliances and materials so they could hit the ground running at the beginning of January.

Designer Secret #2 BUILD IT IN. In smaller homes, multi-functional built-in millwork is key to maximizing space and keeping your home clutter-free: a place for everything and everything in its place.

62 SPRING/SUMMER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

Designer Secret #3 STAY ON TRACK. Maintain a theme with your decorative elements—the various tile and wall finishes in this home work together because they play on the repetition of geometry.

“We wanted restrained wall and floor treatments but a design that still allowed for something novel and interesting or little punches of things.”

as a graceful gathering hub for entertaining friends and family. McLean immediately took the wall out between the kitchen and living area to open up the room and create better flow. “They’re an active family, but they also love to entertain and cook together—the space wasn’t particularly well suited for any of that,” she says.

As the design evolved, Joe and Louise carefully avoided choosing anything that fell into a stereotype—like mid-century furnishings. “We didn’t want to fall into the trap of making the home feel like something it wasn’t,” explains Joe. The kitchen cabinetry was an unconventional solution: “We always wanted to do something in birch plywood,” explains McLean, “but we didn’t want the cabinets to end up with that ‘kindergarten yellow’ tone so often associated with public school classrooms.”

To prevent this, she added a 10-percent whitewash bleach so the wood stayed a softer hue. Quartz counters were installed and the island base painted a dark, dramatic blue. A fold-down desk in the living room allows for a second workspace but neatly folds up out of sight for dinner parties. Benches abound for those extra guests but serve as display space when not in use. Pops of rose gold punctuate the modern, simple space: the kitchen faucet, utensils and an adjacent powder room mirror all add warmth and texture. “Tanya had to sell me a little on the rose gold,” laughs Louise. “But I love it now!” McLean adds, “I love the way the elegance of the rose gold plays with the basic-ness of the plywood—it balances the masculine with a feminine.”

The end result of this compact family space defies a design type or mould. There’s a certain Nordic vibe, but there’s Japanese Zen, too; it’s timeless but also contemporary. There’s an industrial edge but a warmth that envelops its four occupants. “We can all pile in together now,” says Louise, “or have people over more often.” Adds Joe, “Just being able to spend time as a group of four away from the hockey rink is so great—to have some downtime around the centre island. It’s our huddle time and our refuge.”

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“The Rosieli Ginkgo Blossom 13 chandelier is a beautiful mix of geometric and organic forms. When it’s lit, it’s really fun.”

“You don’t have to pick a specific era with your design. Just find pieces you love, like this hand-blown glass pendant lamp from Nilufar. It nods to geometric art deco design but could be used in so many applications, really.”

“This photo is from artist William McLure’s home.

If you look at the composition, it’s quite modern, but each piece is traditional—all together, they could fit in anywhere.”

THE INSPO Rich & Layered

“I’m really loving animal prints now, too, as a playful addition to a space—like this abstract leopard Kitten print from Drop It Modern.”

Interior designer Annaliesse Kelly shares the looks and pieces on her spring 2019 mood board.

“With its clean lines and velvet upholstery, the Natuzzi Aura chair is a super-modern and beautiful Italian design that puts a spin on the traditional wingback chair.”

“

Although I’m still inspired by clean, modern lines, I’m also loving layering right now, finding moments of playfulness and whimsy and embracing rich tones and layers. I’m really interested in building spaces that look like they were built over time, not just fresh, shiny and new. Items don’t have to make logical sense together to be beautiful.”

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“We are currently installing this Ferm Living Insert side table in a custom home, and I love how playful it is!”

MCLURE HOME: MARTA X PEREZ; PORTRAIT: ROOTS AND ARDOR; GINKGO 13 CHANDELIER: BRITTANY STIGLER; BEDROOM: PROVOKE STUDIOS

“This is one of my team’s projects: no drywall here, just walnut. I love the layering of velvet and rich wood.”

Photo Michel Gibert: for advertising purposes only. Editions Zulma / Sculpture: www.marcmirakian.com. *Conditions apply, ask your store for more details.

SPACES L AST LOOK

Photo Michel Gibert: for advertising purposes only. Editions Zulma / Sculpture: www.marcmirakian.com. *Conditions apply, ask your store for more details.

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