Vancouver Living Spring 2020

VANCOUVER

SPRING 2020

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CONTENTS

38

Editor’s Message

Home

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32

DESIGNER PROFILE

Kelly Deck on striking the right

CELEBRATING THE COLOURS OF SPRING

colour balance

First and Foremost

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SPRING MUST HAVES

38

AWARDING DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Let the accessories add the colour pop to your outfit

NKBA’s Designer of the Year and our

Editor’s Pick for best renovation

16 INFLUENCER

42

FEATURE HOME

The nautical design of this penthouse makes

it a mariner’s paradise

49

GET THE LOOK

Check out the blues and florals of Spring

21

ARTIST PROFILE

Landscape artist Cori Creed’s narrative of nature

24

ON THE TOWN WITH FRED LEE

LIVINGMAG.CA 4

Step philanthropist and art collector Bruce Munro Wright’s home for a tour of his collection

SPRING 2020

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CONTENTS

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26 Fashion

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FRENCH KISS

Matlo Atelier returns with a new line and a new look

Epicure

52 EPICURE

Tracing the history of West Vancouver’s iconic Beach House restaurant

Travel

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EPIC EGYPT

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living | Editor’s message

CELEBRATING THE COLOURS OF SPRING A s w e s h a k e o f f t h e c o b w e b s o f w i n t e r a n d e n t e r the new season, the theme we see most emerging in our Spring Vancouver Living design issue is a kaleidoscope of colour.

Explore tropes of colour with top Vancouver designers Kelly Deck, founder of Kelly Deck design, and Jason Matlo, founder and creative director of Matlo Atelier. Deck explains the deep contrasts in black and white and provides tips on how to layer shades of ivory to optimize the appearance of your interior, while Matlo embraces rich reds and golds in his breakout comeback fashion line, French Kiss.

Our fabulous feature condo brings the beauty and depth of the blue

AMANDA STUTT EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Amanda@livingmag.ca @VancouverLivingMagazine

ocean indoors, and we emulate the aesthetic in our Get the Look section with striking blues and florals.

West Vancouver landscape artist Cori Creed brings nature to life on the canvases of her recent exhibition, Narrative, and philanthropist and art collector Bruce Munro Wright opens the door to his Arthur Erikson designed west side home to give us a tour of his private art collection, in which renowned, recently passed Vancouver artist Gordon Smith, and the great Andy Warhol make appearances.

We also proudly bring you the innovative, NKBA award-winning kitchen and bathroom designs of Negar Rehani of Space Harmony Interiors, and Reisa Pollard of Beyond Beige. Here on our pages, we hope you find inspiration in our stories, and find the colours that look and feel right for you, because as the legendary Coco Chanel said, “the best colour in the whole

8

Amanda ALEX WABER

LIVINGMAG.CA

world is the one that looks good on you.”

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

SPRING 2020

9

VANCOUVER

Publisher

Peter Kvarnstrom Associate Publisher

Julie Hamilton sales & Marketing Director

Vicki Magnison editorial director

Amanda Stutt Art Director

Shelley Ackerman Graphic Designer

Birgit Brunner ProDuction Manager

Tannis Hendriks Contributing Writers

Laura Goldstein, Bianca Solterbeck, Fred Lee, Lucas Aykroyd, Michelle Hopkins, Tony Whitney Photographers

Ema Peter, Colin Perry, Amanda Oster, Kevin Clark, Jamie Mann, Jesse Laver, Sarah Jane Photography, Alex Waber, West Vancouver Memorial Library

Hand-carved artistry from Stittgen

Vancouver Living magazine, a division of Glacier Media, is delivered five times a year to select areas using Glacier Media Group’s CCAB audit-approved newspaper distribution.

Entire contents © 2020 LMP Publication Limited Partnership. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

The publisher can assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Enquiries can be addressed to: Vancouver Living Magazine 116-980 West First St. North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 3N4 Tel. 604-998-3510 PRINTED IN CANADA TO SUBSCRIBE, visit livingmag.ca/subscribe Rate: One Year/5 Issues $20 (Tax is included; special rate is for Canadian addresses only) Or send name, address and payment to the address above.

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Contributors LAURA GOLDSTEIN ARTS Laura was an arts publicist and writer in Toronto for 22 years before moving to Vancouver.

She’s a frequent contributor to the Globe and Mail’s design section, Westcoast Homes & Design and Canadian House & Home. A highlight of her career was covering the Royal Tour in Vancouver in 2016. lauragoldsteinwriter.com TONY WHITNEY RIDE Tony Whitney is a veteran B.C.-based writer who has specialized in the luxury products market in recent years. In addition to fine watches and haute horlogerie in general, he covers luxury automobiles, SUVs and motorcycles, luxury yachts, business jets and all things that epitomize the luxury lifestyle.

He’s fortunate enough to have had “hands-on” experience in all these areas over many years of worldwide travel.

LIVINGMAG.CA

BIANCA SOLTERBECK DESIGN Bianca Solterbeck has spent the last decade working in entertainment and lifestyle television for Shaw TV Vancouver, cutting her teeth as the Olympic reporter in the lead-up to the 2010 Games. The Leo Awardnominated writer is best known for producing, writing and hosting the luxury real estate series, Dream Homes, which ran for three seasons across Western Canada.

In her spare time, the Carleton University grad and boat nerd can be found enjoying the West Coast from the water. @biancasolterbeck

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SPRING 2020

FRED LEE ON THE TOWN A society columnist for the past 15 years, Fred covers Metro Vancouver’s vibrant and everchanging social landscape. The social butterfly joins Stephen Quinn every Monday morning on CBC Radio One’s The Early Edition to share all of Vanhattan’s A-list happenings, red carpet parties, must-attend galas and fabulous fundraisers. When not gala-vanting or globetrotting, Fred is the director of alumni engagement at the University of British Columbia, among other philanthropic roles. @fredabouttown

LUCAS AYKROYD TRAVEL Lucas Aykroyd is an award-winning journalist and public speaker who specializes in travel and sports.

His work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, Vancouver Sun, and others. As a travel writer, his adventures include viewing polar bears in Nunavut, gorillas in Uganda, and elephants in Sri Lanka, and he has toured Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Red Square. Lucas also writes about women’s issues for Ms. Magazine, The Globe and Mail, the Canadian Women’s Foundation, and the Women’s Sports Foundation.

In 2017, he founded the Irene Adler Prize, an annual $1,000 scholarship for women writers.

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#SPRING MUST HAVES

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SPRING 2020

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FIRST AND FOREMOST

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BRUCE MUNRO WRIGHT’S ECLECTIC ART COLLECTION INCLUDES A HARPSICHORD WHICH IS AN EXACT REPLICA OF A 1792 TASKER INSTRUMENT

SPRING 2020

INFLUENCER: BRUCE MUNRO WRIGHT STEP INSIDE THE PHILANTHROPIST’S INTRIGUING PRIVATE ART GALLERY STORY | LAURA GOLDSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY | KEVIN CLARK

P

eering

through

the

heavy

glass-and-steel front doors of Bruce Munro Wright’s west side Vancouver home, it’s understandable that passersby often mis-

take it for an intriguing art gallery – curiously, one with no signage or hours of operation.

His Arthur Erickson designed home, known as The Chokolit Townhouse, is one of three built in 2005 across from the original Purdy’s Chocolate Company.

It’s a theatrical 2,793-square-foot stage from which to experience Wright’s eclectic collection of 160 paintings, photographs, sculptures, Murano glass and Wright is an unpretentious renaissance man – a master of the humorous anecdote and blessed with an encyclopedic memory. He’s passionate about all the arts and although collecting has become, in his own words, “a serial obsession,” philanthropy is what drives Wright, not profit.

>

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

fascinating ephemera.

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“ A s m u c h a s I l o v e a r t , I t h i n k o f m y s e l f as a temporary custodian. I don’t get attached to stuff,” he smiles. “Only to the people and specific organizations I feel strongly about and frankly, that’s how it should be.”

One of those organizations is Arts Umbrella, and their annual Splash Gala at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, for which he is not only an avid bidder at their auction, but also on their Board of Directors and has co-chaired the event for three years. “We raised over one million dollars at the recent 2019 October event in which over 100 pieces of donated art by emerging and well-known artists and photographers like Jeff Wall, Edward Burtynsky, Dana Claxton and Douglas Coupland were auctioned,” Munro says. “Arts Umbrella supports our community’s youth through funding, bursaries and scholarships in dance, music, theatre, visual and applied arts. Their new facility opening in late 2020 on Granville Island will be spectacular,” he enthuses.

Wright, who recently retired after a long career as managing partner of the law firm Goodmans LLP doesn’t just attend meetings, but truly immerses himself in the arts he supports. His four-level home, designed like a boxy layer cake, is topped by an expansive landscaped terrace overlooking False Creek, making his home the perfect setting for his monthly fundraisers on behalf of an astounding array of arts and charitable organizations. From his vantage point, Munro Wright was able to watch Bjarke Ingels’ fantastic Vancouver House unfold every step of its build.

In summer, dancers from Ballet BC have leaped across the rooftop oasis, and concert performers, whether singing operetta or belting out showtunes, have gathered around the grand piano on the ground-floor level in aid of Health Arts Society’s Concerts in Care. The latter organization, for which Wright is the B.C. board chair, has performed over 14,000 LIVINGMAG.CA

professional concerts in care facilities across Canada.

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An impassioned opera buff, Wright is a past chair of the Vancouver Opera and tries to attend Europe’s most dazzling summer opera festivals each year. The harpsichord on the second level of Wright’s home is hand-made

by Vancouver’s Craig Tomlinson.

SPRING 2020

he even used wood from the Black Forest,” Wright explains.

friend. Together, they travelled to England for the opening of Canada House in 2015 and met Queen Elizabeth II.

“I had the custom artwork painted on the lid’s underside

In the lower level’s powder room is one of Andy Warhol’s

by South American artist Marco Tulio. It’s a scene from

Pop-art Reigning Queens portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.

Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, the first opera I saw as a teen-

Wright is the current chair of the Vancouver Art Gallery

ager,” confides Wright.

Foundation and chair of the Architect Selection Committee

He is currently on the board of Opera Canada and was recently awarded the Opera Director Emeritus Award at the Opera America Forum in New York City.

for the new building.

“When I was chair of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Prince

WRIGHT’S COLLECTION ALSO FEATURES MURANO GLASS, VANCOUVER’S OWN GORDON SMITH’S ODE TO MONET’S GIVERNY (AB0VE), AND ANDY WARHOL’S PORTRAIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II (LEFT)

Edward and Sophie visited British Columbia in 2014,”

Wright’s kitchen is also a showcase for his eclectic art.

Munro recounts. “One of the curators and I took Prince

He loves cooking and entertaining for small gatherings

Edward on a tour and I happened to mention that I had

there, surrounded by his collection of Murano glass and

the portrait of his mother in the loo. He’s a really

Vancouver’s Gordon Smith’s ode to Monet’s Giverny, painted

charming and funny guy and he just rolled his eyes,”

in 1996. Smith, recently passed, was a long-time family

laughs Wright.

LIVINGMAG.CA

“It’s an exact replica of a 1792 Tasker instrument and

SPRING 2020

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FIRST AND FOREMOST

ARTIST CORI CREED IN HER WEST VANCOUVER STUDIO

THE NARRATIVE OF NATURE ARTIST CORI CREED CAPTURES THE EVOCATIVE SPIRIT OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST LANDSCAPE STORY | LAURA GOLDSTEIN

by weather’s unpredictability and

Columbia coastline and lush rainforests, Vancouver-based artist Cori Creed

ever- changing light.

immerses herself in the spontaneity and unpredictability of nature.

“I’m really drawn to the textured

“I love to be outdoors hiking and climbing, then try to recapture on canvas that emo-

patterning of trees and bark and the

tional place I’m experiencing by drawing the viewer into that illusion of space to tell a story,”

graphic elements of the process,”

she says from her light-filled home studio on the North Shore.

says Creed. “If it’s an arbutus then it’s

These are not the dark, ominous forests of fairy tales. Creed’s exploration of woods,

the figurative and lyrical; birch trees

marshy ponds and tangled undergrowth in her recent exhibition, Narrative, at the Bau-Xi

have so much texture and layering

Gallery, are inviting, joyous and vibrantly hued.

in their bark. I’ve always been really

Creed’s sweeping reach bestows her towering paintings with a physical grandeur that

drawn to seeing all the drafting marks

befits her reverence for trees: Arbutus, douglas fir and birch are cherished favourites. Her

left behind in Impressionist paintings

subjects are never still. Branches bow and logs collide under thick three-dimensional impas-

and I love playing with intentional

to-applied layers of oil paints. Ethereal clouds swirl and sweep across the surface affected

accidents when I paint.

>

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

L

i k e p a i n t e r E m i l y Ca r r ’ s v e n e r a t i o n o f t h e r u g g e d B r i t i s h

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FIRST AND FOREMOST

LIVINGMAG.CA

RIGHT: ‘BY CHANCE’ LANDSCAPE WATERCOLOUR FROM CREED’S NARRATIVE COLLECTION

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“ I d o n ' t e m p l o y t h e c a r e f u l a p p l i c a t i o n s

begins by creating an illusion of space and depth with

that some painters do. Instead, I prefer to try to harness

markings on her canvas.

some spontaneity at times and also let gravity and the

“Sometimes I’ll do a small piece as a study first, then

medium dictate some marks, splashes and drips. Then I’ll

blow it up to the 54” X 54” or even larger canvases.” Later,

go back in and curate the marks.”

thick meringue-like peaks of tactile pigment applied with

Creed doesn’t paint en plein air, but instead takes

knives and brushes are juxtaposed with thinning strokes

detailed photographs while exploring the landscape, often

of spray paint, scraped and combed so that the viewer’s

with her three children in tow. “If I have time, I’ll do some

perception is constantly shifting back and forth from 3D to

quick sketches, but I’m usually running to catch up to

a more flattened two-dimensional surface.

them,” she laughs.

SPRING 2020

“I’ve been playing with abstraction more and more over

Then, back in her studio, where the vast cement floor

the past 20 years with something called ‘disruptive realism.’

is strewn like confetti with drips of paint, and usually while

It’s a technique that’s very challenging, but I think brings

listening to music, (or more recently, audio books,) she

more emotion and depth to a subject,” Creed confides.

“I DON'T EMPLOY THE CAREFUL APPLICATIONS THAT SOME PAINTERS DO. I PREFER TO HARNESS SOME SPONTANEITY AT TIMES AND ALSO LET GRAVITY AND THE MEDIUM DICTATE.” — CORI CREED

The physicality of painting is also important to Creed: while some strokes are made with speed and imperfection with wet brushes, others need a slower, dry brush approach. “It’s always the human storytelling that I’m after in the end,” she says.

Dwarfed by floor-to-ceiling stacks of vertically filed canvases in various states of completion and shelves of contemporary art and psychology books, a small framed photograph of Creed’s late grandfather, Aubrey, watches over her progress from the corner of the studio.

Originally from South Africa, he bought an apple orchard in the Okanagan when he immigrated to Canada.

“He was an artist and I still use his paint palette,” Creed smiles, proudly pointing to the well-worn tool, dappled and smeared with hundreds of colourful concoctions.

Born in Vancouver, she studied fine arts at Simon Fraser University and design at Capilano College, then embarked on a career as an illustrator and art director at an advertising agency before taking the leap-of-faith to

CORI CREED

ABOVE: ‘MAGIC REALISM’ IN THE ARTIST’S HOME FROM CREED’S NARRATIVE COLLECTION

Creed and her family travel every other weekend on field trips to their cottage in Kaleden near Skaha Lake, where she can be fully immersed in nature. And, never lacking in imagination when it comes to capturing a mood in her paintings, she has been known to go out late at night carting lights to create a staging in the forest.

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

work full-time as an artist.

TOP: ‘WATER SPRITE’ LANDSCAPE WATERCOLOUR FROM CREED’S NARRATIVE COLLECTION

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FIRST AND FOREMOST

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On the Town

WITH

FRED LEE

@FredAboutTown

REAL SPARKLERS

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Record numbers were raised at this season’s charity events

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SOCIAL DIARY

Have an upcoming event to share with Fred? yvrflee@hotmail.com Mar 6 Kidney Gala A Roaring 20s party awaits 400 partygoers who will convene at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel for the 8th annual Kidney Gala. A sumptuous meal, heartfelt stories from transplant families and Speakeasy After-Party will ensure party guests shimmying all night long!

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RECORD SALES

Athena Bax was one of 100 artists who

4 Three-time chair Jennifer Johnston and her

Arts Umbrella’s Splash Gala had its most

put forward their best works in support of

husband Scott Warren welcomed well-heeled

successful night in the event’s 37-year

Arts Umbrella.

guests to the 33rd Crystal Ball. 5 Presenting

history. For the first time ever, the annual art auction benefit surpassed the $1 million mark. Held at the Hotel Vancouver and led

by Christie Garofalo and Bruce Munro Wright, the three-time party chairs rallied 100 artists to put forward their best work in support of the country’s preeminent visual and

A REAL SPARKLER The Crystal Ball, Vanhattan’s preeminent must-attend charity event founded by Isabelle Diamond in 1986, continues to be a bright light on the charity circuit. Led once again by Jennifer Johnston, this year’s

sponsor Nicola Wealth’s David Sung and his wife Tassan flanked fellow gala-goer and BC Children’s Hospital patron Patty Nielsen.

6 Patient family Collin and Jennie Forbes credits BC Children’s Hospital for identifying their boy’s very rare condition.

33rd staging was bittersweet, as it would

CELEBRATING TIME

be the last Crystal Ball to be held at the

Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega hosted

Four Seasons Hotel. The iconic property

its annual holiday mixer at its flagship shop

shut its doors at the end of January. Going

at the Hotel Vancouver. The party came on

out in style and with an impressive bang,

the heels of the firm’s New York unveiling

partygoers Mike and Lisa Hudson, Rick and

of its newest James Bond watch, the new

Lauren Ilich and Lisa Greczmiel had everyone

Seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition made

on their feet early with gifts of $500,000

from Grade 2 Titanium – tough enough to

each to get the fundraising party started.

survive any Bond assignment. Spirits were

The dinner and auction would eventually

high as guests – watch enthusiasts – attired

Music further fuelled party spirits.

raise an impressive $3.8 million for BC

in their Bond-best celebrated the 25th

1 Chairs Christie Garofalo and Bruce Munro

Children’s Hospital, one of the largest tallies

anniversary of Omega’s partnership with the

Wright. 2 Director of Development Heather

in the history of the storied soiree. Since its

James Bond film series. Le beau monde

Altas, CEO Paul Larocque and patron Robert

inception, more than $38 million has been

enjoyed a red carpet welcome, bespoke

Lemon. 3 Accompanied by Ken Fitzgerald,

raised from the black-tie affair.

cocktails and classic tunes while perusing

performing arts school for young children, founded by Carol Henriquez. Senior artist Hank Bull conducted the 33-lot live auction with more than 80 per cent selling at or above appraised value, signalling a historic night. A $2 million gift from Robert Lemon in memory of his partner, interior designer Bob Ledingham, earmarked for Arts Umbrella’s new building and the School of Theatre and

The MoonPearl Series A CONTEMPORARY RENDITION OF A CLASSIC

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A CONTEMPORARY RENDITION OF A CLASSIC

the many luxe timepieces on display. The

bustling, storied Vancouver neighbourhood.

unveiling of the collector’s watch and holiday

Led by heavyweights Sam Feldman and

soiree was timed with the release of the first

Darlene Poole, and an equally impressive

trailer for the latest Bond film, No Time To Die

supporting cast that included business titans

scheduled for spring release.

Jake Kerr, Phil Lind and Ben Yeung, the party

7 James Bond actor Daniel Craig at the New York unveiling of Omega’s new timepiece.

8 Celebrity photographer Dennis Gocer of The Collective You captured everyone’s red carpet arrival. 9 CBC’s Lien Yeung and Coleen Christie from Global TV were among le beau monde that attended. 10 Looking their Bond best at the Omega reception were manager Jorge Luna and Pacific Gateway Hotel’s Gladys Escoto. 11 Vancouver Living Magazine columnist Bianca Solterbeck and editorial director Amanda Stutt took in the posh party.

MAJOR GIVING

The MoonPearl Series

ballroom was transformed into pure gold, encouraging attendees to give generously.

And they did, with four lead gifts of $1 million, including one from Carol’s mom Lily. The starry night also paid tribute to Lee’s ailing father, renowned community builder and philanthropist Bob Lee. 12 Singer songwriter Sarah McLachlan was among the notables that joined Carol Lee for her annual gala.13 Business titans Jake Kerr and Phil Lind will lead the efforts to build 230 social housing units at 58 West Hastings as part of Chinatown’s revitalization efforts.

Businesswoman and entrepreneur Carol Lee

14 Event emcee Gloria Macarenko and gala

pulled off the province’s biggest fundraiser

co-chair Sam Feldman saw a jaw-dropping

of the year. Drawing big names and even

$5.5 million raised. 15 Powerhouses

bigger spenders, her fourth annual Chinatown

Leslie Diamond and Joy McPhail lent their

Foundation Gala would raise $5.5 million for

support to efforts to bring the once-bustling

her foundation’s efforts to revitalize the once-

neighbourhood back to life.

LIVINGMAG.CA

12

11

SPRING 2020

25

living | fashion

TRUE COLOURS AFTER RETURNING TO ITS ROOTS, MATLO ATELIER INTRODUCES A NEW LINE, AND FINDS A NEW BALANCE STORY | AMANDA STUTT PHOTOGRAPHY | JAMIE MANN

E

n t e r i n g t h e a r t i s t ’ s studio, the first thing that catches the eye is the massive bookshelf on the left wall.

An eclectic mix of design, history, culinary, pop culture books and autobiographical

novels line its shelves. He doesn’t read fiction.

Matlo is most interested in reading about people’s stories – their journeys.

In the hall, his black and white sketches of

ABOVE, JASON MATLO, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MATLO ATELIER WITH RIGHT HAND, WEN-CHEE LUI

LIVINGMAG.CA

FAR RIGHT: THIS GOLDEN GOWN FROM MATLO’S FRENCH KISS LINE CAN BE DISASSEMBLED AND WORN THREE DIFFERENT WAYS

26

Hollywood stars Madonna and Barbara Streisand are framed, and museum-worthy. The striking shape of Streisand’s famous profile, and the contours of her nose, are captured perfectly.

Jason Matlo, founder and creative director of Vancouver design house, Matlo Atelier, can get lost drawing for hours.

In the workshop, Matlo’s long-time assistant and right hand, Wen-Chee Liu, has a sewing machine buzzing. Clothing in various degrees of completion adorn the mannequins, while fabrics yet to be cut are on the table.

SPRING 2020

>

LIVINGMAG.CA

SPRING 2020

27

living | Fashion

ABOVE: ROSE GOLD AND BLACK SEQUIN JERSEY GOWNS WITH JEWEL WAIST DETAIL

After some wanderings

in France, and went on to represent

“If we didn’t do a collection and a

and soul-searching as a youth, Matlo

Canada at the international finals in

show – it was like the public thought it

completed a rigorous nine-month

Berlin. Matlo was the winner of the

was something we were denying them.”

FAR RIGHT: AFTER A PERIOD OF SELF-CONFESSED ‘BLACKAHOLISM,” MATLO FOUND INSPIRATION IN ‘TRUE RED’

program at Helen Lefeaux School of

Life Network reality television show

“And at the end, I just went to my

Fashion Design, a boutique agency,

Making It Big, and his designs have

bottom line and decided that there

and the only one of its kind at the time

been displayed at Saks Fifth Avenue.

wasn’t enough money in wholesaling

in Vancouver in 1997. Lefeaux, who

Matlo launched his first commer-

for the amount of hours we were

has since passed, taught Matlo the

cially available collection in 2005.

putting in. “And we were getting away

couture techniques he still employs

He started doing fashion shows and

from what I wanted to do, which was

today. They spent hours pouring

became renowned for his glamorous

more bespoke, made to measure,”

over couture books together, and a

red carpet gowns, while he travelled

he says.

big regret he has is not co-writing

the world and dressed celebrities.

the book she was trying to incubate LIVINGMAG.CA

him into.

28

he had built a following of West

and wound up retailing throughout

Vancouver, North Vancouver and

was

Canada and the United States. But

Shaunessy-based women who looked

invited to compete in the Smirnoff

almost a decade after launching his

to him for made-to-measure clothing.

Fashion Awards competition in New

clothing line, Matlo hit burn-out.

After

SPRING 2020

Before Matlo went into retail,

Matlo’s designs were in demand,

graduating,

Matlo

He remembers clients liking the

York, where he was awarded top

“It was non-stop. All we did was

process where they could be involved

designer of the year. He then trained

work, 18 hours a day,” he remembers.

in the design, and he wanted to get

back to what mattered to him – a better work-life balance, and face-toface interaction with clients.

He also wanted to get back to the educational aspect of the business.

Matlo started teaching a couple of days a week at the College of Visual

“WE ARE BESPOKE. YOU COME IN, AND WE CREATE FOR YOU — MADE TO MEASURE. THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT CLOTHING THAT IS CUSTOM CUT TO FIT YOUR BODY THAT MAKES YOU NOT WANT TO TAKE IT OFF.” — JASON MATLO

Art and Design and at Vancouver You come in, and we create for you –

and neutrals, is embracing colour more.

After a few years on the down-low

made to measure,” says Matlo. There’s

“A colour can become the essence

and going back to his roots, Matlo

something about clothing that is

of the design,” he says. The French

Atelier returned with a fall fashion

custom cut to fit your body that makes

Kiss line is marked by colour; rich gold,

show, titled French Kiss, a nod to his

you not want to take it off.”

deep green, and what Matlo refers to

training and influence from France,

“The phone started to ring, and the

showing to a packed audience at

clients were [saying] I can’t find you

His designs most remarkably rem-

Fairmont Pacific Rim in November

anymore anywhere – would you do a

inise old Hollywood glamour. “There is

2019. It was his first show since 2014.

dress for me?”

this workmanship that happened that

Matlo Atelier is back, but not in

Today, the former admitted “black-

the retail market. “We are bespoke.

aholic,” who designed mostly in black

as “true red.”

LIVINGMAG.CA

Community College. He still does.

has just been lost on the younger generation,” he says.

>

SPRING 2020

29

living | fashion

ABOVE AND BELOW: THE CHIC, CLASSY CONTOURS OF MATLO’S FRENCH KISS COLLECTION DEBUTED AT THE FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM

Ma t l o b e s t l i k e s t o d e s i g n

Matlo’s mother also didn’t hesitate to

for fashion-savvy, bold, confident,

pick up a tool to help her husband’s

strong women.

business if needed, and she eventually

Growing up in Calgary in the 1970s,

forged her own career in real estate,

Matlo’s original muse was his beautiful

saying it was because it is the only

mother, Bernadette. He would watch

industry that pays women the same

her get dressed up to go to dinners and

amount as men.

parties with his dad, who was in the recreational vehicle business.

LIVINGMAG.CA

“My first exposure to fashion was

30

the concept existed,” he says.

my mum. She was very glamorous. I’d

Matlo’s muse still calls him for

see her in sequins and fur and sparkly

fashion advice, most recently when an

jewelry, high-heeled shoes and blown

airline lost her luggage, and she needed

out Farah Fawcett hair – they were my

to dress on the fly for a posh dinner on

first images of fashion. I thought all

the road. Sticking to the classics, Matlo

women dressed like that.”

told her, “black caftan, low ponytail, red

While she was a local fashion icon, SPRING 2020

“My mum was smashing through glass ceilings before she even knew

lip. You’ll be great.”

Timeless Elegance

Five generations of tradition in jewelry design and gold craftsmanship.

SINCE 1880

604 281 3886

1380 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER

REZASAATCHI.COM

living | Design

EBONY AND IVORY

LIVINGMAG.CA

VANCOUVER DESIGNER KELLY DECK STRIKES THE RIGHT COLOUR BALANCE

32

STORY | AMANDA STUTT PHOTOGRAPHY | EMA PETER SPRING 2020

LEFT: THE EBONY SHADES IN THE MAIN FLOOR OFFICE ARE STRIKINGLY OPULENT AND ORNATE

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

ABOVE: FINDING THE RIGHT WHITE IS SPECIFIC TO THE LIGHT, AND LAYERING WHITES IS WHAT MAKES AN INTERIOR HAVE DEPTH

33

living | Design

LIVINGMAG.CA

G 34

rowing up in A l b erta , Ke l l y De ck

She has authored a design column in The Globe and Mail, and her HGTV

always knew she wanted to live a creative

series, Take It Outside, has garnered industry attention and accolades.

life. She was lured to the West Coast in her

Deck executes a disciplined design process, and has a strict, “never go

early twenties by the ocean, and by the

shopping with clients” rule. She says it is because a client will enter a store

space and diversity here.

or showroom with an “everything is a possibility” mentality, while the vet-

“There’s a broad-mindedness and a more liberal perspective,” she says.

she goes shopping, narrowed them down to a very few.

Powerhouse Vancouver interior designer

“There are so many options out there – if we don’t establish what the

Deck has been championing West Coast

parameters are of what you are creating, then one could get so distracted

design since 2002, when she opened an

and carried away. And the problem with that, is that if you actually end up

interior décor boutique on Vancouver's

executing within those distracted elements – there’s something that feels

Main Street. As a young design student,

discoordinate, something that feels wrong.”

she had an idea about opening a store that

“You have to stay in the vessel,” she says, and by that she means elim-

could create ceramics and homeware, and

inating the clutter and playing within the spaces you’ve decided to play.

when the right retail space became available,

“It keeps clients on focus. Give them a story – they don’t know what the

she took a leap of faith, ditched school and

story is yet,” she says.

rented the space.

SPRING 2020

eran designer has already vetted numerous options, and has, by the time

Deck’s recent West Vancouver project stands out as an example of

The bet paid off. Since then, she has

her efficient approach. It was a British Properties project, the client was

become the director of Kelly Deck Design,

a developer, and they wanted the property designed for the luxury market,

specializing in high-end custom homes.

with a classic interior.

>

LIVINGMAG.CA

LEFT: THE AIM WAS A CLASSIC INTERIOR, AND DECK EXECUTED A DISCIPLINED DESIGN APPROACH THROUGHOUT ABOVE: THIS CLASSIC SOAKER TUB IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE ROOM

SPRING 2020

35

living | design

RIGHT: TO CREATE A COMBINATION OF HIGH CONTRAST ELEMENTS, THE INTERIOR IS A BEAUTIFUL IVORY AND BLACK BELOW: INTERIOR DESIGNER KELLY DECK

“They wanted a combination of high contrast,

much of the home features shades of white,

home was oak, and the majority of the furnish-

graphic, contemporary elements, so by and large

which can be tricky. Deck says finding the right

ings were from Brougham Interiors.

the interior is a beautiful ivory and black,” Deck

white is very specific to the light, and that lay-

The arrival of a daughter three years ago

remembers. “It definitely got a lot more detail, but

ering on whites is what makes an interior have

upped Deck’s game, because she knew her

hopefully is perceived as classic and timeless. We

depth, as many whites have colour hues.

clients would expect the same level of attention

furnished it in a very spare way that’s sort of bring-

“On any of our homes, we do boards and

and energy, and that would be a challenge with a

ing a more contemporary approach, as opposed

test them in the light. One location differs from

new baby. Deck delegates her energy and atten-

to a ton of layering. Each piece really matters.”

another — even on the West Coast,” she says.

tion accordingly to manage client expectations.

The main floor office is particularly striking,

LIVINGMAG.CA

specifically the high ceiling.

36

“The West Coast needs a cooler white than Alberta, because the lighting is very cool,” Deck

“There is an intensity to life now that is unprecedented,” she relates.

“It’s about bringing the eye up and creating

says. “People always think that you can coun-

But the savvy designer is tops at creating

a sultry elegance,” Deck says. “It had beautiful

teract that, but you don’t counteract it – you go

beautiful spaces, and knows that beauty is

moldings everywhere, simple, elegant lighting,

with what it is, because then it seems to come to

exactly what the discerning are in pursuit of.

that wasn’t too ornate. All the ornate qualities

life in our light. If you try to do a yellow white on

“I always say, people with bad taste don’t hire

were in the finishing carpentry.”

the West Coast, it tends to look like a sick colour.

interior designers. Its people who value beauty –

Measuring in at over 10,000 square feet, the

Layering white is very important if you have an

who hold it as one of their highest values. They

home’s foyer has a graphic pattern at the front

all-white interior. Layer two or three whites, espe-

have this innate knowing of their aesthetic and

entry as a focal point.

cially on your walls and your furnishings.”

what’s important to them in their interior, but my

In contrast to the ebony shades in the office, SPRING 2020

The main material used for this stunning

job is to have the discipline to execute it.”

A H R

@REDUXWOODWEST

R EDUX WO O D.CO M

SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT: +1.778.340.7522

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

G T E

A Natural Gathering Place

37

living | Renovation

AWARDING DESIGN EXCELLENCE

E

very year, the best and brightest talents in interior design contend for the coveted NKBA design excellence awards. Here, we showcase our editor’s pick: A contemporary kitchen renovation by Space Harmony interiors,

and a traditional bathroom by Beyond Beige. We love the colours and textures, lighting and

>

KITCHEN RENOVATION

BY SPACE HARMONY.

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

layers of these rooms – designs that impact and improve the daily rituals of life.

39

living | Renovation

THE GATHERING PLACE DESIGNER NARRATIVE | NEGAR REIHANI PHOTOGRAPHY | COLIN PERRY

T

he challenge was to transform a small and dated kitchen into an elegant and functional one that meets the needs of a busy family with lots of cooking, baking and entertaining.

British Columbia Chapter

WINNER: EDITOR’S PICK: NEGAR REIHANI, British Columbia SPACEChapter HARMONY

The first order of work was to change the layout from what used to be a “typical” kitchen 40 years ago to

what is needed for today’s lifestyle. The wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the house was partially

opened and the dining area was moved from inside the kitchen to its new location.

With the dining room gone, the kitchen was extended to accommodate a generous-sized cooking station by the windows in a tucked-away corner, where the dining area used to be. This is great for everyday cooking as the mess is not visible from the rest of the house and the smell is perfectly exhausted through the double windows and the large hood.

The extra-large island provides an ideal prep area, while there is still tonnes of space left for daily family use.

Different types of storage are provided throughout the kitchen to accommodate different needs and also to provide a

British Columbia Chapter

visual balance. All small appliances are housed inside a cabinet with pull-out shelves so they can be used while being kept there. With the new open layout, double-high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, we had to do something unique when it came to selecting the color scheme and finishes, so we aimed for a caviar-black cabinet color.

LIVINGMAG.CA

The black kitchen is bold and unexpected and it truly anchors the space. The brushed gold accents soften the space

40

while connecting with light oak floors throughout. While a black and gold combination has a traditional / formal vibe, a touch of white subway tile and reeded-glass pantry doors injects some casual air to the space. The Volakas marble island and its soft cream, gray and gold veining adds an understated elegance to the space while pulling everything else together.

The parameter countertops are kept in white quartz for practicality. The kitchen is a sophisticated mix of farmhouse meets modern glamour.

SPRING 2020

WINNER: British Columbia Chapter

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: REISA POLLARD, BEYOND BEIGE

A RETURN TO TRADITION British Columbia Chapter

DESIGNER NARRATIVE | REISA POLLARD PHOTOGRAPHY | AMANDA OSTER, PROVOKE STUDIOS

T

h e c l i e n t ’ s b u s y l i v e s d r e w t h e m tBritish o tColumbia he idea Chapter

a stone mason that could clad the wall in an authentic old European style

the hustle and bustle. The master bathroom was to be a key

We clad the opposite wall in reclaimed barn wood. The horizontal lines

part of the experience, a place of serenity, a zen-like environ-

draw the eye down to the French doors that lead to a private patio. The

of living on a farm. They wanted a sanctuary, their retreat from

ment with a connection to the outdoors.

of installation and integrate the plumbing fixtures.

long, floating vanity is a dramatic feature at over 18’ long and grounds

They wanted ample storage so that nothing normally left on a counter

the space while leaving the floor space open underneath. The mirror was

would be an issue; everything was to be put away so that time spent in the

custom made to match the length of the vanity with horizontal LED panels

bathroom, whether an extended shower or a bubble bath, could be focused

to properly light up the face.

on the beauty around them.

Lots of ceiling lighting was required to light the space adequately. Then

The space was long and narrow with a soaring ceiling, making it chal-

we added lighting under the vanity for mood or night lighting and a pretty

lenging to design a space that felt warm and intimate. The original design

chandelier dropped over the tub. The concrete is warm underfoot with radi-

had a wall between the water closet and the shower. This was convenient

ant heat and provided for a curbless shower.

The wall textures provide warmth and interest without taking away

enclosures. We were able to move the plumbing to the outside wall by fur-

from the view. All black fixtures stand out against the soft coloured back-

ring out the wall for proper insulation. We then had the challenge of finding

drop and tie in the windows.

LIVINGMAG.CA

for the plumbing but took away the “lightness” and simplicity of only glass

SPRING 2020

41

living | Home

A MARINER’S PARADISE

VANCOUVER

THIS PENTHOUSE IN THE SKY CAPTURES THE FEELING OF BEING ON AN OCEAN LINER

SLOPED GLASS CONNECTS THE TWO FLOORS OF THIS DAZZLING HOME IN THE SKY

living | home

STORY | BIANCA SOLTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY | JESSE LAVER, LAVER CREATIVE

LEFT: A HELICAL ROSEWOOD FLOATING STAIRCASE WAS A CHALLENGE FROM THE START, BUT TURNED OUT TO BE A WORK OF ART

I

m a g i n e s t a n d i n g o n t h e b r i d g e o f a l u x u r y o c e a n l i n e r staring out at the vast expanse, to where the sea meets the sky.

That feeling can be captured through the windows of this downtown Vancouver penthouse.

The secret is glass, and plenty of it. Virtually the only thing connecting two full floors of this dazzling home in the sky is sloped glass. The mezzanine inside has 20-foot ceilings, making it the perfect spot to enjoy 360 degree views of the North Shore mountains, Gulf Islands and Mount Baker. But while you feel like you’re on top of the world, you won’t feel the wind in your hair. For that, you’ll need to visit one of the homes’ eight spacious balconies.

Interior designer Sharon Halpin is behind the design concept for this Harwood Street stunner, and

did a complete overhaul of the 4,800-square-foot unit, taking it down to the studs. The owner of Fruition Design has been at the helm of every renovation for this penthouse since 2006.

From the perennial bachelor to the young family to the venture capitalist, Halpin has helped make this space a home for every new owner.

“The penthouse has been a labor of love for me and my firm. I know every square inch of it. I think I may have spent more time in this residence than in my own,” she laughs. The veteran designer got to flex her design muscles when she was given carte blanche by the owner to make her vision for the home come to life.

>

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

ABOVE: THE KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS ARE DARK AND DRAMATIC, MADE FROM VOLCANIC BRECCIA, A NATURALLY OCCURRING STONE SOURCED FROM NORWAY

45

living | home

“ I r e a l l y w a n t e d t o d e s i g n something that made your jaw drop when you walked in,” explains Halpin.

She delivered with a helical rosewood floating staircase, a work of art.

Halpin admits it was a challenge from the start, from anticipated build challenges to an unanticipated rosewood dust allergy.

The interior steel structure of the staircase was constructed in sections offsite, and then welded together in the unit. “From the structural engineers, to the highly skilled millworkers who book-matched the rosewood and painstakingly glued it by hand to the substrate, we all created this sculpture,” says Halpin.

The home’s owner commissioned an art installation by graffiti artist Jonathan Wakuda Fischer for the living room. The Seattle-based artist spray-painted his interpretation of the Japanese Ukiyo-e master Hokusai's Great Wave off Kanagawa onto an 18-foot-long canvas.

Fischer, who remembers the stunning sunsets from the week he spent in the penthouse, completed the entire installation onsite. “I used spray paint and stencils to build up a complex texture of color and form. I like how the art LIVINGMAG.CA

gives you a proper feeling of being right

46

on the ocean's shore,” says Fischer.

Halpin adds, “it was designed that the wave would continue off the canvas and onto the walls directly, wrapping around the space.” To complement SPRING 2020

the high ceilings, the European-born designer sourced two Allegro Assai pendants by Foscarini; both are over six feet high and almost five feet wide.

The geometric silhouettes of the rods make a splash in the space, without impeding the view. In contrast to the rosewood, the kitchen countertops are dark and dramatic, made from Volcanic Breccia, a naturally occurring stone that is quarried at Vaerlandet Island in Norway.

“The stone was formed more than 425 million years ago and contains a mixture of chlorite, hematite, and carbonate along with rose quartz and volcanic deposits,” she says.

Halpin infused elements of formality and sophistication throughout the space, but was intent on celebrating the relaxed West Coast lifestyle. The lighting in the dining room and powder room was locally sourced from Bocci, a Vancouver-based company specializing

FAR LEFT: THESE STUNNING LIGHT INSTALLATIONS ARE ALLEGRO ASSAI PENDANTS

BY FOSCARINI; BOTH ARE OVER SIX FEET HIGH AND ALMOST FIVE FEET WIDE ABOVE RIGHT: THE DARK HARDWOOD IS A STRIKING JUXTAPOSITION TO THE CLEAN WHITE WALLS AND BEDDING BELOW RIGHT: THE LIGHTING IN THE POWDER ROOM WAS LOCALLY SOURCED FROM BOCCI

in sculptural lighting and large lighting installations. “The copper suspension lights are designed to be twisted and curved to the client’s taste, so each light looks unique,” says Halpin.

As the sun sets on another renovation, she is unsure whether she’ll return to the penthouse for a quick update or to LIVINGMAG.CA

give it a completely new look. If history repeats itself, it will be their fifth meeting, ensuring the unlikely design story of Sharon Halpin and the Harwood penthouse has yet another chapter.

This condo is currently on the market.

SPRING 2020

47

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living | Home

GET THE LOOK FOR SPRING!

A

CCORDING TO PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE

color experts, colors for Spring/Summer 2020 express our desire for a sense of the familiar. Friendly and relatable, a palette of colors that convey a sense of ease. Because it is in your home you should feel the most comfortable.

BLUE BLOSSOMS This vintage textile wall art is sure to brighten up any space – we see it adorning hallways, bedrooms, even bathrooms.

Available at Ethan Allen

MACROTROPIC WALLPAPER Let the bold colours of this feature wallpaper design brighten up your space.

Available at Wallpepper

SMEG MIXER BY DOLCE AND GABANNA Add some designer colour and flair to your next batch style and pizzazz. Available at Euroline

LIVINGMAG.CA

of baked goods! We’ve never seen a mixer with this much

>

SPRING 2020

49

living | Home

SILVIA CHAIR Whether you chose to position this earthy beauty inside or outside, this chair invokes an inviting warmth that will likely see it the first seat chosen. Available at Muse & Merchant

HORIZON VASES From Le Grand Bleu collection, dominant deep blues and a touch of Asian poetry characterize these bold vases, designed by Jean Christope Clair.

Available at Roche Bobois

DANIKA SOFA This sofa in rich royal blue has intricate stitching detail that will undoubtedly be admired across the room. But cosying up for an evening in, you’ll realize this is also one of the most comfortable models on the market.

LIVINGMAG.CA

Available at Muse & Merchant

50

SPRING 2020

PORTER & CHARLES REFRIGERATOR Let the fridge be the focal point of your dining space and enjoy the fruits of your culinary labours in style. Available at Euroline

MENDOCINO FREESTANDING TUB BY NATIVE TRAILS The rich earthy tones and contours of this soaker tub call out for some aromatherapy candles, scented bubble bath, a good book, and a glass of wine. Schedule at least an hour. Available at Cantu

For Project conversation.

101-2168 marine Drive, West Vancouver t: 604.281.2232 www.paramaxhomes.com

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

Design/BuilD Custom Homes

51

living | Epicure

BEACH HOUSE WEST VANCOUVER TRACING THE BUILDING’S STORIED PAST BACK TO 1913

STORY | MICHELLE HOPKINS

T

h e N o r t h S h o r e w a s o n c e h o m e t o g r a n d o l d a r c h i t e c t u r a l dames, but many of those stately homes were torn down to make room for more contemporary mansions.

One building that avoided demolition is the former Clachan, built in 1912 for Scottish

immigrants Jessie and Helen Stevenson. Until their deaths in the 1940s, the sisters ran the Edwardianera style residence as a tea room, which soon became the epicentre for social gatherings and soirees one-storey residence.

Nestled in Dundarave Park, the iconic landmark was reinvented as The Breakers, and the St. Mawes hotel, before becoming Peppi’s By-The-Sea in 1964.

In 2010, Earls Restaurants assumed the lease of the storied building and last year, the company set out to restore it to its former glory. Embarking upon a total renovation took longer and cost more than anticipated. However, the finale is classically timeless, paying homage to its location and significant heritage.

Today, the Beach House is at once elegant yet unpretentious, a neighbourhood destination that celebrates good food and offers cozy atmosphere and great conversation.

Earl’s Elly Chronakis, creative director of design, along with senior interior designer Kimberley Hume, were tasked with honouring the integrity of the building while giving it a more open, airy West Coast feel.

>

SPRING 2020

LIVINGMAG.CA

RIGHT: TODAY’S BEACH HOUSE SERVED AS A TEA ROOM IN THE 1920s.

PROVIDED BY BEACH HOUSE, WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY

for West Vancouver’s elite. Then, in 1944, the District of West Vancouver purchased the wood-framed,

53

living | Epicure

TOP, LEFT AND RIGHT: TODAY, THE BEACH HOUSE IS ELEGANT AND UNPRETENTIOUS, A NEIGHBOURHOOD DESTINATION CELEBRATING GOOD FOOD AND SHOWCASING GREAT WORKS OF LOCAL ARTISTS

“ W e w a n t e d t o s t a y t r u e t o i t s E d w a r d i a n architecture, while taking inspiration from the colours and textures of the coastline, including the driftwood, rocks, shells and shades of the sand,” says Chronakis, adding they chose tiles for the floors, to give it a more durable yet warm beach look.

“We design a lot of custom furniture pieces in-house, and used natural fabrics, such as leather for the seating and dark-stained white oak for the furniture and wood beams,” said Hume.

The design features a mix of new and old accents, like locally sourced antiques and a contemporary collection by local BC artists.

Some of the featured artists include West Vancouver's Gordon Smith, Musqueam Coast Salish artist Susan Point, who was commissioned to create Spindle World, the carved circular wood piece at the reception, as well as works in collaboration with the West Vancouver Art Museum, North Van Arts, and the Silk Purse Arts Centre.

Throughout the main dining room, or almost any other part of the former tea house, charcoal-hued walls are adorned with vintage black and white photographs harkening to days gone by.

The rooms have an inviting, understated atmosphere with an air

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of comfortable elegance. Some restoration was required, like the back

54

bar of the former restaurant, which was removed and replaced by an island bar with seating. The upper level was extended to offer an event space aptly dubbed The Landing, with French doors leading to a deck featuring sweeping mountain, ocean and cityscape views.

SPRING 2020

ITAL IAN C AMP O™ Authentically Crafted in Italy

A3318IWMB

The nearly six-month hiatus gave executive chef David Wong and his culinary team ample time to brainstorm and create an entirely new seafood-centric menu with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.

“I saw the initial renderings of the sophisticated-yet-casual new look, and it opened up so many layers of inspiration to design the new menus,” notes the former executive chef of the Fairmont Hotel chain, where in 2010 he crafted the food program for the new Fairmont Pacific Rim. “At the Beach House, we are serious about our

Named for Piazza del Campo in Sienna, Italy, the ROHL Italian Campo™ Series celebrates the famous systems of conduits that brings water to the area. In the 14th century miles of tunnels and aqueducts were built, delivering water to the famous Font Gaia – or Fountain of the World.

The Campo™ handle and escutcheon design emulates the valve/stem combination used in the building of industrial conduit systems. Made by northern Italian craftsmen, using knowhow passed down through generations.

food, but casual in our approach. We want our guests to experience a variety of flavours and bold dishes, in an approachable way.”

Wong’s philosophy is to “emphasize simplicity in the execution of the dishes – creating fare that is contemporary and well-executed.”

The dishes showcase that bright creativity that is so appealing.

Some standouts are its signature seafood tower, prawn and scallop spaghettini, or the grilled octopus with chorizo, basil, rustic croutons, and charred tomato fondue.

Their carte du jour is complemented by a wine program designed martinis fronted by Earl’s beverage director, sommelier

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PROVIDED BY BEACH HOUSE

boasting new and old-world, along with a host of meticulously Cam Bogue.

From the renewal of the exterior facade to the reimagined bright and airy interiors, the Beach House is an inspiring design and epicure update for our cosmopolitan city.

www.theensui tenorthvanc ou ver.com NO RTH VA NCO U V ER #122 - 930 W. 1 Street l 604-903-4056

SPRING 2020

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living | Travel

EPIC THRILLS IN EGYPT

THE LEGENDS, ARCHITECTURE AND SYMBOLISM OF AN ICONIC TRAVEL DESTINATION, UNPACKED

F

“

ROM THE HEIGHTS OF THESE PYRAMIDS, FORTY

centuries look down on us.” I’m not usually moved by the words of dead French autocrats, but as I look up awestruck at the Great Pyramid of Giza, Napoleon’s 1798 speech to his troops comes, irresistibly, to mind. Camel drivers, selfie-snapping tourists, and even the vast Sahara Desert outside Egypt’s capital, Cairo, all seem to fade away. What I’m experiencing hits me like the 5.75-million-ton bulk of Cheops’ tomb.

>

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STORY | LUCAS AYKROYD PHOTOGRAPHY | G ADVENTURES

THE GREAT SIMBEL RAMSES STATUE UP CLOSE

SPRING 2020

57

living | Travel

THE TEMPLES WERE MIRACULOUSLY RELOCATED IN 1968 BY UNESCO TO ENSURE THEY WOULDN’T BE SUBMERGED AFTER THE ASWAN HIGH DAM OPENED.

I’ve waited my entire life to see the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (built in 2560 BC). Fantastic imagery ranging from Cigars of the Pharaoh, the 1934 Tintin comic album by Hergé, to Powerslave, Iron Maiden’s landmark 1984 heavy metal record, has fueled my obsession.

The G Adventures “Egypt Upgraded” itinerary enables a view of ancient monuments in style, while engaging with locals in authentic settings. Egypt’s 100 million population is 85 percent Sunni Muslim and 15 percent Coptic Christian.

In the city of Aswan, an hour and a half south of Cairo by plane, I find myself on the rooftop of a Nubian Muslim home for an evening feast. Our 14-person group has taken a ride on a traditional wooden felucca boat on the Nile, Africa’s longest river at 6,650 km, to Elephantine Island.

On an early-morning drive to Abu Simbel, the ABOVE: PROFILE OF THE LEGENDARY SPHINX RIGHT: KARNAK HOPSTYLE HALL

colossal temples of Ramses II, sandstone carvings of the legendary New Kingdom pharaoh, who ruled for 67 years, tower next to man-made Lake Nasser.

The temples were miraculously relocated in 1968 by UNESCO to ensure they wouldn’t be submerged after the Aswan High Dam opened.

The main temple is beneath a facade of baboons praising Ra, the sun god. Inside, an aura of mystery pervades. Dramatic wall carvings depict everything from Ramses’ military victories to the afterlife reck-

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oning with ominous deities like the hawk-headed

58

Horus and Osiris, Lord of the Underworld.

Reemerging into the 30°C weather, I exalt as if I’d just defeated the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh.

This tour is already an enormous win. Yet there’s more to come as we cruise down the Nile.

SPRING 2020

ABOVE: THE COLOURFUL CHARACTERS OF CAIRO’S MARKETS ABOVE LEFT: CAMEL RIDING IN THE NORTH AFRICAN DESERT LEFT: THE SPICE SOUK (MARKET) IN CAIRO

On a morning visit to the Philae island

songs. I check out the Great Hypostyle Hall,

WHERE TO STAY:

temple complex, the melding of Pharaonic,

built more than 3,000 years ago by Seti I.

Fairmont Nile City Cairo: Celebrating its 10th anni-

Ptolemaic, and Roman architecture brings

Near the shimmering Sacred Lake stands

versary in 2020, this 504-room hotel features 24-hour

a charming lightness, honouring Isis, the

a magnificent granite obelisk, dedicated to

concierge service, Arabian cuisine at Bab El Nil, and

goddess of love. At night, we delve into

Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh.

the Willow Stream Spa.

The tour also includes a visit to

above hauntingly lit ruins, and stunningly

Hatshepsut’s

and

discovery of King Tut’s tomb was announced and

preserved crocodile mummies bear mute

King Tutankahmun’s tomb in the Valley

where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. Stroll

tribute to Sobek, the crocodile god.

of the K ings. T he Me dit e r r a ne a n

through the former Egyptian royal gardens and sleep

metropolis

luxuriously in a Magnifique Suite.

In Luxor, we stroll along the river-

mortuary

of

temple

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor: It’s where the

Alexandria

offers

a

front marble sidewalk and shop at the

refreshing change of pace, from its glass-

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh: This top-

1909-founded Aboudi Bookstore. Yet amid

paneled, $220-million library to fresh-

flight Red Sea property offers nearly 80 dive sites.

the crowds at Karnak, I’m right back to

caught shrimp and gray mullet at the Fish

From a Bedouin-style beach feast to sunset cocktails

humming grandiose 1980s heavy-metal

Market restaurant.

at the Citadel Lounge, relaxation options abound.

SPRING 2020

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the menace of Kom Ombo. Bats swoop

59

living | RIDE

BMW’S PREMIUM EVS AND HYBRIDS EXCITEMENT AT BOTH ENDS OF THE PRICE SPECTRUM

I

STORY | TONY WHITNEY

t i s a n e x c i t i n g t i m e i n t h e w o r l d o f e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s ( EV s ) and hybrids, with automakers worldwide working to bring to the market new models at every possible price point.

Activity has been especially frantic at the premium end of the industry, with

megalux nameplates like Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Ferrari and others all busy developing new models to meet expected demand.

We look at two new premium models at diverse price points, one of which is on the

market, and the other to be unveiled soon.

The all-electric Mini Cooper SE combines compact size with an approachable price tag, while the BMW Vision M NEXT hybrid ticks all the boxes for sports supercar buyers, and will be priced accordingly.

The Mini was a brilliant re-creation of a sixties icon and a huge success from the start. After many spin-offs, an EV variant was inevitable, and it is arriving this year with an under $40,000 price tag — quite accessible given its place at the premium end of the small car market. Like other EVs, it’s eligible for federal and provincial zero-emission vehicle grants.

THE BMW VISION M NEXT HYBRID MODEL WOULD SURELY GET A NOD FROM JAMES BOND HIMSELF

>

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“OPENING THE SCISSOR DOORS AND CLIMBING BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A BMW VISION M NEXT IS GOING TO BE A VERY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE AND FEW SUPERCARS WILL BE MORE EAGERLY AWAITED.”

SPRING 2020

61

living | RIDE

MINI HAS NOT SKIMPED ON EQUIPMENT LEVELS FOR THIS MODEL AND THE LIST OF STANDARD GOODIES IS SO LONG IT EASILY PLACES THE CAR IN THE “COMPACT LUXURY” SEGMENT.

T h e M i n i SE i s p o w e r e d b y

who like the idea of an EV, but are daunted

an electric motor of 184-horsepower and

by range anxiety. The Vision M does have

given the impressive torque characteristics

an all-electric range of around 100 km – all

of EVs, it promises owners a satisfyingly

most people need for a day of local driving.

sporty experience.

When pure EV capability begins to fade, the

A

lithium-ion

high-voltage

battery

endows the car with an excellent range of

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THE ALL-ELECTRIC MINI COOPER SE SOOTHES RANGE ANXIETY: THE LITHIUM- ION HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY HAS A 230-270 KILOMETRE RANGE

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and charging.

between 234-km to 270-km. The Mini SE

This radical new BMW was shown at

can handle all four of the generally available

Monterey Car Week in 2019, and although

charging levels, including the 35-minute

BMW wasn’t saying much, most insiders

Level 3 fast charger.

note that 2023 would see the first cars

Mini has not skimped on equipment

roll off the production line. As might be

levels for this model and the list of stan-

expected, much of the Vision bodywork

dard goodies is so long it easily places the

is carbon fibre. Lightness is an important

car in the “compact luxury” segment.

factor in any hybrid or EV to optimize power.

The upcoming 2023 BMW Vision M

The opulent cockpit is packed with intrigu-

Next is, in contrast, a luxury hybrid super-

ing tech features, but you wouldn’t know it

car that might well signal the last of cars

because it’s a very clean design. The key dash

in this class with whopping 6-litre V-12s

feature is a screen that seems to wrap around

under their hoods. Now at the prototype

the area ahead of the steering wheel.

stage, the car boasts a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder

Opening the scissor doors and climbing

turbo for power, but aided by a couple

behind the wheel of a BMW Vision M NEXT

of electric motors, it delivers a stirring

is going to be a very special experience and

600-horsepower to two or four wheels.

few supercars will be more eagerly awaited.

This exciting new BMW is a plug-in

No pricing has yet been announced.

hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and it is

Judging by the interest already gener-

spearheading the direction in which BMW

ated by these new models, expect to see

plans to go over in the coming years.

increased competition from global compet-

PHEVs are a smart choice for buyers SPRING 2020

gas engine is there to take over for mobility

itors at both ends of the price spectrum.

better living | e d g e m o n t v i l l a g e

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SPRING 2020

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We thrive on neglect!

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living | MY Favourite Room

WAY BEYOND BEIGE

EXPLORING THE THE MULTI-LAYERED HUES OF NKBA DESIGNER OF THE YEAR REISA POLLARD’S FAVOURITE SPACE

N

O M I N A T E D F O R 1 6 D E S I G N A WA R D S I N 2 0 1 9 , I T ’ S FA I R T O S A Y R E I S A P O L L A R D

made the right call when switching careers from economics to interior design. Her company, Beyond Beige, recently transformed an older West Vancouver house into

a modern, happily-ever-after home for newlyweds.

“This project began as a renovation for a young family, and things got interesting fast when the couple needed the project completed by their wedding date. The pressure was on. We wanted the living room space to be used by everyone. It sounds ridiculous, but so many formal living rooms are just for viewing.

You might as well hang a velvet rope across the entryway! I personally love the fireplace because it makes me feel like I’m in an old-world European Hotel, where the mantles are as tall as I am. We added a huge mirror above the fireplace to open up the space and reflect the lighting fixture. We didn’t want to cover

64

make a room appear larger, but they need to be used correctly. Reflecting a wall doesn’t do much for the space. Another great option is using the largest furniture pieces possible. It does the reverse of what you might expect. My advice for switching careers? If the economics don’t add up, be persistent, keep going, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s too competitive.”

— As told to Bianca Solterbeck.

SPRING 2020

PROVOKE STUDIOS

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the windows so we opted to feature them using stationary drapery panels. Mirrors can be a great trick to

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