Western Living Condo - Fall / Winter 2019

Going Grey

Sophisticated neutrals and gorgeous textures take a modern makeover to the next level Going Grey

GET ORGANIZED! Smart, stylish storage and expert advice for a streamlined space

FA L L / W I N T E R  2 019

FALL/WINTER 2019 $5.99 Display Until March 31, 2020

NOW TRENDING Statement shelving, playful lighting and ultra-cozy seating

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

A maximalist and a minimalist find a beautiful balance

pm 4 0065 475

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 1

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 2

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 3

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 4

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 5

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 6

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 7

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

Custom solutions for better living

californiaclosets.ca

p008-009.Contents.indd 8

800.336.9174

2019-09-26 2:23 PM

DINING ROOM: TRACEY AYTON; NEMESIS COFFEE: ALEXEY SKACHKOV; LIVING ROOM: EMA PETER

©2019 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

design your work-life balance

46 FALL/WINTER 2019 | VOLUME 14 | NUMBER 2

66

13

22

Going Grey

Sophisticated neutrals and gorgeous textures take a modern makeover to the next level

CITY+STYLE

SPACES

13 GET THE LOOK

38 OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Going Grey

DINING ROOM: TRACEY AYTON; NEMESIS COFFEE: ALEXEY SKACHKOV; LIVING ROOM: EMA PETER

31

A trio of dramatic dining rooms, all designed to inspire.

GET ORGANIZED! Smart, stylish storage and expert advice for a streamlined space

NOW TRENDING Statement shelving, playful lighting and ultra-cozy seating

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

18 ESSENTIALS

Stylish bed frames, sculptural bookshelves, the prettiest pendant lights and armchairs you’ll love.

A maximalist and a minimalist find a beautiful balance

ON THE COVER

27 THE EVERYTHING GUIDE TO GETTING ORGANIZED

This sophisticated grey-on-grey bedroom is sure to inspire some sweet dreams.

Story, page 58.

We asked the pros for the tips, tools and tricks to maximize storage in a small space—and did they ever deliver.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Exploring Vancouver’s best coffee shops, one caffeinated cup at a time.

Ema Peter

31 COOL CAFFEINATORS

A maximalist designer and his minimalist partner find a beautiful compromise in their new shared space.

46 TREASURE TROVE

Legendary architect Robert Lemon crafts a treasure-filled space to call his own.

58 SCANDINAVIAN DREAM

A Coal Harbour condo gets a dreamy Scandi-inspired makeover that’s just right for a young family of three.

66 THE INSPO

Interior designer Alykhan Velji shares the pieces and spaces inspiring his work right now.

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 9

9

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

EDITOR’S NOTE

STACEY’S PICK Magic Mirror In a small space, every inch of wall space counts, which is why I love these laser-engraved mirrors by Vancouver artist (and Western Living Industrial Designer of the Year) Zoë Pawlak: the dynamic, delicate figure and pop of blush transform a functional object into a literal work of art. $1,000, zoepawlak.com

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

publisher Samantha Legge, MBA editor Stacey McLachlan art director Jenny Reed editorial intern Jusneel Mahal 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 sales, marketing & events coordinator Alexandra Day vancouver/victoria tel 604-299-7311

vancouver & victoria office head office/sales inquiries web westernliving.ca tel 604-299-7311 director of sales Brianne Harper sales manager Gabriella Sepúlveda Knuth account managers Matty Lambert, Michelle Rickards, Nicholas Stanley email gsepulveda@canadawide.com

u.s. sales representation, media-corps tel 1-866-744-9890 email info@media-corps.com

If you’re a long-time WL Condo reader, you might recognize one of our feature homeowners, Ben Leavitt, in this issue. We first featured the Vancouver designer’s home back in spring 2017. His Gastown loft at the time was a riot of colour, pattern and treasures: a giant painting of an astronaut at a urinal next to a picnic table repurposed for the dining room, a wall of African masks hanging above a custom zebra-print bench, and vintage communist propaganda prints and a sculpture of a fire hydrant lining the front hall.

But as you’ll soon see, this feature is no rerun.

Since we last checked in on the principal of PlaidFox Studio, Leavitt’s life—and style—has changed. He’s moved in with his long-time partner, radiologist Vishal Anand, and their shared space (featured on page 38) reflects a fascinating blend of Leavitt’s playfulness and Anand’s penchant for modern minimalism. (As Leavitt tells writer Julia Dilworth, Anand “didn’t even have any art on his walls” when they met.) It’s not the same curated chaos we loved two years ago, but it’s a home that’s equally inspiring—and a reminder that our personal tastes are in an ongoing evolution.

The featured homes in this issue are all about aesthetic adaptation; about embracing change and pivoting to make design fantasies fit into our real lives. We peek inside acclaimed architect Robert Lemon’s own home (page 46), which honours the memory of his late partner, designer Robert Ledingham, while making way for Lemon’s own eclectic, masculine style. We meet a couple who moved into their dream building after years of waiting (page 58) and then dove straight into renovations with the help of designer Andrea Rodman. And as with every issue of WL Condo, we share our favourite organization tips and fresh furniture picks to help you envision your own design evolution.

Because no home is ever truly “done,” and no style is ever set in stone. But isn’t that part of the fun?

Stacey McLachlan, Editor

stacey.mclachlan@westernliving.ca

sales manager Gabriella Sepúlveda Knuth tel 604-488-4865 email gsepulveda@canadawide.com

Suite 230, 4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7 tel 604-299-7311 fax 604-299-9188

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 Kelly Kalirai, Rhiannon Jones, Lori North executive assistant to peter legge Elaina Kohlhauser

PRIVACY POLICY On occasion, we make

our subscriber list available to carefully screened organizations whose product or service might interest you. If you prefer that we not share your name and address (postal and/or email), you can easily remove your name from our mailing lists by reaching us at any of the listed contact points. You can review our complete Privacy Policy at westernliving.ca.

WESTERN LIVING CONDO MAGAZINE is published twice a year by Canada Wide Media Limited, Suite 230, 4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7. Phone 604-299-7311; fax 604299-9188. 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.

PHOTO: ANDY FANG. SHOT AT LIVINGSPACE IN VANCOUVER.

Embracing Evolution

national media sales representation

10 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 10

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

PHOTO: ANDY FANG. SHOT AT LIVINGSPACE IN VANCOUVER.

East India Carpets

1606 West 2nd at Fir Armoury District Vancouver Mon-Sat 10-5:30 604 736 5681 eastindiacarpets.com

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

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 11

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

EMA PETER

EXCEPTIONAL INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS

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

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 12

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

CITY+STYLE LOOKS WE LOVE / FRESH FURNITURE / GET ORGANIZED / COOL COFFEE SHOPS

Make history.

To celebrate the homeowner’s Asian heritage, Guevara reframed her silk paintings and strategically placed them to draw the eye.

“The dining room was designed with a simple, quiet aesthetic to put the focus on our client’s unique collection.”

Go inside your comfort zone.

With only six dining chairs (fewer than what could actually fit at the extra-large table), the table gives guests plenty of room to settle in for after-dinner conversations.

DIVINE DINING ROOMS Warm the bench.

EMA PETER

The credenza, which spans 16 feet across the living and dining rooms, is first and foremost a storage unit—but it also acts as overflow seating when the homeowner is entertaining.

Three dining room looks that make the most of small spaces.

WRITER KAITLYN FUNK

THE LOOK: MEETING PLACE Designer Gaile Guevara created a space that’s both casual and sophisticated—perfect for large dinner parties or intimate gatherings.

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 13

13

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

CITY + STYLE GET THE LOOK

Stock the shelves.

Open shelving brings the eye up, making the dining room appear bigger than it is, and allows the homeowners to show off their quirky vintage art and ceramic dishware.

Shed a few (visual) pounds.

The designers didn’t want the light fixture to detract from anything else in the room, so they chose one with a slim silhouette. “We wanted to keep things simple, airy and open,” explains Hamilton.

Keep it clean.

Since the homeowners have young children, the designers selected chairs that are both stylish and functional. “We love how iconic they are, but we also wanted to give the family something that could be cleaned more easily than fabric,” says Hamilton.

TRACEY AYTON

THE LOOK: SIGN OF THE TIMES This dining room by Oliver Simon Design’s Greer Nelson and Jamie Hamilton strikes a delicate balance between modern and traditional.

14 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 14

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

TRACEY AYTON

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

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 15

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

CITY + STYLE GET THE LOOK

THE LOOK: MODERN MAKEOVER Before designer Gillian Segal came along, this cookie-cutter condo lacked personality and style.

Now it has both in spades.

Widen your horizons.

“I wanted something that had dramatic scale,” says Segal of the light fixture—but she knew a round pendant or chandelier would have drawn too much attention to the low ceiling. Instead, she went for something with more width than height.

Mix and match materials.

A contemporary design can sometimes feel cold, but not when you layer in textural elements: the grasscloth wallpaper, metal table base and stained-wood chairs with rattan seats add warmth to this space.

Clear the table.

EMA PETER

Segal chose the glass tabletop for two reasons: first, it gives the room a clean, modern look, and second, it tricks the eye.

“Because you’re able to see through it, it visually makes the space feel larger,” she says.

16 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 16

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

EMA PETER

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 17

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

1 2

4

3

5

Fresh Frames

6

Bed frames that rule the room with dramatic headboards and built-in bonuses.

1

PILLOW TALK Book club in bed? The tufted headboard on the Nelson bed ($3,243) offers an inviting spot to lean and read. cfinteriors.ca

2

UNPARALLELED STYLE The pairing of walnut and customizable softweave fabric on the Parallel Wide bed (from $7,375) perfectly lines up everything we’re looking for in an upholstered frame. dwr.com

3

ABOVE AND BEYOND Motivated by the idea that we spend more time with our beds than with any other piece in the home, Tom Dixon designed the Delaktig bed with detachable side tables (from $659) to work for you. ikea.ca

4

MINIMALIST CHIC Go out on a ledge with the high-gloss Andes platform bed ($1,299), designed to house and display your bedtime necessities. cb2.ca

5

STRAIGHT EDGE The low-platform profile and wide angular headboard of the Hunter bed ($2,395) give maximum style with zero frills. roveconcepts.com

6

VINTAGE VIBE With its classic herringbone walnut headboard and discreet built-in nightstands, the Nera bed ($1,599) is the height of understated boldness. article.com

18 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 18

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 19

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

2

1

3 4

5

6

Colour Pop Vibrant pendants to add personality to every space.

1

IDEAL FORM Bomma’s blown-glass Phenomena collection was inspired by the simplicity of primary shapes (from $4,600). livingspace.com

2

SMALL WONDER The minute W131 pendant ($320) from Swedish design company Claesson Koivisto Rune packs a playful punch whether hung alone or in a colourful cluster. mjolk.ca

3

TOP BRASS Bright copper or brass diffuser shades contrast beautifully against the Korlux cone pendant’s natural cork base (from $840). omgitssmall.com

4

SCULPTED SUGAR The eye-catching candy-coloured globes on Jonathan Adler’s Globo Five-Light chandelier ($1,895) look delicious enough to eat. jonathanadler.com

5

BEND, DON’T BREAK We love Unfold, Muuto’s cheeky take on the classic industrial pendant, made from foldable silicone rubber ($299). vanspecial.com

6

BRILLIANTLY BRIGHT Colourful braided acrylic cables are woven over futuristic steel frames in the Koord line from El Torrent (from $2,070). lightform.ca

20 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 20

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

刀 䠀 倀

刀伀唀一䐀 伀唀吀 夀伀唀刀 䠀伀䴀䔀 圀䤀吀䠀 伀唀刀 倀䰀䄀一吀䔀刀匀⸀ 䌀愀渀愀搀愀ᤠ猀 䰀愀爀最攀猀琀 倀氀愀渀琀攀爀 䴀愀渀甀昀愀挀琀甀爀攀爀⸀ 最爀攀攀渀琀栀攀漀爀礀搀攀猀椀最渀⸀挀漀洀

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 21

2019-09-26 1:51 PM

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

1 2 3

4

5

Plush Perch Eight upholstered armchairs to add some luxe to your lounge.

1

SURREALIST SOPHISTICATION Designer Hans Wegner’s love of the avant-garde surrealist movement inspired the bold and unusual lines of the Ox chair ($1,075), seen here in sophisticated cashmere. roveconcepts.com

2

CONTEMPORARY COMFORT The plushly rounded body of Gus Modern’s Soren chair ($1,350) sits atop a geometric frame, making it both cozy and cool. omgitssmall.com

3

WORK YOUR ANGLES Angling for an enviable living room? The welcoming incline of the Angle armchair ($449) is your answer. article.com

4

STYLISHLY STARK Straightforward gunmetal steel legs perfectly counterbalance the soft curve of the Era armchair’s backrest (from $3,595). livingspace.com

6

5

COZY UP The Gwyneth chair’s lush, creamy bouclé fabric and feminine wraparound back beckons to you with open arms ($1,399). cb2.ca

6

DEN DARLING The sumptuous emerald velvet of the Posy armchair ($1,349) makes it feel like a mid-centurymodern gem. crateandbarrel.ca

22 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 22

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

Vancouver Calgary N & S

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 23

Surrey Edmonton N & S

Coquitlam Saskatoon

Abbotsford Regina

Victoria Winnipeg

Nanaimo Vaughan

Kelowna Burlington

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

CITY + STYLE ESSENTIALS

WRITER SALLY MICHAEL WHITE

2 3

… i d

1

4

Statement Storage

5

6

Non-traditional bookshelves that tell their own story.

1

ARTISTIC SLANT View your favourite volumes from a whole new angle on the V bookcase ($1,199), which cleverly doubles as a room divider. cb2.ca

2

RIPPLE EFFECT Trapezoidal glass shelves in a variety of sizes create dynamic layers across the Delphi bookcase (from $4,260) from Sovet Italia. gingerjarfurniture.com

3

DECO DISPLAY The vertical swoop across the face of the brass-framed Hemisphere bookshelf ($1,398) offers geometric appeal. anthropologie.com

4

STICK FIGURE Menu’s Stick system (3-by-5 model, $3,528) uses wooden sticks and metal joints that connect easily for the bookshelf of your minimalist dreams. vanspecial.com

5

STONE LEDGE Tap into your primal design sense with the stone-like Primordial bookcase ($7,920), moulded to mimic ancient rock carvings. roche-bobois.com

6

A-GAME The simple A-frame easel design of the Caliper shelf ($549) measures up against the competition. article.com

24 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 24

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

maisond'e

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

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

maisondetre.ca

maisond'etreFALL19FP_as.indd WL Condo FallWinter.indb 25 1

2019-08-09 2019-09-26 11:01 1:52 AM PM

KYOKO FIERRO

Your life, organized!

Solutions for your home, office, and garage. arbutus.com • 604-734-1949 ArbutusFurnitureFALL19FP_as.indd 1 WL Condo FallWinter.indb 26

2019-09-20 2019-09-26 4:10 1:52 PM PM

20 4:10 PM

CITY + STYLE EXPERT ADVICE

KITCHEN DOS AND DON’TS

The Everything Guide to Getting Organized

From cookware and equipment to food itself, the kitchen can make organizing... agonizing, to say the least. Luckily, less so with these simple pointers.

DO: RECONSIDER WHAT GOES INTO WHICH CABINET

Make the most of every square inch with these expert tips. WRITER HALEY CAMERON In an age of prioritized self-care, Marie Kondo swooped in with her decluttering philosophy and taught us that an organized space is inherently tied to our happiness. But is there really a science to the KonMari trend?

“Studies have shown that clutter and unfinished home projects are correlated with increased cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for stress,” shares Robert Grigore, a registered clinical counsellor and certified EMDR therapist who practises in Vancouver. “A home needs to provide us with a feeling of safety or security.” There are two ways people will respond if they come home to a messy environment: “They’ll either use their downtime to tidy and clean, which increases cortisol and requires physical and mental energy, or sit in the clutter, which is likely to perpetuate feelings of failure, hopelessness, apathy and powerlessness.”

Grigore admits that Kondo is on to something in her quest to spark joy—so how can you bring the same joie de vivre to a condo, where storage space is sparse?

“Make space for the things you use every day by moving things like your casserole dishes to lower and upper cupboards that are less convenient to reach,” advises Sjöstedt.

FIRST THINGS FIRST In his practice, Grigore has instituted the concept of “productive procrastination”: delaying the completion of a large, daunting task by focusing on smaller organizational tasks—like cleaning the garage or finally organizing that bookshelf. But whether you’re organizing to procrastinate or not, where exactly should you start?

“From the ground up,” says Nicole Sjöstedt of Live Modern Agency, who, alongside business partner Christina Tan, provides home and wardrobe styling. “Anything that can be thrown on the ground or under the table—kids’ toys, books, that sort of thing—has to get tidied first.”

DON’T: HOLD ON TO THINGS THAT DON’T SERVE A PURPOSE “The best piece of advice I ever got was from a girlfriend who served me coffee using her wedding china,” Sjöstedt shares. “She said to me, ‘I only have so much space for dishes. Why not use them every day?’”

DO: ENSURE THAT LARGE ITEMS SERVE DOUBLE DUTY Bram Sawatzky, one half of Willow and Stump Design Co. (our 2018 Western Living Furniture Designers of the Year), uses the kitchen island as the perfect example: “In a condo, it likely serves as your dining room table, too.”

To ensure neither purpose is ever off duty, any storage should still be accessible, even when you’re sitting down for a meal.

DON’T: LEAVE THINGS OUT ON THE COUNTER “In so many kitchens, you can’t see the marble countertops or gold faucets past the coffee maker and toaster,” says Sjöstedt. Instead of a knife block, she suggests a magnetized strip on the side of your fridge.

MASTERING THE MASTER BEDROOM Got monsters in your closet or under your bed?

Turn your clutter nightmare into a dream come true.

KYOKO FIERRO

1 FIND SNEAKY STORAGE

“Choose a bed with nesting storage underneath,” recommends Kaly Ryan of Willow and Stump Design Co., who adds that drawers don’t always work in a small space. “A headboard with integrated lighting can also replace the need for bedside tables.”

2 BLOW OFF SOME STEAM

Condo closets are often, well, condo-sized. And that means sometimes you have no choice but to fold your clothes. If that’s the case? According to Sjöstedt, “Steaming is usually better—and easier—than ironing.”

3 SIMPLIFY YOUR DECISIONS “A lot of us pick our clothes or linens based on how we feel in the moment,” explains Sjöstedt. “A colour-coordinated closet is always the quickest to sort through.”

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 27

27

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

CITY + STYLE EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT-APPROVED HACKS These three don’t just talk the talk.

“In my closet, I only use white wooden hangers to keep everything feeling light. And you’re going to laugh, but I keep at least two inches between every hanger.”

—N.S.

Nicole Sjöstedt tidies in a flash.

CONDO-SIZED SOLUTIONS Our pros weighed in on the pieces they find themselves recommending time and time again.

MUUTO BINS

FLUYT BENCH “The top lifts up, creating a large storage footprint for big items like blankets, bags and coats. It’s great for your entranceway or even under a television.”—K.R.

HORIZON LIGHT “These art pieces double as shelves for precious items that should be on display. Marrying function and form is really important, and activating a wall space is one of the best things you can do in a condo.”—B.S.

“One of my favourite pieces is a wall-mounted key holder by the front door. It’s a place to dump the dog leash, my keys, my wallet the minute I get home—it’s amazing how easy it is to lose those small items!”

—K.R.

“I recently added our modular unit Superstruct, to my living room. I wanted a nice big slab coffee table, but it’s a small space and I couldn’t block access to the patio door on the other side of the room. The flexibility is perfect.”

—B.S.

Kaly Ryan and Bram Sawatzky of Willow and Stump Design Co.

NICOLE SJÖSTEDT: KYOKO FIERRO; KALY RYAN AND BRAM SAWATZKY PORTRAIT: CARLO RICCI

“One of my clients has two young boys. We gave each boy a basket and told them to fill it with everything they’d left lying around—games, artwork, Lego. It looks super-neat and tidy, and super-stylish, with nearly no effort.”—N.S.

1 6

D

28 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 28

E

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

WindowW

NICOLE SJÖSTEDT: KYOKO FIERRO; KALY RYAN AND BRAM SAWATZKY PORTRAIT: CARLO RICCI

Hunter Douglas Duette®

ENJOY A DARK AND WARM ROOM WITH DUETTE® BY HUNTER DOUGLAS

13331 Vulcan Way Unit 10, Richmond, BC 604-231-1433 | windowworks.ca DRAPERY | HARDWARE | BEDDING | CUSHIONS | ACCESSORIES | UPHOLSTERY | SHUTTERS | BLINDS | AUTOMATION | HUNTER DOUGLAS | WALL PAPER | FABRICS

WindowWorksFALL19FP_as.indd 1 WL Condo FallWinter.indb 29

2019-09-20 1:52 2:55 PM PM 2019-09-26

NEMESIS: ALEXEY SKACHKOV; 49TH PARALLEL COFFEE: AGATA LUN AZUL

COME IN TO SEE THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOFABEDS

604•879•4878

SofaSoGoodFALL19FP_as.indd 1 WL Condo FallWinter.indb 30

2331 ALBERTA STREET

VANCOUVER

SOFASOGOOD.CA

2019-08-12 1:52 9:53 PM AM 2019-09-26

-12 9:53 AM

CITY + STYLE BEST COFFEE SPOTS

BY BARB SLIGL

Cool Caffeinators From long-time players and coffee roasters to one-off independents, the city’s java shops are more than a place to grab a cuppa— they’re community hubs in which to soak up the ambiance.

NEMESIS COFFEE

NEMESIS: ALEXEY SKACHKOV; 49TH PARALLEL COFFEE: AGATA LUN AZUL

This Gastown go-to not only has the coffee goods and on-tap kombucha (as well as hojicha, gaba and dok anchan teas) but serious food, too—think gnocchi carbonara, shakshuka and dill-cured salmon rösti. Plus, Nemesis’s light-wood decor—abuzz with SFU downtown-campus students—is like a Scandi-chic sanctuary in the city centre.

302 W Hastings St., nemesis.coffee

KAHVE This Kits café makes a great cortado (with Phil and Sebastian beans, a Calgary-based roaster that’s known as one of Canada’s best) and nitro cold brew or, for non-coffee drinkers, the local fave, London Fog. But it’s also a coffee-and-design shop with modern-European pieces on display and for sale. (Get that Alessi coffee pot to brew at home.)

1822 W 1st Ave., kahvevancouver.com

MILANO COFFEE A local coffee legend, Milano has won multiple international gold medals for its espresso (rare blends of up to 13 nano-lot, singleorigin beans). Grab a cup and gaze at the wowsers downtown view from the West 8th space, home to the original roasting equipment (for some 30 years).

Various locations, milanocoffee.ca

49TH PARALLEL COFFEE ROASTERS The teal-coloured bags have become ubiquitous, and the doughnuts (Lucky’s; try the strawberry-buttermilk old fashioned) are as much of a calling card as the coffee. Still, Epic Espresso says it all. Have it at the Main Street location in Mount Pleasant, where those doughnuts are made on-site.

Various locations, 49thcafe.com

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 31

31

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

CITY + STYLE BEST COFFEE SPOTS

REVOLVER COFFEE “Revolver is about two things: coffee, and the experience that should go with it,” says co-founder George Giannakos. Case in point: a rotating selection of not-seen-anywhere-else roast and a designer pourover and brew bar, where coffees are made using a sleek Seraphim brewing system with Hario glass decanters.

325 Cambie St., revolvercoffee.ca

GREENHORN ESPRESSO BAR

PALLET COFFEE ROASTERS Pallet Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards for both its beans and its latte art. The story began at the East Van location near Victory Tattoo (creator of one of Pallet’s logos), where the coffee is roasted still.

Pastel-painted pallets hang outside, and the wooden slats are incorporated throughout the multi-level space inside for that industrial, east-side vibe.

Various locations, palletcoffeeroasters.com

Tucked in Vancouver’s densest residential neighbourhood—the West End—this espresso bar (with record collection, listening station and DJ booth upstairs) is a local hideaway that’s become a destination spot on a quiet, leafy street.

Sit under the red chandelier at the communal long table for the super-popular breakfast skillet and rich Vietnamese coffee.

994 Nicola St., greenhorncafe.com

AGRO COFFEE ROASTERS Known for roasting organic coffee, this off-the-beaten-path tasting café is worth the visit for its white-and-wood aesthetic, views of the roaster and excellent nitro cold brew. It’s also where the incubator community of creative types and doers— from visual artists to brewers—from the Strathcona ’hood congregate for coffee.

550 Clark Dr., agroroasters.com

MATCHSTICK COFFEE Everything is made in-house, from the nut milk to the naturally leavened bread that forms the base for some of the best eggson-toast in town. And then there’s the coffee: watch it being roasted at the first Matchstick, in the Fraserhood on the little strip by McAuley Park, where an original vault door is still in place from when it was one of the city’s first banks. Various locations, matchstickyvr.com

32 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 32

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 33

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

SPONSORED REPORT

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS: SO MUCH MORE THAN CLOSETS

F

or most homeowners, a garage isn’t just a place to park the car. It’s a storage room, workshop, extra closet, designated spot for a freezer or extra fridge—a space for so much miscellaneous stuff.

From sports equipment to garden tools, the various items that end up accumulating in a family household can quickly become clutter. And a disorganized jumble can ultimately turn into a source of stress.

Transforming a garage into an efficient and aesthetically pleasing storage space that still comfortably fits two cars was exactly the result of a recent exciting project by California Closets Vancouver.

Design consultant Zainub Malik first met the Cipriano family at the California Closets showroom. The parents of two young children were thrilled with their recent purchase of a single-detached home, but they were concerned about being able to fit all the things they brought with them.

This is a family that likes to be active: think four pairs of skis; four ski suits, helmets, and pairs of boots and goggles; and four bikes. Then there are the random balls, sporting goods, toys, tuques, mitts, rain boots, running shoes, and more.

“They needed a place to functionally store all of this stuff with their family’s growing needs, but they also wanted to add value to their house,” Malik says.

“They called us in so it would look beautiful as well.”

In the showroom, Malik was able to show the couple various garage displays before meeting them at their home. There, she was able to see beyond the blank walls while taking into account the family’s need to place an extra-large freezer in the room and their wish for a neat sitting area for the kids to easily put their shoes on and take them off.

To maximize space, Malik’s sleek, multifaceted design features very tall cabinets, taking advantage of the height of the garage ceiling, to tuck items like helmets out of sight.

Clever clothing storage includes a fusion track wall where accessories hang.

“It’s a cost-effective and space-saving way to organize things,” Malik says. There are also three garment rods to hang wet jackets on rainy Vancouver days, and beautiful baskets to place soccer balls and other smaller items. Then there’s ample shoe and equipment storage.

“So often, people go to their storage room and rifle around and can’t find their pair of goggles; here, everything has a home,” Malik says. “It’s easy for every family member, from five years old up to mom and dad, to be able to find and grab what they’re looking for and put it away when they’re done. It has really created order.”

The family chose a darker, Milano grey for the cabinets’ longevity and appeal, a smart choice with small kids who just might get dirty fingerprints here and there.

As with other projects, Malik valued the relationship she developed with the family more than anything. She also loves the variety of her work as a designer for California Closets.

“The family was very open to my design ideas, and it was great to have that trust,” she says. “This is a great example of how California Closets does so much more than closets—and does it well.”

To book a complementary design consultation or learn more about California Closets, visit www.californiaclosets.ca/

Zainub Malik

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

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 34 CaliforniaClosetsOCT19DPS.SR_as.indd All Pages

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

y

r

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

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 35

2019-09-26 2019-09-12 1:52 9:17 PM AM

EMA PETER

15TH ANNUAL p036-037.SPACES.Opener.indd 36

2019-09-26 2:45 PM

6 11:13 AM

SPACES

OPPOSITES ATTRACT / A FRESH START / HARBOURSIDE DREAM HOME

EMA PETER

MODERN HISTORY It’s hard to believe architect Robert Lemon just moved into this condo this year—the spacious suite already feels like home. It’s all thanks to his clever layering of pieces collected from vintage stores and world travels: here, nine-foot rugs dragged home from Turkey cohabit with Danish furniture discovered on a trip to Winnipeg and showcase a lifetime of memories. For more from Lemon’s warm, eclectic home, turn to page 46.

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 37

37

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

MIX MASTER

Large-scale African photographs on the walls offer contrast in place of colour. Throughout the room, designer Ben Leavitt (opposite page) mixes old and new with a 200-year-old dowry chest, a terracotta warrior replica from a museum in Xian, a Martha Sturdy resin-poured coffee table and a custom yellow Bensen Park lounge chair, where partner Vishal Anand relaxes with a book.

38 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 38

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

WRITER WRITER JULIA DILWORTH STACEY MCLACHLAN PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY EMA PETER EMA PETER STYLING NICOLE SJÖSTEDT

Opposites Attract Can a minimalist and a maximalist live (in the same space) happily ever after?

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 39

39

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

SPACES OPPOSITES AT TRACT

MEMORY PALACE

W

A B&B Italia bookshelf (or is it a vertical fern garden?) acts as a very West Coast divider between the main living area and the home office. Also on the shelves: curated knickknacks from the couple’s travels. “The trick with curation is to make sure every item matters,” says the designer.

hen interior designer Ben Leavitt and his partner, Vishal Anand, decided to move in together, designing their new combined home might have been the challenge of Leavitt’s career. “Vish has professed since the day I met him that he is a staunch minimalist,” says Leavitt. “When I met him, he didn’t have a single piece of art on his walls.”

A life-sized polka-dot deer sculpture, reclaimed fire hydrant, African masks, taxidermy: these were the hallmarks of Leavitt’s last apartment (featured back in our summer 2017 issue). “With my job, I’m constantly inspired,” says the designer and president of Vancouver’s PlaidFox Studio. “So I want my home to push my boundaries—the more colour, the more pattern, the more things—the better.”

When they found their dream home in historic Gastown (a bright and spacious two-bedroom with a palatial rooftop deck), Leavitt committed to renovating the apartment—a design that would emulate the character of their neighbourhood and marry their distinctive tastes—but he had one condition: Anand couldn’t enter the premises until it was completely finished.

“When Vish saw the entranceway, he just about died,” recalls Leavitt of the big reveal. The designer had blown up a vintage photograph of Joshua Tree National Park and turned it into a vinyl covering that wraps around the entire area. “I wanted people to come into the home and the first thing they see is something unexpected and fun—that’s our combined personality,” says Leavitt.

In the main living space, Leavitt injects colour, but in moderation: a futuristic-looking Bensen wingback in yellow pops next to a deep-set feather-filled felt sofa in classic navy blue. The resin-poured coffee table from Martha Sturdy and the

40 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 40

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

at your own pace.

Introducing

Shop anytime at robinsonco.ca Vancouver

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 41

Penticton

Coquitlam

Kamloops

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

SPACES OPPOSITES AT TRACT

WARM WELCOME

In the entranceway (above), a modern Kelly Wearstler sconce adds a touch of glam without detracting from the bold wall covering: a blown-up vintage photograph of Joshua Tree National Park.

42 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 42

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

GASTOWN GLAM

In each room Leavitt tried to add a little bit of Gastown: the Edison bulb light fixture fit the industrial bill. The room was already asymmetrical, so Leavitt pushed it even further with a quirky millwork design and an asymmetrically hung mirror. The living room has skylights and ample windows, so the designer opted for a dark, smoky blue for the wall.

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 43

43

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

SPACES OPPOSITES AT TRACT

asymmetrical Andrew Neyer light fixture function almost like modern sculptures and live next to an actual sculpture: Leavitt’s prized seven-foot-tall terracotta warrior. (Piano movers actually walked the thousand-pound replica on a dolly, through traffic, from Leavitt’s old apartment just across the street.) “Although at first this room seems ultra-modern, if you look at each of the individual pieces, they are all from different time periods and from different countries,” says Leavitt. “It’s a modern take on an eclectic global home.”

For the master bedroom, more so than any other room, Leavitt wanted to lean into the Gastown loft vibe. The room’s plain drywalled walls were covered in tumbled salvaged brick, painted white. White cabinetry and a full-length mirror help brighten up the nearly windowless room, but there’s also a halfwall of Benjamin Moore’s Dollar Bill Green paint, which is the same dark green you’ll see on many neighbourhood storefronts. Frosted globe sconces reminded Leavitt of the street lanterns outside, while a graphic Douglas Coupland Poutine artwork nods to the takeout joints in the ’hood.

Enter the master bathroom, though, and you’re about as far away from Leavitt’s wild and eclectic comfort zone as you can get. Designed mostly for Anand, it was loosely inspired by Japanese onsens: sleek and modern, with a dark colour palette. “As hard as it was for me, I actually didn’t use one drop of colour in this space,” says Leavitt. He replaced a “horrifying vision of terracotta, creams and caramels” with large-format concrete tile, matte black fixtures and honed marble countertops in black and white. A detailed charcoal drawing from Paper Collective adds another layer of visual interest. “If you’re not going to use colour, you have to use contrast and texture to really make it striking,” he says.

Although it was a learning curve for Leavitt to design a space that was so pared down, he ended up loving the monochromatic bathroom as much as his partner ended up loving the entranceway. “It was a smart move to keep Vish away during renovations, but the longer that he lives in the house and the longer he spends with me, the more he sometimes says, ‘Do you think we should add a bit more colour?’ or ‘Do you think we should do this?’ He’s on board for the evolution of our home as much as I am.”

FACE TO FACE

Leavitt’s 50-piece-plus mask collection was the primary focus of his last apartment, but now just his favourites have been selected for the couple’s guest room (above) to pair with woven rattan grasscloth wallpaper, a Norman of Copenhagen Knot chair and petrified, wood stump side tables from Indonesia.

44 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 44

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

Luxury Okanagan Valley Lakeside Homes The is Cottagesrom f exempt ation BC’s Vac Tax Home

Act now for best selection on remaining homes The word is out that The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake is the best year-round new home community in the Okanagan Valley.

The Cottages includes a community centre with a gym, two pools and hot tubs as well as our private sandy beach and boat slips, there’s something for everyone. With over 220 homes sold, the remaining opportunities won’t last long.

With eight different home plans to choose from ranging in size from our modest 1,300 sf meadow homes to the exclusive 3,000 sf Meritage plan, there really is the perfect home for you.

We have several unique homes under construction and all homes can be customized to suite your needs. Please contact our sales team at 1.855.742.5555 or visit our website for a full tour.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to own a piece of paradise on Osoyoos Lake!

Visit our Display Homes » 2450 Radio Tower Road, Oliver, BC See website for open hours.

1.855.742.5555 osoyooscottages.com

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 45

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

A

TREASURE TROVE

A subtle space honours the past while embracing a bold new future.

WRITER AMANDA ROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY EMA PETER 46 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 46

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

COLLECTOR’S PARADISE

Architect Robert Lemon sourced the circa-1946 Danish felted sofa in egg-yolk yellow in Winnipeg; it’s now the focal point of the architect’s “morning room” (left). The map of Rome on the morning room wall has been with Lemon for over 35 years. He first hung it in his apartment and at city hall (as an employee) before his West 10th house; it was then displayed at the Vancouver Heritage Foundation before reappearing in Lemon’s new condo.

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 47

47

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

SPACES TREASURE TROVE

48 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 48

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

DOUBLE DUTY

A white-oak screen separates the office and living room and serves as both feature and room divider. The fabric pillows— designed by Sandrine Lejeune, a former colleague of Ledingham’s—first saw life as table runners in the 1880s-era log-house farm that Lemon (pictured, right) used to share with late partner Robert Ledingham. The farm was sold, the fabric reimagined.

A

well-curated home typically comes about in one of two ways. You hire a great design mind to compose your space—someone else’s well-trained, singular vision applied to your four walls. Or you live a lifetime of rich experiences, then layer your home yourself with your gathered treasures. What do you do, then, if you’re a great design mind and you also have a life well lived?

For architect Robert Lemon, you get the best of both worlds.

No stranger to exceptional design nor life experience, Lemon is a long-time architectural heritage advocate whose life partner of over 30 years was the late legendary designer Robert Ledingham. As Vancouver’s senior heritage planner from 1991 to 1996, Lemon was key in spearheading new provincial heritage legislation for the City of Vancouver, as well as its density policy. Restoration and rehabilitation are his calling cards: he’s consulted on such landmark projects as Chinatown’s Wing Sang building, the historic Shannon Estate, Christ Church Cathedral,

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 49

49

2019-09-26 1:52 PM

SPACES TREASURE TROVE

STATEMENT PIECE

A striking wooden sculpture called Adagio—recently purchased at the Splash art auction—is designed by Federico Méndez-Castro of Dalbergia Wood and Fine Objects on Granville Island.

50 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 50

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

HabitatFA

HabitatFALL19FP_as.indd 1 WL Condo FallWinter.indb 51

2019-09-26 AM 2019-09-26 11:02 1:53 PM

SPACES TREASURE TROVE

DELIGHT IN THE DETAILS

The new multicoloured vases

by Middle Kingdom are from Bacci’s; the vintage Murano glass dining room chandelier arrived courtesy of Lemon’s hand luggage from a recent trip to a Montreal vintage lighting shop.

the downtown YMCA and the Hotel Georgia. That storied experience, coupled with his world travels alongside the talented Ledingham, afforded him the ability to approach his new home with a keen eye honed over decades.

At first blush, Lemon’s circa-2000 condo might seem an unlikely candidate for someone steeped in architectural pedigree. “I never thought I’d be a condo person,” he says.

But the airy space with its large outdoor terrace spoke to him after nearly two decades spent in a stunning art moderne abode in Point Grey with Ledingham. “I wasn’t interested in moving from our beautiful house after Bob passed away in 2013,” says Lemon. “But it was a little big for one person.” He put word out to his realtor that should something come up with a terrace, he’d be interested. Shortly thereafter, his realtor touched base: there was a condo with 85 feet of frontage and a 1,400-square-foot deck not yet publicly advertised. Lemon was indeed interested.

To a less trained eye, the expansive new space could have felt daunting. But at 18 years old, its dark, gloomy kitchen, dated carpet and “funny configuration of walls and rooms” were all pure potential to Lemon. Across from a park with abundant southern exposure, “I saw North Shore mountains and beautiful pine trees,” he says. “And I could see that the structure of the layout would be improved with some internal walls moved to make it more livable.” And so he put in an offer.

As one chapter in his life closed, the next one opened— and it happened to overlook the Granville Street Bridge.

First, walls would need to be removed to open up the view, the tiny kitchen incorporated into a great room, the office delineated by a slat-screen wall, and a corridor reimagined as a master bedroom dressing room. After the bones were sufficiently modified, Lemon took stock of what he had to work with, decor-wise. The buyers of his art moderne home

B

C 52 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 52

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

Billund adjustable round table

Rubi adjustable height coffee/dining table

Xtra footstool with sleeping function

DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE Visit your local store today to speak with one of our Design Consultants to help co-create your dream space.

BOCONCEPT.CA COQUITLAM | 1348-B UNITED BLVD | 604.529.6888 VANCOUVER | 1275 6 AVE W | 604.730.8111

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 53

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

SPACES TREASURE TROVE

BOLT OF BLUE

A white-oak panel door leading to the master bedroom (above and right) seamlessly shuts for privacy when Lemon entertains, but it also serves to expand the room visually. Lemon’s office is raised on a platform to be level with the outdoor terrace (below): “It’s more intimate this way,” he says. The blue vintage Swiss USM bookcase adds a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral scheme.

Robert Lemon’s Designer Tips EMBRACE THE ART OF BLENDING In an open kitchen, downplay the cabinetry and details so that they blend with the rest of the space. “I almost always defer to plain Corian countertops,” says Lemon.

ART DIRECT YOUR MEALS Food looks terrific on blue plates. “I have a wide range of dishes—Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Danish—that all have a deep indigo colour,” says Lemon. “Mix and match the plates through a meal and all food will shine.”

ASK AN EXPERT Use an interior designer. “As an architect, I like the challenge of rethinking a space, but a good interior designer will also think about lighting, texture and the nuances of colour,” Lemon says.

UNIFY THROUGH MATERIALS Different elements work together if they share a common colour or material, like bronze. “I have many things in that metal, like dark bronze door hardware, cabinet pulls and track light fixtures, plus old bronze vases, napkin rings and other decorative pieces,” says Lemon.

GO BIG AND GO HOME If you’re going to do something foolish like buy a rug in Turkey, don’t just get a little postage stamp: go big. “My living room carpet is nine feet by 12 feet, but I bought it because the dealer could pack it up into a suitcase-sized piece of checked luggage so I could bring it home with me.”

54 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 54

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

Š2019 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

design your mornings

californiaclosets.ca

p046-057.FEATURE.RobertLemon.indd 55

800.336.9174

2019-09-26 2:22 PM

SPACES TREASURE TROVE

WARMING UP

The master bedroom is a study in textures, from the Persian-style red rug and the sheer drapery to the cozy gingham bedspread and beautifully worn cushion fabrics.

had been keen to purchase much of the existing furniture and some art; this allowed Lemon to conceptualize his new interiors from scratch. To set the literal stage, he ruthlessly limited the number of background materials. White-oak flooring, Corian and off-white walls create a gallery-like backdrop to allow objects to pop: “The background is neutral, so all the furnishings show more clearly and tie in together,” he explains. Handsome bronze door hardware and track lighting serve as an accent colour for neutrality and consistency.

There’s an eclectic, masculine ethos that permeates Lemon’s home; it’s well edited and subtle, but with a richness that dovetails with that restraint. “A lot of Bob’s work was contemporary and clean, but we always had a shared interest in Scandinavian design, modern pieces and Asian influence,” says Lemon of the aesthetic. And it all started

with a wool carpet, courtesy of a trip to Turkey in 2000: “Bob said don’t buy it, but I still did,” laughs Lemon. Its rust, indigo and beige colourway served as inspiration for the rest of the palette throughout: beige linen drapery unifies the glass that surrounds the space on three sides, while the rust-and-Indonesian-blue chenille pillows were handcrafted with fabric remnants from Ledingham’s old office. The leather and chrome dining room table was Ledingham’s former boardroom table; Lemon now pairs it with classic fabric chairs from Inform Interiors. Thoughtful reminders reimagined.

The home’s careful, composed mix of old and new honours the past while gracefully expressing an exciting new future. “I’ve got more stuff than I know what to do with, but it all seems to work together,” says Lemon. “But I still keep collecting things in my travels.”

56 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 56

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

PROMOTION

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

1.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

2. #WLDOTY

WESTERN LIVING’S ANNUAL DESIGNERS OF THE YEAR WLDOTY has become an essential night for the local Vancouver design community to celebrate, reconnect, have a few glasses of wine, and toast the winners. The folks at Burritt Bros. opened their doors to the design community as our gracious hosts for the night, providing a festive backdrop for our favourite night of the year.

VENUE SPONSOR

3.

MULTIMEDIA SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

4.

&

USTO SC

M

J

PRIZE SPONSORS

2 01 2

6.

7.

8.

Photos by Claire Garner

5.

WINE SPONSOR

CATERING SPONSOR

NI

C

FU

R

O.

E S T.

TURE

BEER SPONSOR

WATER SPONSOR

1. This year’s DOTY winners 2. The September issue of Western Living 3. The crowd takes in the award ceremony 4. Editorial director Anicka Quin displays this years award, created by 2018 Furniture Designer of the Year winner Willow and Stump 5. Fashion finalist Robin Peterson (left) of Seymour and Smith with guest 6. Javier Campos (right) accepts his award for Architect of the Year from our Presenting Partner, Monogram 7. From left to right: Kelly Reynolds and Chad Falkenberg of Falken Reynolds pose with executive editor Stacey McLachlan and FR’s Marina Haune 8. Studio North celebrates its Arthur Erickson Memorial Award

p046-057.FEATURE.RobertLemon.indd DOTYThankYouFALL19FP_as.indd 1 57

2019-09-26 2:54 2:49 PM

PRETTY PALETTE

The family room exudes a modern warmth—achieved through a palette of soft pink, beige, gold and white—and is anchored with a comfy custom sectional. The white Carrara marble Eclipse Points coffee table by Hagit Pincovici was sourced from SwitzerCultCreative.

58 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 58

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

Scandinavian Dream Interior designer Andrea Rodman transforms a tired condo into a fresh new home for a young family of three.

WRITER KATIE NANTON PHOTOGRAPHY EMA PETER

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 59

59

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

SPACES SCANDINAVIAN DREAM

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

On the generous 900-square-foot patio (left), Rodman carved out a section for entertaining with a Millstone coffee table from Crate and Barrel and a handwoven rattan CB2 Boho daybed.

F

or married couple Chin and Linda, Three Harbour Green was a long-time dream home—the prestigious building was designed by architect Jim Hancock, sits mere steps away from the Vancouver Convention Centre and features large-balconied waterfront suites, a movie theatre, a squash court and some of the best views this side of Coal Harbour. But there was just one hitch.

“There were never any units available,” recalls Chin. “We moved around a lot in the past few years, but we always had eyes for this building.” One day, serendipitously, Linda hit it off with a realtor who represented her relative’s 2,500-square-foot condo in—you guessed it—Three Harbour Green. Before long, the spacious two-bedroom apartment on the sixth floor was theirs.

Of course, like most dreams, this one needed some work to come true. The dated apartment had yellowy-white walls, drab grey kitchen cabinets and soulless black and white furniture. It

was leagues away from Linda’s vision for a contemporary, loftstyle apartment with a blend of Scandinavian simplicity and Parisian allure. A referral from a girlfriend led her to Andrea Rodman, whose aesthetic fit the bill perfectly.

“In the process of buying this place, we were freaking out!” recalls Linda of the timing; she desperately wanted to set up a meeting, but the designer happened to be travelling. “I really wanted Andrea to see the place first to see if she could turn it into something magical.” Of course, once a meeting was finally set, the three clicked immediately, which was especially key because Linda was pregnant at the time with their (now-16-month-old) daughter—this home would be their first as a young family.

A baby on the horizon factored into some of the major design decisions, such as practical touches like a nursery and a functional home office, as well as an overall calming aesthetic.

60 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 60

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 61

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

SPACES SCANDINAVIAN DREAM

PICTURE PERFECT

A sentimental series of black-and-white framed family portraits spans the length of the hallway beside the living room, adding a personal design touch. “This was a bit of an investment to do,” adds Rodman, “but so worth it in the end.”

62 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 62

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

COZY, COMFY, COOL

The original design plan for this space included a funkier couch, but it was slightly out of the couple’s comfort zone, so a more refined La Pipe lounge chair took its place, balanced by Lato LN8 side tables from &Tradition. In Chin’s office nook (right), he can see the Lions Gate Bridge in the distance while he works.

FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 63

63

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

SPACES SCANDINAVIAN DREAM

BED HEAD

To play off the neutral hues of the parents’ calming space, an artist-designed wallpaper from Black Edition gives texture to the wall behind the custom bed, which was itself designed by Rodman and built by WD Western Designers.

The Massproductions Crown easy chair is from Hem Interiors, Rodman’s new online store.

The couple decided to divide and conquer by each having carte blanche over the design choices of specific domains: the living room-office was deemed Chin’s space, and the family room was Linda’s. “They really let us have some fun,” recalls Rodman.

For Chin’s office nook, black-painted oak storage acts as cheeky filing cabinets to tidy away paperwork and do double duty as shelves for books and plants. In the family room, Rodman got to work by prioritizing whitewashed walls before weaving together a Nordic design aesthetic with an art-gallery feel. “A lot of high-end Scandinavian design has simple pieces mixed with more sculptural pieces, and that’s what we did here,” she says, pointing out vases and accessories from Provide Home and Avenue Road, and statement pieces like the Kelly Wearstler Strada flush-mount light, which presides over the living room like a spiny black sea urchin.

Because the ceiling draws the eye up to the ceiling, it’s hard to miss the curvature of a rubber-moulded detail by TWL Contracting, who also did all the custom millwork. “We added those ceiling details in the living room to bring in an interesting element of

pattern,” notes Rodman of the condo’s only renovation. The solid neutral furnishings beneath it were chosen so as to not compete, and this masculine space differentiates itself—as does each room— with a personality all its own.

A recent trip to New York had Linda and Chin craving an artloft vibe for some areas, which Rodman produced with a 15-footlong custom Carla Tak painting that hangs between the family and dining rooms. It not only unites both spaces with a splash of Pollock-meets-Rothko colour but also acts as a vibrant backdrop for the clean lines of a Bensen hardwood table and bench by Danish-Canadian designer Niels Bendtsen.

Indeed, the Nordic-chic dining area is perfect for entertaining, but when the weather allows, it’s the 900-square-foot patio that draws them out into the fresh air. Here, a minigolf pit is tucked off to the side for their daughter, and if a little more space is desired to play in, the seawall and coastal rainforest of Stanley Park are virtually in their backyard. Talk about location, location, location—and a condo dream come true.

64 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 64

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

Evalina_FP

YO U A R E A L R E A DY B E AU T I F U L L U C E AT L U X V E S T R A

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

Evalina_FP_WL.indd WL Condo FallWinter.indb 12 65

2019-09-26 8/13/19 11:27 1:53AM PM

Photo Michel Gibert, photograph used for reference only. Photograph: David Zimmerman/ A. Galerie. *Conditions apply, contact store for details.

SPACES L AST LOOK

Bob the Robot office by Studio Joanna Laajisto, Helsinki, Finland. “It’s all about that mix of subtle textures and an organic colour palette that is warm and inviting but still modern. It’s a look that is livable and evokes warmth and comfort. The addition of deep greens and terracotta accents gives the look depth.”

The Palette: Sherwin-Willams’ SW 6340 Baked Clay, Benjamin Moore’s Silver Marlin 2139-50 and Dulux Deep Green 37217

“I am so inspired by mobiles right now, like this Full Lune design

by Ladies and Gentlemen Studio.

Mobiles are so sculptural and add an unexpected touch to a space.”

THE INSPO Urban Organic Interior designer Alykhan Velji shares a peek into his style files for fall.

“I love the geometric print on this Zak and Fox fabric. The Mirucha colourway with that deep green accent is stunning. The perfect fabric for drapery or as upholstery on an accent chair.”

“I love Egg Collective’s Howard sofa—it’s a unique take on the classic sectional. It’s angled in just the right way, with walnut feet that extend the whole depth of the sofa. The details on the arm are perfection: they add an extra layer of comfort, but the sofa still looks streamlined.”

ALYKHAN VELJI PORTRAIT: PHIL CROZIER; OFFICE: MIKKO RYHÄNEN

“The team at Apparatus is definitely one to watch. Its designers have a great way of creating pieces that take inspirations from different cultures, and finding unique ways of incorporating an organic feeling into their pieces. Their use of natural materials is impeccable, and the shape of this Interlude coffee table is so unique. Organic in its form, with the stunning rounded planes of Patagonia marble and a brass base, it would be a showstopper in any space.”

P C K R

M

C

66 FALL/WINTER 2019 westernliving.ca/CONDO

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 66

In

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

Photo Michel Gibert, photograph used for reference only. Photograph: David Zimmerman/ A. Galerie. *Conditions apply, contact store for details.

French Art de Vivre

s

ALYKHAN VELJI PORTRAIT: PHIL CROZIER; OFFICE: MIKKO RYHÄNEN

a

Playback. Large 4-seat sofa and modular composition per element in solid leather, designed by Maurizio Manzoni.

Cascade. Cocktail tables and end tables, designed by Fabrice Berrux.

Kerala. Floor lamp, designed by Pierre Dubois & Aimé Cécil.

Robin. Rug, designed by Senem Oezdogan.

Manufactured in Europe.

CALGARY - 225 10th Avenue SW - Tel. 403-532-4401 – VANCOUVER - 716 West Hastings Street - Tel. 604-633-5005

In-store interior design & 3D visualization services.*

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 67

2019-09-26 1:53 PM

WL Condo FallWinter.indb 68

2019-09-26 1:53 PM