Western Living November/December 2023 by Canada Wide Media

PLUS Recipes! Modern Twists on Our Favourite Christmas Dishes

Deck the Halls!

Inspiring Designs, Gift Ideas and More for the Holiday Season

Celebrating the season with designer Alykhan Velji in his gorgeous Calgary home

Western Living Nov. / Dec. 2023

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Maxim Dining Table

1275 W 6th Avenue Vancouver B.C., Canada 1348-C United Blvd. Coquitlam B.C., Canada

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Carioca Dining Table

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HOMES + DESIGN 11 THE ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE Local, sustainable, thoughtful. We’ve got gift ideas for everyone on your list—even you.

22 ONES TO WATCH From pro figure skating to mural artistry, Tiffany Lynn Cuffley is etching her name into Calgary’s vibrant art scene. 24 COLOUR CODE For evergreen appeal: sage is all the rage in the world of home decor. 26 TRADE SECRETS Designer Cristina Rivett brings a balance of the seasons into a Saskatchewan beach house kitchen. 28 MY CAMOGLI The design duo behind Falken Reynolds takes us to all the coastal Italian hot spots.

32 FEATURES 32 A TALE OF TWO HOUSES Designer Gillian Segal orchestrates a twin design feat for one ambitious family. 40 LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS Warmth, beauty and some holiday joie de vivre are at the heart of designer Alykhan Velji’s newly renovated home. 48 OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! A North Vancouver home shines with Kelly Deck Design’s centrepiece: an 18-foot Christmas tree.

FOOD + TRAVEL 60 SEASON’S EATINGS Modern twists on some holiday table favourites. 69 EMBRACE THE CHILL “Let it Snow!”—inspiring local winter getaways.

PLUS B.C. & ALBERTA » VOLUME 52

» NUMBER 7

CONTENTS

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82 MOOD BOARD What gets designer Alda Pereira inspired? Water, for one.

COVER: Michelle Johnson; Tiffany Lynn Cuffley: Britta Kokemor; roasted carrots: Mark Gibbon; staircase: Gillian Segal Design/Ema Peter photography

20 GREAT SPACES A Nanoose Bay coffee shop sails into coastal charm, with a tall schooner ship steering the design.

From Concept to Cooking Your Tailored Kitchen Awaits

Combining standard & custom cabinetry sizes and features helps create your dream kitchen while optimizing your investment.

merit-kitchens.com/kitchenconcepts

Beauty on the inside. And out.

westernliving.ca ceo & group publisher Ryan Benn group vice president, publishing & operations Nina Wagner

editorial editorial director Anicka Quin

editors-in-chief Nathan Caddell (BCBusiness), Janine Verreault (Vancouver magazine) managing editor Alyssa Hirose assistant editors Kerri Donaldson, Rushmila Rahman editor-at-large Stacey McLachlan wine and spirits editor Neal McLennan contributing editors Melissa Edwards, Barb Sligl, Amanda Ross, Julie Van Rosendaal editorial intern Megan Zolorycki email mail@westernliving.ca

design senior art director Jenny Reed art directors Stesha Ho, Edwin Pabellon

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Last year we started a new holiday tradition, and I’m already looking forward to repeating it this year. We’ve still got our classics, of course—stockings as soon as the kids wake up in the wee hours, apple pancakes for breakfast with mugs of coffee to counter that (very) early rise, followed by a generally lazy day spent hanging around the tree in our PJs, ideally reading books that appeared under said tree. (Plus, a fairly heavy dose of eggnog throughout the day.) It’s often the kids who bring the real fun to the holidays, and in the case of this new tradition, my nephew and niece were definitely driving it. They knew I’d picked up the pandemic hobby of birdwatching (it’s contagious—I’ve recruited more than a few friends to the cause), and when they started to feel squirrelly late in the day, they asked us all to bundle up and return to a special spot in the woods I’d found earlier, where, if you stand still long enough, the chickadees sometimes behave a little Snow White-like and land on your head. And so we did just that—and created a few picture-perfect moments (and memories) to excitedly recall over dinner. It was exactly the right kind of between-morning-and-evening-feast excursion that can weave an element of magic into the day. (I mean, bringing Disney to Christmas—what more could you ask for?) I was thinking about this new kid-driven tradition when I spoke with designer Kelly Deck about the lovely holiday design she and her team created with her clients, Kimberly and David Jones (“Oh, Christmas Tree!” page 48). “At Christmastime,” she told me, “you’re trying to create that magic for children, so when they get to adulthood they still think Christmas is magic.” And she certainly brought that magic—to the kids’ room and beyond: the whole home is layered with moments of delight that invite you to embrace the spirit of the season. From our Western Living family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season. Here’s to all of us finding plenty of magical moments throughout the rest of this year, with many happy returns to come in 2024.

Anicka Quin, Editorial Director anicka.quin@westernliving.ca Follow Anicka on Instagram @aniqua Follow Western Living on

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

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HOMES+DESIGN> Spotlighting the best of architecture and design in Western Canada.

Blue Christmas This Le Creuset Noël Dutch oven is guaranteed to stir up holiday oohs and ahhs. For more gourmet treasures turn to page 16.

Unwrapped:

Le Creuset/Virginie Gosselin

The Ultimate Gifting Guide It’s that joyful time of year, and we’re all on the quest for gifts that resonate. Whether you’re shopping for the style maven, the homebody, the culinary whiz or the daring explorer, we’ve wrapped up an eclectic mix of unique, local and eco-conscious gems that whisper “I know you!” Read on for next-level finds that you’ll be excited to give—and receive (wink, wink, loved ones). By Kerri Donaldson westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

HOMES + DESIGN GIFT GUIDE

For the Happy Homebody

Ah, the ones who’ve mastered the art of “indoorsy.” For those who think that home is where the pants aren’t, these gifts are a snug fit. 1. Natural Flow

2. Earthy Ambiance

3. Cozy Traditions

4. Spa Day, Every Day

5. Bathing Beauty

Serve in style with this minimalist, modern and natural Pure freeform pitcher ($48). Great for the host who loves to keep things organic and hygge. pure-design-shoppe .myshopify.com

Gingerwood saffron incense ($26) captures the essence of sunbaked terracotta and blossoming Arabian roses. nineteenten.ca

Métis moccasins ($160) by Manitobah are a testament to Indigenous artistry, blending traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. manitobah.ca

With its unique, handmade weave design, you can bring the at-home spa experience to any sink with this minimalist Ferm Living ceramic soap tray ($35). A little luxury for the one who cherishes their bath time. oldfaithfulshop.com

Wrap yourself in coziness with this contemporary Karam Turkish linen robe from Obakki ($210). Handwoven on centuryold looms and made to last, it’s ideal for the relaxation ritualist. obakki.com

6. Warm Fuzzies Bring glam to your relaxation routine with this Love and Lore faux-fur hot water bottle ($35). Perfect for those chilly nights when you need a little more comfy heat (and your cat refuses to cooperate). indigo.ca

7. Love at First Blush Set hearts and rooms aglow with the Cross Decor and Design’s blush ribbed 10-inch taper candles ($55). They’re the perfect pick for the pashmina-draped Renaissance soul in your social circle. thecrossdesign.com

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8. Luxe Bedding Elevate bedtime with the luxurious touch of this muslin quilt (queen, $300) from Silk and Snow. Made in Portugal from 100-percent natural cotton, these quilts feature a uniquely woven fabric that allows for a cool sleep. The design is minimalist, modern and exudes a natural, biophilic and organic vibe. silkandsnow.com

For the Stylish Trendsetter

Always a step ahead in the fashion game, they turn heads wherever they go. From minimalist jewellery to maximalist decor, these gifts are for those who live life in vogue.

3. Golden Ears

1. Posh Plush Embrace winter with the Rising jacket ($198) from Aritzia’s Wilfred Free collection. Its long, oversized silhouette and cozy sherpa fleece will have you feeling both runway-ready and like your childhood plushie. artizia.com

2. “Hi Barbie” Heels Step into the Barbie Dream House world with these vibrant pink Milah shoes by Camper ($220)—a must-have for the style icon who can’t say no to pink. gravity pope.com

Bang and Olufsen’s Beoplay HX headphones ($649) are a symphony of style and sound. They’re wireless, noise-cancelling and oh-so soft, but it’s the gleaming golden finish that will strike a chord with the stylish audiophile in your life. bang-olufsen .com

4. Elegance in the Bag A statement piece for the self-proclaimed “fashionista” or the sophisticated minimalist—the Karla leather bag by Marimekko ($405) is a sophisticated take on the sling. marimekkovancouver.com

5. Houndstooth Hug

6. Cosmic Karma

Wrap your giftee up in style with the lambswool oversized scarf ($125) in olive houndstooth from the Coast Goods. A timeless pattern meeting cozy comfort, it’s made from a naturally insulating, breathable and hypoallergenic textile that’s beautifully soft—a true treat for the chilly-chic set. thecoastgoods.ca

For the friend who is perpetually peeking at their horoscope, this gold zodiac pendant ($110) by Vancouver’s Leah Yard Designs offers a charming personalized touch. Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving: five percent of all jewellery proceeds are donated to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. leahyarddesigns.com

westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

HOMES + DESIGN GIFT GUIDE

For the Master Planner

They live for lists, thrive on organization and their DIY game is strong— and these gifts are their organizational dreams come true.

5. Genius in a Bottle

1. A Colourful Year

2. Dream Journal

Give the enthusiastic planner a vibrant look at the months to come. This oversized, rainbow Spectrum wall planner ($62) is for the type-A maximalist who loves to plan in style. muchandlittle.com

Vancouver’s Hemlock and Oak presents a stylish, sustainable lined notebook ($42). With its cloth-lined cover in seven whimsical shades, it’s the gift that says “thoughtfully planned.” hemlockandoak.com

4. For the

3. Write in Style

Artsy Crafter

Take note! The Caran d’Ache 849 Paul Smith pen ($75) is here to get your giftee’s creativity flowing. For the avid writer or the design enthusiast, this Swiss-designed pen offers a touch of elegance to every jot and tittle. shop.vanspecial.com

Unleash the genius in your artistic friend with the Cricut Joy Xtra Smart cutting machine ($300). Whether it’s for scrapbooking, card-making or any DIY project, this is the ultimate crafting tool. canada.michaels.com

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Meet the LARQ PureVis self-cleaning insulated bottle ($155)—a first-ofits-kind water bottle that cleans itself and the water inside it with a touch of a button, using UV-C LED tech to zap away bacteria and viruses. Plus, its double-walled insulation keeps your giftee’s drinks icy cold or toasty warm for hours. simons.ca

Designed and Handcrafted by Stittgen

Celebrating 20 years in West Vancouver 1457 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver | 604.925.8333 STITTGEN.COM

HOMES + DESIGN GIFT GUIDE

For the Culinary Connoisseur

They’re the masters of the kitchen, turning every meal into a gourmet experience. Whether they’re hosting a dinner party or savouring a quiet evening with a glass of wine, delight their culinary hearts with these gifts. 1. Gourmet

Drama in a Pinch

This is more than salt—it’s culinary couture! Black Hawaiian sea salt ($11) from the Silk Road Spice Merchant in Calgary is infused with activated charcoal, offering a stunning onyx glow and healthful detoxifying properties. It’s a consummate dash of dramatic flair for the self-proclaimed gourmet chefs in your life. silkroadspices.ca

2. Sip in Style Let them enjoy their favourite wine with this earthy and rustic wine sipper ($24). Perfect for the entertainer who loves to pour freely. pure-design-shoppe .myshopify.com

3. Swoon-worthy Spoon Hand-hammered, beautifully shaped and shiny as heck, the Fog Linen Work brass spoon ($32) is a must-have for the host who appreciates the finer things. shopneighbour .com

4. Sicilian Elixir Volpi ($49) isn’t just any extra virgin olive oil—it’s straight from Sicily’s renowned Mandranova farm, and it’s the secret sauce behind Caffè La Tana’s famous famiglia of Vancouver eateries (hello, Pepino’s and Savio Volpe!). caffelatana.ca

7. Festive Feast 5. Get Your

Sparkle On Go from faucet to fancy with the sleek copper Aarke Carbonator 3 ($350) sparkling-water maker. With its polished bronzed allure (also available in 12 stunning colourways), this chic countertop companion brings the sparkle. bestbuy.com

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6. Plate Expectations Why serve dessert on anything less than fabulous? With these scalloped dessert plates by Malaika ($82), even a pie crust seems swanky. A must-have for hosts who believe in a little plate drama. goodeeworld.com

Add a touch of holiday glam to your loved one’s kitchen with the latest Le Creuset Noël round Dutch oven ($475). That golden knob? It’s a showstopper! Whether they’re cooking up a hearty winter stew or preparing a family roast, this beauty— available in artichoke green and matte white— will have them covered. lecreuset.ca

Canada's First Fully Flush 48-inch, Built-in Refrigerator Now Available at Midland Appliance Intelligently designed to provide ample space for all of your favourite foods and beautifully built for convenient, stylish presentation on any occasion. Explore the newest innovation by Signature Kitchen Suite at a Midland Appliance showroom.

Learn More at midlandappliance.com Richmond Showroom 13651 Bridgeport Rd. (604) 278-6131

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HOMES + DESIGN GIFT GUIDE

For the Adventurous Explorer

Wanderlust runs in their veins. Whether your giftee is jet-setting across the globe or planning their next local escapade, these gifts will be their perfect companions. 4. Travel Light,

Travel Right

1. Travel Protection Inspire organized adventures with these colourful and ultra-durable polycarbonate Hightide NÄHE hard-shell cases ($68). Neatly stow valuables (fragile eyeglasses, medications, cords, tech gear...) so your giftee and their things can arrive with ease. outnaboutboutique.com

2. Picnic Year-Round Who said picnics are just for summer? The recycled-wool TBCo picnic blanket with straps ($195) is lined with waterproof material, so it’s sustainable and un-rainable. thecoastgoods.ca

3. Tabletop Globetrotter Help them explore the world from their coffee table with Assouline’s travel book series (from $150 each). Each book is a journey, filled with vibrant photography and rich tales from around the globe, Costa Smeralda to Cairo. The colourful, handcrafted linen covers make them a stylish addition to any shelf. detailsbymrk.com

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For the one who travels in style and needs everything just right: the Monos Carry-On Plus ($305) suitcase is sleek, modern and designed with the minimalist traveller in mind. monos.com

5. Campfire Delights (No Campfire Required) Bring the magic of toasted marshmallows indoors with a s’mores maker from Williams Sonoma ($69.95). Ideal for family nights or cozy get-togethers—enjoy the warmth of a campfire with a stainless steel grilltop fuel can, and create just-right ambiance with four mini roasting sticks and a handy sectioned ceramic dish filled with fireside fixings, all without dodging any smoke. williams-sonoma.ca

6. Nature’s Close-up Get them up close and personal with Mother Nature with these Standard Issue binoculars ($125) from Walrus. The pastel mint field glasses are just right for your birder brother or for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors. walrushome.com

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A Spectacular Whistler Chalet in the Woods

HOMES + DESIGN GREAT SPACES

TALL ORDER

The Nanoose Bay Cafe marries West Coast wilderness with old-world romance. By Alyssa Hirose Photos by Martin Knowles

Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood has a historic, buzzy, urban vibe—it feels worlds away from the quiet, coastal Nanoose Bay community just north of Nanaimo. But Eli and Kaitlyn Brennan were determined to bring the spirit of their Vancouver restaurant, the Water St. Cafe, to their new eatery on the Island, and so they passed on that mandate to the team at Vancouverbased Studio Series Design. The goal for the Nanoose Bay Cafe was to bring together “Pacific Northwest coastal beauty and peacefulness” with “the timelessness and glamour of a European bistro,” explains studio principal Sherry Haddow. To give the Nanoose Bay Cafe a sense of belonging, Haddow and her team turned to one of the region’s old-timey icons: the tall schooner ship. The curved silhouette of the stunning walnut bar was inspired by the sails of a ship returning home, and the material itself mimics the water. “There’s gorgeous movement and tonal range within that wood

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species,” says Haddow. A more literal reference to the restaurant’s seaside location hangs from the ceiling (the secondhand custom wooden skiff is from a local maker). Two shades of green—one a deep forest hue, the other a lighter bottle green—come from the two sides of a magnolia leaf. The former blankets the fine dining side of the restaurant; the latter brightens up the coffee shop side of the space. The European bistro influence comes through in brass details, patinated mirrors and traditional millwork (hello, wainscoting). “It’s handcrafted, locally sourced and feels like it’s always been in the bay, just polished up to shine again,” says Haddow. A built-in stage is set for live music (something the Vancouver restaurant is known for) and felt acoustic panels disguised to look like walnut

Poplar Grove Syrah Estate Grown. Locally Farmed. Family Owned.

Sea You Later This coastal restaurant has a coffee shop on one side (below)—double-sided bench seating separates the two distinct spaces.

pergola tops help optimize the sound. The space is a mindful design triumph that’s worthy of celebration—which is exactly what the owners did. “All of us were literally dancing around with joy over the gorgeous outcome when we were finished,” Haddow says with a laugh.

This project is supported by the BC Government’s Buy BC Partnership Program; delivered by MNP LLP with funding from the Government of British Columbia.

WWW.POPLARGROVE.CA

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HOMES + DESIGN ONE TO WATCH

Pattern Play Calgary-based artist Tiffany Lynn Cuffley (far left) paints the town—inside and out—with her abstract geometric murals.

LATER, SKATER

From rinks to residential builds, muralist Tiffany Lynn Cuffley makes her mark. By Alyssa Hirose / Portrait by Britta Kokemor

orget that high-school stereotype where the artists and the jocks don’t mix—Tiffany Lynn Cuffley has always been an athlete and a creative. Before painting became her full-time gig, Cuffley was a professional figure skater. “My artistic process is very intuitive and abstract, and I think that stems from my skating background,” says the Calgary-based muralist. Her work strikes a fine balance between structure and spontaneity. One canvas piece, for example—commissioned by a couple who are also former professional skaters— involved Cuffley studying the ice patterns the couple make when they skate together. “I took those markings

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

Conscious. Custom. Commitment.

that were left on the ice, documented them and used them in my painting,” Cuffley explains. Another of her mural projects, created for a family that loves to ski, is inspired by the colours and silhouettes of the mountains. Clients often suggest a certain palette or passion that’s personal to them, and Cuffley combines their ideas with her own abstract flair. “We’re seeing murals more and more in homes—people really want to make their space unique,” says the artist. Besides private residences, Cuffley’s work is also splashed across Alberta’s public and commercial spaces: think a graphic mural for a pizza place, a geometric statement wall for a digital consultant studio or a gorgeous pink-and-blue behemoth of a painting that blankets a downtown Calgary real estate company building. Her projects range from small canvas paintings to large-scale art. “I love to work in multiple different areas, whether that be public, residential, commercial—all of it,” says Cuffley. “I want art to be accessible and available to everyone.”

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

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HOMES + DESIGN COLOUR CODE

Arcade bar cart by Gus Modern in sage green ($990), fullhousemodern.com

Miles bath towel by Baina in sage/chalk ($159), oldfaithfulshop.com

Mist pendant by EQ3 in sage green ($400), eq3.com Trullo container by Kartell in sage green/pink ($236), designhousevancouver.com

Sage Advice

A less-expected evergreen to bring inside for winter, sage complements forest shades already in play or adds freshness as a soft, icy and anchoring green among a sea of neutrals. Togo sofa by Ligne Roset in Alcantara olive green ($10,787), livingspace.com

Echo Minimalist lamp by Moe’s Home Collection in sage green ($189), simons.ca

By Joy Pecknold

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

neighbou

Cheers to SAVINGS!

Delivering the Largest Selection of Wine, Spirits & Beer for your home or oﬃce needs this Holiday Season!

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HOMES + DESIGN TRADE SECRETS

TR A D E S EC R ETS D esigne d by C R I S T I N A R I V E T T, Rosswill Homes, Alberta

When you’re designing a beach house on a lake in Saskatchewan, you’ve got to prepare for both dreamy summers and the inevitable Canadian winters. But in this Makwa Lake vacation home, design-build firm Rosswill Homes strikes that perfect balance. In the kitchen, crisp white quartz countertops and flat-panel cabinetry are a neutral backdrop for incredible oversized basket pendant lamps from Palecek (each 36 inches in diameter!) that bring a beachy vibe in August and a textured warmth come December. “We wanted something substantial,” laughs interior designer Cristina Rivett.

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Eymeric Widling

The Look: Bigger Is Better

DesignTalks In partnership with

CREATING INTIMACY IN OPEN-CONCEPT DESIGN It was a packed house at Kitchen Infinity Atelier on a cool October night as we gathered for another great discussion in our WL Design Talks series. Designers networked over wine and appetizers from Chef Mark Singson, and then settled in for a terrific presentation from the team behind Knight Varga—our Robert Ledingham Memorial Award winners in our 2023 Designers of the Year—who shared their best tips for designing open-concept spaces.

KI Atelier’s Carlos Muller tours Knight and Varga around the showroom. WL editorial director Anicka Quin (centre) hosted the night with Nicole Varga (left) and Trish Knight (right) of Knight Varga.

From left, Pamela Goddard, Toby Barratt and Nik Rust of Propellor, with Sharon Bortolotto of BBA Design.

WL managing editor Alyssa Hirose with editorial director Anicka Quin.

KI Atelier’s Alan Romero Cueto (centre) with guests Sofia Herrera (left) and Valeria Herrera (right).

HOMES + DESIGN MY CAMOGLI

The founders of Falken Reynolds share their favourite spots in Camogli, Italy. By Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds, Falken Reynolds

Each year after attending Salone del Mobile in Milan, we take some R&R time, often in Camogli—a fishing village that’s between Genoa and Portofino on the Ligurian coast. Just two hours from Milan, it has a relaxed pace that makes it a perfect place to unwind after an inspiring and stimulating week at the world’s most important furniture design event. Hilltop views, winding walking paths down to the shore and incredible food always draw us back here—as does one of our favourite hikes along the coast.

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Villa Rosmarino: Adriano Bacchella

EAT, HIKE (AND EAT AGAIN) 1 Villa Rosmarino

We discovered Camogli because of a review of Villa Rosmarino by Tyler Brûlé, founder of Monocle and Wallpaper. This boutique bed and breakfast is in a 19th-century house on Mount Portofino and overlooks the village below. The Terrace Room is our favourite, with views north all the way to Genoa. Host Mario and his small team make us feel like we’re staying in a home rather than a hotel. Having breakfast in the garden and lounging by the pool instantly winds us down to the slower pace of the Italian countryside. villarosmarino.com

Designers Kelly Reynolds (left) and Chad Falkenberg of Falken Reynolds, our 2023 Interior Designers of the Year.

3 3 La Cucina di Nonna Nina

Think of your dream Italian Grandma’s cooking, and eating it in her dining room— that pretty much sums up dinner at Nonna Nina. Fresh ingredients, simple dishes and lots of options with fish and seafood: this is the spot where we indulge with multiple courses, including gelato and grappa. Then we walk it off on the 30-minute path down from the village of San Rocco di Camogli and then back up to Villa Rosmarino. lacucinadinonnanina.com

2 Bar Dai Muagetti

On a walking path overlooking the Ligurian coast, at the top of San Rocco di Camogli, is a small cave where a bartender serves up traditional aperitivo drinks. There are only a handful of tables along the cliffs, but each has a spectacular view of the water. We head there to catch the sunset before dinner at Nonna Nina.

4 Portofino

Portofino: Yevhenii Dubrovskyi/Unsplash

Only 25 minutes by car— but a world away—is the famed village of Portofino and its luxury shops, hotels and restaurants. The more-is-m ce and is a fascinating place to people-watch. Head to Ristorante Puny for the seabream on a bed of salt— a favourite of ours, right in the centre of all the action. punyportofino.com

Getting There and Around The easiest option is to hop on a train that goes directly from Milan to Camogli, then take short taxi rides to travel in and around Camogli or Portofino. Our other favourite option is to rent a car and make a few extra stops along the way, in Genoa or Cinque Terre.

5 Abbazia di San Fruttuoso

There are no roads to the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a Benedictine monastery established in the 10th century, situated at the end of a bay in Portofino Regional Park. We hike in along a nine-kilometre trail with incredible views of the coast; it passes through San Rocco di Camogli and a Second World War battery. The hike is fairly moderate, with only one section where you have to hold onto chains to stop yourself from careening down the cliffs to the water below. A beer on the beach and dip in the turquoise water is a perfect reward before taking a 30-minute boat ride back to Camogli. fondoambiente.it/ abbazia-di-san-fruttuoso-eng

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City House... In the Shaugnessy home dining room (left), Lawson-Fenning chairs line a Lock and Mortice table. A custom Ffabb sofa anchors the living room (right); across the room (below), more sumptuous seating from Inform and Moss Home.

A TALE OF 32

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...Mountain House

The dining room of the Whistler home showcases a striking Natalie Page light fixture; in the bedroom (below), a checkered duvet from Transition State brings the cozy cool.

TWO

Interior designer Gillian Segal tackles a pair of projects, and finds beauty in connection and contrast. By Stacey McLachlan / Photos by Ema Peter

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HOMES + DESIGN A TALE OF TWO HOUSES

Urban Style A lounge in the Shaugnessy home (left) features armless chairs from Inform atop an Art and Loom rug. The bedroom (above) features a Lawson-Fenning light fixture and a soft rug from Empire Rugs underfoot. The kitchen (right) employs a table from Restoration Hardware and chairs from Serena and Lily.

illian Segal’s latest Whistler project is impressive enough at first glance—the 5,700-squarefoot home on the bank of Nita Lake is inviting and warm, with rich textures and sumptuous materials found at every turn. But then you learn that the designer simultaneously renovated a Vancouver home for the same family, and the word “impressive” no longer seems good enough. Miraculous, perhaps, is more appropriate. For most people, one renovation is more than enough for a lifetime. To hear that one Vancouver family of five dared to tackle two simultaneously could be downright

shocking... unless, of course, you know that they’ve hired an audacious, loves-a-challenge designer. Segal found juggling the duo of projects—the home joining the Nita Lake house is in Vancouver’s tony Shaughnessy neighbourhood—to be a unique and rewarding opportunity: a chance for her to explore both contrast and connection across two distinct properties. The city house is a hundred-year-old Dutch colonial, while the Whistler home was built in 2007. “It was really fun to develop personalities for these two different homes,” Segal says. While Shaughnessy leans more on historical design references, Nita Lake favours more casual-contemporary features. And though both of the family’s homes feature a neutral palette with lots of muted creams and whites (with durable fabrics everywhere to withstand the wear-and-tear of three active kids), it’s the Whistler project that doubles down on the texture to bring warmth to even the most unobtrusive shades: plaster finishes and textured wallpaper cover every wall. “Working in both large- and small-scale patterns with

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Special Spaces The Whistler home is oh-so cozy. “Right when you step into the bedroom [left], you feel like you are wrapped in warmth and instantly able to unwind,” says Segal. The bathroom (bottom left) features a Fantasy Gold quartzite countertop—a remnant from the Vancouver project. Sconces are from Stahl and Band.

textiles also helped to contribute a sense of play to the space,” says Segal. “And that’s something every vacation property needs.” Because the five-bedroom Whistler home was relatively new, the project was all about thoughtful cosmetic updates. Segal refinished the floors and gave the whole space a fresh Farrow and Ball paint job. “The layout was good as-is; it was just about making it... more,” says Segal. “We focused on bringing in a lot of natural textures and handmade pieces to create a space that felt refined, but still informal and inviting.” Here, carefully curated vintage pieces are paired with handmade ceramic lighting, handwoven rugs and custom furniture designs made by local makers and artisans. “It helped create an eclectic feel

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HOMES + DESIGN A TALE OF TWO HOUSES

Beautiful Breakfasts While a kitchen makeover is planned for phase two of the Whistler renovation, the family still needed somewhere comfortable for casual meals in the meantime. So, Segal gave the attached dining nook a cost-effective upgrade, with an off-theshelf wooden bench and a half-bolster attached to the wall to bring a banquette feel without the custom price tag. “We did invest in a great table from Union Wood Co., though, which will be incorporated later,” she says. Chairs here are from Industry West; the print is by Gray Malin.

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Live a Little The Whistler living room isn’t large, but the pieces Segal pulled in make the most of the cozy layout. “It’s really a dramatic transformation from how stuffy and formal it was before,” she says. An area rug from Beni grounds the space. Atop it are a Restoration Hardware coffee table and two RH slipper chairs, as well as another duo of chairs from Maiden Home. The light fixture here is from Urban Electric.

“We focused on bringing in a lot of natural textures and handmade pieces to create a space that felt refined but informal and inviting.”

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HOMES + DESIGN A TALE OF TWO HOUSES Make an Entrance Beneath the Cuff Studio light in the Whistler home’s entryway (left) sits a vintage bench seat and Restoration Hardware console table.

that had warmth and personality, while maintaining a light and airy feel,” she explains. The family goes up to the Whistler property practically every weekend, year-round, so the home needed to be more than just a winter chalet. “It needed to be laid-back and super-comfortable for every season,” says Segal. “They’re big skiers and mountain bikers, they’re big entertainers, they’ve got three pre-teens and teenagers; the focus was on creating something really inviting and flexible.” So, Segal considered every detail. “I actually love everything,” she laughs. The Natalie Page ceramic pendants are the focal point of the limewash-plastered dining room, but what sits below is special too: a Lock and Mortice tabletop, affixed to a base of vintage coral blocks from Chairish. (The chairs here are from Atelier Arking.)

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The hero of the entryway is an enormous light fixture, woven from rope by L.A.’s Cuff Studio. “There was a fancy crystal fixture here before. It was the client’s least favourite thing, but we needed something to occupy a lot of space because of the double height... so when we came across this and it had this organic, cabin-y feel, and the scale, and this beautiful soft glow, we knew we’d found something special,”

Slumber Party The bunkroom in the Whistler home features Restoration Hardware bunks pushed together. Wallpaper from Zak and Fox gives the room a polished look.

says Segal. It’s that practice of discovery that really allowed Segal to find each home’s unique voice, even as common threads connected the designs. Both feature wallpaper, but in the Whistler bedroom, it works not as an accent but as an all-consuming feature. “I wanted this room to be a moody, cozy escape,” Segal explains. She papered the entire room in Phillip Jeffries grasscloth, including the vaulted ceiling, for a dramatic effect (though the wall above the fluted fireplace got its own treatment, with Gregorius Pineo Crackle paper, repurposed from the Vancouver home). An oversized rattan light fixture from Atelier Vime (60 inches in diameter!) is the cherry on the sundae. Though it’s hard to imagine a tougher experience than going through two renovations at once, it’s clear that Segal’s ambitious clients have at least one more challenge to overcome—deciding which of these gorgeous homes they love more.

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Home Sweet Home Designer Alykhan Velji (right) and his partner, Jason Krell, in their renovated Calgary home. Velji worked with Phoenix Concrete Works in Edmonton to design the fireplace facade to cover the original brick— a combination of fluted concrete tiles under a custom frame.

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LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS

A holiday visit to designer Alykhan Velji’s newly renovated home is a transporting experience of warmth, beauty and joie de vivre. By Jacquie Moore Photos by Michelle Johnson

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HOMES + DESIGN LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS

“I’m at a different place in my design journey, exploring more textural materials and warmth.”

Feast for the Senses Set for a holiday feast, the dining room is richly decorated with pretty cloches, plum puddings and seasonal fruit. “We wanted to introduce colours you normally wouldn’t think of for the holiday—beautiful deep burgundies, deep oranges and greens,” says Velji.

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ut of the dozen years that designer Alykhan Velji and his partner, Jason Krell, lived in their Chinook Park four-level split in Calgary, nearly four were spent renovating. “We did it in stages, starting with paint and flooring, then the upstairs bathroom, the lower level, the main floor and finally the exterior and backyard,” says Velji, who describes his design style during that time as “mid-century with a twist.” Perhaps not surprisingly to friends and clients familiar with Velji’s exuberance and creativity, by the time the house was completed, the designer was eyeing the upstairs bathroom again. “Jason shut that down,” Velji says with a laugh. Indeed, unenthused by the prospect of starting over in the same house they’d made an exquisite, long-term project of, Krell suggested the couple find a new itch to scratch— and, after a brief search, a 1959 gem-of-a-bungalow a few blocks away became their magnum opus. Gutted, made over and moved into a little more than a year ago, the house is warm, pragmatic and inviting—a wide embrace of a home created to delight friends and family as much as its gregarious inhabitants. It is signature Velji, currently amplified by elegant (and budgetarily attainable) holiday decor. Setting the Velji-Krell house apart from every other bungalow on the street is a large round window that catches the eye, softens the angles and looks like a portal to another world. And it is. The home gave Velji, who steers Alykhan Velji Design, the opportunity to play with an aesthetic he calls “Modern Renaissance.” His nod to 17th-century architecture is subtle but foundational: Velji removed walls and tight hallways to create an open, airy main floor, then vaulted the ceiling to add a feeling of expansiveness to the 1,500-square-foot house. Where in the couple’s previous home he had livened up a midcentury vibe with “crazy pops of colour” throughout, this time he focused on fabric, paint and accessories in warmer, softer tones with rich punctuations of dark green, deep orange and plum. “I’m at a different place in my design journey, exploring more textural materials and warmth,” says Velji. “I still love the mid-century Palm Springs vibe, but I wanted to do something a little more elevated and traditional.” Textural finishes in wood, stone and fabric and a subdued colour palette make for an elegant backdrop to domestic life any day of the year, and play well with

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HOMES + DESIGN LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS

Vintage Charm “I love using natural textures and tones, and I wanted to reflect that in our holiday décor. It’s a beautifully layered look—when people walk in, I want it to just feel like home,” says Velji. On the tree, for example (bottom right), natural wooden ornaments pair with dried orange slices, hand-painted bells and lots of sparkle. On the fireplace (middle) and throughout the home, vintage candlesticks and candlelight bring a warmth to the space.

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HOMES + DESIGN LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS

Doggone It Velji and Krell’s rescue dog, Espresso, has his own Instagram account (@eshpoopoo), where you can follow his antics (and holiday outfits!). Throughout the home Velji introduced both live and faux greens and fruits for staying power (opposite page). “When the indoor heating is up high, the last thing you want is shrivelled fruit!” he says with a laugh.

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seasonal winter decor such as evergreen boughs, brass candlesticks and gold-lit Christmas trees. A wood-burning fireplace is the focal point of the living room—a key feature that both invites quiet solitude and beckons a cocktail-party crowd. It’s the latter that invigorates Velji and Krell on a regular basis: “We love entertaining and making visitors feel special,” says Velji. “That’s the most important thing about this house to us.” An arched doorway adjacent to the fireplace draws the eye—and the aforementioned crowd—to a sunken, forest-green room beyond. In almost comical understatement, Velji refers to this tiny, magical space as the “auxiliary room.” A continuation of the main floor’s chevron-patterned hardwood flooring plus a chandelier saved from the home’s original dining room and butterflies-on-black wallpaper on the ceiling give glamour and ambiance to a room that was originally a single-car garage. “We wanted to extend our living space, so we rebuilt a garage in the back,” says Velji. The auxiliary room contains a small studio where the couple films episodes of their YouTube channel and TV segments as The Style Guys, and it provides more room to entertain. This is where the party starts: a bespoke, ruby-red cocktail from the built-in bar is likely to complement a platter of pomegranates, figs and cakes on the table in the centre of the room. In summer, French doors open to the south-facing backyard; in December, the fireplace beckons. Velji’s take on seasonal decor dovetails with his wider philosophy around home design. “For me, it’s about creating a special atmosphere and taking time to curate moments that look collected over time,” he says. While celebrating Christmas wasn’t part of Velji’s Muslim childhood home, Martha Stewart was ever-present—he watched her show and made her seasonal decorations every year. “To me, that’s the greatest thing about holiday decorating—the opportunity to make special, unique things that add interest and change it up every year.” This year, Velji and Krell spent most of their Christmas decorating budget on fresh greenery; beyond that, they scoured Home Sense and thrift stores for candlesticks, antique finds and unusual decor elements for that perfect, curated mix of old and new, and dried oranges to scatter throughout the house. “You can create a sense of opulence, at Christmastime or anytime, that isn’t about spending money—it’s about paying attention to details, being thoughtful about your design choices and setting up beautiful vignettes throughout your house.” For Velji, that’s the key, perhaps, to opening your own portal to the marvellous world inside.

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OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

A home designed with the Christmas tree in mind meets its festive destiny during the holiday season. By Anicka Quin / Photos by Ema Peter

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

Green Christmas Designer Kelly Deck (left) and homeowner Kimberly Jones decorate the tree in the Joneses’ North Vancouver home. Garlands of pearls and ribbon bring an old-English note to the traditional Christmas tree, the design of which was inspired by a dress Deck saw at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. A swag on the fireplace is rich and over the top with a variety of evergreens, including magnolia leaves and giant pinecones. “Magnolia brings in that gorgeous cognac hue created by the velvety underside of the leaf,” says Deck. “Everything is a little earthy.”

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HOMES + DESIGN OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Puppies and Play The French bulldog statue is a nod to the family’s own Frenchie, named Leonard—the former wears a toque to disguise a less-than-perfect ear. The kids’ tree is child friendly and fun, with llamas, clowns and felted mice tucked among wooden bead garlands and candy canes.

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A Touch of Magic “At Christmastime, you’re trying to create that magic for children, so when they get to adulthood they still think Christmas is magic,” says Deck. In the kids’ playroom, the vintage Santa painting was discovered on one of Kimberly’s antique hunts, while the wardrobe is a family heirloom. The nesting Santa dolls and a peek-a-boo advent calendar bring play to the room.

hen former NHLer David Jones and his wife Kimberly were planning their dream home in Edgemont Village in North Vancouver, one thing came up early in their discussions with the team at Kelly Deck Design. Sure, the conversation started with the big picture: a clear, overarching directive to create a space that feels like it has always been there—warm and lived in, effortlessly elegant rather than tailored or formal. But to ensure the space was successful, one all-important question was addressed right away: Where will the Christmas tree go?

See, it wasn’t going to be just any tree. Kimberly, who is a former ballerina and loves the abundance and old-world charm of The Nutcracker, had a vision of an 18-foot beauty. And that meant the ceiling height had to comply. What evolved over the next year of design process with Kimberly was a space that is just right for the family—accommodating three kids and a dog, low maintenance but elevated. And the great room was designed to be the perfect place for that showstopper of a tree, with a soaring double-height ceiling acting as the frame. Of course, the decorations on that tree needed to be special, too. Deck and her team took their inspiration from a dress she spotted at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. Rich in olive, burgundy, browns and warm ivory, the wintery, layered dress became the jumping-off point for the home’s holiday colour palette. That inspiration then carries throughout the home, where a wealth of detail brings the warmth of a family Christmas to every room. “There are pieces throughout that have meaning and history,” says Deck. “What brings in holiday magic is layers upon layers in this type of home.”

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HOMES + DESIGN OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Setting the Scene “The dining area was so fun—this is one of my favourite tables we’ve ever done,” says Deck. Boxwood wreaths on the windows with olive-coloured velvet ribbon bring a simple accent to the view. On the table, mixed metals like copper chargers and gold candlesticks add a warm note; each setting also has its own individual gingerbread house. Etched glassware is less precious than crystal, but still provides the perfect sparkle.

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Take a Seat Sweet Treats “Christmas is a time of gratitude and abundance, and decorating with food has always been done—it’s a celebration of that abundance,” says Deck. She had friends at the café Coco et Olive bake the plum puddings and cakes, while Kimberly’s parents baked bread and cookies for the holidays.

Kimberly selected all of the furnishings in the home, including this antique baker’s table, which she found at Thomas Hobbs’s Southlands Nursery in Vancouver. The chairs (opposite page) are from Scott Landon Antiques, which she had painted white and upholstered in a damask linen—turning formerly pubby chairs into something both elegant and fun.

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HOMES + DESIGN OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Great Outdoors The outdoor living space is just off the den, next to the family room, and can be used year-round. “We wanted it to have a natural vibe,” says Deck. The tree is decorated with handdried oranges, along with cinnamon sticks, popcorn strings and feathers. Baby cypress trees decorate the table. “You can pop them into anything,” says Deck, “and dust them with icing sugar to look like they’re covered in snow.” A vintage fondue set and spiced warm cider make for a perfect holiday night.

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Little Moments Even for a vignette like this, there are plenty of places for the eye to roam: a vintage lamb figurine, green and red antique books and a sprig of mistletoe—it’s holiday without screaming so.

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HOMES + DESIGN OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Warm Welcome The vignette at the front entry changes seasonally; for the holidays, Deck’s team decorated the Portuguese laurel with lights, paired with a couple of hurricane lamps. On the table just inside the door sits a delightful surprise for visitors: a gingerbread house that’s a replica of the home itself.

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AFBC Fe

2023

AFBC ARCHITECTURAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

A R C H I T E C T U R E F O U N D AT I O N O F B C

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARD

he Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing architecture and design within the province of British Columbia. The AIBC Architectural Awards were transitioned to the AFBC in 2019, and the AFBC launched its rebranded and expanded awards program in 2021. The new direction reflects a commitment to modernization, diversity and inclusivity in the field of architecture in BC. The expansion of Awards categories allows for a more inclusive representation of architectural achievements, encompassing a wide range of project types, styles and contributions to the field. The AFBC Architectural Awards of Excellence, including the sought-after Lieutenant-Governor Awards, are a prestigious recognition in the field of architecture in British Columbia. The biennial awards program serves as a significant platform for acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional, unique and diverse architectural design work carried out by BC’s architects.

EMA PETER

Expanded AFBC Award categories welcome inclusive representation of architectural achievements in BC

411 Railway Street | Vancouver, BC ARCHITECT: OFFICE OF MCFARLANE BIGGAR ARCHITECTS + DESIGNERS

411 Railway Street establishes a precedent for creative manufacturing and employment space that supports Vancouver’s urban vitality. It reinforces and reimagines Railtown’s heritage fabric by reinterpreting robust industrial building stock and creating a home for a diverse mix of creative professionals in the heart of the city. The design marries the allure of adaptive-reuse with the advantages of Class-A work environments. Prioritizing resilience and flexibility, the project provides open floor plates with long-spans, generous ceiling heights, adaptable spaces and durable materials.

EQUITY AWARD

BRITTNEY KWASNEY

LATREILLE ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARD

Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat Student Housing, Terrace, BC ARCHITECT: HCMA

Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksatis is a 40,500 square foot, three-storey student housing building at the

SFU Stadium | Burnaby, BC

Coast Mountain College campus, which serves 34

ARCHITECT: PERKINS&WILL

communities and seven First Nations in northwest-

A new covered stadium providing over 2,000 formal and informal seats and a much-needed

ern BC. The building was named by leaders of the

gathering space on campus for athletic and cultural events prominently features an expan-

Kitsumkalum community and translates to “Where

sive, cantilevered canopy, designed as an elegant, thin, plane floating above the spectators.

learners are content or comfortable.” Guided by an

The seating area has been used as a marshalling space for sports camps, an outdoor lecture

Indigenous-led process of co-creation, the build-

theatre, and an informal socializing space for students. The Stadium offers a variety of view-

ing’s design is informed by Indigenous peoples’

ing experiences from formal seats to more casual areas.

stories, knowledge, customs and culture.

SPECIAL FEATURE

AFBC Feature_v3.indd 57

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2023-10-30 7:55 AM

A R C H I T E C T U R E F O U N D AT I O N O F B C

EMA PETER

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: INTERIORS

EMA PETER

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

MICHEAL ELKAN

INNOVATION

F+E Home Office and Testing Lab

Camera House

Shor House

Pemberton Valley, BC

Mayne Island, BC

ARCHITECT: LECKIE STUDIO ARCHITECTURE +

ARCHITECT: MEASURED ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN INC.

At the heart of Shor House lies an explo-

A 1480 m2, four-storey structural engineer’s

Camera House acts as a lens for the experi-

ration of responses to challenges such as

home office and materials testing lab had

ence of the site. It heightens perception, cap-

salvage and reuse; sensitivity of construc-

to fit on a tight site, realizing all allowed

tures incoming light and guides the inhabitants

tion in a natural setting; and layering in of

area without requiring zoning relaxations.

to connect with their surroundings. Designed

environmental principles in a non-overt way.

Advanced technologies offer seismic safety,

as a rural retreat for a young family, the house

The Shor House demonstrates that careful

energy performance, sustainability and

is located on a five-acre, sloping, south-facing

deconstruction of wooden buildings, then

occupant comfort. The restraint of classic

forested site and designed on a program

refinishing and recombination of their parts

modern form offers visual calm in a busy

that enables them to spend long periods of

into considered assemblies.

place.

time at the house during the summer.

Workshop

UNBUILT

MIGUEL ORELLANA

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: COMMERCIAL

EMA PETER

Vancouver, BC ARCHITECT: F2A ARCHITECTURE LTD.

Stanley Park Polar Bear Sauna Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

ARCHITECT: PERKINS&WILL

ARCHITECT: TONY OSBORN ARCHITECTURE +

The Workshop emerged from a

DESIGN INC.

city-initiated rezoning to create an

The Stanley Park Polar Bear Sauna proposal

innovative industrial hub in the heart

introduces re-inhabitation of the Stanley Park

of a traditionally light manufacturing

Zoo Bear Enclosure, where hot pools, cave

district. The project sought to create

pools, saunas, sun decks and a café would

a strong identity reflecting the neigh-

re-occupy a site that has been inaccessi-

bourhood character; foster an active

ble for 27 years. Where possible, the existing forms, geometries and

and engaging public realm; and exceed city policy requirements for

materials will be preserved. The proposed structures comprise materials

sustainable design and energy performance.

unique to the site (wood and glass) allowing them to be read as distinct.

UBC Arts Student Center Vancouver, BC

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: COMMUNITY & CIVIC

LATREILLE ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: EDUCATION

EMA PETER

Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC

Old Crow Community Centre, Old Crow, Yukon

ARCHITECT: LECKIE STUDIO

ARCHITECT: KOBAYASHI + ZEDDA

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN INC.

ARCHITECTS LTD.

The Arts Student Centre

The Vuntut Gwitch’in Community Centre

at the University of British

located in Old Crow, Yukon, celebrates the

Columbia is conceived as a

traditional lifestyle of the Vuntut Gwitch’in

compact 11,000 square-foot, three-storey building with interconnected

people and their generational link to land

floor space across the second and third levels. The radial plan was

and water. The curving building form cap-

developed as a response to the context—a somewhat idiosyncratic

tures the spirit of a Snowshoe or “Aih” and

condition with the building situated at the corner of an intersection while

public areas are oriented toward the south, glazed side of the building to

also within the context of a larger continuous campus commons.

capture views, sunlight and a connection to the Porcupine River.

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

AFBC Feature_v3.indd 58

SPECIAL FEATURE

2023-10-30 7:55 AM

30 7:55 AM

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Season’s Eatings 60

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Whatever you’re celebrating, the best holiday moments happen around the dinner table. And we’ve got this year’s menu covered, with a table full of please-a-crowd dishes that put a modern twist on old faves. Here’s to keeping the festivities (and flavours) flowing. Recipes and food styling by Lawren Moneta / Prop styling by Nicole Sjöstedt / Photography by Mark Gibbon

westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

FOOD + TRAVEL SEASON’S EATINGS

Turkey Leg Roulade Yield: 6 servings Prep Time: 1 hour

Place raisins and ½ cup of the wine in a

wrap and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2

Cook Time: 1.5 hours

small bowl and set aside.

days. Let come to room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.

Start by making stuffing for roulade. Melt

Dark meat lovers, rejoice! This recipe takes advantage of the most flavourful part of the turkey, and, along with a savoury, vegetable-forward stuffing, ensures that every bite is delicious, even without gravy. While not the quickest way to prepare a holiday turkey, this recipe can easily be broken up into steps and made ahead, so that on the day there is nothing more to do than finish cooking and enjoy. Ask your butcher to butterfly the turkey legs to make prep simpler, and don’t forget to save the bones for homemade stock.

butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

When ready to cook, pour broth and

Add leeks and stir to coat in butter. Cook,

remaining 1 cup of wine into a Dutch oven

stirring often, until leeks are wilted to half

big enough to fit both roulades and bring to

their original volume (about 5 minutes). Fold

a simmer over medium heat. Carefully place

in the collard greens and celery before

rolled legs in hot stock mixture. Add more

seasoning to taste with salt.

broth if necessary to cover. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until a thermometer

Continue cooking until greens are tender

inserted in the legs registers 165°F (about 1

(about 8 to 10 minutes). Add thyme, rosemary,

hour). Check every once in a while to ensure

sage and soaked raisins along with any remain-

stock mixture is maintained at a very gentle

ing wine they were soaked in. Increase heat to

simmer. Carefully transfer each roulade to a

high and cook until all the liquid has evaporated

large wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.

(about 4 minutes). Transfer stuffing to a bowl

Let the meat rest for 15 minutes. Strain cooking

and stir in lemon zest; taste, then adjust sea-

liquid, reserving for gravy or another use, and

soning with salt and pepper as desired.

discard the solids.

Let cool to room temperature before

While turkey rests, preheat oven to 400°F.

½ cup yellow raisins

continuing with recipe. Alternatively, you can

1½ cups dry white wine, divided

store stuffing mixture in an airtight container

Roast roulades on wire rack placed over

½ cup unsalted butter

in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

baking sheet until the skin is crisp (about 20 to

3 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and light

25 minutes). Let rest on wire rack for 5 minutes

green parts only, well washed

When ready to assemble roulades, start by

once out of oven before removing butcher’s

3 cups thinly sliced collard greens,

placing one leg, skin side down, with a short

twine and slicing into ½-inch-thick rounds.

end closest to you. Season with salt and

Enjoy with your favourite accompaniments.

stalks discarded ½ cup finely chopped celery

pepper. Spread half of the stuffing mixture

Kosher salt, to taste

in an even layer over the meat, leaving a ½-inch

1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme leaves,

border. Repeat with remaining butterflied leg.

rosemary leaves and sage leaves 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

Working with one leg at a time, roll turkey leg

4 lbs turkey leg quarters (should be 2

by tucking skin side into the stuffing to form

large legs), butterflied and bones

a long cylinder. Arrange, seam side down, on

saved for another use

a work surface. Secure roulade by tying with

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

butcher’s twine at 1-inch intervals. Repeat

8 cups homemade or low-sodium turkey

the procedure with the remaining leg. At this

or chicken stock, plus extra if needed

point, each roulade may be wrapped in plastic

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

It’s All Gravy For those of us who enjoy having gravy on our holiday tables, a homemade gravy is quick and simple to do. Start by melting ¼ cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 7 tbsp all-purpose flour until incorporated. Continue to whisk until mixture turns golden brown (about 4 minutes). To this roux gradually add 1 cup turkey stock or chicken stock, whisking constantly until smooth. Continue adding another 3 cups of stock, 1 cup at a time, whisking until all is incorporated and mixture is smooth. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking often, until gravy thickens and no floury taste remains (about 5 minutes). Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and enjoy.

westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

FOOD + TRAVEL SEASON’S EATINGS

Stuffing Biscuits Yield: 12 servings Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes

This fun mashup between stuffing and biscuits delivers the best of both worlds. While a delicious addition to your holiday table, they also make an epic biscuit sandwich with leftovers the next day. 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting 1 cup spelt flour 1 tbsp baking soda ¼ tsp baking powder 1 tsp granulated sugar 1 tsp kosher salt 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced 3 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped 3 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped 1½ tsp celery seed 1½ cups chilled buttermilk, plus extra for brushing

Place rack in middle of oven before preheating to 425°F. In a large

Turn rectangle so a long side is closest to you, press until it is once again

bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, spelt flour, baking soda, baking

a 1-inch-thick rectangle, then cut in half crosswise again. Stack one

powder, sugar, salt and pepper until well combined. Add butter to bowl

piece on top of the other. Repeat this process one more time to help

and, using your fingers, work into dry ingredients until you have a sandy

build layers into your biscuits.

mixture with some smaller pea-size butter pieces. Add scallions, rosemary, sage, thyme and celery seed before tossing mixture gently

Turn dough and pat again into a 10-by-8-inch rectangle. Cut into 12

to evenly distribute everything. Pour buttermilk over mixture and incor-

even pieces. Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing

porate it in with a fork just until a shaggy dough forms.

evenly, before popping sheet in freezer for 10 minutes.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead once or twice

Brush top of each biscuit lightly with buttermilk and bake, rotating baking

to incorporate any loose pieces. Pat and press dough into a 1-inch-thick

sheet halfway through, until golden brown (about 22 to 26 minutes). Let

rectangle. Using a large knife, cut in half crosswise, then stack one piece

sit on baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve

on top of the other.

warm or at room temperature.

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ParmesanCrusted Brussels Sprouts

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, paprika,

Transfer baking tray to oven and roast

salt and pepper. In another medium bowl, whisk

sprouts for 10 minutes before turning. Once

together eggs and water. In a third medium

turned, continue to bake until they are golden

bowl, toss together panko breadcrumbs and

brown and crisp on the outside and just fork

parmesan cheese.

tender on the inside (about an additional 10 to 15 minutes).

Tumble Brussels sprouts into flour mixture and, with your hands, toss well to ensure Brussels

Once roasted, sprinkle Brussels sprouts

sprouts are evenly coated in flour mixture.

with lemon zest as well as some more freshly grated parmesan cheese and salt and

Working with a couple of sprouts at a time,

pepper, if desired. Transfer to a serving

shake off excess flour before transferring into

platter and enjoy while warm.

Yield: 6 servings

egg mixture to coat. Allow excess egg to

Prep Time: 20 minutes

drip off sprouts before coating in parme-

Cook Time: 25 minutes

san breadcrumb mixture and then placing on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the Brussels sprouts.

Brussels sprouts are a very polarizing vegetable. This recipe, with its crunchy parmesan crust, is a great way to present them at their best: cheesy and crisp. When choosing Brussels sprouts, take care to pick firm, tightly compacted sprouts that are bright green. The smaller ones are also typically less bitter than the larger ones. 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, washed, ends trimmed and any bruised outer leaves removed ¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs 1 tbsp water 1¼ cup panko breadcrumbs ½ cup + 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Ensure that Brussels sprouts are all about the size of a walnut. This will ensure they are properly cooked through when roasted. If some are on the larger side, cut in half lengthwise. Set aside.

westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

FOOD + TRAVEL SEASON’S EATINGS

Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Pistachio & Date Crumble Yield: 6 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes

Humble roasted carrots get an instant update when sprinkled with an addictive pistachio and date crumble. Pick carrots that are around the same size so they cook evenly. If your carrots are of different thicknesses, cut them lengthwise in half so they are roughly the same size.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place pistachios and

While carrots are roasting, make crumble.

pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking tray and

Place toasted pistachios and pumpkin seeds

toast, stirring once or twice, until pistachios

on a cutting board along with medjool dates

are fragrant and pumpkin seeds are toasted

and roughly chop. Add arugula and lemon zest

(6 to 8 minutes). Place baking tray aside and

and continue to chop until arugula is in small

let pistachios and pumpkin seeds cool while

pieces and mixture is well combined yet still

roasting carrots.

has lots of texture.

3 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, maple

Transfer warm carrots to a serving platter.

2 tbsp grapeseed oil

syrup, water (or wine), cumin and a good pinch

Sprinkle pistachio and date crumble overtop

1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

of salt and pepper until well combined.

before garnishing with a scattering of feta

½ cup shelled raw pistachios

¼ cup water or white wine

cheese. Enjoy while warm or at room

1 tsp ground cumin

Add carrots to a baking dish large enough to

Kosher salt and freshly ground black

allow carrots to lie mostly in a single layer.

pepper, to taste 2 lbs medium rainbow carrots, scrubbed and greens trimmed

Drizzle carrots with oil mixture and toss until well coated. Cover baking dish with a lid or foil and roast carrots until just tender (about 25

4 medjool dates, pitted

to 30 minutes). Remove foil, toss carrots and

½ cup packed baby arugula leaves

continue roasting until water has evaporated

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

and carrots are lightly caramelized (about 10

3 oz crumbled sheep’s milk feta cheese

to 20 additional minutes).

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

temperature.

Eat With Your Eyes The holidays are the perfect opportunity to break out those special pieces; here, colourful carrots are artfully served on Steelwood Designs' Long and Lean charcuterie board, $220. steelwooddesign.com

westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

Reserve Relaxation S C ANDI NAV E.COM

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE

EMBRACE THE CHILL Soak in an outdoor tub, skate on a frozen lake, icewalk in a majestic canyon, snowmobile on an epic mountain and more. These five winter vacation destinations offer adventure and cozy comfort for the perfect cold-weather escape.

Celina Frisson

BY ALYSSA HIROSE

MIGHTY MOOSE Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other wildlife around Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: JASPER

ADVENTURES ON ICE

Foodies and outdoor enthusiasts, take note: this 48-hour Jasper itinerary is a foolproof wintery agenda. The cold never bothered you anyway, right?

10:00 A.M.

SPIN CYCLE If Everything Everywhere All at Once taught us anything, it’s that great things can happen in a laundromat. Jasper’s SnowDome Coffee Bar certainly embraces the multiverse theory: the same space holds Coin Clean Laundry and Andromeda Coffee, making this charming locale a café, retail space and laundering facility all in one. Warm up with a fresh scone and an Earl Grey, masala chai or honey lavender latte. 11:00 A.M.

ABOUT TOWN The weather is chilly, but the town is walkable—there’s plenty of shopping to be done in the stores and boutiques off Connaught Drive, Jasper’s main drag. For a classic guilty pleasure souvenir shop, hit up Baxter’s Gifts and Souvenirs (you dream it, they’ve printed a mountainscape on it). For dainty jewellery, handmade soaps and cozy socks, Highground is the place to go. If you’ve overestimated the temperature just a titch, Wild Mountain has all the localapproved outdoor apparel.

12:00 P.M.

ICE ICE BABY Is there a more stereotypical Canadian experience than skating on a frozen lake? Pyramid Lake Lodge—on Pyramid Lake, of course—maintains a gorgeous outdoor skating track with a hockey rink in the centre. Rent some skates, lace up and tread carefully on your way to the ice (or don’t—falling on your butt is a rite of passage). Whether you’re a pro on the ice or still struggling to remain upright, you’ll work up a much-needed sweat and enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains. 2:00 P.M.

LUNCH WITH A VIEW After you yank off your skates and remember how to walk normally again, pop upstairs to Aalto—this restaurant just opened on the Pyramid Lake Lodge property in June 2023. The brand-new room has that gorgeous lake view and a lunch menu that puts an elevated twist on traditional (think a hefty burger on a pretzel bun with truffle mustard or a fresh salad with duck prosciutto).

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

4:00 P.M.

CREATIVE CORNER The Jasper Art Gallery’s hours are a bit funky (it’s only open Thursday through Saturdays) so plan ahead if you want to stop by. Here, you’ll find bright watercolours, intricate wood carvings, wildlife photography and more, plus a beautiful selection of prints. The gallery puts on events and workshops, too— keep up on Instagram at @jasperartistsguild. 6:00 P.M.

(Clockwise from top) Pyramid Lake Lodge, which maintains its own skating track and ice rink; Connaught Drive, Jasper’s main drag; elevated dining at Aalto; and ice-skating on Pyramid Lake.

SLICE OF LIFE Here’s the rustic mountain lodge experience you came to Jasper for: a river rock fireplace, stuffed bison head and full-sized canoe are among the decor at the Hearthstone Lounge. The menu here is a real feast of cozy comfort food, including roast chicken, mac ’n’ cheese and beef Wellington.

But the hidden gem here is the Detroit-style deep dish pizza—it’s available for takeout only, so you can chow down on the Berta (short rib, gouda, caramelized onion, thyme aioli and smoked paprika gaufrette) from the comfort of your own hotel room.

Courtesy of Tourism Jasper

SATURDAY

it’s time to

shine

Book a cozy stay and savour locally grown ingredients at independently owned restaurants. Head to Dakota Ridge and explore Nordic ski and snowshoe trails. Take in stunning and expansive views of the Salish Sea and Coastal Mountains. Winter is the Time to Shine without the crowds on the Sunshine Coast.

sunshinecoastcanada.com

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: JASPER

7:00 P.M.

ALPINE DINING End the day at Terra, a restaurant that marries the rustic mountain landscape with modern design and innovative cooking. The Aurora Mule cocktail (Epitaph gin, rosemary syrup, triple sec, soda and lime) is inspired by the northern lights and sparkles with edible glitter. The simple but oh-so-delicious house sourdough is served with an unexpected, umami-forward spread (miso butter!) and the corn ribs are a smoky vegetarian triumph. Main-wise, steak frites is an obvious choice (when in Alberta...) but the duck with smoked black garlic mushrooms is an outside-the-box winner.

SUNDAY 9:00 A.M.

LET THERE BE SKYLIGHT Sunhouse is aptly named—the ceiling is all windows, so this IG-worthy brunch spot is always flooded with natural light. The food is just as photogenic (and, importantly, tastes as good as it looks): the lineup includes key lime French toast, Turkish eggs and halloumi and next-level avocado sourdough toast topped with pomegranate, preserved lemon and pistachio dukkah. 12:00 P.M.

SOUP FOR YOU Fuel up for a canyon tour at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen (lunch is included when you book the six-and-a-half-hour tour). Get the open-faced fried chicken sando with white barbecue sauce and smoked tomato jam—it’s delicious and comes with a side of soup. If there’s time, browse the huge gift shop before your canyon tour begins.

1:00 P.M.

CANYON DO ATTITUDE For those afraid of heights: the Maligne Canyon Icewalks will make your heart race, but it’s totally worth it. Thanks to Mother Nature, our planet’s most terrifying artist, the canyon becomes a treasure trove of organic sculptures, rippling waterfalls and icy caves in the winter. A guide provides you with boots, spikes and a helmet and the tour starts at the top—walk along the (fenced)

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

(Clockwise from top) Guests are provided with boots, spikes and a helmet for Maligne Canyon Icewalks; kick off the day with brunch at the Sunhouse; the walks feature mesmerizing ice formations.

cliffside and peer down into the canyon below if you dare. But the most enchanting views are at the bottom, where you can gaze up at the mesmerizing formations frozen in motion and duck under walls of icicles.

Get inspired and plan your trip at:

bellingham.org/ plan T H E S T AT E O F W A S H I N G T O N

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: RICHMOND

BOUTIQUE FOR THE BOLD A new hotel just outside of Vancouver takes a big, beautiful design risk.

Courtesy of Versante

“O

ftentimes hotels can err on the side of being a little safe—a little bit more subtle—just because they are looking to appeal to a wide audience,” says Adèle Rankin, managing principal of Chil Interior Design. But when Rankin’s team was brought on to design Versante, a new boutique hotel in Richmond, B.C., subtle wasn’t in the vocabulary. The designer chalks this up to the owners understanding both the neighbourhood and their guests. The hotel is located in a diversely populated city with a large Chinese-Canadian community; it’s adjacent to the lively, colourful Richmond Night Market; and it aims to host a lot of international travellers. In other words, neutral wasn’t going to cut it: this hotel needed to make a memorable statement. The “floating” washroom, for example, is about as conspicuous as it gets. It’s a semi-public space open to hotel guests and visitors to Versante’s on-site restaurants and event spaces, and it’s unapologetically sexy: a backdrop of red, black and white creates a dark, intimate vibe, and the room’s round shape feels futuristic and exciting. In the guest suites, there’s not a boring wall in sight—floral wallpaper, bright paint or striking stone

blankets nearly every surface. Curvilinear sofas and accent chairs give the space an organic touch, and gold light fixtures add a splash of luxury (not without soul, though—the poodle-shaped table lamps provide plenty of personality). “I think anytime you take a bold stance in design, you know that people are going to have a

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

visceral response,” says Rankin. But this hotel isn’t just for maximalists. “We really strode the line of ensuring that the design was thought out and wellimplemented enough that even if it isn’t your thing—even if you don’t want to take that design home and live in it—you can still appreciate it and you could really enjoy it.”

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: SUNSHINE COAST

EAT THE

COAST

From old-school faves to the freshest modern menus, here are five awesome Gibsons-area restaurants to check off your Sunshine Coast to-do list.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE COMFORT FOOD...

IF YOU FEEL LIKE PLANTBASED...

Perched just up the hill from the Gibsons main drag is the cozy Drift Cafe (546 Gibsons Way), a restaurant with a truly spectacular ocean view—if a window seat is available, grab it. The menu features elevated comfort-food classics (think spaghetti and lamb meatballs, prawn benedicts and vegan kimchi fried-rice bowls). The walls are splashed with local art that’s for sale, so you can go home with more than a full tummy. drift-gibsons.ca

The Gumboot Cafe (1053 Roberts Creek Rd.) is a hippie haven in the best way—the sun-filled interior feels more like a house than a restaurant, and the breakfast menu is fantastically veggie-forward: avocado toast, beet cakes and kale salad are the heroes. If that’s sounding a bit too green for you, there are also plenty of pastries— the vegan salted caramel bar is an obvious winner. thegumbootcafe.com

IF YOU FEEL LIKE SEAFOOD...

IF YOU FEEL LIKE SOMETHING NEW...

IF YOU FEEL LIKE JUST DESSERTS...

Smitty’s Oyster House (643 School Rd.) is a living legend: it’s the oyster restaurant so good, they took it to the big city (Smitty’s on Vancouver’s Main Street opened early last year). But the Gibsons digs—sitting right by the water the iconic shellfish live in—will always be the benchmark. Besides the delicious raw oysters and housemade sauces, order the crab cakes and chili lime prawns... they’re the secret stars on this menu. smittysoysterhouse.com

WHILE YOU’RE THERE, VISIT...

Brassica (292 Gower Point Rd.) launched in the fall of 2022, but it’s already developed a stellar reputation with the locals. A marketplace greets you when you first enter (the shelves are stocked with jams, spreads, snacks and more from Coho Commissary, the shared commercial kitchen that operates behind Brassica). The family-style menu changes often, but you can expect delicious, coast-focused dishes like skillet cornbread with Roberts Creek Honey, koji-marinated sablefish collar, roasted beetroot with pistachio and grilled octopus with roasted pepper vinaigrette. brassicagibsons.com

Okay, there is a lot more than dessert here—awesome Mexican dishes like quesabirria and beef tenderloin carne asada tacos are highlights—but make sure you save room at Lunitas (645 School Rd.) for that post-dinner sweet thing. For tradition with a twist, go for the churros (heavy on the rum-cinnamon whipped cream). For a treat that’s Insta-worthy and delicious, there’s the Mayan chili chocolate pot de crème (spice plus chocolate has to be the best winter dessert duo). The space itself is gorgeous, too: bold floral murals and colourful papel picado punctuate this lively room. lunitas.ca

THE SUNSHINE SPA If you live in the city, basically any spot you stay on the Sunshine Coast is going to feel tranquil. But the Shades of Jade Inn and Spa (1489 Henderson Rd.) brings that tranquility to another level entirely: nestled in the forest just off of Henderson Beach in Roberts Creek, this boutique Japanese-influenced accommodation is beautiful and spacious, all warm woods and natural stone. There’s a hot tub and spa on site, and the two units both offer steam showers, heated tile floors and a bubble massage tub. Host Sylvie Bruce greets you with the calming demeanour of your favourite yoga teacher. Just try to be stressed out here. We dare you. shadesofjade.ca westernliving.ca / N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: THE PACKING LIST

1. STILL BEJEWELLED

Keep your necklaces, bracelets and earrings unbothered and untangled using Edmonton-based Poppy Barley’s sleek trifold jewellery case. This compact, travelfriendly case is a collaboration with Kelowna brand Fraîche Living, and comes complete with necklace snaps, ring pillow, earring card and bracelet cushion. $165, poppybarley.com

2. P RETTY LITTLE LUGGAGE

Viral luggage brand Béis (founded by Vancouver celeb Shay Mitchell, whom you probably know from Pretty Little Liars and You) has ditched its all-beige-and-black aesthetic for some wild new colours: now, the internet-famous Weekender bag comes in bright orange and neon green. Yes, that’s a zip-off bottom pouch just for shoes. $145, beistravel.com

3. HOT WHEELS

Vancouver-designed Monos is cornering the sexy-luggage market, and their entire lineup is monochrome (olive green, rosy pink and a deep ocean blue are three of their pretty hues). Except, that is, for the brand’s new limited-edition terrazzo-printed polycarbonate shell suitcases. You’ll be laughing at all those grey-luggaged folks desperately searching for their bags: this one stands out like a work of art. From $325, monos.com

5. T OUGH TRAVELLER

Given the design-forward nature of Vancouver-based Herschel’s backpacks and duffles, it’s no surprise that their new heritage hardshell luggage looks slick, too (hey, ash rose!). But it’s more than just a pretty case: made of polycarbonate that’s 70-percent recycled road barricade material, the line has been performancetested with weighted drop and tumble trials, zipper cycle trials and more—plus, the silent 360-degree Hinomoto wheels are a joy to roll through the airport. From $275, herschel.ca

6. SUBLIME SUIT

Business class, meet your match: Smash and Tess’s recently launched colourway (called “red violet”... but let’s face it, this is Barbie pink) of the Harper blazer and Harper wideleg pant is perfect for travelling in style. The Vancouver-based brand is known for rompers, and this pink suit embraces all that pyjama-like comfort in workappropriate fashion. Blazer $170, pant $130; smashtess.com

7. J UST PLANE HYDRATING

Travel during the colder months often means chapped lips, and this Kw’as Cocomint lip balm from Indigenous-owned Skwálwen Botanicals can help: ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa seed butter and sweet almond oil keep your kisser comfy. $9, skwalwen.com

4. IN THE PODS

If travelling with expensive beauty products in fragile (and heavy) glass bottles stresses you out, here’s a solution: RoC Skincare offers a selection of anti-aging serums in a perfectly portable capsule format. Just throw enough pre-measured 10ml doses into your toiletries bag (don’t worry, they’re biodegradable) and you’re ready for takeoff. From $33, rocskincare.com

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 / westernliving.ca

PACKING LIST

The latest travel tech, fashion and skincare to make prepping for your next trip a breeze.

7 5

NLL Mgmt (Nita Lake Lodge).indd 1

THE OKANAGAN YOU REMEMBER

www.visitsouthokanagan.com

2023-10-10 12:52 PM

@visitpeachlandbc @visitsummerland @visitpenticton @discovernaramata @visitokfalls @visitoliver @uncorkthesun @bottleneckdrive @naramatawines

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: WHISTLER

PIT STOP

Snowmobiling in Whistler is peak awesome (even if you get cold feet).

I’

m jealous of the other couple on this snowmobiling trip. Yellow Jacket is perched at the front of the machine, Red Jacket has her arms wrapped around him. They’re straddling the same seat, about to take on every exhilarating second as one. My partner Chris, on the other hand—he was the one who booked this semi-private beginner tour with Blackcomb Snowmobile—has made the executive decision that we will not be sharing a snowmobile. He might as well be on another

planet: our instructor, Arnaud, arranged us behind him so that Yellow Jacket and Red Jacket are second, then me, then Chris. Since my neck won’t turn 180 degrees—especially not when operating an alpine-certified crotch rocket—I can’t even see him, much less touch him. I think back to the release form I signed just a few minutes ago: Chris better be sorry if I experience “serious injury or death” all by myself. After a very quick rundown of the machines, we take the snowy mountain trail—though not exactly by storm.

Yellow Jacket turns out to be an absolutely terrible driver, and I need to keep stopping to avoid a fender bender. That said, the machine is much easier to manoeuvre than I anticipated, and my fears of accidentally falling off a cliffside dissipate. Eventually, I develop a strategy: drive slow for a bit, wait for the snowmobile in front of me to get well ahead, then let ’er rip. I don’t like to admit that I’m wrong, but in this instance, I’ll confess: driving a snowmobile is way more fun than riding on the back of one. It only takes a few minutes for me to get completely comfortable racing over the hills and sending snow flying in my wake. I even stand up, wind rushing past my cheeks. Arnaud stops us about an hour in for a photo op, and I realize how truly stunning

SHOE IN

a 78

Your feet don’t spend much time on the ground when you’re snowmobiling, but even making your way through the parking lot can be a challenge in this icy climate. Hunter’s women’s Wanderer insulated vegan shearling short snow boots were my shoe of choice for this outing. They kept my feet warm and dry, and, more importantly, they’re super comfy and have a great tread: no slip risk here. $185, hunterboots.com

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the mountains are—I’ve been head-down driving for so long, I’ve forgotten we are in one of B.C.’s most beautiful places. The two-hour tour passes quickly, and soon we’re turning in our helmets and goggles. I’m weirdly grateful to have been separate from—and in front of— my partner. He got to watch me discover a love for snowmobiling, and I didn’t have to watch him try to capture every moment with his phone, a GoPro and a 360 camera. But I do have the photos and videos to prove that I had a blast. A two-hour private tour with Blackcomb Snowmobile is $269 per person. (Or $229 per person if you share a machine... but who wants to do that?)

Courtesy of Blackcomb Snowmobile

SHUT UP AND DRIVE

Even ATV newbies can quickly tackle the slopes with Blackcomb Snowmobile, as our managing editor discovered.

For an après-snowmobile, we hit up Squamish’s Backcountry Brewing (#405-1201 Commercial Way, Squamish)—it’s tough to beat hot buffalo wings ($19) and pizza after a day out in the snow. We ordered the Killa Beez pie (soppressata salami, mozzarella, red onion, chili flakes and honey drizzle, $26) and a pair of pints of one of their absurdly long-named beers. I recommend the Why Can’t You Be Happy For Me And Then Go Home And Talk About Me Behind My Back Like A Normal Person? sour—it’s passionfruit orange guava, and if you can get over the embarrassment of ordering it, it’s delicious. backcountrybrewing.com

2022

WINTER GETAWAY GUIDE: FRASER VALLEY

SUPER SOAKER An unlikely oasis is waiting to be discovered in a Fraser Valley golf resort.

The Woodland Cabins at Rowena’s feature modern, minimalist interiors and deep ofuro tubs on the front deck— perfect for wildlife gazing.

hour” to fill. That makes sense, of course. The deep tub gets me considering the eco-friendliness of this experience. We’ll fill the tub for an hour to sit for what—20 minutes? Then drain it all? I have about 45 minutes to consider the ethics of this, because that’s how long it actually takes for the tub to fill (it’s now 2:30 p.m.). There’s no soap or shampoo allowed, but the resort does provide a packet of allnatural lavender eucalyptus bath salt. That salt combined with the smell of the cedar is positively heavenly. The tub design is rather simple—one end has a slanted insert for leaning back on. Two people (including one who is over six feet tall) can comfortably fit. Maybe it’s counterintuitive to lounge in a spa-like bath while reading a murder novel, but that’s the way I like to recharge. (Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier is my pageturner of choice.) We chill for about an hour—me reading about

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fictional killers leading double lives, my partner listening to Harry Styles—as the sun flickers through the trees and tiny birds hop along the patio railing (which, by the way, is positioned so that you can’t make awkward eye contact with anyone who happens to walk by, thank goodness). It’s perfectly peaceful, save for one moment when a disgruntled golfer yells, “Shit!” from across the course. When it’s time to get out and dry off for our dinner reservation, my partner reaches in to pull the plug, but I stop him—if there’s any chance the water is warm-ish when we get back, I’d like to try it out. We slide on the heavy tub cover and head over to the Sandpiper’s on-site restaurant. It’s exactly 7 p.m. when I gingerly lift the cover again. Steam comes billowing out. The ofuro tub is still very warm—in

fact, it doesn’t seem even a degree cooler than when we covered it three and a half hours ago. We’re in and out for another two hours. The tub is even more tranquil at night. Those 45 minutes invested in filling it have more than paid off. In the winter, Rowena’s Inn offers indoor whisky tastings every Thursday, a four-course fireside dining experience once a month and trails for salmon and eagle viewing from October to January. So there are plenty of things to do, other than golfing, at this quiet Fraser Valley resort. But there’s also something to be said for doing nothing—so long as that nothing is in a tub.

Courtesy of Rowena’s Inn on the River

olfers would likely recognize Rowena’s Inn on the River by the fairway that surrounds it: Harrison Mills isn’t exactly a buzzing area, and the Sandpiper Resort is an obvious landmark. But my partner and I didn’t make the trafficky twohour drive from Vancouver to tee off. We’ve come to take a bath. That’s a bit dramatic, I suppose, but it’s the truth. Rowena’s Inn on the River recently revealed their “Woodland Cabins”: six new accommodation options added to some already impressive lodgings. (Besides the boutique “Colonial” rooms within the inn itself, there are also cozy rustic cabins and modern luxury cabins—the latter are more like a house; the largest has three bedrooms.) Right—back to our bath. Patio ofuro tubs are the main draw of the Woodland Cabins. The outdoor red cedar barrel baths are what we’re here to check out. You’ve heard of destination dining. This is destination dipping. The interior of the cabin has a modern, minimalist vibe: it’s all concrete, black, white and wood. A switch on the wall activates blinds that slowly reveal the patio tub, as well as a serene view of a little pond, the golf course and the Harrison River beyond. My partner and I get our swimsuits on and beeline for the tub. We’ll be bathing in no time. Wrong. According to a printout on the coffee table, the tubs take “approximately one

A home renovation shouldn’t actually take your breath away.

Asbestos exposure is the number one killer of workers in B.C. Everyone has a role to play in the safe removal and disposal of asbestos.

As of January 1, 2024, any contractor doing asbestos abatement work in your home must be licensed to do that work, and workers must be trained and certified. Learn more at thinkasbestos.com

1 Water

I was born a few steps away from the Atlantic on Portugal’s coastline, so water remains a big source of inspiration for me: walking over a bridge, watching my husband swim, gazing at the open ocean, along with anything water related—the shape of shells, coral and more.

3 Donald Judd

2 Charlotte Perriand

Judd is one of the quintessential minimalists of our time. He was one of the first people to establish New York’s Soho as the neighbourhood it is today, when he bought a cast-iron building in the 1960s to become his home and studio. People did not have permission to live there—it was just warehousing. Judd studies things in the minutiae: he would examine every floor in the building and determine a different sequence for the baseboards on each one.

As an architect and designer, Perriand was a firm believer in the art of living. She was one of the pioneers of functional, pared-down living spaces. Perriand’s travels, as well as her collaborations with other 20th-century creatives, provide a historical source of inspiration that I continually find myself drawing from.

Designer

4 Paris

Always a classic. The city is endless; it’s overstimulation in the best way. There are the galleries, the food and the architecture. And the shopping is unlike anywhere else: the amount of vintage and collectible furniture shops is an enduring source of inspiration. I haven’t been to the Louvre in years. Paris is the place where you roam, and stumble upon beautiful things, wherever you look.

Alda Pereira on the 6 Things That Keep Her

Inspired

6 White Poppies Flowers are so fleeting: they offer you something very short term. I love their fragility, their drama, but also their colouration, their structure and their movement as they unfold.

Tableware

It’s sort of a hobby of mine, collecting tablecloths, napkins and dinnerware—it occupies a lot of my non-work time. When you live in a static home, you’re not able to change things every day. The table is, however, one part of the home where you can always create something. One of my favourites to collect is Patrician stemware from Hoffmann made by Lobmeyr, designed in the late 1920s. There’s no ornamentation, just sculptural beauty.

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Give cheer, get cheer. Shop gift cards at cactusclubcafe.com

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