Warm minimalism

On Canada’s west coast, this home features interior spaces that celebrate both the sublime calming ocean views and the homeowners’ extensive art collection

The Gentry sectional sofa by Moroso and the Kangaroo chair by Cassina encircle the Darwinizm coffee table by

IZM, taking in the view across the bay and the Allen Sapp painting above the Stûv fireplace THE NEW PERSPECTIVES ISSUE 53

Hemlock ceilings and oak millwork add warmth to robust and durable materials in the kitchen. The sandblasted stainless steel island counter sits above Corian solid surface millwork and polished concrete floors. Falken Reynolds designed the steel pendant hanging over the island, made by Broadwell Metal 54

73.V pendants by Bocci hang over a white oak Iconoclast dining table and A+ chairs by IZM. A painting by William Perehudoff hangs above a steel and smoked oak console designed by Falken Reynolds

Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Victoria – the provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada – this two-level, 500-square metre house has been three years in the making (including its design and construction). BoForm Architecture, Demitasse Garden Design and Falken Reynolds Interiors all contributed to create a dream home for a very active family of five (a couple with three sons), who had recently moved from the city of Edmonton, Alberta. Having also grown up in this part of the country, lead designer and Falken Reynolds principal Chad Falkenberg immediately felt synergy with the homeowners.

One of the most crucial parts of the brief consisted of bringing as much of the ocean inside as possible by maximising sight lines. “The client had a very clear vision for the house – a pared-back, durable and minimalist interior but with warmth and subtle sophistication,” Falkenberg recalls.

Upon approaching the residence, the waterfront home feels like a bungalow, with living areas, a primary suite, two bedrooms and a study set on the main level, while the pool floor comprises a gym, media room, two bedrooms and a recreation room.

“The modern architecture and minimal window frames really called for the ceiling in the centre of the house to be uninterrupted, so we held the top of the millwork and fireplace 0.6 metres below,” says Falkenberg. “The resulting expansive views of the ceiling pull the eye up and make the great room, with its windows at both ends, feel like it is suspended in the air.”

This page: From top: A steel handrail by Broadwell Metal wraps the board-formed concrete guard by Point Break Developments. Below the clerestory window hangs a painting by Joe Coffey; The concrete hearth and blackened steel of the fireplace act as a sculptural separation between the living room and a more private den on the left with the Mart chair by B&B Italia. The hemlock ceiling, only interrupted by the Panoramah windows, draws the eye out towards the bay. Next page: A solid block of Vancouver Island White marble, quarried nearby, was carved into the powder room sink and floats between white oak panelled walls. The stainless steel INOX tap is by Blu Bathworks and the 87.3 pendant is by Bocci

A leather Cab bed by Cassina is surrounded by white oak panelled closets made by Jason Good Custom Cabinets. Aplomb pendants by Foscarini hang above Myside/Yourside tables by IZM

Influenced by its natural surroundings, the colour palette is an extension of the beach with its tones of grey, white and woody tones. The artworks add colourful touches in the different rooms, as do a few other elements such as the Verde Alpi marble in the primary bathroom and the blue Bocci pendants in the dining area that echo the sky and the water. In the kitchen, the stainless steel counter on the island provides a robust surface that will patina over the years. In the powder room, the marble sink was quarried locally on Vancouver Island.

“A great deal of consideration was given to the selection of materials and products, with an emphasis on sourcing local. [This was done] both as a response to supporting the local community and also for sustainability [and] practically, reducing costs and energy for transporting goods to site,” Falkenberg explains.

Thanks to the polished concrete flooring, plaster walls, hemlock ceilings/soffits and low furniture, the inhabitants and their visitors are naturally yet intentionally guided toward the panorama.

“The large open spaces and expansive views could easily have felt vacuous with the minimalist approach,” says Falkenberg. “The trick was to balance the clean lines with subtle details that add just the right layer of [cosiness] to the spaces.”

To do so, Falken Reynolds drew inspiration from modern Belgian architects, who are references when it comes to this type of aesthetic.

The serene atmosphere makes the home feel effortless and reflects a sense of quiet texture in every nook. According to Falkenberg, “The house is a peaceful beachside oasis that brings the calming effect of driftwood, sand and sea throughout.” id

A window seat in the bedroom looks out across the bay in the primary bedroom. Obakki cushions sit on black oak millwork while a wool Timo rug by B&B Italia add warmth to the polished concrete floors

This space features oak wall drawers by BassamFellows, vase by Olivia Cognet, Pietro Franceschini Bling Bling chair and Atlas pouf in eco-fur, Wave chairs by Rachel Donath and paints by Ressource Paints

A hybrid hotspot

On the East Coast of the United States, two ambitious women have joined forces to launch a hub dedicated to good design and innovative concepts

WORDS BY KARINE MONIÉ PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE FRANZEN

The ever-chic area of the Hamptons is now host to a new multifunctional creative space that is a feast for the eyes. Designed as an ever-evolving boutique, a place to organise events and a hospitality concept, The 1818 Collective was born out of a successful collaboration between Kristin Fine, who helms the interior design studio Fine Concepts, and Analisse Taft-Gersten, founder of textile, rug and handmade furnishing showroom ALT For Living. “Learning to work together – [particularly] as we were used to managing our own respective businesses separately – was[definitely] a challenge,” Fine and TaftGersten confess.

The duo fell in love with the Greek revival style property that dates to the 19th century and is located in the charming town of Sag Harbor, on the East Coast of the United States, which has always been home to a vibrant community of artists and writers.

To renovate this circa 1800 merchant house and transform it into a partially commercial and partially residential space, Fine and Taft-Gersten were inspired by the history of the building, the natural light of the region and its location close to the sea. The original floors were preserved to give the feeling of going back in time, while several contemporary elements were introduced to create visual balance through the design.

The ground floor acts as a shop and an events space while the upper floor comprises two apartments. Vintage and contemporary furniture and lighting can be discovered in all the nooks, which are also adorned with artworks, decorative accessories and textiles sourced by Fine and TaftGersten from around the world (including the United States, Australia, France and Italy, among other locations).

This page: The washroom features limewash Ressource paints, Bubble mirrors and vintage Murano light by The 1818 Collective. The fabric under the sink is by ALT for Living and the floor tiles are by Cle. Next page: The walls are painted with paint from Ressource Paints, the light fixture is by The 1818 Collective, and the chair is vintage. The custom bed is by Studio AHEAD through The 1818 Collective and the blanket is by ALT for Living.

The walls are painted in Ressource Paints, the sink is vintage, the mirror on left is by Rachel Donath, the stool is vintage Stool from The 1818 Collective and the Up Down sconces are by In Common

Even the name, The 1818 Collective, didn’t happen by accident. It corresponds to the founders’ connection to the number 18, which symbolises good luck and new beginnings. As a place to attend special gatherings, artisan workshops, meet-themaker events and book signings, as well as a showroom in and of itself, it is difficult to give the space any definitive description. “The idea is to reinterpret the space several times a year,” say Fine and Taft-Gersten. “We want to remain flexible and arouse our visitors’ curiosity.”

The common thread between all objects placed in this warm atmosphere that transforms the shopping experience is the hand of the maker, which is reflected through every detail.

“We want to present unique and custom pieces, which evoke the sense of hunt that guides us to put together this eclectic yet harmonious collection,” the duo says.

The two women love juxtaposition and creating tension to showcase an unusual balance. “It’s like [creating] a painting or putting together a meal,” they explain.

Through this surprise-filled project that is just beginning, the founders have already paid tribute to the heritage of the house while giving life to something new at the same time. The adventurous spirits of Fine and Taft-Gersten, who didn’t hesitate to step out of their comfort zone, is at the heart of this inspiring hub where designers, artists, artisans and anyone passionate about the world of interiors can find a limitless source of inspiration.

“We strove to create a place where you can always find something unique and leave room for ‘creative accidents’.” id