THE
SUMMER ISSUE
POWDER ROOM POWER Small rooms that pack a design punch
LA CARMINA The Vancouver blogger’s unusual
take on fashion, travel and design
AN ARTIST COMES HOME Celebrated in the U.S.,
$6.99
www.movatohome.com
artist James Verbicky gets recognition in Canada
TAKE A SUMMER BREAK These two U.S. resorts are for rest and relaxation
OUTDOOR LIFE
Lifestyle goods for the backyard
FIVE-STAR STAYCATIONS Create an upscale lifestyle retreat in the backyard
p. Paola Navone
#110 - 1706 West 1 st Ave. Vancouver, BC V6J 0E4 www.room8.ca
EMOTIONS SHOULDN’T BE DESCRIBED, THEY SHOULD BE EXPERIENCED. | www.baxter.it
#110 - 1706 West 1 st Ave. Vancouver, BC V6J 0E4 www.room8.ca
“BLADE” BY MODULNOVA IS THE STRONGEST MAN-MADE PRODUCT ON THE MARKET TODAY. 1CM THICK SOLID PORCELAIN DOORS THAT ARE SCRATCH, HEAT, STAIN AND ACID RESISTANT.
Advanced technology with full customization
經典 現代 來自義大利的奢華家具。大量庫存可立即交貨。
Classic. Modern. The n e w Flavio seating system from Casadesus Barcelona.
Spencer Interiors Inc. | visit us in Chinatown: 708 Main Street, Vancouver BC V6A 2V7 > T: 604 736.1378 > www.spencerinteriors.ca
movatohome.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
She holds several degrees – from a bachelor to a doctorate. After completing a bachelor degree in art history at Vassar College, she graduated from the Parsons School of Design in interior design and illustration, and later acquired degrees in music, first from the Juilliard School and then a doctorate of music from Université de Montréal. She is an opera singer, a jewelry designer, a businesswoman, a philanthropist. A strong patron of the arts, Sharon also sits on the boards of directors of many institutions, including the McGill Chamber Orchestra, the McCord Museum, the America-Israel Cultural Foundation, the Azrieli Foundation, and the National Arts Centre, among others. And to add to her list of accomplishments, she is also the saviour of a chunk of Montreal’s architectural history. “In 2011, I fell in love with a mid-19th-century home that had been very neglected and desperately needed to be saved,” Stephanie Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief she says. Within four years, she had restored the soul of this exquisite home that is perched halfway up Mount Royal. It was profiled in the Summer issue of Montreal Home in 2015. IN THIS ISSUE, I have the honour and joy of Sharon’s most recent venture is a line of introducing Vancouver Home’s new associate furniture that she is designing. With a style publisher, Dr. Sharon Azrieli, who has a robust described as “sophisticated classical,” the pieces will be available in retail outlets within the next vision for the future of this magazine. “We want Vancouver Home to be the most few months. One intention that our new associate creative and innovative voice in interior design, the magazine that readers will look to when publisher has is to broaden the distribution of they want to beautify their homes … when Vancouver Home’s Chinese edition. Her plan is they want to know exactly what the trends are,” to distribute it in China. Sharon told me recently. When I visited Sharon two years ago in the With her illustrious background in the arts, home she had lovingly restored, I had the sense Sharon has a deep love of design and a reveren- that she rarely slows down; she seemed to be in tial respect for heritage architecture. constant motion.
And the conversation I recently enjoyed with her about the future of Vancouver Home simply confirmed my impression. She was preparing for a performance at Carnegie Hall, scheduled for two days later. “Shouldn’t you be resting your voice?” I asked her. “Yes, I probably should,” she said. But I could hear sound in the background as we talked. I learned that while we were on the phone, Sharon had been creating jewelry, stringing pearls, and finishing three pieces by the end of our conversation. Once a creative soul, always a creative soul. Welcome, Sharon, to Vancouver Home.
There are several ways you can stay in touch with us:
STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@movatohome.com
@leahlipkowitz, @movatohome @leahlipkowitz, @movatohome
8
THE SUMMER ISSUE
@movatohome
Dr. Sharon Azrieli, Associate Publisher
CONTRIBUTORS
SUSAN KELLY It was a grand tour for writer Susan Kelly, who profiled four Vancouver-area homes for this issue. “Each one had a different starting point when it came to style,” she says. “One home took interior design cues directly from its contemporary architecture, while for another, it was prized Persian carpets and other precious heirlooms. The design of the other two homes was inspired by art: one from recently purchased works, the other from the homeowners’ love of Mondrian paintings. Though each one had a very different take, I think the endpoint is artful living.” Susan is a frequent contributor who specializes in style and decor matters.
NEGAR REIHANI Negar Reihani has more than 20 years of experience in the design industry, and is the founder and lead designer of Space Harmony. Her extensive experience in the luxury market – as an interior designer and home stager – has facilitated real estate transactions worth millions of dollars. Her work has been featured in many national and regional magazines, and she is the winner of the 2016 NKBA Designer of the Year Award. For this issue, Negar styled the interiors of a home that she designed. “I think there is a great harmony and balance between different elements in this house – from contemporary finishes to classic, intricate furnishings,” she says. “The final product doesn’t belong to a specific style group, and because of that, it will stay timeless.”
TRACEY MACKENZIE Tracey MacKenzie, Vancouver Home’s editorial manager, has more than 30 years of experience in the design field. So she enjoyed writing about blogger La Carmina for this issue. Vancouver-based La Carmina, who blogs about fashion and travel, loves Harajuku outfits and travelling to destinations that are off the beaten paths trodden by most tourists. “La Carmina brings a lot of visual flair to her work, whether she’s touring the Golden Temple in Myanmar or the Godzilla Hotel in Tokyo, or she’s dancing in the streets with William Shatner,” says Tracey.
Volume 5, number 2, Summer Issue 2017 Date of Issue: June, 2017
4020 St. Ambroise Street Suite #367 Montreal, Qc. h4c 2c7
PUBLISHER Leah Lipkowitz ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sharon Azrieli
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper ACCOUNTING
Tracey MacKenzie
Isaac Hayon
DIGITAL MARKETING Karine Bellisha ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Diane Dollisen
DIRECTOR OF SALES Kelly Chicoine SALES EXECUTIVE Lisa Wolfin
Carmen Lefebvre COLLECTIONS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Trudy Kerman
Sarah Lugassy CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY Colin Billinghurst Paul Grdina Janis Nicolay Colin Perry Chris Rollett STYLISTS Amber Kingsnorth Claudia Leccacorvi Negar Reihani Erica Schmidt Ivan Quintana THE SUMMER ISSUE
OPERATIONS MANAGER Lynn Tremblay
EDITORIAL MANAGER
Susan Kelly
10
Call 1-866-846-1640 movatohome.com sales@movatohome.com
LEGAL DEPOSIT
2292-0870 Vancouver Home Magazine Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Any copying or reproduction of content without the written permission of Vancouver Home magazine is strictly prohibited. Publication # 41959020 issn
BAKER . M
C
G U I R E . LE E . V E R E L L E N . D EL L ARO B B I A . S A N G I A C OM O . S A B A . G A M M A . K E L LY WE A R S T L E R
Furniture Showrooms: 1855/1880 Fir Street Armoury District Vancouver 604.736.8822 Mon - Sat 10 -5:30 pm broughaminteriors.com
EX CEPTIONA L IND OOR & OUTD OOR FUR NIS H INGS
CONTENTS
movatohome.com
44 ON THE COVER
A West Vancouver home gives its owners vast windows on the landscape beyond
LAID-BACK COMFORT
A contemporary White Rock home reflects the natural beauty that surrounds it
22
102 OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Blogger La Carmina chronicles the off-beat side of fashion, design and travel
12
THE SUMMER ISSUE
FAMILY HOME IN A HOT NEIGHBOURHOOD A Yaletown townhouse is given a unique and funky design for a young family
116
5520 Minoru Blvd Richmond BC 604 .273 .0155 paramounthome.ca
movatohome.com
CONTENTS
REST, ROMANCE AND REJUVENATION This resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is the perfect getaway for respite and renewal
8 EDITOR’S LETTER
108
16 THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home 32 ART BY DESIGN An interior designer uses a slow period to push her art career into high gear 42 FIVE-STAR STAYCATIONS A luxurious lifestyle-oriented backyard can make us stay home all summer 54 RELAX OR ROAM? This La Jolla resort offers everything from outdoor activity to kicking back and chilling
94
64 GO PLAY OUTSIDE A guide to products that transform backyards into luxurious garden rooms
UPSIZING RATHER THAN DOWNSIZINGS
78 RECOGNITION AT HOME The work of a Canadian artist, much loved in the U.S., is shown for the first time in Canada
An empty-nest couple buy a larger house to host their children and grandchildren
84 CLEAN CLOSETS Creating an organized home starts with cleaning out closets 86 FORGET THE RULES Designing a powder room allows one’s inner wild child to be set free 124 SEEN AND HEARD Tom Lee Music opens its flagship store in Vancouver
14
THE SUMMER ISSUE
A FRESH START
A penthouse is stripped down to its concrete walls and beautifully redesigned
68
movatohome.com
DESIGN
1. ROOT RECYCLING ——— The Bloom Bench by artist Michael Thomas Host consists of salvaged western red cedar, cast in organic resin. This original work can be placed inside your home’s entrance or on a deck or patio as a convenient spot to rest. 99˝L x 20˝W x 18˝H
——— MTH Woodworks 120-1000 Parker St., Vancouver www.mthwoodworks.com 604-720-8693
2
2. MESMERIZING MOSAICS ———
3 . VERSATILE VEIL ———
Mosaic is a classic art form. Any portrait, landscape, or graphic design
Kohler’s Veil Intelligent wall-hung
is concealed, giving Veil a sleek,
can be personalized and created for your space in four tile finishes
toilet has a contemporary and
seamless look that is easy to clean.
and more than 150 colours. Available in tiles sized at three-quarters or
sculptural look. It boasts a heated
All features can be controlled on a
three-eighths of an inch, these customized, hand-cut tiles are available
seat, stainless steel cleansing
touchscreen LCD remote control.
from Granite Transformations.
wand, LED nightlight, hands-
———
———
free opening and closing, and a
KOHLER Signature Store
Granite Transformations
sophisticated wall-mount design.
1606 W. Broadway, Vancouver
6-91 Golden Dr., Coquitlam
The mounting hardware
604-901-0088
604-695-7711 www.granitetransformations.com/vancouver
16
1 3
THE SUMMER ISSUE
www.kohler.ca
movatohome.com
DESIGN
2. EASY DRAINAGE ———
1. REST EASY ——— The Del Mar outdoor sofa has
float. Four throw pillows provide
The QuARTz Premium stainless steel shower channel drain
an architectural cast-aluminum
contrasting colour and comfort.
has a pre-attached waterproofing membrane, making it easier
frame, finished in platinum gray,
———
than ever to install. It can be used for drainage in the shower
which supports a woven seating
Paramount Home & Design
or any wet room. Available from ACO Systems Ltd.
cradle in a contrasting charcoal
5520 Minoru Blvd., Richmond
———
colour. The cushioning nestles
604-273-0155
ACO Systems Ltd.
within the cradle, appearing to
www.paramounthome.ca
1-2880 Brighton Rd., Oakville, Ont. 905-829-0665 www.acocan.ca; www.acoself.com 1 3
3. SEA ME! ———
4. FLOORS WITH FLAIR ———
This curvaceous creature of the sea has an
Beautiful oak flooring never goes out of style. Franceska Signature, a
organic shape and colourful disposition.
brushed oak flooring, is European oak that is offered in 12 colours. Each
Custom colour your aquatic friend to
plank is 7.5 inches wide and most boards are six feet long. Available at
fit into any surroundings - marine or
Casa Madera Hardwood Flooring Inc.
otherwise. 19˝W x 8˝L x 35˝H.
———
———
Casa Madera Hardwood Flooring Inc.
RodRozen Designs
3744 Hastings St., Burnaby
1463 W. Pender St., Vancouver
604-294-9663
604-558-4443
www.casamaderafloors.com
www.rodrozen.com
18
2 4
THE SUMMER ISSUE
KOHLER.CA
©2017 KOHLER CO.
BASK IN THE MAJESTY OF THE ARTIST EDITIONS DERRING ™ SINK COLLECTION. ®
DESIGN
2. GLASS GLOW ——— ThinkGlass presents a new take on the lunch counter with a waterfall leg. It has an ice texture and an integrated LED lighting system. ThinkGlass’s technology is a unique process that lends itself to many applications and creative possibilities. Each application is unique, with a selection of original and organic handcrafted textures. Select the
1. THE SWEET LIFE ———
thickness and edge treatment of
This honey, produced by BC’s Mellifera Bees, is infused with vanilla, and
into your application.
has floral notes reminiscent of local wildflowers. Founded by beekeeper
———
Melissa Cartwright, Mellifera Bees specializes in organic honeys.
ThinkGlass
———
www.thinkglass.com
Sunnyside
877-410-4527
your choice or integrate artwork
105C-4390 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver www.enjoythesunnyside.com 604-971-4340 1 3
2 4
4. HAVE A CUPPA COVE ——— Organic Cove Rain tea is a melange of roses and white tea. It has an earthy, floral taste that lifts the spirits. Sold in bags of 50 grams but also available in bags of 100 grams or more.
——— Sunnyside 105C-4390 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver www.enjoythesunnyside.com 604-971-4340
3. PUT YOUR FEET UP ——— Salvaged yellow cedar, inlaid in organic resin and encased in English wool, creates the Bloom ottoman by artist Michael Thomas Host. Measuring 30 inches in diameter, Bloom is a perfect perch or footrest.
——— MTH Woodworks 120-1000 Parker St., Vancouver www.mthwoodworks.com 604-720-8693
20
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Vancouver’s largest selection of fabric, custom drapery and upholstery
13331 Vulcan Way Unit 10, Richmond, BC | 604-231-1433 | windowworks.ca
DESIGN
movatohome.com
IN LINE WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS A White Rock home is designed to have maximum exposure to the views beyond PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL GRDINA
22
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
23
DESIGN
24
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
WHEN YOU LIVE IN WHITE ROCK, it’s all about the view. But wait, that is not completely accurate. If the truth were told, it’s about how you get to see that view. Call it perspective. Or, in the case of this four-storey house set back from the shore, but with gorgeous sight lines of Boundary and Semiahmoo bays, call it a superbly appointed frame of reference. So how do you maximize that view while not distracting from it? That was the challenge interior designer Sarah Gallop, of Sarah Gallop Design Inc., faced when creating the look for this 6,000-square-foot home, built by Gallery Homes, that is carved into the hillside in the heart of this seaside community.
“We had to find a balance between being enough and not being too much,” Gallop says. “Everything can’t be the star of the show. You need certain focuses.” Adding to the challenge was the shape of the building: “It’s a typical White Rock house: narrow and deep. The difficult thing with these houses is the width,” she says, explaining the space measures only about 22 feet across. “The difficult thing is to make it feel open and spacious,” and avoid bowling-alley-style rooms. “We wanted to make it look appropriate in size and scale, and have it oriented toward the view, especially at the top level.” •
Although discreet, the main entrance features a six-foot custom-made mahogany pivot door. Inside, the floors, which run throughout, are walnut; the closet doors are made of dark-stained sapele wood.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
25
movatohome.com
DESIGN
A patio area opens off each of the three top floors, offering views of the water.
Gallop created the main living room and kitchen on the upper level. This is also where the largest of the three outdoor patio areas is located. The aim was to ensure a sightline to the water and not compete with the view. Another element to juggle: the owner had not yet decided whether he was going to live in the house or put the property up for sale. “Because we didn’t know really who the end person would be, who would be living here, we had to make sure it had mass appeal and not hinder resale,” Gallop says.
In the kitchen, a Caesarstone quartz counter on the island has a seamless look thanks to the waterfall edge at both ends. Appliances: Thermador; pendant lights: Elan.
26
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
She set out with a plan to set a transitional tone with contemporary detailing. “It was a mix between what the client was attracted to and what we thought would attract a broader audience,” she says. “Our colour palette was quite light and bright, except for the millwork and the floors.” The living room fireplace would be a focal point. Gallop put a Marquis by Kingsman zero-clearance linear gas fireplace in an impressive slab of Brazilian Arabascato blue marble. The surround is topped with sapele wood panelling in a dark finish and a decorative half-inch metal reveal. Although a prominent feature, it does not compete with the view. •
In the living room, the Kingsman fireplace from Vancouver Gas boasts an impressive surround of Brazilian Arabascato marble from Terrastone Industries.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
27
movatohome.com
DESIGN
The office, located on the top level, has the same dark-stained sapele wood used in other rooms. Danolite double-drum light fixture: B.A. Robinson.
The steel-framed staircase has walnut floating treads and glass panels.
In the kitchen, what draws attention first are the circular pendant lights by Elan. Two hang over the island, one over the stairwell, which features a steel-framed staircase with walnut floating treads that match the floors. The kitchen’s island is topped in Caesarstone quartz with a waterfall edge. The backsplash is two-tone marble in a chevron pattern. The size, scale and distance between the quartz and natural stone elements prevented competition between these features, Gallop says. “That separation allowed these two elements to stand on their own and not compete.” The dark panel next to the refrigerator is a door that gives access to an enclosed spice kitchen.
28
THE SUMMER ISSUE
The vessel sinks and tub in the master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom are by Blu Bathworks. Faucets: Riobel; pendant lights: LBL Lighting.
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
The house also includes a separate in-law suite with another kitchen, one bedroom and a full bathroom. In all, the house has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an elevator that serves all four levels, a media room with a 120-inch screen on the ground floor, a twocar garage, and a bar area with a climate-controlled wine cellar. “I think that there is a lot of house here, and it doesn’t feel like a really big house,” Gallop says. “It complements the view.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
29
BRAVE
BOLD
BEAUTIFUL
Best Custom Home 2017 Mult-Award Winning Design Firm BeyondBeige.com
East India Carpets D I S T I N C T I V E D E S I G N S S I N C E 19 4 8
1606 West 2nd at Fir Armoury District Vancouver Mon-Sat 10-5:30 604 736 5681 eastindiacarpets.com CARPET CLEANING AND RESTORATION SERVICES AVAILABLE
ART
32
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
A RT BY DESIGN An interior designer finds the right moment to exercise her gifts as an artist
PATRICIA GRAY HAS MADE A NAME for herself as an interior designer in Vancouver, building a career and reputation over a 40-year span. Casting an artist’s eye on kitchens, family rooms and entire homes, she has created living spaces that are works of style and function. And with the tools of her craft – colours, fabrics and furniture – she has used three-dimensional spaces as her canvasses. But serendipity happened in 2009 that added something special to her career. The financial slump that year brought with it a dramatic dip in the number of design projects, which gave the designer time to paint. Gray found herself with the excuse – or rather, the lack of an excuse – that finally enabled her to stop putting off what she had long thought of: tackling the challenges of a new canvas. •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
33
movatohome.com
ART
“Running a business, I never seemed to be able to create art,” she says. But when the recession hit: “I was sitting around in the eerie silence. I couldn’t do anything in interior design because of the economy. I didn’t have an excuse. Now, I had all the time in the world.” She had dabbled with painting over the years as a way to relax. But in 2009, she ramped it up. She took several courses at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and eventually converted the garage of her downtown Vancouver townhouse into a studio.
34
THE SUMMER ISSUE
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
“Now, I am pretty much able to paint full-time,” Gray says. She describes her work as “contemporary abstract impressionism.” She sells her work internationally, as well as through her website (www.patriciagrayart.com), to her interior design clients, and through other interior designers and architects. It’s an avenue that, as a designer, she had long identified as a niche that had demand. “One of the hardest parts was finding the right art for my clients,” Gray says, explaining the challenges she experienced while searching for the perfect pieces for the walls of rooms she had designed. “I could never find the right sizes. And if I found the right sizes, they weren’t the right subject matter. I needed big, bold statement pieces.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
35
ART
Today, some of Gray’s design clients have collected seven or eight pieces of her artwork in their homes. But getting to this point, she explains, has been a journey of discovery and learning. “I wanted to be versed in all the mediums of paint,” she says. As a designer, she was adept at using fabric, furniture and lighting. As an artist, she had to become versatile with brushes, surfaces, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, and encaustics, which are a mixture of pigments and hot beeswax. And recently, she has added oil paints to her repertoire. “I wanted to learn thoroughly all the materials to express myself all the better,” she says.
36
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
“Sometimes, people see totally different things than what I had intended.”
Gray has studied with other artists, including American Richard McKinley, a member of the Pastel Society of America’s Hall of Fame at the National Arts Club in New York City. Her learning and experimenting is an on-going process. She acquires much of the inspiration for her pieces from her travels. A trip to Desolation Sound along the north coast of British Columbia, for instance, provoked and influenced some of her work. She attempted to capture the feelings that were stirred by the depth and luminosity of the water in this remote and pristine location. •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
37
ART
movatohome.com
When a client saw one painting that resulted from that trip, Gray explains, it conjured up memories of the person’s childhood, reminding her of where she had grown up in Nova Scotia. Gray was fascinated by how a piece of art inspired by a scene of the Pacific Ocean resonated and invoked memories of the Atlantic Ocean for someone else. “Sometimes, people see totally different things than what I had intended,” she says. “They fill in their own blanks. They can finish it off with their memories. I love that. I never correct them.”
38
THE SUMMER ISSUE
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
Gray recently sold a work composed of layers of gold leaf with a resin finish to U.S. billionaire businessman, conference speaker and author Jay Abraham for his office in Los Angeles. “I am quite honoured it will hang in a beautiful office space,” she says. “It’s quite exciting.” Owning original artwork is something everyone should experience, Gray says. “It’s an investment in your life and your lifestyle. It enriches your surroundings. Original art can be looked at over and over and over again. You get so much more energy and vibration from it. It’s an acquired taste, something everyone should experience.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
39
SEE INA’S MOE & T W INTERVIE ON OUR WEBSITE
Meet our homeowners Moe & Tina
Spectacular Waterfront Homes
Learn how Moe & Tina found their perfect community We’ve experienced something here at The Cottages that we’ve never experienced in any other home we’ve lived previously. We get together as neighbours and socialize, it’s wonderful. We feel like a part of a real community here. We’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone else that lives here, there’s a real mix of people and we all enjoy each others company. We also love being on our boat. We bring our coffee down every morning and motor around enjoying the views and the breeze. It really is perfect here! Visit our website for more details including photo galleries, home plans, video tours and more homeowner testimonials about our gorgeous location and homes.
Visit our Display Homes » 2450 Radio Tower Road, Oliver, BC See website for open hours.
1.855.742.5555 osoyooscottages.com
movatohome.com
DESIGN
FIVE-STAR STAYCATIONS
This Langley retailer can create a backyard that is like a luxury resort
THE LUXURY THAT COMES with a five-star resort vacation and the convenience and sheer indulgence of having it all at home when you want it, and – let’s not be coy – to make an impressive statement when friends are over: Who wouldn’t want that? Walk into a backyard equipped with a hot tub, an infinity-edge swimming pool and a fire table, where the flame is flickering while the sun sets. You pour yourself a glass of wine, put the music on and sit back on a fully cushioned patio sofa. Sure, it was a tough day at the office, but the evening is all about kicking back and relaxing in a setting that puts a smile on your face.
42
THE SUMMER ISSUE
That’s what a lot of people are looking for, says Jon MacAulay, sales manager of Coast Spas Lifestyles, an outdoor lifestyles retailer in Langley that specializes in spas, patio furniture and backyard amenities. “We’re a destination for people looking to be current and get their backyards updated.” With housing prices on the rise and homeowners investing heavily in their principal residences, the idea of transforming an outdoor space into a well-appointed oasis is gaining traction. “It’s the staycation mentality,” MacAulay says. “You are reclaiming your yard, reclaiming your home.”
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
“People want to increase the value of their outdoor living area and maximize its use,” he adds. And to do that they are designing backyard spaces with hot tubs, cooking islands, comfortable patio furniture and fire tables. “Everyone wants a fire table,” says MacAulay. “Turn it on, turn it off. There’s no need to deal with firewood. Homeowners want the convenience of stepping into the backyard to enjoy the ambience of their space.” There are many models of fire tables to consider – from coffee-table styles surrounded by comfortable chairs that create a conversation area, to full-size dining tables with a natural gas or propane fire pit in the centre to host a gourmet meal. And many can be customized, MacAulay says. Homeowners can select from an array of colours and tiles, surrounds and types of lava rocks or artificial logs.
movatohome.com
The other feature for the backyard: hot tubs. “Hot tubs are so popular,” MacAulay says. Coast Spa’s line-up includes swim spas, which are 12-to-19-foot units that provide a current, allowing the user to swim in place. These models offer the benefits of a pool and the convenience of a hot tub. And, MacAulay says, “you can take it with you when you move.” They’re also great for low-impact exercise workouts …. workouts, that is, in a five-star resort that’s right in the backyard. •
Business Profile Coast Spas Lifestyles 20363 Langley Bypass, Langley 604-534-SPAS (7727) www.coastspas.ca
THE SUMMER ISSUE
43
DESIGN
44
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
COMPLEX
movatohome.com
Minimalism reigns in this highly designed West Vancouver home BY SUSAN KELLY • PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS ROLLET • STYLING: CLAUDIA LECCACORVI
SIMPLICITY
THE SUMMER ISSUE
45
movatohome.com
DESIGN
UPSCALE DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN UPTIGHT, as demonstrated by this laid-back West Vancouver home with very forward-looking style. The 6.000-square-foot house was designed by custom home designer Craig Chevalier for a family of four that included two children under age 12 and a chocolate Labrador retriever. “He very much captured that sought-after West Coast aesthetic, which we carried into the interior,” says interior designer Claudia Leccacorvi, a partner at Raveninside Interior Design, who with her husband and business partner Paul Mason designed the home’s interiors. “And it was designed to be lived in by a very lively family.”
46
THE SUMMER ISSUE
True to this style of home, the plans called for few exterior walls and many floor-to-ceiling windows on two storeys. They run double high in the living room, which has soaring ceilings that range from 14 to 19 feet, and patio doors that fold seamlessly out of the way. All that glass serves to let in as much natural light as possible and enhance the sense of openness to the surrounding green space. The idea was to maximize enjoyment of the inside-outside lifestyle that is becoming the norm for Vancouverites, says the designer. “A love of nature helps give West Coast interiors a distinct look and palette,” says Leccacorvi, “and people like earthy colours in their surroundings.”
Colours were chosen to echo the home’s beautiful natural surroundings. Here the vibrant blues of the sofa and silk rug seem to reflect sunlight dancing on the surface of the backyard pool. Sofa, coffee table and rug: Baxter; fireplace surround tiles: C & S Tile; chairs: Artisan.
The designers ran light grey wide-plank European oak hardwood flooring throughout; they were given an oil finish for a natural look. All millwork is of engineered veneer in a soft, smoky grey. Walls were painted a gallery white to show artwork to best advantage. The main f loor design calls for plenty of wide-open space, especially in the living room. A fireplace column, soaring 19 feet tall
and open on four sides, exploits the doublehigh ceilings to their fullest. The design duo ran a slab of basalt horizontally along the fireplace base, providing a seat in front of the fire. They covered the rest of the column with tile that emulates board-formed concrete so well, most people are fooled and surprised that it’s porcelain, says the designer. •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
47
DESIGN
“But once we had the bones of West Coast style – clean and tailored lines, natural materials with beautiful finishes – it was time for some fun, eclectic touches,” Leccacorvi says. For instance, the living room’s curvaceous and tufted blue sofa, 10 feet long, is intended to be a showstopper. Under it lies a blue silk rug with distinctive hand-knotted trim, which Leccacorvi notes reflects light and has a watery wave-like effect. A mirror-finish coffee table is flanked by two purposely mismatched side chairs, designed by Karim Rashid for the Artisan brand. The dining table’s slightly sprawling legs also have a ludic touch. Overhead hangs a light-weight metal chandelier with myriad lights, inconspicuous by day, spectacular by night. In a minimalist interior, what few decor elements there are need to be both special on their own and in synergy with what’s around, the designer notes.
48
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
Minimalist lighting fixtures provide special effects by night while remaining unobtrusive by day. Dining area chandelier: Quasar; dining table: B&B Italia; bed: Twils. Original artwork in dining room and master bedroom by Tanya Slingsby.
The home has four bedrooms, one on the main floor, three on the upper. Each has an ensuite, with a bonus bathroom on the basement level. The master bedroom decor is surprisingly spare, as per the homeowners’ request. A painting by Vancouver artist Tanya Slingsby hangs over a low-slung leather-upholstered bed with naturally rumpled linen bedding. Two wood tables with unusual and curvaceous shapes stand on one side, a floor lamp on the other. •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
49
movatohome.com
DESIGN
Serenity reigns in the master bathroom, thanks to a muted, neutral palette and mix of textures. On the wall behind the sink, the luxe look of board-form concrete was recreated with the use of more practical lookalike porcelain tiles. Wall tiles: Porcelanosa; floor tiles: Stone Tile; faucets and vessel sinks: Blu Bathworks.
50
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
Like parents, designers are not supposed to play favourites. But Leccacorvi has a soft spot for the main-floor powder room, which doubles as a changing room for the swimming pool. Along one wall of the long narrow space runs an imposing vanity that appears to be a solid stone block but is made of thin vein-cut travertine slabs. A seamless sink-and-counter unit, the kind usually used atop a wood cabinet, is inset off-centre into the stone; a long frameless backlit mirror sits above it. Porcelain tile that has a linear stone-like texture was paired with 3D tile on the back wall to create textural interest. “It’s a quiet oasis off the pool during the day, but at night has a really cool nightclub vibe,” says Leccacorvi. “And it shows that even with very simple materials it’s possible to create very cool effects.” •
The homeowners’ love of minimalism and easy living carried over into the backyard pool area. Outdoor furniture: Viteo, courtesy of ROOM8.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
51
TRAVEL
FOR A RELAXING AND ACTIVE STAY
The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers serenity, natural beauty, and a gamut of activities
THE BIGGEST NAMES IN PROFESSIONAL GOLF KNOW IT. Seasoned destination shoppers who visit California’s La Jolla region keep returning to it. And outdoor enthusiasts who simply want to get away for a weekend of hiking, biking or paragliding have discovered it. It’s the Lodge at Torrey Pines. This relaxed, upscale 170-room hotel and resort was recently ranked among the top 120 hotels in the U.S., receiving a AAA Five Diamond Award in January. “There’s no pretentious attitude,” says general manager Bill Gross. Guests receive service that he describes as “confident, but in a very relaxed style.” •
54
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
55
TRAVEL
56
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
The location of The Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of its best assets. Set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean just north of San Diego, the seven-acre resort is adjacent to the famed Torrey Pines Golf Club, which hosted a Professional Golf Association event in 2008 and will welcome back the biggest names on the PGA tour in 2021. The property is also next to the Torrey Pines State Reserve, a 2,000acre natural preserve that includes miles of untouched beaches and a network of trails. The reserve, which offers guided nature walks, is also home to its namesake, the Torrey pine, a tree that is indigenous only to the immediate area and nearby Santa Rosa Island. The needles on this species of pine are uniquely formed in clusters of five. It was named in 1850, the year California became a state, after botanist John Torrey. This connection with nature is also part of the Lodge’s charm, Gross explains. The architecture of the hotel is styled in the turnof-the-century Arts and Crafts tradition. It’s one of the first things visitors notice. “The style of our property is such that the beauty of the wood brings the outdoors indoors,” he says. “There’s a sense of tranquility.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
57
TRAVEL
“There are just so many activities to do here. It is what people live here for and travel here to do.”
But that sense of calmness has its counterweight: activity. “There are just so many activities to do here. It is what people live here for and travel here to do,” Gross says. “San Diego is a destination for running, biking and cycling.” It’s also a great place from which to visit nearby attractions. The Lodge is about five minutes from the Torrey State Beach and the La Jolla shore beaches. The Del Mar racetrack, which features thoroughbred horse racing from July to mid-September and during most of November, is nearby. And for those who are into hang gliding and paragliding – what Gross calls “one of the signatures of the area” – the Lodge is minutes from the glider port. Del Mar and La Jolla village areas are also popular shopping destinations. And not to be overlooked are the museums, the nearby SeaWorld and Legoland theme parks, and the Birch Aquarium. “There’s something for everyone here,” Gross says, adding that the resort offers a complimentary chauffeur service to take guests to and from a list of destinations in the area.
58
THE SUMMER ISSUE
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
IF YOU GO THE LODGE at Torrey Pines is in La Jolla, a 20-minute drive from the San Diego International Airport. Take Interstate highway 5 heading north to La Jolla and exit at Genesee Ave., which becomes North Torrey Pines Rd. IF YOU PLAN a round of golf, book early. The Lodge can offer guests priority tee times. The Torrey Pines Golf Course also offers club rentals if you are travelling without your golf equipment.
TAKE YOUR walking shoes to enjoy a hike through the Torrey Pines State Reserve. There are guided walking tours twice daily. Even those who are not conditioned for a vigorous hike, will enjoy the experience. DO CONSIDER an evening at the nearby La Jolla Playhouse, a Tony-award-winning professional non-profit theatre. Many of the productions staged here move to Broadway.
One thing that guests might not want to venture too far for, Gross says, is the food. The resort has two restaurants that are not just popular with guests but attract a large clientele of local residents, a testament to their quality, he adds. The Lodge’s signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is named after artist Albert R. Valentien, whose original paintings are on display throughout the hotel and restaurant. In fact, the works of a number of artists are featured throughout the resort, with the artists lending their names to the meeting rooms and conference halls. •
VISIT THE BEACH. Several beaches are nearby, including the Torrey Pine State Beach. They are not quite within walking distance, but drivers at the Lodge are ready to drop and pick up guests, free of charge.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
59
TRAVEL
60
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
The other restaurant is The Grill, which features a 30-foot fireplace and rotisserie grill in the centre. “It’s the first thing you notice,” Gross says. “It’s massive. It’s almost big enough to be a lighthouse.” The wood-fired rotisserie produces a number of delectable dishes by head chef Jeff Jackson, a pioneer of what is known as the “farm to table” movement that draws on a tradition of preparing meals using the freshest items available according to season. Beauty, pampering, comfort and the paradoxical combination of serenity and activity make the Lodge at Torrey Pines a go-to destination in the San Diego region. •
The Lodge at Torrey Pines 11480 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, California 92037 858-453-4420 www.lodgetorreypines.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
61
d e t o V
#1 Flooring Store in Burnaby 5 Years in a Row! 2014 winner
B es
t of Burnaby
604.294.9663 (WOOD) 3744 Hastings Street, Burnaby casamadera@telus.net
www.casamaderafloors.com
1
E PLA1C6 20
BURN
ABY
movatohome.com
DESIGN
These products make it easy to create a beautiful deck, patio or lawn
CANADIANS LOVE TO LIVE OUTSIDE during the warm months. We cook, dine, swim, lounge and hang out under the sun and the stars. That’s why the outdoor room is an important extension of the decor we enjoy indoors. These items are on trend to help you decorate the perfect outdoor space.
TEAK A LOOK AT THIS The Teaka chair is made of 100 per cent teak with an eco-friendly resin webbing for the seating and back. A loose cushion offers added comfort. The wood will weather to a lovely silvery grey colour. Article www.article.com 888-746-3455
64
THE SUMMER ISSUE
OVER THE MOON Reminiscent of the best of 1960s design, the Luna chair is crafted of responsibly sourced rattan with a polypropylene binding and powder-coated steel frame. Put it on the patio, but it’s equally at home indoors.
Article www.article.com 888-746-3455
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
BEANBAG BLISS
WINE AND DINE
We love the plush vibe of the Kyoto outdoor collection, which has a waterproof inner liner and a Sunbrella outer shell to withstand rain and shine. Free shipping worldwide.
It’s lightweight but sturdy. The Akello outdoor dining chair has a polyester rattan seat and back, coated with a clear lacquer for easy cleaning. It can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Lujo
Anthropologie 2912 Granville St., Vancouver www.anthropologie.com 604-734-2529Â
www.lujoliving.com
BENCHED FOR HIGH STYLING
This minimalist rendition of a classic picnic table and bench is great for the backyard deck or the kitchen. The teakwood tops of the Bennett table and bench sit atop A-frame bases and are unsealed for a natural finish.
HANGOUT Anthropologie 2912 Granville St., Vancouver www.anthropologie.com 604-734-2529
What better place to nap under the trees on a hot afternoon than in this Moroccan-inspired hammock with its decorative fringe. It can be strung between two trees or in a sunroom for maximum repose.
Anthropologie 2912 Granville St., Vancouver www.anthropologie.com 604-734-2529
THE SUMMER ISSUE
65
movatohome.com
DESIGN
LANTERNS STEAL THE LIMELIGHT
For a romantic atmosphere during al fresco dining, these teakwood lanterns cast a gentle illumination. Light the candles as the sun sets, and enjoy your meal. Anthropologie 2912 Granville St., Vancouver
LIGHT MY FIRE
www.anthropologie.com
Chilly evenings call for the Baltic rectangle propane fire pit table by Real Flame. Cast from a lightweight fibre-concrete, it comes with lava rock filler and a matching lid for when the burner is not in use. The Baltic Collection is CSA-certified and features an electronic ignition. Free shipping.
604-734-2529
Wayfair www.wayfair.ca
HOME PLATES
These melamine plates bear the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company stripes, and are perfect for adults and children alike. This set of four plates is dishwasher safe.
THREE’S COMPANY Hudson’s Bay 674 Granville St., Vancouver www.thebay.com
Lounging poolside is an elegant experience with the three-piece Wyler wicker seating set. Cushions and an outdoor rug contribute to that outdoor-room ambience. Cocktails not included. Free shipping.
604-681-6211 Wayfair www.wayfair.ca
66
THE SUMMER ISSUE
THE COMFORTS OF HOME
Durable polyethylene wicker is a perfect material for weather resistance. The Amezcua three-piece patio set is low maintenance but comfortable with its durable cushions. This set includes a loveseat,
a right-facing chaise and an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. Free shipping. Wayfair www.wayfair.ca
UNDERSTATED UNDULATIONS
RETRO REDO
The Philodendron wood outdoor chaise lounge by Bay Isle Home features a slatted acacia wood design and a curvy, ergonomic shape. Perfect for poolside, use it as is or with throw pillows for added comfort. Free Shipping.
The Ameland retro-inspired chair from Distinctly Home is a new take on an old design. Eco-friendly Petan wicker combines with a natural wood base to add a touch of luxury to an outdoor space.
Wayfair
Hudson’s Bay
www.wayfair.ca
674 Granville St., Vancouver www.thebay.com 604-681-6211
THE SUMMER ISSUE
67
movatohome.com
DESIGN
A CLEAN
SLATE
A Marinaside penthouse is stripped down to the concrete and beautifully reimagined BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: JANIS NICOLAY STYLING: ERICA SCHMIDT AND IVAN QUINTANA
AN 18TH-FLOOR PENTHOUSE in a coveted neighbourhood. Windows that extend 12 feet from floor to ceiling, the better to enjoy an enviable panoramic view. What more could anyone want? Much more, it seems, for the owner of this Marinaside-area condo. Especially since renovating and building projects is the main business of Al Dietrich of Reotech Construction. To entertain clients, there had to be a level of sophistication in keeping with the upscale area. But it was also to be a home for him and his wife Cindy. •
68
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
69
DESIGN
70
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
(Above) The vibrant blue in the New Orleans street scene, painted by artist Vena, inspired the second-floor family room’s easy-going decor. In contrast, a more sophisticated and formal approach was taken in the living room (left).
movatohome.com
“Our challenge was to give the home some personality, reflect what makes them unique, while keeping a highly contemporary, minimalist look,” says Erica Schmidt, designer and partner at Medina Design House, who designed the home’s interiors with co-designer Ivan Quintana. The owner had his teams completely gut both floors of the 1,950-square foot condo. Almost nothing was kept from the original 2007 floor plan. Exterior walls were stripped back to the concrete and interior ones shifted, the three bedrooms and bathrooms were relocated. Ductwork was moved to extend ceiling heights. Only the kitchen remained in the same area because of the plumbing.
What went in: Dietrich wanted the very latest technology, in particular a very sophisticated smart-home system. From music to ambient temperatures to lights to security, everything can be regulated from a smartphone. All kitchen appliances are state-of-theart as well. Custom millwork was installed throughout and a grand open staircase connects the two floors. The canvas was prepared. “We worked a bit differently for this project, selecting big pieces for each room to make a statement rather than many smaller ones,” says co-designer Quintana, a partner at Medina Design House. “This was done with either furniture or artwork.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
71
DESIGN
movatohome.com
Furniture was chosen as the defining element for the living room on the main floor. Open to both the kitchen and dining room, it is where Al and Cindy entertain the most. Focal is a 113-inch low-slung contemporary sofa that had to be custom-made in two pieces to fit into the elevator; it takes pride of place against one wall. In front of it sits an imposing coffee table, designed by Medina Design House, crafted of a rough-hewn slate slab mined on Vancouver Island. Italian black marble facing on the fireplace adds impact. Walls were kept white so as not to detract from the amazing views of the city; they contrast with wide-planked maple hardwood with a dark stain. “In such a large space, we felt it was important to select elements that had a presence without overwhelming or making it feel smaller,� says Quintana.
Custom pieces add distinctive touches. (Left) The living room coffee table was designed and crafted by Medina Design House of metamorphic slate from Vancouver Island. Dining table and credenza: designed by Medina Design House and fabricated by Jamie Douglas of Douglas Solutions in collaboration with Fine Line Metal. Framed photograph: Walking Man, Versailles, France, from Captured 52 Photography.
72
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
The duo also designed the imposing dining room table and credenza. The sleek table seats six, and has no centre support or apron underneath. A local company fabricated the one-eighth-inch steel legs inset into the maple top, which was also crafted locally. Two very different materials used, yet the end result is totally seamless. A coordinated credenza was crafted of the same gray-stained maple and metal. Other elements, such as the Philippe Starck-design pendant light, were chosen to be unobtrusive and to allow the custom pieces to speak for themselves. “We like to support local trades and artisans, and enjoy the creative process of making one-of-a-kind pieces for our clients,” says Schmidt. “And buying local also means quicker delivery.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
73
A very personal work of art served as the design inspiration for the second-floor family room. The couple refer to it as the “Blue Room� after the painting by artist Vena that they purchased while strolling along a New Orleans street. The room is intended to be an informal space, where younger family members can feel comfortable. Off of it is the 850-square-foot patio that boasts panoramic views and a hot tub. One of two guest bedrooms is also located on the second level.
74
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
For the main-floor master bedroom, the designers took their cues from a work by Richmond photographer David Burdeny called Rising Moon Maui. The duo found an Italian-made bed with the right lines, then designed custom cabinets to flank it, and topped them with the same granite that was used on the fireplace. Cindy had wanted a cowhide rug, but the black-and-white colour didn’t fit the subdued palette. Schmidt proposed an ottoman covered with cowhide, dyed in a soft grey to harmonize with the wood, an original solution the clients loved.
movatohome.com
But it wasn’t only big-picture thinking for the designers; the finer details were also important. They chose everything from wall sconces and bathroom mirrors with embedded lighting to hand soaps, towels and bed linens. “The first thing Al mentioned was luxury,” says Quintana. “And in the end, it’s the way all the elements, big and small, come together that create a home that’s both elegant and very liveable.” •
Original works add an artful final touch to the bedrooms’ decor. In the master bedroom (opposite, top), Rising Moon Maui, a photograph by David Burney, is positioned above the bed. The painting in the guest bedroom, (opposite, bottom) is a landscape (oil on canvas) by Zoë Pawlak. Hallway painting: Forces of Light and Dark (acrylic on canvas) by Sasha Rogers.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
75
Traditional Hot Tub
Infinity Edge Hot Tub
INTERIOR DESIGN
RENOVATIONS & CONSTRUCTION
DEVELOPMENT
1463 W Pender Street, Vancouver BC V6G 2S3 www.RODROZEN.com 604.558.4443
movatohome.com
ART
AN ARTIST’S HOMECOMING U.S.-based Canadian artist James Verbicky exhibits his work for the first time in Canada
WITH HIS FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION IN VANCOUVER, which opened in April, Canadian mixedmedia artist James Verbicky marked a milestone, a sort of right of passage, if you will. His triumphant return home as an accomplished artist came after he’d made a name for himself abroad. It’s a familiar route for many in the Great White North’s art community. It makes recognition as a Canadian artist more than merely a function of his status as a native son, but a measure of appreciation of a tested creative force. “Canadians started buying my work once I was established down here,” Verbicky says during an interview from his home in California. His hope now is that his work will gain greater traction on this side of the border. •
Kostuik Gallery 1070 Homer St., Vancouver 604-737-396 www.kostuikgallery.com
78
THE SUMMER ISSUE
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
79
ART
80
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
“If you look at my work, there are many messages in one piece.”
“He was so excited to show in Canada,” says Jennifer Kostuik, the owner of Kostuik Gallery in Vancouver, which hosted Verbicky’s exhibition and sells his work. She will include Verbicky’s work in her contribution to the Toronto Art Fair in October. Kostuik describes his work simply as “very cool.” “Graffiti art is really popular, and you can find that in almost any country … and collage work has always been popular … but his work is a combination of the two. It’s a time warp, but it’s also very current. It’s extremely current,” she says. Verbicky’s art reflects on the role media, advertising and branding play in attempting to inf luence and manipulate. He uses images and vintage magazine advertising to create three-dimensional works that are part collage, part painting and part almost sculpture. These abstract panels capture persistent messages and challenge viewers to see the influencing scripts differently. “If you look at my work, there are many messages in one piece,” Verbicky says. “It’s my voice. It’s my language – every piece I make. What I love to hear from collectors is that they are constantly seeing new things.” Each piece, he says, contains a cheeky message. “I want them to start thinking.”
Verbicky’s work has found a market with a number of celebrities in the U.S., including television personality Dr. Phil, designer Calvin Klein, supermodel Lara Stone and actors Cameron Mathison (All My Children), Jon Cryer (Two and A Half Men) and Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm In the Middle). He also gained recognition in Europe when, in 2008, he was selected by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts to be part of a juried exhibition at the Louvre in Paris, where one of his works was on display for a month.
The artist described that opportunity at the world-renowned gallery as a “once in a lifetime” experience that has left him with one regret: He sold the piece that was on display at the Louvre. “I should have kept it because it was stamped ‘From the Louvre,’ so it was priceless,” he says. •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
81
ART
movatohome.com
An Edmonton native who spent his teenage years in Victoria and then Vancouver, Verbicky always knew he was an artist, but he struggled to establish himself in his career. He moved to the United States in 2000. “I started out so small; my studio was so small,” he says. Back then, he worked on unstretched canvases because he could roll them up. But being in the U.S. without a green card added extra pressure. He could not take on odd jobs to support himself. This meant that he had to prevail as an artist. “I was put in a position where I had no choice but to succeed.” The situation had its obstacles, but the hurdles also served as opportunities. In his quest to obtain a green card, he met a few key people, including a lawyer who petitioned for his green card based on his talent. This process required that he solicit the support of several gallery owners who would write letters attesting to his contribution to the art scene. This, in turn, helped him make connections to get his work seen. Today, Verbicky’s success can be measured in several ways. It’s not all financial, although he admits he makes a comfortable living. “I know I’m successful as an artist, and I look at it from who is collecting me now,” he says. He did an exhibition last summer in Sun Valley, Idaho, that coincided with a big tech conference in the same town. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the King of Jordan as well as many titans of the tech industry saw his work. “Josh James came into the show and started pointing – ‘I will take that. I will take that,’ ” Verbicky says, explaining how the tech billionaire who founded firms including Omniture and Domo, bought several of his pieces. He likes that a growing list of high-profile people understand what he is doing and trying to say. Many of his works deal with influence. He mocks plagiarism. He calls out those he refers to as ‘sheeple,’ people who follow without questioning why. “I always thought of my work as branding warfare,” he says. •
82
THE SUMMER ISSUE
ART VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
James Verbicky’s art is being exhibited at the Kostuik Gallery, 1070 Homer St., Vancouver. For information: 604-737-3969, www.kostuikgallery.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
83
DESIGN
SPRING INTO GETTING ORGANIZED Cleaning closets of winter’s detritus can free up valuable time BY TRUDY KERMAN
SPRING IS A TRADITIONAL TIME of year in which to clear clutter from our homes. Slogging through a jungle of boots, shoes and clothing that has been accumulating throughout the winter can rob us of one of our most valuable commodities: time. If you’ve accumulated stuff that no longer serves you, and your closet is overdue for a clean-out, there’s no need to get overwhelmed by clutter. The right closet, properly organized, can be a solution to time-consuming searches for seasonal clothing. Seek the guidance of a professional, advises Tara Blanchet, design and sales manager of California Closets in Vancouver, a company that builds closets, cabinets and shelving. “The whole thing is about getting organized so our clients can find things,” Blanchet says. “We’re not (professional) organizational experts, but I’ve had to work with people who are too emotionally attached to their stuff. To get rid of things, I tell them to get a box, put in the things they want to keep but aren’t sure about, and close it up. Label what’s inside. If you don’t open it within six months to use what’s inside, drop it off at the Sally Ann or Value Village.”
84
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
This mother of two small children knows a thing or two about tackling the stuff that proliferates in a home. She photographs her children’s art and puts it into an electronic album, such as Shutterfly, interspersed with photos of them. “Kids like to be organized. They love to see where their stuff is. When I design for kids, I use a lot of baskets and hooks. Drawers and shelves are low so they can help themselves to jammies and underwear. I’m building independent little people,” says Blanchet, who drew inspiration from her three-year-old daughter, who declared ‘I do it myself’ when she was being helped to get dressed one morning. Toy storage with desk-and-dresser combinations is in high demand in children’s rooms because their closets are often taken over by parents.
movatohome.com
“Part of the service we offer is the designer who wants to help the customer find their storage style. Some people like to have their jeans folded, on a shelf. Some like having them hung up. I like shoes on shelves above my hanging clothes, but some clients say: ‘I won’t put my shoes away, up there.’ So I move the shoe shelf to the bottom,” she says. “If you have a seasonal swap-out, you can adjust the space for storing sweaters on the shelves. I like to hang my t-shirts. I like to be able to see everything I’ve got at once,” she says. “A lot of clients say ‘I should have tidied up before you came,’ and I say ‘No. I need to see the chaos you live in so I can help.’ ” •
California Closets Vancouver 2421 Granville St. Vancouver www.californiaclosets.com 604-320-6575
THE SUMMER ISSUE
85
86
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Photo courtesy of Kohler
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
FORGET THE RULES
Designing a powder room allows one’s inner wild child to be set free
DO YOU EVER GET TIRED OF RULES? There are rules for everything. You can’t mow your lawn before 8 a.m. You can’t park there after 9. I’m sorry; you will have to shut off your phone. Please try us again later; our service desk does not take calls on Saturdays. Sign here next to the X. You can’t wear stripes with polka dots. Don’t even think of walking your dog without a leash. But what if there were a tiny space where there were no rules? Walk into the modern powder room. It’s where homeowners are being bold. It’s also where anything goes. •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
87
DESIGN
movatohome.com
“With the rest of the house you don’t want to be too risky, but you can have more fun in the powder room.”
“It’s the room to have fun and express yourself with,” says Denise McIntosh, the owner and senior designer at Vancouver’s Genesis Kitchens & Design, which also specializes in bathrooms. “It’s closed off from the rest of the house. It’s a small space. If they want to express themselves, it’s the space to do it.” And how they are doing it, she says, is with textures, pops of colour and bling. “Wallpaper is coming back,” McIntosh explains. Specifically, textured wallpaper and textured tiles, with which to create a wainscotting effect. There are quite a few options to choose from, too. Wallpaper is also a way to play with colour, she says, adding that florals are coming back, as well as black-and-white patterns with a punch of colour. “A lot of it is not necessarily to be different. We don’t want to be too trendy. With the rest of the house you don’t want to be too risky, but you can have more fun in the powder room,” she says.
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bath Centre
88
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Photos courtesy of Kohler
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
Sleekness is in. Homeowners are embracing a contemporary aesthetic, says Donna Church, marketing and communications manager with Kohler Canada, the kitchen and bathroom fixture manufacturer. It’s all about minimal, timeless beauty. Church points to Kohler’s new line of faucets called Composed as the perfect example. All unnecessary details have been eliminated. “The Composed faucet is truly a work of art,” she says. “Its clean, timeless design and elegant lines embody the beautifully understated elements of minimalist design.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
89
DESIGN
movatohome.com
90
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Photos courtesy of Room8
However, when it comes to bling, the trend is toward chandeliers – small, space-appropriate models that are dainty – and fixtures in brushed golds and black. Vanja Santic, the owner of Vancouver design firm ROOM8, is seeing the return to wallpaper, too. She’s talking papers with big, bold design elements and bright colours. Homeowners are opting to go with a feature wall, using wallpaper with, for example, a 10-foot image of a koi fish, or a profile of a woman, or even a huge parrot. “It’s different. It’s very unique,” Santic says. Textured wallpaper is also gaining traction in powder rooms. “Some look like velvet. Some look like stone. Some look like silk. It adds a different dimensional item to the wall,” she says. Chandeliers with tiny LED bulbs can make an elegant addition to a small half-bath. Another option is black marble. Single slabs with gold veining can make a statement, Santic says. Or, go bold with a black marble Boffi vessel sink imported from Italy. •
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
Photos courtesy of Room8
“It’s different. It’s very unique… It adds a different dimensional item to the wall.”
THE SUMMER ISSUE
91
movatohome.com
Photos courtesy of Atlantis Bath Centre
DESIGN
Hilda Zeinali, a production and design consultant with Cantu Bathrooms & Hardware Ltd., says she is seeing more mixed metals in powder rooms. Chrome and brushed nickel are being pushed aside in favour of brass, copper and black-finished fixtures. Even industrial-style plumbing fixtures are trending. “It’s not modern or traditional, but a cool in-between,” she says.
92
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
Referring to f ixtures as the “jewelry of the bathroom,” Zeinali says they are going upscale. And that sometimes includes wall-mounted faucets. “Whether it’s modern or traditional, people really like the look of faucets coming out of the walls,” she says. This option also has the benefit of clearing up space on the counter. She admits, however, that it is really more a design option. “It’s being more unique.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
93
movatohome.com
DESIGN
UPSIZING RATHER THAN DOWNSIZING
A retired couple buys a larger home to welcome visits from children and grandchildren BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN PERRY STYLING: NEGAR REIHANI
THEY WERE RETIRED, but downsizing was not an option for the owners of this North Vancouver three-storey home. There would be no two-bedroom condo for them. They commissioned a new single-family house with one-third more living space than they’d had previously for a total of 6,500 square feet. The blueprints called for three bedrooms on the second floor and another three in the basement. •
94
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
95
DESIGN
96
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
“They wanted plenty of space so their three grown children and grandchildren could feel free to visit and would want to hang out,” explains interior designer Negar Reihani, owner of Space Harmony, whom the owners called upon to complete the home’s interiors. The couple wanted to live large when it came to the decor, too. Having tired of their former traditional and classic style, they instructed their designer to give every inch of the new home a contemporary and West Coast edge. Such an approach relies on incorporating natural elements, especially stone and wood. Reihani began by suggesting bleached, wirebrushed engineered oak flooring throughout, keeping the wall colour marshmallow white. In high contrast, a darker-toned wenge wood veneer was used on cabinetry in the kitchen and in the home’s five bathrooms. “In a large home like this one, combining different wood tones can add warmth to the space in a very inviting and chic way as long as you know how to mix and match them,” she says. Against the kitchen’s rich brown cabinetry, a mammoth 16-foot-long island makes a strong contemporary statement. Topped with white quartz and with a waterfall edge on both sides, it can easily seat all the grandchildren at once for breakfast. Solid sheets of white back-painted glass serve a s a moder n-look i ng back spla sh, a nd the lack of grout lines assures easy maintenance, another must-have. Off it lies a small family room with a TV and over-sized sectional for lounging. •
The contemporary and elegant kitchen is open to the family room and views of the Lions Gate Bridge, and inlet and mountains beyond. Range: Wolf; refrigerator: Sub-Zero; sink and faucet: Kohler.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
97
movatohome.com
DESIGN
Early in the design process, the owners discovered they were unwilling to make as dramatic a break from the past as they had thought. So many items with sentimental value just couldn’t be discarded – from prized antiques, such as 18th-century French decorative vases to memorabilia collected during their travels. Reihani proposed adjusting the design approach. “In order to make the more traditional keepsakes blend, we went with very simple and clean lines everywhere as a backdrop,” she says. “So when they introduced their more ornate pieces, there would be a nice balance.” In the open-concept main floor, for instance, the dining area is defined by a large chandelier. It has a contemporary look, but
98
THE SUMMER ISSUE
is crafted from the traditional materials that the owners favour: crystal and brass accents. The square table under it says contemporary, yet the owners’ gold-trimmed antique china set does not look out of place. A prized Persian carpet enjoys pride of place in the living room. On it, two identical ivory sofas in a transitional style face each other, a placement that looks uncluttered and modern, the designer says. Reihani picked up on pink and peach tones in the rug to highlight the accessories. The room’s focal point, an elegant gas fireplace, takes on a contemporary edge with a long and linear look, while the Cristallo natural stone facing is pure elegance. •
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
“All their memories and beautiful things fit right in with the modern decor and a new lifestyle.”
THE SUMMER ISSUE
99
movatohome.com
DESIGN
The original drawings called for a spiral staircase, which the homeowners later decided would not look contemporary enough. Designer Negar Reihani’s solution was to cover the floating risers and handrails with oak to match the flooring. She also added sinuously curving glass panels. Walls provide an elegant backdrop, covered in textured slate-coloured wallpaper, flecked with burnished gold.
100
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
The main floor powder room also has a bold contemporary look. The designer solved the difficult window placement by centring a floor-to-ceiling column covered with a mirror. A glass-topped wenge cabinet seems to float in front of it, topped with a 36-inch rose granite pedestal sink. For contrasting texture, the walls are covered with a luxe-look
movatohome.com
grasscloth wallpaper in a graphite colour with subtle metallic undertones. “The finished home is understated and elegant, as they requested,” says Reihani. “And all their memories and beautiful things fit right in with the modern decor and a new lifestyle.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
101
movatohome.com
DESIGN
WAY OFF THE BEATEN PATH Blogger La Carmina brings unusual fashion, foods and travel destinations to her readers BY TRACEY MACKENZIE
CARMEN YUEN WAS SEARCHING for a way to exercise her creativity after completing her first year of a law degree at Yale University in 2007. During her undergraduate years at Columbia University, she had enjoyed a well-rounded curriculum that included art and music, and she yearned for some creative self-expression. “I was in love with Harajuku fashion (the alternative, experimental styles found in the Harajuku district of Tokyo) and Japanese subcultures,” Yuen says, adding that she launched a blog under the name “La Carmina” to connect with others who shared her interests. Within a year, the blog had several hundred thousand readers, and Yuen found herself travelling to Japan to meet with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern to film an episode of Bizarre Foods. “This was a life-changing event for me,” says Yuen, who is known in the blogosphere as “La Carmina.” •
102
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
103
DESIGN
“Not only did Andrew teach me to be fearless with food, but also with life itself. He made me realize that I should think bigger and that I should expand my horizons. Up until then, I had mainly focused on Japanese culture.” Yuen has since, as La Carmina, written and illustrated Cute Yummy Time, a cookbook based on Japanese character bento, which features food decorated to resemble people, animals and plants. It was followed by Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo, a book that explores the bizarre world of such themed venues as the Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Café, where chocolate pens are used to decorate crepes. Born to a father who is an architect and a mother who is a real estate agent, Yuen learned about style and aesthetics at home. “I used to walk around and look at buildings with my dad and visit houses with my mom,” she says. Growing up in Vancouver, she also spent time in Hong Kong and Japan, where she developed a passion for Japanese subcultures. Influenced by both Gothic and Harajuku fashion, Yuen has a personal style that attracts attention, and her clothes have become popular. So popular, in fact, that she recently listed hundreds of unique items for sale on Depop, an online shop. Yuen admits her fashion sense is not for everyone; she once described her style as “Morticia Addams meets Hello Kitty.” However, there is a perfect balance to it. “I am a shape-shifter who likes to combine styles,” she says. “I like to be original.” Travel is another favourite activity. “I am addicted to travel,” she says, adding that many of her trips are sponsored by airlines and fashion houses. “Some destinations are a lot of fun, like the Gracery Shinjuku Hotel, a.k.a. the Godzilla Hotel in Tokyo,” she says. “There is a towering Godzilla statue that looks over the terrace and which moves and roars and has flashing eyes. There’s even a Godzilla room that you can rent if you want to really get up close and personal with the monster.”
104
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
However, despite her predilection for kitsch culture, La Carmina writes about travel experiences that are off-the-beaten-tourist path. For her, “inspired travel” includes visits to temples in Myanmar and art exhibits that portray local cultures. “I like to ask myself questions such as ‘what are young people doing in Vietnam?’ or ‘What’s the art scene like in Myanmar?’ I want to connect with the people and learn about their culture,” she says. Yuen wrote about “Inherit the Dust,” an exhibit of photos by photographer Nick Brandt at the Stockholm Photography Museum. The photographer overlaid images of wildlife onto pictures of slums and quarries in east Africa. The result is a compelling effect of elephants roaming through industrial wastelands. In Myanmar, Yuen visited the Shwedagon Temple – also known as the golden temple – one of the country’s most sacred sites. Photographs portray children, their faces painted to protect their skin from the sun, punk rockers praying, monks and nuns, and chanting Buddhist children. “Since Myanmar has only recently opened its doors to foreigners, there are very few tourists in landmarks like these,” says Yuen. “It is still very locals-only.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
105
DESIGN
La Carmina has also appeared on “Better Late than Never,� a realty-travel show on NBC that features celebrities William Shatner, Terry Bradshaw, Henry Winkler, George Foreman and Jeff Dye as they travel around Asia. She is pictured here with William Shatner.
106
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
So how does Yuen decide on where to visit? “I’m not a tourist,” she says. “If I visit Amsterdam, I’m not going to visit the Anne Frank House or the Red Light District. I’m going to search out the underground scene instead.” She follows subcultures and underground lifestyles globally. What’s in this successful blogger’s future? In addition to chronicling off beat trends in travel, food and fashion, Yuen has turned her attention to interior design. She recently redecorated her Vancouver apartment, which she has profiled on her blog at www.lacarmina.com. Wherever she travels next, it’s a sure thing that she’ll seek out the unconventional and share her discovery with the rest of the world. “I blog about the things that inspire me,” she says. “I want to inspire others.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
107
movatohome.com
TRAVEL
UNDER THE SUN
REST, ROMANCE AND REJUVENATION
This Arizona resort promises a romantic sojourn and an opportunity for renewal WEDDINGS, ROMANTIC GETAWAYS AND SUNSHINE. These are among the specialties associated with the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, one of Arizona’s award-winning destination hotels. And just to add a little dash of style and intrigue, it all comes packaged in a setting that is heaped in ancient Spanish tradition. •
108
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
109
TRAVEL
Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert at the foot of Camelback Mountain, the resort in Paradise Valley just east of Phoenix is inspired by the whitewashed villages of Andalusia in southern Spain. In fact, artifacts from the Andalusia region can be found throughout the resort, including terracotta “tinjas,” or oil jars, that come from the Spanish countryside in Jaén, a province in north-eastern Andalusia. “When the property was f irst being planned, the architect and designer went on a trip to Italy, Spain and Mexico for artefacts and to find inspiration,” says Chloe Dake, public relations and communications manager at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. Among the items they found on this expedition were handcrafted tiles. Couples taking a romantic stroll on the property might notice these hand-painted slabs that now cover the floor in the resort’s main entrance. These are the same tiles that once were part of the floor of a small 19th century tavern in the town of Guadix in the Spanish province of Granada. The tiles have witnessed generations of people gathering to enjoy a glass of wine and tapas. “It’s a really unique place with the Spanish architecture and the Spanish feeling,” Dake says of the resort. “The antiquities add to the unique sense of place; it’s not an everyday experience.”•
110
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
111
movatohome.com
TRAVEL
Another popular feature that adds to the resort’s charm and traces its origin to an earlier time is what many guests refer to simply as “the bell.” Officially known as The Bell of El Camino Real, it is one of the original 450 bells that marked the route called the El Camino Real, or the “King’s Highway,” which was the first roadway in California. Today, guests throughout the resort hear it ring as each newlywed couple is invited to let it peal to mark the beginning of their married life. The Omni Scottsdale is a popular wedding spot, with more than 50 ceremonies and receptions held there every year, Dake says. Although both the bride and groom are invited to ring the bell, Dake admits most of the photos on display on the resort’s Montelucia’s Cherished Memories wall show the woman taking on the task. “Most of the time, the groom lets the bride ring it,” Dake says. “It rings throughout the property.”
112
THE SUMMER ISSUE
One of the reasons there are so many weddings at the Omni Scottsdale is because the resort caters to romance. Some of the wedding ceremonies are held at the Castillo Lucerna, a chapel. The door to Castillo Lucerna is a massive colonial handcrafted piece of solid teak from northern Portugal. It features 72 framed panels, and the original decorative bronze nails are easily visible. The massive portal also has a small “zaguan,” or door within a door. But once you walk through this history-steeped entrance, let the magic begin. The interior space, with its high ceilings and mirrored walls, can be configured to accommodate both the wedding ceremony and a reception. “It can be transformed depending on what the guest is looking for,” Dake explains. “We really are a romantic destination.”
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
But you don’t have to get married to get caught up in the romance of the surroundings. One of the simplest pleasures is a romantic stroll on the many paths throughout the property, Dake says. You may want to indulge yourself at the resort’s Joya Spa, home to Arizona’s only hammam experience, a Mediterranean bathing ritual that is described as “a pleasurable, cleansing and social experience.” Guests can enjoy a range of exquisite dining at the resort – from its signature restaurant, Prado, which sets the bar for fine dining in the region with a dash of Old World charm, to the casual Mbar lounge, where guests can relax at the outdoor communal tables to share wood-fired tapas and toast with one of several unique sangria blends.•
THE SUMMER ISSUE
113
TRAVEL
114
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
TRAVEL VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
IF YOU GO If you are planning a visit to the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia, here are a few recommendations: TAKE A PAIR of sturdy closed-toe shoes and comfortable active wear if you plan to hike up Camelback Mountain. Echo Canyon, one of two trails at the site, is minutes from the resort. This type of excursion is best enjoyed in the cooler months, however.
IF YOU PLAN to visit during the summer months, when temperatures can reach 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended that you rent a cabana by the pool. The shaded spaces are equipped with misters and include fruit platters, chips and salsa, water bottles, sunscreen, and lip balm for up to six guests. The cabana packages have tiered options that include drink packages and choice locations.
IF YOU PLAN to indulge yourself, it is best to book your spa treatments ahead of time. The Joya Spa is very popular with locals. Reserve your spot when you book.
With 293 guest rooms, 38 luxury suites and two presidential suites that include 2,500 square feet of living space and access to a private pool, there are many ways to experience a special couple’s getaway. Oh, and did anyone mention that it rarely rains in Arizona? The resort confidently boasts that it sees an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. •
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia www.omnimontelucia.com 888-444-OMNI
THE SUMMER ISSUE
115
DESIGN
116
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
STAND-OUT STYLE A Yaletown townhouse is designed to be original but also a cozy family home BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN BILLINGHURST STYLING: AMBER KINGSNORTH
THE SUMMER ISSUE
117
DESIGN
YALETOWN IS HOT; it’s a neighbourhood that is home to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants, nightspots and boutiques. It’s also the place the owners of this circa-1990 two-storey townhouse call home. When it came time to renovate it though, a hipster vibe was not what they were after. “The couple insisted that the style reflect them and that it be a fun family home for their two toddlers,” says interior designer Amber Kingsnorth, principal at MāK Interiors of Vancouver. “They have sophisticated tastes, but didn’t want it to be stuffy or pretentious in any way.”
118
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
What had to go: bland builder-standard finishings throughout. The kitchen’s flat-front maple cabinetry, brown-and-beige f lecked marble countertops, and aging appliances all spoke of a past era. And the massive fireplace in the living room with its Mediterranean-style stucco facing, seemed out of step with the times. The designer also improved the main floor layout of the 1,900-square-foot home. The location of the living and dining rooms was switched, placing the latter off the kitchen. Working with contractors Boyes Brothers Construction, Kingsnorth had a set of French doors removed to keep an open hallway leading into the living room, which in turn opens onto a 1,000-square-foot patio. Two bedrooms, a den and a playroom are located on the second floor. •
Pieces that are key to the home’s design were custom-crafted locally. Multi-species hardwood flooring: Urban Acre Flooring; custom walnut dining room table and bench: Kate Duncan; pendant lights: Espiritu Design & Notae Studio co-creation; kitchen cabinets: RBM Builders; counter stools: Blue Dot.
THE SUMMER ISSUE
119
DESIGN
New f looring – spectacular at that – was one of the first things Kingsnorth changed. Now running throughout both storeys, it is what first captures the eye when one enters the home. “The owners wanted something with a lot of variation, and I went through tons of samples without finding ‘the one,’ ” says Kingsnorth. “In the end, I went to a mill in the Okanagan to have it custom-made.” Urban Acre Flooring crafted the striking engineered hardwood planks of eight types of wood: black walnut, white and brown maple, white and red oak, two types of hickory, and an exotic wood from Africa called sapele. Unusual flooring, this time hand-painted tiles, adds a distinctive touch to the new three-piece bathroom on the main f loor. It was a must-have because the home originally had only one bathroom, which was on the second floor. Now there is a full shower, and a vanity made of a Mid-century Modern-style cabinet topped with a sleek vessel sink. But it’s the tiles that really add punch. Each box of the Italian-import tiles contains a gradient of blues and greens, says the designer, which are arranged to create various effects. “Many clients would have found them too crazy,” she says, “but the tiles suited the homeowners’ sense of fun and wanting something different.” • (Above) A discreet door off the living room leads to the powder room. Rug: Flor; chairs: West Elm; hassock: Via; sofa: Nathan Anthony. (Opposite) Built-in cabinets flank the living room fireplace and help contain children’s toys and other clutter. Artwork: prints by Molly M Designs.
“The tiles suited the homeowners’ sense of fun and wanting something different.” 120
THE SUMMER ISSUE
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
THE SUMMER ISSUE
121
DESIGN
122
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
The couple also have a passion for Mid-century Modern furniture. In the living room, the designer created an architectural feature inspired by the style to showcase their favourite pieces. A series of maple slats is aligned in parallel strips up the fireplace wall and across the ceiling. The pergola-like feature artfully defines the space, at the same time creating a sense of airiness and intimacy. Built-in cabinets flank the fireplace to contain the clutter, which is inevitable with small children in the house. The natural wood features provide a counterpoint to the colour scheme, also in a Mid-century Modern theme. Here the homeowners instructed their designer to use the abstract paintings of Piet Mondrian as inspiration. This meant the use of bold lines and a neutral palette of white and black, punctuated by the three primary colours: yellow, red and blue. The approach is most apparent in the kitchen, where striking blue cabinetry predominates. The cabinets’ clean lines are enhanced by wood edging, a line of exposed plywood trim. They contrast beautifully with the new stainless steel appliances, pale grey quartz countertops and the backsplash with its tiny linear glass tiles. Distinctive details help pull the look together; the bold white handles on the blue cabinets echo the white upper cabinets. Tomato-red counter stools and faucet add splashes of primary colour. Practical considerations, such as storage, were also addressed. Since the couple dislike small appliances on the countertops, there is a built-in coffeemaker. A portion of the tall blue cabinet was especially designed to house Vitamix machines that the health-conscious couple use every day. Sliding drawers make it easy to access them.
But it’s what you do see, the one-of-a-kind custom touches, that really make this home stand out. “The homeowners were really open to original ideas,” says Kingsnorth. “And in the end, it paid off, as they now have a place that is not only truly unique and stylish, but also feels like home.” •
THE SUMMER ISSUE
123
DESIGN
MUSIC IS IN THE AIR
Tom Lee Music opens its flagship store in Vancouver BY SUSAN KELLY
JUST IN TIME FOR the summer music festival season, Tom Lee Music threw a big bash over the June 3 weekend. What grander way to open a state-of-the-art flagship store in the rejuvenated Vancouver Centre Cinemas building? Among the activities: classical pianist Jenny Lin was one of the headliners performing live at the new venue, which included rocker Shaun Verreault, jazz boogie-woogie pianist Michael Kaeshammer and a host of other artists.
124
THE SUMMER ISSUE
movatohome.com
DESIGN VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
The party may be over, but not the excitement. Any visit to the new store can feel like an event. There’s a lot to take in – an inspiring and beautifully designed feast for the eyes with soaring ceilings and special acoustic zones for the ears. “We have proudly created a new space that redefines what a music store can and should be,” says Graham Blank, vice president and director of Tom Lee Music. A lot has changed in the music world since the company first opened its doors as a piano store in 1969, he says. The way we make music, from the instruments we play to the tools we record with, has evolved dramatically. And so a great deal of floor space is devoted to advances in music technology: the latest synthesizers and other digital equipment, plus interactive displays to explore them. And, since they are increasingly inseparable for some, integrated sound and video technology. But the acoustically inclined also will feel at home here. After all, Tom Lee Music is one of the largest retailers of musical instruments on the continent. The new flagship Vancouver store also continues to carry an unmatched collection of rare and one-of-a-kind instruments, including signature-edition guitars, custom art case pianos, and folk instruments. The tradition of representing all categories of musical instruments and equipment continues, along with options to make them affordable, such as sales and financing.
movatohome.com
“We have proudly created a new space that redefines what a music store can and should be.” There’s a lot going on at the 728 Granville St. store on any given day. Those who missed the inaugural concerts can take in more to come in the integrated 70-seat stage. They can also catch performances on the patio as part of several summer festivals. Just want to dash in for new guitar strings or sheet music? The innovative centre was designed to create a flow to guide one’s steps.
It’s easy to find a niche, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a parent looking to get your child’s first instrument. “Whether a n a spir ing musicia n or professional artist, customers will find the products and tools they want at their fingertips,” says Blank. •
Tom Lee Music 728 Granville St., Vancouver 604-685-8471 www.tomleemusic.ca
THE SUMMER ISSUE
125
IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
Being outdoors is a ubiquitous rite of summer in Canada. That’s no surprise in a country that enjoys such wonderful estival weather. Increasingly, homeowners are transforming their backyards to get the most out of the season. In addition to beautiful landscaping, we are installing decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, televisions and sound systems, cabanas, hot tubs, swimming pools … in short, everything that takes the comforts of indoors outside. In our next issue, we show you the great outdoors and how you can make the most of your yard, too. Don’t miss our upcoming Outdoors Issue.
IS YOUR OFFICE PHONE SYSTEM FROM A DIFFERENT ERA? Get a completely new and updated IPPBX phone system in your office today with no upfront equipment costs, and still save over 50% on your current
provider services!!
The EasyVoice business phone service is a new all in one package that gives Small office, and medium sized businesses, one easy and very affordable way to get all your telecom phone system needs without spending any upfront money for phones and IPPBX equipment costs, and still save you on average over 50% on your current carriers costs, and all while giving you many more features with no extra costs, and with no contract commitments.
Starting from only $6.95 per month! Call us today at 1-866-727-4383, or visit our website at www.easyvoice.ca – Business Solutions, or email joedesousa@easyvoice.ca to find out how we can help your business get a new updated phone system and all the latest features and benefits and save you hundreds on your telecom needs.
BUYER’S GUIDE VANCOUVER SUMMER 2017
movatohome.com
AN ARTIST’S HOMECOMING Kostuik Gallery www.kostuikgallery.com 604-737-3969
A CLEAN SLATE Medina Design House www.medinadesignhouse.com 604-398-2668
Craig Chevalier Custom Home Designs www.chevalierdesigns.com 604-987-9365
FORGET THE RULES Cantu Bathrooms and Hardware www.cantubathrooms.com 604-688-1252
ART BY DESIGN Patricia Gray, Artist www.patriciagrayinc.com/art.php 604-681-6523
Reotech Construction www.reotech.ca 604-540-2313
IN LINE WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS Sarah Gallop Design Inc. www.sarahgallop.com 604-952-4448
ROOM8 www.room8.ca 604-734-1323
MUSIC IS IN THE AIR Tom Lee Music www.tomleemusic.ca 604-685-8471 FIVE-STAR STAYCATIONS Coast Spas Lifestyles www.coastspas.ca 604-534-SPAS (7727) SPRING INTO GETTING ORGANIZED California Closets Vancouver www.californiaclosets.com 604-320-6575
WAY OFF THE BEATEN PATH La Carmina www.lacarmina.com UPSIZING RATHER THAN DOWNSIZING Space Harmony www.spaceharmony.ca 604-782-1450 STAND-OUT STYLE MAK Interiors www.makinteriors.ca 604-685-0622 COMPLEX SIMPLICITY Raveninside Interior Design www.raveninside.com
Genesis Kitchens www.genesiskitchens.ca 604-937-7336
Gallery Homes www.galleryhomes.ca 778-891-9066 604-341-0327 REST, ROMANCE AND REJUVENATION UNDER THE SUN Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia www.omnimontelucia.com 888-444-OMNI FOR A RELAXING AND ACTIVE STAY The Lodge at Torrey Pines www.lodgetorreypines.com 858-453-4420
AD LIST
6 30 9 11 63 132 62 76 31 126 17 52 2 19 127 130 40 13 77 4 7 41 15 21
ACO Systems Beyond Beige Bone Structure Brougham Interiors Cable Wine Systems California Closets Casa Madera Coast Spas East India Carpets Easy Voice Euroline Genesis Kitchens Granite Transformations Kohler Kostuik Gallery My House Osoyoos Cottages Paramount Furniture Rodrozen Room8 Spencer Interiors Thinkglass Tom Lee Music Window Works
DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017
movatohome.com
GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD DESIGN
1-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONLY $17.23 www.movatohome.com
Twitter: @movatohome
Facebook: facebook.com/movatohome
Instagram: @movatohome THE KITCHEN ISSUE
1
Š2017 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.
Experience a California Closets system custom designed specifically for you and the way you live. Visit us online today to arrange for a complimentary in-home design consultation.
604.320.6575 B U R N A BY
californiaclosets.com
5049 Still Creek Avenue
VA N C OU V ER
2421 Granville Street