Nestled in the suburbs outside of Vancouver B.C., this new-construction home offered so many things that living near the city center could not: a slower pace, more space, and the pleasure that comes with being surrounded by nature. “The feeling of calm and sense of openness in the neighborhood was something that we wanted to carry into the home,” interior designer Carmen Javier says.
The homeowners—both creative business owners who work from home—reached out to Carmen to help them settle into the new space. “When abroad, they love collecting art, vintage pieces, and special trinkets,” the designer says. “We wanted to incorporate these unique, thoughtful details to ensure this new build home felt like ‘them’ right away. A work-from-home lifestyle also meant that the space needed to be quite minimal and serene to act as a backdrop for their creative endeavors. A goal of ours was to integrate design-forward, statement pieces, while exercising restraint.”
Carmen’s scope of work included furnishing and styling the primary bedroom, living room, great room, and dining room. “We also did minor renovations to the main floor’s powder room,” she adds. “New builds can often feel lacking in personality and character when you first move in. We chose to add in unlacquered brass in the powder room to bring a sense of character to the space. As a living finish, the brass patinated within a few months of time and will continue to change as it ages.”
The home also includes many vintage and antique accessories: the rustic stool in the powder room, clay vessels, and great selection of coffee table books. “The client collects photography and fashion books which we incorporated when styling the coffee table,” Carmen says.
It took about a year for the space to feel complete. “So many of the pieces were custom,” the designer explains, “and good things take time! I don’t think the house finally became their home until after the furniture was installed. That’s when you can envision the holidays, the family hosting, and all of the future memories to enjoy for years to come.”
