This charming West Vancouver home belongs to Robert and Elizabeth (names changed), a professional couple with three high school and university-aged sons and two beloved golden retrievers who are very much part of the family. Known for their love of outdoor pursuits—boating, skiing, basketball, tennis and more—they wanted their home to reflect their active lifestyle while providing comfortable, stylish spaces for gathering and unwinding.
The couple came to us with a clear vision: to embrace a modern coastal style, incorporate personal touches, showcase cherished artwork, and create a sanctuary where Elizabeth could relax with her dogs.
Project Scope
Our work encompassed the entire house, which includes a spacious main floor, basement, and second floor. Upon visiting, we saw a home full of potential but needing updates to reflect their evolving style:
Before: West Vancouver Home Renovation
With an ideal layout and stunning new oak floors, the bones were already there. However, dated furnishings and decor were detracting from the home’s character. Together with Robert and Elizabeth, we decided to approach the renovation in three phases, allowing them to live comfortably in their home throughout the transformation.
In Phase 1, we redesigned the boys’ bedrooms (not yet photographed). Phase 2 focused on transforming the main floor and basement, while Phase 3—currently in planning—will address the primary suite and bathrooms.
Now, their newly transformed main floor and basement not only aligns with their lifestyle but also brings a sense of tranquillity and comfort.
After: Warm & Inviting Great Room
Expansive yet cozy, this transformation is undeniably inviting. The great room, positioned just off the kitchen, serves as the heart of the home — a space for family and friends to gather comfortably. We sourced large-scale furnishings in soothing grey tones, creating a modern coastal aesthetic that is both relaxed and refined.
Aside from the oversized windows showcasing beautiful views of downtown Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge, the focal point here is undoubtedly the fireplace. We refaced it with light, cream-coloured brick and added a refined oak mantel to complement the wood floors. A neutral nubbly wool area rug grounds the room, creating a cozy spot for the family dogs to lounge.
A continuation of light oak and natural wood tones enhances the room’s coastal charm, from the floating TV console to the weathered oak coffee table, while the Samsung Frame TV doubles as artwork. High ceilings with shiplap detail draw the eye upward, creating an airy yet cohesive feel that invites relaxation.
Peaceful & Feminine Home Office
Elizabeth envisioned a private retreat, a feminine space where she could work, read, or simply relax with her two golden retrievers. This home office is designed to be her personal haven within a bustling, predominantly male household.
To bring softness to this room, we paired a curvaceous chaise lounge with a custom designed teardrop ottoman, creating a space for Elizabeth and her dogs to spend time together. Floral drapery and a cloud-patterned wallpaper on the ceiling add a delicate touch, while a glimmering painting by North Vancouver artist Donna Giraud in neutral tones complements the overall palette. Gold accents in both the artwork and the curtains further unify the room, lending a cohesive and serene ambiance.
The room’s layout presented a minor challenge, as Elizabeth desired both a desk and a sofa for TV viewing, but preferred not to place the TV above the fireplace. To satisfy her request, we arranged the chaise lounge and ottoman on one side of the room, while the Frame TV was positioned above the desk on the opposite wall.
Meanwhile, French doors add privacy, and arched built-in shelves flank the concrete fireplace, providing storage and display space for treasured keepsakes. Every element within this home office was designed to foster an atmosphere of ease and tranquillity.
Just beyond the threshold lies the dining room, an intimate space where the clients enjoy dinners and family gatherings.
Organic & Coastal Dining Room
With a smaller footprint and limited natural light, we created a fresh, up-to-date ambiance by keeping the design light and layering complementary coastal elements. A light oak dining table paired with upholstered chairs in light grey comfortably seats up to 12, making it ideal for hosting.
For visual interest, white shiplap lines the lower walls, while pale blue linen wallpaper above introduces depth without overpowering the room. To further emphasize an organic coastal aesthetic, we sourced matte white ceramic wall hangings reminiscent of sea urchins, adding subtle texture above the console.
Soft, striped drapery and elegant wall sconces bring warmth to the room, while a woven drum pendant light casts a gentle glow over the table. A driftwood-inspired centrepiece and sea-inspired artwork complete this inviting dining space.
Versatile Basement
Redesigned to match the family’s active lifestyle, the basement now serves as a hub for casual gatherings and entertainment. The main lounge functions as an informal screening room, conveniently located next to the bar — a perfect setup for relaxed entertaining for both older kids and adults.
We transformed the bar area with linear wood panelling on the bulkhead, turning what was once an awkward feature into a design highlight. Below, vertical panelling in a rich matte black adds bold contrast and depth.
Adjacent to the bar, a cozy bistro-style table provides a spot for drinks or a friendly game of cards. The corner fireplace, clad in faux concrete by Matt Concrete, infuses both style and warmth to the area.
For better visual flow, we moved the home gym to the back of the room, and brought the lounge area to the forefront. A grey sectional and saddle coloured leather ottomans offer flexible seating options in the lounge while an oversized blackened wood and metal coffee table provides ample surface for snacks and games. In the gym, mirrored walls expand the space and the repetition of faux concrete panels on the back wall carries the design aesthetic into the functional space.
Playful Powder Room
As always, we took the opportunity to infuse the powder room with personality and a bit of fun, embracing bold design choices that reflect the family’s adventurous spirit. The whimsical fish-patterned wallpaper introduces a lively energy to the space while other impactful design choices including nautical themed lighting and porthole mirror ensure that this small space truly stands out.
Final Thoughts
Through thoughtful design, we transformed this home into a modern coastal retreat that reflects the lifestyle and personality of this active family. Each room was crafted to offer both functionality and comfort, ensuring that every corner of the home feels as good as it looks. And with phase three of this project still underway, our work with this wonderful family is far from finished.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities for your own home, my team and I would love to help. When you’re ready, reach out to us here to book a discovery call.
Yours,
Lori
