The second chapter of this West Vancouver home carries the same heart and intention as the first.
In Part I, we shared how the main floor and basement evolved into a modern coastal retreat for an active family of five and their two golden retrievers. We transformed the living spaces into ones that support busy days on the water, in the mountains, and on the court, while offering a soft place to land. With those spaces complete, it was time to move upstairs.
Project Scope
The second floor held incredible potential, yet the layout no longer reflected how the family lived. Originally designed with four bedrooms, it had served them well when all three boys were at home. As their eldest moved away for university, the opportunity arose to rethink this level entirely.
Our goal was to transform the primary suite, boys’ bedrooms, and shared bathroom into spaces that felt more functional, more spacious, and fully aligned with the calm, coastal aesthetic established downstairs.
These next rooms, each deeply personal, continue that story.
Light-Filled Stairway & Hallway
The journey upstairs begins with a space that often goes unnoticed: the stairway and upper hallway. Here, our intention was to create a sense of quiet continuity between the public spaces below and the private realm above.
Warm oak, soft whites, and abundant natural light set a serene tone. Shiplap detailing—now a subtle architectural thread throughout the home—continues onto the ceiling, drawing the eye upward and enhancing the feeling of height. A sculptural wood chandelier by Propellor Studio anchors the double-height entry, while a vibrant landscape painting adds a welcome hit of colour and personality.
This simple passageway becomes an experience of arrival, a reminder that even transitional spaces can feel considered and calm.
Textural & Bold Boys’ Bedrooms
Designing bedrooms for two nearly grown sons meant balancing longevity with personality. Each room needed to reflect its occupant while remaining cohesive with the home’s modern coastal aesthetic.
In one bedroom, a warm wood slat feature wall introduces vertical texture and a grounded, modern feel. Layered neutrals keep the space adaptable as tastes evolve. In another, a deep navy accent wall with geometric panelling brings boldness and structure. Textural bedding and understated accessories soften the edges, creating a space that feels both youthful and sophisticated.
Though distinct, each room offers clean lines, comfortable furnishings, and a sense of ease that supports study, sleep, and everything in between.
Shared Bathroom Designed for Real Life
With multiple boys sharing one bathroom, functionality was non-negotiable. By reclaiming square footage from the unused fourth bedroom, we created a more generous layout with improved storage and better flow.
Fresh finishes, abundant storage, and durable surfaces make this bathroom bright, streamlined, and easy to maintain – exactly what this stage of life requires. The updated palette ties back to the home’s coastal aesthetic, giving the room a clean, modern feel that will grow with the boys for years to come.
Primary Bedroom: A Serene Coastal Escape
For Robert and Elizabeth, the primary bedroom needed to offer a true sense of retreat. Their days are full, their home is lively, and they longed for a space that felt peaceful and restorative.
A palette of layered greys, soft whites, and pale wood tones sets a calming foundation. The wallpaper behind the bed introduces gentle, cloud-like movement that echoes the treetop views beyond the windows. The shiplap ceiling adds subtle architecture without overwhelming the room, helping the space feel airy and beautifully grounded.
One of the most beloved features is the three-sided fireplace, thoughtfully positioned so its glow can be enjoyed the moment you enter, from the comfort of the bed, or from a cozy chair tucked in the corner (often shared with their adorable golden retrievers).
With large windows and French doors opening to the surrounding trees, the connection to nature remains constant. The result is serene and effortless, a room that embraces rest while supporting the quieter moments of everyday life.
Primary Ensuite: Soft Coastal Luxury
The ensuite was a key driver for this renovation. The original layout felt tight and underwhelming, especially for a couple who dreamed of a tranquil space. With the reconfiguration, we were able to significantly increase the room’s size and improve its functionality.
A custom double vanity in soft wood tones anchor the room with generous storage and clean, modern lines. Framed mirrors reflect the natural light beautifully, while brushed nickel hardware introduces a refined coastal elegance.
A freestanding tub sits beneath a generous skylight, allowing natural light to cascade into the room throughout the day. Shiplap panelling and delicately textured wallpaper create a layered backdrop—fresh, timeless, and quietly sophisticated.
Custom drapery frames the window with a floral pattern that softens the vertical lines of the shiplap and introduces a hint of movement. The sculptural chandelier overhead, with its cluster of delicate glass orbs, adds a moment of artistry yet keeps the space serene.
This room is one of my favourites in the entire home. The combination of layered neutrals, subtle textures, handcrafted details, and thoughtful lighting creates a feeling of refined tranquillity. It is a space designed to support a spa-like start and end to each day – calm, cohesive, and deeply livable.
A Walk-In Closet Designed for Everyday Ease
Previously, the primary closet was so small and awkward that Robert stored his clothing in a separate bedroom. Gaining back square footage from the unused fourth bedroom allowed us to completely reimagine this space.
Now, the walk-in closet enjoys its own window, flooding the room with natural light. Custom millwork provides dedicated zones for each of them, with hanging space, drawers, and open storage designed around their everyday routines.
It feels ordered, calm, and intuitive – a small but meaningful shift that makes mornings smoother and adds a touch of everyday luxury to their lives.
Key Takeaways
- The second floor was transformed into a calming retreat that supports the family’s changing lifestyle and love of coastal living.
- Light-filled hallways, textural boys’ bedrooms, and a refreshed shared bathroom create spaces that feel effortless, comfortable, and ready for real life.
- The expanded primary suite—complete with a spa-inspired ensuite and intuitive walk-in closet—offers a refined yet relaxed escape at the end of each day.
- Every detail was designed with intention, resulting in a home that brings a sense of calm, grounded beauty, and everyday ease.
Final Thoughts
It has been a joy to guide this family through multiple phases of their home’s evolution. Our work together continues in Whistler, where we are currently redesigning the kitchen and bar in their mountain home, a testament to the trust and connection that has grown over the course of these projects.
“Lori, Taryn and the team have been amazing to work with. We’ve completed 3 major projects so far with their guidance and we couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend using their talents and we’ll be working with them on our future projects.”
If you are ready to imagine what is possible in your own home, my team and I would be honoured to help you create a space that feels both beautifully designed and deeply livable.
When you are ready, I invite you to reach out to us here to book a discovery call.
Yours,
Lori
