What is it?: A cool Chinatown loft that checks off many of the boxes I’ve looked for in a place to call home (but never had in Vancouver): wall-to-wall windows, polished concrete floors, open-concept layout.
Occupant: I’m an interiors and lifestyle designer, and the design columnist for the Westender. This is a funny switch of roles for me to be featuring my own home this week, as I usually showcase other sweet pads around the city for this column. I live here with my eight-year-old daughter Sienna and our three-year-old bat-rat-looking chihuahua, Biggie Smalls.
Major selling feature: I think the open concept layout with modular second-bedroom walls was the big seller on us moving into this space. I don’t often gravitate toward traditionally structured spaces, so this condo allowed for two bedrooms while still offering a wide, open feel. Plus, I’ve always loved this neighbourhood and places to live around here aren’t easy to come by.
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First thing I changed: I’m a no-exceptions white-walls kind of girl and this place, while offering very cool bones, had beige walls when we moved in. To me it didn’t suit the space or my taste, so I had the whole unit (walls, ceilings, trims and doors) painted out in a fresh white. People always ask which white to go with, and as simple as it sounds, the Dulux un-tinted pure white base paint is my ultimate go-to. Whatever the lighting, be it natural or incandescent, it never reads too warm or yellow (my biggest fear when painting walls white), yet it likewise never takes on the blue-ish tint that many people often dislike in a cool, crisp white.
Feature I brag about: The polished floors are my fave. Not only do they pull the clean, industrial vibe I'm into, but from a functional family-home point of view I think they can’t be beat; durable, easy to clean and yet visually chic.
That one conversation piece: With wall-to-wall windows/patio doors and a great south-facing patio, the view and openness make this place hard to beat. It’s always the first thing guests comment on. The view looking south up Main, as well as over False Creek and downtown, is pretty unique, and definitely one I take advantage of over morning coffees or evening cocktails.
The decor: I like my home to tell my story, in which by spending time in my sanctuary you will learn a lot about what I value, what I love and who I am. If I had to define the aesthetic of this space, I’d say bohemian-glam with a cheeky edge.
The story behind the art/antiques/collectibles: Many of the pieces – especially the more glamorous ones – are family heirlooms that I inherited from my grandmother, who embodied the essence of chic. I’ve paired these high-end antiques that have personal meaning with cool artifacts and finds from my favourite vintage shops and bold art with (lots of scores from Canadian art house Citizen Atelier or stellar vintage finds) to create a home that truly captures our personality.
Downsides: As with most downtown accommodations, size matters and there’s not much of it. When working with a small space, I’ve found that the modular walls and oversized windows definitely help compensate and make it somewhat easier to forget that we are living in 700 square feet.
Neighbourhood haunts: Chinatown is a major hub for great eats and drinks. With almost anything you want at your doorstep, it’s hard to narrow it down! For decor, my ultimate go-to is Space Lab, which has cool treasures, custom goods and both a coffee shop (Aubade Coffee) and barber shop (Bootleg Barbers) housed in the same space. In the mornings I love to hit up The Uncommon Cafe for the best breakfast (or lunch) and house-roasted java in town (Poco Comun Coffee Co.), or the freshly launched Kokomo for a healthy smoothie start to the day. Evenings take me many places in my hood, but I can’t beat the patio and bevies at the Keefer Bar, food and wine at The Belgard Kitchen or the atmosphere at Mamie Taylor’s. When I’m feeling the need to get my butt in shape, nothing beats Tight Club – the best (and worst) part is that they aren’t even a block away, so all my excuses are thrown out the window.
Compared to your last place: My last place was a beautiful Edwardian 1905 character house that I had bought with my ex-husband to raise our daughter in. Many of the decor items are the same from that space to this one, although it’s fun to see how they read differently in a modern urban space, versus a traditional home.
Favourite home activity: Entertaining! I’m a funny mix of super social and the ultimate homebody, so whenever the occasion arises to host a group, however big or small, I’m the first in line with open doors.
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