When you are the owner and curator of one of the city’s most desired décor boutiques, an established stylist, photographer and soon-to-be published design book author, it’s no surprise that your digs would be fabulous. Such is the case with this week’s industry insider sharing her personal space with us: Heather Ross. A renowned figure in the Vancouver interiors scene, Heather has created a charmingly elegant yet comfortable space to live, create and entertain nestled in the heart of Kitsilano.
What is it?: I have a smaller corner garden suite condo with French doors on both sides that open onto a lovely secluded patio. It’s a typical older Kitsilano building situated walking distance to both my boutique and the beach.
Occupant: I’ve had a home décor shop at located at West 6th and Fir in Vancouver called Heather Ross {natural eclectic} for 15 years now. I am also an artist, stylist and a photographer and am about to have a coffee table book published called The Natural Eclectic. It’s on a design aesthetic inspired by nature, so naturally, I love living close to the community gardens and Kits beach.
Major selling feature: My condo has a very private enclosed 800 sq. ft. patio, sheltered by ponderosa pines and tall bamboo out front. The location is also amazing, so close to everything I need.
First thing I changed: I ripped out the carpet and put in hardwood flooring. I cannot fathom how anyone lives with carpeting! Plus I painted all the walls, of course, to light and fresh tones to brighten it up. I held off painting the solid fir French doors for a few years, but eventually they went all white too. I just don’t prefer woods in the red tones at all, I am all about the blonde, beauty ash tones and greyed down woods.
Feature I brag about: I love that I have my own little private gated entrance that makes my apartment feel more like a home than an apartment. I am an avid gardener so I turned it into my own little paradise. On the sprawling deck I have a mix of succulent planters, flower trees, rusty old patinaed furniture and beach finds throughout.
That one conversation piece: I suppose my open concept shower. People always wonder or worry if the water goes everywhere. It does just a little, but I don’t mind. The flooring is all tile, and water does evaporate after all.
The décor: Not surprisingly, my aesthetic is eclectic. I like the juxtaposition of some clean white lines offset by battered old textural items. My space is not girly at all, no froufrou chandeliers, yet there is an softness and elegance to it. True to my signature palette, I prefer colors that are serene and echo the landscape we live in. I love linen tones and earthy textures, and have found objects from my foraging adventures throughout my home. I love to curate little vignettes as well, cameos within my home to delight the eye, but I do so with restraint so that my place is not too cluttered. Most importantly my place is personal and peaceful, I am not into having into having place that is a showpiece or feels untouchable to others.
The story behind the art/antiques/collectibles: Most of the art is my own work, though I love to mix others in as well. Black and white photos and a few old decayed mirrors mix with my larger more evocative abstract paintings. I do have a great eye for picking up old finds, as I do it full time for my shop. Every now and then I fall in love with an item and it comes home with me. I just reupholstered a great old settee with grey linen, and it tuned out fabulously. I love old glass and ceramics, so have charming collections of old bottles, ginger jars, and rustic vases.
Downsides: My place is too small for me, really. As a creative person who is always making things I would love more space! I need a separate project room to be messy in, so I can close the door and hide it from others!
Neighbourhood haunts: I live in such a great hood! Fifth Avenue cinemas, Tractor Foods, YYOGA, Rain and Shine Ice Cream are all just steps away. I even have a thrift store very close by to cull through for the occasional treasure.
Compared to your last place: My last place was a 100-year-old home with a lovely garden in the coveted area of Main and 25th.
Favourite apartment/house/condo activity: I love to putter in the garden, especially with tea in the late morning, which is the sunniest time of the day. During long dry stretches I will actually work on my paintings out on the patio too.
