The Full Monty

What was the challenge?

These homeowners decided to renovate their 1980s-era, Arthur Erickson-designed home to modernize its interior while still honoring the distinctive architectural style envisioned by the renowned architect. This renovation allows the homeowners to enjoy a more functional and aesthetically pleasing living space that reflects their personal style, while also paying homage to the historical significance of the property within the 16-house subdivision. Overall, this renovation project aimed to strike a balance between modernizing the home for contemporary living while respecting and preserving its architectural heritage.

What was delivered?

The exterior of the house underwent cosmetic changes, with a new 7×3-foot cedar front door featuring vertical, slatted accents for added texture. The covered-entry walls were painted black to highlight a metallic First Nations wall sculpture. Inside, the clients opted for a muted color palette and warm wood tones, introducing pops of color through feature walls and accessories to create a serene and minimalist aesthetic that they believe will stay modern for the next 10-15 years.

For the kitchen, a U-shaped island was added in place of the previous layout to cater to the clients’ love for cooking and entertaining. The countertops with embedded gold veins provide a touch of shimmer and texture, while a flush-mount six-burner gas cooktop with down-draft venting maintains clean sightlines. Additionally, the kitchen features hidden USB/electric outlets in a tech drawer with a heat sensor for safety. The quarter-sawn walnut veneer millwork in the kitchen and bathroom align with the clients’ preference for eco-friendly materials and the warmth of natural woods.

In the master ensuite, the outdated jacuzzi was replaced with a suspended double-sink vanity and a contemporary freestanding tub against a feature wall. The room was rearranged to center the tub, and wall-mount faucets were installed to complement the minimalist aesthetic. Throughout the house, wide-plank white oak flooring was chosen for visual consistency across all levels, tying together the modern and elegant design elements.